When the two returned to the Gu family mansion, Lin Wanqiu was busy preparing lunch with the servants, while Gu Yanzhong was happily feeding his pond of koi fish.
He’d spared no effort for this koi pond. In Yanjing’s sub-zero weather, he’d installed a full set of circulating heating equipment to keep the water at around 25°C.
Seeing Ye Chen return with his daughter, he chuckled and said, “Nannan, your mum wants you to help her in the kitchen when you get back, off you go. Let Chen’er stay here with me for a bit.”
Gu Qiuyi was a bit surprised, her mum usually never let her help with chores, so why was she being called to the kitchen today?
But being sharp as she was, it quickly dawned on her that her mum probably had something on her mind to discuss, so she smiled and said, “Dad, Brother Ye Chen, you two chat, I’ll go help out.”
Ye Chen didn’t think much of it, nodding, “Go on then, let me know if you need me.”
Gu Qiuyi smiled, “There’s a rule in our house, men aren’t allowed in the kitchen.”
With that, she turned and walked off gracefully.
Gu Yanzhong, now with a chance to talk to Ye Chen alone, wanted to have a heart-to-heart, but then recalled his wife’s earlier warning. She was worried he’d say the wrong thing and had specifically told him not to rush into core issues with Ye Chen, but to wait for her signal.
So, he smiled at Ye Chen and said, “Chen’er, I’ve noticed Changying Motors has been making big moves lately, you’re dead set on this project, aren’t you?”
Ye Chen nodded earnestly, “Uncle Gu, this project carries my dad’s name, and it’s tied to the reputation of both the Ye and An families, so we’re definitely going all in.”
“Excellent!” Gu Yanzhong praised, “Us Chinese used to be too reserved, always thinking it was too flashy to name a company or brand after ourselves, but I see it differently. Isn’t this a golden chance to leave a lasting legacy? So you’ve got to do it well!”
Ye Chen replied respectfully, “Rest assured, Uncle Gu, we’ll give it everything we’ve got.”
As the two chatted, Gu Qiuyi had reached the kitchen.
Her mum, Lin Wanqiu, was directing the servants with the ingredients. Seeing Gu Qiuyi come in, she quickly pulled her into the empty dining room and asked, “Nannan, have you talked to Chen’er? Your dad just called your Grandpa Ye, and he’s already said what needed saying. If Chen’er’s still playing dumb with you at this point, I’ll throw caution to the wind and bring it up straight at the dinner table!”
Gu Qiuyi hurriedly said, “Mum, please don’t say anything to Brother Ye Chen directly, he’s thin-skinned and not great at saying no. If he can’t agree or refuse on the spot, it’ll tear him up inside!”
Lin Wanqiu grew anxious, “You silly girl, always thinking of him! Yes, I’m grateful for him, and I admire him, but when it comes to you two, I’ve got my grievances. Our family’s done so much for him, you’ve waited for him all these years, and even after reuniting, he still hasn’t given you an answer, what’s that about?”
