As they kept talking, their journey seemed to shorten. Before long, they had reached the entrance of Capital University. Zhou Chenyue stuck out her tongue at He Zhilan, saying, "You don’t need to keep me company anymore. I only asked for your company because I get bored walking alone. It’s getting cold, hurry home! I’ll come find you when I have spare time next time."
The bus arrived just in time. Zhou Chenyue waved goodbye to He Zhilan and hopped on the bus, making faces at He Zhilan through the bus window as it pulled away.
Running into Zhou Chenyue was beyond He Zhilan’s expectations, and the news she had brought now left her heart hanging in suspense.
Upon returning to the library, He Zhilan felt rather distracted, not even noticing when Jiang Biyun called her name several times until Jiang Biyun finally dragged her over to a corner of the library.
"What’s up with you? You were only gone for a short while but you’ve been spacing out like you’re missing a brain ever since." Jiang Biyun pushed He Zhilan lightly, her gaze softening once she noticed He Zhilan finally respond.
"Tomorrow is Grandpa Gu En’s birthday. Everyone from the Gu and Lan families will be there to celebrate at Gu Mansion. Jiang Biyun, what do you think—could my parents also be there? If I were to go to Gu Mansion tomorrow, does it mean that I might see my parents again? Even if I don’t see them, I would at least have a chance to interact with the members of the Lan and Gu families, and personally ask the elders about my parents, wouldn’t I?"
Jiang Biyun’s eyes lit up, "Exactly! This could be your chance! He Zhilan, this is a great opportunity! If they come to know your situation, they will definitely help you find answers! And even if your parents aren’t there, what if your grandparents are? He Zhilan, if you were to see your grandparents, would you be able to recognize them?"
He Zhilan nodded and then shook her head. "I’m not sure! It’s been thirteen years, I just can’t be sure if I would recognize them: their faces have become blurred in my memory. But is there a chance that they would recognize me if they saw me?"
"Well, forget about that," Jiang Biyun chuckled. "Don’t hope for people to recognize you. Have you seen how much you’ve changed since you were a kid? Children change significantly as they grow up. You were a little chubby when you were young. You’re entirely different now. Best for you to recognize them instead of hoping to be recognized. If you can’t, just ask the elders who seem friendly and compassionate if they know about your parents."
Seeing He Zhilan’s expression, Jiang Biyun teasingly tapped He Zhilan’s forehead, "I’m not trying to laugh at you, but the Chen Xiting situation with Aunt Tan who has your childhood photos was rather funny."
He Zhilan pulled a resigned face, "It’s not my fault I was chubby as a child!"
"True, it’s your parents’ fault for treating their daughter like a piglet!" As Jiang Biyun tried to stifle her laughter, she became a little concerned. "But the Gu Mansion is not some common place you can just waltz into, especially not on formal occasions; they tend to have more strict rules."
"What if Lin Deng takes me in?" He Zhilan’s first thought was Lin Deng, who was on good terms with the Gu family. If Grandpa Gu En was celebrating his birthday, Lin Deng would certainly be in attendance.