Chapter 589: Chapter 589: Protecting You
Gu Yingzhi saw Gu Lingxue like this and didn’t push her further, just stood quietly by her side, waiting for her to make a choice.
After an unknown period of time, Gu Lingxue finally spoke slowly: "Dad, can I think about it a bit more?"
Perhaps because of her father’s distant attitude over the years, Gu Lingxue had long lost the trust and reliance that family affection should have.
Regarding this matter, she wanted to investigate it herself.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yingzhi didn’t issue an order as he used to but nodded and said to Gu Lingxue: "Do you know why I’ve been so harsh on you all these years?"
Gu Lingxue shook her head: "I don’t know..."
This has always been a mystery to her.
She didn’t understand, did she really do something wrong?
From the moment she was born. Perhaps her birth was a mistake!
After saying this, Gu Lingxue said with a haze: "Is it because my mother died from difficult labor giving birth to me, so you hate me?"
Gu Yingzhi chuckled: "No, of course not because of that. Your mother fought desperately to bring you into the world, trading her life for yours, how could I not treasure you? In my eyes, you are as precious as your mother."
"But... then why do you..." Gu Lingxue was somewhat confused. Since he didn’t dislike her, why did he torment her?
The hurts she suffered in childhood, Gu Lingxue would never forget.
Every time punished by her father, she hated herself for not being dead yet.
Why was she born into such a family, why did she have to endure all this?
Yet, she did not die, but rather lived until now.
The only thing sustaining her was probably the desire to learn about her own story.
"Someday when I’m no longer in this world, you’ll understand why I did it." Gu Yingzhi chuckled: "Anyway, by then you might thank me for being a harsh father."
Even if everyone thinks he doesn’t love this daughter, Gu Yingzhi never cared.
More often than not, Gu Yingzhi was very clear about what he wanted, what path to take.
And his daughter, since she’s a blood relation he cannot dodge, he has the duty to prepare the way for her future.
Gu Yingzhi’s few words made Gu Lingxue even more confused, past events surged into her mind, and her mind grew increasingly muddled.
"Alright then, you focus on your work, I need to get going, I have to see a client this afternoon." Gu Yingzhi said to Gu Lingxue, preparing to turn around and leave.
At this moment, Gu Lingxue reacted suddenly and held onto Gu Yingzhi: "Dad, how long are you staying in City A this time?"
Gu Yingzhi thought for a moment: "Not sure yet, I’ll decide when the matters are settled!"
Many things still lack clues, he temporarily does not want to leave City A.
Most importantly, he quite likes City A.
This place has many interesting people and things, he wants to explore them slowly, to experience this fascinating world.
Saying this, Gu Yingzhi glanced deeply at Gu Lingxue, as if hinting at something.
Gu Lingxue pursed her lips: "Then can I come see you in a few days?"
Gu Yingzhi readily nodded: "Of course you can, but by then don’t miscall me. My identity now is Gu Yingzhi, not Gu Chengyue."
Gu Lingxue agreed, saying to Gu Yingzhi: "I will remember. You’ve used this identity for quite a long time."
Gu Yingzhi smiled faintly, looking at Gu Lingxue: "Yes! This identity isn’t bad. Once the organization allows me to retire, I’ll open a law firm."
While saying this, for a rare moment, Gu Yingzhi showed a bright smile.
This kind of smile, Gu Lingxue had never seen before.
So, her father could have such a smile?
Bright like sunshine. Free from any impurity, devoid of past shadows.
Is this truly the father she knows?
For the first time witnessing this, Gu Lingxue was a bit surprised.
"What’s wrong?" Seeing Gu Lingxue’s surprise, Gu Yingzhi couldn’t help but ask: "What are you thinking?"
Gu Lingxue shook her head: "Nothing, just contemplating some things. I’ll walk you out!"
Gu Yingzhi agreed, looked at Gu Lingxue and said: "By the way, where’s Cheng Yulan? Why isn’t she here in the shop?"
He had noticed this since he entered, but running the cake shop with two women is a bit challenging, so it’s normal for Cheng Yulan to be out buying something.
However, such a long time has passed, why hasn’t she returned yet?
Gu Lingxue’s eyes dimmed, thought for a while and said: "Cheng Yulan is preparing to participate in the assassin competition recently. Today, she went for registration probably!"
"Registration?" Gu Yingzhi was slightly stunned, then said: "Well, with the top-ranked Gu Weiwei dead, the assassin rankings are bound to reshuffle. Genuine talents here are quite sparse."
Gu Lingxue nodded, "Cheng Yulan has always wanted to compete for the top spot, this time is a good opportunity."
"What about you? Do you want to join?" Gu Yingzhi asked her: "If you want, I can think of a way to help you, bypass the organization, and get you registered."
Facing Gu Yingzhi’s question, Gu Lingxue was somewhat tempted.
Gu Lingxue hesitated a moment but still looked at Gu Yingzhi and said: "No, no need. I prefer to live a normal life now."
Gu Yingzhi smiled faintly: "Really not interested in joining?"
Gu Lingxue nodded, "Yes. Not interested. But Cheng Yulan wants me to accompany her during her competition, is that okay, Dad?"
"Of course it’s okay." Gu Yingzhi looked at Gu Lingxue and said: "Let me know before you go, I’ll send some people to protect you."
Gu Lingxue knows that when he says protection, it means surveillance.
Even if she didn’t inform her father, he would know when she is gone, going with Cheng Yulan wouldn’t end well either, would it?
Might as well inform Gu Yingzhi in advance.
"Okay." Gu Lingxue smiled: "I will."
Seeing Gu Lingxue speak thus, Gu Yingzhi nodded, and left the cake shop.
After a while, Cheng Yulan returned.
Looking around she seemed to sense something, and said to Gu Lingxue: "Your old man was here?"
Gu Lingxue nodded: "How do you know?"
Cheng Yulan chuckled: "Your old man has a unique presence, felt it as soon as I entered. It’s weirdly eerie!"
Every time Gu Chengyue appears, the air around adds several shades of eeriness.
"Is it really that exaggerated?" Gu Lingxue also showed a smile: "I thought it wasn’t too bad."
