Tang Ning followed Gu Yan outside, but she could still feel the weight of Grandfather Gu's gaze on her back as they left the dining hall. She didn't need to turn around to know that he was watching her, observing her every move. A part of her was glad that he was intrigued—it meant that she was making the right impression. But another part of her remained cautious. A man like Grandfather Gu wasn't easily fooled, and she would need to be careful.
The garden was even more breathtaking than she had imagined. Lanterns hung from the trees, casting a warm glow over the winding paths and delicate flowers. The sound of a nearby waterfall added to the peaceful ambiance, making the entire place feel like a hidden sanctuary.
As they walked, Gu Yan kept a close eye on her, as though still expecting her to behave like the child he believed she was. "Do you like it here, Little Ning?" he asked, his tone gentle.
Tang Ning nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It's very pretty," she said, her
voice soft. "It feels… peaceful."
Gu Yan smiled, clearly pleased by her response. "That's what I thought too when I was your age. This place has always been a refuge for our family. A place away from the rest of the world."
Tang Ning glanced up at him, her sharp mind already working. A refuge, she thought. A place away from the world. The Gu family's hermit lifestyle, combined with their powerful influence and wealth, made them a force to be reckoned with yet they chose to live a hidden life. If she could win their trust, it will help her alot, if she could just position herself in the right way, she might find the perfect ally in the Gu family. But for now, she would take her time—playing the long game, as she always has.
As they continued to walk through the garden, Tang Ning could hear the distant sound of laughter and voices from the mansion behind them. She knew that her presence had already caused a stir among the family, and that was exactly what she wanted.
"I like it here," she said quietly, looking up at Gu Yan with wide, innocent eyes. "I think I could get used to it."
Gu Yan chuckled, lifting her into his arms once more. "Good. You're welcome here anytime, Little Ning. This is your family too, after all."
As they continued their peaceful stroll through the garden, the faint sound of footsteps approached them. Housekeeper Sheng, a tall woman in her fifties with sharp eyes but softened by the years of working for the Gu family, stepped into their path. She bowed respectfully before speaking.
"Young Master Yan," she said with a kind smile, "the Old Master has asked me to escort little Miss Tang Ning to her room for the night."
Gu Yan raised an eyebrow, but his grip on Tang Ning didn't loosen. "No need, Housekeeper Sheng," he replied, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "I'll take her myself. You can just show me the way."
Housekeeper Sheng hesitated for a moment, clearly surprised by his insistence, but then nodded. "Of course, Young Master. Please, follow me."
Without another word, Gu Yan adjusted Tang Ning's weight on his shoulder and began to follow Housekeeper Sheng as they made their way back into the mansion. Tang Ning, still carried high, looked around in fascination as they passed through the grand halls.
As they approached the living room, Tang Ning spotted Grandpa Gu, Uncle Gu, and Aunt Lin seated together, deep in conversation. The three looked up as they passed by, their expressions softening when they saw Tang Ning still resting comfortably on Gu Yan's shoulder.
"Goodnight, Grandpa! Goodnight, Uncle Gu! Goodnight, Aunt Lin!" Tang Ning chirped with a wave, her voice bright as she offered a polite smile.
Grandpa Gu nodded approvingly, his eyes crinkling with a hint of warmth. "Goodnight, Little Ning," he said, his voice deep but kind. Uncle Gu and Aunt Lin both smiled as well, nodding in return.
"Sleep well, my dear," Aunt Lin added gently, watching as the small girl was carried away.
Gu Yan gave a brief nod to his elders, continuing up the grand staircase with Tang Ning still perched comfortably on his shoulder. Nanny Zeng followed behind, carrying Tang Ning's luggage as they climbed higher, the soft glow of the lanterns reflecting off the polished wooden banister. Housekeeper Sheng led the way quietly, the only sound in the hallways being the soft shuffle of footsteps and the occasional creak of the old floorboards as they made their way up the stairs.
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