Gu Chengzi, the patriarch of the Gu family, kept a close eye on Tang Ning, his gaze keen. He had seen many brilliant minds in his lifetime, but there was something about this girl that intrigued him. Her intelligence was undeniable, but it was her composure that caught his attention. He had known from the moment he laid eyes on her that she was special, but now he was even more convinced.
However, he said nothing, instead nodding approvingly as Tang Ning finished greeting everyone. "Well done, Little Ning," he said, his voice deep and calm.
Tang Ning smiled up at him, but behind that innocent expression was the sharp mind of someone who had lived a lifetime before. She could feel his watchful gaze and knew that she had piqued his interest. That was exactly what she wanted — to blend in just enough, but never to be overlooked.
Grandfather Gu gestured towards the dining hall. "Come, we've prepared a meal. It's not every day we have such a special guest."
As the family made their way to the grand dining table, Gu Yan leaned down to whisper in Tang Ning's ear. "You did great, Little Ning. The family's already taken with you."
Tang Ning smiled to herself. Everything was going according to plan. She would learn more about the Gu family, her own family, and the world she was now a part of. But for now, she would play her part — the innocent, clever little girl.
As they all sat down to eat, Gu Chengzi's eyes remained on Tang Ning, watching, waiting. There was something more to this child, something that intrigued him beyond her sharpness. And he intended to find out exactly what it was.
As the family settled around the grand dining table, Tang Ning found herself seated beside Gu Yan. The table was filled with a variety of dishes, from delicate dumplings to rich stews, each one crafted to perfection. The tantalizing aroma filled the room, yet Tang Ning's mind was elsewhere. She wasn't focused on the meal in front of her, but on the quiet yet sharp gazes of the family members around her.
Grandfather Gu sat at the head of the table, his eyes not leaving Tang Ning for long. He had the bearing of a man who had seen much in his lifetime, his sharp, calculating gaze softened by the years but no less perceptive. Tang Ning could feel his curiosity pressing down on her, but she remained composed, her small hands carefully picking up her chopsticks.
"So, Little Ning," Gu Ning, the eldest sister, spoke first, her voice as elegant as her appearance. "What do you like to do at home? Do you play a lot with other children?"
The question seemed innocent enough, but Tang Ning could sense the subtle probing behind it. They were testing her, trying to gauge how much she understood and how she would respond.
She smiled sweetly, her voice light and innocent. "I like to read. Grandpa buys me lots of books." She paused, adding just the right amount of childish enthusiasm. "I can already read by myself, but Nanny Zeng helps me with the difficult words."
There were soft murmurs of approval from the sisters. Gu Ning nodded, impressed. "That's quite remarkable for someone your age."
Gu Yan grinned proudly. "I told you, Little Ning's a fast learner."
The meal continued, and while the conversation was casual, Tang Ning remained ever aware of the eyes on her. She listened intently as the family spoke, taking note of every detail, every name, and every dynamic between the family members.
Gu Chengzi's voice finally cut through the quiet hum of the conversation. "Little Ning," he said, his tone thoughtful, "it's rare to meet a child so well-spoken and composed. You must be very close to your grandfather."
Tang Ning looked up at him, her large eyes wide with innocence. "Yes, Grandpa takes care of me. He tells me stories about his past. He's very strong, just like you, Grandpa Gu."
There was a brief pause, and then a deep chuckle from the elder Gu. "Ah, you flatter me, child," he said, stroking his beard. "But you are right. Your grandfather is a remarkable man."
Tang Ning's lips curled into a small smile. She could tell that the elder Gu was both amused and intrigued. He was far too experienced to be easily fooled, but she wasn't trying to deceive him—only to play the part of the precocious child that everyone expected her to be.
As the meal drew to a close, the family members began to disperse. Some of the sisters retired to their rooms, while others engaged in quiet conversations near the garden. Gu Yan remained by Tang Ning's side, ever the protective older brother figure, but Grandfather Gu had yet to leave his spot at the head of the table. His gaze remained fixed on Tang Ning, as though he were still puzzling over something.
"Gu Yan," Grandfather Gu finally spoke, his voice low but commanding, "why don't you show Little Ning the garden? It's quite beautiful in the evening."
Gu Yan nodded, smiling. "Of course, Grandfather."
He stood, gently taking Tang Ning's hand. "Come, Little Ning. I'll show you the Gu family garden. You'll love it."
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