Fu Hanniann gazed at the silence that enveloped the room, the stillness thick enough to cut through. His lips pressed together, a chill emanating from him as he walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows. He poured himself a glass of whiskey from the cabinet and sank into the sofa, taking several large gulps.
If it weren't for the events of years past, perhaps he would have been more willing to open up to a woman.
Meanwhile, Gu Yining had returned to her room. In a fit of embarrassment, she tore off the scandalous sleepwear and tossed it into the trash. She changed into her favorite cartoon-themed pajamas and dove into bed, muttering Fu Hanniann's name under her breath hundreds of times, each repetition laced with frustration.
The next morning, she was jolted awake by a call from Gu Tingyuan, her father.
Reluctant to answer, she let the phone ring for a while. However, his persistence was rare, and it piqued her curiosity. Eventually, she crawled out of her warm bed, picked up the phone, and reluctantly answered.
"What is it?" she replied, her tone icy.
With a commanding voice, Gu Tingyuan wasted no time, "You need to come back to the Gu family home right now."
Her expression hardened at his tone. "I'm not going back. Didn't you kick me out? Why should I return?"
"The old man from the Fu family is coming over soon, and he doesn't want any favoritism. After all, the decision on choosing the future Mrs. Fu rests with his grandson."
"Oh, so you need me as a prop, then?" she scoffed internally, her father's selfishness shining through. Yet, she was oddly willing to oblige.
"Fine. I'll be right there," Gu Yining replied coldly before hanging up.
Fu Hanniann had conveniently forgotten to mention that he would be proposing to her at the Gu family home today. She figured this was something his grandfather had orchestrated, and he simply hadn't had the chance to inform her.
But it didn't matter; she was determined to create some chaos. Gu Yining rifled through her closet and selected a classy white dress. She tied her hair into a ponytail, making it look youthful, and hurried to the vanity mirror. Using makeup, she carefully accentuated her birthmark on her cheek, knowing that the ponytail would showcase it prominently.
No matter whether Fu Hanniann's grandfather noticed her or if he would publicly announce their marriage in front of the Gu family, she had to go back. Above all, she needed to sabotage Gu Wenxuan's plans.
Arriving at the Gu family home around nine in the morning, Gu Yining found Gu Wenxuan already in the living room, waiting for the Fu family to arrive. Gu Wenxuan had put a lot of effort into her appearance, wearing an extravagant, expensive pink bubble dress that made her look like a doll. Her chestnut curls fell elegantly over her shoulders, and she had carefully applied heavy makeup, presenting herself as a picture of perfection.
Not to be outdone, Gu Wenxuan's sister, Gu Wenshan, wore a seductive fitted dress that emphasized her alluring figure, eager to steal the spotlight.
As Gu Yining entered the living room, the rest of the family cast her cold glances, completely ignoring her presence. Chen Huilan, dressed in an eye-catching red cheongsam, had styled her hair in vintage waves reminiscent of the Republic era. She adorned herself with glimmering jewelry that shone brightly against her outfit.
Descending the stairs, Chen Huilan called out to Gu Yining, "Gu Yining, when the Fu family arrives, you'd better not say a word. Understand?"
"If you don't want me to speak, why did you summon me here? Am I just a decoration?" Gu Yining retorted with a laugh, her defiance evident.
"Had it not been for the old man from the Fu family insisting that all three daughters be present, I wouldn't have called you back. Don't forget, you're just a supporting character here. Your sister is the main act," Chen Huilan declared, settling elegantly onto the sofa.
Gu Wenxuan chimed in from across the room, her voice dripping with disdain. "Mom, it doesn't matter if she talks or not. After all, she's the one who made headlines for being taken to the police station while supposedly giving her relatives a ride to the afterlife. Not only does she look plain, but her character is equally disappointing. How could the Fu family's grand master ever be interested in her? Besides, I heard she only got out of the police station because some wealthy businessman was funding her. I mean, the guy is supposed to be some hideous, overweight pig, likely in his fifties or sixties! Ugh, just thinking about it makes me sick."
"Wow, sister, your taste is quite peculiar!" Gu Yining quipped back calmly, taking a seat on the corner sofa, allowing their insults to wash over her without a care.
She was secretly delighted, as she knew every word was being recorded. The more they said, the better—especially if it could make their remarks even more scandalous.