A tinge of annoyance arose in his eyes, but when he thought of last night’s events, he forcefully suppressed the rising irritation and once again spoke with a reluctant, cold tone, "Regardless, I still want to thank you for last night." After a pause, he added, "If there’s anything you want, just say it. If I have it, I can give it to you."
"I don’t need it," Gu Zhiqi replied lazily and indifferently.
Hearing this, Gu Chengan took a deep breath and continued, "I don’t like owing others."
"Oh, then take a knife and slit your own throat," Gu Zhiqi said, raising his eyelids slightly. His expression was frivolous and languid, his deep and vague eyes tinged with a playful air as his mocking gaze landed on Gu Chengan, "That way, you won’t owe me anymore."
"It’s just as well; I never intended to save you," Gu Zhiqi said as he lazily readjusted his gaze and continued to play with his phone.
Gu Yuluo and Gu Chengcheng both laughed softly at the same time.
Seeing this, Gu Chengan’s face immediately darkened. He glanced at Gu Yuluo but, because he was not familiar with her, said nothing. He could only turn his gaze to Gu Chengcheng, scowling, and spoke irritably, "What’s so funny? Keep counting your candy."
At this, Gu Chengcheng pouted and turned to look at Gu Yuluo, "Sister Luoluo, what comes after fifty?"
"Fifty-one," Gu Yuluo replied with a smile, bending her eyes and rubbing Gu Chengcheng’s little head as she spoke.
"Ao," Gu Chengcheng uttered softly, then continued to bury his head and count the candies earnestly.
He hoped to earn his big tank fair and square, as soon as possible.
Gu Yuluo propped her chin on her hands, her elbows on the table, watching Gu Chengcheng count.
"Fifty-one, fifty-two..."
"Uncle Yue, is there really no way?" When Gu Chengcheng counted to fifty-nine, Tang Yun’s voice came from the kitchen.
All the children in the living room looked up in unison towards the kitchen.
"I’m out of options, old man." Grandpa Yue let out a sigh, then shook his head, "You should prepare for his affairs sooner rather than later."
"But, he was fine last night, how could he today..." Tang Yun’s voice trailed off, filled with sorrow.
During the conversation, Tang Yun and Grandpa Yue had already appeared at the kitchen doorway. Seeing the few children sitting in the living room, Tang Yun paused for a moment.
Gu Chengan had the strongest reaction, jumping to his feet. With a mix of excitement and intensity, he stared at Grandpa Yue and asked, "Grandpa Yue, what you just said... prepare for whose affairs?"
Seeing Gu Chengan’s reaction, Grandpa Yue paused in his smoking, removed the pipe from his mouth, and looked at Tang Yun with a tone full of emotion and helplessness, "Xiao Tang, it’s better if you explain it to the kids."
After saying that, he let out a light sigh and walked away, shaking his head.
"Aunt Tang, is... is he going to die?" Gu Chengan asked, his gaze flickering with trepidation.
Seeing his reaction, Tang Yun’s face showed even greater distress. Guilt shadowed her eyes, and with reluctance, she responded, "Your father... I’m afraid he doesn’t have much longer. Go and see him."
Gu Chengan’s cane slipped out of his hand, hitting the ground with a sharp sound. His expression turned somewhat dazed as he spoke, "He... how could he?"
Seeing this, Tang Yun felt unbearable compassion but was equally helpless and could only let out a long sigh without another word.
"No... It’s not possible," Gu Chengan muttered. Without even bothering to pick up his cane, he staggered forward, leaning against the wall as he made his way to the back yard.
Fearing that he might fall, Tang Yun immediately stepped forward to support Gu Chengan, "I’ll help you there."
Gu Chengcheng didn’t understand what was happening, but seeing Tang Yun seemingly upset, he immediately trotted to follow.