Lin Shuhua also followed suit with a grim expression, "Zhengjin, we can't let her continue this way. Who knows what inappropriate things she might do in the future? Where would our Gu family's face end up then!"
"Yes, Dad, your business is already facing obstacles, and if it gets out that your daughter is paying men for their company, it will be even more detrimental to the company!"
At this last sentence, Gu Zhengjin finally made up his mind. He absolutely couldn't let this affect the company!
"So what do you suggest we do?"
The two women exchanged glances and smiled in understanding. Lin Shuhua said, "Gu Xiaoer is grown up now. It's time to find a family to take her in hand, so she won't go even more off the rails!"
"This..."
...
Gu Xiaoer was brought to the Gu family villa by the family driver overnight. To be precise, she was dragged there against her will.
After all, it was a place she would never willingly set foot in.
When she entered, she found Gu Zhengjin, Lin Shuhua, and Lin Kexin all sitting on the sofa, glaring at her.
Waiting up for her in the middle of the night, there must be a catch.
"Mr. Gu, let's be straightforward," Gu Xiaoer said coldly without even stepping through the door.
However, Gu Zhengjin uncharacteristically smiled and hurriedly invited her in, "Why are you standing out there in the cold? Aunt Li, quickly help Miss Xiao Er in."
This gentle tone, this concerned expression, was what she had yearned for many years.
But Gu Xiaoer was only momentarily confused before she snapped back to reality, realizing that the trap of familial affection was what she was most likely to fall into, and she had almost been fooled by Gu Zhengjin's rare display of fatherly love.
She intended to refuse, but with Aunt Li coming to help her, she reluctantly walked in.
"Come, sit by Daddy here."
Gu Zhengjin warmly gestured for Gu Xiaoer to sit beside him.
She remembered that Lin Shuhua had just bought this sofa for five hundred thousand, yet why didn't it feel comfortable at all?
She glanced at Lin Shuhua, who, contrary to her usual nitpicking, was unexpectedly displaying a smile as she pushed the fruit plate towards Gu Xiaoer.
"Xiao Er, have some fruit."
This... Good lord, could they stop trying to disgust her?
Thankfully, the only one who seemed normal was Lin Kexin, maintaining her usual superior demeanor, looking down on people.
That's how they should act.
"Mr. Gu, if you have something to say, just say it," Gu Xiaoer didn't touch the fruit Lin Shuhua pushed over, nor did she sit next to Gu Zhengjin. Instead, she noticeably shifted to one side, setting herself apart.
Gu Zhengjin, with an awkward smile and still in a good mood, said, "Your mother passed away early, and no one took care of your affairs as a daughter. I feel ashamed as a father. You're twenty-two this year; it is time to consider your lifelong matters."
Gu Xiaoer's scalp tensed, not quite understanding Gu Zhengjin's words. When had they ever cared about her marriage prospects?
Lin Shuhua chimed in, "Yes, Xiao Er, as your stepmother, I should arrange these matters for you. The son of President Wei of Weihua Real Estate is excellent. He's twenty-eight this year, a perfect match for you!"
"You want me to go on a blind date?" Gu Xiaoer blurted out, utterly astonished.
"Silly child, does the daughter of Gu Zhengjin need blind dates? Rest assured, your Uncle Wei has seen your photo, and he's very pleased with you!" Gu Zhengjin squinted his eyes, looking pleased with the situation, completely ignoring the change in Gu Xiaoer's expression.
"Yes, Xiao Er, Wei Hao's birthday is tomorrow, and it's the perfect opportunity for you to go. Our two families can finalize this marriage arrangement!" Lin Shuhua said, radiating happiness.
But Gu Xiaoer didn't miss the smug look in her and Lin Kexin's eyes.
"Why should I? I won't go! Mr. Gu, you may have given birth to me, but I am not your property. Do you think with our relationship at this point, I would let you manipulate me?"