Chapter 31 Gu Yun'an is behind him
As she spoke, Feng Rongrong grew impatient and pushed aside Ruan Xingzhu, who was blocking her way, to turn back. Her face was full of impatience as she forcefully pushed Ruan Xingzhu aside and turned to walk away.
Caught off guard, Ruan Xingzhu staggered backward from the sudden push, her steps frantic. A wave of panic washed over her; her hands clasped helplessly in the air, yet she dared not utter a sound lest she further enrage Feng Rongrong.
Just when she thought she was about to fall heavily to the ground, suddenly, an arm wrapped around her waist and steadily supported her.
A familiar and warm scent wafted towards her, lingering around her nose. Ruan Xingzhu was filled with surprise and subconsciously looked up. To her astonishment, the person supporting her was indeed Gu Yun'an.
Remembering how Cheng had specifically instructed her not to tell Gu Yun'an and Gu Qingsu when she asked her to apologize, she wondered why Gu Yun'an had suddenly appeared here. After all, if Gu Qingsu knew, she certainly wouldn't have asked her to apologize.
"Fourth brother..." she called out hesitantly.
Gu Yun'an, dressed in a long black robe, stood tall and straight, yet exuded a chilling aura. He steadily straightened Ruan Xingzhu's body, then slowly raised his head, his gaze sharp and cold as he looked at Feng Rongrong.
"Miss Feng, what an arrogant tone." Before he even arrived, he could hear Feng Rongrong's boastful words from afar. At this moment, a chill rose deep in his eyes, as if he wanted to freeze him into ice.
This was the first time Feng Rongrong had seen Gu Yun'an, the fourth young master of the Gu family, in person, and in such a way. At this moment, because she had almost pushed Ruan Xingzhu over earlier, she felt inexplicably guilty.
She opened her mouth, wanting to say something to explain, "I...", but when the words reached her lips, she didn't know how to begin.
However, Gu Yun'an didn't want to waste his breath on someone he considered incapable of making decisions. He frowned slightly, his brows revealing a cold and authoritative air, and glanced at Feng Rongrong with disdain.
He spoke in a low voice, saying, "Miss Feng's words have prompted me to consult with Grand Tutor Feng about the Feng family's traditions."
Seeing Gu Yun'an's innate authority, Feng Rongrong was momentarily intimidated, and her face instantly tightened. She just couldn't stand the fact that the Gu family had sent an insignificant person to apologize to her; it was clearly a sign of disrespect.
She wanted to explain, but Gu Yun'an gave her no chance, coldly turning his gaze away. He then pulled Ruan Xingzhu and turned to get into the carriage.
Feng Rongrong watched helplessly as the carriage slowly drove away and disappeared from her sight, a surge of frustration welling up inside her. She bit her lower lip tightly, her hands unconsciously clenching into fists, her nails digging deep into her palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks, her face filled with resentment and anger.
She had not only been humiliated by Gu Qingsu, but now the Gu family was also looking down on her. How could she let this anger go?
The carriage slowly drove across the road, kicking up a light cloud of dust.
Ruan Xingzhu was helped into the carriage by Gu Yun'an. Looking through the carriage window at the carriage gradually disappearing into the distance, a sense of worry welled up in her heart.
If I leave before I've even received Feng Rongrong's forgiveness, wouldn't that be a wasted trip? What if the Feng family continues to pursue the matter?
"Fourth brother, I..." She was about to ask if they had just left, but before she could finish speaking, she suddenly noticed that Gu Yun'an's expression was somewhat gloomy. His eyes revealed a hint of displeasure, and her heart tightened, causing her to swallow the words she was about to say.
Gu Yun'an noticed Ruan Xingzhu's hesitation and glanced at her indifferently.
Ruan Xingzhu, who was still recovering, looked pale, her already fair face now appearing somewhat ashen. She wore only a thin shirt, which trembled slightly in the gentle breeze. When he had his hand around her waist earlier, he had keenly sensed the chill emanating from her body.
He frowned slightly, a pang of heartache and reproach rising in his heart. He let out a soft breath, took off his outer robe, and draped it over Ruan Xingzhu, his tone tinged with reproach: "Why didn't you wear more?"
Despite his words, he moved with great patience, enveloping her in his outer robe.
Startled, Ruan Xingzhu seemed frozen in place, letting Gu Yun'an wrap her in the warm outer robe.
The outer robe, carrying the unique warmth of Gu Yun'an, wrapped tightly around her small body. Gu Yun'an's distinctive scent drifted into her nostrils, giving her a sense of inexplicable peace.
Ruan Xingzhu pursed her lips, still troubled by the unfinished apology, and couldn't help but want to speak again. "Fourth Brother, just now..."
"Did Mother send you to apologize?" Gu Yun'an raised his eyes slightly, his long eyelashes like two small fans, obscuring the emotions in his eyes, making it difficult for Ruan Xingzhu to discern his true feelings at that moment.
The slightly questioning voice startled Ruan Xingzhu, who couldn't help but recall Cheng's reprimand of her that morning, ordering her to come to the Feng residence to apologize. Her eyes lowered involuntarily.
However, since it was because of him that Gu Qingxu impulsively offended the Feng family, it was nothing serious for him to apologize and simply lower his head.
"Why don't you come to me?" Seeing that Ruan Xingzhu only blinked timidly but didn't speak, Gu Yun'an couldn't help but feel a little impatient.
Ruan Xingzhu's eyelashes trembled slightly. She slowly raised her eyes, pondered for a moment, and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito's buzz: "It's my fault. Fifth Sister offended the Feng family impulsively because of me."
As she spoke, she avoided Gu Yun'an's gaze and lowered her head slightly. Gu Yun'an's robes were rather large, now completely covering her, leaving only her small head exposed, making her appear even more pitiful.
"I'm asking why you didn't come to find me?" Gu Yun'an looked at Ruan Xingzhu's appearance, feeling somewhat helpless but also persistent, and asked again with patience.
There was a hint of coldness in his eyes. If he hadn't arrived in time, would she have just silently endured Feng Rongrong's bullying without daring to fight back?
The slightly cold voice clearly reached Ruan Xingzhu's ears. She panicked and unconsciously gripped Gu Yun'an's robe tightly with her fingers, causing the robe to crumple into a ball under her force.
She dared not look Gu Yun'an in the eye. Remembering that when Madam Cheng had asked her to come and apologize, she had specifically instructed her not to tell Gu Yun'an and Gu Qingsu, she hadn't told either of them and hurriedly came to the Feng residence.
When Gu Yun'an asked her this, her nose tingled slightly. When Feng Rongrong yelled at her so fiercely just now, she had endured it without feeling wronged, only feeling that it was what she should do.
But at this moment, being questioned twice by Gu Yun'an, a strong sense of grievance welled up in her heart like a flood breaking through a dam, her eyes involuntarily stinging, and her voice becoming even weaker.
"I……"
Looking at Ruan Xingzhu's stammering, aggrieved appearance that was almost bringing her to tears, with tears welling up in her eyes as if they were about to spill out at any moment, Gu Yun'an felt as if his heart had been gripped tightly by an invisible hand, causing him great pain.
He gently moved his body and sat down next to Ruan Xingzhu. Noticing Gu Yun'an's movement, Ruan Xingzhu lowered her head even further, wishing she could shrink her whole body into her robes, as if she didn't want him to see her weak and tearful appearance.
This action made Gu Yun'an's heart clench. He slowly reached out and gently wiped away the tears that were about to fall from Ruan Xingzhu's eyes, keeping his voice very low, afraid of startling her again.
“You don’t need to apologize, you did nothing wrong. Let it go this time, but come to me if you need anything in the future.” He said earnestly, his eyes full of concern and determination.
He was the one she had spoiled since childhood, so she didn't have to endure those unwarranted grievances, apologize in a humble voice, or be looked down upon or bullied by others.
He paused for a moment, then gently pulled Ruan Xingzhu into his arms, letting her lean against him. His deep, steady voice came from above her head.
"Remember, I'm here for you."
Ruan Xingzhu's eyes were still a little red. Hearing Gu Yun'an's calm and powerful words, something soft in her heart seemed to be gently stirred.
These words echoed in her mind again and again.
Gu Yun'an said she didn't need to apologize, that she had done nothing wrong, and that he would always be there for her.
The words "I'll be your support" spoken during that snowy day seem like they were spoken just yesterday, still ringing in my ears.
From the moment Gu Yun'an brought her back to the Gu residence, he had always been very caring towards her, treating her almost like a younger sister. He had truly become his strongest support.
Gu Yun'an's comforting words seemed to have a magical power, gradually calming Ruan Xingzhu's originally flustered and uneasy heart.
She raised her head slightly, her clear gaze meeting Gu Yun'an's eyes. A gentle smile, filled with dependence and trust, appeared on her lips: "Okay, I'll tell Fourth Brother from now on."
As he pulled the person into his arms, Gu Yun'an's anger subsided considerably.
The carriage had arrived at the gate of the Gu residence at some point. After dropping Ruan Xingzhu off at her courtyard, Gu Yun'an turned around and went straight to the main hall.
Cheng had just finished scolding Ruan Xingzhu early in the morning for urging Gu Qingsu to stand up for her and apologize to Feng Rongrong, so that she could at least give the Feng family some explanation.
Just when she was thinking of calming down and taking a break, she saw Gu Yun'an, who should have left, come to her place.
But then they suddenly saw Gu Yun'an, who should have left, walk in with a cold expression.
Before she could even ask Gu Yun'an what business he had come for, Gu Yun'an asked directly, "Did Mother send Xingzhu to apologize?"
His voice carried a hint of questioning, which startled Cheng, who was unsure if she had misheard.
"We should have her apologize," Cheng said after a moment's hesitation. In her view, this was the least costly way to give the Feng family an explanation.
Seeing Cheng's knowing look, Gu Yun'an felt a little resistant. Without beating around the bush, he looked directly at Cheng and issued a subtle warning.
"Xingzhu fell into the water yesterday and has not yet fully recovered. I hope that Aunt will not take advantage of her and order her around."
What does it mean to order someone around at will? If Cheng Shi wasn't sure what Gu Yun'an meant just now, she now clearly understood that Gu Yun'an was there to support Ruan Xingzhu.
She couldn't help but feel annoyed. She couldn't command Gu Qingsu, so why couldn't she order around this orphan girl she had taken in and was living under someone else's roof?
Before she could say anything, Gu Yun'an spoke first, "I will handle Qing Su's matter. Please, Mother, do not make things difficult for Xing Zhu anymore."
His tone was firm and resolute, as if subtly warning her not to interfere.
Cheng hesitated for a moment, sensing the subtle warning in Gu Yun'an's voice. She hadn't been sure if the Feng family would accept Ruan Xingzhu's apology. Now that he had spoken, she could save herself the trouble.
For some time now, rumors have been circulating in the capital about Gu Qingxu and Feng Rongrong. Both families are prominent figures in the capital, and everyone is secretly watching to see who will fall first.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
