Chapter 73: Visiting

Tao Ya Yi, relying on her connection to the Tao family, considers herself slightly more fortunate than other girls, able to get a bit closer to Gu Han Sheng by chance.

But it's merely a matter of proximity.

Based on Jing Xing's understanding of his elder brother, Gu Han Sheng would absolutely not favor this type.

There might be a slight possibility with that female celebrity he was rumored with.

Maturity carries elegance, with good looks and a fine figure.

Although her background isn't impeccable, currently thriving in the entertainment industry qualifies as a respectable profession, nothing to be ashamed of.

With this in mind, Jing Xing jests, "Miss Tao rejects numerous high-quality suitors at school, one wonders whom she's waiting for."

This impish kid is exceptionally prickly today; even Wen Ming Ting finds it unbearable.

She tugs at his sleeve, reproaching, "Ah Xing, did you take the wrong medication today?"

Tao Ya Yi feels a bit embarrassed for a moment, glancing at Jing Xing, she says, "I'm not waiting for anyone, I simply haven't encountered the right person yet."

Wen Ming Ting consoles Tao Ya Yi, "Ya Yi, with such excellent qualities, a charming appearance, and an amiable personality, you'll surely encounter the right person sooner or later."

Jing Xing observes the atmosphere between the two and suddenly leans back into the sofa, his expression filled with melancholy, softly saying, "When will I find the one I love?"

He's been sitting for quite a while.

Ever since Jing Xing arrived, the atmosphere in the Gu family mansion has changed.

Tao's mother stands up to bid farewell to Wen Ming Ting, who pretends to chat casually, "Leaving so soon? It's almost noon; why not stay for lunch?"

"No, you still have guests here. Ya Yi and I won't disturb further. We'll make plans to have dinner together another day."

Wen Ming Ting nods, "Alright."

The servant holds their coats, umbrellas, and other belongings, Liang Qing escorts them to the door.

Jing Xing suddenly bounces up from the sofa, looking at Wen Ming Ting, "Aunt, could you please call big brother for me?"

"Why?"

He arches his eyebrow, "I need to ask him something."

Wen Ming Ting gives him a sideways glance, "He's busy."

"What could he be busy with at this time? It's Sunday, he doesn't even give himself a break!"

As they walk towards the dining room, Wen Ming Ting hears Jing Xing's words and stops, turning back, "Your brother has to support the family; naturally, he has to work."

However, Jing Xing doesn't grasp the underlying meaning in her words.

As the Gu family sets up for lunch, Jing Xing appreciates the skill of the chefs in the Gu mansion. Mid-meal, he casually pops a braised lion's head into his mouth and says, "Aunt, why don't you lend me this chef for a few days? The final exams are approaching, our classes are suspended, I'll have your family's chef cook for me every day!"

Worried he might choke, Liang Qing serves him a bowl of soup on the side, laughing, "Why borrow? The old lady has been looking for someone to talk to lately. You might as well stay here and keep Aunt Ting company."

Wen Ming Ting nods, "Ah Qing is right."

Jing Xing took a sip of the soup and shook his head, "I can't. My grandfather is seriously ill, and even on my break, I don't go back. They would call me unfilial."

"Such a good child," Wen Ming Ting nodded.

As the meal progressed, Jing Xing found it increasingly uninteresting.

After lunch, Jing Xing said to Wen Ming Ting, "Aunt, since it's not snowing today, how about we go to Zero Mansion?"

Wen Ming Ting was puzzled, "Why go to Zero Mansion?"

He wrapped his arm around the old lady's and winked at her, "To find big brother. He's busy during the day, but surely he won't miss dinner."

...

When Wen Ming Ting called Gu Han Sheng, it was almost half past two in the afternoon.

At that time, Gu Han Sheng was about to start a mid-month kickoff meeting.

Shi Qing had already prepared the relevant materials and set them aside, and just as Gu Han Sheng was flipping through them, Wen Ming Ting's call came in.

"Son, are you busy?"

With clear features and a rarely gentle voice, the man replied, "Even if I'm busy, I must answer your call."

Although he stayed overnight at the Yu Mountain Villa yesterday, he didn't idly pass the time or just stay with Su Yan. Instead, he was in the study dealing with matters even in the dead of night.

Next week, he was going on a business trip to Wencheng, so there were things he needed to handle in advance, making this week inevitably busy.

When his phone vibrated, Gu Han Sheng thought it was a call from Liang Shu, but he didn't expect it to be from the old lady.

Wen Ming Ting said, "Ah Xing is at the Gu mansion. Are you and Ah Shu coming over for dinner tonight?"

The man pondered for a moment, and just as Shi Qing came in with coffee, she placed it by his side. As she exited, she heard the man behind the large desk show a rare smile today and say to the phone, "We won't come over tonight. Let Ah Xing accompany you."

Just two short sentences, seemingly ordinary.

But Shi Qing always felt a shiver down her spine.

Little did she know, her boss was thinking that if he didn't go home last night and then hastily called Liang Shu to the Gu mansion tonight, that little trickster might get angry.

So he reluctantly complied with the old lady's suggestion and spent the evening with Mrs. Gu.

Wen Ming Ting didn't push further, but the next moment, she changed the subject, "Ah Xing suggested going to Zero Mansion. I'm afraid neither you nor Ah Shu have informed Liang Shu about your marriage. How does that look? Why don't I take Ah Xing along to see Liang Shu? You're busy with work all day; Liang Shu might be lonely by herself."

After listening, Gu Han Sheng furrowed his brows lightly.

He took a sip of the coffee with his other free hand, pondered for a moment, then replied with just two words, "Sounds good."

Initially, he was worried about startling Liang Shu.

And because of Jing Xing's sentiments towards Liang Shu... so Gu Han Sheng had reservations.

But looking at it from another perspective, letting the two meet might not be a bad thing.

It might also help Jing Xing let go sooner or later.

But this boy would probably resent him for a long time. The person he silently loved suddenly became his sister-in-law... it would weigh heavily on his heart.

Gu Han Sheng chuckled and instructed over the phone, "The roads are slippery in snowy weather, so tell the driver to be careful. Also..." He paused for a moment, then continued, "Keep an eye on Jing Xing for me. Don't indulge his temperament. Ah Shu has a gentle disposition; don't startle her. I might be tied up for a while here, but as soon as I'm free, I'll rush back as soon as possible."

Wen Ming Ting could easily discern his intentions and agreed one by one before ending the call.

On the way to Zero Mansion, Jing Xing's mood was high all the way.

Leaning on Wen Ming Ting's shoulder, he wasn't afraid that the elderly woman's shoulder would ache. "I've been missing big brother's place. His bed is large and soft, the terrace spacious with a good view... And the swing in the yard, and Ah Yun whom I haven't seen in ages... Oh, I really miss it."

Wen Ming Ting listened to him all the way, occasionally shaking her head and smiling. She couldn't help but wonder, how would Jing Xing react when he found out that Gu Han Sheng was married? And when he saw Liang Shu later, would he be surprised?

Wen Ming Ting happened to be wearing the scarf that Liang Shu had personally knitted for her this time.

When Jing Xing said he was tired, he shifted his attention to Wen Ming Ting.

Then, with a keen eye, he noticed that the scarf Wen Ming Ting was wearing today was somewhat unusual.

He leaned in closer and stared at Wen Ming Ting's scarf. "Aunt, this scarf of yours has quite the story."

Wen Ming Ting glanced at him but said nothing.

Jing Xing chuckled, "I've never seen you use something... well, not so good-looking. The stitches seem quite sloppy." He looked at Wen Ming Ting. "Aunt, who knitted this scarf for you? Aunt Qing's craftsmanship shouldn't be this poor."

"Go away, it's hard to buy something I like. I love it." Wen Ming Ting was not in the mood to chat with Jing Xing at the moment.

Jing Xing clicked his tongue twice, "Can't even talk about it."

Seeing that he finally quieted down, Wen Ming Ting said, "Your family, the Jings, are quite complicated. Look at how busy Jing Yu is. Ah Xing, you should also settle down a bit, share some burden for your brother. I won't say anything else; just cause less trouble at school, and your brother will be more at ease."

"I've been very well-behaved lately, Aunt, all thanks to my brother's good teachings!" Jing Xing leaned back against the chair, squinting his eyes. "Big brother said he'll find someone I like, and I've been keeping that in mind."

...

On that Sunday afternoon, Wen Ming Ting called Liang Shu when they were about ten minutes away from Zero Mansion.

The usually calm Liang Shu suddenly sounded a bit nervous.

She was surprised, "Then I'll call Han Sheng and ask him to come back earlier."

This completely caught Liang Shu off guard.

As a result, Liang Shu felt a rush of panic, and without thinking, she exerted force with her right hand, unexpectedly cutting off a blooming rose bush.

"I've already talked to Han Sheng. You don't need to worry. I'm just coming to see you. Since you and Han Sheng got married, I haven't been to Zero Mansion. I don't know if you need anything, so I thought I'd come over today and take a look. It's also a good opportunity for me to arrange some things for you."

Knowing that there was no room for maneuver in this matter, Liang Shu could only agree.

She lowered her head and said softly, "Mom, I'm just afraid you'll be bored with only me."

"How could that be."

Liang Shu's mood wasn't particularly high at the moment, and she replied, "Then be careful on the way."

...

Having already met Wen Ming Ting, Liang Shu didn't feel like she was facing an enemy.

But she was not accustomed to it.

In her life experience, no one had ever mentioned to her how to get along with a mother-in-law, and she had no examples to refer to. In this regard, she could be said to have no experience at all.

Last time at the Gu mansion, at least Gu Han Sheng was there, sandwiched between them, reducing a lot of pressure invisibly.

He should know about her awkwardness and lack of words.

Then why did he still agree to let Wen Ming Ting come alone to Zero Mansion?

Liang Shu couldn't understand.

She quickly went upstairs to her bedroom, entered the closet, and dialed Gu Han Sheng's number, putting the phone on speaker.

The dial tone rang for a long time, but he still didn't pick up.

Liang Shu rummaged through the closet, wanting to change into a more decent outfit. However, because Gu Han Sheng hadn't answered her call for a long time, she suddenly felt irritable.

She randomly grabbed a sweater and put it on, then the man's gentle voice with a slight electronic sound came into Liang Shu's ears. She didn't have time to tidy up her hair and grabbed the phone to her ear. "Gu Han Sheng, why are you treating me like this?"

The weather today was clear, and the reflection of the white snow illuminated the entire glass wall of the Gu's building.

An employee of the Gu's company happened to pass by and saw a rare scene:

A man over six feet tall, dressed in a business suit, with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a phone. A faint smile was drawn on his thin and sparse face.

The man who held the power of life and death in the Gu's company rarely showed such a smile in front of employees.

At the negotiation table, Gu Han Sheng smiled, and they knew it was just his facade.

At the meeting table, Gu Han Sheng smiled, and they knew it was just his hypocrisy.

He could effortlessly reduce the opponent's profit to the lowest during a conversation, and he could mercilessly point out every flaw of his subordinates.

But all of this was different from the Gu Han Sheng at this moment.

So when a female employee saw this scene, she couldn't help but stare, even after being pulled away by her colleague, her expression still intoxicated. She clasped her hands together, squinted her eyes, and murmured, "President Gu is simply too perfect."

Her colleague countered her, "You're wrong. There's no such thing as a perfect person in this world."

Last night, Liang Shu didn't say a word.

Gu Han Sheng's phone hadn't rung all day.

Now, she called, and without any pretense or flattery, only a straightforward and strong tone, just bare questions.

But Gu Han Sheng wasn't angry. Instead, he deliberately pretended to be clueless, "Madam Gu, why do you say that? How did I wrong you?"

"Did you know that Grandma is coming over?"

"Oh..." His response was casual, the tone slightly drawn out, making him seem particularly innocent.

Gu Hansheng frowned and replied, "Why is Grandma coming over at this time?"

The young woman was somewhat angry, her teeth biting hard into her lower lip. Two shallow tooth marks immediately appeared on her crimson lips as she said, "You're still pretending. You know it all. She got your approval. It's all your doing."

The man's long and slender fingers lightly pinched the bridge of his nose. He had just put down everything inside to come out and answer her call.

He hadn't expected to face her series of dissatisfaction and complaints.

He had no intention of arguing with her anymore. His tone became more serious, and he called her name earnestly, "A Shu, Grandma is my mother, and now she's your mother too. After we got married, I only took you to see her once. Today she wants to come and see you, which is both reasonable and appropriate. Think about it, what mischief could I possibly be up to?"

Gu Hansheng's words were not wrong.

Liang Shu had indeed been too emotional about this sudden situation.

As a daughter-in-law of the Gu family, not visiting the elderly regularly was already unfilial. Now that the old lady wanted to come and see them in person, it was even more justifiable. Gu Hansheng's words made Liang Shu feel that she had been too immature.

But she still felt a bit uncomfortable in her heart.

She remained silent for a long time, just holding the phone in the dressing room.

The man on the other end of the phone looked at his wristwatch and casually remembered the time when Wen Ming Ting called him. He raised his wrist and gently reminded Liang Shu, "A Shu, are you sure you want to waste time talking to me on the phone?"

"Oh!" Liang Shu glanced at the time. It was almost ten minutes. She quickly said to the phone, "You should come back earlier. I'll hang up."

The word "okay" stuck in Gu Hansheng's throat before he could say it, and the call abruptly ended.

Shaking his head, the man turned and returned to the meeting room.

Meanwhile, Liang Shu had just casually pulled her long hair a few times in front of the mirror and hurriedly walked downstairs.

She happened to meet the butler, Qu An, who was looking for her. Qu An said, "Madam, Grandma's car has just entered the Gu Mansion."

Liang Shu nodded and walked towards the door, saying to Qu An, "Prepare a cup of good tea."

"Yes, madam."

As she reached the door, the main entrance of the mansion opened. Liang Shu had just stepped out when she saw Wen Ming Ting walking towards her. "A Shu."

"Mom." Liang Shu let Wen Ming Ting hold her hand.

Wen Ming Ting looked at her thin clothes and said, "It's about to enter the house. It's cold outside. If you catch a cold, it won't be worth it."

Liang Shu glanced back a few times and led Wen Ming Ting into the house. "Mom, why isn't Aunt Qing here?"

"Your Aunt Qing went back to the countryside a few days ago. She just came back. I didn't want to bother her."

Wen Ming Ting held her hand and walked inside, saying, "I wasn't planning to come, but I couldn't resist certain people's persistence. Besides, Mom also wanted to come and see you. I hope we're not bothering you."

Liang Shu shook her head and pulled Wen Ming Ting to sit down. "No, I'm very happy that you're here," she said, taking the tea from Qu An's hands and carefully placing it in front of Wen Ming Ting. "Mom, please have some tea."

"Alright, alright," Wen Ming Ting hurriedly smiled.

However, she didn't drink immediately. Instead, she looked out the French windows and said, "I brought someone else with me. He went to get some wine just now, and I haven't told him yet that you're married to Gu Hansheng. I'm sure he'll be surprised when he sees you later. Don't pay attention to him."

Liang Shu didn't take Wen Ming Ting's words to heart. She shook her head lightly.

As they were talking, Jing Xing rushed in.

"Auntie, your memory is really bad. I went back to get the wine, and I almost slipped just now. You owe me—"

The tall and thin young man, wearing a short jacket and black cropped pants, with a pair of sports boots on his feet, suddenly appeared in the living room. There seemed to be a scent of snow and wind around him. His cool complaint still lingered in the warm air.

But in Jing Xing's eyes, there was a woman wearing a soft and loose deep blue sweater, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders. She wore no makeup, revealing a slender and porcelain-like neck, giving off a stunning and gentle demeanor.

At this moment, she reached out with her left hand to grab some fruit from the low table. A slender and fair arm, with ten slender fingers and a crystal-clear jade bracelet on her wrist, made her even more charming.

Jing Xing felt his heart rate go from almost stopping to beating like a drum.

Liang Shu's appearance caught him off guard, and he was completely unprepared.

So much so that even when Wen Ming Ting called him several times, Jing Xing didn't respond at all.

The tall young man, who was almost as tall as Gu Hansheng, seemed to be stunned, as if his soul had been sucked out. He was still holding a bottle of fine red wine in his arms, his gaze fixed straight on Liang Shu.

Liang Shu was also shocked.

But compared to Jing Xing, she remained much calmer.

After all, she had known for a long time that there was some relationship between Jing Xing and Gu Hansheng.

She just didn't expect their relationship to be so deep.

Seeing Jing Xing staring at Liang Shu, Wen Ming Ting said in annoyance, "This child, why is he so rude?" Then she turned to Liang Shu with a smile and joked, "Look at what I said. When he sees you, he can't even speak. He's completely clueless."

Qu An stood aside and looked at Jing Xing without any hesitation, but his eyebrows gradually furrowed.

This time, Wen Ming Ting raised her voice and called out to Jing Xing, "Ah Xing, why are you still standing there? Come over here quickly."

Jing Xing snapped out of his daze.

But he didn't expect that he was still holding the wine bottle in his hand. In that instant, Jing Xing took a step back, his fingers loosened, and the bottle of wine in his arms fell straight to the ground.

Wen Ming Ting and Liang Shu were both surprised. "Ah Xing, did you take the wrong medicine today?"

Jing Xing reacted quickly, but even he couldn't escape the pull of gravity.

The bottle of wine shattered on the ground in front of him, and the crisp sound of breaking glass filled the air, with the dark red liquid spilling all over.

Wen Ming Ting quickly got up, and Qu An hurriedly instructed the servants to clean up.

Qu An first wiped the wine splashed on Jing Xing's body with tissues. "Young Master Jing, are you injured anywhere?"

"Ah Xing, what's wrong with you? Your sister-in-law is not someone to be trifled with. You're so careless," Wen Ming Ting said, turning to Liang Shu with a worried expression. "Ah Shu, are you okay? Did any glass shards splash onto you?"

When the incident just happened, Liang Shu also stood up immediately. However, she didn't go forward; she just stood there watching.

She shook her head and smiled at Wen Ming Ting. "Mom, I'm fine."

Jing Xing had been staring straight at Liang Shu, so much so that he didn't even react to what had just happened.

Now.

Wen Ming Ting's mention of "sister-in-law" and Liang Shu's "mom" completely pulled Jing Xing back from that chaotic haze.

In Gu Hansheng's usual residence, seeing Liang Shu, who had a soft demeanor and no aggression, Jing Xing's heart was shaken as never before.

She was different from what he had seen before.

The first time at the Yucheng Public Office, Liang Shu was full of resentment, despair, and resignation.

The second time at the Imperial Club, Liang Shu was indifferent and heartless.

But now, at Zero Manor, Liang Shu was... like a phoenix returning to her nest, suitable for her family.

He wondered, why was Liang Shu here at his eldest brother's house?

He wondered, what was Liang Shu's identity?

He wondered, what was Liang Shu's relationship with his eldest brother?

Later, he didn't need to wonder or guess anymore.

Jing Xing avoided Wen Ming Ting's touch in silence and turned to leave— 

Liang Shu's gaze was calm, her expression indifferent, as she quietly watched his retreating figure.

Wen Ming Ting walked up and grabbed his arm, her tone becoming somewhat stern. "Ah Xing, what kind of temper are you throwing now? You insisted on coming here, and now you're leaving without a word. What does this mean?"

Jing Xing remained cold-faced, looking down at his shoes, listening to the sound of the broken glass being cleaned up behind him. He stubbornly pursed his lips.

"I'm leaving now."

Wen Ming Ting's face stiffened. "Don't throw a tantrum. Come over and meet your sister-in-law. You're being very rude."

The tall young man, being held by her, lowered his eyelids and replied, "I'm not a child anymore."

But he still didn't turn around. Even with Wen Ming Ting holding onto him, he didn't care and just left.

Wen Ming Ting turned back and looked at Liang Shu helplessly.

Liang Shu smiled indifferently and held out the oranges in her hand, speaking up, "Ah Xing, do you want some oranges?"