The voice carried a trace of lingering resentment, sending goosebumps reflexively creeping up Gu Zhaoye's back.
Yet his eyes were vacant, showing no reaction, as if he had simply been convinced by those words.
His eyes wide, he suddenly murmured, "...Yes, how could I let you down? I love you."
"I love you."
Gu Zhaoye's tone grew more agitated as he spoke, as if he had completely convinced himself.
"That's right, I clearly love you. I love you so much, how could I do such a thing! How could I possibly get engaged to Fang Yining?"
"Nian Nian, I will absolutely not let you down."
Hearing the voice on the other end that had changed its attitude instantly, Ruan Nian's tears were still wet on her face. Her tone was guilty, and she felt nothing but sheer horror, her lips trembling.
Just with a simple exchange, the Gu Zhaoye on the other end seemed like a completely different person, his rationality utterly overwritten.
Only now did she finally, deeply realize the terror of the system.
If her mission failed this time too, and she ceased to be a host in the future...
Could the system just as easily overwrite her own rationality? Make her fall madly in love with another man?
If the system could brainwash someone so effortlessly...
Ruan Nian finally thought of a terrifying question, one so dreadful she had never even considered it before.
How could she guarantee that she herself wasn't already the result of the system's brainwashing?
How could she guarantee that everything she did wasn't exchanged for by someone else using points?
How could she guarantee that her own life wasn't being manipulated in the shadows by some unknown entity, or by someone possessing such a "golden finger," without her knowing anything about it?
Ruan Nian was on the verge of collapse, her mind in complete chaos.
She listened slowly to Gu Zhaoye's vows, trembling more and more violently, even breaking down in tears uncontrollably.
Ruan Nian felt a profound, heartfelt fear that made her want to stop what came next, but the system's voice was still gently pressing her:
"Why have you stopped? Nian Nian? Aren't you going to proceed with the next task?"
"You still need to go and secure control over Gu Zhaoye, gain his affection."
"You still need to stop his engagement."
"Gu Zhaoye loves you. He should only love you. Nian Nian, you will find happiness, as long as you listen to me."
Nian Nian.
Nian Nian.
He loves you.
Ruan Nian finally couldn't hold back, letting out a sharp scream. As if she'd seen a ghost, she scrambled backward, stumbling and crawling to pull open the door and flee outside.
But just at that moment, the system's screen suddenly lit up, deducting a huge number of points.
The points were deducted from a very long numerical bar, preceded by a red heart shape.
Before, Ruan Nian had never known what data this value represented. It seemed impossible to increase; it would slowly decrease over time, yet it brought no practical impact on her. Ruan Nian could only treat it as a timer, or perhaps a gradual depletion of stamina.
But only now, for the first time, did she see this value drop sharply and explicitly.
It was deducted from the system by forcibly exchanging Gu Zhaoye's affection value with hers.
It felt as if the deduction was from her very self.
In that instant, Ruan Nian felt an extremely strong sense of detachment, as if something was being torn away from within her body.
Her eyes instantly lost focus, and in her fleeing posture, she went limp and slumped to the floor.
The system seemed to sigh in relief, its voice becoming even gentler: "Go and do what you want to do, Nian Nian."
"You must go find Gu Zhaoye. He will fall in love with you again."
After hearing this, Ruan Nian seemed to be stunned for a while, then finally pushed herself up from the ground slowly, opened the door step by step, and walked out.
...
Gu Zhaoye and Fang Yining's engagement ceremony was a major event even by Haicheng's standards, with almost all the prominent figures invited.
A few hours before the engagement banquet, Fang Yining was already sitting in the castle manor's dressing room, her makeup and styling completed with an expressionless face.
Gu Zhaoye had gone out, not knowing what he was doing, probably to take a call, but it was unclear what call could take so long.
By the time he finally returned, even the makeup artist couldn't help but glance at him, feeling he had left like a lost soul.
The makeup artist's heart sank. Why did he feel Gu Zhaoye looked a bit like those characters in idol dramas who were about to cause some scene during the oath-taking at the engagement banquet?
"Are you ready?" Fang Yining asked abruptly. Gu Zhaoye seemed startled, jerking his head up. Upon seeing her, his gaze became somewhat evasive. He turned away for a long moment before repressing his voice to say, "Yes, everything's ready."
Fang Yining rose unhurriedly. She didn't even glance in the mirror to check her appearance, not at all like other female clients who were particularly concerned about their looks on such grand occasions. She seemed merely to be going through the motions. She said to Gu Zhaoye, "Then let's go. Everyone is waiting."
The two of them walked out just like that. The makeup artist watched, feeling an inexplicable chill, and shook his head.
His intuition told him something was going to happen.
"Let me in first!"
"Our agency was here first, okay? Have you no shame?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Our agency has always had the closest ties with the Gu family. We've reported on many of the Gu family's major events. Our editor-in-chief was personally invited by the Gu family. All of you, move aside, will you?"
"Over there, over there! Who's that arriving?"
The media had just reached the entrance and had already descended into a frantic scramble. Everyone wanted to secure the best spot first to photograph this engagement banquet, but many didn't have invitations allowing them inside, only able to photograph some of the celebrities coming and going as invited guests from the outside.
Seeing a car approach, they swarmed like vultures catching the scent of meat, immediately turning, and the flashlights lit up wildly.
It was a very low-key black car.
The windows were closed very tightly, especially the rear ones. Only as it slowly moved forward could one vaguely see, through the slightly more transparent glass of the driver's compartment, the profile of a resolute woman wearing white gloves.
Some people were momentarily stunned, because it was a middle-aged woman who appeared somewhat plump, not quite fitting the public perception of a "driver's" image. Seeing such a figure appear at this moment also felt somewhat bewildering.
Yet she drove the car forward, steady as a rock.
Only after she had passed through the live broadcast lens did someone suddenly realize:
"This is Gu Zhaoping's car!"
"It's President Gu!"
"She actually came to Gu Zhaoye's engagement banquet? Does this mean the relationship between the siblings isn't broken? Or does it mean the Gu family still hasn't given up on Gu Zhaoye?"
"Did the Fang family heiress agree to the engagement on her instruction? Or is the sibling rift just a show the Gu family is putting on for the public to protect themselves?"
"That can't be possible, right? The two of them were at each other's throats like that!"
"So is she only attending to save face for the Gu family?"
Opinions varied, and discussions buzzed!
The guests already inside, hearing the commotion from outside, also gradually stopped their conversations and turned their heads to look.
Although many tried hard to appear not to pay too much attention, the turning motion was so synchronized that it created quite a stir, achieving an effect of drawing everyone's eyes.
The woman in a white formal suit walked in from outside, followed only by that middle-aged driver, and then she took a seat in the front row.
One might have thought she would at least exchange some pleasantries with someone.
But she didn't greet anyone.
After a moment of eye contact,
it was instead those who wanted to know her who stepped forward, cautiously striking up a conversation with her.
This was indeed an unexpected yet somehow predictable scene. Everyone was full of curiosity about this Gu family heir who had recently been in the limelight and at the center of the storm, eager to make contact.
But finding that she offered no opening for others to approach her proactively made people somewhat awkward.
Especially some elders who prided themselves on their status—how could they take the initiative to converse with a junior? Watching those who did go up to talk to her with envy, they found themselves in a dilemma.
Ni Tiansong was also among the invited, representing the Ni family.
With many people present, he didn't converse much with Gu Zhaoping, knowing it wasn't the time for lengthy talk. Only after seeing the Old Master arrive did he go up to exchange a few words under the pretext of a junior paying respects.
The Old Master was quite pleased with him. His originally tense and not very cheerful expression softened slightly upon seeing him, showing some amiability. He then said to him, "After the banquet ends, come sit with us at the Gu residence."
Ni Tiansong first glanced at Gu Zhaoping, seeking her opinion. Seeing Gu Zhaoping make no expression, appearing noncommittal, the tightly wound string in his heart loosened slightly with a touch of disappointment. But he still said gently, "Thank you for the invitation, Old Master. However, what follows are family matters. I'm afraid I would be intruding and causing trouble if I joined. After things settle, I will pay a visit."
The Old Master was somewhat surprised. He could clearly see this young man's strong interest in his granddaughter, yet he knew how to keep his boundaries—without Gu Zhaoping's word, he wouldn't proactively visit.
Knowing full well he was the top candidate in Old Master Gu's eyes for a match, he still refrained from presumptuously inserting himself, which made him less annoying.
Ni Tiansong wasn't always averse to using some minor tactics concerning Gu Zhaoping, but he understood better how to view these actions from Gu Zhaoping's perspective.
If he thought Gu Zhaoping would dislike something, he wouldn't do it. He wasn't that young anymore and wouldn't do things like a child that would cause displeasure.
Gu Zhaoping looked at him.
Ni Tiansong smiled at her.
The master of ceremonies had already appeared at the front of the stage. After receiving instructions from the Old Master, he began with a smile to invite today's protagonists onto the stage.
Gu Zhaoping looked up to watch Fang Yining and Gu Zhaoye walk out.
Her gaze skipped over Gu Zhaoye entirely, landing on Fang Yining. Fang Yining met her eyes.
Gu Zhaoye's expression was dark, so obvious that everyone could see it.
A murmur of unrest rippled through the crowd below, and people couldn't help but whisper to each other.
What was Gu Zhaoye's attitude? Anyone could see he looked utterly unwilling.
Wasn't this marriage his way out? Why wasn't he even pretending?
Daring to show such a face in front of so many people, who knows how he acted in private.
Thinking this, many sighed, their gazes toward Fang Yining and the Fang family tinged with sympathy.
Fang Yining's parents had been smiling brightly while greeting guests. Seeing their daughter and future son-in-law walk onto the stage, their smiles widened.
But upon noticing Gu Zhaoye's expression, as if the whole world had wronged him, their smiles immediately faded, gradually turning unpleasant.
What did he mean by this? Putting on such a face at a time like this?
They felt embarrassed and couldn't help turning to speak to Father Gu: "What's wrong with Gu Zhaoye today? Is he in a bad mood?"
Father Gu felt awkward: "I don't know what's gotten into him either. My apologies, in-laws."
"I have to say, on such a joyous occasion, why wear that expression? Won't others think he doesn't want to be engaged to our Yining at all, that our Yining is forcing him?" Fang Yining's mother's face darkened.
She attached great importance to this engagement ceremony. Her own engagement with Fang's father had been a major event famous throughout Haicheng, so she very much wished for her daughter to have the same treatment—an engagement banquet that would be talked about for "how well her fiancé treated her."
Gu Zhaoye's reputation had already been poor lately. They had taken a risk agreeing to this match, based on Gu Zhaoye's potential and their many years of affection for him.
Gu Zhaoye putting on this act made them look even worse.
"How could that be? Zhaoye definitely agreed willingly," Father Gu said with a forced smile. He didn't know how else to defend Gu Zhaoye and could only say this, inwardly cursing him vehemently.
Everyone knew his intentions in marrying into the Fang family at such a time. This kid wasn't even bothering to act anymore.
It was only because the two elders of the Fang family had years of affection for him, viewing him almost like a son with high hopes, that they were willing to take him in. Before this, even his own father had considered giving up on him, planning to exile Gu Zhaoye somewhere afterward.
And he still didn't cherish this chance?
Fang Yining's mother turned back to look at the stage, displeased.
"He'd better cheer up for the rest of it and not give people grounds to gossip about their marriage. After all, they've been in love for so many years..."
Just as her words fell, the door in the distance suddenly swung open, and someone barged in!
Everyone here was stunned, turning their heads one after another!
No one expected anyone could barge in at such a moment. Was the estate security useless?
But to everyone's disbelief, someone truly had broken in, as if they had some kind of cheat code activated!
The moment they clearly saw the person who had arrived, everyone's pupils constricted sharply. They drew in a sharp breath, unable to believe their eyes!
How could it be her?
Chun Wan?!
What is she doing here? This is Gu Zhaoye and Fang Yining's engagement party!
Ruan Nian didn't know how she ended up barging into the engagement venue.
With a look of utter determination on her face, she scanned the room for Gu Zhaoye. When her gaze finally landed on the stage, a flicker of focus returned to her eyes.
Then, an expression of shock spread across her face.
That person is... from when they were recording the first season of "Rich Families, Four Seasons"...
That doctor who was invited?
The one who discovered she didn't have a serious sprain, the one who exposed her, who said she was Gu Zhaoping's friend?
Ruan Nian's heart sank, her head feeling as if struck by a giant bell.
A long-buried thought suddenly surged uncontrollably from the depths of her mind.
It was right around that time she had also thought to herself that this woman was exactly Gu Zhaoye's type.
If she was Gu Zhaoping's friend, then she really would have had the advantage of proximity.
Ruan Nian had thought bitterly to herself back then.
But she had never, ever imagined that this woman was the fiancée herself!
Her thoughts back then had turned out to be a prophetic warning.
Ruan Nian stood frozen on the spot, her face alternating between pale and ashen, her entire body rigid. She took no further action, but her breathing gradually grew rapid, her whole frame trembling.
The system grew impatient with her, urging, "Nian Nian, go on and complete your task."
"Go shock the whole world, let them all see his love for you!"
Before Ruan Nian could move, it was Gu Zhaoye on the stage who reacted first.
The instant he saw Ruan Nian, his pupils contracted. Uncontrollably, he called out, "Nian Nian!"
Oh no!
Father Gu, who had only just grasped the situation, twitched, suddenly realizing what was happening. His mouth fell open in disbelief as he stared at the person who had suddenly crashed in, then glanced at Gu Zhaoye on the stage who actually dared to call out to her like that at this very moment. He was utterly dumbfounded.
Is he insane?
What is going on? How could this Ruan Nian be here? And what madness has seized Gu Zhaoye? This is his engagement ceremony!
Father Gu shot to his feet, furious beyond words. Fang Yining's parents were also momentarily stunned!
All the guests were shocked by this scene, unsure what drama was unfolding now!
Under the gaze of the entire crowd, as if possessed, Gu Zhaoye stepped down from the stage and actually ran straight towards Ruan Nian!
At that very moment, the media who had followed Ruan Nian's breakthrough surged in, finally breaking through the security cordon. They poured into the estate entrance one after another, their lenses instantly trained on the scene inside!
Flashbulbs popped incessantly!
Good heavens.
What is this situation? They were already shocked enough seeing Ruan Nian charge in, and in that moment, they cast all caution aside. Security and order meant nothing compared to their burning desire to capture this major news story.
What does Ruan Nian intend to do? She disappeared for so long without a trace, and now she reappears at Gu Zhaoye's engagement party to someone else?!
And, living up to their wildest hopes, the moment they entered, they saw Gu Zhaoye responding to Ruan Nian. Not a single person present failed to gasp in shock!
So, does this mean their old feelings are still there?!
What is happening? Is this a scene of someone trying to stop the wedding or someone trying to flee from it?!
Fang Yining's mother was terrified. Only now did she find her voice, almost screaming as she slapped the arm of her chair, demanding in disbelief, "Gu Zhaoye, have you lost your mind? Are you trying to run away from this wedding? Do you want to make my daughter the laughingstock of the entire Haicheng?!"
"Have you gone mad, Gu Zhaoye?!"
Above everyone present.
An invisible system seemed to be smiling, finally letting out a sigh of relief as it gazed upon the chaotic scene.
Its view witnessed Gu Zhaoye walking towards Ruan Nian, about to declare to the whole world that she was the one he loved most.
Everyone would envy Ruan Nian for being loved so recklessly and unconditionally, would envy their legendary love story. And that problematic character who had gone off-script would no longer pose a threat...
But just at that moment, amidst the chaotic venue and the countless flashing lights, a voice suddenly rang out.
Cold, like the strike of a golden bell, the shattering of a crystal chime.
"Gu Zhaoye, have you grown tired of living?"
The system's excited train of thought came to an abrupt halt.
