He Meiwei seethed with frustration—at her own frail, uncooperative body, and at the decision she had made long ago, one that now left her helplessly watching the man she once loved whispering sweet nothings to another woman.
…
"I must say, I've truly broadened my horizons today," Long Yubei praised his young wife, admiration brimming in his voice. "Darling, you're simply remarkable."
Gu Lili lifted her chin ever so slightly. "Naturally. Others might possess what I lack, but what I do know—few could ever hope to match. You married me, and that's a bargain you'll never regret."
A smirk played at the corner of his lips. "Seems I have excellent taste."
"Honey, I'd like to discuss something with you."
"What is it?"
"I want to study computer science—technical stuff. It's not something my master ever taught me. Could you find someone to tutor me?"
Gu Lili had her own quiet plans—after all, one can never have too many skills.
"That's a splendid idea. I only ever worry when people lack the will to learn. I'll have Qingli find a top-tier expert to teach you tomorrow. Aside from that, anything else you wish to study?"
"Plenty—but let's take it one step at a time. I'll master this first."
He gazed into her luminous eyes, and in a moment of irresistible affection, stole a few kisses right then and there.
Gu Lili's heart melted like honey, though she still scolded lightly, "Sweetheart, we're in public. Can't you mind your image?"
"Image?" he scoffed, wrapping an arm around her slender waist. "Can you eat that?" Then came his imperious command: "Let's go home."
The next afternoon.
Sunlight streamed in through every window, bathing the entire Gu residence in golden warmth.
Gu's father had just finished his lunch when his newly wedded wife came over and quietly sat beside him. "Darling," she said, "Minlai has graduated from university. Today he told me he'd like to work at the company. Could you arrange a position for him?"
"Let him start from the ground up," he replied casually. "He needs to earn his stripes."
Madam Gu's face tightened in disapproval. She had waited patiently for years to finally marry him, and all for the sake of her child.
"Xichen started as a general manager. Why should Minlai begin at the bottom? You ought to treat your sons equally."
Gu's father looked at her calmly. "Let me remind you—Xichen began interning at the company before he even graduated. He worked his way up, and excelled. That's why he was promoted to general manager after college. If Minlai aspires to that same role, he must prove himself. Being my son doesn't entitle him to leap over merit."
Swallowing her displeasure for the sake of harmony, she changed the subject. "I heard Xichen broke up with his girlfriend. He's not young anymore. Shall I arrange some suitable matches for him?"
"I already called him. He'll be home soon. Ask his opinion before making any plans."
"Alright."
When Gu Xichen arrived home, his father asked, "Did you bring up the matter I asked you about?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because she'd never agree," Gu Xichen answered.
His father frowned. "You didn't even ask. How can you be so sure?"
"Dad," he explained, "Lili's temperament is just like my mother's. Though she isn't her biological daughter, my mother raised her. She knows exactly how my mother felt about you. Do you really think she'd be willing to become your goddaughter? There's not even a one percent chance. I won't insult her by asking."
Gu's father fell silent, but his voice was tinged with stubborn resolve. "She married Long Yubei without a strong family behind her. If she had the Gu family's name to lean on, she'd command far more respect. Your mother is gone—she's no longer here to cast her shadow over the living. No matter how impossible it seems, it's still worth a try."