Chapter 217: Why Won’t You Call?

The garden fell silent. Xia Yangyang frowned at Gu Qichen. What did he mean? She hadn't mentioned the car; why bring it up? Gu Zhaohan murmured, "Thank you," after a pause. Gu Qichen then said, "I've never heard you call her 'aunt.' Does Yangyang mean nothing to our family?"

Xia Yangyang finally understood. Gu Qichen was pressuring Gu Zhaohan to call him "uncle," hence the earlier comment. This angered her. First, Gu Qichen knew Gu Zhaohan was older and a classmate; he intensely disliked being reminded of his uncle status. Their relationship had previously strained because of this, and Gu Qichen was reopening old wounds. Second, Xia Yangyang knew Gu Qichen reminded her of her aunt status to maintain distance. While seemingly addressing Gu Zhaohan, the reminder was for her. Gu Qichen still didn't trust her! Anger flared.

Gu Qichen's gaze rested gently on Gu Zhaohan. His tone was normal, even slightly smiling. But Gu Zhaohan remained cold and silent. Gu Qichen continued, "Why don't you call her 'aunt'?" Gu Zhaohan remained silent, his expressionless. However, Xia Yangyang knew better. Like his uncle, he masked his surging emotions. They hid their feelings well, but they had them.

In Xia Yangyang's view, Gu Qichen was bullying Gu Zhaohan. Gu Qichen knew of Zhaohan's temperament and discomfort with her status. Already undervalued at home, with a grandmother and mother who doted on Gu Qichen, adding an "aunt" felt like a demotion. Gu Qichen was forcing Zhaohan to accept Xia Yangyang as a superior family member—cruelty!

Gu Zhaohan remained unresponsive, avoiding Gu Qichen's gaze. He held his car keys so tightly his fingers turned white. "Why won't you call her? Do you still not accept your place, Xiao Han? What are you thinking?"

"Enough, Gu Qichen! You've gone too far!" Xia Yangyang exploded. She couldn't bear it. He suspected her, and now Gu Zhaohan. Gu Zhaohan was reserved; didn't Gu Qichen, as his uncle, know that? She could tolerate unfair treatment herself, but this unjust accusation against Gu Zhaohan was unbearable. These baseless accusations aimed to create distrust. How would she face Gu Zhaohan and the family?

Gu Qichen's eyes darkened, his face turning cold. Xia Yangyang pushed him away and went inside. Gu Qichen followed. Gu Zhaohan remained, staring at the lit room and the figures inside, then disappeared into the night.