Chapter 72: Matters of Matrimonyrsty

This afternoon, Liang Shu handed Jiang Jiucheng a bank card with a sum of five hundred thousand.

Also on this day, late at night, Gu Hansheng exchanged this card for cash, also amounting to five hundred thousand.

Two bodyguards stood by as Jiang Jiucheng picked up the cash from the ground before they left.

Jiang Jiucheng didn't understand the meaning behind these actions. After the bodyguards left, he reached out and picked up the blood-stained handkerchief from the ground. One corner of the exquisite handkerchief was embroidered with a silver thread, bearing a single word: "Sink."

...

Eleven o'clock at night.

Ji Chen called Gu Hansheng.

Gu Hansheng was in the study of the Yu Mountain Villa, smoking by the open window under the bright lights. Ji Chen said over the phone, "Sir, it's done."

"I've checked, it's the madam's account."

Smoke curled at the corners of the man's lips. "Who initiated the transfer?"

"It's not clear yet, it's not from the Yu City account, it's from Wencheng."

"Understood."

Ji Chen paused for two seconds, hesitated slightly, but continued, "There's also another matter..."

"Go on."

"A few days ago, you mentioned rechecking the madam's background. The results are identical to before, almost like nothing has changed. Some of the people we asked before, their responses remain unchanged after all this time, as if it's scripted..."

Gu Hansheng removed the cigarette from between his lips, taking Ji Chen's cue. "Like a script, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"I see. Put this matter on hold for now. I'll be heading to Wencheng on business next week. Arrange accordingly."

"Understood."

On Saturday night, Gu Hansheng stayed overnight at the Yu Mountain Villa.

At half past eleven in the late night, Liang Shu called Gu Hansheng.

"Mr. Gu, it's quite late. What are you still doing?"

The woman's voice was gentle and moist, much like after she had taken a bath.

At this moment, Gu Hansheng could even imagine her state. Her hair casually tied up into a bun, revealing a smooth forehead and rosy cheeks, her eyes as clear and lively as water, with a charming and beautiful expression.

And she must be curled up under the covers holding her phone.

His heart, hardened and cold for the past few days, softened instantly upon hearing her voice in this quiet night.

Even if he had a lot of grievances in his heart, at this moment, he couldn't express them.

Gu Hansheng held the phone, leaning back in his chair, unusually relaxed. "Why did you call me at this hour?"

"Of course, to ask when you'll be back."

How should he tell her he wouldn't be back tonight?

For the first time in his life, Mr. Gu felt conflicted during a phone call.

On the other end, Liang Shu asked, "Aren't you coming back tonight?"

His fingers, distinct and angular, pinched his brow. He replied calmly, "You go ahead and sleep. I'm still busy."

There was a two-second silence on the other end, then she replied lightly, "Alright then, take care of yourself and get some rest early."

He hung up the phone.

Gu Hansheng sat in the chair for five minutes, then got up, took his car keys and coat.

Downstairs, the maid from Yu Mountain Villa came out in time to see Gu Hansheng about to leave. She said hastily, "Mr. Gu, it's late at night, it's windy and snowy outside, driving isn't safe. Plus, the doctor said Miss Su's condition has been quite good recently. After you visited her last time, the doctor said Miss Su's fingers moved."

Seeing his hesitation, the maid added, "You're so eager for Miss Su to wake up. If you spend more time with her, maybe Miss Su will wake up in a year or so."

Gu Hansheng closed his eyes, then turned and went back upstairs.

That night, Liang Shu once again didn't wait for Gu Hansheng to return.

She had plans to go to Wencheng.

But she didn't know how to tell Gu Hansheng.

With heavy snowfall, many flights were grounded, and the news advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.

It wouldn't be appropriate to say she was going to Wencheng for leisure at this time.

Liang Shu felt troubled and worried, unsure of how to avoid Gu Hansheng's scrutiny.

That morning, after Liang Shu finished her call with Wen Mingting, she went to the flower room.

Wen Mingting mentioned their wedding again, but Liang Shu didn't know how to respond, so she passed the dilemma on to Gu Hansheng, saying, "Mom, I listen to Han Sheng for everything at home. You can discuss it with him."

On the other end, there was a smile, but Liang Shu couldn't make out what was said clearly.

After hanging up the phone, Wen Mingting handed the plain scarf lying on her lap to Liang Qing, who was bringing tea over, "Qing, come and take a look. This was sent to me by Ah Shu a while ago, she knitted it herself."

A few days ago, Liang Qing had returned to the countryside, so she hadn't seen the scarf that Ah Shu had sent to Wen Mingting until today.

Liang Qing placed the steaming tea in front of Wen Mingting, sat down beside her, and leaned in to take a closer look at the warm object in Wen Mingting's hand. She smiled knowingly, "It's evident that Ah Shu knitted it herself. The stitches are a bit rough, but it's rare for her to have such a thought. Madam, you must wear it well."

Wen Mingting smiled, "Of course."

With a sigh, Wen Mingting said, "I wonder how the two kids are doing lately. They never seem to find the time to come back for a visit."

Liang Qing comforted Wen Mingting, "I suppose Han Sheng has been too busy lately. I saw on the news that the Gu Group recently lost a project. He's probably troubled by it."

"I'm not worried about his company's affairs. Oh well, as long as they're doing well, there's no need for me to see them every day."

The room was warm, and the scarf knitted by Liang Shu for Wen Mingting was currently not needed.

Liang Qing took it away and stored it properly.

The rumors between the chairman of Zhen Group and the top celebrity Ruan Yunyun, from a few days ago until now, are still generating buzz. Neither party has responded, but Ruan Yunyun has taken advantage of this opportunity to gain exposure. During the second collaboration with the Gu Group, she has gained substantial success.

The parties involved are completely indifferent to it, but some outsiders inexplicably take it to heart.

It's not entirely inexplicable.

One morning, Wen Mingting and Liang Qing were enjoying tea in the living room. Feeling particularly relaxed, Wen Mingting decided to indulge herself, bringing out a bottle of fine wine that Jing Yu had given her last time. Before she could even open it, they were informed that the Tao family mother and daughter had arrived.

Wen Mingting had long forgotten about the Tao family.

But as soon as Liang Qing mentioned Tao Yayi's name, Wen Mingting remembered. She frowned in confusion, "Why would the Tao family come at this time?"

The servant respectfully explained, "They said they came to visit Madam."

Wen Mingting rose from the sofa, adjusted the shawl around her shoulders, and shook her head, "I see. Please, show them in."

The visitors were none other than Mrs. Tao and her daughter, Tao Yayi.

Tao Yayi greeted Wen Mingting as soon as she entered the room, "Aunt Wen, good morning, I'm Yayi."

Wen Mingting smiled, and as Liang Qing led her into the living room, Mrs. Tao followed suit, smiling and saying, "We had planned to invite you out for lunch earlier, but your steward declined, saying you were busy. Since the snow has finally stopped and we heard you were at home, and coincidentally Yayi has no classes today, we thought we'd drop by for a visit."

"I was indeed busy before. I went back to the countryside with Liang Qing for a few days."

Mrs. Tao exclaimed, "In this cold weather, the countryside must be even colder. After all, it's not as warm as home all the time. You should take care."

Wen Mingting was somewhat displeased by Mrs. Tao's remark, but she didn't show it on her face. She merely agreed, "You're right, which is why I rushed back."

After everyone was seated in the living room, Liang Qing served tea. Mrs. Tao thanked her, took the teacup, blew on it, took a sip, and then casually surveyed the surroundings, "It's the weekend today, and Han Sheng is so busy?"

Mrs. Tao addressed Gu Hansheng like that because Wen Mingting did. If Gu Hansheng were present, she wouldn't dare call him that.

Or rather, if Gu Hansheng were present, she would definitely address him as "Mr. Gu" respectfully.

The fact that the Tao family chose this day to visit the Gu mansion made their intentions clear.

Wen Mingting glanced at Tao Yayi, who was sitting quietly beside her, her delicate features displaying a shy yet hopeful expression, all of which didn't escape Wen Mingting's notice. She discreetly glanced around.

It wasn't too offensive, quite subtle and restrained.

Wen Mingting picked up her teacup and smiled, "He's so busy that I can't even get him to move. I had intended for him to come over today, but he brushed me off with 'no time'."

Hearing this, Tao Yayi's disappointment showed on her face, but Mrs. Tao seemed unaffected. She said, "The Gu Group is indispensable to him. It's normal to be busy, after all, tens of thousands of people depend on the Gu Group for their livelihoods. Besides, for a man, having a strong career focus is a good thing."

"Good thing? It's been almost ten or fifteen days since we last saw each other."

Wen Mingting's words carried a hint of reproach and complaint, yet her tone didn't betray these emotions at all.

She turned to Tao Yayi, "Yayi, how are your studies lately? Busy?"

In response, Tao Yayi smiled gently at Wen Mingting, "Aunt Wen, not busy at all. I didn't even see you on my birthday. Today, I just wanted to come with my mother to see you."

"That's very thoughtful of you in this cold weather," Wen Mingting said, turning to Liang Qing, who was standing nearby, "Go and fetch some snacks and fruits for Yayi."

Tao Yayi quickly waved her hand, declining, "Aunt Wen, you don't have to..."

"We don't usually have these things at home, and Han Sheng doesn't eat them either. But you young folks must like them." Wen Mingting said.

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Tao felt somewhat uneasy.

This subtle move had inadvertently distanced Tao Yayi from Gu Hansheng.

One was a mature businessman, the other still a child.

"Thank you, Aunt Wen."

Mrs. Tao seemed to remember something and leaned forward slightly, her elegant face betraying a hint of curiosity and caution, "You went back to the countryside before, and you don't usually like to watch any electronic devices. But the rumors about the chairman of Zhen Group on the Internet these past few days have been quite sensational."

The conversation turned serious.

Upon hearing this, Wen Mingting was momentarily taken aback. She then picked up a sweet orange that Liang Qing had just brought over, shaking her head. "You know well that I now delight in tending to flowers and plants, indulging in theatrical performances, and savoring fine wines. I pay little heed to matters circulating on the internet."

She tossed the orange peel into the nearby trash bin and asked, "What's happened to Han Sheng?"

Mrs. Tao smiled and shook her head. "Nothing serious, just some trivial gossip, as has been rumored before," she glanced at Wen Mingting's expression and continued, "It's about Han Sheng and that actress."

The emphasis on the word "actress" was palpable.

Wen Mingting furrowed her brow. "His scandals have been incessant. I hardly concern myself with them, nor can I control them. What's the issue with him and that... actress?"

Tao Yayi suddenly grew tense. Her hands, placed on her lap, clenched slightly, and she bit her lip, looking at Wen Mingting.

"The previous rumors were just speculations, but now, judging from the current situation, could it be that they are truly involved?" 

As one orange was peeled by Wen Mingting, she handed the peeled fruit to Tao Yayi. Tao Yayi accepted it graciously, then Wen Mingting continued, "It's unlikely. He called me not long ago and assured me that it was all unfounded."

This was true.

In the age of information technology, how could news be completely blocked?

In the vast Gu mansion, Wen Mingting might not know, but Liang Qing always knew. If Liang Qing didn't know, then someone in the Gu mansion would know.

In this way, there were no secrets.

Gu Hansheng and Liang Shu were currently in the honeymoon phase of their marriage. If such a scandal were to arise, the elders at home would surely be concerned. Regardless of whether it was from Liang Shu's perspective or from the perspective of a filial son, Gu Hansheng should call back and explain.

On that day, the chairman of Zhen Group, embroiled in scandal, communicated with his mother in this way. He didn't mention the rumors about himself on the internet, but asked Wen Mingting a question, "How do you think father has done regarding love and marital fidelity?"

Over the years, Gu Hansheng rarely mentioned his father, Gu Hong, in front of Wen Mingting.

She knew that Gu Hansheng feared she would be saddened by memories of the past.

But in reality, life had to go on. She felt she could let go. At least now, she didn't cry at the thought of that face, nor did she feel nostalgic and melancholic at the sight of objects related to Gu Hong, unable to eat or drink.

Wen Mingting felt that it was Gu Hansheng who couldn't let go.

By not mentioning his father, perhaps he was trying to protect her feelings, or perhaps the word "father" was also one of his taboos.

Why say "one of his taboos"?

Wen Mingting felt that Gu Hansheng's father was one of his taboos, and the vegetable person he raised at the Yu Mountain Villa was also one of his taboos.

At this moment, he suddenly brought up Gu Hong, catching Wen Mingting off guard, almost losing her composure.

The mother and son, who hadn't mentioned this person who had disappeared from this world for a long time, suddenly mentioned him today. Both fell silent.

Gu Hansheng waited quietly on the other end of the phone, giving Wen Mingting time to compose herself.

After a long while, Wen Mingting replied, her voice slightly choked, "Your father excelled in that aspect. To become his wife is my happiness."

Gu Hong loved only Wen Mingting throughout his life.

In her youth, when there was a crack in Wen Mingting's heart, when Gu Hong pursued her, light shone through that crack.

From then on, it warmed her years to come.

Regarding love and marriage, Gu Hong had been unique.

Upon hearing his mother's words, a faint smile tugged at the corner of Gu Hansheng's lips as he replied, "My father and I are cut from the same cloth. As a husband, you say he excelled, and as a father, I also say he excelled."

Wen Mingting sighed on her end, recalling some of the comments about Gu Hansheng and Ruan Yunyun circulating on the internet. She said, "I'm not questioning you. It's just that Liang Shu might inevitably overthink. In the past, it was forgivable, but if you're really involved with that... actress now..."

His voice soothing, he reassured her, "You needn't worry now. I have discretion in all matters."

"But these rumors have been going on for several days. Why do you let them bother you?"

Recalling someone's indifferent attitude, Gu Hansheng replied, "It only bothers you. As long as you don't see it, you won't be troubled. Gu Industries needs this wave of attention."

But Wen Mingting was still worried.

So Gu Hansheng continued, "Marriage, like water, holds both warmth and chill within one's heart. We need not be affected by external storms. In the future, if you come across such things again, just pretend you didn't see them."

"You..."

At this point, Wen Mingting had nothing more to say. Her son knew well how to manipulate people's emotions, leaving them speechless with every word.

At this moment, Wen Mingting only said that the rumors about Gu Hansheng and the actress were groundless.

Mrs. Tao frowned and continued, "Perhaps Han Sheng has been keeping it from you. Young people often don't confide their thoughts to their parents." She added, "Yayi showed me the photos. From the looks of it, I'm afraid it's true."

This referred to the scene of Gu Hansheng leaving the hotel with Liang Shu late at night.

Wen Mingting had seen the photo too.

Outsiders might easily mistake the woman in the photo for Ruan Yunyun.

But Wen Mingting wouldn't be misled by these people. If Gu Hansheng didn't have an extremely close relationship, he wouldn't treat a woman like this.

She feared that Gu Hansheng's indifference to the rumors would hurt Liang Shu's heart.

The Tao mother and daughter didn't know that Gu Hansheng was now married, and Wen Mingting didn't know what Gu Hansheng was planning, so she didn't reveal their marriage.

Wen Mingting had no intention of continuing this topic. So she smoothly agreed with Mrs. Tao's thoughts, saying, "In my opinion, this can't possibly be true." She looked at Mrs. Tao and added, "The Gu family has never valued social status, but for an actress to enter the Gu family's doors, it's impossible."

With these words, the Tao mother and daughter breathed a sigh of relief, especially Tao Yayi, who even had a faint smile on her lips.

Mrs. Tao intended to push Tao Yayi into the Gu family. Now her tone had relaxed considerably, "According to the Gu family's standards, your future daughter-in-law will have to be carefully selected. Take it slow. Han Sheng is currently focusing on his career, which is also good."

Why did Mrs. Tao say this?

Simply because Tao Yayi was still in university and needed some time.

Wen Mingting just smiled and didn't say anything.

Mrs. Tao continued, "I wanted to ask when Han Sheng might be available? It would be nice if our families could have a meal together. We would like Han Sheng to give some guidance to Yayi. She is studying finance, and in about half a year, she will be facing internships. Han Sheng is a leader in the business world. If he has time to spare, it would be beneficial to mentor Yayi."

Wen Mingting took a sip of tea, her expression unchanged. "I see him busy every day. It's not worth it to tire oneself out like this. Girls, while ambitious, need not force themselves to become career women."

Tao Yayi, sitting opposite Wen Mingting, smiled shyly and shook her head. "Aunt Wen, you're joking. I never thought of becoming a career woman."

Mrs. Tao echoed, "Our Yayi doesn't have such lofty ambitions. We only hope she finds a good husband in the future and can be a good wife."

Wen Mingting didn't respond to this.

She had already seen through Mrs. Tao's intentions.

Just as the conversation was about to come to a halt, a maid hurried in.

Liang Qing followed her out.

When Wen Mingting and the others looked towards the entrance, they saw Liang Qing smilingly leading in a young man in his twenties.

As Liang Qing took the coat off the young man, intending to pat the snowflakes off his hair, the young man recoiled as if startled and spoke somewhat irritably, "Aunt Qing, what are you doing? I just got my hair done this morning. Please don't mess it up. I'll hate you for it."

Liang Qing, the butler, wasn't phased by his threats. "There are snowflakes in your hair, and with the high indoor temperature, they'll turn into water on your head if you catch a chill later."

"I'm going to find Aunt Ting." The young man snorted twice and strode into the living room.

Seemingly surprised to find several people in the living room, they exchanged glances, looking somewhat bewildered.

When Wen Mingting saw him, her face lit up with a smile. She hurried over and took the young man's chilly fingers in her hand. "Ah Hang, you rascal, you've finally arrived. What have you been up to all this time?"

Jing Xing scratched the back of his head and chuckled, "Aunt, I've been studying."

"You? I don't think so. You're too mischievous to focus on your studies." Wen Mingting shook her head.

"Aunt! You don't believe me? Ask Big Brother. I really promised him to study hard!"

Wen Mingting pulled him to sit on the sofa, saying, "Your big brother is busy with work and doesn't have time to manage your affairs."

Once seated, Wen Mingting introduced him to Mrs. Tao, "This is Ah Hang."

Jing Xing was always sweet-tongued in front of his elders. He smiled at Mrs. Tao, "Hello, Auntie."

Wen Mingting then pointed to Tao Ya Yi and said, "This is Aunt Tao's daughter, Ya Yi. You two are about the same age and should be able to play together and have common topics."

As soon as she finished speaking, Jing Xing picked up a longan from the coffee table, threw it into his mouth, glanced at Tao Ya Yi, and clicked his tongue twice. "Maybe not. She and I definitely won't get along."

The two elders looked puzzled.

Tao Ya Yi smiled at Wen Mingting and said, "Aunt Wen, you don't know that Jing Xing and I are classmates in the same class, both studying finance."

Mrs. Tao was stunned, and Wen Mingting realized, smiling and shaking her head, "That's quite a coincidence. I didn't expect to meet here today."

"Yeah, it's fate for the younger generation to meet like this. They're about the same age and in the same class, so they must have common topics."

Tao Ya Yi lowered her head silently and said nothing.

Jing Xing, always accustomed to being favored, always arrogant, couldn't tolerate those who didn't match up with him. "We probably don't have common topics. Miss Tao is famous as the beauty of our department, unlike me, a worthless student who lacks ambition."

He simply couldn't stand Tao Ya Yi's demeanor.

Both Wen Mingting and Mrs. Tao were startled and somewhat embarrassed.

Jing Xing knew that Tao Ya Yi was interested in Gu Hansheng. Apart from anything else, which girl in their class wasn't interested in him?

A legend in the financial world of Yucheng, he was admired by every student in their finance department.