Gu Jingyi then returned to Ji Xingmi's side, leading her away.
"Where are we going? Is Grandpa Hua's matter settled? Are we just leaving like this?" Ji Xingmi asked, following Gu Jingyi.
"I've spoken with Grandpa Hua, and she agreed. I'm taking you to rest a bit." Gu Jingyi led Ji Xingmi to a secluded corner and then had her sit on a nearby bench. He knelt down, placing Ji Xingmi's feet on his lap.
"What are you doing?" Ji Xingmi felt a bit embarrassed to speak.
"Stay still," Gu Jingyi said, holding her foot as she tried to pull it back. "I'll check if you're injured. You shouldn't wear high heels next time!"
"To wear a qipao, you need high heels to have the right flair! Don't you think I look good in this?"
"You look good even in canvas shoes. Your beauty has nothing to do with what shoes or clothes you wear!"
"Oh! Since when did Brother Jingyi become so eloquent? Where did you learn that? Your friends didn't teach you, did they? Your words have made me so happy."
"Does this need to be taught? These are my true feelings when I see you; I don't need anyone's instruction."
"So greasy! You better not say it next time!" Ji Xingmi pouted.
Ji Xingmi suddenly smelled something and then, smiling, popped something into Gu Jingyi's mouth. Gu Jingyi swallowed it without even asking.
Seeing him like that, Ji Xingmi smiled and asked, "How was it? Delicious? This is a new candy Grandpa Hua bought for me. No one else has it!"
Hearing this, Gu Jingyi understood and played along, "Thank you, darling! No matter what, be careful, and I'll be waiting for you at home." He then leaned in for a kiss. Ji Xingmi smiled, nodded, and closed her eyes. At that moment, the once intimate couple both fainted and fell to the ground. Gu Jingyi held Ji Xingmi's hand as he lost consciousness.
"Just leave this man aside!"
"No! They are together. If we separate them rashly, they'll realize it quickly."
"Then what do we do?"
"Take them both! They were engaged anyway, and they were so intimate just now! This is perfect; it can make her work for us!"
After their discussion, the two were placed into a large box and carried away. The banquet continued with music and dancing, and no one noticed that two people were missing. Elder Hua merely assumed they had gone to a corner to rest.
It wasn't until the banquet concluded that Elder Hua discovered their absence. He immediately gathered his men to search for them. At this point, no one knew what had happened, but the suspicions they had discussed with Elder Hua earlier were now confirmed.
Elder Hua had the entire banquet hall searched, but the two were nowhere to be found. He left in anger. News then spread of a city-wide lockdown. However, by then, Gu Jingyi and Ji Xingmi had already left the capital.
When they awoke, they found themselves bound. Ji Xingmi nudged Gu Jingyi with her body and glared at him. Both of them had their mouths stuffed, making it impossible to speak. Gu Jingyi could only comfort her with his eyes and wait for someone to appear. They were likely on a truck, which was shaking violently, suggesting they were traveling on a mountain road.
The person beside them also woke up and, seeing them conscious, said with a smile, "Dr. Ji, although this is an impolite way to invite you, it's not the time for a proper chat. Please bear with us."
If Ji Xingmi's mouth weren't stuffed, she would have cursed them vehemently. But now, all she could do was glare.
"Don't be so angry, Dr. Ji. Rest assured, our conditions are far better than theirs. We've also brought your fiancé along. For your safety, I advise you not to do anything rash!"
Ji Xingmi couldn't say anything. She could only turn her head away and close her eyes. Seeing her like this, Gu Jingyi positioned himself in front of her. The person made no further move, merely chuckled and looked out the window.
After they woke up, the truck traveled for about two hours before stopping. They were taken into a small room, and as they entered, an injection was administered to Gu Jingyi. Ji Xingmi, seeing their actions, tried to rush forward, but the person behind her yanked her back. Ji Xingmi struggled but couldn't break free.
After everything was done, they released Gu Jingyi and spoke to Ji Xingmi. "Dr. Ji, your fiancé has been injected with a special poison developed by us. It's not life-threatening for now, but without our antidote, Mr. Gu will be in danger. I hope you will cooperate with us as much as possible."
Ji Xingmi glared at the person before her, her eyes filled with hatred. But at this moment, she had no choice. She could only nod in agreement. They then untied the ropes binding the couple and left, closing the door behind them.
Ji Xingmi removed the cloth from her mouth and rushed to support Gu Jingyi. "Jingyi, Jingyi, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine, don't worry! Don't be scared!" Ji Xingmi quickly supported him. At the same time, she felt his pulse. He had indeed been poisoned, but Ji Xingmi had given Gu Jingyi an antidote earlier, which had provided some relief. Ji Xingmi then gave Gu Jingyi another pill.