His teasing, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, the feeling of wanting but not quite reaching her was truly unbearable, especially since his hot, huge member was still buried deep inside her, swollen and erect. Gu Yan wrapped her arms around his neck and bit him hard on the side of his neck, "Liang Feifan, I love you!"
Liang Feifan suddenly braced himself on his arms on either side of her body, looking down at her flushed body. A strand of her sweat-dampened hair swayed in front of her forehead, and her sexy appearance made Gu Yan's lower body tighten even more.
"Gu Yan..." He gazed intently at her, affectionately nuzzling her nose, his heart overflowing with emotion that words could not express. "I love you too, deeply..."
He scooped up her limp body, holding her as he placed her on his desire, their bodies becoming even more intertwined. Gu Yan, weak and listless, struggled a few times before wrapping her arms around his waist in a coquettish manner. Liang Feifan pulled her to the edge of the bed, lifting her buttocks slightly before pulling them down forcefully, thrusting himself upwards with equal speed and force. Gu Yan, lost in passion, scratched red marks on his back, "Feifan... Feifan..." she whispered his name unconsciously in his ear, stimulating Liang Feifan to lose control of his strength, each thrust becoming heavier than the last.
By dawn, Gu Yan was too exhausted to even groan. When Liang Feifan finally released himself with a low growl, she convulsed violently and passed out.
very good
Liang Haotian was still the same as ever, broad-shouldered and burly, with piercing eyes. He strode down from the private jet. The helicopter's rotors whipped up a strong wind, and Liang Feifan, shielding Gu Yan in his arms, gave a curt nod to his father who had come from afar. Gu Yan smiled sweetly and obediently stepped forward to hug Liang Haotian, "Uncle Liang, welcome back!"
Liang Haotian laughed and hugged her back, "Gu family's little girl has grown up and become beautiful."
Gu Yan smiled and thanked him, but Liang Feifan pulled her back into his arms. Liang Haotian raised an eyebrow and stuffed several newspapers he had brought from the plane into his son's arms. The headlines were all equally sensational: "Even the riches of one's knees can be forsaken; even heroes can shed tears."
—The CEO of Liang Corporation knelt down, captivating the Miss Gu family, who happily agreed to marry him.
“Son, I have to say, you’ve inherited all the romantic genes from both your mother and me.” Liang Haotian winked at his son, and Liang Feifan shrugged, pulling Gu Yan into his arms. “Let’s go.”
Liang Feifan's plan was to host a welcome dinner for his father with Gu Yan that evening, and then visit Gu Boyun the next day. However, Liang Haotian was full of energy and said that he hadn't seen his old subordinates in a long time, so it would be good to go see them now.
Liang Feifan notified Gu Mingzhu as soon as they set off, but they couldn't find anyone. So they went ahead.
Gu Boyun was very excited and came out of the house to greet him from afar. Liang Haotian stepped forward and threw a warm punch, which Gu Boyun took while suppressing a cough. "Brother Tian!"
"You're in good health!" Liang Haotian nodded approvingly.
Having not seen each other for a long time, the two naturally reminisced about the past, making Liang Feifan and Gu Yan seem rather superfluous. Gu Boyun smiled and waved his hand, "You youngsters go out for a stroll and let the two brothers have a good chat."
When Gu Mingzhu rushed over, it was already dinnertime. She ran into Liang Feifan and Gu Yan, who were taking a walk on the path outside. "What are you doing outside?! Where's Uncle Liang? Where's Dad?" Gu Mingzhu asked anxiously.
Gu Yan pointed to the room, "They're chatting inside."
Ignoring Gu Yan's presence, Gu Mingzhu yelled at Liang Feifan, "I told you to let me know before you came! Do you even have a brain?!"
Liang Feifan's expression darkened slightly, but Gu Mingzhu had already turned and quickly entered the house. Gu Yan tugged at Liang Feifan's hand, sticking out her tongue, "Sister has been in a bad mood these past few days." Seeing her obedient and adorable appearance, Liang Feifan had no desire to argue with Gu Mingzhu. His heart itched, and he lowered his head to gently kiss her, supporting her waist. Gu Yan dodged him, burying her face in his chest and giggling. On the winding path, the autumn evening breeze carried the scent of cooking smoke, a feeling of enduring love in an ordinary family. The two of them stayed together in this warm and gentle evening, feeling that there was no better time in the world.
Gu Boyun's aged voice drifted into the courtyard through the half-open door, "I know my own illness best, and this is my only wish before I die. I was worried that I would die with regrets, but thank you so much, Brother Tian, for granting my wish!"
“Don’t say that—there’s no need for thanks between us. I didn’t rush back just to propose marriage; I also came to see you. I didn’t know you were so insistent on this—now I understand. But, this son of mine, I can’t control him, you understand?” Liang Haotian’s words revealed a calmness and experience honed by the vicissitudes of life, and Gu Mingzhu’s heart sank to the bottom upon hearing this.
When she knocked and entered, Gu Boyun had already stood up and shook hands with Liang Haotian. "I understand."
"Hello, Uncle Liang, Dad," Gu Mingzhu greeted politely.
Liang Haotian smiled at Gu Mingzhu, then turned to tease Gu Boyun, "Your daughters are all stunningly beautiful, no wonder you're so troubled. How about this, let Mingzhu marry Feifan, sisters are all the same, aren't they?"
"Uncle Liang, what are you saying? I'd like to, but I don't have my silly sister's good fortune. Besides, if Feifan doesn't want to do it, who can force her?" Gu Mingzhu replied with a smile.
Liang Haotian was slightly taken aback, then understood. He glanced at the father and daughter locked in a battle of wits, shook his head and smiled. Every family has its own troubles.
"I'm leaving now, take care." Liang Haotian patted Gu Boyun's shoulder to say goodbye. Gu Boyun reluctantly tried to persuade him to stay, "Can't we even have a meal together if we can't be in-laws? Brother Tian, you've come all this way back, you have to let me treat you to a meal."
Gu Mingzhu hurriedly chimed in, "My dad talks about you all the time. How can we just let you leave after you've finally come all this way? Wouldn't it be nice to stay for a simple meal? I've heard so much about Uncle Liang, and I'd like to ask you for some advice on business matters."
Liang Haotian shook his head. "I originally came back for Fei Fan's wedding—now that I've agreed to your request, I shouldn't stay here to avoid any unforeseen complications. I'm going back to America first thing tomorrow morning." He patted his old subordinate on the shoulder.
Gu Boyun was deeply moved, yet also felt extremely guilty. "Brother Tian, I really—deserve to die." Gu Mingzhu frowned upon hearing this and whispered to stop him, "Dad!"
"Alright, enough of this nonsense. Take good care of yourself, I'll come see you again." Liang Haotian patted his shoulder, nodded to Gu Mingzhu, and left.
The moment Liang Feifan saw his father come out, he knew something was wrong. Liang Haotian said, "I'll wait for you in the car," and walked out. Liang Feifan frowned. Gu Mingzhu came out with a cold face, "You should go back first. Dad isn't feeling well. We'll get together another day."
Gu Yan became anxious. "What's wrong with Dad?" She tried to go inside, but Gu Mingzhu stopped her. "Dad's lying down. Don't come in. He's fine, just a little tired. You should go back first."
Gu Yan hesitated and peeked inside twice, but reluctantly let Liang Feifan take her away.
Gu Mingzhu didn't go back to her apartment that night, so Liang Feifan took Gu Yan back to the Liang residence with him. Gu Yan was unhappy ever since they got back, and Liang Feifan had to coax her for a long time before she finally fell asleep. He stayed by her side, watching her gradually drift off to sleep, her brows still furrowed, and sighed silently.
Liang Haotian was waiting for him in the study, sitting on the sofa with a wine glass in his hand, pouring himself a drink. When he saw him come in, he handed him a glass and said, "I'm going back to America first thing tomorrow morning."
Liang Feifan took the glass but didn't drink it, putting it back on the table. He rarely drank at night; Gu Yan had a very keen sense of smell, and she would get angry if she smelled even a hint of alcohol. "I disagree."
“Son, we’ve always been able to communicate. But this time I can’t take your side. I’ve already promised Gu Boyun.”
"If your relationship with Gu Boyun is really that close, why didn't you help him when he was in trouble back then?" Liang Feifan sat down calmly on the sofa and asked the sharp question, as he was good at getting straight to the point.
"Saving him would be too costly; after weighing the options, I realized it wasn't necessary. But now, regarding your marriage to Gu Yan, his attitude is advantageous to me, and I'm happy to see it happen. To be honest, I don't approve of your marriage. For a man like you destined for greatness, Gu Yan is nothing but a stumbling block. If you're going to marry a daughter of the Gu family, Gu Mingzhu would be more suitable." Liang Haotian was a ruthless and cunning man; ruthlessness was his only principle. He cared nothing for anyone except his son who would inherit the family business.
"This is none of your business!" Liang Feifan interrupted his father angrily. "I'm determined to marry Gu Yan. If you're not going to help me, then leave. I'll talk to Gu Boyun myself. I only invited you back as a formality, because I didn't want people to laugh at the Liang family for having no manners. But you'd better behave yourself. If I find out you're up to something—you're on your own."
He slammed the phone down on the table. "C, get ready to set sail and take my father back to America, right now!"
Liang Haotian was clearly used to his son's style. He shrugged, his expression still gentle. "Son, I never interfere with anything you do because I realized I couldn't interfere with you from the time you were old enough to understand. But that doesn't mean I don't care about you, nor does it mean I agree with everything you do. So if any mistakes I correct within my ability make you unhappy, I'm sorry."
Liang Feifan crossed his arms and sneered, "We are completely in agreement on this point. But don't worry, I won't remove you from the guest list just because you disagree. As someone who provided me with a part of my bloodline, you will still appear at my grand wedding soon."
He stood up and walked out, but stopped when his hand touched the doorknob. He turned slightly to his father, who was holding a wine glass and drinking alone behind him, and said in a low voice, "Actually, you know better than anyone that the suicide note Mom left was fake, don't you? We all know—how could Mom forgive you?"
How could a woman who ended her life to protest her husband's repeated infidelity possibly leave behind words of forgiveness? It's just self-deception. You've lived half your life prioritizing your own interests, spending every day in longing and guilt for your wife. Do you think I can't see your pain, regret, and self-reproach? I simply didn't want to add insult to injury, and now you dare to lecture me?!
Liang Feifan slammed the door shut and left, the dull thud of a glass shattering on the carpet behind him. He left with a cold laugh; it seemed someone was going to be up all night.
Gu Yan woke slightly in the middle of the night, nudging the person beside her with her eyes still closed, mumbling incoherently, "Thirsty..." Liang Feifan got up and brought her water from the outer room, but she fell into a deep sleep again. He gently called her twice, but she didn't wake up, so he kissed her cheek, put the water aside, and lay back down. It was late autumn, and the air was cool. Gu Yan wouldn't allow the heating to be turned on until the very cold winter; she liked the contrast between the warm blankets and the chilly air. Liang Feifan pulled her warm body into his arms, his heart gradually warming. "Yan'er, have I told you about my mother?" he asked softly, burying his face in her neck. Gu Yan was fast asleep and didn't answer him, but he didn't mind and continued, "She was... a very good woman, the kind of good that comes from being the matriarch of a large family. Maybe she was too good, because she chose to endure many things. Finally, one day... she couldn't take it anymore. The weather was beautiful that day, and she came to my fencing room... How heartbroken she must have been—even after seeing me, she was still determined to die... I was only fifteen years old, how could she bear to... For the first few years, I searched that sea area like a madman... Actually, she ran so far because she didn't want to be found." "Is that right? ...Later I figured it out...Let her be free in the sea...Yan'er, you tell me, if she didn't love my father, she wouldn't have done that, right? I've always thought that way, so I've always controlled myself from hating him—he really is pathetic...Yan'er..." He uttered softly, his breath warm against Gu Yan's ear. Even in her sleep, she became restless, turning over and burying her head in his arms, muttering something unsatisfactorily. Liang Feifan, wrapped up like an octopus, smiled indulgently, letting her cling to him, and they both fell asleep peacefully. "Yan'er...we'll be fine..."
The most unsettling thing in the world is that phrase: "It's nothing, don't worry."
How could she not worry? Gu Yan was anxious and worried. Gu Boyun's condition had improved significantly after using a new European-made special medicine. Several doctors said that he could be further observed and even undergo surgery. Why was he not well again now? The wedding date was getting closer and closer, but she and Fei Fan had not yet formally told their father about the wedding. Her sister had been staying at the sanatorium these days, but she wouldn't let her go there. When asked, her sister would only say that everything was fine and that she didn't need to worry and could focus on getting married.
"Gu Yan?" Gu Mingzhu tapped the table again. "Which one do you like?"
Gu Yan snapped out of her reverie and smiled sheepishly, "Oh? They all look great! By the way, give the designs to the designer and have them make them accordingly. Sewing a wedding dress is such a hassle, and you're so busy."
Gu Mingzhu took a sip of black coffee, her brow furrowing slightly from the bitterness. She sighed, but still smiled, "No matter how busy I am, I'll still make your wedding dress myself." She glanced at the hurried pedestrians outside the window, suddenly becoming sentimental, "Gu Yan, I might be a bit too harsh on you usually... but I have no choice. With such a big operation, I really can't manage everything perfectly—"
Gu Yan smiled and teased Gu Mingzhu, "Sister, why did you suddenly have a change of heart?"
Gu Mingzhu held her hand on the table, smiling gently. "Gu Yan, I've always known you're a very good girl. Liang Feifan isn't exactly a good person, but he's truly impeccable when it comes to you. You two have finally settled down after all this time. From now on, you need to control your temper and not throw tantrums so easily. Even if someone dotes on you, you should cherish it. Also, don't just be nice to Liang Feifan in your heart. You can't see into someone's heart. If you don't say anything or do anything, how will he know? Don't always take it for granted. It's exhausting to give without getting any response, you know?" She sincerely gave her sister advice on small things, one by one. Gu Yan seemed to be getting married in a grand way, but in reality, her family didn't even have an elder to help her with her hair. Gu Mingzhu felt extremely guilty.
She rarely spoke so emotionally, which warmed Gu Yan's heart. She nodded, then suddenly remembered something, "Sister, I'll go see Dad tonight."
“If you go, Dad won’t get enough rest. Let’s talk about it in a couple of days when the wedding preparations are almost done.” Gu Mingzhu lowered her head to stir her coffee.
Gu Yan frowned but didn't say anything.
past
Liang Feifan had been working tirelessly these past few days to make time for his honeymoon, so Gu Yan volunteered to take on some of the pre-wedding preparations. That day, while she was busy choosing curtains for their new home, a call came from the Gu family's old house. It was Old Duan, the butler who had been with her father for many years. His aged voice sounded troubled, and he vaguely asked Gu Yan to go to the nursing home to check on things. After hanging up, Gu Yan felt a panic, as if some premonition was about to be confirmed; her mind was in turmoil.
Two bodyguards in black stood at the entrance of Gu Boyun's courtyard. Gu Yan got out of the car in surprise and walked over. The two men actually recognized her and greeted her in unison, "Miss Yan."
Gu Yan nodded hesitantly. Judging from the address, they were people sent by Liang Feifan. But what happened? What were they doing here? She walked straight in. The two bodyguards exchanged a glance, took a step forward, and hesitated whether to stop Miss Yan. Gu Yan frowned, her aura dissipated, and her two half-raised hands automatically fell down.
Gu Boyun lay on the rocking chair under the tree; he had lost even more weight in the few days she hadn't seen him. Gu Yan felt a pang of sadness, squatted down beside the chair, and gently patted his arm, "Dad—"
Gu Boyun opened his cloudy eyes and saw Gu Yan arrive. He struggled to sit up, his breathing unsteady. His hand, which was gripping Gu Yan's, was drenched in cold sweat. He was anxious to say something, but his coughing was deafening. Gu Yan was terrified and patted his back to help him catch his breath. "Don't rush, Dad, tell me slowly, what's wrong?"
Gu Boyun's face turned purplish-red, and after a few violent coughs, his phlegm was tinged with blood. He also showed signs of convulsions. Gu Yan hurriedly called for someone to fetch a doctor.
The commotion alerted Gu Mingzhu, who rushed over from the company. She first checked on Gu Boyun, who was already asleep, and then carefully confirmed the situation with the doctor. After seeing the doctor off, she called Gu Yan to the living room. "Didn't I tell you not to come over?" There was no blame in her tone, only boundless exhaustion.
"What exactly happened? Sister, are you holding Dad captive?" Gu Yan was extremely confused.
Gu Mingzhu rubbed her temples, utterly exasperated with the incompetent men under Liang Feifan. She had repeatedly warned them to stop Gu Yan if she came, and to call her first. Why was Gu Yan still able to get in?
“Come here,” she patted the sofa next to her. At this point, she had to have a serious talk with Gu Yan. “I originally wanted to keep it from you and wait until you got married. I’ve been stopping you from coming these past few days because Dad insists that you can’t marry Liang Feifan.”
"Why?" Gu Yan was very confused about what had happened. "Why did you hide it from me? Didn't you say Dad was happy that I was getting married? Besides, how could you possibly keep it a secret? You won't even let him attend my wedding? Why doesn't Dad agree?"
Gu Mingzhu patted her hair. "Don't rush, let me explain slowly," she soothed the impatient Gu Yan, pulled her to sit on the sofa, and slowly told her the whole story. "Why doesn't Dad agree? He has his reasons. Just like I think Liang Feifan is suitable for you, he doesn't think so. Besides, people become stubborn as they get older, and his illness has changed his temperament drastically. He's now—simply unreasonable." Gu Mingzhu closed her eyes and leaned wearily against the sofa. These past two days, she had been battling wits with Gu Boyun, trying to reason with him and appeal to his emotions. She was truly exhausted.
Gu Yan understood what she meant. She knew her father didn't like Liang Feifan that much, but so many years had passed, and there was no point in opposing him now, she thought to herself.
"Sister, I'll stay here tonight, and I'll talk to Dad myself tomorrow," Gu Yan said confidently.
Gu Mingzhu closed her eyes and thought for a long time. "Well, that's fine." She got up and walked into the room. "I'll go tidy up. We'll sleep together again tonight."
Gu Yan nodded, sat in the living room for a while, then went out to the yard to call Liang Feifan and tell him she wouldn't be leaving tonight.
"I'll pick you up and bring you back first thing tomorrow morning, okay?" Gu Yan chuckled, imagining his furrowed brows even over the phone. "I still need to discuss Dad's situation with my sister in detail; he might have some misunderstandings. How about I invite you to lunch tomorrow?"
Liang Feifan nodded, then thought about her situation and decided to explain to put her mind at ease. "Mingzhu only told me about Uncle Gu's situation a couple of days ago. I think Uncle Gu is just being stubborn for a moment and that Mingzhu can handle it. You've been busy with the wedding preparations lately, so I didn't tell you."
"Yan'er?" He called her uncertainly after she hadn't spoken for a long time.
"Yes—I'm listening. I don't blame you, although I'm a little unhappy that you and your sister kept this from me. Both your sister and father have bad tempers, and you shouldn't have helped your sister keep father under house arrest."
Liang Feifan remained silent for a long time before speaking softly, "Yes, I was wrong."
"Feifan, I know you can handle so many things for me, but marriage is a matter between the two of us. No matter what, I hope you're willing to face it with me, even if I'm just watching from the sidelines. Okay?" Her voice was soft and gentle, especially touching in the tender night.
Liang Feifan chuckled and nodded. The two of them had nothing else to say, but neither of them hung up the phone. They simply listened to each other's deep and shallow breaths in silence.
...
Gu Yan walked into the room after showering, drying her wet hair. On the small open-air balcony, a cigarette butt glowed half-extinguished. Gu Yan pushed open the door and went out, gently scolding, "Sis—don't smoke!"
Gu Mingzhu was lost in thought when Gu Yan snatched the cigarette from her hand, bringing her back to her senses. She let Gu Yan stub out the half-burnt cigarette, smiled, and said in a slightly hoarse voice, "Little Yan, I keep dreaming about Aunt Ruan these past two nights. She kept telling me how to arrange your wedding—let's find some time to go see her. She must be worried about you. She always used to talk about how we should get married, and now that we're finally getting married, she must be very happy."
Gu Yan draped a large bath towel over her shoulders and sat down next to Gu Mingzhu, nodding silently. Why didn't Aunt Ruan, the Aunt Ruan who was closest to her and her sister, appear in her dreams? Gu Yan sighed with melancholy.
"What has been the most painful time in your life so far? Was it when your mother passed away, or when Aunt Ruan passed away?" Gu Mingzhu's voice carried the unique haziness of someone sharing their secrets in the dead of night.
Gu Yan lowered her eyes, thought for a long time, and answered softly, "Actually, death is not the saddest thing for me. Everyone has to die... The saddest time for me was when Fang Yicheng suddenly disappeared, and you told me he was an undercover police officer... At that time, Dad was taken away, Aunt Ruan fell ill, and you were not home all day. I was conflicted every day, wanting him to come back, but also hating him... I knew he did nothing wrong, but I didn't know who else to blame but him. At that time, I felt so helpless." Her fingers unconsciously pinched Gu Mingzhu's cigarette in the ashtray.
Gu Mingzhu smiled, her smile exceptionally bright. "Gu Yan, you really are... oblivious to the hardships of life." During those most difficult days for Gu Yan, she was just a recent college graduate, a fashion design student, yet she had to go to great lengths to pull strings and negotiate to save her family from dire straits. But even then, Gu Mingzhu didn't find it the most unbearable time.
"I don't remember the saddest time... but there was one thing that was particularly painful. The year my father had his accident, I searched for everyone who could help, but not a single person was willing to see me. Later, when I was desperate, I thought that my father's business had been a branch of Liang Haotian's, and although it had been independent for a long time, maybe I could go to him. As expected, he didn't see me either, saying that he wasn't in the country. Actually, I knew that in this kind of thing, the government either couldn't do anything and turned a blind eye, or it would affect everything and they would definitely investigate to the end. At that time, I was desperate."
Gu Mingzhu narrated the events in a calm and understated manner, describing the catastrophe of that year as nothing more than a thing of the past.
"But that day, after leaving the Liang family, I was invited to a place where I met Liang Feifan."
"He was as indifferent as ever, but very polite. He asked me, 'How are you? Are you very sad?'"
Gu Yan had already sat down in the chair, bent over and hugged her knees, tilting her head to listen quietly to her sister. When she heard Liang Feifan's name, she smiled slightly. She had heard Ji Nan mention a little bit about Liang Feifan saving their father later.
“I was exhausted at that time and had no energy to talk to him. I told him that as long as he could rescue my father, I would guarantee that he would get what he wanted.”