"Okay."
When Gu Ruochu went upstairs, she saw Zhang Yuan sitting on the sofa with a haggard face. However, she still looked elegant and graceful.
Ning Tang sat by Zhang Yuan's side with an impassive expression.
"Here, drink some water."
Zhang Yuan glanced at Ning Tang and hesitated before taking the glass of water from his hand.
"Chairman Ning, Madam Ning," Gu Ruochu called out. Although she was polite, Gu Ruochu greeted her parents as if she was addressing a couple of strangers.
"Ruochu, you're here?" Ning Tang's resolute face became more gentle. He did not mind Gu Ruochu's restrained attitude towards them.
After all, his daughter had been lost for so many years. How could they possibly forge a close bond in such a short period of time?
Zhang Yuan got up from the sofa. Her gaze did not shift away from Gu Ruochu. Her eyes were full of gentleness as she sighed softly, "Ruochu, I thought that you could at least address us as uncle and aunt."
"Don't force the child!"
Ning Tang furrowed his brows, and his gaze fell on Gu Ruochu again. There was a hint of authority in his voice as he asked, "Why do I hear that Huo Nanchen hasn't been home for the past few days?"
"He's been working overtime."
Gu Ruochu herself did not believe her lie, let alone Ning Tang.
"Is he not good to you?"
Gu Ruochu was slightly stifled and did not know how to answer Ning Tang's question. After all, she had grown up without a father.
Zhou Yunxi had never shown the slightest interest in Gu Ruochu's love life. On the contrary, she had always hoped that Gu Ruochu's marriage to Huo Nanchen would fail.
"Ruochu, you're no longer a child in your teens. Marriage is a matter of life and death. If you can't hold on any longer, you don't have to. You're no longer the helpless orphan girl who was used to being bullied."
Gu Ruochu did not know why, but she was suddenly moved. Even though she was not sure who Ning Tang and Zhang Yuan's hearts would favor between her and Ning Tangxi, her father's words were enough to make her feel at ease.
"Thank you."
Ning Tang's expression became even more gentle. "If you need anything in the future, you shouldn't hesitate to approach us. We'll help you."
As Zhang Yuan listened to the conversation between her husband and her daughter, tears welled up in her eyes. She took out her handkerchief and wiped away the tears. "It's all my fault. If I had contacted you earlier and told you the truth about Gu Bo, you wouldn't have suffered so much when you married Huo Nanchen.
"There's no point in talking about it now. It's not as if I can explain everything clearly with just a few words."
Gu Ruochu's expression was calm as she listened attentively to Zhang Yuan
Suddenly, a high pitched voice came through the door. "Oh, so my sister is here. Father, mother, why didn't you tell me that my sister would be visiting you."
Gu Ruochu did not need to turn around to know that it was Ning Tangxi. Her expression did not change, but she furrowed her brows slightly.
"Tangxi, you're back?"
Just as Zhang Yuan's voice rang out, Gu Ruochu stood up. "Chairman Ning, Madam Ning, I'll be leaving now."
Gu Ruochu's heart was full of disgust towards Ning Tangxi. They could never get along. Gu Ruochu felt uncomfortable every time she was around her.
"All right. Ruochu, you can go back first."
When Ning Tang spoke, Zhang Yuan tugged at his sleeve. However, there was nothing she could do to change his mind.
Gu Ruochu started walking towards the door, but Ning Tangxi blocked her way. Her gaze was full of arrogance and disdain, and her hostility was obvious.
Gu Ruochu stood still and looked at her. "Miss Ning, what do you mean by blocking my way? Didn't you say that you're kind-hearted? All is see is a selfish little brat!"
When Ning Tangxi heard Gu Ruochu's sarcastic tone, her face turned red. She used her shoulder to brush past Gu Ruochu and walked away arrogantly.