Gong Ning put down her teacup and smiled calmly.

"I know, but I'm quite moved by how much Miss Su cares about A-Zhou. Looking at myself, I feel rather inadequate! I'm even a little curious about the reason why Miss Su feels so sorry for A-Zhou."

Su Yang paused for a moment, then said, "Of course, I feel sorry for him for all the hard work he has put in over the years, which has led to his achievements today!"

Gong Ning chuckled, "Really?"

Su Yang's eyes flickered involuntarily, and the curve of his lips became somewhat forced.

Gong Ning noticed this, and a faint smile curved her lips, her eyes revealing an inscrutable expression.

"It's only right that I do this, we've been old friends for so many years! Now that the gift has been delivered, I won't disturb Miss Gong Ning's rest any longer. Please also pass it on to Jing Zhou for me; he's always loved painting, he'll definitely like it!"

"Yes, I will. I'll say thank you on behalf of Ah Zhou. Thank you so much!"

Gong Ning's humble and polite hostess attitude made Su Yang feel frustrated, as if he had punched cotton. He didn't even realize that his nails were digging into his palms. "I apologize for bothering you. Su Yang will take his leave!"

"Take care, Miss Su!"

Aunt Rong went to see the guests off.

Gong Ning sat quietly on the sofa for a long time, her face seemingly calm and composed, but her heart was already in turmoil.

She wasn't unaware of the unnaturalness in Su Yang's voice just now, but she had no clue why.

Feeling somewhat irritated, Gong Ning got up and went to the study's library.

Instead of immediately looking for a storybook to read, he stood in front of the French windows, gazing at the vibrant scene outside and letting his thoughts wander.

A beautifully decorated picture frame caught my eye in a casual glance.

The photo shows her, Yan Jingzhou, and a man and a woman.

The man was refined and gentle, and the woman was graceful and beautiful.

Gong Ning's eyes flickered, and she immediately recognized the person above.

It's Ling's father and Ling's mother.

Suddenly, she realized that she hadn't heard the voices of Ling's father, mother, and grandfather for a long time.

It was a voice that she could retain the warmth of in her memory.

She had only met Ling's father and mother once, and then she couldn't see them anymore. She didn't even know what Ling's grandfather looked like.

That interesting old man must have been a mischievous old man with a lively demeanor.

I haven't heard Yan Jingzhou mention it since I came back this time.

Did you go on vacation?

They used to go out and have fun every few days, and they always brought her gifts.

She was determined to see them properly when they returned this time.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared in Gong Ning's bright eyes.

It seems that Yan Jingzhou felt neglected because he had been away for too long, so he didn't want to mention them.

His personality is also known to be introverted...

Tsk!

——

As the sun set, the fierce winds that had raged for half a day gradually subsided.

A low-key yet prestigious Rolls-Royce drove into Starry Night Park.

Ji Chen opened the door for Yan Jingzhou.

Not seeing that familiar figure, Yan Jingzhou turned his gaze to the butler An and Aunt Rong and the others.

Aunt Rong understood and quickly stepped forward, "Sir, Miss went to the swing set and doesn't know you're back yet!"

Yan Jingzhou nodded slightly and turned to walk into the woods.

The pale yellow light filtered through the dense, interwoven trees, casting dappled shadows.

The air around him was fresh and pleasant. Yan Jingzhou let out a soft sigh, his gaze softening. No wonder the little girl always liked to come here…

Gong Ning sat on the swing, swaying aimlessly, her back to the entrance of the stone path.

Along the path, neatly arranged flagstones are laid out in a regular pattern, with the empty spaces filled with fine, soft white gravel.

Coupled with the chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind, he didn't even notice the unhurried footsteps of the person approaching.