This was a family matter, and Ye Qiu didn't want to get involved. Just as he was about to head back to his small room at the front, Tang Buyi called out, "Hey, Ye Qiu, why are you leaving? Come inside and have a seat, there's no one else here today."
Tang Buyi still didn't know that his precious daughter had relegated Ye Qiu to the security room at the front of the house. He thought Ye Qiu was going out to avoid the situation.
Since Tang Buyi had invited him, Ye Qiu didn't insist on leaving and followed Tang Guo and Lin Bao'er inside.
The beautiful woman, upon seeing Tang Guo, slowly spread a warm smile that made her look both gracious and pleasing to the eye. This woman, though not very old, possessed a mature woman's charm similar to Shen Momo's. Though her appearance and demeanor were not as exquisite or elegant, she was still quite attractive.
With a smile, the woman stepped forward and took Tang Guo's hand. Turning to Tang Buyi, she said, "Buyi, is this the Guo Guo you've been talking about all the time? No wonder you love her so much; she's truly beautiful."
Hearing the woman praise his daughter, Tang Buyi beamed. "Guo Guo, call her Auntie."
"Auntie," Tang Guo said sweetly, smiling at the woman.
What others didn't know was that in the brief moment Tang Guo saw the woman in the Blue Apartment, her thoughts had already turned several times.
Tang Guo, intelligent and perceptive, had read extensively in psychology from a young age, including human psychology, animal psychology, physiological psychology, and social psychology. Her ability to predict human behavior was part of why she could compete with seasoned veterans in the business world despite her young age.
She understood her father well. He had never mentioned other women in front of her, let alone brought one home. If he had done so now, it meant this woman had breached his psychological defenses and gained his formal recognition as the mistress of the Tang family, hoping for her acceptance as well.
Feeling that her father, who had been her only companion for so many years, was now being invaded by another woman left Tang Guo somewhat desolate. It was akin to the feeling of having her favorite toy taken away when she was six.
But then she thought, her father had already done so much for her, and now that she was grown up, why couldn't he seek his own happiness? Hadn't she herself advised him to find a wife? Was she being hypocritical now?
Yes, while she felt happiness from her father's love, he deserved to have a woman who could make him happy too.
So, ultimately, Tang Guo decided to accept this woman she was meeting for the first time, despite her complex feelings.
"Hehe, Guo Guo is so well-behaved. Your father loves you so much and talks about you all the time. I've always wanted to meet you. You're indeed as lovely and adorable as he described," the woman said, pulling Tang Guo to the sofa and pointing to a pile of gifts stacked like a small mountain. "These are for you—some clothes and cosmetics. Your father, being a big rough guy, doesn't know much about your preferences. I bought medium sizes, hoping they fit. These gifts are for Momo and Bao'er. Momo, Bao'er, thank you for taking care of Guo Guo. I hope you like these gifts."
The woman, acting quite familiar, distributed gifts to everyone, including a tie for Ye Qiu. Her words were endearing, and she quickly became friendly with Tang Guo, Lin Bao'er, and Shen Momo.
Tang Buyi, sitting in a corner of the living room, watched with relief as his beloved woman got along well with Tang Guo, lifting a weight off his shoulders.
Before making this move, he had been troubled for days, worried that the sudden introduction of another woman would hurt Guo Guo and damage their father-daughter relationship, something he didn't want to see.
Avoiding the situation wasn't a solution, and as their relationship deepened, marriage discussions would inevitably arise. How could he hide it then?
After much deliberation and even consulting Wang Bo, he decided to bring her over to meet Guo Guo. If Guo Guo accepted her, that would be ideal. If not, he would have to give up on marrying this woman.
Guo Guo was his life; he wouldn't let anyone, including himself, hurt her.
"Ye Qiu, want a cigarette?" Tang Buyi offered Ye Qiu a cigarette from his pocket, but Ye Qiu declined. Smoking, like drinking, was about the mood, and he wasn't in the mood for a cigarette now.
"A man should learn to smoke," Tang Buyi said with a smile, lighting one for himself. "How was the registration today? Any issues?"
"No issues," Ye Qiu replied. After a moment, he added, "Miss Tang was elected as a class officer."
As expected, Tang Buyi's slightly chubby face beamed with pride at the good news about his daughter. "My daughter—she's been smart since she was a child."
Ye Qiu thought to himself that his flattery skills had improved. In the past, when he made mistakes, the old man would make him flatter him to avoid punishment. Unfortunately, he often got beaten up for his poor flattery skills and lack of novelty.
Tang Buyi, receiving a call for a social engagement, left hurriedly with the woman. The previously lively and bustling hall quieted down.
The smile on Tang Guo's face gradually faded as she looked at the pile of expensive gifts on the sofa, lost in thought. Shen Momo and Lin Bao'er sat quietly by her side, unsure of what to say.
Perhaps this was something she needed to figure out on her own.
Ye Qiu checked the time—it was already past eight in the evening. Feeling hungry, he was about to head to the kitchen to cook when Tang Guo suddenly said, "I want to drink."
"Yay, I want to drink too," Lin Bao'er cheered.
Shen Momo gave Lin Bao'er a stern look, then gently held Tang Guo's hand, speaking softly like a caring mother. "Guo Guo, you're grown up now. You can take care of yourself and pursue your happiness. Your father has had a hard time too. If you don't understand him, he might extinguish his hope because of his love for you."
"I know," Tang Guo said with a sweet smile. "Sister Momo, I'm fine. I'm happy for my dad. I just want to drink."
Understandingly, Shen Momo nodded. "Alright, I'll have Ye Qiu get some wine. We'll drink at home."
"No, I want to go out and drink," Tang Guo insisted.
To read the manga version, please click the YouTube link https://youtu.be/GnU613H6xm8