Chapter 65 Knowing Full Well
Not long after Gu Zhaoqian left, He Peiru received his message.
Gu Zhaoqian: [I'll pick you up at the Jiang family's house at five o'clock, and we'll have dinner together.]
She immediately accepted the man's arrangement, since they did need to set off earlier than the start time of the horse race.
Seeing that there was plenty of time, He Peiru simply told Fang Xiaoxin and Feng Shiqi that she had returned to Hong Kong.
They were surprised, but they also understood her actions.
In their eyes, He Peiru had finally escaped He Zhong's shadow forever and would never have to think about him again.
The three did not delve into the topic, but quickly moved on after a brief explanation. He Peiru then took the opportunity to ask about the Happy Valley Racecourse.
Fang Xiaoxin, who knew this perfectly well, began to talk non-stop again.
Fang Xiaoxin: [Happy Valley is much more relaxing in terms of both environment and atmosphere; for us, Happy Valley is definitely more fun.]
Fang Xiaoxin: [Comparing the two racecourses, the Sha Tin one seems much more serious.]
No wonder Gu Zhaoqian brought up going to the Happy Valley Racecourse separately back then.
He remembered this seemingly casual remark, which made He Peiru's thoughts wander.
She naturally recalled that fleeting kiss.
Even today, this action would be completely out of bounds for their relationship.
All I can say is that He Peiru was absolutely bewitched at the time.
But she couldn't help but wonder how this matter meant to Gu Zhaoqian.
However, it seems that it still cannot be explained in just a few words.
As she pondered these things, time flew by.
The stylist arrived at the Jiang family's house at the agreed time.
Since the atmosphere was casual, her outfit was kept simple.
If it's too complicated, it will become inconvenient.
Gu Zhaoqian arrived at the Jiang family's residence at five o'clock sharp.
As soon as He Peiru got into the car, he began to explain the general arrangements: "We'll go straight to the restaurant at the horse farm for dinner. Even if we eat slowly, we'll have plenty of time."
She naturally had no objections, especially since Gu Zhaoqian's arrangements were always meticulous and thorough.
Dinner was held at a restaurant inside the horse farm, a place only VIPs could book, and the dishes she chose were still her favorite flavors.
This time, she accepted the approach without hesitation.
After dinner, He Peiru got up and went to the terrace facing the racecourse, where she could see the entire racecourse.
In this light, Sha Tin Racecourse is closer to nature, while Happy Valley Racecourse is a corner of the bustling city.
Just as Fang Xiaoxin had said, the two horse farms each had their own unique characteristics.
It still gets dark very quickly in February.
The weather has been great ever since she returned from England; she can easily see the stars just by looking up.
Even though it's a weekday, there aren't many people here yet, but He Peiru has already clearly felt the liveliness of the place.
It has a young and vibrant atmosphere.
Gu Zhaoqian walked to her side and asked, "Doesn't it feel completely different from Sha Tin Racecourse?"
She nodded and replied, "I find Shatin a bit dull right now."
He Peiru lowered her eyes and looked at the empty space next to the track.
The food stalls above had already opened for business, and each stall was using its own unique methods to attract people's attention. Even from a distance, she could already feel how great the atmosphere was.
Gu Zhaoqian noticed her gaze and suggested, "Why don't we go for a walk?"
"Okay." She agreed without hesitation, as it would be a good opportunity to experience it firsthand.
Just as they came downstairs, the horse farm instantly became packed with people, but that didn't stop her from excitedly looking at each stall.
The aromas of various cuisines mingled together, and He Peiru was just glad she had eaten dinner, otherwise she definitely wouldn't have been able to resist the temptation.
I then passed by several alcohol stalls, and looking at the exquisite cocktails, I had the idea of trying them.
Gu Zhaoqian must have seen through her thoughts, and asked, "How much can you drink?"
When attending banquets of all sizes, she usually only drinks champagne or juice, and at most, she might have a few sips of red wine.
That's why he asked that question.
"Should be... alright?"
He Peiru herself dared not make any guarantees; at worst, she would only drink a little.
Gu Zhaoqian smiled and assured her, "Just drink it without worry, I'm here for you."
She quickly chose a cocktail that interested her.
Upon tasting, you'll experience the sweetness of the fruit mixed with bitterness, followed by the stimulating sensation of bubbles spreading throughout your mouth.
This special feeling made her unable to resist taking a few more sips.
Gu Zhaoqian chose a cocktail that looked rather edgy, which He Peiru felt suited his style perfectly.
In the brief moment they were buying cocktails, she heard the sound of horses' hooves galloping in unison, echoing across the empty space.
All eyes in the arena were on the horses, their faces filled with anticipation, hoping that their chosen horse could make it into the top three.
Gu Zhaoqian, who had been by her side the whole time, spoke up again: "Would you like to try horseback riding next time you come?"
He Peiru had never tried it before; she had only heard that both horse farms had private spaces where one could experience the activity. Gu Zhaoqian's sudden mention of it piqued her interest.
“Okay,” she replied without hesitation, “but… I guess I’ll have to wait until my next trip back to Hong Kong.”
"No rush, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."
He said softly.
He Peiru turned her head and looked up, only to find that Gu Zhaoqian was still looking at her. The light in his eyes instantly touched her heart.
She just wanted to calm herself down, so she said somewhat flusteredly, "I'm going to the restroom."
"Go."
He nodded.
Perhaps due to the alcohol, He Peiru felt her cheeks starting to burn, and when she looked in the mirror, she noticed that her ears were noticeably red.
Because of the delicate makeup, the blush on her cheeks wasn't very noticeable, but her ears were a different story; they couldn't be hidden at all.
She could only slightly push her hair forward.
Fortunately, He Peiru didn't feel anything else and tried her best to make herself appear normal before leaving the bathroom.
otherwise……
She felt really embarrassed.
However, Gu Zhaoqian immediately noticed something was wrong and quickly walked up to her, asking, "Why does your face look so red?"
Before she could respond, he continued, "Is it because you drank a cocktail? Are you feeling dizzy?"
"I'm not dizzy," He Peiru quickly denied, telling him, "I just feel a little hot... nothing else."
Although he seemed to be doing much the same as usual, he was still worried and asked, "Do you want to continue playing? Or do you want to go back?"
"Let's go back." He Peiru didn't dare to say whether she would gradually become dizzy if she stayed here any longer.
So, just to be on the safe side, it would be better for her to go back as soon as possible.
Although Gu Zhaoqian didn't say it aloud, they shared similar thoughts and said, "Let's go then."
Perhaps it was the man's indulgence, but the two strolled leisurely to the parking lot, only to find that Gu Zhaoqian's driver had already started the car and was waiting.
It was as if they were afraid of wasting time.
They sat in the back of the car just as they had come. The journey back to Repulse Bay wasn't long, but Gu Zhaoqian didn't intend to let the silence continue. Instead, he spoke up: "I don't think I've ever asked you why you chose to study law?"
“Because I have seen too many people trapped in family problems in the past, but even with social workers, they may not be able to truly help them.” He Peiru paused and continued, “So I hope to find someone who can empathize with them and give them courage and practical help.”
Gu Zhaoqian knew she was soft-hearted.
He never expected that she would consider things to this extent; such a delicate thought softened his heart.
Most likely, it was only after she had achieved a life free from worries about food and clothing and no longer had to worry about the future that she came up with this idea of saving all living beings.
Gu Zhaoqian unconditionally agreed with He Peiru's plan, but did not forget to remind her: "It's good that you think this way, but... when you feel the same way, remember to keep a calm mind."
Even if the Chiang family has a continuous stream of resources, there are too many people in this world who need help.
Their strength alone cannot save everyone.
Gu Zhaoqian worried that her soft heart would eventually become a psychological burden as she went through more experiences.
“I know.” He Peiru couldn’t help but smile as she carefully chose her words to give him a word of advice. “I will help others within my ability.”
Her contact with the foundation before going to the UK can be considered preparation for future plans.
Despite He Peiru's confident assurances, Gu Zhaoqian patted her head as if he had some reservations and laughed, "It's a promise, it's within your capabilities, so don't force yourself no matter what."
Hearing him repeat this several times, He Peiru rarely saw him so verbose.
While finding it amusing, she helplessly dodged the man's hand and muttered, "Of course I know all that."
She understood that she had suffered too much in the past, and Gu Zhaoqian didn't want her to experience bad things again.
Since she knew perfectly well what was going on, she saw no need to make him worry, so she added, "Don't worry, I won't do anything that would make me feel bad."
“Okay.” Now that he had received the assurance, Gu Zhaoqian saw no need to emphasize it further and instead said, “I’ll go back to England with you in a few days.”
“But regarding the timeline…” He Peiru realized the moment she said it was pointless to say more, and instead asked, “Has the work in Hong Kong been completed?”
Now that Gu Zhaoqian has made his decision, he must have already arranged the application for the flight route, so there's no need for her to say anything discouraging.
He tacitly ignored the first half of the sentence and replied, "The work here is in its final stages and should be finished in the next couple of days."
"……so."
He Peiru responded, but then didn't know what to say.
"What's wrong?" Gu Zhaoqian asked, raising an eyebrow at her with a smile in his eyes. "Don't you want to go back to England with me?"
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