Chapter 40: Snowy Night Banquet
The Gu family mansion, a sprawling, antique-style estate perched mid-hill on the outskirts of the city, was illuminated tonight by countless dazzling crystal chandeliers. Beneath soaring eaves and brackets, vast floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the figures clinking glasses in the hall. Warm yellow lighting and meticulously arranged red plum blossoms and kumquats evoked a festive and reunion-inspired atmosphere. However, the air wasn't filled with pure festive joy; beneath the aroma of expensive perfume, cigar tobacco, and fine wines lay an invisible scrutiny and competition. The moment he stepped inside, Gu Ye realized with unwavering clarity: now that he had returned, he could no longer easily withdraw. There was no tender reunion here, only the heaviness of entering the arena. He simply wanted to pay his respects to his mother in peace, and then, to the best of his ability, fight for what rightfully belonged to him and his mother.
A low-profile black car slid silently to a stop in front of the brightly lit main building. The door opened and Gu Ye stepped out.
When he appeared in the brightly lit lobby, the previously boisterous chatter seemed to pause briefly. Countless gazes, filled with suspicion, scrutiny, disdain, and curiosity, focused on him like searchlights.
The deep black peak-lapel suit Chu Yan had prepared for him served its purpose perfectly. The premium wool-silk blend exuded a subtle, deep, matte sheen, draping the night like a blanket. The fitted silhouette accentuated his tall, lean, perfectly proportioned figure, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and slender legs. He seamlessly blended the exuberant energy of youth with a composure beyond his years. His pure white French-cut shirt was meticulously tied at the collar, and his silver-gray silk jacquard tie was neatly tied. The light fell on his sharply defined face, stripped of the last trace of childishness. A chilling calm lingered between his brows. His eyes, always ablaze with unruly fire, were now bottomless, like two frozen ponds, calmly meeting all incoming glances.
Stunned? Yes. But more than that, shocked and uncomfortable. When did this "wild child," deliberately forgotten and exiled by his family, develop such an irresistible presence? He no longer resembled the thorny, fierce-eyed little beast of memory, but more like a sheathed sword, its cold gleam restrained.
After a brief silence, the scattered discussions exploded instantly like drops of water thrown into a frying pan.
"Is that Gu Yu'an?"
"Oh my god, I almost didn't recognize you..."
"Humph, it's just a beautiful exterior, but inside it's still..."
Gu Ye ignored the comments. He straightened his back, and just as Chu Yan had instructed, his gaze calmly swept across the faces, familiar and unfamiliar, finally settling on Gu Hongyuan, who was surrounded by people in the back of the living room. His father, dressed in an elegant Chinese Tang suit, his hair meticulously combed, was chatting and laughing with several uncles, a glass of wine in hand, seemingly oblivious to the small commotion at the door.
Just then, a middle-aged woman in a dark red brocade cheongsam, gold-rimmed glasses, and sleekly combed hair came up, twisting her waist. An overly enthusiastic smile was plastered on her face, and her voice was shrill: "Oh my! Look who's back? Our Yu'an! You've really changed!" She looked Gu Ye up and down exaggeratedly. It was the great aunt from the third room. She tried to hold Gu Ye's hand affectionately, but Gu Ye calmly moved aside.
"Aunt." Gu Ye's voice was neither loud nor low, with just the right amount of distance and politeness, his eyes fell calmly on her face.
The great aunt's hand paused in mid-air awkwardly, the smile on her face froze for a moment, and then it became even more full: "Okay, okay, it's good that you're back! Your dad has been talking about you for a long time! Look at this figure, this demeanor..." She changed the subject, and as Chu Yan expected, she used the familiar "memory killing" set. Her voice was deliberately raised, with a "bitterness and sweetness" tone: "Oh, when I think back to when you were a child, you were so naughty! Climbing trees and walls, fighting with people, and making your mother worry a lot! Who would have thought at that time that our Yu An would grow up to be such a decent person today?" She bit the last four words very lightly, but with clear sarcasm, and glanced at the relatives around her, hinting at Gu Ye's past "bad deeds" and his current "pretense".
The whispers around became louder, and many people looked at each other with an expression of wanting to enjoy the show.
Gu Ye's face was calm, and there was even a faint, almost imperceptible smile on the corner of his lips. He looked at his aunt calmly, and his voice rang out clearly, not loud, but loud enough for people nearby to hear:
"Thank you for your concern, Auntie. I'm young and frivolous, and I'm sorry to have made the elders laugh at me." He nodded slightly, his posture impeccable. "The past is not worth mentioning."
The smile on the aunt's face froze, and the subsequent lines she had prepared were stuck in her throat. Looking at Gu Ye's calm but bottomless eyes, she was speechless for a moment and took a step back awkwardly.
However, there were more than one jackal, tiger, or leopard. A young man in a flashy bright purple suit, with flaxen hair and holding a champagne glass, came over. It was Gu Hongyuan's illegitimate son, Gu Yu, only a few months younger than Gu Ye.
"Hey! Isn't this my 'good brother' who 'ran away from home' in pursuit of freedom?" Gu Yu's voice drawled, carrying undisguised frivolity and malice. His eyes swept over Gu Ye as if he were sizing up a cheap commodity. "What's the matter? Can't make it out there anymore? Finally remembered to come back home and beg for mercy?" He deliberately leaned closer, lowering his voice so that only the two of them could hear, sneering, "I heard you had good grades in that crappy high school? What's the point of studying well? Do you really think that studying for a few years can change the failure in your bones?"
Vicious words stung like poisoned needles. Gu Ye's eyes instantly turned cold. He clenched his hands at his sides, his nails practically digging into his palms. The air around them seemed to freeze, and everyone watched with bated breath. Gu Hongyuan's gaze seemed to sweep over him, a subtle scrutiny.
Just when Gu Ye was about to lose control of the rage boiling in his chest and was about to tear his face apart, a deep voice, with unquestionable authority, rang out from the back of the crowd:
Gu Yu, holding a wine glass, slowly walked over from the crowd that had automatically parted. He wore a dark gray velvet suit that exuded a sense of maturity and sophistication. He was calm and composed, with a perfectly balanced smile on his face, befitting a family heir. He didn't even glance at Gu Yu's suddenly grim expression, but instead fixed his gaze on Gu Ye. His tone was calm, yet it carried a certain pressure:
"Today is a family dinner, not a street party. Be careful with your words and don't lose face for the Gu family." He paused, his eyes swept over Gu Hong's eye-catching bright purple suit, and a hint of sarcasm appeared at the corner of his lips, "And the way you are dressed, your taste is really worrying. Next time you attend a formal occasion, I suggest you ask your stylist for advice first, and don't treat a family dinner as a nightclub." A few light words not only helped Gu Ye out of the predicament, but also belittled Gu Hong as worthless, and even his mother was vaguely affected.
Gu Yu's face instantly turned the color of liver, his lips trembling, but when he met Gu Yu's seemingly gentle eyes, he couldn't utter a word and could only lower his head in anger. Gu Hongyuan's brows knitted slightly, as if he was a little dissatisfied with Gu Yu's loss of composure, but he didn't say anything.
Gu Xu then turned his gaze back to Gu Ye, his tone still flat, without any emotion: "Since you are back, just behave yourself. Father is over there, go and say hello." He raised his chin and pointed in the direction of Gu Hongyuan.
Gu Ye looked at Gu Xu's face, which was filled with the "favor" of almsgiving, and what surged in his chest was not gratitude, but a deeper humiliation and vigilance. He knew that Gu Xu had no good intentions, he was just casually sending away an annoying fly, and in passing, he was showing his "fairness" and "dignity" as the heir to his father.
"Don't bother." Gu Ye's voice was as cold as ice. He avoided Gu Yu's gaze and walked straight towards Gu Hongyuan. He didn't need Gu Yu's "kindness". This "kindness" made him more disgusted than Gu Yu's insults.
Gu Xu looked at Gu Ye's erect back, his eyebrows raised in vain, a hint of cold amusement flickering across his eyes. His kindness being misunderstood? He didn't mind at all. He even looked forward to what kind of fascinating expression would cross his stubborn younger brother's face, always filled with wariness and anger, when he discovered his relationship with his "best friend" Chu Yan. It would surely be fascinating. In the cold and cruel pyramid of the Gu family, competition and oppression were ingrained instincts. How many "corpses" of his peers had he stepped on to reach his current position? He had long since disdained to embarrass a younger brother like Gu Ye, whom he had deemed a "loser." In the Gu family's food chain, as his father's recognized heir, he stood at the top of his peers, looking down on those below him. As long as Gu Ye behaved himself and didn't challenge his position, he could simply watch his struggles as if he were admiring a rather interesting ornament. Gu Ye's cleverness and forbearance, in Gu Xu's view, simply made his identity as Chu Yan's "friend" seem less ridiculous, nothing more. He didn't say anything more, just picked up the wine glass, took a sip, and turned his gaze back to the center of the banquet, as if the previous episode had never happened.
The dinner continued. Gu Ye was seated in an inconspicuous corner. Exquisite and luxurious dishes were presented one after another, but he found them tasteless. During the meal, all kinds of malicious temptations and sarcastic "concerns" never stopped. Gu Hongyuan only asked a few symbolic questions about his studies, his attitude was cold and distant, as if he was just dealing with a distant relative. The other uncles and aunts, some continued to insinuate his "experiences" over the years, while others openly praised him but secretly criticized him, comparing him to Gu Xu.
"Yu'an's grades are so good now, he has really made progress. He is not worse than your elder brother in his youth!" A fat uncle seemed to be praising, but his eyes glanced at Gu Xu who was sitting in the main seat.
"No, no," Gu Ye calmly put down his knife and fork, his voice clear, "My eldest brother is the heir of the Gu family and has outstanding abilities. I have only read a few books and dare not be compared with him." He took the initiative to lower his posture, but pointed out Gu Xu's position and his own "harmlessness", making the other party punch like a ball.
"I heard that you live alone outside? Oh, that must be so hard! We have room at home. It would be great if you could move back home. It would save your dad from worrying about you." An aunt dressed in jewels asked "concernedly".
"I'm used to it. It's good to be more independent. Thank you for your concern, aunt." Gu Ye's answer was flawless. He neither refused nor agreed, and lightly passed the topic over.
He remembered Chu Yan's instructions, responding with the simplest and most appropriate language, either deftly rebuffing the provocations and challenges or remaining silent. He acted with remarkable restraint, like a teenager thrust into the adult world, clumsily yet stubbornly maintaining his dignity. Only when he occasionally mentioned his mother would a flicker of unconcealable pain and coldness flash deep in his eyes. He knew that from the moment he stepped through this door, everyone would view him as a potential enemy or a pawn. He simply wanted this torment to end quickly and reach Nanshan Cemetery.
Gu Xu sat below Gu Hongyuan, the main seat, occasionally speaking in a low voice with his father, controlling the direction of the conversation at the table. He would occasionally glance at Gu Ye in the corner without making a sound. He watched him struggling to hold on under those attacks, whether overt or covert, and saw the turbulent emotions hidden under his effort to maintain calm. Gu Xu had to admit that this brother who had been away from home for many years was indeed much smarter and more resilient than he had imagined. At least, he did not overturn the table on the spot, nor was he completely enraged and lost his composure by those harsh words. This restraint and response under heavy pressure was barely enough to be Chu Yan's "friend". He had never regarded Gu Ye as a real threat. His eyes swept over the expensive and tasteful suit on Gu Ye, and a glimmer of understanding flashed in his eyes. It was Chu Yan's work. Only that person had such vision and means to polish a piece of stubborn stone into a little brilliance for a short time.
Taking advantage of the moment when the atmosphere relaxed slightly as everyone toasted and chatted, Gu Qi gracefully rose from his seat and headed towards the side door leading to the back garden. The chill night breeze instantly dispelled the stagnant air in the hall. He walked to a secluded porch, pulled out his cell phone, and dialed the familiar number.
In City A, the "Cloud Top" private club is a discreet social venue for top celebrities and the newly wealthy. Unlike the bustling city of S, it's more understated and luxurious, with soothing jazz playing in the background rather than blaring electronic music.
In the exclusive box on the top floor, the huge floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the iconic and dazzling night scene of City A. Chu Yan sat relaxedly on the Italian leather sofa, his long legs casually crossed. He was wearing a soft, dark grey turtleneck cashmere sweater, which made his neck look slender and neat, and less student-like. Sitting next to him was Chu Yu, who was holding a burning cigar between his fingertips. Amidst the smoke, his profile was cold and profound. There were also several men and women of extraordinary demeanor in the box. They were Chu Yu's good friends and important business partners in City A. This party was organized by Chu Yu's friends to help him calm down. The cause was naturally the drugging incident in City A that had made Chu Yu extremely unhappy. Chu Yan accompanied him.
The phone vibrated. Chu Yan glanced at the screen, a barely perceptible curve forming at the corner of his lips. He tilted his head slightly and whispered to Chu Yu, "Brother Yu, excuse me for a moment. I have a call." Chu Yu's deep gaze rested on his face for a moment, and he nodded slightly.
Chu Yan stood up and walked to the private terrace connected to the box. The cold winter wind suddenly blew in, carrying with it the chill of the city. He pressed the answer button.
"Hello?" Gu Xu's voice came from the other end of the line, with the unique quiet wind sound of the Gu family garden in the background, and a hint of lazy teasing: "Mr. Chu, are you living a life of luxury in City A?"
"Yeah, I just arrived. It's a party hosted by Brother Yu's friend." Chu Yan's voice was exceptionally clear and calm in the cold wind. "What's going on? Has the Gu family reunion dinner started? Did Gu Ye flip the table?"
Gu Xu chuckled with a hint of amusement, "He really impressed everyone tonight. That outfit, was it you who prepared it? It's so effective that it almost made Third Aunt's eyes pop out." With a bit of gloating and condescending comments, he described to Chu Yan the surprise when Gu Ye entered the room, the verbal confrontation with Third Aunt, Gu Yu's provocation and his own "timely" rescue, all as if he were telling a scene from a drama, clearly and slightly sarcasticly.
"...That idiot Gu Yu, dressed like a peacock with its tail spread out, and his words were even more irresponsible. I scolded him like a worthless person in front of this old man." Gu Xu's tone was as casual as disposing of garbage. "As for Gu Ye, he didn't embarrass you. He easily blocked Third Aunt's 'remembering the bitter past and thinking of the sweet past' trick, and he also resisted the provocation of Gu Yu and didn't attack him on the spot. Although his eyes were cold enough to freeze people to death, at least he didn't lose his composure. He barely passed." He gave an evaluation that was extremely consistent with his status.
Chu Yan listened, a barely perceptible glint of satisfaction flickering across his eyes. "As expected. A wretch like Gu Yu dared to come out like that? It seems your 'intimidation' is limited, Mr. Gu." He replied flatly, "Just keep an eye on him. Don't let him get bitten to death. I know you know your limits."
"Don't worry," Gu Xu said confidently, "With me here, those clowns won't be able to cause any trouble. As long as he behaves himself and fulfills his wish of 'worshiping his mother,' no one will really do anything to him."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Gu, for your concern."
"Thank you?" Gu Xu chuckled softly, and the laughter came through the airwaves, carrying a kind of ambiguous intimacy. "Chu Yan, you know, I never do anything without reward."
Chu Yan's eyebrows raised slightly, changing the subject. He looked at the dazzling lights of City A below him, flowing like a galaxy. In the distance, a huge firework exploded in the night sky, instantly lighting up half the sky. The dazzling light reflected in his eyes.
After chatting for a few more irrelevant gossips, he hung up the phone.
Chu Yan put down his phone and turned back to the warm private room. Chu Yu's eyes fell on him almost the moment he entered, with a silent scrutiny and inquiry. The others in the private room tactfully lowered their voices to talk.
"A call from a friend?" Chu Yu's voice was low and emotionless, and the cigar between his fingers burned slowly.
"Well, it's just a small matter in S City." Chu Yan sat back down beside Chu Yu, picked up the decanter, and naturally poured Chu Yu a half-full glass of rich whiskey, adding some for himself. Beside him, Wang Shao was holding up his glass, trying to apologize to Chu Yu. After all, no one had expected someone to be so bold as to drug Chu Yu.
Chu Yu didn't touch the newly poured glass of wine. He leaned back on the sofa, the cigar smoke curling in front of him, making his expression even more profound and unfathomable. The last incident, that chaotic night, the cold water in the bathroom, Chu Yan's steady hands with irresistible power, the image flashed through his mind uncontrollably, bringing with it an indescribable sense of irritation and embarrassment.
"Didn't Young Master Wang already apologize before?" Chu Yu's voice was a little hoarse, with a low tone like that of a cigar. He was referring to the fact that Young Master Wang decisively banned the young celebrity who drugged her the day after the incident, and also gave up 5 percentage points of profit in the subsequent cooperation with Chu Yu.
Chu Yan paid no attention to their conversation. He simply picked up his own glass, took a sip, and cast his gaze upon the hazy night scene outside the window. He knew what Chu Yu was bothered about. The feeling of losing control of his body and having his dignity violated was unbearable for someone as controlling as Chu Yu. He came to this bureau to give Wang Shao face, but also as a subtle reassurance—look, everything was back to normal, and that matter was over.
Chu Yu later fell silent. Wang Shao's apology had brought back memories for him, and he sat there in silence, watching Chu Yan's calm profile, sharply defined in the dim light of the private room. Complex emotions swirled in his deep eyes. A growing desire to control this unpredictable cousin, coupled with a desire to explore that even he himself hadn't yet fully grasped. Like a territorial lion, he stood guard silently, observing this equally dangerous fellow who had intruded into his territory, yet whom he couldn't easily expel.
Soothing music continued to flow in the box, people were talking in low voices, and the atmosphere seemed harmonious. But the corner where Chu Yan and Chu Yu were sitting seemed to be separated by an invisible barrier. Only silence spread between the two of them, mixed with the spicy cigar and the mellow aroma of whiskey, fermenting silently.
The woods surrounding the Gu family's old house were far from the hustle and bustle of the banquet hall. The cold winter wind whistled through the bare branches, making a whistling sound. The lights of the distant city merged into a hazy sea of light in the cold night.
Gu Ye stood alone beneath a tall, old plum tree. The icy air he breathed into his lungs, biting his bones, yet it also cleared his head, which had been swollen by the stagnant atmosphere of the banquet. His expensive suit seemed incapable of fully shielding him from the deep winter chill.
Dealing with those hypocritical relatives, enduring Gu Hongyuan's deliberate snub, and Gu Xu's condescending, alms-giving "rescue," every moment felt like navigating a thorny patch. He adhered to Chu Yan's demands of "not being rude" and "not showing weakness," but the humiliation and anger within him didn't diminish in the slightest. He felt like a trapped animal, its claws plucked out and locked in an ornate cage, only able to suppress the urge to roar.
He looked up, toward Nanshan Cemetery. The night was dark, and he couldn't see a thing. But he knew his mother was there, alone in that cold, silent place.
He came here not for the family, not for this disgusting "reunion dinner." He just wanted to be closer to his mother, even if it was just to gaze in that direction from afar.
He knew that from the moment he stepped through the Gu family's door tonight, he would never be able to leave easily. Everyone, from Gu Hongyuan to Gu Yu, to the bystanders, even the seemingly generous but indifferent Gu Shi, would see him as a potential enemy, a pawn to be exploited, or an obstacle to be cleared. This road was destined to be thorny, but he had no choice.
The bitterly cold wind whipped up the remaining snow on the ground, lashing Gu Ye's face with a piercing chill. He tightened his thin formal attire, turned, and walked toward the brightly lit yet freezing banquet hall. His back stretched out in the dim streetlights, lonely and stubborn, with a resolute determination to embark on a path of no return.
The wind and snow seemed to be getting stronger.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
