Chapter Seven, Those Distant Memories

To love the house and its crow

The cane stopped a few centimeters away from her. Ruan En waited for a moment, and seeing that there was no expected pain in her body, she cautiously tried to open one eye. In her line of sight was the unreadable expression on Zhou Zining's face. He Xue was the first to react, shaking off Mo Bei and rushing forward to pull Ruan En aside, her mouth starting to spout words without discretion.

Oh? A freshman, He Yishu, who achieved the highest score in the Chinese Department at T University. You are quite impressive as well

From the age of 19, apart from He Yishu, no one else made Gu Xiliang experience what love was like. When they first met, her calm manner of speaking, the slight upward curve of her lips, and the words she said to him against the light, "Gu Xiliang in his second year? I know you, the talented student from the Arts Department," ignited a passionate feeling in Gu Xiliang towards He Yishu. It was a tsunami of youth, and she gave him all the joys and sorrows that one should experience at that age. When they first met, her calm manner of speaking, the slight upward curve of her lips, and the words she said to him against the light, "Gu Xiliang in his second year? I know you, the talented student from the Arts Department," ignited a passionate feeling in Gu Xiliang towards He Yishu. It was a tsunami of youth, and she gave him all the joys and sorrows that one should experience at that age

Gu Jia had its own family rules. Zhou Zining, unable to contain his anger, looked at the disheveled room and Gu Xiliang's dejected appearance, and without any compassion, ordered that he be tied to a chair, unable to move or eat or drink. He also strictly commanded that no one was allowed to speak a good word on his behalf, or they would bear the consequences. This continued for three days. Mo Bei recalled that three days later, when he went to Gu's house, he saw Gu Xiliang being brought out, his face pale and lips completely cracked, looking as if he had just returned from hell, utterly battered. At that time, Old Master Zhou asked him if he knew his mistake, and Gu Xiliang weakly smiled, still wearing an expression of ignorance towards his own fate. Just as he was about to say something, he was abruptly interrupted by Mo Bei.

Why is it that this granddaughter-in-law is not prepared to call me even once?

Do you mean ... ...

Either show some restraint, or eliminate the problem at its root

After returning to school, Gu Xiliang stubbornly switched from pure arts to the same finance major as Gu Ren. Such a cross-department transfer was not typically permitted, but given the Gu family's immense wealth and influence, no one dared to voice any objections. Zhou Zining also chose not to intervene, as he had experienced similar situations at that age. Whenever midnight struck and memories resurfaced, that outline would vividly appear before his eyes

Mo Bei subconsciously pulled He Xue back, preventing himself and her from becoming collateral damage. Zhou Zining, who was already known for his volatile temperament, indeed struck hard when swinging the scepter, and one could still hear the forceful wind it generated. Meanwhile, Ruan En seemed to have an innate tendency to shield those around her from danger, just as she did with He Xue in the bar, and now she rushed forward without a second thought to stand in front of Gu Xiliang, arms wide open, fully embodying a protective stance.

Who is your maternal grandfather? I can't believe I have to hear about your lifelong affairs from others. Are you intentionally trying to infuriate me? Why can't you be as worry-free as your elder brother?

The words that follow in the northern desert are not dared to be spoken, for fear that a careless remark might be accurately predicted by his crow's mouth

Unexpectedly, He Xue's unintentional remark calmed the old man's anger, and the tension that had been stuck in Mo Bei's throat also eased. Immediately, Zhou Zining glared at Gu Xiliang, saying, "Get lost, unfilial child." Then he walked in front of Ruan En, his expression unconsciously softening, and after a moment, he finally spoke.

Zhou Zining was pulled back to reality by He Xue's sharp retort, a glimmer of appreciation flashed in his eyes, yet his expression remained serious

Ruan En was even more frightened upon hearing this, finding it hard to connect the person before her with the furious Zhou Zining who had just been ready to hit someone. Yet, she couldn't help but feel a surge of joy. Did this mean that she was acknowledged? She never expected that being recognized could be such an exhilarating and heartwarming experience. Perhaps it was because the other party was a relative of Gu Xiliang that she felt exceptionally happy.

He Xue quickly got out of the car, and Mo Bei followed suit, scanning the surroundings. "What are we doing here?" Gu Xiangliang, leading He Xue directly towards the hall, swiftly turned around upon hearing Mo Bei's question, raised his face to give him a half-smile, and his tone was filled with teasing.

Love always begins with purity, but once materialism is mixed in, it becomes vulnerable. However, no one is qualified to criticize reality; the trajectory of society is inherently set this way, and everyone must walk in its direction. It was just that at that time, Gu Xiliang did not yet understand.

Grandfather Zhou Zining, in his youth, was also a scion of a prominent family. Stubborn and resolute, he refused to follow his family's arrangements to engage in business and silently enlisted in the military. With his exceptional wit, he embarked on a political career with nothing but his bare hands. Later, as the political situation became tumultuous, Zhou Zining eventually made his way here to settle down, marry, and have children. Due to his adeptness in social interactions and his strong and skillful tactics, he rapidly ascended through the ranks in just a few years, becoming a rising star in the political arena

Aren't you planning to unleash a massacre? The culprit is right here. Oh, by the way, do you need a kitchen knife or something? I can have someone bring it to you

Since she became aware of her surroundings, Gu Xiliang has lived with her grandfather for many years, which is why she later inherited many of Zhou Zining's temperaments. To deal with a person, one must learn to remain discreet and seize the opportunity to find the other party's weakness

He Xue felt agitated, both fearful and unwilling to show weakness

Of course, I know I was wrong! Then, Zhou Zining waved his hand, and Mo Bei somewhat laboriously helped Gu Xiliang back to the room, even for the first time yielding to this friend.

Isn't this what he taught? Either do not act, or act ruthlessly. Zhou Zining was so angry that he trembled, pacing down, and swung the staff in his right hand towards Gu Xiliang. He did not dodge, closing his eyes to await punishment. Mo Bei noticed that the situation was not right; he wanted to persuade but did not dare, as he had truly witnessed the formidable power of Old Master Zhou.

Zhou Zining continued to ask, "Oh? Are you not afraid of me?"

Why are you meddling in the affairs of young people at your age? No matter what, Gu Xiliang is still your own grandson, and Ruan En is completely unaware of the situation. Yet you are so harsh with her; this is not how one should bully others

Do not compare me with him

Good, very good! I have rarely encountered anyone who dares to speak up in front of me. Young lady, your future is limitless

In a frenzy, she ran home, breaking all the paintbrushes and spilling colorful paints all over the bedroom, with the bed sheets not spared. It was Gu Xiliang's first attempt at smoking, Marlboro, a reminder that men do not forget a woman's love. In the dark corner, one cigarette after another, from the initial choking that brought tears to her eyes, to finally becoming calm and composed. After half a month of silence, with no one paying attention, Mo Bei went to persuade her. As soon as he opened the door, a chair was thrown right in front of him. In the end, it was still Gu Ren who made a phone call, hastily summoning their grandfather, who was on a business trip in Switzerland, back home.

In a hasty decision to marry Ruan En, Gu Xiliang later indeed felt that he was not mature enough, having acted solely for a moment of brilliance without thorough consideration. He originally harbored unease, but upon hearing Zhou Zining mention Gu Ren, his expression immediately darkened, and his tone turned icy.

"Let it go, Xiliang, can you?" I originally thought I would hear voices of opposition, but after a long silence, I unexpectedly received a "good."

A foot stepped on Zhou Zining's sore spot

I love you, Xiliang, but love cannot become my lifelong belief. You have your dreams, to be a wandering artist loyal only to your own heart, but must we both go out and perform on the streets to beg? I am a child of a poor family, and I can only rely on my utmost efforts to live well. I cannot resist all the temptations of the secular world. You do not understand because you have never suffered from the hardships of money; you cannot see its terrors. "I am a child of a poor family, and I can only rely on my utmost efforts to live well. I cannot resist all the temptations of the secular world. You do not understand because you have never suffered from the hardships of money; you cannot see its terrors."

Ruan En had only seen such scenarios on television, where the union of the female and male protagonists faced numerous setbacks and opposition from their families. She had also contemplated what kind of clothes to wear when meeting Gu Xiliang's grandfather, what dignified words to say, and how to conduct herself with a graceful smile without showing her teeth. However, the current situation was entirely the opposite. Not only was she dressed in her usual attire and behaving awkwardly, but she couldn't even respond to a single question from the other party

I am speaking the truth; each of us has our own thoughts, and you adults should not interfere, nor can you. Do you think we are still in a revolution? Saying that if you do not listen, you will resort to knives and guns, making it seem like a massacre

Gu Xiliang may never forget that vulgar scene, where Gu Ren embraced He Yishu's waist as they got into that black Mercedes. He went to intercept, to inquire, to wait downstairs at Gu Ren's apartment building, only to receive a polite farewell in return.

Why should I be afraid of you? You probably can't even get past your own physical limitations. Even if it comes to a fight, I may not necessarily be your opponent. I have studied karate

After many years of twists and turns, like a fleeting white horse, Zhou Zining finally gathered the courage to ask that question

My dearest, where are you

Feeling very helpless

As for Gu Ren, if it were not for He Yishu, he would be the person whom Gu Xiliang admires the most, aside from his grandfather. He is calm and decisive in his actions. Having graduated from the Finance Department of Columbia University less than a year ago, he partnered with local friends to establish his own company.

She knows him, and he knows her as well. There is no need for a thousand words; only a poetic phrase suffices: it turns out you are here too. Holding hands becomes a natural occurrence.

Suddenly, she heard a loud voice outside the door calling out "Second Young Master." Ruan En turned around and saw Gu Xiliang, followed by He Xue and Mo Bei. In that moment, she surprisingly felt like crying

Weren't you also for a woman, respectful yet distant with your grandmother for a lifetime?

Do you think I should not be concerned? Are you blaming me?

When Gu Xiliang was 12 years old, his parents were involved in a plane crash, leaving him with only two relatives: his taciturn grandfather and his elder brother Gu Ren, who is three years older than him

Zhou Zining was momentarily taken aback, letting out a sigh that seemed to be both present and absent. "Are you really prepared to sever all ties with him for the rest of your lives? After all, you are blood brothers; it is not worth it for a woman!" Gu Xiliang, however, maintained a cold expression and continued to respond indifferently.

In the depths of his heart, Mo Bei felt a deep regret; he should not have allowed this aunt to accompany him, as it had led to a great disaster. However, what followed was an unusual burst of hearty laughter that resonated throughout the entire hall, leaving everyone stunned, their gazes fixed on Zhou Zining, the source of the laughter

Gu Xiliang drove the car into the courtyard and stopped, noticing the servants hurrying back and forth in groups of two or three, feeling 90% certain in his heart

It has changed since that time

Gu Xiliang stepped forward and gently pulled Ruan En slightly behind him, then respectfully called out, "Grandfather," only to be met with the other party's furious anger

In my dream, I carefully carved a line of words onto something: The greatest madness of this life is falling in love with you. The greatest wish is to have you accompany me in madness for a lifetime