Gu Chengyu raised an eyebrow slightly, the arrogance and composure from moments ago instantly replaced by impatience.
He knew it—being called back was all about discussing an arranged marriage. Everything before this had just been preamble.
Madam Gu ignored the shift in his expression and pointed to the second tier of the pyramid. "The Shen Family. Shen Que has a younger sister, Shen Nian'an, just turned twenty, studying art in Paris—more like polishing her pedigree."
"She’s a bit spoiled, but the Shen Family’s foundation is solid, and Shen Que is shrewd. A marriage alliance would benefit us."
Her fingertip then moved to the Zhou Family’s photo. "The Zhou Family. Yu'an is the only heir, but his uncle has a cousin, Zhou Jingshu, twenty-three, working in management at the Zhou Family’s private hospital. They say she’s steady and capable."
"The medical industry has always been lucrative. The Zhou Family would’ve been our top choice, but unfortunately, the girl is just a branch relative—her status is lacking."
When she reached the Qin Family’s photo, Madam Gu skipped over it entirely, her tone dismissive. "Forget the Qin Family."
"Qin Yu is the last of their line. They do have an adopted daughter, but her background is ultimately unsuitable."
As for the daughters of political leaders, she brushed them off with a single remark: "Four-year rotating figureheads aren’t worth considering."
Finally, her finger landed on the third tier of the pyramid, where instead of family portraits, there were photos of numerous young women.
"Further down, among the second-tier families, there are a few decent options."
"They don’t fight as viciously as our circles. Their branches flourish, and many outstanding young women emerge."
"Among the Gu, Shen, Zhou, and Qin Families, the main bloodlines are either dead or injured."
"Or they simply don’t reproduce—like the Zhou couple, who had one child, stored sperm and eggs, and then got sterilized."
"After all this picking, I’m still unsatisfied."
"In contrast, the girls from lesser families are exceptionally well-raised."
Madam Gu pulled out a single photo of Shen Nian'an from the side, then selected another from the third tier, sliding both toward Gu Chengyu.
The first photo showed a girl in a striking pink Chanel-style suit, her smile bright and bold, radiating an air of naive, spoiled charm.
"Shen Nian'an, Shen Que’s sister."
"Young, beautiful, a matching pedigree. A bit flighty, but with a few years of training, she’ll do fine in public."
The second photo featured a girl in a simple beige skirt set, her demeanor gentle and composed as she sat before a piano, exuding the elegance of someone steeped in the arts.
"Song Qingwan, the only daughter of the scholarly Song Family. A true musical dynasty—her ancestors were masters for generations, and she herself has won international piano competitions. Her poise and refinement are impeccable."
"Our Gu Family lacks nothing—except this kind of cultural prestige to elevate our name."
Madam Gu’s gaze lingered on Song Qingwan’s photo, her satisfaction unmistakable.
Both girls in the photos were undeniably stunning—young, beautiful, and elite.
Shen Nian'an represented a powerful alliance between conglomerates, while Song Qingwan symbolized the infusion of old-world heritage and cultural prestige.
Gu Chengyu’s eyes lazily swept over the two photos his mother had singled out, his expression unreadable, bordering on indifference.
Beautiful? Sure.
Pedigree? Adequate.
But…
Against his will, another face flashed in his mind.
The way she nestled in his arms, looking up at him—utterly guileless, completely trusting.
Which of these meticulously groomed socialites could match that purity, that vitality?
More importantly, no matter how demure or gracious these women appeared, who knew what lurked beneath the surface?
If he married one, would his sweet, defenseless Qianqian end up bullied behind his back?
Seeing her son silent, his gaze inscrutable as he studied the photos, Madam Gu assumed he was weighing the pros and cons. She softened her tone, coaxing.
"Chengyu, I know you value your freedom."
"But marriage is a duty. The young madam will be the face of the Gu Family."
"Either of these two would be excellent. There are others too, each with their own merits—pick whoever you like. I won’t interfere."
"I just want you settled this year."
"Remember, your father intends to formally hand the company over to you. But the Gu Family’s rule is clear: establish a family before a career."
"Once you’re engaged, the vice president position is yours."
"After marriage, you’ll take full control. Your father will step aside completely."
"Don’t you want to lead the Gu Family sooner?"
"And marriage is just a formality. Play around as much as you like."
"If there’s someone you truly favor, have a child with them—we’ll bring the child home."
"The Gu Family’s successor has always been decided by merit."
"But the young madam must be presentable. Do you understand?"
After a few seconds of silence, Gu Chengyu lifted his eyes to meet his mother’s.
"I understand."
His voice was quiet but firm.
"You’re right. The Gu Family’s young madam can’t be an afterthought."
Madam Gu’s eyes flickered with surprise. She hadn’t expected him to agree so readily.
Gu Chengyu’s gaze returned to the photos, this time with a hint of scrutiny. "Shen Que’s sister is too spoiled."
"Miss Song seems serene enough, but who knows how she’d be in person?"
Then he shifted tactics, looking at Madam Gu. "Since you’re choosing my wife, shouldn’t we see more options?"
"Weren’t there a few standouts among the second-tier families?"
"Arrange meetings with whoever you think is suitable. I’ll make time."
His quick agreement—even his proactive request to meet more candidates—left Madam Gu momentarily unsure of his motives.
Had he finally come around?
Or was something else at play?
Gu Chengyu didn’t give her time to ponder. He stood smoothly. "It’s settled."
"Have my assistant notified once arrangements are made."
"I have work to attend to. I’m leaving."
"Just make sure they’re kind-hearted—none of that two-faced nonsense. Genuine goodness matters."
With that, he spared no further glance for the photos on the table, turning on his heel and striding out of the Gu residence without a backward look.
His retreating figure was as audacious as ever.
Madam Gu watched her son disappear, then looked down at the photos on the table, her brow smoothing.
A broader selection wouldn’t hurt.
Whatever scheme he had in mind, his willingness to get engaged was progress.
