Chapter 187/188: After all, I am his aunt; I should give way to him.

Gu Qichen held Xia Yangyang's hand, placing it on the table. "Yes, I'm married," he said.

Joanna remarked, "But she looks so young."

Gu Qichen smiled. "There's a Chinese saying, 'an old cow eats young grass.' Haven't you heard of it?"

Xia Yangyang almost burst out laughing. She was surprised Gu Qichen dared to say it, but it greatly lifted her spirits. He was always mindful of her feelings.

Gu Mingzhu chuckled. "Alright, you'd announce it to everyone you meet! The whole world knows you're married. Stop showing off."

The blind date was for Gu Zhaohan, but he and Joanna barely interacted. After Gu Qichen announced his marriage, Joanna grew quieter. Gu Zhaohan remained discreet, quietly eating.

Xia Yangyang loved braised shrimp. When the last large shrimp remained, both she and Gu Zhaohan reached for it. Xia Yangyang hesitated and withdrew her hand, but Gu Zhaohan took the shrimp without hesitation.

Gu Mingzhu, sitting nearby, reproved him. "What's gotten into you? How can you be so impolite?"

Gu Zhaohan ignored her. Xia Yangyang quickly said, "Sister, it's fine. After all, I'm Little Han's aunt; I should yield to him."

Gu Zhaohan's hand, holding his chopsticks, paused noticeably. Xia Yangyang knew he'd done it on purpose; he hadn't eaten any shrimp until then. He was currently at odds with her, opposing her at every turn, both at school and at home. An earlier incident in the hall had fueled her anger. She knew he was sensitive about her being his aunt, yet she'd wanted to assert her status. Venting felt good, though.

Gu Zhaohan put down his chopsticks. "I'm done. You can eat slowly; I'm going to my room," he said, leaving.

This wasn't unusual; he often left early when she was present. His staying until the end of dinner was impressive. The Gu family attributed his behavior to a delayed phase of rebellion, but weren't overly concerned.

After dinner, Qiao Peiwen and the elder Gu chatted in the study, while Joanna and Xia Yangyang spoke in the courtyard. Gu Qichen went to Gu Zhaohan's room.

Gu Zhaohan was writing a report. For the first time, he found the data on his computer screen annoying; he couldn't concentrate. Gu Qichen's entrance surprised him. "Uncle, what brings you here?" he asked.

Gu Qichen handed him a small, rectangular black box. "A gift from my last business trip."

Inside was a black pen. "Do you like it?" Gu Qichen asked.

Gu Zhaohan smiled. "Uncle, my tastes have been cultivated by you since childhood. I'll love anything you choose."

Gu Qichen seemed distracted. "Then why don't you like the aunt I chose for you?"

Gu Zhaohan seemed taken aback, quietly closing the pen box without replying. Gu Qichen casually sat on Gu Zhaohan's desk. "Do you want to tell me why you dislike Yangyang?"