It has been said that women in love have zero IQ. Gu Mingzhu's rational analysis in love is an extremely heartbreaking thing, and Gu Yan feels very sorry for her.
"It's nothing, I know what I'm doing. Just focus on your own business." Gu Mingzhu comforted her. "You don't need to worry about these things. I put you out there to scare Rong Yan. That way, he won't dare to use any more obvious tactics. At least the two companies are still on the same starting line."
Gu Yan didn't understand the implications of all this, but she really wanted to help her sister by talking to Liang Feifan. Didn't her betrothal gifts include the Liang family's assets? Besides, he had just said that. But this was a test from the Rong family elders for her sister. If she used underhanded tactics, her sister's victory would be unfair, and what if the Rong family wouldn't acknowledge it?
Gu Mingzhu was initially upset, but seeing Gu Yan frowning in thought only made her more tender. She found it amusing and said, "Alright, alright, stop thinking about it. Go out and listen to me."
Gu Yan sighed dejectedly, "One day, Rong Lei will regret it."
Gu Mingzhu picked up the pen on the table and twirled it between her long fingers. "I know, I've been waiting for this day."
"actually--"
"Isn't Liang Feifan making a scene?" Gu Mingzhu changed the subject, and sure enough, Gu Yan blushed and fell silent.
“It’s like children playing house,” Gu Mingzhu said with a hint of mockery. “Liang Feifan’s brain structure isn’t normal either. He’s over thirty years old, yet he’s acting crazy like you all the time.”
Gu Yan frowned. "Who said that? He proposed today."
Gu Mingzhu finally smiled, her eyes and brows warmly relaxing. "Oh?"
Gu Yan looked at her half-sister across the desk with a sweet and shy expression, both of them with their eyes crinkling.
Gu Mingzhu sighed inwardly, finally it was time to make a decision.
So, I need to confront my dad.
A few days ago, Gu Boyun said he wanted to eat hairy crabs, so Gu Mingzhu took Gu Yan to the seafood market after work to pick out some crabs and bring them over.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, Gu Boyun's hearty laughter rang out. They pushed open the door and found a guest had arrived—Fang Yicheng.
Everyone has someone they admire when they are young. Although Fang Yicheng's purpose in getting close to Gu Boyun was not pure, the tough guy Gu Boyun was still someone that young Fang Yicheng admired very much, even though he is now old and Fang Yicheng is already capable of standing on his own.
"Sister Mingzhu, Xiaoyan," he greeted politely.
Gu Yan smiled but didn't say anything. Gu Mingzhu nodded slightly. "You two chat. Xiao Yan, come in and help."
Gu Mingzhu skillfully prepared the hairy crabs with chopsticks, while Gu Yan watched from behind. She was hesitant to approach the menacing creatures before they were served. The small kitchen was cramped for the two of them. Gu Mingzhu busied herself, while Gu Yan frantically tried to avoid getting in her way, getting stepped on several times in the process.
"I'll go make them some tea." She's just getting in the way anyway.
Gu Mingzhu used hemp rope to re-tie the cleaned crabs, saying, "Get your head straight."
"I understand." Gu Yan understood her sister's intention perfectly well. No matter what she thought in her heart, she should not get too close to Fang Yicheng.
Once outside, the two people were no longer in the living room. Gu Yan went to find them, and there they were, an old man and a young man, sparring in the courtyard. Fang Yicheng was demonstrating, while Gu Boyun was commenting on something, occasionally stepping in to parry a few moves. She went over to watch, and Fang Yicheng lost his balance and was swept to the ground by Gu Boyun.
He pushed himself up with his hand on the ground, and smiled as he cupped his hands in greeting, "Uncle Gu, experience is the best teacher."
Gu Boyun burst into laughter.
"Dad, take a rest, it'll be time to eat soon." Gu Yan took her father's hand.
"The weather's nice today. Let's set up a small table under the tree and have dinner here. Yicheng, stay here, and we'll call your father over too. It'll be more lively with more people." Gu Boyun was in high spirits today, his face glowing, hardly like a patient. Gu Yan saw this and didn't want to spoil his mood.
The small table was quickly set up, and General Fang was also invited, bringing two other people with him. "Since we've already troubled you, we might as well bring the whole family along," the old general said loudly as he stepped through the door.
Gu Mingzhu changed into casual clothes, tied her hair up, and greeted everyone, "Greetings, Mr. and Mrs. Fang!"
Fang Shiguo was a composed and handsome man. He nodded and smiled, "Not at all, Mr. Gu, you're too kind."
Fang Feichi and Fang Yicheng were about the same age and looked very similar, both handsome and dashing. Hearing Gu Mingzhu and his older brother being so polite, he laughed and said, "Isn't this just a casual meal? Why are you being so serious? Mingzhu, what are we having for dinner tonight?"
Everyone laughed. Gu Mingzhu set out the bowls and chopsticks. "Everyone, please fill your stomachs first. The main dish is still simmering in the pot. I apologize for not being able to serve you properly in time."
Fang Zheng and Gu Boyun sat down first, followed by the younger generation. The small table was a bit cramped, but the atmosphere was harmonious. Fang Zheng clinked glasses with Gu Mingzhu. "I mentioned last time that I wanted to arrange a marriage between our families, and today I've brought all three of my sons. You can choose whichever you like!"
Gu Mingzhu smiled charmingly, "General Fang is too kind. The three young masters are all handsome and talented. I can't possibly accept such an honor; it would shorten my lifespan."
Fang Zheng chuckled and patted his eldest son beside him, "Shiguo, see? This is the kind of daughter-in-law I've chosen. You pick one like her, and I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"
Fang Shiguo gave a perfunctory smile. Fang Feichi poked his head out, "Dad, since you're satisfied with the sample, let's settle on it, shall we? Don't make things difficult for my older brother, I'll just have to make do." He turned to Mingzhu and smiled, "How about it? Mingzhu, why don't you just give in to me?"
Gu Mingzhu held a delicate bone china cup in her slender hand, and smiled with a graceful air, "In that case—I'm afraid it will be you who shortens your lifespan."
Fang Shiguo and Fang Yicheng patted the bewildered Fang Feichi and laughed heartily. Fang Zheng toasted Gu Boyun, saying, "Old Gu, with a daughter like this, what more could a husband ask for!"
Gu Boyun returned the gesture, his cup filled with tea. He took a sip and said, "What a pity, I have more than one daughter."
Gu Yan, who was leaning against her sister and laughing heartily, protested upon hearing this, "Dad, it's precisely because I don't 'do that' that you have the pleasure of 'what more do you want'!"
Fang Zheng laughed even more heartily, and Gu Boyun also shook his head with a smile.
When Gu Mingzhu served the hairy crabs, the atmosphere at the small dining table reached its peak. Dipped in ginger and vinegar, the crabs were extremely delicious at this time of year. Gu Mingzhu also prepared them very cleanly, and everyone ate with great relish.
Fang Yicheng broke off two crab claws and pushed them in front of Gu Yan. She always liked plump and meaty crab claws. In the past, when they ate together, all the crab claws on the table would be broken off and piled in front of her. Fang Feichi saw this and shouted, pointing to the moon overhead, "San'er, swear to the moon that you are not someone who values women over brothers."
Gu Mingzhu picked up the two crab claws and handed them to Fang Feichi. "They're just two claws, what's there to argue about?" Fang Feichi looked at his hand, then at the crab claws. Which two claws was she referring to?
Gu Yan remained silent throughout, gracefully and meticulously peeling and eating the crab meat. Fang Yicheng glanced at Gu Mingzhu and smiled faintly.
When seeing the guests off, Fang Zheng and Gu Boyun said that the two elderly people were taking a walk, while Fang Shiguo and Fang Feichi went back to their own homes together. Ignoring her sister's furrowed brow, Gu Yan offered to see Fang Yicheng off.
Fang Yicheng's car was parked outside the hospital, and the two strolled leisurely from the sanatorium area to retrieve it. "Is there something you want to say to me?" After a long silence, Fang Yicheng finally couldn't help but speak first.
Gu Yan smiled. "Actually, there's not much to say. What I wanted to say, I've already said." Her feelings have never changed.
Fang Yicheng looked down and fiddled with the keychain in his hand. "I know—Xiaoyan, you're always so stubborn. Actually, I knew it from the beginning."
“Recently, someone told me that it’s not so much that he can’t forget you, but rather that he’s unwilling to accept it.” His gaze was distant, as if the girl were right in front of him, gesturing and pointing.
"I'm really not reconciled. What did I do wrong? I'm a police officer, I completed a task, that's all. How come it seems like everything is my fault?"
His face was as white as jade in the moonlight, and his brows and eyes exuded a righteous and awe-inspiring aura, which made his handsome appearance even more masculine. His eyes were bright with the pain of old wounds being reopened.
This topic was taboo for them, but on this quiet, moonlit night, it didn't seem so abrupt to bring it up. Gu Yan considered it carefully and said softly, "It's not your fault, Yicheng. I may have blamed you before, blamed you... for loving me with that kind of status, blamed you for indirectly causing Aunt Ruan's death with me, but things are different now."
She took a deep breath. "Yicheng, I was selfish—I'm very happy now, so I don't blame you."
Ten years ago, the willful and beautiful girl had grown into a graceful young woman. Standing under the bright moonlight, she vowed with conviction—I am very happy now.
Fang Yicheng felt a hollow ache in his heart, and in that instant, he remembered that arrogant and unrestrained girl who had said to him: "Fang Yicheng, the bet is for one night. I bet that Gu Yan deeply loves Liang Feifan."
"Gu Yan, did I lose to the person I was back then, or did I lose to Liang Feifan?"
"Or rather, if I were just me, would you still fall in love with Liang Feifan?"
His question was sharp, and Gu Yan frowned. "There are no 'what ifs' in this world. You are indeed a policeman, Aunt Ruan is indeed dead, and I... I am indeed with Liang Feifan. Yicheng, we're getting married."
Fang Yicheng smiled faintly, "Have you thought it through?"
"I've thought it through, I want to marry him." Gu Yan put her hands behind her back, looking very happy.
Fang Yicheng's eyes suddenly filled with an overwhelming sadness. No matter how he tried to comfort himself or let go, the girl who had once stood shoulder to shoulder with him on the rooftop planning their future happiness said she was going to marry someone else. He still felt so heartbroken that he could hardly breathe.
"Gu Yan, you also said that you would marry me." His voice was low and deep, filled with endless grievance.
His somber mood affected Gu Yan, reminding her of her vibrant youth and the vows they made together. "Yes, back then, I also thought I would definitely marry you."
“In the years since you left, I’ve often dreamed of you and thought of you often. After all, we were so good together.” Her smile was gentle. “Yicheng, but we can’t go back. And I don’t want to go back. I want to marry Liang Feifan. He’s different from you—though I can’t quite put my finger on how. You know I’m always lazy and don’t like to think about these things. I’m following my heart. I want to be by his side and live with him.”
Fang Yicheng kept his head down while listening to her words. After a long while, he raised his head and let out a difficult sigh. "So, I can't bother you anymore, right?"
"I wouldn't say it's bothering you, but I don't want anyone to tell you that I'm getting married. I'm going to live a very happy life, and I hope you're happy too."
Fang Yicheng's fingers stroked her face and pressed against her shoulder. "I'll try my best, even if it's just to put your mind at ease."
"I'm leaving." He smiled with a complicated expression.
Gu Yan nodded and said goodbye.
The car turned a corner and disappeared, and she slowly walked back alone.
The moonlight was truly enchanting, bathing the vast earth in silver light. The branches and leaves swayed gently, and the wind was slightly cool. On such a chilly night, it was easiest to evoke thoughts of longing.
"Why"
"kindness?"
What did you eat for dinner?
"I forgot. I don't have much of an appetite without you."
"I have a great appetite, though. My sister steamed some hairy crabs, they smell so good."
"ungrateful."
"Hmph"
You and I leisurely exchanged text messages, and before we knew it, we had walked back. Gu Mingzhu was waiting in the courtyard. From afar, she could see her looking down at something. Only when she got closer could she see the phone in her hand and the sweet smile on her face.
She secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this fool had inherited some of her intelligence.
In the kitchen of the Liang residence, several servants whispered among themselves, "What's wrong with the master today? Why is he eating hairy crabs so late?"
elopement
A few days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was time for the first draft meeting again. Rong Yan made a special trip to talk to Liang Feifan about this matter.
"You're asking me about such a small thing? You're getting more and more out of touch with reality." Liang Feifan lowered his head and wrote furiously, so busy that his shirt sleeves were rolled up.
Rong Yan sighed deeply, his resentment rising to the sky, "I would like to take full control, but I can't afford to offend either side - brother, my grandfather has said that the test is for the eldest daughter-in-law of the Rong family, and if I don't do my best, I'll be punished according to family rules."
"continue."
Continue? Isn't that reason enough? Rong Yan scratched his hair in frustration, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag.
Liang Feifan finally looked at him properly, but seemed very impatient. "Cut it off." He got up and opened the window to ventilate the room. "Gu Yan is coming over later."
"Sigh—brother, I'm not trying to criticize you, but you've spoiled her too much. Sometimes you have to coax women the other way around. If you showed her even a tenth of the sullen face you show us, she would have been so scared that she wouldn't dare to do anything you said. The more you indulge her, the more unruly she becomes."
“Say it again, and I’ll record it and play it for her.” Liang Feifan took the phone, pressed record, and brought it close to his face.
Rong Yan raised his hands in surrender, "No, no, no! Brother, I was wrong!" Liang Feifan shrugged and lowered his head to continue working.
"Brother, give me a straight answer: are you going to stand up for your brother or continue down your path of humiliating and betraying the country?"
Liang Feifan laughed at what he said, put down his pen, looked at his watch, and realized that Gu Yan should be arriving soon.
"You decide what to do. My only advice is: don't mess with Gu Yan."
Rong Yan laughed, "Brother, I knew you wouldn't be so heartless as to turn your back on your family. Thanks in advance!" With his methods, it would be a piece of cake for him, the Second Young Master Rong, to manipulate things so that Gu Yan, a newbie in the workplace, wouldn't find out.
As Gu Yan entered, she brushed past Rong Yan, who smiled obsequiously, "Sister Yan, you came to see your brother? Have a good time!"