Gu Susu was not in a hurry either, thinking she could ask for leave from the company after he confirmed the time and itinerary.
Meanwhile, the Ai family had grown impatient, urging her to quickly transfer all the assets and shares of Ai Corporation back to Ai Yifeng.
However, she was now very clear-headed; if she wanted to help Qin Tianyi, she couldn't easily return what she held to the Ai family.
Ai Shunan had called her several times, but she had stalled him with various excuses.
The Ai family must have sensed something was amiss and had Yuan Shuna, who was still undergoing treatment, contact her.
"Susu, it's me," Yuan Shuna said weakly over the phone. "How have you been lately?"
"I'm fine. How are you feeling? Is your treatment going smoothly?" Gu Susu had considered visiting Yuan Shuna at the hospital again, but she was afraid of running into Ai Shunan or Ai Yifeng.
If they used Yuan Shuna's illness to feign pity and persuade her, she feared she wouldn't be able to resist.
"It's going smoothly. The doctor said one more round of chemotherapy, and there shouldn't be any major issues."
"That's good. Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest."
"Susu, your father mentioned that you've been very busy lately, so busy you don't even have time to have a meal with him. You must also take care of your health and yourself," Yuan Shuna said earnestly. "It was only after falling seriously ill that I realized nothing is more important than health."
"Okay, I know. I'll be careful." As she spoke, she prepared to hang up.
"Susu, why don't you make time for a meal with your father? You can talk about anything that's on your mind, anything that makes you unhappy. We've failed you, and we can't possibly make up for it enough."
Gu Susu was stunned. She couldn't believe such words would come from Yuan Shuna. Had they truly regretted their past actions?
"Susu, are you listening?" Yuan Shuna, not hearing a response from Gu Susu, continued, "It doesn't make much difference whether Ai Corporation is in your hands or your brother's. It's just that you've never managed Ai Corporation, and you're busy with your own affairs, so you don't have the capacity to handle so much..."
Gu Susu didn't want to listen to her platitudes any longer and interrupted, "Alright, I'll arrange a meeting with Ai Shunan as soon as possible."
"Good, good, my dear child."
Gu Susu said a few more words to reassure her about her treatment and then hung up.
She had put it off several times, but now was the opportune moment to meet Ai Shunan. She wouldn't be foolish enough to unconditionally transfer the Ai Corporation shares to Ai Yifeng.
At this time, through Ai Corporation, she might be able to recover some of Qin Tianyi's losses.
She glanced at the calendar on her desk and decided to schedule a meeting with Ai Shunan for the day after tomorrow.
She didn't covet control of Ai Corporation; she only wanted them to do something for Ao Xiang Group before she returned it to them.
As she was contemplating how to negotiate with Ai Shunan, Qin Tianyi sent over the vacation itinerary.
Gu Susu eagerly opened the file and, seeing the itinerary Qin Tianyi had arranged, felt a surge of anticipation for their family of three's vacation.
The itinerary included visits to several countries abroad, as well as world-famous Universal Studios, Disneyland, and seaside resorts... a full half-month.
Qin Tianyi hadn't yet specified the departure date, and she wanted to know the exact departure time so she could request leave in advance, pack her luggage, and arrange everything.
Unsure if Qin Tianyi was busy, she sent him a message: "When are we leaving?"
A moment later, Qin Tianyi replied, "I'll tell you when we meet tonight."
Gu Susu felt a warmth spread across her face, understanding his implication perfectly. She simply replied with one word: "Okay."
But then she suddenly remembered her arrangement with Aunt Chen to pick up Xiao Xingxing from kindergarten today.
Aunt Chen didn't know they had reconciled. Perhaps Qin Tianyi was busy with work tonight and wouldn't be back, so he had asked her to pick up Xiao Xingxing to provide an opportunity for them to meet.
Gu Susu smiled at the thought. It seemed she would have to pick up Xiao Xingxing and take him to the apartment together.
While having lunch alone near her company, she received a call from Su Kangxi.
"Sister Susu, how have you been lately?"
"Very well." Gu Susu was actually always worried about him. Because she had been so busy with her own matters recently, she hadn't had time to inquire about him and Wei Yanan. "How are you and Yanan? Is your work going smoothly? What exactly does Yanan's father's company do?"
"Sister Susu, don't worry. It's a legitimate company with all the proper procedures. Yanan and I are still the same. You know her temper; she's not settled unless they have a few arguments every day." Su Kangxi laughed heartily over the phone.
Gu Susu couldn't bring herself to laugh. "Kangxi, you've changed. You've changed so much that I don't believe the person talking to me now is you."
Su Kangxi on the other end of the phone was silent for a few seconds before laughing again. "I was too reserved and boring before. Perhaps I was like that due to my profession. Now, I think it's quite good to let myself go and live a happier life."
Gu Susu sighed. "As long as you're not giving up on yourself, I'm happy as long as you're happy."
"Oh, right, Sister Susu, what happened between you and Brother Sijie? Did you have a fight? I just heard Brother Sijie say he's preparing to leave Lancheng and return abroad. Are you going abroad with him?"
Gu Susu was slightly surprised. After she returned the ring and necklace to Yang Sijie last time, they hadn't been in contact. It seemed Yang Sijie had come to his senses and was no longer forcing the issue.
"No. Kangxi, he and I can't go back to how we were when we were kids. We've all grown up. Our life experiences have changed us. He, you, and I will be like family and friends. I had no idea he was going back abroad. Otherwise, before he leaves, the two of us could see him off."
Su Kangxi felt quite regretful, having thought Brother Sijie and Sister Susu would be together forever. However, he respected Sister Susu's choice.
"Okay, then we'll arrange another time before he leaves."
"Yes, I'll say it again: take good care of yourself. Don't go astray, treat Yanan well, and guide her onto the right path," Gu Susu cautioned him.
"Sister Susu, I understand." Su Kangxi replied and hung up.
Gu Susu put down her phone and gazed at the design drafts on her desk, unable to focus at all.
Scenes from her reunion with Yang Sijie flashed through her mind like a movie, wondering what kind of person he truly was now.
He remained like a mist, making it impossible for her to see clearly...
Fortunately, she had already confirmed her feelings. The person she loved, and had always loved, was Qin Tianyi. She would stay with him until old age and never be separated again.
As for Yang Sijie, if he stopped playing games and was willing to be honest, she would still regard him as family and a friend.
After all, in this world, the only ones who had grown up with her and given her warmth and help were Yang Sijie and Su Kangxi. Although they were not related by blood, the three of them were like family.
She believed that once Yang Sijie returned abroad, everything in Lancheng would return to peace.