With the passing of He Ruizhe and his wife, Huang Haitang's longing for a great-grandchild seemed to vanish suddenly. Gu Yunxi was surprised, given her mother-in-law's previous eagerness, as if she couldn't wait to embrace new life. However, Huang Haitang's calm was undoubtedly a good thing for the whole family. Worried about her mother-in-law's health, Gu Yunxi suggested to her mother, Xia Liang, that she take her parents-in-law out more often to relax.
Xia Liang readily accepted the suggestion. She and Huang Haitang had always had a harmonious relationship, and seeing Huang Haitang's current state moved her deeply. Moreover, it was her beloved eldest grandson who was being pressured. Naturally, Xia Liang agreed to her daughter's request without hesitation.
So, Xia Liang immediately began planning a road trip. Considering her parents' advanced age, Gu Yunxi suggested that they bring a few drivers so that they could enjoy the journey without worrying about excessive fatigue.
Xia Liang gratefully accepted her daughter's thoughtful arrangements and invited her good friend Ning Mei, as well as her two mothers-in-law, to join her on the trip. He Zhiyi was initially not enthusiastic, but after his son's persuasion and considering his health, he decided to hand over the company affairs to his daughter-in-law and go on a trip with his wife and in-laws.
Before his departure, He Zhiyi convened a board meeting to introduce his daughter-in-law to the company's shareholders and announce that she would be taking over the company in the future. While the shareholders whispered amongst themselves, they were no strangers to Gu Yunxi. Her mother, Xia Liang, was one of the wealthiest women in Beijing, and Gu Yunxi herself had surpassed her mother in status. Although in a different industry, her reputation was widely known. Therefore, the handover ceremony proceeded very smoothly.
After settling his company affairs, He Zhiyi set off with the rest of the group. Gu Yunxi and her husband He Siyan watched the large convoy of RVs depart, and Gu Yunxi said helplessly, "I wish we could be this carefree someday."
He Siyan turned to look at his wife, smiling indulgently, and said, "When our youngest son and daughter graduate, we can go wherever we want, just like our parents." As he spoke, he gently tucked his wife's wind-blown hair behind her ear.
Gu Yunxi simply sighed. In reality, even if she were asked to go on a trip now, she wouldn't be able to. From childhood to adulthood, she had always been an extremely self-disciplined person, never needing her parents to worry about anything she did. Unlike her younger sister, who might have a slight tendency towards laziness, she had always been positive, hardworking, and earnest.
Meanwhile, Gu Yuanzhi was also troubled by her youngest daughter's situation. Her daughter had just started junior high school; she was fair-skinned and adorable, and had always been popular. When she was little, it didn't seem like a problem, but since starting school, other children wanted to sit next to her, and some even got into fights because of it. At first, they didn't think much of it; after all, anyone who has a child who's popular gets annoyed. But things changed when she entered junior high. Kids these days are just entering puberty, starting to pursue beautiful things, including people.
Their daughter happened to be a very pretty little girl, and many boys liked her. Every day when she returned to the classroom from the playground, she would find many love letters in her drawer. The little girl was used to it, after all, she had experienced this kind of thing since she was a child.
At first, Gu Yuanzhi and her husband thought the same and didn't take it seriously. But one day, when the couple returned home from work, they found that their daughter had come home with a very handsome young boy, who looked about the same age as their daughter. The couple didn't say anything, thinking they would ask their daughter about it later.
At dinner time, the housekeeper prepared a sumptuous meal and called upstairs, "Sir, Madam, Miss, dinner is ready." Gu Yunxi's eldest son was now in college and didn't come home often, so it was just the two of them with their youngest daughter. Seeing her youngest daughter slowly coming downstairs, Gu Yuanzhi couldn't help but ask, "Sweetie, was that boy who just took you home your classmate?" Her voice carried a hint of playfulness and curiosity, but more than anything, it was a mother's concern.
When the younger daughter heard her mother's question, a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes. She sat at the dining table, rested her chin on her hands, and smiled as she answered, "Yes, Mom, he's my deskmate. We did our cleaning duties together after school today, so we came home together on the way."
Looking at her daughter's innocent smile, Gu Yuanzhi's worries eased a little, but she still couldn't help but remind her, "Honey, you're still young. It's okay to make friends, but you need to be careful to keep a proper distance, okay?"
The younger daughter nodded, a sly glint in her eyes: "I know, Mom. Didn't you and Dad always say that we should make friends with outstanding people? He's so good at studying, and he often helps me with my difficult problems."
Gu Yuanzhi and her husband exchanged a smile. They knew their daughter was clever and could distinguish right from wrong, but as parents, they couldn't help but worry a little more. Gu Yuanzhi gently stroked her daughter's head and said softly, "Mom isn't against you making friends, but I hope you can protect yourself and not be distracted by others, so it doesn't affect your studies."
The little girl snuggled into her mother's arms and said sweetly, "I know, Mom. Don't worry, I will study hard and won't let you down."
Dinner proceeded amidst the family's laughter and joy, and Gu Yuanzhi and her husband gradually let go of their worries. They knew that their daughter would encounter all sorts of people and things as she grew up, and as parents, all they could do was provide proper guidance and support so that their daughter could grow up healthy and happy.
After dinner, Gu Yuanzhi and her husband cleared the table together. She said softly to her husband, "It seems that our little princess has begun to attract the attention of boys. Shouldn't we pay more attention to her situation at school?"
The husband smiled and comforted her, "Don't worry, our daughter is very sensible. We just need to guide her at crucial moments, and let her experience and grow on her own."
Gu Yuanzhi nodded; she knew her husband was right. Every child is an independent individual, and they need their own space to explore and learn. As parents, all they could do was provide a warm and supportive family environment, letting their daughter know that no matter when or where, home would always be her strongest support.
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