The crowd slowly reacted, guessing, "Is it because the high school exam results are coming out tonight? The country is worried that kids who can’t figure things out will possibly wander the streets, jump off buildings, lie on tracks, or crash cars. A curfew can calm everyone down, just sleep on it first, right?"
But it still felt a bit strange: "But we haven’t heard about this before. In previous years, there was no curfew when exam results were announced. When was this news released?"
Bao Gucheng: "Just now."
They looked down at their phones, sure enough, the news alert just popped up: "To protect the physical and mental health of young people, the President Residence has adopted the cabinet’s suggestion and decided to enforce a curfew for three consecutive days... Please return home early at night, citizens..."
"Damn, Mr. Bo really does have his ear to the ground."
"Thank you, Mr. Bo, for the heads-up!"
The crowd gratefully glanced at Bao Gucheng.
This group of big shots didn’t seem to have any intention of leaving; instead, they turned and eagerly surrounded Zuzi, extending enthusiastic invitations.
Incidentally, they said to Mr. Gu, "Mr. Gu, since there’s a curfew tonight and we can’t leave anyway, we’ll just trouble you and stay overnight. It’s a perfect chance to drink and chat with Miss Xi..."
Mr. Gu blew his beard, "... I don’t have enough blankets."
I did not intend to let you guys, who are here to fight over my granddaughter, stay overnight, humph.
Bao Gucheng’s lips twitched slightly; he hadn’t expected these old guys to be so shameless as to think of staying over.
Did they think he wouldn’t have a way?
"Since everyone plans to stay here, take your time chatting. I’ll escort Miss Xi home first to avoid any inconvenience with the curfew."
Bao Gucheng’s lips curved slightly, and he stood up.
Zuzi stood up as well, a smile playing on her lips.
The crowd gaped, "Wait, Miss Xi, if you leave, we won’t have much to talk about..."
Mr. Gu also looked reluctant, "Zuzi, your mother’s room is on the second floor; you can stay there."
Zuzi smiled gently, "Xiao Sha will be happy to know you’ve saved the room for her. It’d be better if she stays personally next time."
A hint of regret welled up in Mr. Gu’s eyes.
That day, he wondered if he could live to see it.
Everyone reluctantly escorted Zuzi to the door.
Before leaving, Mr. Gu handed Zuzi the jade button he had worn for many years, "This is a treasure passed down from the Ancestor of the Gu Family; take good care of it, Zuzi."
The three rooms’ family eyes were full of envy.
Yet, Zuzi hardly regarded the jade as a treasure; she casually tossed it into her pocket without the slightest intention of cherishing it.
Gu Pinting was fuming.
Something she couldn’t get, others treated as normal.
That hateful country girl, Zuzi!
Gu Shiyin calmed herself on the second floor, hearing the commotion outside, she opened the balcony door to look down.
She saw the crowd sending Zuzi off at the entrance like stars surrounding the moon.
Bao Gucheng, protecting Zuzi, got into the car with her and even personally acted as her driver.
Gu Shiyin’s just-calmed mind collapsed again.
She regretted her impulsive decision to leave the party earlier; otherwise, with her wit, she could have easily found someone to send Zuzi away. How could she give Zuzi the opportunity to be alone with Bao Gucheng?
She bit her lip, her eyes unwavering as she stared at the departing pair.
She saw Zuzi roll down the car window, shouting to the second room’s family, "Xiao Tao, remember to eat the candy I gave you."
"Xizhi, oh, Ancestor has no candy for you, but if you’re ever undecided about business, you can come to Ancestor for advice."
"And Xiao Yan, hey, Xiao Yan, you’re going to have a little trouble soon, you——"