chapter 44
Study Room.
The aroma of tea filled the air, easing the heavy, oppressive atmosphere.
“Master, Third Young Master hasn’t returned to live here for a long time.”
The man speaking was around forty, dressed in gray, his stern face appearing even more severe against the muted tones of his clothing.
“It seems Master’s decision back then was correct.”
Old Master Gu let out a cold laugh, his murky eyes glinting with a sly, unsettling light.
“It seems that this little girl, Gu Qingning, is more important to the three brothers than I had imagined. Well, that works in my favor.”
The more they valued Gu Qingning, the more leverage he would have over the three brothers.
“Send someone to find out who cured Gu Qingning’s muteness, and also investigate who she has come into contact with in the countryside over the years.”
His pieces on the board could not be allowed to move unexpectedly.
The gray-clad man nodded. “Yes, Master.”
Old Master Gu sipped his tea and continued, “Start handling the banquet. Have Lao Wan prepare the invitation list and send it over.”
“Yes, Master.”
The gray-clad man hesitated for a moment, then couldn’t help but say, “Master, Gu Qingning seems completely changed from before. She might be difficult to control.”
“A little girl can’t cause much trouble. She’s just acting out, nothing to worry about for now,” Old Master Gu replied dismissively.
Even if she proved difficult, he had his ways to make her obedient.
He could control all three brothers; a little girl like her was nothing. From the moment she was born, everything about her had been under his control.
During lunch break, Gu Qingning went to school, and Gu Zhao volunteered to drive her.
Her dorm wasn’t even warm yet, but she was moving back.
Though it was said to be for her luggage, it was really just a backpack.
Gu Zhao waited in the hallway and looked surprised when he saw she only had a backpack.
“All packed?”
Wasn’t a girl’s luggage supposed to be multiple big and small suitcases?
Gu Qingning gave a small nod. Gu Zhao smiled helplessly. “Give it to me.”
“No need. I can manage it myself,” Gu Qingning replied.
Gu Zhao showed a look of sorrowful frustration, and pitifully said, “Can’t Ning’er give Third Brother a chance to show off?”
He had noticed that their Ning’er responded better to gentle coaxing than force. To make her acknowledge him as her brother, he went all out.
Gu Qingning twitched her lips. She still felt awkward being called “Ning’er.”
“Just call me by my name.”
“Ning’er sounds nice. I like it,” Gu Zhao said with a bright smile.
He called out like he was summoning her, “Ning’er, Ning’er, Ning’er…”
Gu Qingning: “…”
What a poison, this guy.
Seeing her reaction, Gu Zhao finally relented, took her backpack, and fixed his gaze on her. “From now on, with Third Brother around, Ning’er can give any order. Third Brother will be there whenever you call.”
After a pause, he reached out, patted her head, and spoke seriously, “Ning’er, you don’t have to carry everything by yourself. When the sky falls, Third Brother will hold it up. If not enough, there’s also First Brother and Second Brother, understand?”
The atmosphere suddenly became sentimental. Gu Qingning felt flustered and reflexively tried to avoid it.
“Let’s go.” She turned her head, dodged Gu Zhao’s hand, and walked ahead.
Gu Zhao shook his head with a smile, muttering, “Such an awkward child.”
He hoisted the backpack onto his shoulder and quickly caught up. “Ning’er, wait for Third Brother.”
As they walked away, a figure emerged from the shadows.
Gu Wanwan glared venomously in the direction Gu Qingning had gone, her expression extremely unpleasant.
Gu Qingning, just wait and see.
She would never lose.
