chapter 45
Twilight was hazy, and the last rays of the setting sun dyed the floating clouds red.
A cool breeze slipped into the room, scattering the papers on the desk.
Gu Qingning took a sip of water, her gaze casually fixed on the computer screen.
The screen displayed basic information about various entertainment companies.
When it came to the entertainment industry, she was practically a novice, so understanding it required some effort.
“Knock, knock, knock…”
The knocking was steady and deliberate, stopping after three knocks.
“Ning’er, it’s me.”
Gu Zhao’s voice came through the door.
Gu Qingning set down her empty cup and began tidying the scattered sheet music on the desk.
She opened a drawer, shoved several sheets inside, and spoke lightly, “Come in.”
Gu Zhao pushed the door open and saw Gu Qingning sitting at the desk, a faint smile on his handsome face.
Thinking she was studying, he stepped forward gently. “Don’t lock yourself in your room all the time. You need a balance of work and rest. Are you hungry?”
Gu Qingning leaned back slightly; her bent legs were tingling from numbness, so she slowly stretched them out.
“No.”
The dry, simple answer instantly killed the conversation.
Gu Zhao had gradually grown used to her economy with words.
He unintentionally glanced at the computer screen and a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
Looking down at the girl in the chair, he curiously asked, “Ning’er, why are you looking up these entertainment companies?”
“Just browsing, passing the time,” she said, pausing for a moment before lifting her eyes to him. “Which of these entertainment companies is better?”
Not knowing her intent, Gu Zhao still explained, pointing at the screen.
“Shenghuang Entertainment is pretty good. It’s one of the top entertainment companies in the country, with excellent resources. Many A-list stars are signed there. My second brother is with this company.”
“And this New Yi Entertainment isn’t bad either, though in terms of resources, it’s slightly inferior to Shenghuang.”
Gu Qingning listened quietly, seemingly lost in thought.
Suddenly, the voice beside her went silent.
She lifted her head and unexpectedly met Gu Zhao’s questioning gaze.
He probed gently, “Ning’er, are you thinking about entering the entertainment industry?”
It wasn’t very safe for girls to enter the entertainment world, but if she truly wanted to, he wouldn’t stop her.
“If you want, I can talk to my second brother and let him…”
“No,” Gu Qingning cut him off, her voice cold. “I’m just looking.”
Just seeing ways to make money.
Seeing her serious expression, Gu Zhao believed her without question.
At that moment, the butler appeared at the doorway.
He lowered his eyes respectfully. “Third Young Master, Miss Qingning, dinner is ready downstairs.”
Gu Zhao nodded. “Understood.”
The butler silently withdrew.
Gu Zhao looked at Gu Qingning, his voice warm. “Let’s go, time to eat.”
Gu Qingning closed her laptop and stood up without hurry.
The siblings walked downstairs, and as they neared the dining room, they heard laughter and chatter.
Gu Zhao paused, his usually gentle expression momentarily tinged with frost; a subtle sadness leaked out.
Gu Qingning glanced at him, said nothing, and subtly diverted her gaze.
As they entered the dining room, the chatter abruptly stopped.
The atmosphere immediately turned cold.
Gu Wanwan looked at the two who had just arrived, her heart full of jealousy.
“Ah Zhao and Qingning are here! Quick, sit down! We’ve been waiting for you two,” Cheng Yu said with a bright smile.
Her excellent acting deserved a small award.
Gu Qingning shot her a glance, then focused on the man sitting to the left of Elder Gu.
Black trousers, white shirt, refined appearance, and somewhat similar to Gu Zhao.
His identity was obvious.
“Ning’er, sit here,” Gu Zhao pulled out a chair, his gentle and considerate manner making Gu Wanwan’s eyes red with envy.
For all these years, he had never treated her as family. Now that Gu Qingning was back, he was eager to show her attention.
Gu Qingning moved forward to sit down, and Gu Zhao pulled out the chair beside her and sat as well.
“Big sister, you’ve been back for so long and haven’t met Dad yet. Say hello!” Gu Wanwan’s pink lips curved sweetly as she spoke.
The mood at the table instantly became awkward.
Gu Qingning glanced at her, her gaze cold, mirroring the chill in her tone.
“Don’t speak while eating, don’t you understand?”
The unspoken message: you’re too loud.
Gu Zhao smirked.
Stung, Gu Wanwan pouted, her eyes turning red immediately.
“I didn’t mean anything else! I just wanted you to blend in with our family quickly and get familiar with Dad,” she said, feeling aggrieved.
She tried to ignore the act, but Gu Qingning saw through it.
Gu Qingning looked up at Elder Gu and asked lightly, “May we start eating?”
Elder Gu furrowed his brows slightly and picked up his chopsticks, signaling approval.
Gu Wanwan bit her lip, too afraid to speak again.
Across the table, Gu Hai silently studied his long-lost daughter.
Her slightly messy hair hid her delicate brows and eyes, but could not conceal her refined features.
She resembled the woman he remembered, gentle as an orchid, though her personality was completely different.
Cold, proud, and wild.
Gu Hai looked away, a hidden glimmer flashing behind his glasses.
Ignoring the many gazes at the table, Gu Qingning focused on eating.
Gu Zhao busied himself serving her food, enjoying his role as an older brother. “Eat more meat.”
One serving after another, the siblings’ close bond pricked Gu Wanwan’s eyes with jealousy.
By the end of the meal, only Gu Zhao and Gu Qingning were truly full.
Seeing them sit in the living room, Gu Qingning turned to go upstairs.
Unexpectedly, Elder Gu called out.
“Qingning, come sit.”
Gu Qingning paused, unusually obedient, and walked over.
The sofa was full, so she pulled a chair to sit down.
Gu Hai, who had been silent, finally spoke in a gentle tone, “Qingning, you disappeared right after birth. Dad didn’t protect you well. Now that you’re back, Dad is truly happy.”
Gu Qingning remained expressionless, saying nothing.
Gu Hai placed a card on the table. “Qingning, take this card. If you need anything, buy it. If it’s not enough, tell Dad.”
Gu Qingning immediately refused, her voice cold. “No need.”
Gu Hai wasn’t upset. He continued, “Qingning, I know it will take time for you to accept me, that’s fine. We’ll take it slow. If anything happens, you can always come to me. I’ll solve it for you.”
Gu Qingning still said nothing.
Gu Hai stopped there, turning his gaze to Gu Zhao. “Ah Zhao, I heard you came back for the guaranteed admission spot at University A?”
Gu Zhao said nothing.
“Wanwan’s grades are decent too. Do you think she can get into University A?” Gu Hai continued.
Hearing this, Gu Wanwan’s eyes lit up, looking expectantly at Gu Zhao.
Out of respect for Elder Gu, Gu Zhao had to reply, his voice neutral, “She’s currently in her second year of high school.”
Implying that it was still too early to say if she could get into University A.
