chapter 42
Having lived in the Gu residence for over a month, this was the first time Gu Qingning saw her nominal grandfather.
The absolute authority in the Gu family—Gu Xiangzhong.
The elderly man sat upright on the sofa, his back straight, dark hair streaked with silver, and a serious expression that carried an air of natural authority without needing to raise his voice.
He sized up Gu Qingning with a sharp gaze that was both discerning and penetrating, then spoke in a calm, measured tone, “Don’t you know how to greet your elders?”
Gu Qingning said nothing, hands in her pockets, her indifferent expression carrying a hint of nonchalance.
The aura she gave off:
Proud, arrogant, untamed.
Old Master Gu’s face darkened immediately. Before he could scold her, Gu Zhao stepped forward.
He smiled faintly, trying to ease the tension. “Grandfather, Qingning is still young. Don’t be too strict with her.”
“Ah Zhao, that’s not how it works. Greeting your elders is the basic courtesy,” Cheng Yu said, taking advantage of Old Master Gu’s presence to adopt a lecturing tone.
“Qingning, if it weren’t for Old Master painstakingly bringing you back, who knows where you’d be suffering right now? Regardless of gratitude, you could at least greet him properly.”
Gu Qingning glanced at her, a low laugh escaping her lips. “It seems that two pieces of jewelry weren’t enough to teach you a lesson, huh?”
Struck where it hurt, Cheng Yu’s face darkened, her teeth gritted as she hissed, “Gu Qingning, don’t go too far.”
Gu Qingning arched an eyebrow, the smile in her eyes cold. “You’ve already seen what ‘too far’ looks like, haven’t you?”
Cheng Yu, frustrated, stood up with a scuff, eyes red. “You…”
“Have you caused enough trouble?” Old Master Gu’s voice boomed, full and resonant, not at all like that of a man in his seventies.
Cheng Yu immediately fell silent.
Old Master Gu glanced at her, then turned to Gu Qingning, his gaze unreadable.
Her congenital muteness had suddenly healed, and her personality was a stark contrast to the previously timid image—were all those earlier behaviors just a façade?
He asked tentatively, “Qingning, I heard you scored full marks on the grade-skipping exam?”
Cheng Yu bit her lip tightly.
With her skipping a grade like that, her daughter Wanwan was immediately overshadowed. She should have dealt with this ‘disaster’ girl earlier, so it wouldn’t have ended up so messy now.
Gu Qingning responded with a casual “Mm,” neither proud nor elated, prompting Old Master Gu to look at her more intently.
“Then why were your previous entrance exam results so terrible?” he asked next.
“Bad mood,” she replied casually.
Gu Zhao, standing nearby, lowered his head to hide a smile.
Old Master Gu gave her an enigmatic look, his tone softening slightly. “Since you’re back, all past matters are wiped clean. You shouldn’t be willful or disruptive anymore. From today, you’ll move back into the Gu residence.”
Gu Qingning snorted coldly, a chill passing through her eyes.
Even from afar, he had such quick news.
Wiping the slate clean to protect Cheng Yu and her daughter?
Hmph.
Upon hearing that Old Master Gu wanted her back, Cheng Yu panicked.
She plastered on a gentle smile, speaking in an obliging tone, “Dad, let Qingning stay at school if she wants—boarding will help her focus on studies. She…”
Before she could finish, a cool voice interrupted, “Fine, I’ll move back in.”
Cheng Yu’s face froze, her eyes locked on that delicate face.
That stubborn girl, clearly trying to oppose her.
And it wasn’t over yet.
“I haven’t stayed here in a while either, so I’ll stay for a bit as well,” Gu Zhao said, glancing at the housekeeper.
“Uncle Wan, have someone clean up my room.”
Gu Zhao hadn’t lived here for a long time; even when he visited, he didn’t stay overnight. His sudden decision surprised Uncle Wan.
He froze briefly, then smiled, “Alright, I’ll have someone clean it right away.”
Old Master Gu glanced at Gu Zhao, a flash of sharpness in his eyes.
“You two don’t leave for lunch today. Stay home and eat.”
Gu Zhao didn’t respond, only lowering his gaze to look at Gu Qingning.
It was obvious—he was following her lead.
Gu Qingning nodded casually, then turned to the housekeeper. “Where’s my room?”
That question was a clear slap in Cheng Yu’s face.
After staying here for over a month, pretending not to know where her room was—what a statement.
Cheng Yu forced a smile, her voice softening. “Qingning, how forgetful you are! You’ve been here so long and still don’t remember your room is the last one on the third floor.”
Gu Qingning gave her a faintly amused look, letting her know she’d soon find out whether her memory was good or bad.
Without saying more, she began walking upstairs.
Seeing Gu Zhao follow, Old Master Gu called out, “Ah Zhao, call your elder brothers. Have them come home for a while.”
Gu Zhao stopped in his tracks, puzzled. “Grandfather, is there something important?”
Old Master Gu said, “Since Qingning has returned, I plan to hold a banquet to introduce her to people in the circle. She’ll officially be a Gu family member, making it easier for her to establish herself.”
Hearing this, Cheng Yu’s eyes flashed with alarm—she still couldn’t predict Old Master Gu’s intentions.
If Gu Qingning gained favor, what would happen to her daughter Wanwan?
Gu Zhao thought of the rumors at school and nodded, “I understand. I’ll call them shortly.”
…
The huge bedroom, awash in pink.
Every decoration mirrored Gu Wanwan’s room.
Gu Qingning could barely tolerate this taste.
She pulled out a chair and just as she sat, her phone rang.
It was the same familiar number.
She smiled faintly and answered.
“Class over?” A clear, low voice, both soft and teasing.
Gu Qingning relaxed, leaning back, legs stretched out casually. “No, I took the day off.”
Fu Juncheng’s hand gripping the pen tightened; he lost focus on the documents in front of him. “Stomach bothering you again?”
“No, something else,” Gu Qingning said, idly playing with a metal hairpin, a lazy look in her eyes. “By the way, you don’t need to send pillows anymore. I won’t be staying in the dorm for a while.”
Fu Juncheng’s deep voice carried a subtle worry. “Trouble?”
Gu Qingning curved her lips. “Not exactly trouble.”
Knock, knock, knock—
The sound at the door drained the smile from her face.
“I have something to do here. We’ll talk later.”
Not wanting her to hang up abruptly again, Fu Juncheng said firmly, “Don’t push yourself if something happens. Call me.”
His little lion shouldn’t be bullied by anyone else.
Beep…
The call ended quickly, but Fu Juncheng still heard her soft, “Okay.”
He tugged at his lips, then returned to his documents.
…
Gu Zhao stood at the door, holding two photo albums.
Their eyes met.
The atmosphere was slightly awkward.
Gu Zhao pressed his lips together, smiling in a conciliatory way. “Qingning, I brought two photo albums. Want to see them?”
Then he added, “They’re photos from when Mom was pregnant with you.”
