Realizing someone was still missing, Jiang Mo stood up, ready to go upstairs and wake them.
Just as she turned around, she spotted Gu Xuan standing behind her, pouting with his arms crossed.
Jiang Mo gave an awkward smile. "Xuan, you're up! I was just about to go get you."
"Oh, so you do remember me? Were you planning to leave and then suddenly recall I exist?" Gu Xuan sighed dramatically, mimicking an adult's tone. "I get it—I’m just not important at all."
Luckily, he’d been too excited about today’s trip to sleep in. After sneaking downstairs, he’d discovered he’d been forgotten.
"What’s all this grumbling about?" Gu Ye cut in bluntly. "Are you eating breakfast or not? We’re leaving right after."
"Yes, yes! Second Brother, don’t rush me," Gu Xuan chirped, scampering over and dropping his act.
Noticing the unfamiliar elderly folks at the table, the little boy piped up cheerfully, "Hello, grandpas and grandmas!"
"Hello, hello!" Liu Guochuan chuckled, amused by the lively child. "Old Gu, your grandson here is quite the spirited little fellow."
"Of course! Look who he takes after," Gu Baotian boasted.
"One compliment and you’re already puffing up," Liu Guochuan teased.
Gu Xuan nibbled on a steamed bun, his eyes darting around until they lingered on Zhong Xiaoqin.
He guessed this elegant lady must be his grandpa’s girlfriend.
When Zhong Xiaoqin glanced his way, he quickly averted his gaze and focused on his food.
By the time everyone finished breakfast, it was barely eight o’clock.
A luxury coach and two drivers were already waiting outside, luggage loaded and ready to depart as soon as the passengers boarded.
Gu Baotian’s group got on first, while Jiang Mo double-checked for forgotten items before joining them.
The coach’s spacious seats, complete with amenities like a fridge and restroom, ensured a comfortable ride.
The four elders settled in the back for easy conversation.
As soon as Jiang Mo stepped aboard, Gu Ye waved her over. "Jiang Mo, sit here with me. I saved you the window seat."
Once she was seated, he pulled out fruit and snacks. "In case you get bored—something to munch on during the trip."
Pan Weidong caught sight of it and joked, "Oh? Are the rest of us getting any of those treats?"
"Plenty to go around," Gu Ye said, distributing the goodies.
Gu Xuan, seated by the aisle with an empty spot beside him, seized the chance to coax Jiang Mo over. "Sis Jiang Mo, come sit with me! We can play games together."
Gaming sounded like a fun way to pass the time.
Just as Jiang Mo was about to move, Gu Ye returned and plopped down, blocking her path.
"Your Sis Jiang Mo didn’t sleep well last night. Let her rest—play by yourself."
Jiang Mo: But I slept fine...
"Second Brother, you just don’t want Sis Jiang Mo to play with me! She didn’t even say no," Gu Xuan protested.
"I could sit with him for a couple rounds," Jiang Mo offered.
Gu Ye pulled out his phone. "Let him play alone. Help me pick a few restaurants for meals instead."
"Alright, let’s see." Food was serious business, so Jiang Mo focused on selecting dining spots.
Leaning in to view the same phone, their heads drew close—so close that Gu Ye could clearly see her long lashes and the delicate pores of her cheek.
A slight turn, and their faces might brush.
Her soft voice murmured in his ear, but Gu Ye’s mind began to drift, his throat unconsciously tightening.
Jiang Mo analyzed the restaurants at length, only to realize he hadn’t responded.
Puzzled, she turned—her lips grazing his cheek, nearly a kiss.
Hoping he hadn’t noticed, she subtly shifted back.
When did we get this close?!
"These two places seem good," she said.
"Yeah, they’re fine. Let’s go with those," Gu Ye agreed absently, his ears tinged pink.
Jiang Mo grabbed a snack from the tray, unwrapping it to ease the flutter in her chest.
