Chapter 23: A Dramatic Conversation

Throughout the entire day, Gu Zehuai’s work efficiency plummeted—a phenomenon entirely new to him, and even his long-time assistant, Chen Yi, found it remarkable. The reason for Gu Zehuai’s absent-mindedness was not a lingering hangover, but rather his anxious speculation over whether he had embarrassed himself in front of Wen Jiu after drinking too much.

This was not Gu Zehuai’s first time getting drunk. In the past, when he went out with Lin Youqi and the others, he had sometimes overindulged. But on those occasions, his friends only teased him for becoming more talkative, never mentioning that he had done anything particularly shameful.

Determined to put the matter out of his mind, Gu Zehuai forced himself back into his usual, highly efficient work mode.

At half past two in the afternoon, Gu Zehuai received a call from his mother.

“Ah Huai, come home for dinner tonight. Your grandmother has been asking after you. Your brother and sister-in-law will be home as well.”

After agreeing, Gu Zehuai returned to his work.

——

At her office, Wen Jiu was sketching out evening gown designs, occasionally stepping out to check on her team’s progress.

The orders that Mirror Image Design Studio received were typically small in quantity but exceptionally demanding in terms of quality; every detail had to be perfect. Thus, even completing a single design sketch took considerable time.

But these were opportunities to build the company’s reputation—an important foundation for breaking into the fashion design market in the future.

Wen Jiu paid particular attention to the quality of the sketches, knowing that the success of each gown depended upon them. Fortunately, her design department colleagues were all meticulous in their work, earning the team an excellent reputation for their creations.

Soon, the end of the workday arrived. Instead of returning to her apartment, Wen Jiu made her way back to the Wen family home.

Wen Zhan was at work, and Lin Sheng usually spent her days at home. Despite having many neighborly aunties to chat with over afternoon tea, Wen Jiu knew that Lin Sheng was still lonely in the quiet moments when she was alone.

Seeing Wen Jiu return home, Lin Sheng was visibly delighted, bustling about to prepare a few extra dishes.

The three of them shared a warm and lively dinner together.

Meanwhile, Gu Zehuai was still sitting in the old family home’s living room, keeping his grandmother company over tea and conversation. The room was bustling. The eldest son, Gu Zeqian, and his wife, Zhong Yi—both doctors and typically too busy to come home together—were present as well. The last time the family had all gathered here had been for Grandmother’s birthday banquet.

Tonight, with everyone assembled, Grandmother was clearly overjoyed, her laughter filling the air.

Equally happy was little Gu Yulin, who was finally able to enjoy a rare evening with both his parents.

The boy sat obediently between Gu Zeqian and Zhong Yi, savoring the precious time as a family of three.

Before long, dinner was ready, and everyone made their way to the dining room.

There was no rule of silence during meals at the Gu house; the family chatted about amusing stories and interesting topics as they ate. Every so often, Grandmother’s hearty laughter would ring out.

Gu Zehuai was listening with relish when, all of a sudden, Grandmother called his name.

“Ah Huai, you really should get a move on. The one thing I worry about most is you, sigh.”

The moment he heard his grandmother sigh, Gu Zehuai had a sinking feeling. He knew this was the prelude to everyone else joining in.

Sure enough, his mother spoke next.

“Ah Huai, we know we shouldn’t keep urging you, but look at your brother—he’s only two years older than you, and Yuyu is already so big. How can I not worry about your future?”

Zhong Yi chimed in, “She’s right, Ah Huai. Mom makes a good point.”

As for Gu Yan and Gu Zeqian, though the two men refrained from voicing their opinions, their eager nods said it all.

Gu Zehuai could only resign himself to fate. At the end of every family dinner, this play would inevitably unfold. He had long since developed an immunity, responding only with polite agreement.

But his mother was not finished yet.

“Ah Huai, I know some friends whose daughters are exceptionally accomplished. Would you like me to introduce you to them?”

At this, Gu Zehuai realized his mother was serious—she was trying to set him up on blind dates.

Knowing there was no escape, he could only refuse politely.

“That’s all right, Mom. I have my own plans. You don’t need to worry about me.”

Just as his mother was about to press him for details, a quiet voice spoke up—Gu Yulin, who had been eating his dinner in silence.

“Uncle, is it Sister Jiu Jiu?”

Gu Zehuai, caught off-guard, quickly served Gu Yulin a helping of vegetables. “Children shouldn’t concern themselves with such things. Eat up and be good.”

Grandmother was delighted; it seemed there really was something going on.

She wondered whether she should lend her little grandson a hand—after all, he’d never manage on his own. But in the end, she decided not to interfere, letting him handle it himself.

Gu Zehuai’s mother was of the same mind. The two exchanged glances, understanding each other instantly.

Thus, Gu Zehuai narrowly escaped a blind date—at least for now—and breathed a sigh of relief.