The table was a symphony of mirth and camaraderie, resounding with laughter that danced among the empty plates. The evening's feast had turned into an impromptu battleground, where the alliance of the old lady and Georgia had rallied against a valiant opponent—Jack. Their good-natured scheming had coerced him into consuming a portion larger than his customary fare, a feat that earned chuckles and triumphant grins.
As the dinner drew to a close, the old lady and Georgia embarked on a leisurely stroll through the enchanting garden. The night air was infused with a gentle breeze, whispering secrets among the leaves as they conversed with ease. Yet, the serenity was short-lived, for the old lady's eyelids drooped, betraying the arrival of fatigue. A vigilant servant approached with graceful discretion, enlightening Georgia about the elderly lady's afternoon respite.
Understanding the situation, Georgia took charge, accompanying the old lady back to her bedroom. With tender reassurances, she encouraged the compliment to surrender to slumber, an act that illuminated her considerate nature. Afterward, Georgia emerged from the room, a sense of accomplishment warming her heart. The initial unease she had sensed seemed to have dissipated, a heartening transformation.
With the old lady comfortably nestled in her quarters, Georgia exhaled a relieved sigh as she softly shut the bedroom door. In her mind's eye, she had not envisioned this welcome reception. Her apprehensions about the grandmother's reception had given way to a newfound acceptance, a shift that left her grateful and at ease.
Descending the staircase with a sense of liberation, Georgia's footsteps carried her toward the balcony where Jack was engaged in a business call. She quickened her pace, eager to reunite with him, but her trajectory was abruptly altered by the creaking of an adjacent bedroom door. Her instincts led her gaze toward the source of the sound, where a wheelchair emerged, bearing a figure that ignited recognition.
Time seemed to still as Georgia's widened eyes met the enigmatic smile of the man in the wheelchair. An instantaneous connection was established, and a rush of familiarity flooded her senses. In a breathless moment, memory unfurled, and the realization struck her like a bolt of lightning—this was the very man who had gifted her the pen in the bustling mall.
Before she could summon her bewilderment into words, the man's voice rang out, melodiously articulating her name. Georgia's astonishment only deepened, her eyes fixed upon his radiant countenance. A surge of curiosity warred with her confusion, and she uttered a question that hung in the air, laden with intrigue. "How do you know my name?"
A playful smile danced upon his lips, and his response was steeped in delight. "I overheard the servants mention it. They referred to you as 'Madam,' and the realization struck me like a bolt from the blue."
"Sister-in-law?" Georgia voiced the term that had been relayed to her during the earlier conversation. Her mind raced, piecing together the puzzle before her. "Wait, are you Jack's younger brother?"
The nod that followed was accompanied by a winsome grin, as he confirmed his identity. "Indeed, I am Yu Gubei."
Georgia's bewilderment was tangible, her mind grappling with the revelation of this familial connection. She had never encountered any mention of Jack having a younger brother. Nonetheless, the visual parallels between them—a subtle echo in their features—lent credibility to the assertion. As the pieces fell into place, she extended a hand, sealing their introduction. "I'm Georgia."
The warmth of their handshake was akin to a shared secret, an unspoken camaraderie that transcended the brevity of their acquaintance. Curiously, Georgia found herself feeling at ease in his presence, as though she was reuniting with an old friend. Her initial reservations had dissolved, replaced by a sense of familiarity that defied logic.
Amid the ease of their conversation, Yu Gubei's bright laughter danced through the air, entwining seamlessly with Georgia's words. As the two delved into a seemingly endless dialogue, a connection flourished, bonding them in a rhythm of shared anecdotes and spontaneous laughter.
Yet, amidst the harmony they cultivated, an unspoken unease pervaded the atmosphere—a tension rooted in Yu Gubei's omission from the dinner table. He offered an explanation laced with bitterness, revealing his preference for solitude and an apprehension of his elder brother's sentiments. Georgia listened with empathy, her heart absorbing his vulnerability as she navigated the nuances of their dynamic.
Georgia's reassuring smile conveyed her genuine liking for Yu Gubei, assuaging his apprehensions. She reassured him of her favorable impression, acknowledging his kindness in the past—a gesture that had resonated deeply with her. The rapport between them was palpable, cementing a bond that felt both spontaneous and irrevocable.
As the conversation waned, Yu Gubei expressed his desire to bask in the sunlight. Georgia eagerly agreed, assuming the role of caretaker as she gently guided his wheelchair along the specially designed slope. The ease of their interaction was a testament to their newfound understanding, and their shared journey down the path felt seamless.
Unbeknownst to Georgia, Jack had observed their exchange from a distance, his expression a mixture of frostiness and contemplation. The sight of Georgia's animated interaction with his brother seemed to ignite a silent storm within him, casting a shadow over his countenance.
The journey concluded as they reached the lower level of the estate, and Yu Gubei expressed his gratitude for Georgia's assistance. With a warm smile, he bade her farewell, allowing her to continue her evening.
Georgia retraced her steps, her thoughts weaving through the enigma that was Yu Gubei. Her understanding of the Yu family had shifted once more, unveiling layers of complexity that intrigued her.
Soon, she found herself by Jack's side, the heaviness of his presence tangibly contrasting with the levity she had shared with his brother. Her concerns welled up within her, and she ventured to address his evident displeasure. "Are you done with work?"
A curt affirmative response reverberated through the air, and Georgia ventured further, seeking clarity amidst the growing tension. "Is something wrong? Did I do something to upset you?"
The frostiness in his gaze was undeniable as Jack answered with calculated detachment, "No."
In the silence that followed, their unspoken dissonance hung heavily, casting a shadow over their interaction. Their journey back to the hospital was cloaked in silence, punctuated only by the soft hum of the car's engine.
Upon their arrival, the disquieting atmosphere persisted, Jack's departure signaling a departure from the evening's camaraderie. Georgia was left alone to grapple with the unfolding dynamics, her mind abuzz with unanswered questions.
As she ascended the stairs, an unspoken yearning drove her steps. She wished for clarity, for a resolution to the enigma that was Yu Gubei's existence. And so, with a resolute heart, she followed Jack up to the second floor, ready to confront the shadows that had clouded their evening.