“Oppose, impossible?”
Wan Yunting chuckled confidently, “Your grandfather probably wishes you would marry me.”
Gu Luotang gave him a sideways glance and sneered, “Shameless. Even if my grandfather agreed, I wouldn’t marry you.”
“Heh heh, you really don’t want to?”
Wan Yunting’s gaze was playfully mischievous as he teased the young woman…
As the car slowly parked next to the entrance of the Gu residence, the two alighted. Gu Luotang said, “It’s so late, why don’t you stay the night?”
“Alright.”
Since Wan Yunting had escorted her back, he naturally had to stay. Gu Luotang was delighted. She brought the man into the house, greeted the aunt, and then pulled him towards her east wing courtyard…
“Senior Sister, ah, Brother Yunting…”
As they passed by, Qi Miaomiao saw Wan Yunting and let out a yelp like a startled kitten. Her face instantly flushed, and she looked panicked. She turned and ran into her small courtyard as if she had seen a ghost.
Wan Yunting and Gu Luotang exchanged bewildered glances, watching Qi Miaomiao disappear in a flash. They looked at each other, wondering what the girl was up to now.
However, Wan Yunting had a faint guess forming. A smile crept onto his lips. It must be because Qi Miaomiao got drunk last time, confessed her feelings while acting spoiled, and even kissed him. She probably woke up the next day, felt incredibly ashamed, and that was why she hadn’t been seen for days. Qi Miaomiao was deliberately avoiding Wan Yunting…
“Don’t mind her, let’s go in.”
Wan Yunting put his arm around Gu Luotang’s waist and continued towards her east wing courtyard. Naturally, the two of them enjoyed an intimate evening. Afterward, lying in bed, Wan Yunting held Gu Luotang and said, “Luotang, I might not be able to spend New Year’s Eve with you at the end of this month.”
Gu Luotang gazed into his eyes and smiled gently, “I know. You don’t need to worry about me.”
Wan Yunting’s large hand gently stroked her delicate cheek. He smiled without saying anything further. The two slept in each other’s arms…
But even though Gu Luotang said that, she still felt a pang of disappointment in her heart…
The next morning, Wan Yunting woke up early and left, driving directly back home. He expected that Duan Yingying would still be asleep, but when he went downstairs, the room was already empty…
It wasn't until nine o’clock in the morning that he saw the girl return from the sacred hall mountain. She was covered in sweat, indicating she had gone up the mountain to meditate and practice early.
“Good performance. Tell me, what reward do you want?” Wan Yunting asked with a smile.
Duan Yingying’s bright, large eyes lit up with joy. She happily replied, “I want a handbag.”
“Alright, what brand? I’ll have someone buy it for you.”
Wan Yunting finished his breakfast and put down his bowls and chopsticks. Duan Yingying mentioned the brand of handbag she wanted. Wan Yunting noted it down and then got up to leave, telling her to practice well at home before driving off to work…
In the following days, Wan Yunting either worked in the Traditional Chinese Medicine department or handled matters at the Lingnan Traditional Chinese Medicine Association building. At the same time, he was shuttling back and forth between Su Ke’er, Gu Luotang, and Fang Yanxi, three women, keeping himself quite busy.
Unbeknownst to him, it was already the end of December, time for the New Year. Su Ke’er had wanted to pester Wan Yunting to welcome the New Year together, but he had already promised Fang Yanxi. Wan Yunting had no choice but to find an excuse to refuse Su Ke’er…
At noon on the 29th, Wan Yunting, dressed casually, pushed a suitcase, holding Fang Yanxi, who was wearing a casual floral print long dress and a small jacket. They entered the airport. He hadn't brought Zhong Hongmei and the others along, as with Wan Yunting by her side, Fang Yanxi would be safe.
A private jet was already at Huadu Airport. Via a special channel, Wan Yunting led Fang Yanxi onto the private jet. Soon, it took off, heading directly to Kunming in Yunnan. They arrived at three o’clock in the afternoon, and a car then took them to Lijiang…
A guesthouse had already been booked for the evening. Wan Yunting and Fang Yanxi checked in discreetly. Like other young couples visiting for tourism, the two spent their first night entwined, not getting up until noon the next day. In the afternoon, they finally left their room and found a local specialty restaurant for a meal. Afterward, Wan Yunting took Fang Yanxi and began exploring the surroundings of Lijiang…
Wan Yunting had promised to take her traveling, so he naturally couldn't refuse. Fang Yanxi, taking advantage of the fact that her company wasn't busy these days, also readily agreed. This was their first trip together…
In their university days, they had occasionally traveled together, but after going through so much, they had come back together. This trip was their first as a couple, and Fang Yanxi was incredibly happy. At least for these few days, the man was all hers…
They welcomed the New Year in Lijiang. The next day, the two drove to Dali and visited all the tourist attractions there. It wasn't until January 3rd that a phone call disrupted Fang Yanxi’s desire to continue traveling. Products from her company, Yanting Beauty Co., had encountered issues, causing a small stir online and a decline in sales. Fang Yanxi needed to return to make decisions…
That same evening, Wan Yunting and Fang Yanxi had to cut short their few days of leisurely travel and take a flight back to Huadu City. Before their feet had even touched the ground, their waiting secretaries, Lin Xiaoqi and Zhong Hongmei, drove them directly to Yanting Beauty Co. to handle the problems.
Helpless, Wan Yunting took a taxi alone, his suitcase in tow, and headed home. He saw Duan Yingying sitting on the living room sofa, watching television and eating snacks. She also noticed him return and said in a nonchalant tone, “Back from your wild escapades?”
Huang Guilan came out to take Wan Yunting’s suitcase and bag. Upon hearing the girl’s words, Wan Yunting said speechlessly, “What do you mean wild escapades? I was traveling with my girlfriend, do you understand?”
“Tch.”
Duan Yingying snorted dismissively. Seeing her sulky expression, Wan Yunting decided to ignore her and said, “Have you been practicing diligently these past few days? Or have you been sleeping in every day while I was away?”
Duan Yingying became displeased and said indignantly, “You can ask Auntie Lan if I’ve been practicing.”
“Mr. Wan, Miss Yingying has been practicing every day,” Huang Guilan interjected with a smile.
“Hear that?” Duan Yingying nodded and huffed at Wan Yunting.
“Alright, consider yourself obedient.”
Wan Yunting nodded and smiled, then stopped paying attention to her. He went upstairs to take a shower first, as he still needed to visit the Lingnan Traditional Chinese Medicine Association. After all, he had been away for a few days, and many matters had piled up waiting for him to handle…
Just then, his phone rang. He took it out and saw it was Fang Guowen calling. Wan Yunting quickly answered and said with a smile, “Hello Uncle Fang.”
Fang Guowen, who was at the Scholars Association, chuckled, “Xiao Wan, I heard you and Yanxi are back from your trip.”
“Yes, we just got back.”
Wan Yunting asked as he went upstairs, “Uncle Fang, is there something you need?”
“It’s like this.”
Fang Guowen got straight to the point, saying, “There’s a charity auction tonight, primarily featuring artworks. The organizers contacted me, suggesting you contribute a piece for the auction. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to impoverished areas in need of assistance. So, I’m calling to ask if you’d like to participate?”
“After all, it’s a charitable deed. And the local organizations organizing this charity auction are looking at the recent popularity of your calligraphy works and want to invite you to contribute a piece. Of course, if you’re unwilling, I can decline.”
Understanding, Wan Yunting nodded and said, “Let’s participate. Uncle Fang, as you said, it’s a good cause. Consider it doing a good deed.”
“Good.”
Hearing his agreement, Fang Guowen was pleased. In fact, he was inclined for Wan Yunting to agree. Not to mention it was a good deed, but if he could leverage tonight’s charity auction, it could also enhance Wan Yunting’s reputation. He added, “Then I’ll head over to see you now.”
“Alright…”
Wan Yunting nodded and ended the call with Fang Guowen. Just then, another call came in. It was Han Shumei. After they exchanged greetings, Wan Yunting said with a smile, “Sister Han, are you also calling to invite me to tonight’s charity auction?”
“Hmm, you know about it?”
Han Shumei on the other end was surprised. Wan Yunting smiled, “Do you know Fang Guowen? He’s the president of our Huadu City Scholars Association. He just called me to ask me to contribute a calligraphy piece for the auction, so I agreed.”
“I know President Fang. Since he contacted you, I won’t say more. I was calling you about this matter too.”
Han Shumei was pleased to hear his agreement and said, “It will be held at eight o’clock tonight at the Tianyu Auction House in Huadu City. Contact me when you arrive.”
“Okay, Sister Han, see you tonight.”
Wan Yunting nodded with a smile, chatted with Han Shumei for a bit longer, and then hung up.
Wan Yunting thought for a moment. Since he was attending an auction, he should bring a woman with him. So, he called Fang Yanxi. After several rings, she finally answered. Her voice asked, “We’re in a meeting. What is it?”
Wan Yunting asked, “Is the company’s problem very serious?”
Fang Yanxi replied, “It’s alright. Do you need something?”
Wan Yunting asked, “There’s a charity auction tonight. Do you want to come with me?”
Fang Yanxi paused. She was discussing tonight’s matters with Jin Xiuwen and others before replying, “No, we have other matters tonight and can’t get away. I won’t go. You go yourself.”
“Alright.”
Hearing that the woman had company matters to attend to, Wan Yunting had no choice but to accept it.
So, after they hung up, Wan Yunting pondered whether to bring Gu Luotang or Su Ke’er. But he then thought about Fang Guowen’s presence tonight. If his future father-in-law saw him with a woman other than his daughter, what would Fang Guowen think?
“Forget it.”
Wan Yunting felt awkward thinking about it. It would be best if he attended the auction alone.