Chapter 9: Grown Up

The group continued their light conversation in the study. After a short while, Butler Wang informed Mother Qin that the ingredients for lunch had been prepared in the kitchen. Subsequently, the family of three excused themselves and left Young Master Gu with Old Madam Gu.

Gu YuChen who has since made himself comfortable on the sofa turned to his grandmother who had been eyeing him with interest. "Xiao Chen, what do you think of NingNing?" After a few moments of silence, "Su Ning, is a bit different." He answered honestly. "Oho, so she caught your interest." Old Madam Gu said with a shrewd smile. "Xiao Chen, Grandma is not like your Grandpa. Grandma will not force you to do a political marriage. Grandma knows that you have the ability to lead the company without such an arrangement. Only...Grandma only wants to make sure you have good people by your side." Old Madam Gu appeared misty eyed as she patted Gu YuChen's hands. She no longer wants to repeat that kind of history in the Gu Family. Her prodigal son has been completely seduced by a snakelike woman and has abandoned Gu YuChen. Right now Gu Co Ltd. can still maintain its position as the top company because of loyal supporters of hers and her late husband. However, she is already in her sixties, she intends to stay on as Chairman until Gu YuChen becomes of age but in life one must always remain vigilant in case the other party takes action against her grandson.

Gu Mansion's kitchen is extremely spacious, grand and elegant. The design of the kitchen feels modern but still incorporates Victorian style elements without incongruity eg: an oversized range cooker, butler's pantry, elaborate molding, and antique ladder. There was also a workspace in the middle of the room with a large fireclay kitchen sink.

Su Ning sat on one of the stools by the kitchen island as Mother Qin hummed a tune while busily cooking. She can feel the inspiration from Mother Qin who loves to cook in the Gu Mansion. As a foodie, Su Ning can appreciate a beautiful kitchen but doesn't have much interest in the art of cooking. 'As expected, I prefer eating over cooking.' In her past life, she didn't have the means to eat expensive meals and can only make simple dishes. Right now, she truly feels lucky. "NingNing, can you tell mom honestly? Why did you choose to decline Old Madam Gu's invitation to enroll at M Academy?" Mother Qin's soft voice came from the stove area. Before, the original Su Ning had complained to Mother Qin that she couldn't make friends in her current school and that she would like to transfer somewhere else. "Hmm. I did tell Grandma Gu the truth. I like my school now. I made a lot of friends recently and was also nominated to join a talent show." She further continued, "Also, you know I didn't pay much attention to my studies before so I still have to work hard to raise my grades. Now is really not the time to transfer." Su Ning got down from the kitchen stool and walked over to Mother Qin, "But most importantly, I don't want you and dad to be more indebted to the Gu Family. Now you two are employed by the Gu Family and are getting paid so there is equal exchange of value. But for me to attend M Academy for free is charity to them. And a relationship where one side is mostly giving and the other side is mostly receiving will eventually go sour quickly. I think it's okay to be grateful for someone's kindness but there should be a sense of measure. I feel you and dad will end up dedicating your life to the Gu Family, so you can repay what you think is equal value. But I don't like that. I want mom and dad to be able to stop working when you are older and retire happily. I want you to be able to live more frivolously."

Looking at her little daughter have such serious thoughts, Mother Qin cannot help but be tickled in her heart and tear up. "How can my little NingNing grow up so quickly?" Mother Qin said through sobs. "Sometimes I feel you've become a different person since you woke up at the hospital." she cried. Su Ning stiffened a bit when she heard these words but she managed to retort, "Don't people usually grow up after a life and death situation? Also schools teach economics in junior high now mom. Stop crying, ma." "Okay. Okay. Mom will listen to you. Mom is just so happy ah. Little NingNing is even thinking about my future. How can I not be happy?" 'Aish, even though she is not my biological mother, I am feeling a little sentimental now too.' thought Su Ning as she wiped a stray tear from her face. Having a nice family in this life is truly a blessing.

During this time Father Su, who managed to escape this mother and daughter heart-to-heart talk, left to chat with the Gu Mansion gardener. Father Su is very interested in gardening but as the Su Family lived in an apartment, he can only satisfy his curiosity by growing some indoor potted plants. However, this doesn't stop him from having long winded conversations about greenery with the mansion's caretaker.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the mother and daughter pair in the kitchen, their entire conversation was heard by a certain Young Master Gu who currently sports an even more conflicted look compared to an hour ago.