The more Gu Rongqi indulged her behavior, the more she took advantage of him.

His every reaction made her feel like she had found a treasure, and she would be happy for a long time.

“…No.” Gu Rongqi’s breath hitched. Realizing she was just joking, his breathing returned to normal. “It’s not that…simple.”

Gu Rongqi answered seriously.

His expression gave Cheng Qicai a feeling that he was secretly pondering this matter again.

Cheng Qicai, who had been in a relaxed attitude, immediately straightened up and said warily, "I was just joking."

Seeing that Gu Rongqi didn't respond, Cheng Qicai repeated herself with emphasis, "Gu Rongqi, I was just joking."

She felt that things were fine as they were, and that proposing would involve marriage, which was not something she wanted to discuss at the moment.

She now deeply regrets her words, realizing she had been too careless and brought up this topic.

Marriage is not just a matter between two people, but a matter between two families.

Gu Rongqi gave a faint "hmm".

An ambiguous attitude.

Seeing Cheng Qicai's inquisitive look, he added, "I understand."

With her attitude becoming much more correct, Cheng Qicai felt a little relieved.

Gu Lubo's birthday banquet was an evening event, and Cheng Qicai was also busy, so Gu Rongqi planned to accompany her to the shop for a while before attending the banquet in the evening.

Looking at Gu Rongqi in his suit and tie, Cheng Qicai felt inexplicably nervous.

Wearing a suit, his demeanor became sharper, and he completely distanced himself from those around him.

Cheng Qicai felt the same way she did when she first saw Gu Rongqi—that unapproachable distance and sense of oppression.

A sense of unease arose in her heart.

It wasn't until Gu Rongqi pulled her close, looked directly into her eyes, and asked, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing, I just thought about how you looked the first time I saw you. When you walked into the office, I thought to myself, you really are a big boss, you seem more reliable than Brother Gu."

The moment Gu Rongqi spoke, the awkwardness in her heart vanished instantly.

Cheng Qicai smiled and said, "By the way, what was your first impression of me?"

Gu Rongqi was silent for a while before saying, "It's nothing, just Liji's secretary."

Cheng Qicai felt that it was normal for Gu Rongqi to have an ordinary first impression of her. She would only think that Gu Rongqi was just flattering her if he said things like "love at first sight" or "very beautiful".

"Oh, right." Cheng Qicai took out a gift box from behind the counter and handed it to Gu Rongqi.

“This is a gift for your father, wild honey from the mountains where I live. It might not be… very expensive,” Cheng Qicai said awkwardly, scratching her head. “But I think your family probably doesn’t lack other expensive things, so this is all I have to offer.”

When it came time to choose a gift, Cheng Qicai realized that she really didn't have anything worthwhile to offer.

Buy expensive things; other people use things that cost more than what you buy.

So in the end, all she could do was send something that was meant to be a token of her affection.

So when Gu Rongqi's parents looked down on her, she didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

But even if they don't like it, they still have to show the proper etiquette.

Gu Rongqi paused for a moment, then took it. "Thank you, it's fine."

After a while, Cheng Qicai rubbed her hands together and looked at Gu Rongqi awkwardly, "If your parents don't like it and want to throw it in the trash, could you help me pick it up?"

She even called her grandfather specifically to ask him to help her buy it from someone in their area who specializes in going into the mountains to find wild honey.

When her grandfather went to look for people, the people looking for honey just happened to come out of the mountains, which was lucky.

Normally, even if they go to buy it, it might not be available.

Therefore, if Gu Rongqi's parents really didn't like her things and wanted to throw them away, she would still feel very sorry for them. She would rather take them back and eat them herself than throw them away.

Gu Rongqi chuckled softly, "Okay."

The two set off for the store. Cheng Qicai worked in the store while also checking on the progress of the store across the street.

When it was time for dinner, Gu Rongqi still ate dinner with Cheng Qicai before setting off.

Upon arriving at the banquet, Gu Rongqi handed the car over to the concierge. Standing at the entrance, he suddenly felt that this place seemed somewhat unfamiliar to him.

After pondering for a while, he stepped into this place of extravagance and revelry.

With each step he took into the banquet, he could feel the scrutinizing gazes from all directions.

His expression remained unchanged as he walked up to Grubber and Chihiro, softly calling out, "Dad, Mom."

He then respectfully wished Grubber a happy birthday: "Dad, happy birthday!"

The moment Gu Lubai's imposing figure saw Gu Rongqi, his shoulders slumped slightly, but he still maintained a cold and hard expression and nodded to Gu Rongqi.

When they called Gu Rongqi last time, they didn't have much hope that he would come.

So when Gu Rongqi called them a few days ago, they breathed a sigh of relief.

This at least shows that his attitude has softened somewhat.