Campus Ace Girl

Chu Changhe gave Madam Chu a response that was neither soft nor hard, leaving her with nothing more to say, though she felt quite unhappy inside.

Chu Changhe paid no mind, maintaining his indifferent demeanor.

Over the years, it wasn’t that he didn’t harbor resentment towards her—precisely because of her antics, the family was torn apart. If she could have been a bit more understanding of Chu Ci or shown Yan Yan a little sympathy, the family wouldn’t be like this; by now, Chu Ci and Chu Yan would probably be married with several children. What happiness would that be?

Although one could say Chu Ci’s current marriage isn’t bad, a father can see that his son isn’t happy. There’s not much affection between him and Mo Ran, and Mo Ran is no fool. Knowing her husband doesn’t love or get close to her, how could she possibly generate much love?

Chu Changhe felt saddened, but he was powerless to change things, so he could only let things develop on their own.

The only consolation was that Yan Yan had found a good family. As long as the Chu Family didn’t disturb her, she could live happily. So, no matter how much he cherished Yan Yan, he kept his distance this time. A bit of his affection could only harm her.

With that, the Chu Family and the Bai Family kept their own thoughts to themselves, and the newlyweds were left with a lack of joy. Everyone left early...

In the hotel’s parking lot, people said their goodbyes.

Lin Hua had arrived with Gu Anxi and Chu Yan, but it was King Jingyao who personally came to pick her up. Low-key as he was, he didn’t have a driver today, instead driving a black Cayenne himself, and as soon as Lin Hua got in, he drove off.

Gu Anxi watched the tail lights of the car, commenting to Chu Yan, "See? He keeps a tight watch."

Chu Yan also smiled and whispered, "Sister Lin Hua looks so youthful and beautiful; no wonder Mr. Wang values her so highly."

"Such a scheming mind." Gu Anxi sighed, then bid farewell with Chu Yan to the Bai couple, for Bai Xun had already left earlier.

Madam Bai politely thanked Gu Anxi, "Originally, we should have taken care of Yan Yan ourselves, but thinking she’d be more comfortable over at Maple Mountain, we let her do as she pleased. However, once she gets more familiar, she should visit us more often."

Chu Yan obediently agreed.

Seeing how well-behaved she was, Madam Bai felt even more pleased, gently patting her head, "Alright, go home early to rest. Tomorrow morning, your uncle and I will come over for a visit."

Chu Yan wanted to say it might be troublesome for them, but Madam Bai adjusted her shawl and continued, "Everything’s already prepared for tomorrow, just a quick trip over. You’re truly a dignified child; marrying into our family is really benefitting our son. We can’t let you feel wronged elsewhere."

Chu Yan’s nose tingled with emotion.

Gu Anxi, seeing her emotional state, laughed but then took a more serious tone, carefully discussing a few matters with Madam Bai. Originally seeing Gu Anxi as a child because she looked so young and having heard of her mischievousness, always unafraid of anything, Madam Bai was surprised to find her conversation skills impeccable as she discussed the marriages and customs of Beicheng. She couldn’t help but praise, "Lin Yun truly taught you well; you’re ready to take over as the lady of the house."

The conversation didn’t involve Wang Keru, presumably because it was understood that Wang Keru only sought enjoyment and didn’t concern herself with these matters.

Gu Anxi replied without hesitation, "Mama Bo says she’ll manage the household matters until she’s no longer able, then Little Uncle will take over, so I won’t be overworked."

Madam Bai was at a loss for words briefly, realizing that Little Gu only emerged when necessary, no matter how capable, Lin Yun still treated her as a child.

A soft spot formed in her heart as she carefully examined Gu Anxi for a moment before smiling, "Truly well-raised."

—Even at 26 or 27, she seemed no different than in her early twenties.

Filled with affection, Madam Bai chatted with the two young ladies a while longer until Bo Xichen came to pick them up, only then letting them leave. After the car had left, she couldn’t help but praise to Mr. Bai, "All of Yan Yan’s friends are wonderful; of course, we don’t need to mention Mrs. Wang. Did you see how composed Anxi was? Even Wang Qin, who didn’t speak much today... I hear she’s the new fortune teller of Beicheng, and she certainly seems profound."

Mr. Bai chuckled, "That’s because Yan Yan is upright, hence she’s surrounded by such friends. Look at that boy Bai Xun, running his mouth all day, hanging around with either race car drivers or some financial scoundrels, always up to no good."

Madam Bai protested, "Don’t speak of your own son that way!"

Mr. Bai smiled, "As long as Yan Yan likes him. Don’t you know our son’s charm? He can enchant any woman, and he’s finally found one he truly likes. Judging by his seriousness, it’s likely they’ll be married by the end of the year, and in a year or two, we might be holding grandchildren."

With these words, Madam Bai was even more hopeful, "Yan Yan is adorable. If you look closely, she’s put on a little weight and is just starting to show a baby face again. If a granddaughter looks like her when she was young, she’d be incredibly cute."

The more they talked, the more eager they were for their son to marry soon and have two children right away.

At last, the couple shared a laugh, holding hands as they walked away together.

*

In the car, Chu Yan and Gu Anxi sat in the back seat, their conversation endless.

Chu Yan teased, "In the few years we haven’t seen each other, some people have matured quite a bit, like a little adult."

Gu Anxi snorted softly, "Getting married and having kids—can’t act like before. Being doted on by the elders at home is one thing, but out there, it’s different. Can’t embarrass Papa Bo and Mama Bo."

As for her infamous antics, she rarely used them anymore, so as not to invite too many complaints to Si Garden, which would only give Papa Bo headaches... Though his scoldings weren’t harsh, a whole afternoon of lecture was unbearable, especially with Bo Xin and Bo An An listening in, which was most humiliating.