It had been two days without seeing Julian Bai's shadow, and just as Grace Gu thought he would disappear for a long time again, he pushed someone through the villa's door.
Her chopsticks paused momentarily as she looked at the person sitting in a wheelchair—Julian Ying. She had met her twice but only knew her name from Emily.
"I might be disturbing you for a while," was Julian Ying's opening line, accompanied by a faint smile on her face.
Grace Gu didn't say much; after all, this was an important guest invited by Julian Bai, and her words held no substantial weight. Therefore, the woman in the wheelchair had no reason to feel awkward.
As the saying goes, one should not strike those who come with a smile. Grace Gu smiled back and glanced at Ross Mo behind her, who was still carrying things—it seemed they were planning to stay for a while.
"Go tidy up the side room so Miss Ying can settle in," Julian Bai instructed Mr. Lin.
Mr. Lin was unsure of what was happening but glanced at Grace Gu and saw no sign of discomfort on her face before quickly nodding and heading upstairs.
This made the atmosphere in the hall even more awkward. Seeing Grace Gu standing there, unsure whether to sit or leave, Julian Bai lightly said, "Prepare some food; Ross and the others haven't eaten yet."
While he spoke, Grace Gu had already helped the newcomer onto the nearby sofa. Ross Mo felt somewhat embarrassed; he had intended to leave but his boss wouldn't let him go that easily. Besides, he had already eaten before coming to pick them up from the hospital. Although he wanted to taste Grace Gu's cooking again, this wasn't exactly the right moment—the atmosphere felt too uncomfortable.
"Boss, I'm going back..."
"Why aren't you moving?"
Seeing her stand there motionless made Julian Bai's brows furrow slightly. Beside him, Julian Ying quickly grabbed his arm: "Julian, she's still just a young girl; don't be too harsh on her."
Though her words were light-hearted, Grace Gu didn't appreciate her attempt to curry favor; she had heard too many similar remarks from her stepmother in her past life—each time leading to an explosion of anger from her biological father.
Julian Bai frowned: "Don't overthink it; she's old enough now. When you were eighteen, weren't you also able to be independent?"
Grace Gu didn't give them another chance to continue their conversation; she cleared off everything on the table and headed toward the kitchen. Was she being criticized for relying on him too much?
If Julian Bai knew that his careless remark would change both their lives forever, he probably would have thought twice before speaking such thoughtless words.
At that moment Ross Mo sat down with an expression of grievance directed at Julian Bai. His impression of this beauty was getting worse by the minute; he couldn't help but wonder if this scene was set up by his boss as a trap for him.
Looking at all these bags in his hands made him sigh internally—if his boss dumped Grace Gu later on, he'd have nothing left for himself either! Thinking about those reckless young men today made him pout in frustration.
Since that day in the private room when people started having ideas about Grace Gu wasn't limited to just one or two individuals anymore—it's no wonder why his boss kept such a close watch over things! Today's incident with those reckless boys joking about Grace Gu right in front of Julian Bai clearly showed where his anger stemmed from.
Hearing chopping sounds coming from inside made Ross Mo curiously lean closer toward the kitchen area where he saw Grace Gu leaning against the counter chopping vegetables vigorously.
He initially wanted to see if she was crying while chopping—though beautiful tears could add some flavor to dishes—they'd definitely seem out of place mixed into food!
Meanwhile, although Julian Bai chatted happily with Julian Ying nearby upon noticing Ross Mo's actions his brows involuntarily knitted together: "Ross! Pour me a glass of water."
Ross Mo bit down hard on his teeth upon hearing that voice but turned around with an alluring smile plastered across his face—he knew very well that his boss was quite petty! It wasn't like he'd done anything wrong by just taking a look!
Julian Ying chuckled watching him: "Is that something you can covet?"
Though mostly playful banter there was an underlying sourness evident enough for anyone listening closely—the reason behind Julian Bai's earlier fury lay solely within those wealthy young men daringly teasing Grace Gu right under his nose!
"Got it! Do I even have that kind of guts?" He replied while heading off to get water.
At this point though distracted himself Julian Bai told her: "You stay here for now; I'll check if any dishes she makes are ones you like."
Julian Ying's eyes dimmed slightly but she replied: "Sure! Just don't tire out our little girl."
When he entered inside she happened to be stir-frying vegetables effortlessly—a sight so smooth it resembled flowing clouds! Noticing how she couldn't reach one plate nearby prompted him take quick steps forward placing it within reach for her convenience.
Upon seeing suddenly appearing plate caused surprise causing hand holding frying pan lift slightly while glancing towards plate direction without acknowledging him further after finishing several dishes without sparing another glance towards him either!
Holding onto pot while stirring away meant they worked together seamlessly until Ross Mo pouring water realized slight heat radiating through hands prompting quick shut-off machine!
He blew gently onto fingers feeling swollen redness forming cursing silently under breath: Damn it hurts!
Grace Gu lost track when they finished eating eventually finding excuse retreating into own room—not like maid anyway nor did maids follow every single step around constantly!
While texting ancient Emily via phone suddenly palm appeared blocking view between herself screen causing annoyance lifting gaze only catch glimpse phone content briefly before frowning deeply stating: "You're not small anymore stop always acting crazy alongside ancient Emily!"
She shot glare filled black lines looking back realizing same age as Emily wasn't considered old yet?
However never bothered entangling over trivial matters since whatever spoken lacked factual basis hence ignored completely otherwise wouldn't survive daily interactions exhausting herself endlessly responding each comment thrown around casually…
Noticing expression indicated left ear went straight through right ear entirely ignoring altogether caused cold snort escape lips: "Recently Ying has been staying here."
"Hmm."
"She got into car accident legs aren't convenient so keep eye out."
"Hmm."
"Ying said your cooking tastes good…"
"Hmm." Before allowing completion response escaped throat immediately interrupting conversation flow entirely…
"Grace Gu are you listening?" His face darkened visibly frustrated knowing full well how often this woman acted contrary leaving little room seriousness during discussions held between them?