Volume One, Chapter 12: His Face Darkened

Gu Qichuan appeared to be conversing with Elder Lin, but his attention was fixed on Zhou Xianyu. Noticing her inexplicable smile, his dark eyes softened, stirring a subtle itch in his heart.

Eager to prove himself before Gu Chuyue, Lin Yue urged the music to stop and took the stage, playing a piano piece. The melodious and graceful tune lingered in the air, swiftly earning a wave of applause.

As the piece ended, whispers spread among the crowd: "Lin Shao truly deserves his awards; that music was beautiful."

"He's really handsome!"

"If you ask me, the most handsome is still Young Master Gu. Why is he standing so far from Zhou Xianyu? Is the rumor true? Their relationship must be strained."

"Definitely. Otherwise, why wouldn’t he come with her? Maybe they’ll divorce next year." Some relished the gossip with malicious delight.

After Lin Yue left the stage, Zhou Xianyu raised an eyebrow at Zhou Qianqian across from her. Unsurprisingly, she was about to perform, as she loved nothing more than to seek attention.

Sure enough, Zhou Qianqian was pushed forward with a smile, looking a bit reluctant but resigned to sit at the piano.

Zhou Lide and Liu Zelan beamed with pride and encouragement: “Qianqian, play us a piece.”

“Yes, Qianqian lived abroad before. She can play the same piece Lin Shao just did!”

“Come on, Qianqian, show us what you’ve got!”

Blushing, Zhou Qianqian sat down, her fingertips touching the piano keys, but her gaze remained fixed on Gu Qichuan not far away.

“Miss Zhou Er is really impressive, knows everything. Unlike someone else... who only knows how to act like a lady,” a sarcastic voice cut through the room. Almost everyone knew who it was directed at and instinctively looked at Zhou Xianyu.

Yet she paid no mind. Gu Qichuan suddenly appeared beside her, lowering his eyes to speak softly, making her smile.

Her bright eyes locked on him, her fair cheeks parted in a subtle, enchanting smile.

Usually aloof, Gu Qichuan’s thin lips curved into a faint smile as well.

The person who had spoken was momentarily silenced, vexed by being ignored, frowning deeply and losing interest in Zhou Qianqian’s music.

---

Zhou Qianqian glanced at Gu Qichuan’s reaction out of the corner of her eye, veins bulging on her wrist. She had stayed up late practicing this piece, hoping to impress him and catch his eye.

But he hadn’t looked her way at all. Anxiety crept in, causing her to falter in rhythm. Her heart tightened, and though she quickly corrected the tempo, her performance remained lackluster and unremarkable.

Those without musical sensibility might not notice, but those who understood music recognized the glaring gap between Zhou Qianqian and Lin Yue — it was a crushing defeat. For a moment, the gazes directed at Zhou Qianqian grew strange.

Is her playing really that ordinary? Why are people praising Lin Yue so much? They have ears, don’t they?

Zhou Qianqian’s face darkened. Sensitive and perceptive, she felt all eyes were on her, whispering about her mistakes, fueling her growing resentment toward Zhou Xianyu.

Zhou Xianyu hadn’t done anything, yet just by standing there, she felt Zhou Xianyu had stolen her limelight.

But it was fine. Zhou Xianyu would have plenty of attention today... and she was determined to ruin her reputation!

Gu Qichuan lowered his eyes, a calm ripple flickering beneath the surface as Zhou Xianyu complained that she had been bored alone before he arrived, a trace of unrecognized coquettishness in her voice.

She suddenly looked at him, noticing his chest rising and falling as he let out a low laugh.

Frowning, she nudged him, “What are you laughing at?”

Gu Qichuan couldn’t resist pinching her faintly flushed earlobe. “Nothing…”

Pouting, she said, “Half a sentence? You’re so annoying.”

Before he could reply, unwelcome company interrupted: his nominal in-laws, Zhou Lide and Liu Zelan, accompanied by the ever-coy Zhou Qianqian.

Zhou Lide greeted Gu Qichuan before smiling at Zhou Xianyu, “Xianyu, you haven’t come home to see us lately. Your parents miss you, and your brother and Qianqian miss you too.”

Liu Zelan, noticing Zhou Xianyu’s indifferent expression, teased gently, “Mom heard from Qianqian that she accidentally upset her sister. I said, ‘Your sister’s always had a temper; she won’t bear even a little grievance. If she’s unhappy, she throws a tantrum. You should let her have her way...’”

Though spoken lightly, this was clearly meant for Gu Qichuan’s ears.

Someone nearby overheard and muttered, “In other families, the older sister yields to the younger, but in the Zhou family, the younger yields to the older.”

---

Zhou Qianqian quickly admitted, “It’s my fault... Although I don’t know what upset my sister, it must be something I did wrong.”

Liu Zelan’s eyes softened with affection. Her second daughter was obedient and sensible, never a source of worry. Her preference for her second daughter was understandable.

Zhou Xianyu remained expressionless, watching this farce with a hint of amusement.

Before she could speak, the man beside her slung his long arm around her waist, his expression darkening completely. His black eyes fixed on them, coldly demanding, “Do you need their permission to decide what she is?”

Liu Zelan was momentarily speechless.

A sharp glint lingered in Gu Qichuan’s eyes as he looked at Zhou Qianqian with disdain and mockery: “Of course it’s your problem. Now that you know it, don’t come out here making a fool of yourself.”

Zhou Qianqian was stunned. Although she had said those words, she certainly hadn’t wanted him to truly believe it was all her fault!

His blatant defense of Zhou Xianyu shocked many who realized that Zhou Xianyu was not someone to be provoked.

Recalling those cold words Gu Qichuan once said about Zhou Xianyu and now hearing his harsh tone, she suddenly felt her mind go blank.

Zhou Lide quickly laughed to ease the tension, “Yes, yes, Young Master Gu is right. The children are just teasing each other; it’s no big deal.”

Zhou Xianyu’s heart beat a little faster. His palm was hot, firm, and strong, giving her an overwhelming sense of security, as if no matter what happened, he was her anchor.

She looked at Zhou Qianqian’s pale face and forced a sarcastic smile. “If there’s nothing else, we’ll leave. The air here feels unpleasant.”

Zhou Qianqian and her group could only watch as Zhou Xianyu and Gu Qichuan walked away. Others seized the moment to approach Gu Qichuan for greetings and conversation.

Zhou Xianyu didn’t disturb them; instead, she headed to the dessert area, picking up a plate. The delicate sweets before her emitted a rich, creamy aroma, utterly tempting.

Unexpectedly, someone without tact noticed her standing alone and took the chance to approach: Jiang Wenhua.