Chapter 142: Fear of What’s to Come
Meanwhile, the morning was a blissful one for Gu Liang as she woke up, got dressed, and decided to open the gifts she had received.
The gift that caught her attention the most was the one from Li Yanyan. Gu Liang opened it with anticipation, revealing a beautiful ruby-red necklace with a vintage charm. Despite being accustomed to luxurious items, Gu Liang could tell that the necklace held significant value. She couldn’t help but take a picture of it and share the moment on her Facebook account with the caption, ’My engagement gift.’
As her comment section flooded with congratulatory messages, Gu Liang noticed a fascinating detail – her engagement ring looked identical to the necklace, creating a harmonious set. Intrigued by the coincidence, she decided to wear the necklace for the day. Descending the stairs, she found Gu Hua, Master Gu, and Madame Gu engaged in conversation.
Gu Liang greeted them, saying, "Good morning, everyone."
Gu Hua teased, "You are glowing, sister. Can’t wait to see what you look like when you get married."
Gu Liang chuckled, "Thank you, brother."
Master Gu, with a twinkle in his eye, announced, "Sit down, princess. I have good news for you."
Anticipating eagerly, Gu Liang took her seat, still wearing a smile.
Master Gu continued, "The Shan couple has requested that you go and live with them in Beijing."
Madame Gu, surprised, exclaimed, "What?" loudly.
Master Gu explained, "They believe it would be better for her to get used to the environment, and I agree. What do you think, Liang?"
Gu Liang responded, "I would love that, Dad."
Madame Gu objected, "No, my daughter is not going to Beijing. They are not even married yet."
Gu Hua reasoned, "Mom, they will get married eventually. They love each other. What is wrong with living together?"
Madame Gu, slightly annoyed, retorted, "What do you know? You are young."
Master Gu intervened, "The boy is right, honey. These two love each other. Of course, they have to spend time together, and with Gu Liang there, it will be easy for our family to move there. She will make acquaintances, and that will also help us establish a solid relationship with the Shans. Our family is headed for the top, honey. You will see."
Gu Hua confronted Madame Gu, saying, "Mom, why does it sound like you are not happy for Liang?"
Madame Gu defensively responded, "What do you mean? She is my daughter, of course I am happy for her. I am just worried."
Gu Liang, not willing to let her mother’s behavior slide, spoke up, "Mom, you have been trying to separate me from Shan Zitong ever since, and now this. What is wrong with you? Let me be with a man I like. He can also bring good benefits for us, so it’s a win-win situation."
Master Gu, surprised by the revelation, questioned, "Is it true? Did you try to separate Liang and Shan Zitong?"
Madame Gu, cornered, responded, "I think they are moving too fast."
Master Gu, not accepting the vague answer, stated, "As long as she is happy with it, what bothers you?"
Madame Gu, realizing she couldn’t argue too much, especially in front of the children, reluctantly conceded, "Fine, don’t come back crying to me."
Gu Liang retorted, "I won’t be crying anytime soon. You know why? Because I will be happy. Shan Zitong and I will grow old together."
Master Gu, wanting to ease the tension, announced, "Well, it seems like we have reached an agreement. The Shans will be leaving for Beijing in a week, so you can leave with them."
Gu Liang smiled and said, "Thanks, Dad. I promise I won’t forget my own family once there."
Gu Hua added, "I will visit Beijing often now, knowing my sister is there."
Madame Gu sat quietly on the side, unsure of what to say or do. She couldn’t shake the feeling that this marriage was more than it seemed, and seeing Li Yanyan the night before had heightened her suspicions. Madame Gu couldn’t shake the feeling that Li Yanyan was the one plotting everything, but she had no evidence.
Madame Gu then remembered that she had to book lunch with the Shans and Li Yanyan, prompting her to seek some fresh air in the garden. Although Master Gu remained oblivious to her inner turmoil, he casually mentioned that breakfast would be ready soon.
Nodding in acknowledgment, Madame Gu left for the garden, taking her phone along to arrange the lunch meeting. Seated on a bench, she dialed a local restaurant for the booking. Once completed, she messaged Master Shan the details. He responded promptly, asking if Li Yanyan had been informed.
Madame Gu, feeling a bit uneasy, replied, "Can you do it for me?"
Master Shan insisted, "Of course not. She asked you to personally call her. Don’t get me involved."
Madame Gu clicked her tongue in frustration and dialed Li Yanyan’s number. After a minute of ringing, Li Yanyan answered, seemingly unsurprised. "Rumeng, I didn’t think you would call."
Through clenched teeth, Madame Gu informed her, "I have made a booking for tomorrow afternoon, ma’am."
Li Yanyan chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Madame Gu’s spine. "Not even a good morning, ma’am? How was your night, ma’am?"
Apologizing, Madame Gu inquired, "My apologies, ma’am. How was your night?"
Li Yanyan laughed more and provocatively remarked, "You don’t have to ask if you don’t want to. I’m sure you wish I had dropped dead last night."
Madame Gu vehemently denied it, but Li Yanyan, adopting a more serious tone, said, "Cut the crap, Rumeng. I know you wish I was dead so all your secrets could be buried with me."
Without responding, Madame Gu listened as Li Yanyan continued, "Anyways, send me the details of the lunch. See you tomorrow, Rumeng. We have so much to catch up on."
Li Yanyan hung up, leaving Madame Gu to release a breath she had been holding throughout the call. She quickly texted Li Yanyan the lunch details before wiping her phone clean and returning to the villa. As she prepared to join her family for breakfast, a sense of helplessness washed over her, realizing that whatever form Li Yanyan’s attack took, she wouldn’t be able to adequately defend her family. The impending storm cast a shadow over Madame Gu’s heart, and she braced herself for the challenges ahead.
