Not only did they suffer no loss, they also abducted their most prized son.

Grandpa Gu truly treated Mu Chen like his own grandson, and he spared no effort in guiding the chefs at the Platinum Hotel to develop Chinese pastries.

Song Yunxi was worried that standing for too long would tire him out, so she smiled and stepped forward to support his arm. "Grandpa, why don't you go and rest for a while?"

After sitting down on the sofa next to him, Grandpa Gu sighed again, "Yunxi, you are a good girl. I wish my granddaughter-in-law was as sensible as you."

This was the nth time Song Yunxi had heard Grandpa Gu say this in the past few days, which made her really curious about what kind of person Grandpa Gu's granddaughter-in-law was. Taking advantage of the moment when Mu Chen brought Jiang Hailang to chat with Grandpa Gu, Song Yunxi quietly asked him.

Mu Chen smiled and asked in return, "Do you remember Gu Peng? He was the class monitor of the class next to yours back then."

Song Yunxi nodded. "I remember."

After realizing what was happening, she looked at him in surprise. Was the world really that small?

Yes, the world is indeed small. And, Gu Peng's wedding is in a week.

Since the matter had been brought up, Grandpa Gu took the opportunity to adopt the air of an elder and said, half-instructing and half-inviting, "Yunxi, you and Xiaochen will go back together then."

Grandpa Gu had given her so much help, and now that he had personally asked for her help, Song Yunxi had no reason to refuse. She immediately and readily replied, "Okay, Grandpa, I will definitely go."

That evening, Song Yunxi invited Dai Shuo to dinner, and casually gossiped with her about Gu Peng's upcoming marriage. After all, Dai Shuo had a crush on Gu Peng back in the day.

As Dai Shuo calmly picked up some food, he said, "I know he's getting married. He mentioned it in the alumni group the other day and even invited classmates to attend."

Are you going?

"Wouldn't it be inappropriate for his ex-girlfriend to attend his wedding?"

As soon as Dai Shuo finished speaking, the piece of pork rib that Song Yunxi had just picked up fell into the plate in front of her with a thud.

Dai Shuo glanced at her and laughed. "You're exaggerating! Anything can happen in six years, okay?"

"You can't give me so many surprises every day," Song Yunxi said, picking up the ribs from her plate and putting them in her mouth.

According to Dai Shuo, Gu Peng broke up with his previous girlfriend during his junior year. Because they were both in the student art troupe and often performed together, they naturally got together. They dated happily for almost two years, but still couldn't escape the curse of breaking up after graduation.

Gu Peng comes from a well-off family and owns a company. He wants to return to his hometown to live a comfortable and carefree life. Dai Shuo, on the other hand, came all the way from Inner Mongolia to study in Lancheng, hoping to stay in the big city and make a living in the future.

Besides, she had just passed numerous exams and been admitted to the Tourism College. She had a stable job in Lancheng, and the school could help her with her household registration, so she had no reason to leave.

Song Yunxi asked, "Gu Peng was your first love, right? Aren't you sad at all now?"

No matter how much time passes, if she finds out that Mu Chen is getting married and the bride isn't her, she will definitely be very sad.

"I'm a sucker for good looks. If you knew how different Gu Peng is from back then, you definitely wouldn't ask me this."

As Dai Shuo spoke, he opened Gu Peng's WeChat Moments and handed it to Song Yunxi.

Song Yunxi couldn't help but laugh when she looked at the photo. The chubby, middle-aged man in the photo, with a big belly, couldn't possibly be the same handsome young man from the next class back then.

Song Yunxi assured that if they met Gu Peng now, Dai Shuo would never fall in love with him at first sight.

"They say time is a butcher's knife, but I never expected it to turn into pig feed for him." Dai Shuo put away his phone and continued eating.

Two or three years is perhaps only enough time for others to go from naive to mature. But some people are in such a hurry that they jump straight to middle age.

May Fourth Youth Day is a holiday, after all. Does he really not want to celebrate it?

Song Yunxi rebuked her righteously: "That's where you're wrong. You shouldn't judge people by their appearance, especially your ex-boyfriend. Do you think it's appropriate for you to say that?"

Dai Shuo put down his chopsticks, leaned back in his chair, and stared at Song Yunxi, saying, "If you're so capable, then stop laughing."

In terms of understanding, her close classmate was the best. Song Yunxi couldn't help but burst into laughter after Dai Shuo stared at her for only three seconds.

Well, she's just a shallow and vulgar person, what's there to hide?

Seeing her smile, Dai Shuo smiled too.

While laughing, Song Yunxi secretly decided in her heart: when we get back, I must give Mu Chen's abs a good pat to calm my nerves.

*

A week later, Song Yunxi went home with Mu Chen as promised to attend Gu Peng's wedding.

The wedding was extremely grand, with 300 tables set up in the best hotel in the area. Although the Gu family had declined somewhat by Gu Peng's generation, the title of Grandpa Gu's descendant of the imperial chef still remained, and Gu's father still had some connections in the business world, so those who came to offer their congratulations were all prominent figures in the area.

The Mu family and Grandpa Gu have always been on good terms, so Mu Chen's parents naturally had to attend in person.

The driver picked up Mu Chen and Song Yunxi from the airport and headed straight to the wedding venue. Just three to five minutes after they got out of the car, the car carrying Mu Guozhang and Chu Xuan arrived.

Mu Chen personally opened the car door for them, greeted them, and then introduced her directly: "Mom and Dad, this is my girlfriend, Song Yunxi."

Song Yunxi quickly and politely greeted, "Hello, Chairman, hello, Auntie."

"Okay." Chu Xuan smiled as she looked Song Yunxi up and down, then looked at Mu Chen reproachfully, "I've wanted Mu Chen to invite you to my house for a long time, but he always said he was too busy. I really have to thank Old Master Gu for making it possible for us to meet this time."

A while ago, after Chu Xuan learned that Old Master Gu was going to Lancheng, she made a special trip to visit him and asked him to find a way to invite Song Yunxi to the wedding. That way, she could meet her future daughter-in-law.

Knowing the inside story, Mu Chen didn't respond to his mother, but simply said, "It's sunny outside, let's go inside and talk."

Chu Xuan rolled her eyes at him, then smiled and took Song Yunxi's hand. "Let's go, Yunxi."

Climbing the red carpet-covered staircase to the second floor, the corridor was resplendent with gold and lavish decorations, practically plastering the entire world with the word "nouveau riche," a stark contrast to Grandpa Gu's usual low-key style.

The hostesses led them to the entrance of the wedding banquet hall, where Gu Peng's parents, who were there to greet the guests, quickly came forward, "Brother Mu, sister-in-law, young master Mu, welcome, welcome."

Mu Guozhang and Mu Chen each shook hands with Gu's father and said politely:

"Brother Gu, congratulations."

"Uncle Gu, congratulations."

Gu's mother also warmly took Chu Xuan's arm, as if they were two best friends who had not seen each other for a long time.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, a middle-aged man approached with a smile, "President Mu, thank you, thank you for gracing us with your presence."

The three members of the Mu family did not know each other, but they still maintained a polite smile when facing each other.

Mr. Gu quickly introduced the two parties, saying that the other person was his in-law, Mr. Zhao. The in-law was very informal, shaking Mu Guozhang's hand and introducing himself familiarly, saying that he was in the real estate business and hoped that Mr. Mu would give him some guidance in the future.

Gu's parents exchanged a silent glance.

According to local custom, the bride's pre-wedding banquet and the groom's wedding banquet are held separately. However, the Zhao family specifically requested that they be held on the same day, with each side occupying one of the banquet halls on the second floor of the hotel to receive their guests. Ostensibly, they wanted to make the most of the large gathering on this joyous occasion, but in reality, they wanted to use the wedding banquet to build connections with the Gu family.

Although the Zhao family was very wealthy, the Gu family originally looked down on their nouveau riche background. However, the good-for-nothing Gu Peng ended up having a child with the Zhao family's daughter.

The Gu family could not allow the reputation of the elder Gu to be ruined by the younger generation, so they had no choice but to agree to the marriage.

Who would have thought that the Gu family agreed to hold the wedding banquet together, and the venue was decorated in a tacky and extravagant manner as requested by the Zhao family? This in-law actually wanted to step on them to rise in status and curry favor with the Mu family.

Given the Mu family's status and position, if it weren't for Old Master Gu's connections, the Gu family would never have been able to reach such a high level, let alone for Gu's father to act as if he were addressing Mu Guozhang by age and calling him "brother" in order to show closeness, and for receiving so much help from the Mu family in business.

The Mu family can offer support to the Gu family, but it's not unlimited. If they later favor the Zhao family out of consideration for their in-law relationship, they will inevitably take away the Gu family's share. When it comes to interests, in-laws are also competitors.

At this moment, it was Gu's mother who reacted quickly. While her in-laws were still trying to establish a close relationship with Mu Guozhang without any sense of boundaries, she caught a glimpse of Gu's assistant, Xiao Liao, walking from the other end of the corridor. She quickly called out to him, "Junior Brother Liao, where is Gu now?"

Xiao Liao had followed Old Master Gu for many years and was naturally familiar with Mu Guozhang. Seeing him standing at the door, he quickly replied, "Old Master Gu is in the East District Banquet Hall. Mr. Mu, this way please."

Mu Guozhang nodded slightly to the Gu family couple and President Zhao to say goodbye. Chu Xuan then took his arm and, guided by Xiao Liao, turned and walked towards the East District Banquet Hall.

Mu Chen gently took Song Yunxi's hand, successfully attracting her attention. She put away her amused expression, smiled slightly at him, then hooked her fingers around his, and walked alongside him behind Mu Guozhang and Chu Xuan toward the banquet hall.

Xiao Liao led them through the long flower corridor to the VIP seats with the best view in the front row.

Mu Guozhang greeted Grandpa Gu with a smile from afar: "Grandpa Gu, congratulations!"

Grandpa Gu smiled and extended his hand to them. When they got closer, he shook Mu Guozhang's hand and patted his arm twice with his other hand. "Guozhang, congratulations to you both."

Behind them, Mu Chen and Song Yunxi politely greeted him together, "Congratulations, Grandpa Gu."

After thanking him with a smile, Grandpa Gu called out to Song Yunxi, "Yunxi, come quickly, Grandpa has been looking forward to your arrival."

Several familiar faces in the VIP section stood up to greet Mu Guozhang. They then showered Mu Chen, a young talent they usually only saw in news and magazines, with praise.

Although Mu Chen is a capable "President Mu" who can stand on his own in public, when Mu Guozhang is around, he is still the humble and polite young master of the Mu family standing behind his father.

Song Yunxi secretly glanced at Mu Guozhang. Sure enough, parents love it when others praise their children. Looking at Chairman Mu's proud yet unhumble demeanor, if the child being praised next to him hadn't happened to be his own, he might have wanted to say a few words of praise as well.

A little girl of about ten years old ran up to Song Yunxi and said familiarly, "Sister, you're here too?"

Song Yunxi withdrew her gaze from the crowd and asked her with a smile, "Do you know me?"

"Yes, I know you. I've seen your picture at my brother's house."

Chu Xuan introduced her: "This is Mu Ning. Her father is Mu Chen's cousin, and her mother is Old Master Gu's daughter."

Song Yunxi then took Mu Ning's small hand and, imitating her, said as if they were old friends, "Hello, Ningning, it's great to see you all."

After speaking, she looked up at Mu Chen, who was still standing in the crowd chatting animatedly. She was genuinely curious about what kind of photos of her he kept at home. How could even a ten-year-old child remember her so clearly that he could recognize her at a glance?

Several elegantly dressed women came over with smiles and exchanged pleasantries with Chu Xuan. Just as Chu Xuan generously introduced her, saying, "This is Miss Song, Mu Chen's girlfriend," Mu Chen happened to turn his head and look at her.

The two were only a few meters apart, but because they had different social circles and needed to socialize, they were forced to look at each other from afar.

The noisy crowd quieted down and everyone returned to their seats when the emcee went up on stage to announce that the wedding was about to begin.

Song Yunxi had no expectations for Gu Peng, but she still really wanted to see the bride.

When she went to the restroom, she overheard people whispering. Apparently, the granddaughter-in-law that Grandpa Gu was unhappy with was a minor internet celebrity whose daily life on social media consisted of posting beautiful photos and flaunting her wealth.

Gu Peng was considered her top fan, showering her with compliments and gifts on her account for quite some time before they finally met in real life. Not long after, a tragedy occurred.

The bride on stage certainly lived up to her internet celebrity persona, with a face that looked like it came off an assembly line. Compared to Song Yunxi's original and distinctive face, there was no harm in comparison.

No wonder Grandpa Gu repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with his own granddaughter-in-law, but showed great care for Song Yunxi, his godson's girlfriend.

Although Song Yunxi didn't believe she was any better than the girl on stage in real life, she at least had full, fleshy cheeks, a kind of auspicious and lucky appearance favored by the older generation. Coupled with her deliberately practiced smile, she was even more captivating, making people like her even more.

After the ceremony, Gu Peng brought his bride to toast the guests. When he saw Song Yunxi, he paused for a few seconds before saying, "Alumnus, it's been a long time. We've really missed you."

Then, as if they were tacitly in sync, he raised his wine glass to toast Mu Chen: "Senior Brother Mu, congratulations."

Those who didn't know the situation might have thought the groom was someone else. However, Song Yunxi happened to be the one who knew.

The wedding banquet ended in the afternoon. Two cars from the Mu family, carrying Mu Guozhang, Chu Xuan, Mu Chen, and Song Yunxi, drove back to the Mu family villa one after the other.

Mu Guozhang sat on the sofa, sipping tea and chatting with Song Yunxi: "I heard your father is away on a business trip recently. Let's arrange a time to have a meal together when he gets back?"

Song Yunxi respectfully replied, "Yes, Chairman."

Just then, Chu Xuan returned to the living room with the maid and cut fruit. Seeing Song Yunxi sitting there as if she were reporting to the chairman, she chuckled and said, "Don't call me chairman at home. We're family, no need to be so formal."

Song Yunxi quickly stood up and helped take the fruit plate.

She was diligent, polite, and perceptive, which was one aspect, but another was that her ordinary-looking bottom simply couldn't handle the hard sofas of a wealthy family.

The Mu family has two living rooms, one Chinese and one Western, and they are currently in the Chinese-style room. The full set of mahogany sofas with bright yellow cushions, although priceless and exuding an imperial aura, is really too hard. Song Yunxi felt a little numb in her buttocks after sitting for a short while.

Mu Chen seemed to notice her unease and stood up, saying, "Yunxi just arrived, I'll show her around."

Chu Xuan quickly chimed in, "Alright, you guys go have fun."

Mu Chen then took Song Yunxi's hand and led her to the garden outside. The Mu family villa had gardens in the front and back, and in front of the yard stood a tall cherry blossom tree with a wooden swing under it.

Mu Chen reached out and shook it; after not using it for a long time, the swing was still quite sturdy.

“This was Xianxian’s favorite to play with when she was little. She hasn’t come back often these past few years, but the swing is still in good condition.”

Song Yunxi sat on the swing and casually asked, "Is she too busy with work to come back?"

As Mu Chen pushed the swing, he said, "She doesn't get along well with my mother."

Song Yunxi remembered that Mu Chen had told her that he and Mu Xian were half-siblings.

The relationship between stepmothers and stepdaughters is usually not good.

After strolling through the garden, Mu Chen took Song Yunxi to his room. The room, which had been unoccupied for a long time, was spotless.

The bed was covered with newly changed dark-colored sheets. Song Yunxi rushed in and, completely abandoning any semblance of ladylike behavior, pounced on the bed. She had left early that morning to catch her flight and then spent most of the day forcing smiles at a group of strangers; she was truly exhausted.

Mu Chen pointed to the bathroom at the other end of the room. "Rest for a while if you're tired, and take a shower if you want."

"If I shower and sleep in your room, will your parents think I'm not a good girl?"

Mu Chen smiled, "No."

Song Yunxi lay sprawled on the bed, glancing around the room and spotting two swords on a shelf in the corner. She jumped off the bed and ran over. The upper sword belonged to Mu Chen, and it felt quite heavy in her hand. Years ago, she would get so tired after playing with it for a while that she couldn't lift her wrist anymore. The lower sword, as thin as paper, must have been hers; the faded red tassel on the hilt was something she and Dai Shuo had bought and made with silk thread.

Song Yunxi picked up her sword and casually twirled it a few times. "I didn't expect to find this sword with you?"

“You left a lot of things in the dormitory at that time, and Dai Shuo didn’t know what to do with them, so I brought them back and kept them.”

As Mu Chen spoke, he opened the cabinet next to him, and Rui Yan's old military training photos, plush toys, hair clips and other accessories were all neatly arranged inside.

Song Yunxi reached out and touched them one by one. It was said that Mu Chen was very sad after she left, but he didn't expect that he would keep these little things she left behind so well.

Her eyes suddenly welled up with tears, but she didn't want Mu Chen to see. She turned around and hugged his waist, burying her head in his chest, and Mu Chen gently stroked her hair affectionately.

After hugging for a while, Song Yunxi remembered Mu Ning's words and asked him, "By the way, Mu Ning said he saw a picture of me at your house. What kind of picture was it?"

Surely it couldn't be these few military training photos? The photos are from a few years ago and are a bit blurry, and she's changed quite a bit, so they wouldn't be memorable for a child.

Mu Chen said, "I haven't shown her your photos."

After hearing what he said, Song Yunxi was stunned for two seconds, then grabbed the clothes on his waist, moved away from his chest, and looked up at him.

Soon, the two of them understood at the same time. Although Song Yunxi had never gone home with Mu Chen to meet his parents, wealthy families always had their own methods. It was perfectly normal for them to have someone investigate her background and send her some photos.

Mu Chen was a little worried that his parents' actions would anger Song Yunxi, so he pulled her back into his arms and carefully apologized, "I'm sorry."

Song Yunxi hugged him back, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm not angry at all. They dug up my dark past but they can still treat me like this. Doesn't that mean I've passed their test in their eyes?"

So, not only did I not suffer any loss, but I actually gained a huge advantage because I successfully abducted their most prized son.