Gu老爷子 and Yu Wenzhou exchanged a glance, understanding each other's stance.
The marriage alliance between the two families was a win-win situation, with neither party losing out.
Yu Wenzhou smiled and raised his wine glass. "Old Gu, what do you think of our Xixi becoming your daughter-in-law?"
Gu Xiuyu looked up, resisting. If he remained silent any longer, they would finalize his lifelong commitment.
Yu Xixi, standing at the entrance of the stairs, had her own agenda. She desperately wanted the elders to arrange their marriage, yet her inner rational voice told her that forcing Gu Xiuyu to marry her would only make him dislike her more.
"Dad, I don't want to get married." Yu Xixi, who had been feigning illness all evening, walked down from the stairs.
Since that confession, Yu Xixi didn't know how to face Gu Xiuyu and Ye Ziyu, so she had become a turtle hiding in her shell, staying at home.
Yu Wenzhou was worried that her prolonged confinement would affect her health. He privately shared their situation with Gu老爷子, which led to Gu老爷子 bringing Gu Xiu to apologize in person.
"Xiuyu, weren't you worried about Xixi's health at home? Now that she's here, why are you so shy to speak?" Gu老爷子's words successfully shifted the topic to Gu Xiuyu.
Yu Xixi, who had been suppressing her inner emotions, looked at Gu Xiuyu in disbelief.
He was worried about her?
How could that be? She had overheard Yu Wenzhou calling Gu老爷子; he was probably dragged here by Gu老爷子.
Gu Xiuyu stood up and looked at the complex expression on Yu Xixi's face. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes, much better," Yu Xixi replied. She avoided Gu Xiuyu's gaze and looked at Gu老爷子. "Uncle Gu, I won't keep you company. I'm a bit tired and will go back to rest."
"Xiuyu, accompany Xixi upstairs," Gu老爷子 commanded.
Upstairs was her boudoir. Was it appropriate for them to go upstairs given their relationship?
Gu Xiuyu was still hesitating when Yu Xixi spoke, "Uncle Gu, you're joking. This is my home; do I need company to go upstairs? However, you and Xiuyu ge, after dinner, you must let my father drive you back."
Yu Wenzhou had always respected Yu Xixi. When Gu老爷子 spoke, he had intended to use the opportunity to give the young couple some private time to foster their relationship. Seeing Yu Xixi's reluctance to be alone with Gu Xiuyu, he no longer cooperated with Gu老爷子.
"Alright, Xiuyu, sit down and continue eating. Xixi can go upstairs by herself; let's not worry about her," Yu Wenzhou said, then winked at Yu Xixi.
Staying any longer would only spoil the atmosphere, so Yu Xixi turned and went upstairs.
Step by step, a path that took only a minute to walk took Yu Xixi nearly five minutes. After entering her room, her hopeful heart was completely extinguished.
Will the one who gives more in love ever get a result?
The phone on the table suddenly rang.
Looking at the unknown number, Yu Xixi, in a bad mood, didn't want to answer. But the ringing continued, making her head ache more.
"Who is it?"
A dry, emotionless voice came from the earpiece. Ye Chenhan thought he had misheard. He pulled the phone away from his ear, looking at the number on the screen and comparing it with the digits on the note. "Xixi?"
"It's me. Who is this?" Yu Xixi put the call on speakerphone and lay limply on the bed. She wasn't curious about who it was.
Upon confirming the call was correct, Ye Chenhan's tone immediately softened. "Are you alright? Zi Yu said you were sick. I waited downstairs at Gu's for several days, and when I couldn't reach you, I asked Zi Yu. Did Gu Xiuyu give you too much work and tire you out? Why don't you quit being his assistant and come work for me? I can teach you too."
After a barrage of words, Yu Xixi sat up and picked up the phone helplessly. "You're so noisy!"
The phone suddenly went silent. Ye Chenhan on the other end didn't even have his breathing audible.