Chapter 107: New Year's Eve

Wen Jiu immediately knew who the other person in the photograph was, but she showed no sign of it.

Mrs. Gu glanced at Gu Zehuai in secret and let out a soft sigh, then turned the page as if nothing had happened.

In truth, she had found out not long after it occurred. After all, a lie can only be wrapped up for so long before the truth breaks through.

She had been furious at the time, but beneath that anger there was also a trace of regret. Lu Qingli had, after all, been a child she had watched grow up. He had always studied well, been polite, and known his boundaries. She could not understand how, of all people, he had managed to lose his senses.

They reached the last page of the album, and the laughter and conversation among them continued when the sound of a car came from outside.

Soon, the person outside stepped into the house.

Before anyone could even greet them, Gu Yulin had already rushed out of the living room.

“Dad! Mom!” Gu Yulin cried excitedly as he threw himself into Zhong Yi’s arms. Zhong Yi planted a kiss on the side of his face.

By the time Gu Zeqian and his wife led Gu Yulin into the living room, Wen Jiu had already stood up to greet them.

After Gu Zehuai greeted the two of them, Wen Jiu, smiling, followed suit and greeted them as well.

Gu Zeqian smiled and politely returned a simple greeting. Zhong Yi, on the other hand, beamed brightly and responded to Wen Jiu with warmth and enthusiasm.

This was Zhong Yi’s second time seeing Wen Jiu. The first had been at Old Madam Gu’s birthday banquet, but she had been standing too far away to see her clearly.

Now that she was close enough to see her properly, Zhong Yi felt even more keenly that Wen Jiu truly had fair skin and beautiful features, and that she was lovely even when she smiled.

At that moment, Zhong Yi had only one thought: she wanted to stick close to Wen Jiu.

The group sat down again.

Just then, a servant who had put away the gift boxes came over to report.

Gu Zehuai stepped forward, took Wen Jiu by the hand, and led her to the gifts she had prepared, helping her hand them out.

One present after another was delivered. When Old Madam Gu saw the earrings inside one box, she eagerly held them up beside her ear to try them on.

Zhong Yi smiled and said, “Grandmother, those earrings look wonderful on you.”

Old Madam Gu smiled so widely her mouth would not close, praising Wen Jiu with delight. “It’s all because Jiu Jiu has such good taste.”

Aside from Gu Yan, who had not yet finished work, everyone in the Gu family had received a gift and thanked Wen Jiu in turn.

Not long after, Gu Yan returned.

After Wen Jiu greeted him, she handed over the gift meant for him.

Gu Yan accepted it with a smile and thanked her as well.

When it was time to eat, Gu Zehuai brought Wen Jiu to her seat. Under the table, he took her hand and played with it, occasionally pinching her fingers.

Wen Jiu was distracted by his teasing, and in the end she simply kicked Gu Zehuai under the table to signal that he should let go.

Gu Zehuai instantly became obedient. He released her hand and said nothing more.

Wen Jiu found him somewhat amusing.

Although Gu Zehuai looked displeased, when it came to eating, he did not hesitate at all whenever it was time to pick up food for her.

Wen Jiu stared at the small mountain of dishes piled before her and could only feel helpless.

Fortunately, Gu Zehuai knew when enough was enough and did not keep adding more food to her bowl. The meal ended in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Old Madam Gu held Wen Jiu’s hand reluctantly and wanted her to stay the night in the old residence, but Gu Zehuai gently declined on her behalf.

This suited Wen Jiu perfectly as well. Since it would mean staying overnight, she was still a little nervous.

—

Soon, New Year’s Eve arrived, and Wen Jiu and Gu Zehuai each returned to their own homes.

The Wen family had always celebrated the reunion dinner as a family of three. There were few people, but it was warm and intimate.

At the New Year’s Eve table, Mr. Wen and Mrs. Wen each took out an envelope and handed one to Wen Jiu. The moment Wen Jiu saw how thin the envelopes were, she knew they were gift cards again.

Delighted, Wen Jiu’s eyes curved with joy as she sweetly offered her parents many New Year blessings.

She also prepared two thick red envelopes for Mr. Wen and Mrs. Wen.

The couple felt comforted and could not help sighing that their daughter had truly grown up.

After the reunion dinner, the family sat in the living room to watch the Spring Festival Gala. Wen Jiu found a chance to go upstairs and called Gu Zehuai.