Chapter Fifteen: Attending the Hongmen Banquet
Contrary to Shen Jin’an’s expectations, Gu Li and Leng Yan got along splendidly. Leng Yan marveled that Gu Li, so young, understood linear equations with two variables—something he himself had never grasped—while Gu Li admired Leng Yan’s vast vocabulary. Not only did he know meanings of slang terms like “dove gate” and “awesome,” which Gu Li had never heard before, but he also patiently explained them clearly to little Gu Li.
The two shared a sense of having met too late in life. Leng Yan affectionately draped his arm over Gu Li’s small shoulder, and Gu Li imitated him, though due to his height, he could only enthusiastically wrap his arms around Leng Yan’s waist.
At that moment, the television nearby showed a scene of the Three Brothers’ oath in the Peach Garden. Both glanced simultaneously at their orange juice, almost toasting in unison and pledging brotherhood on the spot.
Shen Jin’an silently observed this surprisingly harmonious scene and asked the system, “System, aren’t Gu Li and Leng Yan supposed to be the future protagonist and antagonist? Is this normal?”
The usually prompt system hesitated momentarily before responding, “The backend hasn’t flagged any anomalies. It should be fine... I think.”
Despite the reassurance, the system itself felt uncertain. With all its experience, this was the first time encountering such a situation. It could only comfort itself with the thought that their current good rapport wouldn’t affect their eventual falling out.
A tempting aroma wafted from the kitchen. Chen Fu, wearing a floral apron, peeked out and said, “Jin’an, I’ve stewed some ribs. You and Li Li should stay for dinner tonight!”
Chen Fu was utterly fond of Gu Li, the diligent little one who loved tugging at her child to work on problems together.
At first, Chen Fu’s acquaintance with Shen Jin’an was somewhat utilitarian—seeking connections with a big shot from District One. But now, she genuinely liked both Shen Jin’an and Gu Li’s personalities and sincerely wished to become friends with Shen Jin’an.
Just then, Gu Yichao called.
This was, in fact, the first call Shen Jin’an had received from Gu Yichao since she had transmigrated into this story.
“Tonight is Gu Zhenshan’s birthday. We’re going to the old family estate.”
Gu Zhenshan?
Shen Jin’an paused, realizing this was the father Gu Yichao had blamed for causing his car accident.
Their relationship was so strained—why would he want to celebrate Gu Zhenshan’s birthday? That didn’t seem like Gu Yichao at all.
Moreover, with her years of novel-reading experience, she was certain tonight would be a trap. Compared to that, staying home and doing nothing sounded far more appealing.
She began feigning ignorance. “Um, can I come too?”
A barely audible, cold snort came through the phone. Though no words were spoken, the tone clearly conveyed, “What do you think?”
“I’d rather stay home with Li Li,” Shen Jin’an said, pinching her thigh to make her voice sound anxious and helpless. “You know I don’t go out much. I don’t mind being bullied, but it would be embarrassing for you if I caused trouble.”
Gu Yichao thought about Shen Jin’an’s recent brave acts—scolding unscrupulous teachers and confronting Gu Yijuan—and firmly said, “You wouldn’t.”
Rarely so trusted, Shen Jin’an silently thanked him for his faith in her.
She was about to continue protesting when Gu Yichao preempted her, “If you come this time, the matters there will no longer concern us... or you.”
Those words piqued Shen Jin’an’s interest. She sensed the faintest whiff of brewing trouble.
Though lazy, she loved a good spectacle.
Quickly grabbing a glutinous rice ball, Shen Jin’an bade Chen Fu farewell, “Something came up at home suddenly. I’ll come by to mooch a meal next time!”
Only a few steps away, she spotted the family’s Rolls-Royce with the door wide open. Gu Yichao sat inside.
She had expected he would first return home, but instead, he came straight to Chen Fu’s doorstep to pick her up.
Gu Yichao anticipated her thoughts and said coldly, “No need to change or dress up. Those people aren’t worth it.”
Shen Jin’an silently applauded him—truly a boss, exuding undeniable charisma.
Just as she was about to step into the car, she suddenly stopped. “Wait, I just remembered something.”
Fumbling through her phone to check her previous browsing history, she found it hard to locate the target amid her usual browsing spree.
She complained instinctively, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Now I don’t have time to prepare.”
The driver glanced back discreetly. Usually, only Gu Yichao complained about others, but this was the first time he heard someone complain about Gu Yichao.
Gu Yichao fell silent for a moment. “I forgot...”
He then looked at Shen Jin’an, who was about to make a call. “No need to prepare a gift.”
Shen Jin’an glanced at him and smiled, “Who said I’m preparing a gift?”
The next moment, she dialed a number she had found online. “Hello, is this the bodyguard company?”
---
As dusk deepened, the Gu family’s old estate blazed with lights.
Gu Zhenshan sat upright in the main seat, fingers tapping impatiently on the armrest of the rosewood chair, his expression genuinely vexed.
“Where is that unfilial son? This is outrageous! Does he even respect me as his father?”
“Don’t be angry, Dad. To me, it seems he hasn’t been punished enough to understand your authority.”
“Exactly. Does he think he can rule the Gu Corporation with one hand? He doesn’t even consider if you approve.”
Voices around the table volleyed insults at Gu Yichao while elevating Gu Zhenshan, finally easing the latter’s scowl.
He glanced at Gu Yijuan, who was playing on her phone nearby, and said irritably, “Playing all day long, you good-for-nothing! Go check if that unfilial son has arrived.”
Gu Yijuan subtly rolled her eyes but said nothing, reluctantly heading toward the door.
The others at the table chuckled quietly, reveling in her being scolded.
The grand table held no warmth of family.
Minutes later, Gu Yijuan rushed in, breathless, unable to speak coherently for a while.
“Dad! Dad, Gu Yichao—Gu Yichao is here.”
Gu Zhenshan shot her a disdainful glare. “If he’s here, why all the fuss?”
“No, he brought—”
Before Gu Yijuan finished, the dining room door was suddenly overshadowed by a large black figure.
Gu Yichao sat in a wheelchair, with Shen Jin’an holding Gu Li walking side by side beside him.
Behind them stood over a dozen bodyguards dressed in black suits and cold black sunglasses, radiating an imposing aura.
Gu Zhenshan exploded with rage, slamming his palm hard on the table, the thunderous sound echoing through the room. “Gu Yichao, what do you mean by this!”