"Alright, alright," Jiang Mo watched as Gu Xun gradually recovered, letting out a relieved sigh before slumping onto the sofa.
The way Young Master Gu had acted earlier was a bit frightening. Thankfully, he had passed out on the sofa.
She had seen videos online about people fainting due to low blood sugar, showcasing all sorts of bizarre scenarios.
At least Young Master Gu had the sense to collapse in a safe spot.
Imagine if he had fainted in some awkward location—that would’ve been mortifying.
If he hadn’t woken up soon, she would’ve had to call an ambulance.
Gu Xuan patted his chest dramatically. "Big bro, you nearly scared me to death."
Now that he was conscious, the atmosphere in the living room finally lightened.
Gu Xun covered his face with one hand, adjusting his posture. "I’m fine now, no need to worry. It was just low blood sugar. Sorry for scaring you."
He hadn’t expected his blood sugar to drop like that. Probably because he hadn’t eaten on time today, and his stomach issues had flared up, leading to the sudden episode.
When he’d stepped out of the study, he’d intended to grab something to eat. But by the time he reached the living room, his vision had started darkening. He’d barely managed to stumble toward the vague silhouette of someone before collapsing—thankfully not face-first onto the floor.
"I’m fine, I’m fine, totally fine," Gu Xuan teased, pulling a face. "Big bro, your lips are pale, but your attitude is still rock-solid."
"Now’s not the time to act cool, you know."
Jiang Mo turned her head away, coughing twice to suppress a laugh.
Gu Xun seemed taken aback by his brother’s remark. He leaned back into the sofa, shooting him a sidelong glance. "Since when did you become so talkative?"
"Big bro, don’t be so harsh," Gu Xuan continued, dancing dangerously close to the line. "If I hadn’t come over, you would’ve fainted here with no one noticing. That makes me your savior, technically."
To prevent things from escalating into a fight, Jiang Mo quickly interjected, "Young Master, let’s let Young Master Gu rest for a bit."
She then held up the half-empty bottle of cola. "Um, do you still want this?"
Gu Xun paused briefly before answering, "Give it to me."
Jiang Mo set the bottle on the coffee table and headed to the kitchen. Since no one cooked here regularly, there weren’t many ingredients available.
"Young Master Gu, I’ll handle dinner tonight."
With the boss feeling unwell, it was the perfect opportunity to step up.
If he declined, she could just clock out early...
"Thank you," Gu Xun said. "Something light will do."
Once dinner was confirmed, Jiang Mo prepared to go grocery shopping. She didn’t ask him to specify dishes—what if he requested something she couldn’t make?
She’d have to improvise. Whatever she cooked, he’d just have to eat it.
Luckily, she’d already scouted the nearby markets and stores, so she returned with ingredients quickly.
When she got back, the TV was on in the living room, and the two Gu brothers—with their noticeable age gap—were sitting there, staring each other down.
Seeing Jiang Mo return, Gu Xuan bounded over. "Sis Mo, what did you buy? Let me see!"
Jiang Mo headed to the kitchen, the younger boy trailing behind. Peeking back toward the living room, she asked, "Did you two have a fight?"
"...He found the snacks I bought and said they were all junk food," Gu Xuan grumbled. "If it weren’t for my snacks, he wouldn’t even have gotten that cola."
Mystery solved—so that’s why there was cola in the drawer.
"Your brother’s probably just worried you’ll spoil your appetite with too many snacks," Jiang Mo reasoned. Adults all seemed to think alike.
"I don’t eat that many snacks," Gu Xuan muttered, lowering his voice to ensure his brother couldn’t hear. "Don’t you think my big bro is kinda cold and pretentious?"
Jiang Mo raised an eyebrow. "Isn’t that just his personality?"
Gu Xuan shook his head. "No, he’s the only one in our family like this. Honestly, he gives off major ‘try-hard’ vibes."
"Even when he’s sick, he won’t let anyone call a doctor, insisting he’s fine—"
"Ah! What? You want fruit?" Jiang Mo swiftly shoved a cherry tomato into Gu Xuan’s mouth before turning to the person behind them. "Young Master Gu, did you need something?"
Gu Xun glanced at the two of them. "Hot water."
"Of course, I’ll prepare it right away."
Once he was gone, Gu Xuan chewed on the tomato. "Sis Mo, you kinda jabbed my cheek with that."
"Sorry, my hand slipped," Jiang Mo replied awkwardly.
She’d only done that to stop the younger brother from spouting more reckless comments and escalating the sibling tension.
Dinner prep went smoothly—Jiang Mo whipped up four dishes and a soup in no time.
While she was stir-frying the last dish, Gu Xun came in to set the table. "We’ll eat together later."
"Oh, sure," Jiang Mo replied. She’d considered showing off a fancy flip of the pan, but the wok was too heavy, so she abandoned the idea.
After finishing up, she saw the two brothers already seated. Not wanting to keep them waiting, she quickly washed her hands and joined them.
This was Gu Xuan’s first time tasting Jiang Mo’s cooking. Surveying the spread, he exclaimed, "Wow, Sis Mo, you can make so many dishes? That’s amazing!"
"Just average, third-best in the world," Jiang Mo joked. "Try the dishes I made and give me some feedback."
Gu Xun picked up his chopsticks and asked, "You two haven’t been eating at home these past few days?"
"That’s right, we’ve been dining out—feasting!" Gu Xuan mimicked the tone of Jiang Mo and her brother. "Delicious!"
You just put the food in your mouth—probably haven’t even tasted it yet—and it’s already "delicious"?
Seems the young master isn’t stingy with compliments.
"If it’s delicious, eat more," Jiang Mo said. "Don’t worry, we’ve been eating at nice restaurants with good ambiance."
No street food or sketchy diners, mind you.
Gu Xun didn’t respond, just fiddled with his phone for a moment.
Soon after, Jiang Mo heard a notification on her own phone. A glance confirmed it—Gu Xun had sent her a red envelope.
When she opened it, there were several zeros in the amount.
"Little President Gu, what’s this?" A sudden large transfer?
"Living expenses for Gu Xuan while he’s staying at your place. Also, thank you for looking after him during your time off," Gu Xun said succinctly. Consider it overtime pay.
"Honestly, it didn’t cost much," Jiang Mo explained.
"Sis Mo, just take it. My big brother here has a thing for keeping face," Gu Xuan chuckled. "Besides, he’s loaded."
Yes, yes, of course. As if I didn’t already know your brother’s rich.
Your whole family is loaded.
Gu Xun sipped his soup leisurely, not refuting Gu Xuan’s words. He glanced at Jiang Mo and said casually, "How have you been adjusting these past few months?"
Is this the boss checking in on his employee?
"Very well. I’ve settled in nicely."
Gu Xun nodded. "Our company is currently hiring for legal assistants. If you’re interested, you could give it a try."
"Legal assistant?"
That would actually align with her professional background—a return to her roots.
Jiang Mo quickly pulled up the Gu Corporation’s job posting on her phone.
The salary wasn’t particularly enticing, though. And they were only hiring two people.
"Little President Gu, thanks, but I think I’m doing just fine as a nanny. The pay’s good, and I’d like to keep growing in this field—aiming for greatness, shining bright!"
"You’re really giving up on your legal studies? Doesn’t that feel like a waste?" Gu Xun asked.
He assumed she’d taken the nanny job temporarily due to a tough job market and would return to law if given the chance.
Jiang Mo replied, "Not working in law doesn’t mean the knowledge goes unused. In daily life, if needed, I can still apply it. At least I know more about rights protection than the average person."
"Besides, nannying is a growing field. If I worked at a company, what would I do if I hit middle age and got laid off? There’s no shame in this work—I’m earning an honest living."
The rule of survival: prestige is nice, but money talks.
"...Alright, got it," Gu Xun said.
Gu Xuan only half-understood but was happy to hear Jiang Mo would keep working at their house. "Sis, just stay with us. If the pay’s not enough, I’ll ask Mom to raise your salary."
Jiang Mo: "Eat your veggies, kid. More greens for nutrition."
Dinner ended pleasantly. Jiang Mo cleaned up the kitchen waste, planning to take it out when she left.
"Little President Gu, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head home now."
"Mm. Be careful on your way back," Gu Xun added after a pause, "Don’t mention my fainting episode to my mom—or Aunt Wang."
If Aunt Wang knew, Su Yunjin would inevitably find out.
Jiang Mo nodded. "Got it~"
Little President Gu doesn’t want an earful from the madam.
She rode her scooter home, only to find Li Daming had returned.
"Old Li, you’re back!"
"Here, I got you those duck snacks you love—the ones from your favorite place," Li Daming pointed at the bag on the table. "Where’ve you been?"
"I was at Little President Gu’s place. Some things came up."
"Heh, thanks, Dad. You’re the best."
Though full from dinner, Jiang Mo couldn’t resist the duck snacks—just a little treat, not enough to fill her up.
Li Daming studied his daughter. "Hmm, haven’t seen you in a few days. You look thinner—eat more to replenish."
Nearby, Li Zheng looked up at the ceiling in exasperation. "Dad, don’t spoil her too much."
His sister? Thin?
Meanwhile, he was the one who’d actually lost weight—three pounds this month from studying like crazy.
"Dad, tomorrow I’ll take you out for a feast. You’ve been working so hard, you’ve slimmed down," Jiang Mo said, opening the duck snacks and inhaling the familiar aroma.
"Good, good. At least my daughter’s filial," Li Daming grinned, side-eyeing Li Zheng, who was glued to his phone. "Having a son is like raising a piece of roast pork."
No wonder Wang Xia once told him the madam always wanted a daughter.
Li Zheng sighed in protest. "Dad, you promised no personal attacks."
"And Sis, can’t you show off your filial piety when I’m not around?"
Jiang Mo scoffed, "No way. The battle for the heir's position has always been like this."
