Chapter 105: Meeting the Parents

The bath lasted a long time, and Wen Jiu once again deeply experienced the feeling of hoisting a stone only to drop it on her own foot.
It was not until late at night, after Wen Jiu begged for mercy with all her might, that Gu Zehuai finally let her go.
They climbed into bed and soon fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Wen Jiu was the first to awaken. She tried to turn over, only to realize she was firmly held in Gu Zehuai’s arms.
It took her a moment to accept the reality that she had been drunk the night before.
She lifted her gaze to the still-sleeping Gu Zehuai, and recalling the scene in the bathroom and her own initiative, Wen Jiu covered her face in embarrassment.
The memory shifted to her pleading with Gu Zehuai, who feigned deafness, and Wen Jiu grew mischievous. She decided to reach out and pinch Gu Zehuai’s nose, cutting off his air.
But before her hand touched his face, it was caught by a large, warm hand.
“Jiu Jiu, what are you up to?”
Startled by his sudden movement, Wen Jiu asked, “When did you wake up?”
“Right when you tried to turn over.”
Gu Zehuai was always a light sleeper. The moment Wen Jiu moved, he awoke, but kept his eyes closed to see what she would do.
When he guessed Wen Jiu was about to tease him, he finally moved.
Not allowing her to succeed, Gu Zehuai instead pinched Wen Jiu’s nose himself. “So Jiu Jiu wanted to suffocate me. I’m heartbroken.”
Her little trick foiled, Wen Jiu cleared her throat and replied righteously, “Who told you to treat me that way last night? I said so many times to stop, but you ignored me and kept going! Serves you right!”
Gu Zehuai feigned innocence. “Jiu Jiu, tell me, what did I do? Or, maybe help me recall?”
Fuming, Wen Jiu pushed him aside and got up to wash, refusing to pay him any more mind.
Upon getting up, Wen Jiu noticed the marks Gu Zehuai had left on her body, making her even less inclined to acknowledge him.
Seeing Wen Jiu’s pouty expression, Gu Zehuai scooped her back into his arms, holding her tightly and apologizing sincerely, “I was wrong, Jiu Jiu. I shouldn’t have ignored your words. Next time, I promise.” As he spoke, he even raised two fingers in an oath.
Wen Jiu knew better than to trust Gu Zehuai’s words; even his vows were half-hearted.
But Wen Jiu hadn’t truly been angry in the first place, and now, teased by Gu Zehuai, she couldn’t hold back her laughter.
Fearing Gu Zehuai might take advantage in the future, Wen Jiu quickly put on a stern face. Only after receiving Gu Zehuai’s earnest assurance did she go to wash up.

After breakfast, Wen Jiu noticed Gu Zehuai was still lounging about, showing no urgency to head to work.
“I’m taking the day off,” Gu Zehuai said, grinning widely.
Watching his silly demeanor, Wen Jiu felt helpless. He hadn’t been like this before—was he getting dumber by the day?
Truly, love lowers one’s intelligence.
And so the two spent the morning together.
While Wen Jiu sketched design drafts, Gu Zehuai attended to his work emails.
As lunchtime approached, Gu Zehuai suddenly asked, “Jiu Jiu, will you come with me to the family estate for dinner tonight?”
Though a bit nervous, Wen Jiu agreed. After all, meeting the family was inevitable, and she was mentally prepared. Besides, Gu Zehuai’s family was very kind.
“Then come shopping with me this afternoon. We can’t go empty-handed.”
Gu Zehuai was about to say it wasn’t necessary—he would handle it—but seeing Wen Jiu’s enthusiasm, he nodded.
In fact, since Gu Zehuai first mentioned bringing her to the family estate, Wen Jiu had begun preparing gifts for his family.
She had crafted a pair of earrings and a brooch from jade she’d won at an auction abroad, designed a gown for Gu’s mother that could be worn at formal occasions, and a cheongsam for Gu Zeqian’s wife, Zhong Yi, blending contemporary aesthetics with everyday wearability.
She’d also carefully selected gifts for Gu’s father, Gu Zeqian, and Gu Yulin.
That afternoon, Wen Jiu and Gu Zehuai went to the mall to buy boxes of health supplements and other common gifts.
When Gu Zehuai placed the new gift boxes in the trunk, he noticed several beautifully wrapped packages already inside.
He knew these were the presents Wen Jiu had prepared, and recalling how she’d recently claimed she wasn’t ready, yet now had so much prepared, he realized she’d been planning since then.
From these gifts, Gu Zehuai could see how seriously Wen Jiu took this, and how much she cared for him.
His heart warmed with the urge to embrace her immediately.
And indeed, Gu Zehuai did just that.
After stowing the gifts, he stepped forward and pulled Wen Jiu into his arms.
Wen Jiu laughed, “What’s gotten into you, suddenly so clingy?”
Gu Zehuai hugged her tightly, leaning on her shoulder, and said earnestly, “Jiu Jiu, thank you.”

Thank you for your thoughtfulness, thank you for treating me so well.
Wen Jiu laughed, burying herself into Gu Zehuai’s embrace. “There are so many people here—it’s a bit too mushy. Let go.”
Gu Zehuai obliged, though he simply switched tactics, gripping Wen Jiu’s hand tightly.
Except when driving, Gu Zehuai focused on the road, but at every stoplight, his hand wandered, insisting on holding Wen Jiu’s.
Wen Jiu knew Gu Zehuai was trying to ease her nerves, so she squeezed his right hand back and said with a soft laugh, “Ah Huai, I’m not nervous.”
Soon, they arrived at the Gu family estate, with Gu Zehuai leading Wen Jiu through the gate.
This was Wen Jiu’s second visit, and her feelings were entirely different from the first time.
At her initial visit, Wen Jiu had only just met Gu Zehuai, attending the matriarch’s birthday as an ordinary guest.
Now, just a few months later, she returned as Gu Zehuai’s girlfriend, coming to meet his family.
Wen Jiu took a deep breath. This was a simple meeting with elders—nothing to be nervous about. Besides, Gu Zehuai still held her hand firmly.
Gu Zehuai scratched Wen Jiu’s palm, signaling her to relax.
The servants were unloading the gifts from the trunk, while Gu Zehuai led Wen Jiu inside.
As they reached the courtyard entrance, they saw the matriarch and Gu’s mother, with Gu Yulin excitedly at their side.
“Auntie’s here!”
Hearing this form of address, Wen Jiu blushed slightly, acknowledged Gu Yulin, and stepped forward to greet the matriarch and Gu’s mother.
The matriarch and Gu’s mother took Wen Jiu’s hand and led her inside, leaving Gu Zehuai trailing alone.
The matriarch smiled warmly and ushered Wen Jiu into the living room for a chat.
Any trace of nervousness Wen Jiu felt vanished completely.