Chapter 3: Another Encounter in the Elevator

After a while, the elderly woman looked up and was startled to see someone standing in front of her. Patting her chest to calm herself, she glared at the young man and scolded, “You brat, you show up without a word, and you walk so quietly—I nearly had another heart attack because of you!”

The man in front of her shook his head helplessly, “Grandma, I did call out to you, you just didn’t hear me.”

This man was none other than her grandson, Gu Zehuai.

“A young girl just saved me earlier, not only was she beautiful, but she was also so kind. I didn’t even get the chance to thank her properly before she left,” the old lady said regretfully.

Gu Zehuai sighed, “Grandma, you actually gave your bodyguards the slip when you went out. Thankfully, nothing happened this time.”

With a hint of childish stubbornness, she replied, “Oh, I just wanted to wander around on my own for once. I won’t do it again, I promise.”

Soon, the test results came back. After taking her medication, there was nothing serious to worry about. The old lady was adamant about not staying in the hospital, and Gu Zehuai, unable to persuade her, had no choice but to take her home.

In the car, she began to nag the man beside her, “Look at you! You’re already twenty-seven and haven’t even dated anyone. Look at your brother—his child is already so big!”

Clearly used to this speech, Gu Zehuai responded perfunctorily, but inwardly felt nothing at all.

Dating? What a hassle.

On the way home from the hospital, Wen Jiu received a call from her close friend.

A young woman’s voice, with a hint of petulance, came through, “Jiujiu, you came back to the country and didn’t even tell me, and you haven’t come to see me. I’m mad at you, humph!”

Wen Jiu replied with a laugh, “I just got back. I should’ve told you earlier, it’s my fault. Don’t be mad. Are you free now? Let’s go shopping!”

Her friend’s mood brightened instantly, forgetting her irritation, “Alright then, I’m not mad anymore. I happen to be off today. Where are you? I’ll come pick you up!”

Wen Jiu smiled, “I’m still out. Let’s just meet at our usual spot.”

After hanging up, she hailed a taxi to the mall.

Half an hour later, Wen Jiu met up with her best friend, Shen Mengxia.

Seeing each other, the two hugged excitedly before launching into conversation.

“Last time you came back, we didn’t really get to shop or chat. Today, let’s make up for it and have a good time!”

“I was busy with my thesis last time. But now we can see each other often!”

They had lunch first, then spent the afternoon shopping, buying heaps of things while sharing endless stories and laughter.

By the end, Wen Jiu felt her legs had turned to jelly.

She sighed to herself: My stamina really has dropped; I guess I’ll need more practice in the future.

On the way to drop Wen Jiu home, Shen Mengxia received an urgent call from work—an emergency meeting.

She grumbled about it as she drove, and their plan to hang out at Wen Jiu’s place had to be shelved.

When they reached Wen Jiu’s building, Shen Mengxia didn’t get out, but hurried off to her company.

Entering the elevator and just about to press the close button, Wen Jiu heard someone call out, “Sister, wait!”

She reacted in time to hold the elevator, and saw a little boy with his uncle approaching.

They entered, and Wen Jiu suddenly felt the elevator shrink, the atmosphere becoming somewhat stifling—the presence of the man beside her was simply overpowering.

The little boy, Gu Yulin, couldn’t stay still after getting in. He kept glancing at Wen Jiu and then at his uncle.

Finally, it was Gu Yulin who broke the awkward silence.

“Sister, what do you do for work? You’re so pretty, just like a celebrity!” He blurted out his thoughts.

Hearing this, Gu Zehuai also looked over at Wen Jiu.

Wen Jiu hadn’t had time to respond when she caught Gu Zehuai’s gaze from the corner of her eye. Their eyes met for a brief moment before both quickly looked away, pretending nothing had happened.

Wen Jiu felt her cheeks grow warm, silently berating herself for being so easily swayed by a handsome face!

Steadying herself, she crouched down to meet Gu Yulin’s eyes, “I’m a gown designer, not a celebrity.”

As she spoke, she gently pinched Gu Yulin’s soft little cheek—it felt nice and squishy.

Gu Yulin replied cheerfully, “Sister, my name is Gu Yulin. You can call me Yuyu—everyone in my family does.”

Wen Jiu smiled and nodded, “Alright then, little Yuyu, how old are you?”

“I’m five!”

After chatting with Gu Yulin for a bit, he tugged at his uncle’s hand.

“Uncle, you should introduce yourself to Sister too!”

Gu Zehuai silently praised the boy for his helpfulness.

Calmly extending his right hand, he said, “Hello, I’m Gu Zehuai.”

Wen Jiu reached out and shook his hand, “Hello, I’m Wen Jiu.”

As they exchanged greetings, the elevator arrived. Wen Jiu said goodbye to Gu Yulin and nodded to Gu Zehuai before leaving.

Inside the elevator, Gu Zehuai composed himself and took Gu Yulin’s hand as they stepped out.