The next morning, the four members of the Qin family were all seated at the breakfast table. Qin Han, the family patriarch, was immersed in his newspaper, appearing unperturbed.
His attitude towards Gu Anxi was neither particularly good nor bad, mostly indifferent with occasional, brief shows of concern.
Of course, aside from out of consideration for his wife, Gu Anxi’s looks also appealed to the older generation.
Qin Han had always thought his son, Siyuan, was fond of Anxi. However, when Anxi disappeared, Siyuan started dating Shen Wanqing. Qin Han wasn’t entirely pleased with this development, but since his son had always been strong-willed, he chose not to object.
Wang Keru gracefully ate her breakfast and glanced at Gu Anxi. "You’ll take Siyuan’s car to school later, understood?"
Qin Han arched an eyebrow, looking rather surprised at his wife.
Then, realization dawned on him.
Although he and Wang Keru were remarried—it was a second marriage for both—he had been extremely fond of her in their youth. They had only married after Gu Yuntian’s death and after Qin Han himself had been widowed at an early age.
When Wang Keru finished speaking, neither of the young people said a word. Qin Han folded his newspaper. "Siyuan, did you hear what your aunt said?"
Qin Siyuan offered a smile that wasn’t quite a smile, his gaze then falling on Gu Anxi’s face.
Anxi was silently nibbling on her bread, not making a sound.
Qin Han was somewhat displeased. He didn’t want his son to suffer too much emotionally; in his view, a compliant woman was far more lovable.
Anxi was certainly beautiful, but she was truly stubborn and didn’t seem particularly outstanding in other aspects.
In contrast, Shen Wanqing’s personality was much gentler.
So, Qin Han said, "Since you’re going anyway, pick up Wanqing for school too. By the way, she hasn’t been over for dinner in a long time. Bring her home for dinner tonight."
He then looked at Gu Anxi with a gentle gaze. "You shouldn’t be out running around tonight either. Come home early for dinner. Your mother couldn’t sleep until midnight last night; she even took sleeping pills."
Gu Anxi was only temporarily living with the Qin family. She would have to get married eventually.
Or, if Siyuan were to marry, it would no longer be appropriate for her to live here.
Qin Han was a businessman; he understood such distinctions perfectly. This astuteness was entirely concealed beneath his well-maintained appearance. To outsiders, he seemed suave, but only his wife could truly perceive his underlying ruthlessness.
This was precisely why Wang Keru felt somewhat anxious.
Qin Han was very good to her, providing lavishly for the household every month. However, she could clearly feel that his feelings for her were different from how they had been in their youth. Now, he simply treated her as his second wife. She had a say in minor household affairs, but when it came to significant matters or company business, she couldn’t get involved at all.
At this point, Qin Han’s stance was very clear.
Wang Keru’s expression turned a little unsightly, but she managed a forced smile. "Anxi, did you hear what your uncle said?"
Gu Anxi finished her bread before saying calmly, "I have plans tonight."
"What plans could you possibly have?" Wang Keru retorted, displeased. "I already told you..."
Sensing the inappropriateness of the setting, perhaps, she rephrased more tactfully, "Just focus on your studies. You don’t need to concern yourself with other matters."
Gu Anxi’s voice was faint. "I’m going to visit my dad."
Hearing Gu Anxi say this, Wang Keru’s expression turned overtly displeased...