Chu Ci looked at his younger sister skeptically, "What’s in it for me?"
Chu Yan put on another adorable, coquettish display, "The advantage is that you get to meet Gu Anxi! She’s exceptionally pretty, but she already has a boyfriend. You know him, Bo Xichen."
As she said that, Chu Yan sighed, "Such a shame. It would’ve been great if she became my sister-in-law."
Chu Ci raised an eyebrow, "Bo Xichen?"
Chu Yan turned in his arms, nodding enthusiastically, "Yeah, yeah, the Bo Xichen you know. The richest, most handsome, and most educated..."
As she spoke, she was practically drooling, "Oh em gee, Anxi is super lucky. Brother, don’t feel sad, okay?"
Chu Ci smiled thoughtfully, "Even if there was no Bo Xichen, it wouldn’t be me."
Having said that, he continued with his video game. That counted as an agreement.
Chu Yan lightly shook his arm, "So, you’re really serious about getting into the entertainment industry? You’re supposed to inherit the position of Family Head."
Chu Ci glanced at her and smiled, "Not necessarily."
Chu Yan, having achieved her objective, didn’t say much more. She stretched lazily, "I’m going to bed now. Goodnight, brother! Don’t forget, dinner at Zhen Yuan Restaurant at eight on Saturday night." It was piping hot news she’d just received.
After she returned to her room, Chu Ci quit his game and sent a message, [Are you with Bo Xichen now?]
Only after a long time did a reply come, [Did Chu Yan say that?]
Chu Ci’s long, beautiful fingers rested on the phone for a while before he sent another message, [I will be there Saturday night.]
No further messages appeared after it was sent. Chu Ci muttered, "No feelings."
That was probably Gu Anxi’s greatest strength, the reason she had been chosen.
「Friday, at the Qin family residence.」
These days had been difficult for Wang Keru. Shen Wanqing was gradually stepping into the Qin family home. When Qin Han casually mentioned that Shen Wanqing would be moving in, Wang Keru knew it wasn’t a discussion, but an announcement.
Her status in the family was deteriorating day by day. Now, even at mealtimes, it was always ’Wanqing this, Wanqing that.’ Was it really necessary to dote on her so much just because she could draw?
Wang Keru was quite dejected. To make matters worse, Qin Siling kept mentioning Gu Anxi, which thoroughly disgusted Wang Keru. That Gu Anxi! She had clearly performed so well last time, yet she hadn’t bothered to come to their home and make an impression, just handing the opportunity over to that little wretch, Shen Wanqing!
Wang Keru let her long hair down that evening, exuding a charm unique to a woman in her forties—an elegance nurtured by years of comfortable living. Holding a glass of red wine, she watched through the transparent goblet as that little wretch Shen Wanqing reveled in her own smugness, and Wang Keru gritted her teeth in silent fury.
Perhaps feeling happy that night, Qin Han was particularly considerate towards his wife. He offered her a piece of fish, "Keru, you love this."
Wang Keru looked genuinely surprised. Although Qin Han treated her well when they were alone, he was usually more restrained on such occasions. As she took small bites of the fish, the feelings stirring within her were indeed different.
Qin Han was exceptionally tender that night. He held his wife’s hand under the table and smiled, "Wanqing is a very considerate child. Even for her birthday, she didn’t forget Anxi. They grew up together and were even born on the same day—it’s quite a fateful coincidence."
Wang Keru put down the piece of fish on her chopsticks. She looked at Qin Han, "Go on, I’m listening."
Qin Han maintained his elegant demeanor. "Wanqing’s idea is to invite Anxi to her birthday party. It’s like they’re celebrating their birthdays together."