Ch 10: Why Does Everyone Desire This Man?
What a handsome face, one she had longed for since she was twelve years old.
She originally thought Gu Yuanzhou would consider finding a significant other many years later, after all, he had always prioritized his career, and no matter how many female comrades expressed their interest, he politely declined them.
Unexpectedly, the unattainable flower she had protected for so many years was picked by such a woman.
The bitterness in her heart was naturally impossible to express.
“Second Brother, it’s not a bother; nothing is more important than your business.”
Gu Yuanzhou patted her shoulder, his face carrying a trace of elder brotherly affection.
“You girl, go eat first.”
“Mm.”
Zhou Xiaofei glanced at Gu Yuanzhou once more before leaving.
Shen Mingyue could tell that in this girl’s eyes, she was nothing more than air, not even given a glance.
Gu Yuanzhou, fearing Shen Mingyue wouldn’t understand the family’s complicated situation, briefly explained it in a low voice.
Shen Mingyue nodded, indicating her understanding.
“Xiaofei is well-behaved and sensible, unlike Sisi.”
Shen Mingyue thought, this man seems quite intelligent, but doesn’t he feel anything?
Just from a brief meeting, she felt that Zhou Xiaofei was extraordinary; compared to Gu Sisi, her means were certainly much more skillful.
Otherwise, an adopted daughter, an outsider, how could the entire Gu family have such a good impression of her without some ability?
While eating, Zhou Xiaofei was distracted, her mind filled with the Shen Mingyue she had just seen. Her heart was filled with anger and resentment, but she was helpless.
At the same time, she silently warned herself to stay calm; impulsiveness wouldn’t solve anything.
Gu Yuanzhou’s willingness to marry her was certainly out of helplessness; their marriage might not last long, and who knows what the future holds.
Just as she was thinking, she saw Gu Sisi running over.
Seeing Zhou Xiaofei return, Gu Sisi seemed to have seen a savior, hugging her tightly and pouring out her grievances of the past two days.
“Sister Xiaofei, you didn’t see how annoying that woman was. To live under the same roof with someone like that, I’ll really die of anger. Do you have any way to get rid of her? Or to make Second Brother not marry her? Sister Xiaofei, you’re the smartest; you wouldn’t want Second Brother to marry such a woman, right?”
Looking at Gu Sisi, Zhou Xiaofei also started making her own plans.
Opposing it was impossible; besides, even if she opposed it, her words wouldn’t carry much weight.
Under what circumstances could she ruin their wedding?
Zhou Xiaofei thought and thought, eventually deflating. With the entire Gu family agreeing, no matter how much she struggled, it would be in vain.
Unless a major incident occurred, the outcome couldn’t be changed.
“Sisi, don’t say that. Since Second Brother has agreed, he must have his reasons. We don’t need to worry about it.”
Seeing Gu Jianjun approach, Zhou Xiaofei quickly spoke softly.
Gu Sisi’s expression changed. Before she could speak, Father Gu’s voice came.
“Look at how sensible Xiaofei is, and then look at you! Your mother and I have educated you to be cultured and polite since you were young, yet you’re still so reckless at your age.”
This scene frequently played out in the Gu family: praising Zhou Xiaofei and scolding Gu Sisi.
Gu Sisi grunted in dissatisfaction and said nothing more.
After dark, the Gu family’s preparations were almost complete; only some minor details remained for tomorrow.
Zhou Xiaofei cooked dinner that night. To please Father Gu and Mother Gu, she had cultivated excellent culinary skills, using this to win over many hearts.
While everyone was eating together, Gu Sisi deliberately praised Zhou Xiaofei, then looked at Shen Mingyue with an innocent expression.
“Second Sister-in-law, can’t you cook? You didn’t even learn anything in the village, and you don’t have a job. You don’t even have to cook, which is much better than us. I still have to go to school every day. And look at Sister Xiaofei, besides attending classes at school, she has to cook when she gets home.”
Shen Mingyue heard the implied meaning in her words but didn’t fall for it.
There are several people in the Gu family; counting her and Nannan, there are eight people, making cooking quite troublesome.
She had better uses for her time; it should be spent on more important things. Although she could also cook very well, who is an idiot to eagerly do housework?
“I can cook too, but not very well. If Sisi doesn’t mind, I’ll cook for everyone tomorrow.”
Shen Mingyue casually said, and Tian Shufang quickly laughed along.
“We’re family; it doesn’t matter who cooks. Mingyue, you’re pregnant now; your intentions are enough.”
“It’s fine, Mom, I’ll cook tomorrow at noon.”
Tian Shufang didn’t say anything else. She had planned to have Shen Mingyue do some housework; otherwise, what was the point of her staying at home all day? Was she a lucky charm?
Gu Yuanzhou saw everything but remained silent.
Zhou Xiaofei felt proud. It’s just a pretty face; in this family, looks won’t earn you respect.
A rural woman who can’t even cook well, what can she compare to her?
After dinner, Shen Mingyue helped wash the dishes.
Gu Yuanzhou didn’t stop her today; everyone was quite busy recently, and washing dishes wasn’t hard labor.
However, while Shen Mingyue washed the dishes, he still went into the kitchen to help dry them.
Zhou Xiaofei’s eyes turned red when she saw this.
A country bumpkin, needing her Second Brother’s help to wash dishes, really thinking she’s some kind of heiress?
After Gu Yuanzhou finished washing the dishes, Zhou Xiaofei found an excuse to talk to him.
Gu Yuanzhou didn’t think much of it and went out to the courtyard with her.
Once outside, Zhou Xiaofei asked about Shen Mingyue.
“Second Brother, tell me honestly, do you really want to marry her? Is there some compelling reason?”
Gu Yuanzhou always treated her as his younger sister; hearing her question, he knew she was concerned about him.
“It’s my own will. What’s wrong, Xiaofei? Did Sisi tell you something?”
Hearing his reply, Zhou Xiaofei’s prepared words choked in her throat. He said he was willing; what else could she say?
If she spoke inappropriately, it would be troublesome if her parents heard.
“Nothing, just wishing you a happy wedding in advance.”
Gu Yuanzhou smiled. “You’re so sensible. It’s late; get some rest early. You have to get up early tomorrow.”
Watching his departing back view, Zhou Xiaofei’s fingernails dug into her palm.
The next morning, everyone was busy again. Around noon, Shen Mingyue prepared to cook.
As she approached the kitchen, Gu Yuanzhou followed, leaning close to her ear and whispering, “You can use less salt and oil when cooking at noon.”
Shen Mingyue was surprised. “Why?”
“Just do as I say.”
Shen Mingyue nodded without saying anything and went into the kitchen to work.