Chapter 151: Gu Zhaohan

The Gu family home was luxurious and grandiose, but Xia Yangyang was too preoccupied to notice. Following Gu Qichen upstairs, she felt her legs trembling. He took her hand. Reaching the study door, Gu Qichen knocked. The door was ajar. From inside, Gu Shengyuan’s voice called, “Come in.” Xia Yangyang entered with Gu Qichen.

Only two people were in the study: Gu Shengyuan, the Gu family patriarch, and his daughter, Gu Mingzhu. A media student and actress, Gu Mingzhu’s face frequently graced fashion magazines and news publications. A renowned actress thirty years prior, she’d left the industry at the height of her fame to marry and raise a family. The most sensational rumor surrounding her was that her ex-husband was Xi Jiachen, Asia’s richest man. Despite being in her forties, she looked barely over thirty, elegant and generous; her presence commanded respect. A warm smile graced her face upon seeing Gu Qichen. It was well-known that she deeply loved him. This was understandable, as Gu Qichen's birth mother was unknown, and he had been raised by the Gu family, essentially nurtured by his elder sister.

However, upon seeing Xia Yangyang, Gu Mingzhu’s smile froze. Even Gu Qichen noticed, calling out, “Sis.” Gu Mingzhu recovered. Gu Qichen introduced Xia Yangyang, “This is Yangyang.” Gu Mingzhu stared intently at Xia Yangyang, her expression complex. Feeling nervous, Xia Yangyang greeted her, “Hello, Sister, I’m Xia Yangyang.”

Gu Mingzhu forced a pale smile and asked, “What are your parents’ names?”

Xia Yangyang was startled. The patriarch intervened, “She’s the daughter of Director Xia of Starlight Corp. Her father is Xia Liangdong, her mother, Liu Ruyan. You likely wouldn't know, being overseas, but the Xia family is prominent in Feng City.”

Xia Yangyang replied, “Grandfather, you are too kind.”

Hearing the names, Gu Mingzhu seemed relieved. She managed a smile, scrutinized Xia Yangyang again, and said, “Still calling him Grandfather? You should call him Dad now.”

Xia Yangyang’s cheeks flushed as she timidly called, “Dad.”

Gu Shengyuan laughed heartily. Gu Mingzhu said to Gu Qichen, “Dad was going to scold you for hiding your marriage, but considering Yangyang, he’ll let it slide.”

The butler announced, “Sir, Miss, Young Master, guests have arrived.”

Gu Shengyuan replied, “Your parents must be here; let’s go to the dining room. And,” he turned to the butler, “tell Xiao Han to come down. His aunt’s here, and he hasn’t even greeted her.”

Gu Mingzhu said, “I’ll get him. Dad, you know he dislikes crowds.”

Gu Shengyuan suddenly exclaimed, “Oh, right, Yangyang, aren’t you classmates with my Xiao Han?”

It dawned on Xia Yangyang: Xiao Han was Gu Zhaohan.