Volume One, Chapter 14: Are You Really My Sister?

After a bout of playful roughhousing, Chacha and Gu Xiaxun resumed watching television. Gu Chiyi wiped the smile from his face, cast a glance at Gu Yan, and headed toward the study.

“What’s going on with that car?” Gu Chiyi’s lips tightened, his gaze darkening.

Standing by the desk, Gu Yan furrowed his brow. “That man suffers from severe mental illness and didn’t say anything meaningful. Our people have investigated, and found nothing unusual.”

Rubbing his temple lightly, Gu Yan had rushed back from the company as soon as he received Gu Xiaxun’s call. The past few days had been nerve-wracking, leaving him visibly weary.

Gu Chiyi’s tone softened. “Are you really going to let Mu Yan manage the auction house?”

“You already know.” Gu Yan paused before continuing, “Yes. The auction house is riddled with corrupt elements. Sending Mu Yan there will also be a good opportunity for him to grow.”

Hearing this definite answer, Gu Chiyi’s anger surged uncontrollably. “You’re not unaware these are all seasoned schemers! Sending Mu Yan there is just throwing him to the wolves!”

“He is my son. I will protect him.”

Gu Chiyi slammed his fist heavily on the table. The pen on the desk slowly slid off and struck Gu Yan’s shoe.

“Protect? How do you intend to protect him?”

“The side branch has become very ambitious recently. You’ve been running to the company every day, practically living there. Can you really help Mu Yan in time?”

Gu Chiyi, who had long controlled the Gu family with ruthless methods, was rarely defied. Now, he was flushed with anger.

“...”

Gu Yan bent down, picked up the pen, and placed it back on the desk.

He turned silently and left. Just as he stepped out the door, Gu Chiyi heard a soft sigh.

“Father, I am not you.”

Gu Chiyi sat down, wordless, staring at the pen. After a long pause, he sighed deeply, massaged his temples, and closed his eyes.

He was still blaming himself.

Seeing the door open, Chacha and Gu Xiaxun quickly sat back on the sofa, peering cautiously before engaging in earnest conversation.

“Chacha, Sun Dasheng is amazing! This monster looked tough to deal with, but actually wasn’t at all. He actually defeated it.”

“Ah? Yes, yes, yes.” Chacha mulled over her third brother’s words. Something felt off, yet nothing was wrong, leaving her mind a bit muddled.

Gu Yan stood on the stairs, watching the guilty-looking siblings. His frown gradually eased, a faint smile appearing.

No matter what, he would protect his children well.

“Xiaxun, be careful of the people around you at school lately. Also, I’m sending another team to accompany you. That car incident isn’t fully investigated yet, so be extra cautious.”

Gu Xiaxun, noticing his father’s stern expression, took the matter seriously and nodded. “I understand.”

Chacha, imitating, pouted and said with mock seriousness to Gu Xiaxun, “Third Brother, be careful lately.”

Gu Xiaxun was speechless.

Being warned by this little ball of energy felt strangely odd.

Gu Yan stepped forward and gently pinched Chacha’s increasingly chubby cheek. In a low voice, he said, “You’ve slept so many days, if anything feels off or changes in your body, remember to tell Dad.”

Gu Xiaxun looked puzzled. “Changes? Could Chacha be transforming?”

Gu Yan didn’t even glance at this silly son. Seeing Chacha obediently nod, he bent down to kiss her small forehead, then returned to the company.

After seeing her father off, Chacha turned to see Grandpa Gu Chiyi descending the stairs, holding onto the railing. Excitedly, he handed her favorite milk and said in a childish voice, “Grandpa drinks, no more anger.”

Gu Chiyi took the milk, gazing at Gu Yan’s departing figure with a complicated expression. He forced a smile and whispered to Chacha, “Grandpa isn’t angry. Grandpa was wrong before.”

Gu Xiaxun didn’t know what to say. He understood little of the conflict between his father and grandfather. His father rarely spoke of his past, only that they often parted on bad terms.

Chacha blinked her big eyes and softly said, “Grandma says if you make a mistake, you have to apologize. That’s what good children do.”

Gu Chiyi was stunned. Aside from a few soft words before his death, Gu Yan had never spoken gently to him, let alone lowered himself to apologize.

He looked at the siblings standing together—Chacha, once timid and thin, now lively and plump.

He had to admit, Gu Yan was a far better father than he was.

If not for Chacha saving him, he would have left with regrets long ago. Now that he had a chance to make amends, why not seize it? Sometimes, pride isn’t worth holding onto.

“Chacha, thank you.”

Gu Chiyi finally understood. The heaviness weighing on his heart suddenly lightened. He bent down and embraced Chacha.

Gu Xiaxun thought he saw tears glistening at the corner of Grandpa’s eye.

Having helped Grandpa resolve a matter, Chacha was very happy herself. After the old man left, she indulged in three extra chicken drumsticks at supper.

...

In recent days, Gu Xiaxun had bodyguards escorting him to and from school, and he hadn’t seen any strange people. So most of the guards were withdrawn, and his routine returned to normal.

After Secretary Li finished reporting, Gu Yan’s gaze darkened in thought. Could it really have been just an accident?

“Why are you stopping me? Can’t I see my brother?!”

A noisy commotion came from outside. Gu Yan motioned for Secretary Li to let the person in.

The visitor was Gu Xinyue. Upon the door opening, she shoved past Secretary Li and said to Gu Yan, “Gu Yan, I am your biological sister. Why have you only given me one share of the estate? I’m going to tell Dad!”

Secretary Li staggered back, closing the door behind her, silently clicking her tongue. She didn’t know when Gu Xinyue had changed so much—no longer the elegant heiress, but quite vulgar.

Gu Yan glanced at her coldly, emotionless. “This was settled with the old man while he was in the hospital. So many days have passed, and you’re only now making a fuss? Seems you’ve been living quite carefree.”

Gu Xinyue’s face stiffened. She had quarreled with the old man earlier. That Wang family girl dared to snatch her clothes, so she just sent someone to teach her a lesson. The old man even got upset because someone came to reprimand her.

During the argument, she had said, “As expected, the daughter brought back halfway has no feelings.”

Who knew he would suddenly have a relapse? Plus, what she said was true.

Gu Xinyue faltered briefly, but then looked at Gu Yan with righteous indignation. “Brother, I didn’t mean it. Besides, isn’t Dad fine now?”

Gu Yan snapped harshly, “Dad collapsed right in front of you. How could you just turn and run away?”

If not for Chacha, the old man would not be alive now. How could she shout and make a scene in front of him?

Gu Yan stood up, stared deeply at Gu Xinyue from head to toe, making her feel uneasy.

“Are you really my sister?”