He managed to utter the name with difficulty, his expression still one of utter disbelief.
Upon hearing Gu Zheng's words, Gu En immediately threw herself into his arms.
"Waaah... Brother Zheng, I've finally found you, waaah... I really missed you so much."
He hugged Gu Zheng tightly, his tone full of grievance, which would make anyone who heard it feel sorry for him.
Gu Zheng still found it hard to believe. He felt that he must have seen wrong or even heard wrong. Otherwise, how could someone who had been dead for several years be standing alive in front of him again?
"Who are you? Why are you impersonating Gu En?"
Rather than believing that Gu En had been resurrected, he was more convinced that someone was deliberately impersonating Gu En.
Gu En was pushed away by Gu Zheng, but even so, he was not angry. He knew that Gu Zheng would not believe him if he suddenly appeared like this.
"Brother Zheng, I'm not pretending, I really am Xiao En, please let me explain."
Gu En held Gu Zheng's hand tightly, afraid that Gu Zheng might suddenly run away and what he would do then.
The moment his hand was grabbed, Gu Zheng instinctively wanted to shake it off, but facing Gu En's face, he couldn't bring himself to do it and could only remain silent and let Gu En explain.
Gu En was overjoyed and immediately recounted what had happened back then.
"Actually, I didn't die back then, but I felt guilty and I felt dirty, so I didn't want to live with you anymore."
“There was another person who was arrested with me at the time. The fire didn’t kill me, but it did kill that person. He was about the same size and age as me, so I left afterward.”
"I originally planned to leave for a while, but... but after I went out, I was targeted by some people and sold to an old couple in a remote mountain village to be their son!"
At this point, a chilling anger and fear flashed in Gu En's eyes.
The things from back then, those things are the last thing he wants to mention!
“It was a very isolated village. They beat me every day, trying to make me willingly become their son and then marry a wife to have grandchildren for them. But they both died before that day came, and that's when I managed to escape.”
"But after escaping, I had nothing, I was penniless. I... I went through a lot of trouble to get back for the Mid-Autumn Festival, but you weren't home when I got back. Uncle Wang said... said you've already gotten married..."
Gu En's tears fell uncontrollably as she cried and talked, even revealing what her aunt and the others had done.
After listening, Gu Zheng believed that the person in front of him was Gu En, because Gu En also revealed some things that only the two of them knew.
Looking at the person in front of him, Gu Zheng felt not the joy he had expected, but rather an inexplicable sense of irritation.
Gu En could see Gu Zheng's emotions, and his heart sank. He felt very bad and was afraid.
His last bargaining chip was Gu Zheng, but now Gu Zheng doesn't treat him the same way as before.
No way, it can't be. Gu Zheng will always be special to him. Gu Zheng is just acting unfamiliar now because he hasn't seen him for so long.
Moreover, he was treated that way because of Gu Zheng back then, and Gu Zheng has always felt guilty towards him.
Having figured all this out, Gu En gradually felt a bit calmer.
"Brother Zheng, are you... are you really married? Am I... causing you trouble by coming back? But... I miss the child. How is he now? Although I was forced into that situation, the child still has my blood in him, and I... miss him a lot."
Gu En spoke in a low voice, her tone sounding aggrieved and pitiful.
Gu Zheng's mind was indeed a mess, but listening to Gu En's words, he quickly came back to his senses.
Especially when he heard Gu En talk about that incident, his face showed even more heartache.
"No, that's not true. I'm so happy you're back, I wouldn't be a burden to you. The baby is fine, and as for the marriage... I am indeed married."
"But at the time, the child had some problems, and the doctor suggested that I find someone to accompany the child. After all, I was busy with company matters, so I had no choice but to find someone to marry."
Gu Zheng told Gu En everything without hiding anything.
Upon hearing Gu Zheng's words, Gu En's eyes lit up instantly.
"So, Zheng-ge, your initial reason for marrying that person wasn't because you liked her? It was just for the sake of the child?"
Gu Zheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
Overjoyed, Gu En threw herself into Gu Zheng's arms again, her voice choked with sobs as she spoke.
"Waaah... I thought... I thought you all didn't want me anymore, Zheng-ge. I was so scared. Auntie said my return would cause you trouble. I didn't want to cause you any trouble. I originally planned to leave with the money Auntie gave me."
"But... but I couldn't help it. I wanted to see you and the child. I hired a private investigator to find out you were here. I was planning to sneak a peek and leave, but I didn't expect you to run into me."
"Brother, don't worry, I won't cause you any trouble." Gu En lifted her head from Gu Zheng's arms and wiped away her tears. "You...you take the baby out and let me see him for a moment, and then I'll leave, okay? Just let me see the baby."
Hearing Gu En's words, Gu Zheng frowned immediately and said,
“Where are you going? Where can you go? This is your home. You can’t go anywhere else. I’ll talk to your aunt and uncle. Just go home and live peacefully.”
Upon hearing Gu Zheng's words, Gu En's face lit up with joy at first, but soon she lowered her head in disappointment.
"But Brother Zheng, if I... what will happen to your partner if I come back?"
Chapter 125 Gu Zheng Lies to Xia Ran
Gu Zheng paused, Xia Ran's face flashing through his mind, and he also remembered his promise to his grandfather...
Seeing Gu Zheng remain silent, Gu En felt a little nervous.
Does Gu Zheng really have no feelings for Xia Ran?
"Brother Zheng... if it's... difficult, then forget it. Just bring the child out so I can see him, and I'll leave right away, okay?"
Hearing Gu En's words, Gu Zheng snapped out of his reverie. He looked at Gu En and said,
"Xiao En, Xia Ran is a very good person, don't be afraid. You will still be the young master of the family, my and his younger brother. But as for Xiao Chen... you will probably have to face him as his uncle."
Gu Zheng's words were like a bolt from the blue for Gu En. He swayed and could barely stand.
This wasn't something he was faking; he genuinely hadn't expected Gu Zheng to say such a thing. He thought Gu Zheng would continue to spoil him unconditionally, just like before.
No! He would never let Gu Zheng like anyone else, nor would he let his child call someone else "Dad".
"Uncle..." Gu En lowered his head, as if he couldn't accept it, "I understand, Brother Zheng. Don't worry, I won't do anything that would cause others to misunderstand."
"But...Brother Zheng, I...I..."
"What's wrong?" Gu Zheng looked at Gu En with a puzzled expression. Gu En would never have been so hesitant before.
Upon hearing this, Gu En seemed startled and quickly waved his hand, saying,
"It's nothing, it's nothing, I'm fine."
Gu Zheng nodded, assuming that Gu En was just back and not used to it yet, and didn't think much of it.
However, Gu En kept waiting for Gu Zheng to ask him again, but to his surprise, Gu Zheng just nodded.
Gu En gritted his teeth. He would endure for now and take action slowly once he returned to the Gu family.
"Brother Zheng, can I... see the child now?" Gu En looked up at Gu Zheng with a pitiful and pleading expression.
Gu Zheng pursed his lips, thinking that Gu Chen should be with Xia Ran right now.
"Xiao En, I'm sorry, the child is probably asleep by now. We'll go back tomorrow and see then. You can stay with him every day if you want."
Upon hearing this, Gu En felt even more suffocated with anger, but she maintained a pitiful yet strong expression on her face.
If this were before, Gu Zheng would definitely have noticed that something was wrong with Gu En and then tried to comfort her.
But right now, all he could think about was Xia Ran. He was afraid that Xia Ran would come out looking for him later, and then he would be discovered.
He's afraid that by then he won't be able to explain himself.
“Brother Zheng, in that case, I’ll find a place to stay first. I’ll come find you when you get back. I’m afraid that if I show up now, Xia Ran will become suspicious, and then I won’t be able to explain myself. It’s not good for you and the child.”
Gu En's worried expression made Gu Zheng feel even more guilty.
"Xiao En, I'm sorry, I've wronged you, but now... I'm married to Xia Ran, I..."
“Brother Zheng,” Gu En interrupted Gu Zheng, “Don’t worry, I understand. I just want you to be happy. As long as you’re happy, I’ll do anything. I’ll be going now. We’ll keep in touch by phone.”
Gu En turned to leave, but Gu Zheng grabbed her hand at that moment.
"Wait a minute, Xiao En."
"What's wrong?" Gu En turned around with a puzzled look, but in reality, he was already very pleased with himself.
"I'll take you to a hotel. You're unfamiliar with this area, and things could easily go wrong. Wait here for me while I go in and tell them."
Gu En looked delighted, but then hesitated.
"But Brother Zheng... isn't this a bit inappropriate? I'm scared..."
Gu Zheng shook his head. "It's alright. Xia Ran trusts me a lot. He wouldn't dare to ask. Just let me know."
After saying that, Gu Zheng went inside, while Gu En, who was standing there, slowly smiled.
So what if they haven't seen each other for five or six years? He is still unique in Gu Zheng's heart. Moreover, he believes that Gu Zheng doesn't like Xia Ran and only treats Xia Ran as his substitute. Otherwise, why would he choose to marry Xia Ran, who looks so much like him?
As for the distance between him and Zheng Ge now, he thinks it's probably a matter of Zheng Ge's sense of responsibility.
Gu Zheng has always been very responsible. Even if he has no feelings for Xia Ran, he would never do something like cheating on his wife.
Since that's the case, then let him be the bad guy and make them divorce.
Gu Zheng went straight to his room as soon as he entered. Inside, Xia Ran and Gu Chen were watching cartoons, both of them beaming with smiles.
Xia Ran noticed Gu Zheng enter immediately. He lay on the bed, tilting his head back to look at Gu Zheng.
"Have you finished the call? Are you in a hurry?"
Looking at Xia Ran's face, Gu Zheng felt inexplicably guilty, so he didn't dare to go in and just stood at the door of the room.
“I have a friend here too. I’m going out to talk to him now, so I’ll probably be back a little late. You and the kids don’t need to wait for me.”
"Friend?" Xia Ran asked, somewhat puzzled. "Where is your friend? Do you know the way? Do you want me to take you there?"
Gu Zheng: "No need, I checked the navigation, it's very close, I'll be back in a bit."
"Alright then, be careful on the road. If you get lost, be sure to call me and I'll come pick you up." Xia Ran smiled and looked up at Gu Zheng.
Gu Zheng didn't dare to look Xia Ran in the eye. He hummed in response and then turned and left.
After Gu Zheng left, Xia Ran's eyes showed a hint of doubt.
Ah Zheng has never been here before, so how come he has friends here?
Could it be that he's also here to visit relatives? Xia Ran shook off the doubts in his mind. He trusted A-Zheng; A-Zheng wouldn't lie to him.
Xia Ran was convinced that Gu Zheng wouldn't lie to him, and at that moment he was driving Gu En to find a hotel.