This response caused Grace Gu's eyes to narrow slightly. The place where Julian Ying had returned to was also Huadu, so why hadn't they left together?
As if understanding the meaning in her eyes, Julian Bai spoke calmly, "I don't want too many people to know about my return."
Grace Gu hummed in acknowledgment, then walked toward the master bedroom. Since time was tight, she didn't want to delay his schedule over such small matters.
Although Grace Gu had lived in the modern world for two years, she still had the mindset of an ancient person at her core. The woman manages the household, while the man goes out to work—such views aren't something that can be easily changed.
Julian Bai walked up to the second floor, watching her bustle around like a little wife, tending to everything both inside and out. For some reason, he felt a sense of peace in his heart.
His childhood experiences were probably only known by a few close friends and his grandfather. While they would encourage him and feel his pain, there was never anyone who could make his heart feel like it could rest.
In the past, it had been Julian Ying, but now it was this little woman. Would there be another woman in the future?
He thought this to himself, yet a smile danced in his eyes.
If another woman appeared who could make him happier than Grace Gu, how perfect would she need to be? In fact, this woman was the best candidate for a wife in Julian Bai's heart—perhaps even more suited than Julian Ying. Unfortunately, the family would never approve.
After she finished packing, he took the bag from her hand, and with his other arm, unexpectedly pulled her into his embrace. "Promise me that from now on, you'll only help me manage my affairs."
Grace Gu was caught off guard by his sudden movement. The man in front of her was always unpredictable, never knowing when he'd end up contradicting himself.
However, she was also clever when it came to certain matters. Like now, although she knew this was unlikely to happen, she still nodded seriously.
Seeing her good attitude, he reciprocated by lightly nibbling on her lips, a gesture of acknowledging her response.
"When I'm not around, remember to take the bodyguard with you. I'll leave Secretary Yan with you, and if anything happens, contact me immediately."
If Grace Gu's previous response had been somewhat perfunctory, his instructions made her feel a little guilty for not being more considerate earlier.
She extended her hand and hooked it around his neck, resting her face against his neck as she whispered, "I'll remember."
The ticklish sensation made Julian Bai's eyes darken slightly, but before he could react, Grace Gu had already kissed his cheek, like a little peck from a chick, and quickly pulled away.
Julian Bai felt the soft lips and warm breath, yet it was as fleeting as a dragonfly skimming the water, disappearing before he could truly enjoy it.
"Aren't you in a hurry?" she teased, noticing the dazed expression on his face. The soft tone made her seem much livelier.
Julian Bai hummed in acknowledgment and left. Once inside the car, he felt as though something was unreal. When Secretary Yan asked him a question, he snapped out of his thoughts.
"Boss, if Miss Gu wants to go out, should we follow her?" Secretary Yan asked again after Julian Bai gestured for him to continue.
Julian Bai's eyes shifted slightly before he spoke softly, "Follow her."
Although he had told her to call if anything happened, who knew if she would obey?
Secretary Yan nodded. It was clear that the boss's time out would be long; otherwise, he wouldn't have assigned himself to stay by Miss Gu's side.
Time always seems to pass quickly, shifting from spring to summer and day to night. In the blink of an eye, more than ten days had passed. Grace Gu never imagined that one day she would count the days waiting for someone's return.
Feeling the vibration of her phone, she didn't even glance at the screen but answered immediately. A playful female voice came from the other end: "Grace, I'm outside your villa. Come out, I'll take you out to play."
She was about to refuse, since every time she went out something bad happened, but the call was already disconnected, leaving only the sound of a dial tone.
She sighed, added a white outer layer to her water-blue dress, and headed out. As she descended the stairs, she told the housekeeper, "No need to prepare dinner today. You can go home and visit your grandson."
The housekeeper expressed her gratitude. Usually, she wasn't allowed to leave as she was employed by Mr. Bai, but today, with no apparent reason for concern, she was happy to go.
Grace Gu smiled and walked out. When she saw the car, which she didn't recognize the brand of, a hint of resistance formed in her heart.
Emily Gu seemed to sense her thoughts and teased, "You're still scared?
After all this time?"
She opened the car door for Grace Gu to get in. Seeing that Grace Gu seemed to be in a good mood, Grace Gu didn't want to spoil it.
"Where are we going?" Grace Gu asked, noticing the winding route. Given Emily Gu's usual personality, it was rare for her to be so quiet. Today, she looked quite different from her usual playful self.
"You'll know when we get there," Emily Gu said with a mysterious look.
As Grace Gu waited, she suddenly asked, "Julian Bai isn't around, right?"
Grace Gu shook her head, and Emily Gu sighed in relief. "I knew it. If he were here, he wouldn't let you go out with me."
Grace Gu glanced at her, noticing the dissatisfaction in her eyes, and smiled. "Who upset you?"
"Isn't it him? He told Qi Yu not to let me contact you. How could he control me?" Emily Gu said, looking rather heroic, but Grace Gu could still sense the lack of conviction in her voice.
She didn't call her out, though, knowing that over the years, she had come to understand Emily Gu's nature—a proud, shy, and somewhat vain girl.
Grace Gu noticed that Emily Gu seemed to be in a good mood today, and when she mentioned Qi Yu, she didn't seem as resentful as before. Curiously, Grace Gu asked, "Have you and Qi Yu made up?
"