Chapter 215: Moving Out of Gu Garden

Upon entering, the butler took Gu Qichen's overcoat. "Master, mistress, the master and miss are waiting for you in the dining room," he said. Gu Qichen asked, "Where's Xiao Han?"

The butler replied, "Young Master Han arrived a short time ago. He should be in the dining room as well."

Gu Qichen nodded, ascended the stairs, and headed towards the dining room. Xia Yangyang silently trailed behind him, carrying a cake. She had left the lily flowers, a gift from the landlady, in the car.

Seeing Gu Qichen, Gu Mingzhu smiled. She walked over, gently touched his face, and frowned. "Ah Chen, have you lost weight?"

Gu Qichen replied gently, "No, I've only been on a business trip for a few days."

Gu Mingzhu scrutinized him. "You have lost weight. You've always been fussy. You must not have eaten properly. Next time you go on a business trip, I'll have the family chef accompany you."

Gu Qichen said helplessly, "I'm on a business trip, not a vacation."

He changed the subject. "What did you do today?"

Gu Mingzhu smiled. "Steamed grouper, braised pork ribs, oil-braised prawns, and lion's head meatballs—all your favorite home-cooked dishes."

The Gu family employed a dedicated chef who prepared high-end seafood and imported ingredients. However, they rarely enjoyed these simple, home-cooked meals.

Gu Mingzhu said to Xia Yangyang, "When Ah Chen was young, he had lion's head meatballs at a Yangzhou restaurant and kept asking for them afterward. We invited several chefs, but they all said they were just meatballs, not lion's head. I finally went to Yangzhou myself and learned how to make them. That's how picky he is."

Xia Yangyang chuckled. "Sis, you're really good to him."

Gu Mingzhu looked at Gu Qichen lovingly. "Of course, he's my dearest little brother."

At that moment, Xia Yangyang noticed Gu Zhaohan sitting at the dining table, his gaze fixed on Gu Mingzhu. A habitual melancholy shadowed his eyes. Even Xia Yangyang, a relative newcomer to the Gu compound, noticed it. Gu Mingzhu seemed far more attentive to her younger brother, Gu Qichen, taking care of his appearance and even helping him tie his necktie. Gu Qichen, in turn, acted like a child around her. Gu Mingzhu's concern for Gu Zhaohan was less evident, not because she didn't care, but because he was reserved and distant, keeping people at arm's length.

Xia Yangyang handed Gu Zhaohan the cake. "Congratulations on your discharge. This is for you."

Gu Zhaohan replied, "Thank you."

During dinner, Gu Mingzhu and Gu Qichen did most of the talking; Gu Zhaohan remained silent. Xia Yangyang, usually lively and talkative, ate quietly.

Gu Mingzhu noticed. "Yangyang, what's wrong? Do you have something on your mind?"

Xia Yangyang quickly shook her head. "Nothing. I'm just thinking."

Gu Qichen then calmly announced, "Dad, Sis, Yangyang and I are moving out tonight."

Xia Yangyang looked up, surprised.

Their father asked, "Why? You've been living comfortably here."

Gu Mingzhu interjected, "Dad, let it be. What's the point of keeping them here? Ah Chen's newly married; let him have some alone time with his wife. If they want to move out, let them. But do remember to visit us often."