Chapter 70: Seize the Moment

Gu Zehuai nodded in agreement with Gu Zeqian’s approach. “Got it, brother. Thank you.”

“Oh, there’s nothing to thank me for. Just take good care of yourself, don’t let this affect the rest of your life.” As he spoke, he cast a subtle glance at a certain part of Gu Zehuai.

Seeing his brother’s furtive look, Gu Zehuai felt like tossing a pillow at him. After laughing and saying, “Get out,” he finally felt a bit better.

Once Gu Zeqian had left, Gu Zehuai calmed down and started to piece together what had happened the previous night. He couldn’t fathom why Lu Qingli would collude with Xu Xinying to do such a thing to him, nor why Xu Xinying would resort to drugging him to get what she wanted.

The phone rang—it was Gu Yan calling. Gu Zehuai answered, greeting him, “Dad.”

Gu Yan asked about his condition before saying, “I’ve already looked into it. The Lu and Xu families are bound together by interests and want more, so they decided to target you, hoping to profit from Gu Corporation. Qingli, that child, was foolish enough to conspire with them. Don’t worry, Ah Huai—even if the two families join forces, Gu Corporation isn’t to be trifled with. I’ve already started suppressing their projects. Just focus on your recovery, don’t let these things trouble you.”

Hearing about the Lu and Xu families’ actions, Gu Zehuai felt nothing but irony deep down, though he kept it hidden and responded obediently, “Alright, Dad. I’ll leave it to you. Also, can you keep this from Grandma and Mom? I’m afraid they’ll worry.”

Gu Yan agreed, “Alright. But I don’t know how long we can keep it from them. Just rest for now.” With that, he hung up.

That summer was destined to be restless.

Gu Yan employed every means, openly and behind the scenes, to suppress the Lu and Xu corporations. Other companies collaborating with the two groups began to notice the signs. Yet few dared discuss it, because, from another perspective, it was clear Gu Corporation could manage these projects far better—and bring them greater profits.

Gu Yan remained as calm as ever, and the Lu and Xu families maintained their composure in public. But only they knew the immense pressure they were under.

Mr. Xu vented his frustrations on Xu Xinying, blaming her for the failure of their scheme. Unable to bear it, Xu Xinying left for abroad even before the new school term began. Lu Qingli, unable to face Gu Zehuai, soon followed her out of the country. That departure lasted for many years.

———

Throughout, Gu Zehuai’s tone was casual, as if he no longer cared. Yet whenever Lu Qingli’s name came up, his emotions inevitably wavered.

Wen Jiu, feeling for him, hugged Gu Zehuai and gently patted his back in comfort.

Gu Zehuai took Wen Jiu’s hand, looked at her earnestly, and said, “Jiu Jiu, so many years have passed. I truly don’t care anymore. What matters is cherishing the present.”

Wen Jiu nodded. “That’s right, you still have me.” She finished with a kiss on his cheek.

Having heard the whole story, Wen Jiu finally understood. She had always found Xu Xinying inexplicably odd, but not knowing what had happened between her and Gu Zehuai, she hadn’t shown it. Now, it seemed there was no need to be friendly anymore.

Seeing it was getting late, Gu Zehuai decided to head home. After embracing Wen Jiu and kissing her for over ten minutes, he reluctantly let go.

Wen Jiu, breathless, gently pushed him away. “You should hurry back.” She was afraid things might get out of hand.

Gu Zehuai felt the same way. After saying goodbye to Wen Jiu, he finally left.

Wen Jiu patted her face, waiting for her breathing to calm before getting up to shower.

So this was what it meant to be in love.

Always wanting to be close, having one’s mood swayed by the other.

Days with such attachment seemed rather wonderful after all.