The Gu family was extremely wealthy in Country A.
The head of the family was the 78-year-old Gu Zhentao. He had been a womanizer all his life, married four wives, and had 15 children.
Gu Xiaozhan was his most accomplished son, the eldest son of the fourth wife.
Gu Yongjin was the pampered only son of the second wife. The second wife had only one son; the other three children were daughters. His business was in disarray, but he was an expert in leisurely ventures such as eating, drinking, and fooling around. He was the exact opposite of Gu Xiaozhan in every way.
Although Gu Xiaozhan was 14 years younger, Gu Yongjin feared him; his legs would go soft if they butted heads.
He backtracked immediately at the death glare Gu Xiaozhan shot his way. "You're right; it's sister-in-law! Do pardon my poor eyesight. So it's sister-in-law's first appearance at a Gu family gathering. Let me be the first to welcome you!"
Mu Anhan did not like the salacity in his undisguised gaze. She leaned closer to Gu Xiaozhan and only nodded in return. Neither of them responded to his enthusiasm.
Gu Xiaozhan was inwardly pleased that she relied on him. He kept a tight, domineering hold on her waist and went directly to see his parents.
The estate surrounding the Gu family's villa had a quiet, elegant atmosphere, but the grand decor in the house was nothing short of magnificent.
At the center of the gathering sat the head of the family, Gu Zhentao. By his sides were his fourth wife, Huo Yiwen, and her youngest son, Gu Xiaoxiao. It was customary in a wealthy family's hierarchy for the head to favor a mother due to her son's achievements.
Huo Yiwen had snagged the limelight thanks to her brilliant eldest son, Gu Xiaozhan.
"Hello, father, mother. Anhan and I are back." Gu Xiaozhan nudged her waist gently, signaling her to greet them as well.
Mu Anhan curtsied elegantly and greeted in a dignified manner, "Father, mother..."
Gu Zhentao and Huo Yiwen disapproved of Gu Xiaozhan's marriage with Mu Anhan back then. Although the Mu family was considered wealthy in Country A, they were far from the prestige the Gu family held.
However, Gu Xiaozhan had insisted on it, and since it was a shotgun marriage, no one could say much otherwise.
However, the aftermath of their marriage drew more ridicule and became an outrageous topic in the Gu family. Not only did Mu Anhan refuse to attend the gatherings, but Gu Xiaozhan also distanced himself.
"If your mother didn't say I was sick, would you still return?" Gu Zhentao felt that his son had changed from the moment he married. It was all Mu Anhan's fault that Gu Xiaozhan was not close to the Gu family.
When Gu Zhentao saw that he had brought this despicable woman along, he did not look well upon him.
Gu Xiaozhan responded coldly, "You don't look sick. In that case, we'll leave."
"F*ck you!" Gu Zhentao did not expect his son to be so arrogant after not seeing him for a long time. Furthermore, he was still so protective of this woman after four years!
"Zhentao, since Little Zhan and Little Han are back, why don't we have a family meal together?" Huo Yiwen quickly tried to smooth things over.
As she spoke, she gestured for her youngest son, Gu Xiaoxiao, to comfort Gu Zhentao.
"Daddy, I haven't seen big brother for a long time. Brother doesn't even know how tall I've grown. Can you please let brother stay and accompany me?" Gu Xiaoxiao was only ten years old, but he was sharp and quick-witted. He had learned to listen to mommy and coax daddy to get his way.
Huo Yiwen got up and went to hold Mu Anhan's hand. She said gently, "Little Han, come and chat with mom!"
Her mother-in-law had maneuvered so smoothly that Mu Anhan had no ground to reject her, so she nodded obediently. "Okay, mom."
Gu Xiaozhan furrowed his brows and looked at Huo Yiwen suspiciously, worried that Huo Yiwen would bully Mu Anhan.
"Hubby, don't worry. I can take care of myself!" Mu Anhan looked at him reassuringly and smiled sweetly.
Mu Anhan had an ulterior motive for agreeing; after her reincarnation, she wanted to repair her relationship with her in-laws.
Although she did not like Gu Zhentao because of his philandering nature, he was still Gu Xiaozhan's biological father.
Gu Xiaozhan reluctantly let Mu Anhan go, and Huo Yiwen pulled her to her room for a sit-down.
With no one around to witness their conversation, especially Gu Xiaozhan, Huo Yiwen released Mu Anhan's hand. The friendly facade evaporated, revealing a sharp, judgemental gaze.