Gu Ye pondered while driving, mulling things over the entire way home. When he arrived, he saw everyone gathered in the living room—even Gu Xun had returned.
"Wow, quite the lively gathering today. Is there some big news?"
Su Yunjin shot Gu Ye a disdainful look. "Where have you been fooling around all day? Only coming back now—just seeing you irritates me. Go upstairs already."
"Don’t take your frustration out on me," Gu Ye retorted. Clearly, something was up, and curiosity was only human. He plopped down next to Gu Xun. "Bro, what’s going on at home?"
Gu Xun raised an eyebrow. "Did you know about Grandpa’s late-life romance?"
"So... you found out too?" Gu Ye scratched his head. He’d thought the old man’s relationship could stay under wraps a little longer, but it seemed the secret was already out.
Gu Xun sighed. "Looks like I’m the last one in the family to know."
He’d only learned about it today when he came home and overheard Grandpa discussing it with their parents in the living room. Turns out, even after retiring, the old man hadn’t slowed down—he’d started a twilight romance.
Gu Guofeng was exasperated. Originally, since Grandpa hadn’t brought it up, he and his wife had turned a blind eye. But then Zhong Xiaoqin’s son had to open his mouth.
At a dinner gathering, the man had casually brought it up, hinting that the two elderly folks were getting too close and stirring up gossip. The underlying message was clear: rein it in.
Gu Guofeng was mortified. None of his sons had ever had their love lives scrutinized like this—no one had ever come knocking about them.
Yet here he was, dealing with complaints about his father’s romantic life. At that moment, his face burned with shame.
"Dad, just listen to me, alright? Stop hovering around Aunt Su from now on. Can you do that?"
"No. If you’ve got time to meddle in my affairs, why not focus on those two sons of yours instead?" Gu Baotian retorted stubbornly. "I’m just making friends. What’s so wrong with that?"
"It’s not me who has a problem—it’s the other family," Gu Guofeng explained.
Su Yunjin chimed in, "That’s right, Dad. They don’t want you two getting too close."
Truthfully, Su Yunjin didn’t see the harm in two elderly folks keeping each other company. No marriage certificates, no real risks—so she’d stayed quiet.
But still, if word got out, it wouldn’t sound great.
As for how Su Yunjin knew? Well, Wang Xia had a sharp eye for these things.
Gu Baotian scoffed. "You say they’re unhappy, but it sounds like you two aren’t thrilled either."
"I’m old enough to be left alone. Must I still be managed like a child?"
Gu Guofeng and his wife exchanged helpless glances. They’d tried reasoning—if the old man wouldn’t listen, so be it.
"Grandpa, you’ve got it all wrong. Mom and Dad are actually on your side," Gu Ye interjected at just the right moment.
"You little rascal! After all I’ve done for you, and you won’t even back me up?" Gu Baotian clutched his chest dramatically. "I’m taking back all the investments I gave you."
"Grandpa’s at this age—just let him be. Even if he’s dating, what’s the harm?" Gu Xun said coolly.
"Now that’s the heir of the Gu family speaking! I knew I raised you right." Gu Baotian brightened, relieved someone was finally supporting him—though something about the phrasing nagged at him.
What did he mean, "what’s the harm"? He was perfectly healthy—eating well, sleeping soundly, sharper than most young folks.
Gu Ye rubbed his nose. "Grandpa’s in great shape—why shouldn’t he go all the way? He could even get married, boost the national marriage rate."
"You’re decent-looking—shame about the mouth," Gu Xun remarked, side-eyeing his brother.
Gu Ye grinned. "Oh? Took you long enough to notice my good looks, big bro."
The old man was beyond control, but the sons were another matter.
"Look at you two—not half as capable as your grandfather when it comes to chasing women," Gu Guofeng grumbled, then caught himself. That sounded like praise. He coughed awkwardly.
"I already have someone I like. No need to worry about me," Gu Xun declared, having enjoyed the show long enough. With that, he leisurely headed upstairs.
Aside from Su Yunjin, who was in the know, and Gu Ye, who had an inkling, the other two were left baffled.
"I’ve got someone I like too. I’ll tell you when the time’s right," Gu Ye announced, seizing the moment.
Gu Guofeng waved him off. "Yeah, yeah. Don’t just copy your brother."
Su Yunjin stood, brushing off her clothes, ready to call it a night. She didn’t even bother asking. "Alright, everyone, wash up and sleep."
Gu Ye spread his hands. Seriously? No curiosity? No questions?
He turned to Gu Baotian. "Grandpa, I’m serious. There’s someone I like—I’m planning to pursue her."
"Hmph. Good luck with that," Gu Baotian huffed, hands behind his back as he walked off. No support earlier? No sympathy now.
When Jiang Mo arrived for work, she learned that Grandpa Gu’s romance had been fully exposed within the family.
Gu Baotian didn’t even bother hiding it anymore. "Jiang Mo, Aunt Su and I are heading out. Clean the two birdcages later, will you?"
"Sure thing, Grandpa Gu," Jiang Mo nodded. The old man had recently acquired two birds—apparently quite precious.
Gu Baotian teased, "You’re so clever and capable—I really do adore you. If only you were my granddaughter-in-law."
"Grandpa, you’re joking again."
As Jiang Mo went upstairs, she nearly bumped into Gu Xun. "Young Master Gu."
Gu Xun nodded and continued past her.
Watching his retreating figure, Jiang Mo shook her head. She wondered how things were progressing between Young Master Gu and Huo Nanyin.
Judging by the countless romance novels she’d read, the odds were in their favor.
After tidying the other rooms, Jiang Mo finally knocked on Gu Ye’s door.
Gu Ye answered, dressed in blue silk pajamas, bleary-eyed.
"Did you stay up late again?" Jiang Mo studied him. Even with lack of sleep, his skin was flawless—so unfair.
Stepping inside, she noticed the trash bin overflowing with tissues—even two wads on the nightstand.
What had he been up to? Why so many tissues?
Suddenly, a scene from novels flashed in her mind—could it be...?
"Not really. Didn’t stay up too late," Gu Ye replied, oblivious. "Heard you got a new car—what model?"
When he turned, he found Jiang Mo staring at him, mouth slightly agape, her expression unreadable.
