The next day, Gu Chengyu received a call from Zhou Yu'an: "Chengyu, I'm hosting a small private charity dinner this weekend, mainly to raise funds for several children's medical projects. The atmosphere will be quite relaxed."
"Bring Miss Su along? Since you like her so much, she should get more exposure to these kinds of occasions."
Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised that Zhou Yu'an would specifically invite Qianqian, but thinking it was for charity, he didn't overthink it and agreed with a nod: "Alright, I'll tell her."
On the evening of the dinner, Su Qianqian wore a champagne-colored chiffon dress, simple yet elegant, accompanying Gu Chengyu.
Zhou Yu'an, as one of the hosts, mingled among the guests.
He approached the two, holding two glasses of blush-colored cocktails.
"Chengyu, Miss Su, thank you for coming." He smiled, handing one of the glasses to Su Qianqian.
"Try this? It's from a friend's winery, home-brewed. The taste is very sweet, suitable for ladies."
Su Qianqian looked at Gu Chengyu, her eyes asking for permission. Her previous two experiences had taught her that sweet wine could also get her drunk quickly.
Gu Chengyu glanced at the glass, then at Zhou Yu'an.
Zhou Yu'an gave him a meaningful look.
Gu Chengyu was momentarily puzzled, but Zhou Yu'an was always steady and never did anything inappropriate. After a moment's hesitation, he gave Su Qianqian a slight nod:
"Just a small taste, it's fine."
"If you get drunk, I'll take you home."
Only then did Su Qianqian take the glass and take a sip.
Indeed, it was sweet, with a rich fruity aroma, and almost no taste of alcohol.
She relaxed and took a few more sips.
Gu Chengyu watched her demeanor, finding it elegant and noble. He felt both surprised and somewhat captivated.
However, the wine had a strong delayed effect.
Before long, Su Qianqian's body began to feel slightly weak, and her eyes started to look a little dazed.
She leaned against Gu Chengyu, mumbling softly: "A-Yu... I feel a bit dizzy..."
Just then, a female doctor dressed in a simple little cocktail dress walked over. It was Doctor Lin, arranged by Zhou Yu'an.
She supported Su Qianqian's other arm, her voice gentle: "Miss Su, are you feeling unwell? The air is better in the garden outside. Shall I accompany you out for some fresh air?"
Gu Chengyu's brow furrowed tightly. He immediately wanted to refuse, but Zhou Yu'an also grasped his other hand and shook his head, signaling him to let go of Su Qianqian.
Gu Chengyu's expression had already darkened. He looked at Zhou Yu'an, his eyes displeased: "Yu'an, what's the meaning of this? Where does she want to take Qianqian?"
Zhou Yu'an stepped closer, lowering his voice: "Chengyu, trust me this once."
Immediately, Zhou Yu'an gave Doctor Lin a look. Doctor Lin nodded, supported Su Qianqian, and led her away from the banquet hall towards a side door leading to the garden.
"What exactly are you trying to do?" Gu Chengyu's voice turned cold, his gaze tightly following Su Qianqian's somewhat unsteady retreating figure, filled with worry and displeasure.
"There are some things I want to help you ask about."
Zhou Yu'an adjusted his glasses: "Have you forgotten what I studied? Psychology. I suspect her feelings for you aren't genuine."
Seeing Gu Chengyu's expression suddenly turn grim, he added:
"Don't worry, Doctor Lin is a top-tier professional. She would never harm Miss Su in the slightest."
"We'll follow right behind. She won't leave your sight."
"I just want to help you test her..."
"Test how much of her affection for you is real, and how much is fake."
"Don't you want to know, even a little, what she's really after by being with you?"
Gu Chengyu's jaw tightened. He wanted to say that Zhou Yu'an was wrong, how could Qianqian's feelings for him not be genuine?
Moreover, he detested this feeling of being tested, and even more so, he didn't want Qianqian to be treated this way.
But Zhou Yu'an's words were like a thorn, pricking the most hidden unease in his heart.
Their beginning had been so sordid, yet her dependence and affection had come too quickly and purely, sometimes making it feel unreal to him.
In the end, his desire to confirm her true feelings temporarily overpowered his protective instincts.
He gritted his teeth, his eyes fixed on the direction of the garden, his voice squeezed out from between them: "Just this once."
"Yu'an, if she gets frightened..."
"Nothing will happen, Chengyu, I promise you." Zhou Yu'an assured him.
"Let's follow them."
