Gu Qingyan unconsciously moved his feet and walked up to Xiao Wanrou, looking down at her. His gaze was deep and focused, as if he wanted to see through her soul; it was a strong gaze, almost one that could be called longing.

Xiao Wanrou was a little flustered by his gaze. She raised her head slightly and met Gu Qingyan's eyes.

In the dim light, Gu Qingyan's features appeared even more defined; his face was strikingly handsome with sharply defined lines. His eyes were deep and unfathomable, as if holding endless stories and emotions. His nose was high and straight, and his lips were tightly closed, exuding a resolute air.

Xiao Wanrou felt a little shy under his gaze, so she lowered her head and avoided his eyes. She felt her heart racing and her breathing becoming rapid.

This was the first time she had ever met her legendary "brother-in-law," the man her sister had mentioned.

"Wanqing," Gu Qingyan's voice trembled slightly. He tried hard to control his emotions, but the shock and excitement in his eyes could not be concealed. His voice was low and hoarse, as if it were a call from the depths of his heart.

Xiao Wanrou raised her head, looking at him tenderly. Her eyes were clear and bright, as if they could see through Gu Qingyan's inner pain and struggle. She said softly, "Brother Qingyan, I..."

Her voice was soft and sweet, causing Gu Qingyan's heart to tremble involuntarily. He looked at the person before him, who bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Wanqing, especially when deliberately imitating her attire; under the soft, dim lighting, she was almost indistinguishable from the real Xiao Wanqing. However, the moment she spoke, Gu Qingyan's wandering thoughts were pulled back.

Wanqing is no longer here.

Especially in the end, after the plastic surgery, her face no longer bore any trace of her former self. But the person before her, even her temperament, was exactly the same as Wanqing's in her youth. That gentle, quiet, yet slightly stubborn temperament deeply touched Gu Qingyan's heart once again.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. Then, he looked up into Xiao Wanrou's eyes and smiled, saying, "I'm sorry, I lost my composure just now. You look a lot like a friend of mine, which reminded me of some things from the past."

Xiao Wanrou felt a pang of disappointment upon hearing Gu Qingyan's words.

Although she was merely following her aunt's instructions, wanting to use her beauty, similar to Xiao Wanqing's, to conquer Gu Qingyan, she knew it was just a transaction for the sake of the family's interests.

However, the moment she saw Gu Qingyan, her heart fluttered.

Unable to extricate myself.

She never imagined that this moment of attraction would become the prelude to her tragic life.

"Qingyan, this is Wanqing's cousin, Wanrou." Bai Xin was very satisfied with Gu Qingyan's reaction, and the weight in her heart finally lifted.

This means that the following plans will inevitably proceed smoothly.

"Brother Qingyan." Xiao Wanrou called softly, her voice like a clear mountain stream, awakening long-dormant memories in Gu Qingyan's heart, and stirring a ripple in his soul.

That year, it was also summer.

The afternoon sun filtered through the treetops, casting a warm golden hue over the tranquil courtyard. Sixteen or seventeen-year-old Xiao Wanqing stood amidst this interplay of light and shadow. She wore an elegant cheongsam, like a pear blossom just beginning to bloom in spring—neither ostentatious nor lacking in grace. The cheongsam was a form-fitting style, accentuating her slender figure.

She sat smiling by the pond, casually tying her long hair up in front of the water, revealing her slender, fair neck. A few strands of hair gently fell across her forehead, dancing lightly in the breeze.

She gently swayed her feet, creating ripples in the water. She called out to Gu Qingyan, who was painting on his easel not far away, "Brother Qingyan, do I look pretty like this?"

Gu Qingyan sat there, his paintbrush slipping unconsciously from his hand, his gaze completely drawn to Xiao Wanqing. At that moment, he felt as if he were in a beautiful painting, and the protagonist of the painting was the smiling girl before him.

He looked at her, his eyes filled with amazement and tenderness. His heart melted completely at that moment, overflowing with affection.

He unconsciously rose and slowly walked towards her, his emotions surging with each step. He reached her side, bent down, and looked her in the eye. He gazed intently into her eyes and exclaimed, "Wanqing, you look so beautiful today."

Upon hearing his words, Xiao Wanqing blushed and lowered her head shyly, whispering, "Really? Does Brother Qingyan like me like this too?"

“Of course, your brother thinks your sister is the prettiest,” Gu Qingyan said softly, gently tucking a strand of her wind-blown hair behind her ear.

The sound of the waiter coming in to refill the tea brought Gu Qingyan back to reality.

He looked at Xiao Wanrou before him, so similar to Xiao Wanqing back then, as if time had reversed, and he had returned to that beautiful time. However, reality cruelly reminded him that Xiao Wanqing had left this world; she lay alone at the bottom of the sea, never to return to his side.

His eyes began to redden, and he pursed his lips tightly, trying to suppress the pain in his heart.

"Hello, Wanrou." When he spoke, Gu Qingyan had already returned to normal, greeting everyone with a faint smile. He tried his best to appear natural and composed, not wanting anyone to see the turmoil in his heart. Then he looked at Xiao Wanrou and said earnestly, "I'm really sorry about earlier. You look so much like Wanqing that I was momentarily distracted. I'm sorry."

"It's alright, Brother Qingyan." Xiao Wanrou's voice lowered, carrying a hint of heaviness. "Sister Wanqing used to often mention you to me. It's such a pity." Her words revealed her longing for Xiao Wanqing and her sympathy for Gu Qingyan.

"Wanqing, do you ever mention me to me in private?" Gu Qingyan asked, somewhat surprised. He had never imagined that Xiao Wanqing would mention him in private, which surprised and touched him.

“Yes, Sister Wanqing said you treat her very well and always take care of her in every way. She is very grateful and likes you very much.” Xiao Wanrou replied softly, “My sister told me that if she can marry you when she grows up, she will be the happiest woman in the world.”

Xiao Wanrou's words slowly rang in Gu Qingyan's ears, each word like a sharp knife piercing into Gu Qingyan's heart, constantly churning.

His face turned pale instantly, his hands clenched unconsciously, and the sharp pain in his chest was almost unbearable. His wound, which had finally healed, was suddenly torn open completely.

"I'm sorry," Gu Qingyan said, standing up somewhat awkwardly, her face pale and her eyes vacant. "I'm going to the restroom. You guys order first."