Volume One, Chapter 87: The Interrogation

Song Qingyu took the invitation, which featured a small rabbit—indeed, the same one Xiaoxi often carried. Since the invitation had been delivered in person, with such sincerity, Song Qingyu had no reason to refuse. Besides, after Xiaoxi had run away from home last time, she seemed rather lonely. On her coming-of-age ceremony, Song Qingyu hoped she would be truly happy.

“Alright, wait a moment. I’ll change and then we can leave.”

Song Qingyu rode with Uncle Zhou to the Gu family’s old estate, while Pei Jingmo was out with Fu Linhan, selecting gifts. After being sent to the military, Pei Jingmo often couldn’t return home for years at a time, and when he did, it depended on the army’s arrangements. He couldn’t make it back for Gu Chenxi’s birthday. So, over the years, he had Fu Linhan deliver his gifts to Gu Chenxi and would call her personally.

Eighteen marks a turning point in everyone’s life. Now that Pei Jingmo had returned, he was determined to give Gu Chenxi a lively celebration, making up for all the birthday gifts he owed her.

Whenever Pei Jingmo bought gifts, he purchased two of each. Fu Linhan, somewhat speechless, remarked, “Don’t tell me the other set is for Song Qingyu?”

Pei Jingmo glanced at him coolly. “Do you have a problem with that?”

“I wouldn’t dare! But since you like Song Qingyu so much, when are you going to come clean with her?”

The smile vanished from Pei Jingmo’s face. “It’s not the time yet.”

“True, your grandfather has already arranged a match for you. He’ll never allow you to defy him and be with Song Qingyu. He might not do anything to you, but Song Qingyu may not be so fortunate.”

Fu Linhan continued, “But you can’t hide it from her forever, can you? You two are together all the time; what if she finds out someday—”

“That day will never come!”

He would never let such a thing happen.

“Alright, alright, I’m just worrying needlessly. Song Qingyu surely won’t find out.”

Pei Jingmo’s expression remained grim.

Meanwhile, Song Qingyu was awestruck upon her first visit to the Gu family’s old estate. It sat in the most prosperous part of Shangjing; Uncle Zhou had told her that half of the royal gardens’ right side belonged to the Gu family’s private grounds. To the left were the city’s most iconic ancient buildings.

Previously, when Song Qingyu and Xie Liuzheng had come to this area, they’d marveled at the grand houses, wondering who could possibly live inside. She’d never imagined it would be the Gu family’s ancestral home.

As the car entered the estate, Song Qingyu rolled down the window and took in the scenery, sighing once again. The wealthy truly lived well.

She’d thought the Chu family’s home was already grand and luxurious, but compared to this, it was merely the tip of the iceberg.

When the car stopped, Uncle Zhou opened the back door for Song Qingyu with a welcoming gesture. “Miss Song, please.”

“Thank you, Uncle Zhou.”

After getting out, Song Qingyu was led by Uncle Zhou into the living room.

The living room was bustling, everyone busy preparing for the birthday banquet.

“The guests haven’t all arrived yet; Miss should still be getting ready. You may sit and rest for a while, Miss Song.”

“Thank you, Uncle Zhou. Don’t worry about me—go ahead and attend to your duties.”

Song Qingyu sat on the sofa for a while before Sheng Yuru arrived with her mother and Chu Xingzhi. Chu Xingzhi was momentarily stunned when he saw Song Qingyu.

He instinctively moved toward her, but Sheng Yuru grabbed his arm and whispered a warning, “Don’t forget what role you’re here in!”

Chu Xingzhi clenched his fists, his face darkening.

Today was the coming-of-age ceremony for the Gu family’s little princess—a rare opportunity to connect with the family. He wouldn’t miss it. But he could only enter as Sheng Yuru’s boyfriend.

“Song Qingyu, what are you doing here?” Sheng Yuru strode over, imposing and arrogant.

Gu Fengjiao scrutinized Song Qingyu from head to toe. This was the woman who’d made her daughter cry through the night. Looking her over, she had to admit Song Qingyu possessed some charm.

Song Qingyu had come entirely for Chenxi’s birthday, forgetting that Sheng Yuru was Chenxi’s cousin. Here, on such a day, she had no wish to clash with Sheng Yuru.

“I was invited to celebrate Xiaoxi’s birthday. Here’s the invitation.”

Sheng Yuru took the invitation, glanced at it, and snorted, “You’re just a minor employee at Tianqi Group—who would invite you? Is this invitation fake?”

“If it were fake, I couldn’t have entered the Gu family’s gates.”

Sheng Yuru was left speechless.

At that moment, Gu Chengde came out, accompanied by Uncle Zhou. Seeing him, Sheng Yuru immediately ran over with a bright smile. “Uncle, where’s Xiaoxi?”

“Xiaoxi will be here soon.”

“Yes, today is Xiaoxi’s day—she must look absolutely beautiful.”

Spotting Chu Xingzhi, Sheng Yuru’s mind raced. “Uncle, let me introduce someone to you.”

She signaled to Chu Xingzhi, who pressed his lips together, hesitating for a couple of seconds. He hadn’t expected Song Qingyu to be here, and didn’t want to admit, in front of her, that he was Sheng Yuru’s boyfriend. But meeting the Gu family patriarch might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Seeing his hesitation, Sheng Yuru’s expression cooled instantly. The atmosphere grew tense.

The next moment, Chu Xingzhi forced a smile and addressed Gu Chengde respectfully. “Good afternoon, Chairman Gu. I’m Chu Xingzhi, CEO of the Chu Group.”

Noticing he hadn’t finished his introduction, Sheng Yuru affectionately hooked his arm. “Uncle, he’s also my boyfriend. I brought him today especially for you to meet.”

Gu Chengde regarded Chu Xingzhi with a detached gaze, sharp enough to pierce through any facade.

He was like a hawk surveying from the heights, missing nothing. When those under his scrutiny felt their nerves fray, and could barely endure it, only then did he speak, “Alright.”

Chu Xingzhi’s palms were slick with sweat. No wonder he was the Gu patriarch—the sense of pressure was overwhelming.

Song Qingyu was also meeting the chairman for the first time. When his gaze turned to her, she quickly greeted him, “Good afternoon, Chairman.”

Uncle Zhou added, “She’s Miss Song Qingyu, who saved Miss Xiaoxi some time ago.”

Gu Chengde nodded. “Thank you for rescuing my daughter, Miss Song. I hope you enjoy today’s birthday banquet.”

“Thank you, Chairman.”

Song Qingyu breathed a sigh of relief. She’d thought President Gu was intimidating, but the chairman was even more so. Whoever married into the Gu family would face a terrifying prospect!

Just then, a maid hurried over, running so fast she accidentally collided with Song Qingyu, spilling water all over her.

“I’m so sorry, so sorry…” The maid lowered her head, trembling with fear.

Seeing how scared she was, Song Qingyu quickly reassured her, “It’s alright, it’s alright.”

Uncle Zhou stepped forward. “What are you standing around for? Hurry and take Miss Song to change.”

“Yes, yes—Miss Song, please follow me.”

Her clothes were soaked—quite embarrassing. Since she hadn’t yet seen Gu Chenxi, she couldn’t leave now.

Excusing herself politely, Song Qingyu followed the maid to a room.

“Miss Song, please wait here. I’ll find you some suitable clothes.”

“Thank you.”

Once the maid left, Song Qingyu idly surveyed the room. Its black, white, and gray design didn’t seem fit for a girl—it looked like a man’s room.

The maid soon returned with a set of clothes in Song Qingyu’s size.

She stepped into the bathroom to change, and the maid quietly slipped away.

Not long after, Pei Jingmo returned.

He wore a mask every day, which felt uncomfortable; he set it on the table and took out his phone to message Song Qingyu. “Qingqing, have you had lunch yet?”

Suddenly, he heard movement in the bathroom.

“Who’s there?”

As he turned to question, Song Qingyu opened the bathroom door and stepped out—