Volume One, Chapter Ten: The Eldest Miss of the Zhou Family

In Zhou Xianyu’s memory, Gu Chuyue was a passionate and enchanting superstar with a graceful figure. Amid the dazzling world of entertainment, even one of her casual romances could ignite the gossip charts, a truly deserved top celebrity.

Yet Gu Chuyue held little fondness for her, perhaps because, as someone in the know, she understood all too well how deeply her own brother, Gu Qichuan, cared for Zhou Xianyu. However, Zhou Xianyu did not return his affection and often misunderstood his good intentions, frequently quarreling with him. Worse still, she would argue with Gu Qichuan over another man, not only trampling on Gu Qichuan’s dignity but also crushing his sincere feelings.

Therefore, Gu Chuyue rarely showed her a kind face, but out of respect for Gu Qichuan, she never did her any harm and would lend a helping hand when Zhou Xianyu encountered difficulties.

Zhou Xianyu drifted through her hazy memories, her heavy eyelids slowly closing. As drowsiness took over, she seemed to feel a gentle tightening around her waist, being drawn into a warm and comfortable embrace. His scent was so familiar that she made no effort to resist and soon fell into a deep sleep.

———

The next morning, bright sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, speckling the large bed. The young girl curled up in a corner, her messy hair draping over her face. Awakened by the light, she groggily checked her phone and was startled at first, before realizing she had misread the time and sighed in relief.

She rose leisurely, washed up, changed clothes, and went downstairs. Seeing Aunt Chen changing the water in the vase, she pouted, “Aunt Chen, why didn’t you wake me up? Didn’t I say yesterday to wake me at nine today...?”

Aunt Chen smiled gently and explained, “Madam, it was Young Master Gu who told me not to disturb you. He said you should sleep a bit longer.”

Zhou Xianyu asked, “Has he gone to the company so early?”

Aunt Chen nodded, “Yes, he left very early this morning.”

The day was beautiful. After breakfast, Zhou Xianyu went to the glass greenhouse in front of the courtyard to water the flowers. She especially loved this place—it was her secret haven.

The glass was one-way; no one could see inside from outside, but she could clearly observe everything. Most of the flowers inside were delicate and hard to nurture.

In the center stood Zhou Xianyu’s easel. On fine days and during moments of leisure, she would sit there, seeking inspiration to paint, often staying for hours.

But today she had other important matters, so after humming a tune and watering the flowers, she returned.

———

At the Zhou family villa.

Since her unpleasant encounter with Zhou Xianyu in the restaurant yesterday, Zhou Qianqian had been brooding, unable to shake off the irritation.

At the dining table, Zhou Qianqian looked unwell. Zhou Lide, concerned, asked, “What’s wrong, Qianqian? Is your heart bothering you again?”

Liuzelan, nearby, immediately grew anxious, “Qianqian, where do you feel unwell?”

Their second daughter had been raised abroad due to heart problems. Both she and her husband felt they owed her greatly, treating her like a precious gem since her return, fearing she might break or melt away.

Zhou Qianqian hesitated, “Mom, Dad... yesterday, I saw my sister, but she seemed angry with me and was very cold. Did I do something wrong...?”

Liuzelan frowned, “Xiaoyu? You two argued again? I told her to be gentle with you; your heart is delicate—you can’t handle shocks. That girl, how did she change so much after marriage?”

Zhou Lide also disapproved of Zhou Xianyu’s behavior, his face darkening. “What did your sister say?”

“She... she told me to stay away from Brother Wenhua...”

Liuzelan’s heart tightened. Jiang Wenhua was the son-in-law she had chosen—gentle, considerate, and, most importantly, understanding. He cared for Qianqian and never minded her heart condition. She had hoped the two would get closer.

“Don’t listen to your sister’s nonsense. Wenhua doesn’t like her, so does that mean you can’t be around him? What kind of logic is that...?”

Zhou Lide, however, was skeptical. A man understood other men best. Jiang Wenhua held little status in his family and was often suppressed by his father’s illegitimate son. Thus, Zhou Lide never considered him a suitable match for a strategic marriage.

Thinking of their eldest daughter about to marry out, he fell silent before saying, “The Lin family’s welcome banquet is this afternoon. Your sister will be there too, right? We’ll talk to her properly then. Sisters quarrelling like this—it’s nonsense.”

Zhou Qianqian raised her brows lightly, with a hint of submission: “Understood, Dad.”

That afternoon, she dressed carefully. Knowing Gu Qichuan might attend, she took extra care, looking at herself in the mirror with a meaningful smile.

…

The statue fountain bubbled melodiously at the center of the venue. The splendidly lit banquet hall echoed with enchanting music, blending harmoniously with the sound of water.

Many spectators had come to witness the occasion. The Lin family’s eldest son had returned from studying abroad and was widely praised for his artistic talents, having won several awards.

The Lin family also held considerable political influence, and many sought their favor, lining up outside for chances that rarely came. This generation had only one young heir—Lin Yue.

Before graduating, Lin Yue had been sent abroad by his father, disappointing many who hoped to marry into the Lin family.

Now that Lin Yue had returned and the family was holding a welcome banquet, everyone sent their children to gather information, and there were plenty of onlookers.

Surrounded by a crowd chatting eagerly, Lin Yue finally squeezed through and sighed with relief. He brushed imaginary dust off his clothes and scanned the surroundings.

Not seeing the person he hoped to meet, he raised his eyebrows and, bored, pulled out his phone to check messages.

He saw a text from Gu Qichuan warning him to keep an eye on his people and not let them be bullied on his turf.

Lin Yue clicked his tongue. Gu Qichuan always looked cold and ruthless, but before leaving the country, Lin Yue never believed he could have such deep, persistent feelings.

The Zhou family’s eldest daughter...

Lin Yue stroked his chin, casually recalling Zhou Xianyu in his memory—a beautiful, spoiled girl who had never suffered hardships, a princess raised in a honeyed cage.

It wasn’t surprising he thought this way; before leaving, he hadn’t known the Zhou family had a second daughter raised abroad.

But just now, hearing several people mention the second daughter, he realized Zhou Xianyu had a younger sister. He had only known of her prodigal older brother.

Shaking his head, Lin Yue summoned his butler. “Has Zhou Xianyu arrived yet?”

The butler glanced outside and chuckled, “Young master, Miss Zhou is just arriving now.”

The girl entering quickly caught the guests’ attention. Her long, slightly curled hair fell forward, framing her face. A black off-shoulder dress highlighted her fair, translucent skin, and the hem swayed gracefully.

Zhou Xianyu’s beauty was striking at first glance. Her eyes were as clear as water, with gently upturned, rounded corners. Her indifferent, expressionless gaze often made her seem delicate and difficult to approach.

In truth, Zhou Xianyu was merely looking around with curiosity, trying to spot Gu Chuyue and Lin Yue. Though she hadn’t found them yet, she did see the maliciously glancing Zhou Qianqian and Jiang Wenhua standing nearby.