Sheng Lanzhang’s intention, Gu Jiayin understood; he wanted to treat her as the future daughter-in-law of the Sheng Family.
To say she wasn’t moved would be a lie.
Ever since he personally came to Shuiyunjian to explain the past, she truly had no grudge against him.
However, she still hadn’t decided whether to marry Sheng Qianchi. To enjoy the honor meant for the future Young Madam Sheng made her feel a bit guilty.
Seeing her delayed response, Sheng Qianchi smiled and took her hand, "What, the ugly daughter-in-law is meeting the in-laws and lacking confidence?"
Gu Jiayin ignored the teasing tone in his words, "Isn’t Uncle Sheng unwell? Why is he returning to the old residence?"
Sheng Qianchi remained cheerful, "Ever since he knew you were alive, and later met you at Shuiyunjian, his mood has improved greatly along with his health. Today, he specifically asked to be brought back to the old residence, saying he wants to formally meet you as an elder."
Sheng Lanzhang’s seriousness made it difficult for Gu Jiayin to refuse, so she nodded in agreement, "Alright, should we prepare some gifts?"
Sheng Qianchi happily pulled her towards a car parked to the side, "Of course, it’s your first time meeting the elders from the groom’s family, naturally, gifts should be prepared. Come, let’s go shop now."
In the Sheng Family villa.
Gu Shaohua sat alone on the sofa in the living room, staring blankly at a priceless jade sculpture in front of her, when suddenly a servant rushed in, "Madam, sir is back."
It was as if she had suddenly woken from a dream, Gu Shaohua didn’t immediately realize, "Who... who is back?"
Ever since Gu Qiyun’s shipwreck, Sheng Lanzhang had been so ill he didn’t return to the Sheng Family’s old residence. For seven years, he never voluntarily came to see her, and when she visited him in the hospital, he remained aloof. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel-fire.ɴet
He always held a grudge against her for gathering the media to announce the severance of sisterly ties with Gu Qiyun, causing Gu Qiyun to be branded as a mistress.
The man she loved all her life refused to look at her directly, even past the age of fifty.
No word but "desolate" could describe it.
The servant excitedly repeated, "It’s sir, he returned from the hospital."
Gu Shaohua stood up excitedly, nervously brushing her hair and adjusting her clothes, fearing her image wasn’t presentable.
In public, proud as an Empress Dowager, Mrs. Sheng was always a timid woman before her husband, fearing each moment she wasn’t beautiful enough to attract his attention.
The servant looked at Gu Shaohua spinning in circles and couldn’t help but smile, "Madam looks very pretty today, her outfit is fitting, and her hair is impeccable."
Gu Shaohua awkwardly smiled, finally relieved, "Really?"
At that moment, Sheng Lanzhang entered, supported by the old butler, leaning on a cane, his gaze sweeping around before finally settling on Gu Shaohua’s face.
This couple had lived half their lives in separate dreams.
Today, for once, he looked at her directly, "Shaohua," he called her name, "It’s been a long time."
Indeed, it’s been a long time. In these seven years, encounters were rare.
Many times she went to the hospital to see him, and he avoided her.
Gu Shaohua excitedly moved forward to support Sheng Lanzhang, looking up at him, "Lanzhang, you’re finally willing to come home."
He had been angry with her for seven years.
Sheng Lanzhang nodded, heading towards the sofa, Gu Shaohua quickly helped him settle down.
The butler respectfully stood aside, and Gu Shaohua sat down opposite Sheng Lanzhang, looking at him with excitement and affection, "Lanzhang, will you live here from now on?"
"No," Sheng Lanzhang directly refused, "I still need to return to the hospital for recovery, but if Qianchi gets married, I might live here long-term."
Gu Shaohua’s smile froze.
She naturally knew Gu Jiayin moved back to Shuiyunjian, Sheng Lanzhang’s words meant he wanted Sheng Qianchi to marry Gu Jiayin?
Yet Sheng Lanzhang presented an attitude that wouldn’t allow Gu Shaohua to oppose him, "Jiayin and Qianchi are truly in love, I very much approve of them being together. Tonight is the formal meeting of the future daughter-in-law, shortly, you need to show the posture of the mother-in-law you should have."
Despite his issues with Gu Shaohua, he still remembered her as the birth mother of Sheng Qianchi and retained some sentiment.
After Gu Qiyun "died," he long remained in the hospital to avoid Gu Shaohua, yet he didn’t really make things difficult for her, even giving her all management rights at home.
Today, his early return to the old residence was to exert pressure, to make Gu Shaohua accept Gu Jiayin.
Learning that Gu Jiayin had moved back to Shuiyunjian, he couldn’t wait to call Sheng Qianchi to inquire, and upon understanding, upon finding out they were officially together, he gleefully asked Sheng Qianchi to bring Gu Jiayin to meet him at the old residence.
It was as if he was fulfilling an unfinished wish.
Back then, he had wholeheartedly wanted to bring Gu Qiyun into this home, but ultimately failed. Now bringing Gu Jiayin into the Sheng Family also seemed like a form of inner solace.
Yet, Gu Shaohua’s heart sprouted countless thorns; how could she accept Gu Jiayin? As long as Gu Jiayin lived, she felt pricked at every moment, lacking peace day and night. If Gu Jiayin married into the Sheng Family and lived under the same roof, wouldn’t she be tormented to death?
Past secrets, buried deeply in her heart like Qin Zhennan, fearful of the truth being revealed.
Seeing Gu Shaohua’s prolonged silence, Sheng Lanzhang’s expression darkened further, his gaze intently fixed on her, lips pressed into a line.
Gu Shaohua was provoked by his fierce gaze, straightened her posture immediately, her expression cooling,
"Lanzhang, I had originally arranged Yishu for Qianchi, and Qianchi himself was willing, yet you never showed such consideration. Now with Gu Jiayin, you’re going all out, how can I not overthink?"
She deliberately turned her head, eyeing him, "Seems like you’re still nostalgic for my sister. Don’t forget, it wasn’t me who climbed into your bed, it was you, lost in drink, who wronged me, making me pregnant with Qianchi. That’s how I entered the Sheng Family, you’re reminiscing about my sister, but are you taking your wife into consideration?"
Sheng Lanzhang sighed, "Shaohua, your sister is no longer around, do you still have to hold a grudge against her?"
Gu Shaohua spoke and tears welled up, "I disagree with Jiayin and Qianchi being together. If she enters the Sheng Family, wouldn’t I be slapping my own face?"
She posed with utmost grievance, "Having my husband stolen by my sister, should my son be stolen by my sister’s daughter?"
Sheng Lanzhang gripped his cane tightly, rubbing it a few times in his turmoil, unaware of Gu Shaohua calculating him back then, accusing him of assault, he felt morally wrong.
Ultimately, he softened his stance, "Shaohua, even if I wronged you, but do you know, Qiyun truly treated you well. She urged me to treat you kindly numerous times..."