Chapter 10

Chapter 10

From the main entrance to the main house, it took exactly twenty-three minutes and fifty-six seconds – a duration Ji Ruan had intentionally timed.

Along the way, the surrounding landscapes dazzled him. Despite coming for a meal, it felt as if he'd inexplicably taken a stroll in a park with Gu XiuYi, hand in hand, leaving him both tired and hungry.

Seeing Ji Ruan's state, Gu XiuYi was momentarily lost for words, then sighed, "Never mind. On our way back, let's just drive."

Ji Ruan looked up sharply, "We can drive?"

"There's an open-air garage by the side exit. From there, a road leads directly to the highway," Gu XiuYi explained calmly.

"Then why did we take the main entrance?" Ji Ruan couldn't help but exclaim, his face wrinkling in irritation, "And here I thought the Gu family built their mansion like a labyrinth to deter thieves!"

Gu XiuYi chuckled, patting Ji Ruan's back, "A little walk isn't so bad. You've been lacking exercise. Auntie Zhao mentioned you haven't even stepped out once in the past two weeks?"

"I..." Ji Ruan choked up, not expecting the focus to suddenly shift onto him.

Of course, he wouldn't admit that his reluctance to go out was due to sheer laziness.

"I... I was sick!" Ji Ruan emphasized, "Very sick! It's too hot outside; my condition would worsen if I stepped out. Besides, why would I go out? To drop by your office unexpectedly? — Ahem, ahem..."

As he spoke, he clutched his chest, coughing dramatically, resembling Lin Daiyu from classical literature, as if he'd cough up blood if anyone dared upset him further.

Gu XiuYi was at a loss. He tried patting Ji Ruan's back, the way Auntie Zhao did, but continued without missing a beat, "You can visit anytime. Xiao Ya and the others mentioned they miss you. Let us know when you're up for it."

"Huh," Ji Ruan sneered, "Which company schedules surprise visits? Wait for it; I'll drop by when you least expect it."

Holding back a smile, Gu XiuYi gently said, "Alright, take your time. Get well first. Don't want a relapse."

Gu XiuYi never realized before how amusing Ji Ruan could be.

"Gu XiuYi, you...!" Ji Ruan genuinely felt like he'd choke from exasperation.

He never noticed how sassy Gu XiuYi could be either!

"— XiuYi, you're back," a female voice interrupted their banter.

Ji Ruan looked over to see a middle-aged woman dressed in a purple qipao. Well-maintained, she exuded the grace of a gentle and wise wife, rushing towards them from the distant corridor with exaggerated affection in her eyes.

"XiuYi, I'm so glad you're back! You have no idea how much your father has missed you!"

The warmth in her eyes was as if Gu XiuYi had been away at war for decades rather than just a day at work.

Behind her was a young man, around twenty, resembling her in looks and demeanor. He exclaimed excitedly upon seeing Gu XiuYi, "Big bro!"

Gu XiuYi responded coolly, "Aunt Fang, long time no see."

Turning to Ji Ruan, he introduced, "This is Fang Lan, my stepmother. Just call her Aunt Fang. And this is Gu XiuLi, my younger brother."

Ji Ruan gave a polite smile, "Nice to meet you. I'm Ji Ruan."

Neither of their restrained reactions dampened Fang Lan's enthusiasm. She beamed at Ji Ruan, cooing affectionately, "Ah, little Ruan, you're quite handsome."

"Oh! Speaking of which, XiuLi, where's your brother? Why hasn't he come out to greet us? This is XiuYi's first time bringing someone special home!"

Gu XiuLi looked a bit troubled, "Mom, you know how he is. He's with dad right now."

"This child!" Fang Lan beamed at Gu Xiuyi, "Oh, Xiuyi, I'm so sorry. I promise I'll have a talk with Qiming later."

Gu Xiuyi was nonchalant, "He's your son; naturally, it's up to you to educate him. No need to inform me."

"Ah, yes, you're right."

The smile on her face seemed everlasting, creating fine lines around her eyes, portraying the image of an ever-apologetic stepmother.

Ji Ruan felt the mother and son were somewhat over the top. Didn't they get tired of constantly smiling?

Gu Xiuyi appeared to have no intention of continuing the conversation and gave a slight nod, "I'll take Ji Ruan to see grandfather now."

"Oh, Xiuyi—!"

Fang Lan blurted out, but when Gu Xiuyi turned to face her, she clasped her hands and chuckled, "You're in such a hurry to see grandfather? Why not have some water first? You haven't had any since you entered."

"Yes, yes," Gu XiuLi chimed in, "Big brother, I'll pour water for you both!"

"No need," Gu Xiuyi responded calmly.

"But—" Fang Lan began, wanting to say more.

Gu Xiuyi's expression turned cold, his deep black eyes devoid of warmth as he said deliberately:

"No need."

The two fell silent immediately.

Once Gu Xiuyi had led Ji Ruan out of sight around a corner in the hallway, the smile that had been plastered on Fang Lan's face collapsed, and she stared into the dim corridor with a somber gaze.

By nature, her lips turned downward.

"Mom, are you really letting him just go upstairs like that?" Gu XiuLi whispered in Fang Lan's ear, "Is what he's holding the..."

Fang Lan shot him a fierce glare.

Gu XiuLi's words got stuck in his throat.

"What else can we do?" Fang Lan said heavily, "He's already married; everyone knows. What can we possibly do about it?"

"But grandfather isn't even dead yet! Why is he in such a rush?"

"Silence!" Fang Lan rebuked, then scoffed coldly, "How much longer can that old man live? Already one foot in the grave... Sooner or later, everything will belong to Gu Xiuyi... I'm actually hoping he passes away soon, so you can finally rise to prominence..."

"Even if grandfather dies, there's still Gu Xiuyi!"

Fang Lan jabbed her son's head fiercely,

"Even at your worst, you're still the second young master of the Gu family. Do you think Gu Xiuyi can keep you down forever? Can he keep you hidden from the world for eternity?! Even if he wanted to, your father would never allow it..."

·

Ji Ruan, while being led upstairs by Gu Xiuyi, was full of questions.

"What's on your mind?"

Gu Xiuyi didn't look at him, yet seemed to sense his thoughts.

Ji Ruan didn't hide his curiosity, looking up at Gu Xiuyi, "Why does Gu XiuLi call you 'big brother'? Don't you have an older brother?"

As Gu Xiuyi carefully guided Ji Ruan up the stairs, he candidly replied, "Fang Qiming is Fang Lan's son with her previous husband, not a true Gu family member."

Ji Ruan nodded thoughtfully, "But I've rarely heard anything about you having a younger brother outside?"

Gu Xiuyi looked at Ji Ruan, "That's because he's the result of an affair between my father and Fang Lan, a scandalous matter. Grandfather suppressed the news and dealt with it quietly."

"Oh, I see..."

Ji Ruan realized in surprise, no wonder that mother and son acted so subservient in front of Gu Xiuyi.

Wealthy families like this often have their share of secrets. However, these very families also place the highest value on their reputation. It's strange that Gu XiuLi, who clearly carries the Gu bloodline, has lived for twenty years in such a half-hidden, ambiguous state.

Gu Xiuyi waited for a moment, but Ji Ruan remained silent. Raising an eyebrow, he inquired, "No more questions?"

The apparent conflicts in such families usually revolve around power and inheritance. The current topic had already delved into the unsavory secrets of Gu Xiuyi's household, and Ji Ruan didn't wish to know any more.

He shook his head, "Nothing else I want to know."

Gu Xiuyi looked at him intently for a moment, then turned away, "Alright."

The room of the Gu family patriarch was at the far end of the corridor, a spacious sunlit chamber. Yet, when Ji Ruan entered, the curtains were drawn tightly shut, preventing even a sliver of light from seeping through.

The elder, who had held sway over the Gu family for decades, sat silently in a wheelchair, gazing at the concealed window, flanked by two sturdy caregivers.

On hearing a sound, he turned his head. His body seemed to have decayed, moving stiffly, devoid of vitality.

Ji Ruan saw a withered face; an aura of imminent death, akin to a corpse, radiated from the old man.

"You're here?" His voice rasped, fragmented and dry.

"Yes," Gu Xiuyi's face displayed a neutral smile, "I've brought Ji Ruan to see you. We're married now."

The murky eyes of Gu Changyun finally shifted slowly onto Ji Ruan. After a silent scrutiny, he lifted a finger, "Sit."

The room had a row of wicker benches. Gu Xiuyi guided Ji Ruan to sit. A set of purple clay teaware was arranged on the wooden table before them, steam rising gently from the brewing tea.

One caregiver wheeled Gu Changyun closer, while the other bowed slightly to Gu Xiuyi before stepping outside to stand guard.

Gu Xiuyi presented their marriage certificate, placing it on the table, and slid it towards Gu Changyun with two fingers.

"This is our marriage certificate. Please take a look."

A caregiver picked up the red booklets, opening them to show Gu Changyun, who waved them away dismissively.

"Called Ji Ruan?"

Sitting closely next to Gu Xiuyi, Ji Ruan nodded gently in affirmation, "Yes, grandfather."

Gu Changyun tilted his head up, his unfocused gaze drifting, "So young..."

Unsure of how to respond, Ji Ruan instinctively looked towards Gu Xiuyi.

Gu Xiuyi gave Ji Ruan's hand a reassuring squeeze, then opened a leather-paper bag he had been carrying.

Inside was a document. It was only when it was laid out on the table that Ji Ruan could discern it—a stock transfer agreement.

Without preamble, Gu Xiuyi cut to the chase, "The day my mother died before your very eyes, you made a promise, even writing it in your will. You vowed that upon my marriage, all remaining shares under your name would be transferred to me, to be jointly held by my spouse and me. You remember that, don't you?"

Gu Changyun sat, motionless and silent.

Gu Xiuyi spread his hands in a nonchalant gesture: "As you can see, I'm married. Please sign it."

Seeing the old man unmoved, Gu Xiuyi showed no impatience. He poured a cup of tea and handed it to Ji Ruan, cautioning, "It's hot."

Ji Ruan took the tea, drinking in small sips with a focused demeanor.

He was aware of the matter concerning the shares. Gu Xiuyi had been transparent about it. The agreement clearly stipulated that after their marriage, all the shares from Gu Changyun would be transferred to them, with Gu Xiuyi being the sole owner. In return, a substantial sum would be paid to Ji Ruan upon the agreement's conclusion.

After a prolonged silence, Gu Changyun spoke, his voice laced with weariness, "You're aware it's in my will. Can't you even wait for me to die, child? Once I pass, everything will be yours—"

"Grandfather," Gu Xiuyi interrupted, his gaze cold yet respectful, "May you live a long, prosperous life."

Gu Changyun paused, then let out a sardonic laugh. The loose skin on his aged face crinkled, "A long life? By confining me here, you expect that?"

Gu Xiuyi replied calmly, "Your health is failing. You should be in a hospital. Yet, you wanted to stay home. I understand and respect your desire to be where your heart belongs, hence I've arranged for dedicated caregivers."

"By 'care', you mean I can't even see my own son?"

"Not at all," Gu Xiuyi explained emotionlessly, "My father has a temper. Arguing with you isn't good for your health."

"You..." Rage flared in Gu Changyun's eyes, causing his facial muscles to twitch slightly, "Are you trying to play God?"

"Why would I?" Gu Xiuyi sighed lightly, feigning innocence.

"You protected my mother in the same way years ago. I haven't forgotten. Now, I'm merely doing the same for you."

"You... you!"

Ji Ruan sipped his tea, piecing together a drama of family feuds from the fragments of conversation.

Infidelity, the wronged wife, the mistress, the illegitimate child, and the patriarch who cold-heartedly tormented his wife.

It became clear that the two robust caregivers, who resembled bodyguards, were not only there to look after the old man but also to keep others out.

Ji Ruan vaguely recalled Song Ling praising Gu Xiuyi's "filial piety" in front of him. Such genuine "piety", indeed. Those around Gu Xiuyi surely knew how to play their cards right.

Ji Ruan was engrossed in the unfolding drama, and before he realized it, his cup was empty.

Gu Xiuyi refilled Ji Ruan's tea, then leaned back in his chair, idly twisting the ring on his ring finger, and spoke in a soft voice, "Please sign, Grandfather."

The room was suffused with the delicate aroma of tea. The atmosphere was crisp yet thin. At opposing ends, one appeared to be in the twilight of their years, while the other was in the prime of life, exuding vigor.

It seemed to be a contest without suspense.

Yet, this seemingly straightforward confrontation was prolonged due to Gu Changyun's stubborn resistance.

For a moment—

"Whirr-chirr-chirr—"

An odd noise pierced the air, reaching the ears of everyone present.

Ji Ruan's stomach growled...

In the tense and silent atmosphere, his hunger sounded particularly loud and pitiable.

Ji Ruan was startled, choking on his tea. He covered his mouth with a napkin, eyes wide as he glanced at Gu Xiuyi, then to the startled old man.

Gu Xiuyi: "..."

Even the stern-faced caregiver standing to the side seemed momentarily baffled, casting a bewildered glance at Gu Xiuyi, seemingly asking for direction.

Time stood still for just a few seconds before Gu Xiuyi quickly regained his composure.

He cleared his throat, maintaining his poise as he took the teacup from Ji Ruan's hand and placed it back on the table, addressing the elder:

"Grandfather, I understand. Asking you to transfer shares immediately might be overwhelming. Here's what we'll do—"

He stood up, "I'll come for the documents in half an hour. You must be hungry, let's have dinner first."

As he spoke, he ushered Ji Ruan towards the door, reminding the caregiver, "Grandfather's health isn't great. Take good care of him. Ensure he doesn't get hurt."

The caregiver immediately nodded, "Understood."

In the corridor, Ji Ruan hurriedly followed Gu Xiuyi, calling out his name in vain and trying to get his attention by tugging at his sleeve playfully.

As Gu Xiuyi walked on, he suddenly turned, looking like he wanted to say something, pointing a finger at Ji Ruan but hesitating.

Ji Ruan blinked awkwardly, "Well... I was hungry."

He clutched his stomach, "I was already hungry, and you kept making me drink water. So, naturally, it made a sound..."

Gu Xiuyi glanced at Ji Ruan's pitifully flat belly, his lips parting and closing several times. In the end, he remained silent and continued walking.

"I was in the middle of an argument..." Gu Xiuyi took a deep breath, his face taut, "Your stomach's rumble nearly robbed me of my momentum."

Ji Ruan quickly caught up, cheerfully commenting, "What do you mean 'no momentum'? The caregiver was scared stiff, and your grandfather was so angry he couldn't even speak!"

Gu Xiuyi's expression softened slightly.

Ji Ruan persisted enthusiastically, "I thought you looked so cool and formidable just now~"

Gu Xiuyi looked skyward in exasperation.

Ji Ruan tugged at his sleeve, playfully insisting, "Seriously~~"

"Quiet!" Gu Xiuyi's mouth twitched at the corner.

Author's note:

Ruan Ruan: Oh my! Such an older man needing placating~

Mr. Gu: Oh my, such a charming little lad...