Chapter 240: Chapter 241: Xia Yangyang's Biological Mother

Xia Yangyang found the high-society party excruciatingly boring, despite being the guest of honor. Few of her friends were present; instead, Xia Weiwei had invited her own circle, and the Kyoto socialites gravitated towards her. Xia Weiwei, resplendent in a new outfit, danced gracefully with Ji Jiahang, a popular young actor from Starlight Entertainment. Many Starlight celebrities were in attendance, but Xia Yangyang noticed Chen Yu's absence. Shen Shichuan, however, was conversing with Gu Qichen. Although Shigang and Starlight Entertainment had historically been fierce rivals, their recent joint investment seemed to have improved their relationship—a harmony Xia Yangyang considered superficial. She believed that in the business world, only interests were permanent.

Feeling bored, Xia Yangyang sought fresh air on the rooftop terrace. There, Gu Mingzhu was chatting with several supermodels. Liu Ruyan approached, remarking on Gu Mingzhu's Chanel dress. Gu Mingzhu, calling Liu Ruyan by her given name, welcomed the familial familiarity. The supermodels discreetly excused themselves as the two women conversed intimately.

Liu Ruyan then remarked, “Though Yangyang doesn’t have a mother-in-law, having such a caring sister-in-law as you puts her father and me at ease.”

Gu Mingzhu replied, “Yangyang is a good child, simple and kind-hearted. I truly like her.”

Liu Ruyan sighed, “Her father and I have always felt guilty towards her. Even though I treat her as my own daughter, she keeps her distance, feeling I invaded her family. She’s never called me ‘Mom.’ These past years, she's been somewhat reclusive, and we worried about her developing psychological issues. But things are better now—with Ah Chen’s love and your affection, I feel less guilty.”

This casual comment surprised Gu Mingzhu: “Is Yangyang not your biological child?”

Gu Mingzhu, frequently occupied with Parisian and American fashion shows, was largely unaware of domestic matters. Liu Ruyan explained that despite ten years of marriage, Xia Yangyang still called her “Aunt Liu.” She admitted, “Perhaps I haven't been a good stepmother; she still doesn't consider me her mother.”

This prompted Gu Mingzhu to recall that Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang’s marriage had been kept secret, with limited contact between the families even after its revelation. At their only meeting, Xia Yangyang's lack of affection for Liu Ruyan had been apparent.

Gu Mingzhu then asked, “What is Yangyang’s biological mother’s name?”

“Tan Zhen. She was a renowned movie star twenty years ago.”

At the mention of this name, Gu Mingzhu’s grip faltered, causing her champagne glass to shatter. She cut her finger while cleaning up the mess. Liu Ruyan summoned attendants, and Gu Mingzhu apologized for her clumsiness and apparent distress, claiming fatigue and a need to rest before leaving with an attendant.