8 008
◎“The process of falling in love.”◎
When Ning Yuxuan heard that Xie Zhiyan had arrived, she was in the reception room on the second floor of the old house.
After the formal ceremony, Mr. Gu was surrounded by people who took turns toasting him and wishing him a happy birthday.
At 2:15, the old man left, citing fatigue, and then had the housekeeper call Ning Yuxuan to the small reception room on the second floor.
Upon seeing Ning Yuxuan arrive, the old man smiled and waved to her, "Yuxuan, come and sit down."
Having held a high position for a long time, Old Master Gu was able to control his aura with ease. At this moment, his expression was gentle, and he looked like an ordinary, kind old man.
Ning Yuxuan sat down in the chair next to the old man.
The old man took a sip of tea and chatted casually with her: "Haven't seen you for a month, how is everyone at home?"
Ning Yuxuan nodded: "They are all in good health. My father will be coming to Beicheng on a business trip next week."
The old man chuckled and said, "Yes, Yuanfeng told me that he wanted to celebrate my birthday in person. If I weren't so old, I would definitely have a few more drinks with your father then."
After a few more casual words, the two finally got to the main topic.
"Yu Xuan, my girl." Old Master Gu's face was deeply lined with wrinkles, but his eyes were still bright. "Tell me, what exactly is going on between you and that brat Yun Hao?"
Ning Yuxuan knew that this was the old man's real purpose in talking to her.
She calmly said, "Our personalities aren't compatible, and Gu Yunhao doesn't like my type, so this time it's really over."
Ning Yuxuan knew that no matter how good the old man was to her on the surface, or how strict he was with Gu Yunhao, he was definitely on the side of his own grandson.
Therefore, she simply stated her reasons without any sense of accusation.
But the old man was incredibly shrewd.
Furthermore, the butler mentioned to him that his grandson had brought another woman today, and Old Master Gu immediately understood Ning Yuxuan's implication: "Are you saying that Yun Hao has fallen for another girl?"
Ning Yuxuan smiled and said, "Grandpa Gu, I'm not entirely sure what Gu Yunhao is thinking. Why don't you ask him yourself? But I've already made up my mind about separating from him. Thank you for taking care of me, but I'm not fortunate enough to be your granddaughter-in-law."
The old man: "..."
The old man silently scrutinized the girl in front of him, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
Having seen countless people, he naturally noticed that Ning Yuxuan seemed somewhat different from before, and he also realized that her breakup with her grandson was genuine and not a ploy.
Before today, the old man was happy to see Ning Yuxuan marry Gu Yunhao, and even very supportive.
Back then, the Gu family faced a crisis of broken capital chain, and it was thanks to Ning Yuxuan's father, Lin Yuanfeng, that they were able to overcome the difficulties. The old man remembered this kindness in his heart.
If Ning Fei hadn't insisted on refusing, the old man would have thought of giving Ning Yuxuan a property as a way of repaying the kindness he had shown her back then.
Over the years, Grandpa Gu has watched Ning Yuxuan grow up and knows that although she is impulsive, she is very simple-minded and not a bad person at heart.
But after only a month apart, Ning Yuxuan's thoughts seemed to have suddenly become much more profound, and her demeanor and mannerisms were also different.
Being smart is not a bad thing, but it may not be a good thing for a family-oriented granddaughter-in-law.
Besides, marriage is a serious matter that cannot be forced, and the old man understood this principle.
After a long pause, the old man spoke: "Alright, since you've made up your mind, I won't say anything more, no matter what..."
The old man's face broke into a kind smile again: "I'm still your Grandpa Gu. If you're ever bullied by anyone, come to me anytime, and Grandpa will stand up for you."
Ning Yuxuan nodded obediently: "Okay, Grandpa Gu."
If she and Gu Yunhao really have any conflict in the future, she can just take these words with a grain of salt. But at least for now, the old man will still give her face.
That's enough.
A knock suddenly sounded at the door, and Butler He's voice came from outside: "Old Master, it's me."
The old man said in a deep voice, "Come in."
Unless there is something urgent, the butler will not interrupt him when he is talking to someone.
Sure enough, Butler He came in and whispered, "Old Master, Mr. Xie has arrived."
The old man, who was about to bring his teacup to his lips, paused upon hearing this: "Xie Zhiyan?"
"yes."
The old man asked the butler to help him up: "I'll go over now."
He then gave Ning Yuxuan a gesture, meaning that she could do as she pleased.
The second floor was considered the Gu family's private area, so Ning Yuxuan felt it was inappropriate to stay there any longer and followed the old man out of the room.
She was equally surprised.
When Ning Yuxuan heard the name "Xie Zhiyan" just now, she almost thought she had misheard.
She took out her phone and glanced at the time: 2:40.
I glanced at WeChat again, but there were no new messages from Xie Zhiyan.
Previously, Xie Zhiyan told her to wait for news, and Ning Yuxuan thought it was because he was unsure when his work would end, so he would contact her again at that time.
Or Xie Zhiyan might have his assistant or driver come to pick her up.
She considered all sorts of possibilities, but she never expected Xie Zhiyan to come to the birthday banquet in person.
Ning Yuxuan walked forward unconsciously while thinking.
When she came to her senses, she found herself following the old man all the way to the banquet hall.
Ning Yuxuan looked up and saw a handsome man surrounded by people in the crowd.
Most of the guests at the banquet, regardless of gender, were dressed in formal attire, but Xie Zhiyan wore only a casual suit yet exuded an imposing aura, making it seem perfectly natural to everyone.
Given Ning Yuxuan's status, there was no reason for her to accompany the host of the banquet to greet the distinguished guests; however, by the time she realized it, it was already a bit too late.
When everyone saw Old Master Gu appear, they automatically made way for him. She had been following behind him the whole time, so it was too sudden for her to turn around and leave now.
Ning Yuxuan stood silently behind the old man.
Grandpa Gu went up to him and said, "Zhiyan, why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
Xie Zhiyan smiled faintly and extended his hand: "I only had time at the last minute, sorry to bother you."
The old man chuckled and said, "Not at all, I'm flattered that you came all this way for the sake of this old man."
The two had no prior acquaintance, and the Xie and Gu families had no business dealings. Xie Zhiyan's willingness to attend the birthday banquet was a great honor for the Gu family.
After a round of pleasantries, Xie Zhiyan's gaze swept across the room and slowly landed on Ning Yuxuan, who had silently stepped back two steps behind the old man.
Ning Yuxuan paused in her steps.
When Grandpa Gu looked over and saw that Xie Zhiyan was looking at Ning Yuxuan, he was surprised.
The old man, however, remained outwardly cheerful, still smiling, "Zhiyan, you haven't met this girl yet, have you? Let me introduce her to you?"
Xie Zhiyan smiled faintly: "No need, we've met a few times."
He met Ning Yuxuan's gaze: "Miss Ning."
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
She walked over and shook hands with Xie Zhiyan: "Mr. Xie, it's been a long time."
No one dared to discuss it in front of Xie Zhiyan, but Ning Yuxuan already felt countless gazes surrounding her from all angles.
Xie Zhiyan is usually not invited to banquets, but this time he actually showed up at such a large birthday banquet, so many people wanted to get close to him.
The Gu family's sons have all visited once.
Everyone was secretly discussing that whoever among them could first establish a relationship with Xie Zhiyan would definitely gain a significant advantage in the battle for the family fortune.
The others also crowded around, eager to offer a toast. After all, they didn't know how long Xie Zhiyan would stay, and if they missed this opportunity, they didn't know when they would get another chance.
In this situation, it's hard not to wonder why Xie Zhiyan would take the initiative to greet a young woman.
The news spread quickly.
The bosses, mindful of their status, would only have someone investigate in private if they had doubts, and would not discuss it openly.
However, there were many younger people and "idle people" at the banquet, and soon everyone started talking about it.
"Who is this Miss Ning? I've never heard of her before. Why is Mr. Xie taking the initiative to greet her?"
"Not only that, but it seems that Grandpa Gu also looks at her differently, praising the gifts she sent."
"I remember her name, it should be Ning Yuxuan, Grandpa Gu specifically mentioned it before."
Before long, news spread that Ning Yuxuan and Gu Yunhao might be dating.
"No way, I thought she was with President Xie... I didn't expect she was with the young master of the Gu family?"
"I'm not entirely sure either... but this Miss Ning is really something. First she got on good terms with the young master of the Gu family, and now she's won over President Xie."
"Exactly! Do you think Xie Zhiyan is only treating that Miss Ning differently because of the Gu family?"
"That's possible... but from what I've observed, President Xie is usually indifferent to everyone else in the Gu family, so why is he only treating her like this..."
...
Many of Gu Yunhao's friends also came today, such as his childhood friend Qi Ang.
Qi Ang had just had drinks with Gu Yunhao yesterday and knew about the mess between Gu Yunhao and Ning Yuxuan. After hearing everyone's discussion, he came over specifically to ask.
"Brother Hao, what's going on between you and Ning Yuxuan? Have you broken up or not?"
Gu Yunhao was already annoyed, and upon hearing this, he said impatiently, "What business is it of yours whether we've broken up or not?"
"Alright, alright, I won't ask, but not to criticize you..." Qi Ang lowered his voice, "You're really daring to have your new and old flames all together! Aren't you afraid of going too far and getting scolded by the old man?"
Gu Yunhao's expression worsened.
He wanted to talk to Ning Yuxuan, but his grandfather stopped him once, and later he couldn't find any opportunity to be alone with her.
Gu Yunhao was about to approach Ning Yuxuan, who had just gone to get her drink, when he saw her being called upstairs by Butler He.
Gu Yunhao had just been scolded by the old man and didn't dare to go upstairs to look for him, worried that Ning Yuxuan might say something unpleasant to the old man.
Left with no other choice, he could only send a few messages to Cen Meng, hoping to coax her back and tell her not to act impulsively under any circumstances.
If Cen Meng says something inappropriate and it reaches Grandpa's ears, things will become even more complicated.
After meeting, Gu Yunhao did everything he could to appease Cen Meng, and finally coaxed her into agreeing to keep their relationship a secret for the time being.
To avoid the two of them being seen together and having gossip reach the old man's ears, Gu Yunhao told Cen Meng to stay alone for the time being and come to find him after the banquet.
After finishing all that, Gu Yunhao finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then he heard that Xie Zhiyan, that big shot, had come and even exchanged a few words with Ning Yuxuan. Now the news has spread.
Gu Yunhao was both bewildered and completely baffled.
He had known Ning Yuxuan for several years and had dated her for over a year, but he had never heard of any connection between Ning Yuxuan and the Xie family.
If Ning Yuxuan were truly acquainted with Xie Zhiyan, how could her boyfriend not know at all?
Qi Ang wanted to find out about this very thing: "By the way, Brother Hao, your ex-girlfriend... well, that Ning Yuxuan, actually knows Xie Zhiyan?"
Disturbed, Gu Yunhao said, "I don't know!"
Qi Ang persisted: "You've been with her for so long, didn't you say she was very obedient and told you everything? How could you not know?"
Gu Yunhao, feeling a bit embarrassed by Qi Ang's words, replied, "I haven't heard that they know each other. They probably just met at some drinking party."
Qi Ang asked the question he wanted to ask, chuckled, and comforted his friend who was in a bad mood: "If you ask me, that makes sense. How could a woman like Ning Yuxuan, who comes from a humble background, possibly know anyone in the Xie family?"
Gu Yunhao glanced at Qi Ang. Even though he knew that his childhood friend's family background was far inferior to Gu's and that he usually only said what Qi Ang wanted to hear, he still felt much better.
Qi Ang continued, "Brother Hao, it's because she's lucky that you took a liking to her. Without you, she wouldn't even be able to step into the upper class!"
These words sounded agreeable, and Gu Yunhao finally raised the corners of his lips: "Alright, I already know all this even if you don't say it."
...
Xie Zhiyan only said "Miss Ning" to Ning Yuxuan before continuing to talk to Old Master Gu.
Ning Yuxuan was more than happy to oblige and took the opportunity to slip away.
Although she felt that Xie Zhiyan might have come because of her, she didn't intend to show how "familiar" she was with Xie Zhiyan in front of all the guests.
Otherwise, before the next day, all sorts of rumors about her relationship with Xie Zhiyan would have spread throughout the elite circles of Beicheng.
If she really married Xie Zhiyan, it wouldn't be a bad thing, but right now it's not even close to happening.
In the past, whenever Ning Yuxuan met Xie Zhiyan, Ning Fei would take her to the Xie family manor outside the city.
Later, Xie Zhiyan became a well-known figure in the Beicheng business community, and the two had even less interaction.
Almost no one in the circle knew that she and Xie Zhiyan had known each other for many years.
Ning Yuxuan found a quiet corner to rest and thought about when she could leave.
It's no exaggeration to say that more than half the people in the banquet hall were lining up to toast Xie Zhiyan.
The other half wasn't unwilling, but knew they weren't qualified to establish a relationship with Xie Zhiyan.
If Xie Zhiyan doesn't leave, she can't leave either.
At this rate, let alone 3 o'clock, even an hour later, she might not be able to leave the Gu family's house.
As Ning Yuxuan was thinking, her phone suddenly vibrated in her pocket.
It was Xie Zhiyan calling.
Ning Yuxuan glanced at the time subconsciously and found that it was exactly 2:58.
Is it a coincidence, or is this man just too punctual?
As I answered the phone, a deep, clear male voice came through the line: "Where are you? I'll send someone to find you."
Ning Yuxuan gave her location, and the other end of the phone hung up.
A short while later, a young man found Ning Yuxuan.
"Ms. Ning," the man who appeared to be an assistant said, "please come with me, I'll take you to see Mr. Xie."
Ning Yuxuan: "...Okay."
She was probably overthinking it; the assistant spoke to her in a low voice, giving her the illusion that she was having an affair.
She followed the man around several corners and finally arrived at a bronze Bentley.
The assistant opened the car door for her; the driver and Xie Zhiyan were both inside.
Sitting in the back leather seat, Xie Zhiyan asked her, "Did you have a good lunch?"
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
She hadn't expected this problem to greet her.
She only ate a few bites at the meal at home, and the food at the birthday banquet didn't suit her taste, so she was actually quite hungry.
Ning Yuxuan answered truthfully, "No."
Xie Zhiyan gave the driver a location, which sounded like the name of a restaurant.
Ning Yuxuan tried to control herself, but couldn't help asking, "You didn't even ask me what would happen if this restaurant didn't suit my taste?"
Food is the most important thing for people, and even Xie Zhiyan cannot force her to eat things she doesn't like.
Xie Zhiyan glanced at her: "You ate at my mom's place for a whole summer back then, do you think I don't know your tastes?"
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
It's been almost five years, and his memory is still amazing.
Ning Yuxuan: "What if my tastes change now?"
Xie Zhiyan asked leisurely, "So what has it become? Tell me?"
Ning Yuxuan fell silent.
Her tastes are very consistent; they haven't changed much since she became an adult.
Moreover, considering that Xie Zhiyan had come today to discuss "giving her money," Ning Yuxuan felt that she could temporarily suppress the urge to argue with him.
As the car stopped at the pedestrian crossing, Ning Yuxuan noticed that the driver was silently observing her through the rearview mirror.
They probably had never seen anyone dare to argue with Xie Zhiyan like this before.
Xie Zhiyan took Ning Yuxuan to a private restaurant, and just by looking at the decor, you could tell it was expensive.
The waiter handed the menu to Xie Zhiyan, who then handed it to her.
Ning Yuxuan glanced through it and it did indeed seem to be her favorite flavor.
Without hesitation, she ordered one of her favorite stir-fries and one cold dish, but considering this wasn't a proper meal, she didn't order anything else.
While waiting for the food to be served, Xie Zhiyan said, "I've looked at the hotels you wanted to buy."
After spending half a day at the Gu family's house and then taking a 20-minute car ride, Ning Yuxuan was already quite tired.
Hearing this, she perked up again.
Ning Yuxuan blinked and stared at Xie Zhiyan: "President Xie, what advice do you have for me?"
...
Xie Zhiyan lived up to his reputation as a businessman known for his steady, accurate, and ruthless methods; his speech was concise and to the point.
In less than an hour, the two reached an agreement.
Once the contract is signed, the funds for purchasing the hotel will be available within this week.
As for marriage, it's basically the same as a marriage of convenience—
After the two got their marriage certificate, they lived separate lives and managed their own property. They didn't even need to live together normally.
Perhaps influenced by her parents' failed marriage, Ning Yuxuan doesn't think marriage is anything sacred, nor does she have many beautiful fantasies about it.
Therefore, Ning Yuxuan did not find it difficult to accept the fact that she would soon be getting a marriage certificate with a man and becoming a married woman.
Xie Zhiyan provided her with the funds for the hotel, and she was responsible for playing the role of his wife in front of everyone, especially in front of Xie Zhiyan's mother, Zheng Xinmei.
After all, Xie Zhiyan wanted to marry her to please his mother.
However, Ning Yuxuan also made a request: for the first two months after obtaining their marriage certificate, they should not tell anyone about their marriage, including their families.
"Mr. Xie, you're thinking..." Ning Yuxuan said, "We need to have a dating process, otherwise your mother will have doubts, right? So let's 'date' for two months first, and then bring up marriage with both families."
In fact, Ning Yuxuan was thinking that if Xie Zhiyan paid for a hotel for her right after she announced her marriage, the reason behind it would definitely not be hidden from Ning Fei.
Ning Yuxuan had her reasons for doing this: to prevent the plot of the novel from happening again and to prevent her mother's years of hard work from being destroyed.
But she couldn't tell her mother any of this. From Ning Fei's perspective, it was as if her daughter had sold herself for a few hotels.
They might even add another reason: because she was heartbroken after being abandoned by Gu Yunhao, she just married someone random.
It would be better to keep it from my mother for now, and just say that she persuaded Xie Zhiyan to invest in the family's hotel. I can tell my mother about the marriage later.
Ning Yuxuan didn't know if the deep-thinking man completely believed her, but Xie Zhiyan had agreed.
Since it would take some time for the family driver to pick her up, Ning Yuxuan shamelessly hitched a ride with Xie Zhiyan to go home.
As they approached the entrance to the villa area, Ning Yuxuan thanked Xie Zhiyan, saying, "Thank you for bringing me back."
Xie Zhiyan nodded slightly and asked, "Shall I go in with you in a bit and say hello to Aunt Ning?"
Ning Yuxuan was slightly taken aback: "...What?"
Xie Zhiyan looked at her with a half-smile: "Didn't you say there needs to be a process first?"
The process of falling in love.
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