Gu Baotian also chimed in, "Exactly, it's no big deal. It's normal for a man to drink a little."
"And Xiao Ye will need to find a girlfriend eventually. He’ll have to drink with his future father-in-law too, so it’s good to practice early."
Seriously, Grandpa, if you’re going to help me out, could you at least be a little more subtle? You might as well just spell it out.
Gu Ye discreetly glanced at Wang Xia’s expression, hoping she wouldn’t read too much into it. "It’s my fault, Auntie Wang. Please don’t blame Uncle Li."
Wang Xia had already scolded Li Daming and now turned her attention to Gu Ye with concern. "Fine, I won’t lecture your Uncle Li anymore. But you hardly ever drink, and your tolerance isn’t great. Be careful in the future—don’t make everyone worry."
Gu Ye nodded. "Got it. I’ll be more careful."
Once Wang Xia left, Gu Ye turned to his grandfather. "Grandpa, didn’t I just remind you not to give anything away?"
Gu Baotian waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, I know what I’m doing."
Gu Ye thought to himself: Yeah, right. I’ll only relax when you stop accidentally spilling the beans.
As the grandfather and grandson sipped their cold drinks, Gu Xun walked in from outside.
Both turned their heads, and Gu Baotian teased, "Well, well, look who’s here—the ever-busy Young Master Gu. What brings you home today?"
Gu Xun tossed his car keys onto the coffee table and fired back, "Grandpa, why aren’t you out on your sunset date today? Couldn’t get her to come?"
Lately, Gu Baotian and Zhong Xiaoqin had been at odds after a minor argument. They’d been giving each other the cold shoulder for days.
"Your mouth is as sharp as ever. No wonder even your ex didn’t want you back," Gu Baotian jabbed, wagging a finger at his eldest grandson.
Gu Xun raised an eyebrow. Clearly, nothing stayed a secret in this family.
"Didn’t you praise my eloquence just the other day? Said I inherited it from you."
Gu Ye, thoroughly enjoying the verbal sparring, gave Gu Xun a thumbs-up. Going toe-to-toe with Grandpa? Now that’s impressive.
Gu Xun shifted his gaze to Gu Ye. "No work lately? Just rotting at home?"
"I finished my recent projects," Gu Ye defended himself. "Can’t a man take a break?"
"Fine, you and Grandpa enjoy your break," Gu Xun said, standing up. "I’m heading upstairs."
Gu Baotian called after him, "Are you going out again later? Stay home for a couple of days—we barely see you."
Gu Xun’s retreating figure answered, "Not going out today. I’ll stay the night."
After chatting with his grandfather, Gu Ye went upstairs but didn’t find Gu Xun in his room. He eventually located him in the home gym.
"Bro, any progress with Nan Yin lately?"
Gu Xun barely glanced up. "You really must be bored out of your mind."
"..."
Gu Ye leaned against the wall. "Come on, I’m just asking out of concern."
Gu Xun continued his workout. "Not obligated to share."
"Bro, this attitude won’t get you anywhere. You can’t be so cold when chasing a girl," Gu Ye advised. "Don’t be too aloof."
"Oh? So I should take notes from you and be an eager little puppy?" Gu Xun retorted. "Have you even been in a relationship?"
Gu Ye: ...Well, that backfired spectacularly.
Having failed in his attempt to pry, Gu Ye retreated. After lunch, he received a message from Zhuge Shen.
"Here’s all the info you asked for."
Gu Ye: "Thanks, Shen!"
Zhuge Shen: "No problem. Turns out I know Pei Ting—his family’s law firm works with our company. Still, you haven’t told me why you needed his details."
Gu Ye made up an excuse on the spot: "A friend of mine might need his legal services. Just doing some background checks."
With the documents in hand, Gu Ye scrutinized them closely. Pei Ting wasn’t just accomplished—his family background was impressive too.
The sense of rivalry grew heavier.
Pacing his room, Gu Ye fiddled with his phone.
Meanwhile, Jiang Mo was adapting surprisingly well to rock climbing, despite it being her first time.
After their morning session, the two headed to a nearby mall for lunch.
"You’re a fast learner. Your technique’s solid," Pei Ting praised her at the table.
"Really? So you’re saying I’ve got a knack for this?" Jiang Mo grinned, happily devouring her garlic butter shrimp with gloved hands.
Pei Ting peeled another shrimp and placed it in her bowl. "You’re naturally athletic. Since you enjoy it, we should go again sometime."
"That’s enough, really—stop peeling shrimp for me," Jiang Mo protested. "Eat some yourself. This place is amazing."
Pei Ting smiled. "Your restaurant recommendation didn’t disappoint. It’s packed for lunch."
"Of course! My family’s been coming here every summer for years," Jiang Mo said. "So, what’s the plan for this afternoon?"
"How about a movie? There’s a new one getting good reviews," Pei Ting suggested.
Jiang Mo nodded. "Sure, it’s been ages since I’ve been to the cinema."
Only after the movie ended did she notice the messages from Gu Ye—first asking about his watch, then about some clothes.
Jiang Mo typed a rapid reply while Pei Ting offered, "You stay here and respond. I’ll grab us some bubble tea."
Gu Ye had waited forever for her response. Pretending nonchalance, he eventually steered the conversation: "So, what indoor activity did you do? Fun?"
Jiang Mo: "Rock climbing. It was great."
"Ah, you’re into that? I’m good at it too. Next time, I’ll teach you."
