Chapter 206: Return Earlier

Although completely indifferent to the camera, Xia Yangyang wasn't entirely out of control; she simply displayed a patience that outsiders noticed. The other members were delighted.

As the campus festival drew near, Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan rehearsed diligently in the evenings, often working late into the night. They practiced on the small balcony of the second-floor sunroom, adjacent to Gu Qichen's study. Gu Qichen would sometimes open the floor-to-ceiling window to eavesdrop on their rehearsals. He'd hear Gu Zhaohan scold Xia Yangyang for mistakes, and listen to their playful arguments.

What surprised Gu Qichen was hearing Gu Zhaohan laugh three times. Gu Zhaohan, aloof and cold since childhood, rarely laughed—perhaps fewer than ten times in his life. Yet, in just a few days, Gu Qichen had heard him laugh three times.

He went to the balcony. Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan had finished rehearsing and were discussing a script, their heads close together, arguing over a line. Despite the argument, Gu Zhaohan faintly smiled, seemingly teasing Xia Yangyang, who argued seriously.

Gu Qichen paused. As Xia Yangyang looked up and saw him, she quickly rose, ran to him, took his arm, and smiled radiantly. "Why are you here? Were we too loud?"

Gu Qichen shook his head. "No, I was just watching your rehearsal."

"Then let's perform a scene for you!" Xia Yangyang suggested.

Gu Zhaohan, however, rose and walked away, his usual cold demeanor returning. "Uncle, I'm going to rest," he said before leaving the balcony.

Xia Yangyang pouted. "He has no sense of occasion. He's probably shy; he looks up to you, probably nervous."

Gu Qichen chuckled. Xia Yangyang looked up expectantly. "The campus festival is in three days! Will you watch my performance?"

Gu Qichen feigned a frown. "I have a business trip tomorrow; I might not return in time"

He watched her hopeful expression turn to disappointment—this girl's emotions changed as quickly as a turning page. He pinched her cheek. "All right, I'll go. I'll return a day early and definitely be there to support you."

Xia Yangyang cheered up. "Our performance is at three p.m., the last act. Don't be late!"

Gu Qichen left on his business trip. He shortened his schedule and took a return flight on the eve of the festival. He'd lied to Xia Yangyang on the phone, claiming he might not return that night. She was slightly disappointed.

But Gu Qichen arrived at Gu's Garden at 9:30 p.m. The thought of her smile warmed his heart. He'd missed her terribly.

The butler opened the door, surprised. "Young Master, wasn't your flight tomorrow?"

Gu Qichen replied casually, "I changed it. Where's Yangyang?"

"The young mistress and Young Master Han are rehearsing on the balcony; they should still be there."

Gu Qichen went upstairs, heading straight for the balcony.