Chapter 86: Searching for Lost Memories
With her by his side, he could forget all the horrors of his past and steer his life back on track without a single deviation.
He wanted to leave behind his nightmares forever.
After freshening up, the couple went downstairs, looking every bit like a newlywed couple with their harmonious atmosphere.
As they entered the living room, it was filled with laughter and lively conversation.
The first person to notice Ye Tianlin and Liang Xiaoluo coming down the stairs was Gu Lingzi. Her voice, amplified to an exaggerated pitch, echoed through the space as she rushed toward Tianlin like a gust of wind. Clinging to his arm, she chirped, "Brother Tianlin, you're finally awake! Come here, come see who's here!"
Her overly familiar gestures toward Tianlin were something Liang Xiaoluo could never get used to. Her expression darkened, filled with a mix of awkwardness and discomfort.
Noticing this, Tianlin effortlessly shrugged off Gu Lingzi's hold, his deep voice laced with irritation. "Gu Lingzi, show some respect."
Then, ignoring Lingzi's stunned expression, he wrapped his arm around Xiaoluo's waist and walked past her toward the others in the living room.
Gu Lingzi stood frozen, shocked by the drastic change. Overnight, Tianlin and Xiaoluo's relationship had grown visibly closer, and the realization was a bitter pill to swallow. The cheerful smile vanished from her face.
"Tianlin, Xiaoluo, you're awake," Ye Lao greeted them as they approached.
The air in the room turned thick with tension, especially for Gu Lingzi's parents, who had just arrived from abroad to visit their beloved daughter. They stood awkwardly, unsure whether to sit or remain standing.
Unaware of the unfolding drama, they had come to Dream River after hearing Lingzi's sweet stories about her "relationship" with Tianlin over the phone. They had also planned to discuss their children's potential marriage during this visit.
"Who is she…?" Mrs. Gu asked, her shock evident as she saw Tianlin holding Xiaoluo so intimately.
"She's my fiancée," Tianlin answered without hesitation.
"What? Your fiancée?" Mrs. Gu was utterly taken aback.
She had received no prior indication that Tianlin was engaged. All she knew was that her daughter had flown across continents, driven by her longing to see him. And given their childhood closeness, she had assumed this trip would culminate in a romantic union.
Blinking in disbelief, Mrs. Gu found herself at a loss for words.
"Lingzi, what is going on here?" Mr. Gu asked sternly, his tone demanding an explanation.
Their ignorance of Tianlin and Xiaoluo's engagement was not surprising. The news, which should have been a global headline, had been suppressed by Ye Lao and Hua Lin, ensuring no media outlet dared to report it. Without a formal engagement ceremony, the matter faded into obscurity.
Unable to contain her emotions, Lingzi's eyes welled with tears. She covered her mouth and fled from the room.
Her parents immediately chased after her, followed closely by Ye Lao, whose calls for calm fell on deaf ears.
Outside, in the garden, Lingzi sobbed uncontrollably. Her parents, distressed by her obvious heartbreak, tried to console her.
"Lingzi, tell us what's wrong. We'll make sure you're not wronged," Mrs. Gu said, her voice filled with concern.
Lingzi continued crying, her voice trembling as she spoke. "It's all my fault. Please don't blame Brother Tianlin. He's a good man. That woman—she's pregnant and used the baby to force him to marry her. Brother Tianlin is honorable; he felt he had no choice but to take responsibility, even if it meant hurting me."
Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks as she painted herself as the victim of circumstance.
Hearing this, the Gu couple's initial anger at Tianlin softened, redirecting it toward Liang Xiaoluo.
"Don't worry, Lingzi. We'll handle this," Mr. Gu assured her, his voice resolute.
Back in
the living room, the tense atmosphere persisted. Mr. Gu re-entered after calming Lingzi, his expression somber.
"Ye Lao, may I have a word with you in private?" he asked, his tone formal.
Ye Lao, caught off guard, hesitated momentarily before nodding. "Of course."
The two men moved to the study, leaving the others behind.
In the study, Mr. Gu didn't waste any time. After organizing his thoughts, he began, "Ye Lao, I hope you're not being short-sighted."
"Excuse me? What do you mean by that?" Ye Lao asked, his brows furrowing.
Mr. Gu elaborated, "As a businessman, you must know how crucial it is to make decisions that benefit your family and its legacy. If you act rashly now, you risk turning a potential ally into a competitor. Are you prepared for that?"
Ye Lao understood the implications of his words, his expression darkening.
Sensing his unease, Mr. Gu softened his tone. "Tianlin and Lingzi grew up together. They've always been a natural match. Wouldn't their union strengthen both families?"
Ye Lao felt increasingly cornered. The Gu family's wealth and influence were undeniable, far surpassing that of the Yan family. A marriage between the Gu and Ye families would cement their dominance in the business world.
However, Ye Lao couldn't ignore the complications of the situation—particularly Liang Xiaoluo's pregnancy.
Noticing his hesitation, Mr. Gu pressed on. "That woman only has one advantage: her pregnancy. But who's to say the child is even Tianlin's? Women like her are often drawn to wealth. Pay her off, and she'll disappear. If you agree, I'll handle everything discreetly."
Ye Lao considered the suggestion. He, too, had harbored doubts about Xiaoluo's intentions. The only obstacle was Tianlin's apparent attachment to her, which had grown overnight.
"This won't be easy," Ye Lao warned.
"Leave it to me," Mr. Gu assured him confidently. "All I need is your approval."
Ye Lao's internal struggle was evident. He felt the weight of his responsibility to elevate the Ye family to new heights, even if it meant sacrificing personal sentiments.
Finally, he nodded. "Fine."
Mr. Gu's eyes gleamed with triumph, his expression eerily similar to Lingzi's. The two shared an uncanny ruthlessness.
"There's one condition," Ye Lao added firmly.
"Name it."
"This must remain a secret. Tianlin must never find out. If he does, it will create chaos," Ye Lao said gravely.
"Understood," Mr. Gu agreed without hesitation.
And with that, the two men struck their deal, sealing an unholy alliance built on lies and ambition.