At the same time, Shen Que pulled Shen Nian'an into his room.
"What was that performance this morning?" He released her, his tone turning cold. "Afraid Cheng Yu wouldn’t notice your little schemes?"
Shen Nian'an rubbed her wrist, glaring at him defiantly. "What did I do? I just asked a few questions."
"A few questions?" Shen Que scoffed. "You were obviously overly enthusiastic—and not in a good way."
"Cheng Yu isn’t stupid. Do you really think he didn’t see through it?" He walked to the window.
"Last time at Yunzhijing, the things you said to Su Qianqian—if she actually went and complained to Cheng Yu, do you think you’d still have a chance?"
Shen Nian'an paled slightly but stubbornly retorted, "She wouldn’t dare. An orphan..."
Shen Que cut her off. "Whether she dares or not depends on how much Cheng Yu dotes on her."
"And right now, he’s spoiling her beyond reason."
He turned to face her, his gaze sharp. "Your little stunt of throwing yourself at him was already embarrassing enough. If you keep rushing in like this, you’ll only make him dislike you more."
Shen Nian'an bit her lip. "Then what should I do? Just sit back and watch that—"
"Enough!" Shen Que’s voice dropped low. "If I hear you call her that again, don’t expect me to help you anymore."
Shen Nian'an fell silent, her fingers twisting tightly in her skirt.
Shen Que softened his tone and walked over, patting her shoulder. "Listen to me. You know what the right move is."
"But you’re not clever enough. You’ve been too pampered these past few years, and your acting isn’t convincing."
"So for now, stay quiet and figure out your next steps."
"Maintain your dignity as the Shen family’s young miss. Don’t provoke Su Qianqian, and don’t try to play games in front of Cheng Yu. Just leave him with the impression of a sweet, innocent girl."
"But—"
Shen Que fixed his sister with a stare. "No buts."
"Cheng Yu isn’t thinking about marriage yet. We still have time."
He smiled faintly, though his eyes remained cold. "Let me handle things on my end first."
"When the time comes, you’ll have your moment."
Outside, the sound of a yacht’s horn echoed.
Shen Que stubbed out his cigarette and gave one last reminder. "Remember—if you can’t act, then ignore them."
"In front of Cheng Yu, being yourself is the easiest way to be noticed."
Shen Nian'an took a deep breath and nodded reluctantly. "Fine."
Satisfied, Shen Que smirked. "Pull yourself together. It’s almost time for the cruise."
Soon, everyone boarded the yacht.
Su Qianqian sat on the spacious sofa inside, watching the waves splash outside as the sea breeze brushed against her skin.
Gu Chengyu stood at the helm, his posture tall and straight.
He had shed his casual shirt, leaving only a black tank top that showed off his toned arms. Sunglasses rested on the bridge of his nose.
At the wheel, he looked fiercer than usual, but there was an undeniable charm to it.
Qin Yu chattered excitedly beside him. "A little to the left—steady as ever, Chengyu."
Shen Que lounged lazily against the bar counter, while Shen Nian'an perched on a stool, her gaze flickering repeatedly toward the helm.
Su Qianqian’s eyes sparkled as she looked out at the scenery.
The waves, the blue sky, the seabirds soaring in the distance—everything captivated her.
This was a vastness and freedom she had never experienced before.
Gu Chengyu switched on the autopilot.
He turned and called to her, "Qianqian, come here."
Su Qianqian carefully made her way over.
The boat rocked slightly, causing her to stumble—but he stood and caught her by the waist, guiding her to sit beside him at the helm.
"Scared?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the wind and waves.
Su Qianqian looked up at him. "Not when you’re here."
Gu Chengyu smirked, placing his hand over hers and guiding it to the wheel. "Want to try?"
The subtle vibrations under her palm made her both nervous and exhilarated.
"Relax."
He shifted, pulling her into his lap, his breath warm against her ear. "I’ll teach you."
Shen Que whistled.
Without turning, Gu Chengyu snapped, "Shut it."
Qin Yu burst out laughing. "Oh ho, Professor Chengyu’s in session!"
"Learn quick, Qianqian. Next time, you can drive yourself."
Su Qianqian stifled a laugh but instinctively leaned back into the warmth of his chest.
Gu Chengyu’s arms encircled her, nearly enveloping her completely.
After a while, Gu Chengyu handed the wheel to Qin Yu. "Your turn."
Qin Yu rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Watch this."
His skills were clearly not as steady as Gu Chengyu’s—the yacht suddenly accelerated, and Su Qianqian gasped as she tipped backward, only to be caught firmly by Gu Chengyu.
"Qin Yu, slow down!" Gu Chengyu frowned.
"Relax, relax!" Qin Yu replied, though his speed didn’t drop.
Instead, he winked at Su Qianqian. "Exciting, huh? Way more thrilling than Chengyu’s driving, right?"
Su Qianqian giggled, about to nod when the boat jolted again.
Her hands flew to Gu Chengyu’s arm on reflex.
Gu Chengyu immediately guided her to the sofa, shielding her from the side. "Sit still. Don’t move."
Qin Yu called out, "Chengyu, stop being so protective! Let Qianqian experience some real speed and adrenaline!"
Gu Chengyu grabbed a water bottle and threw it at him. "Piss off."
Then he turned back to Su Qianqian. "Do you like being on the boat?"
Su Qianqian’s eyes curved into crescents. "I love it."
Her delicate skin was slightly flushed from the sea breeze, a few loose strands of hair clinging to her cheeks. She looked vibrant and utterly charming.
Gu Chengyu studied her for a moment before reaching out to tuck her hair behind her ear.
"Next time, I’ll take you to a luxury yacht party. We’ll stay for a few days."
"How does that sound?"
Su Qianqian nodded, her voice soft. "Sounds perfect."
Gu Chengyu held her close, already planning in his mind to assemble the best team to arrange the trip.
