Shen Wanqing’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked it with a smile. "She’s working this afternoon and evening, so it might not be convenient."
The main reason, however, was that her mother had previously worked as a maid for the Gu family and was now in a hotel kitchen. Shen Wanqing felt her mother wasn’t suited to appear at an event like tonight’s.
After she spoke, Qin Siyuan glanced at her but said nothing.
Shen Wanqing quickly changed the subject. "I’ve prepared two musical pieces for tonight. I’m sure you’ll love them, Uncle. Also, I’ve prepared a painting as a gift for the Old Master."
"Thoughtful of you," Qin Siyuan said, opening the car door for Shen Wanqing. Before starting the car, his gaze drifted elsewhere.
Shen Wanqing followed his gaze, and her expression dimmed slightly.
Gu Anxi was stopped by Wang Keru at the school entrance. Wang Keru, dressed like a wealthy socialite and wearing sunglasses, couldn’t hide her palpable anxiety.
Seeing Gu Anxi emerge from the school, Wang Keru rolled down her car window. "Get in."
Gu Anxi walked over and said calmly, "I’m going to the hospital. Grandma Chen is looking after Father."
Wang Keru’s voice was sharp. "Gu Anxi, you’re always so cold to me, yet you’re pleasant to outsiders!"
Gu Anxi was terse. "It has nothing to do with you."
With that, she turned and walked away.
Wang Keru was furious but couldn’t let Gu Anxi leave like that. Driving, she chased after her, her voice slightly urgent, "Gu Anxi, are you even listening to me? If Shen Wanqing enters that house tonight, there’ll be no place left for us!"
"I’ve already moved out," Gu Anxi stated, not breaking her stride.
Wang Keru grew even angrier. "Can’t you think about me for once? Who worked tirelessly to keep this family afloat? Who pays your father’s medical bills? Who provides for your food and drink..."
Gu Anxi stopped. The car also screeched to a halt. A chill washed over Gu Anxi. She turned her head to look at the incessantly nagging woman, finding it hard to believe this was her mother.
During her darkest days, it was family that had sustained her.
She had thought that when she returned, at least her mother would still be there.
But now, nothing was left.
Gu Anxi’s lips thinned as she said softly, "From now on, you don’t need to concern yourself with these matters."
With that, she hailed a taxi. Unrelenting, Wang Keru followed her to the hospital.
The moment Wang Keru stepped out of her car in front of the inpatient department building, she grabbed Gu Anxi’s hand. Her well-maintained face was nearly contorted. "Gu Anxi, can’t you be a little more understanding?"
Wang Keru looked quite disheveled and seemed to concede a little. "You can take care of your father, you can move out, but you absolutely must attend the family gathering... The maids are polishing the piano at home. Shen Wanqing is going to play tonight. Why don’t you play a couple of pieces for your uncle too? At least help me save some face."
Gu Anxi regarded her quietly. "You only need to convince Uncle Qin that you’re a good wife. Nothing else is necessary."
A look of disappointment crossed Wang Keru’s face. "Anxi, do you think being a good Mrs. Qin is enough? Qin Siyuan will eventually take over the Qin family. Do you think my life will be easy then?"
"Good or bad, that was your choice," Gu Anxi said, walking away without a backward glance.
Wang Keru wouldn’t give up so easily. She knew Gu Anxi had always listened to Grandma Chen since childhood, so she stubbornly followed her.
When Gu Anxi returned from speaking with the attending physician, Grandma Chen was looking at her.
She met Grandma Chen’s gaze, then silently sat down and began to peel an apple. "Don’t tell me you were persuaded."