Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Gu Shenhan, annoyed that he couldn't smoke, said, "I'll go check it out."

Rong Yuan quickly held him back: "Don't argue with him."

The old lady didn't say a word, as if she wanted to see how Gu Shenhan would handle this.

Just then, Gu Chengfeng had already come up, not bothering to knock: "Gu Shenhan, what gives you the right to hit my brother?"

Gu Shenhan said, "Hit him? When did I hit him? How come I don't know about it?"

Gu Chengfeng was stunned: "What, you have the guts to do it but not to own up to it? A lot of people saw it—my brother's knee is all swollen. You did that, didn't you?"

Gu Shenhan went back to his seat, sat back down, and crossed his legs: "I just kicked the coffee table. He didn't dodge it himself. How is that my fault?"

Rong Yuan: "..."

Hearing that, even he thought that sounded like he was trying to stir the pot.

Gu Chengfeng was indeed furious: "So if I throw a brick at your head and you can't avoid it, that's your bad luck too?!"

"If you could actually hit me, that'd take some skill."

"You!" Gu Chengfeng rolled up his sleeves in anger, but someone grabbed him before he could get close.

"Calm down!" It was Tao Ling. The young lady had clearly chased after him, looking a bit embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Grandma, and Second Brother Gu and Second Sister-in-law. He's stubborn and hotheaded—I couldn't hold him back."

"What? He hit my big brother first!"

"But you didn't even ask for the reason first." Tao Ling pulled him back, not letting him act rashly. "Grandma, I came unannounced. Sorry to disturb you."

"Not at all." The old lady smiled and waved. "Come, sit down. I'm overjoyed that you came today."

When she turned to her grandson, her expression immediately became stern: "Chengfeng, if you want a beating, tell your second brother to go outside and beat you. Don't be a nuisance in my sight. Your big brother had it coming for his sharp tongue. When will you ever stop blindly taking sides without knowing the facts?"

Gu Chengfeng: "..."

Tao Ling thought for a moment and then sat down.

Originally, the old lady was in the main seat, with Gu Shenhan and Rong Yuan on either side. When she arrived, Rong Yuan smiled and moved to sit next to Gu Shenhan, saying, "Tao Ling, you take this seat."

Tao Ling thanked him and gestured for Gu Chengfeng to calm down, then closed the door and took a seat.

Gu Chengfeng had come up with a belly full of anger; how could he let it go so easily?

Tao Ling put on a stern face and said, "Didn't you ask me to come for the holiday? Can't you even let me greet Grandma properly? Don't you remember what I said on the way here?"

Only then did Gu Chengfeng reluctantly go close the door, come back, and sit down, saying to Gu Shenhan, "I'll settle accounts with you after the holiday."

Rong Yuan: "Hey, what's there to settle? A real man accepts defeat gracefully. Back at the horse ranch, you promised me two conditions, one of which was to speak politely to me and Brother Han. Surely you haven't forgotten that so soon?"

Of course, he hadn't forgotten such a humiliating thing!

Gu Chengfeng's face turned ashen, but he was in the wrong and said nothing more.

The old lady grew more satisfied with Rong Yuan and also liked Tao Ling. When she looked at her second grandson, she just felt annoyed.

Just then, Wu Ma brought in another round of tea and snacks. The old lady asked her, "How is Chengzhi?"

Wu Ma said, "The doctor gave him medicine. He said the bone is fine; a few days of applying the spray will heal it."

Rong Yuan then told Tao Ling which pastries were good and urged her to eat more. The two chatted and hit it off, which also cheered up the old lady.

Gu Chengfeng still couldn't stand Gu Shenhan, having fought with him since childhood. Often, they didn't even know why they fought; they just did. But seeing that Rong Yuan was genuinely picking the best treats for Tao Ling, he couldn't act out anymore. So he just held it in and glared at Gu Shenhan.

Gu Shenhan had an expression as if to say, "Stare all you want—I'm in a good mood and I'm not going to pay you any mind," which only made Gu Chengfeng angrier.

He held that anger until dinner. When they went downstairs, Gu Chengfeng's fire blazed even higher, but not because of Gu Shenhan. Rather, as soon as they sat down, his big brother said, "Didn't we agree it was a Mid-Autumn family dinner? It doesn't seem like everyone here is family."

Everyone at the table was either a Gu or married to a Gu, clearly pointing at Tao Ling.

Everyone froze, because no one had expected Gu Chengzhi to say such a thing.

Tao Ling's face instantly fell. She gently put down her chopsticks and stood up. But before she could speak, Rong Yuan cut in: "Big Brother, what do you mean by that? I may be a man, but you can't keep treating me like I'm not family, can you? That would really hurt my feelings. I even brought mooncakes for you when I came."

Gu Chengzhi gripped his chopsticks, his face dark: "Who said it was about you?"

Rong Yuan said, "If it's not about me, then who? Last time you said the same thing to me, right at the house entrance. Don't tell me you didn't."

Gu Chengzhi had brought up Rong Yuan's in-laws back then, and of course he couldn't repeat that now. With the old man there, if he dared say those words again today, he'd be kicked out tonight.

The old lady seized the moment to smile and say, "Lingling, do you need something? Ask Wu Ma to get it for you."

Tao Ling hesitated. Gu Chengfeng took her hand and signaled her to sit down, glaring at Gu Chengzhi with no goodwill left. He knew that because he went upstairs, Gu Shenhan got off easily, and his big brother was bitter about it.

But he never expected his big brother to say something like that in public.

In front of so many people, embarrassing his girlfriend. His big brother had even met Tao Ling before; he knew how much Gu Chengfeng cared for her.

Rong Yuan then said, "Tao Ling, would you like to try this? The chef here makes this dish absolutely perfectly."

Tao Ling smiled: "Thank you, Second Sister-in-law."

Rong Yuan used the serving chopsticks and a clean plate to pick up a steamed mushroom with shrimp paste for Tao Ling. Gu Chengfeng comfortingly patted Tao Ling's leg under the table.

For once, Gu Chengfeng shot Rong Yuan a grateful look.

Tao Ling was someone he had personally invited. Although the Tao family was indeed modest compared to the Gu family, Tao Ling had been raised with love by her parents. If it weren't for him following the old lady's advice and bringing gifts to her house with kind words, her parents might not have let her come for the holiday.

After all, they weren't even engaged or married yet. If she went home feeling wronged, would he ever be able to marry her?!

Just thinking about it made him furious.

Gu Chengfeng's face was as dark as a thundercloud.

But Gu Chengzhi showed no guilt. He only felt utterly uncomfortable.

He had grown up in the old mansion and knew the old lady's temperament fairly well. Her letting Gu Chengfeng invite Tao Ling for the holiday meant she had tacitly approved of the marriage. Since Gu Chengfeng and Tao Ling truly liked each other, it was bound to happen. In the end, his parents wouldn't have the backbone to oppose the old couple.

So the result was that only he—without status or a significant other—would become a laughingstock.

No, he was already a joke. Now, when he ran business outside, those familiar with the eldest branch had long since been dealing with Qianhai, and they didn't even wait for him to make the first move.

As for those who weren't familiar, they preferred dealing with Gu Shenhan. Especially after the Fei family incident, those whom he had thought would side with him instead maintained closer ties with Gu Shenhan.

Now he had no performance to show and no reputation to speak of.

Every time he thought about how the hotel inspection was linked to Gu Shenhan and how the hotel manager had become his younger brother, his heart seethed with hatred.

For a moment, he even wondered if they'd all planned this together.

Grandpa observed everything and said, "Eldest son, eldest daughter-in-law, when are you planning to meet with the future in-laws?"

Gu Mingchuan replied, "Let's find a convenient time after the holiday. We should also listen to the children's opinions."

Ever since coming out of Grandpa's chess room, Gu Mingchuan had been a bit down. He had asked around about those two houses in Bishui Bay—who bought them—but no one had gotten back to him yet. But if what Grandpa said was true, then their eldest branch had even less leverage to compete with Gu Shenhan.

Wang Shuyi said nothing. She wasn't particularly warm toward Tao Ling, but she didn't deliberately target her either. Wang Shuyi silently cursed Rong Yuan for always sucking up to Grandpa and Grandma.

The third branch was the same as ever, simply ate in silence. Aunt's family had gone to the UK to spend the holiday with their daughter, so they weren't there.

The family dinner seemed harmonious on the surface, but everyone had their own schemes. The only one actually eating was probably Rong Yuan. He too had plans, but his were only about keeping the peace. So once no one specifically targeted Tao Ling, he just focused on eating.

Lately, he had become much hungrier, and he ate much more than before.

Gu Shenhan peeled crab for him, then helped him with the shrimp. Grandma reminded, "An An, crab is too cold. You should eat less now, and have some ginger juice if you do."

Rong Yuan immediately understood and smiled, "Okay, Grandma."

Gu Chengfeng followed Gu Shenhan's lead, serving Tao Ling dishes and soup. Tao Ling gradually let go of the initial unpleasantness.

Only Gu Chengzhi grew more and more irritated, unable to eat. But he didn't want to limp out in front of everyone, so he stayed until the meal ended.

Grandma gave Tao Ling a gift. Then she told Gu Chengfeng to see her home safely and behave properly.

Gu Chengfeng recalled his earlier yelling fit upstairs and felt a bit guilty. He cleared his throat, "Sorry, Grandma. I was wrong earlier. I'll be more careful next time."

Grandma said, "I know you're loyal to your big brother. I don't blame you. Go now, don't take too long. Make sure she gets home safely."

Gu Chengfeng replied, "I know, don't worry."

Rong Yuan came out to say goodbye to Tao Ling and even handed her a large gift box.

Tao Ling was surprised, "Is this specially for me, Second Sister-in-Law?"

The box had the character "Tao" on it.

Rong Yuan said, "Yes. I designed it myself and had the molds made. Little Tao, take it home and share it with your aunt and uncle. The filling is also different from the store-bought kind. I'm sure Chengfeng sent something too, but this is our token of affection. Please try them both."

Tao Ling felt touched.

Gu Chengfeng was also confused, "When did you prepare this?"

Rong Yuan said, "Just two days ago. I originally wanted to ask you for the address and send it over, but I wasn't sure if you'd give it to me. Just as well, you invited Little Tao for the holiday. What perfect timing! I had it sent over."

Tao Ling said, "Thank you, Second Sister-in-Law. But I haven't prepared anything for you and Second Brother. I'll make it up next time."

Gu Chengfeng said, "Speaking of next time, Rong..."

Gu Shenhan glared at him. Gu Chengfeng quickly corrected himself, "Second Sister-in-Law, what exactly is your third condition?"

Rong Yuan said, "Take Little Tao to Cuixi Garden for a visit sometime?"

"That's it?"

"Well, if you want to add another one, your Second Brother and I wouldn't mind."

"No need! Just this one is fine." Gu Chengfeng looked a bit awkward, "And about today... thanks."

"Don't mention it, we're family. Go now. Watch out for traffic."

"Traffic at this hour?"

"Mid-Autumn Festival traffic gets heavy in the evening," Gu Shenhan said. "If Second Sister-in-Law says it's heavy, then it's heavy."

Gu Chengfeng rolled his eyes at Gu Shenhan. He still found him disagreeable but didn't want to say more. He took Tao Ling to the garage, and soon the car drove out of the old residence.

Less than a kilometer from the gate, the car pulled over. Gu Chengfeng was too curious, "Ling Ling, can you open the box and let me see what it is? Rong Yuan might be messing with us. Did he really go out of his way to prepare this?"

Tao Ling was curious too, but she didn't think Rong Yuan would lie about such things. So she opened it, and they both looked inside.

Inside were two medium boxes of mooncakes, each with nine pieces. Some were ruyi-shaped, some were rabbit-shaped, others were Chang'e, fortune bags, ingots, lanterns, and a few round ones.

There was also tea.

And a handwritten greeting card!

Gu Chengfeng: "...Maybe you shouldn't bring it home."

Tao Ling: "Huh? Why?"

Gu Chengfeng said, "It makes my gift look too plain. Wouldn't that be bad?"

Tao Ling laughed despite herself, "What are you talking about? Besides, I'd just say it's from your Second Brother and Second Sister-in-Law. It still makes you look good. As I said, they seem really nice."

Any other time, Gu Chengfeng would have countered, but not this time.

In fact, as Tao Ling said, at the horse farm, Rong Yuan didn't embarrass him either, even though he had the perfect chance. And what he said that day was really mean; anyone would have done the same to make things extra hard for him.

But Rong Yuan didn't.

On the contrary, it was his elder brother who, in that situation, specifically reminded Rong Yuan about the three tasks.

Perhaps if his elder brother hadn't brought it up, Rong Yuan might not have asked him to do anything at all.

Tao Ling then asked, "Chengfeng, does your elder brother not really approve of me?"

She had initially thought it might be Gu Chengfeng's parents who didn't like her, since she had never met them before. But when Grandma asked Gu Chengfeng to invite her, she decided to come. She didn't expect the eldest brother to make things awkward for her.

Gu Chengfeng said, "He's been a real jerk lately. Ignore him. It's not like he runs the family. What matters is that Grandpa and Grandma are happy. Besides, I'm the one who wants to be with you. It has nothing to do with him."

Tao Ling nodded, "Want a box of mooncakes?"

Gu Chengfeng thought for a moment, "No, if I want some, I'll just ask Second Sister-in-Law. I don't think she'd refuse."

Tao Ling smiled, "That works too."

Rong Yuan and Gu Shenhan hadn't left yet. Grandma pulled Rong Yuan aside to ask what he had prepared for Tao Ling. Rong Yuan told her, and Grandma kept praising how thoughtful he was.

Rong Yuan also had Mid-Autumn gifts for Grandpa and Grandma. After Grandma looked at them, she asked, "Did you make these?"

It was a pair of handkerchiefs, embroidered with two silhouettes that looked just like Grandpa and Grandma. The handkerchiefs were delicate, but the embroidery was tiny—each pattern no bigger than two thumbs.

Rong Yuan said sheepishly, "Time was short, so I couldn't prepare properly. I forgot about the lunar calendar and forgot about Mid-Autumn Festival. Brother Han reminded me. I'll make something more creative for you and Grandpa at Chinese New Year."

Grandma said, "This is very good. It's rare for you to have such a thoughtful heart. Don't tire yourself out later."

Rong Yuan said, "Don't worry, I won't tire myself out."

Gu Shenhan took the chance to snitch, "And who was the one who insisted on making their own money?"

Rong Yuan stepped on his foot under the tea table, smiling sweetly, "Brother Han, did you not eat enough at dinner?"

Gu Shenhan shook his head.