On Saturday evening, Gu Xu drove Xia Zichen home. Considering that his family had only arrived in N City yesterday and needed time to recover from jet lag, he did not bring him over earlier.
The Gu family’s main residence in N City was located in the southern part of the city. Although it was somewhat far away, its location was excellent. The surroundings were quiet and peaceful, and one could reach the seaside after walking for only five minutes. The security measures were also extremely strict.
Before going there, Xia Zichen had only heard Gu Xu briefly describe the place, but after actually entering the area belonging to the Gu family, he was still deeply shocked.
The car drove up along a small hillside. Through the bare branches of the trees whose leaves had already fallen, Xia Zichen could vaguely see the villa at the top of the mountain. The sky was already dark, and the streetlights along the road had all turned on, illuminating the path brightly.
Before long, the car stopped in front of a heavy wrought-iron gate with intricate hollow designs. Gu Xu took out the remote control placed in front of the steering wheel, pressed it, then entered a string of numbers. After the system verified it, the large gate slowly opened to both sides.
Gu Xu drove inside, and the gate slowly closed behind them.
“It’s pretty high-end.” Xia Zichen glanced at the gate behind them and laughed.
Actually, he was still a little nervous. Even though he had prepared himself mentally the night before and it had helped somewhat, he still could not be as relaxed as he would be when returning to his own home.
“The security measures at home are complicated. I’ll teach you how to handle them later.”
Because this place was some distance from the station, they usually drove themselves back. To avoid the trouble of ringing the doorbell, every child of the Gu family had a password device for the main gate. Each device had a different password. After the electronic system identified the device, the gate would automatically open.
After entering through the gate, they arrived at a very large courtyard. Because of the cold weather, most of the plants inside had become bare, leaving only a circle of short pine trees decorating the scenery with a touch of green.
Gu Xu turned left and drove along a four-lane road that had been built around the villa. From this position, they could already see the main building of the villa and another villa on the left.
When they had been driving up the hill earlier, Xia Zichen had not noticed, but after entering the gate, he realized that this place was much larger than it appeared.
While driving, Gu Xu explained, “The building in front is the main house. During my grandfather’s generation, there were many people in the family, so the elders and the person who would take over the Gu family lived in the main house.”
“Behind the main house, there are two slightly smaller villas on the left and right. Back then, the younger generation and uncles lived there. Behind the main house is a garden. On the western side of the garden there is a two-story building where the servants and bodyguards live.”
“It sounds a little like those feudal landlords from old times.” Xia Zichen joked.
He had only seen families like this in some European family economic history books. He had never imagined that a family like this still existed domestically.
“That’s true.” Gu Xu smiled. “But after my father’s generation, there weren’t so many rules anymore. The whole family lives in the main house now. The building on the left belongs to my second brother. He studied medicine and needs a lot of equipment, so it was specially arranged for him.”
“The one on the right is used for guests, but normally it isn’t needed.”
“Mm. It’s better for a family to live together. Otherwise, it would feel too distant.”
If the Gu family still followed that kind of strict family hierarchy system, Xia Zichen felt he probably would have been scared away.
“Mm, anyway, there’s enough space.”
As they spoke, Gu Xu’s car had already entered the parking area.
There were more than twenty cars parked there, all black. They looked like vehicles used by bodyguards. Gu Xu continued driving inward, where there was a row of garages.
Gu Xu took out another small black remote control and pressed it. One of the garage doors slowly rose.
He drove the car inside and turned off the engine.
The garage door slowly lowered. The sensor lights on the ceiling turned on. Although there was lighting, the garage was still not particularly bright.
The two of them got out of the car. Gu Xu held Xia Zichen’s hand and walked to a small door inside the garage. He entered the password on the keypad beside it, opened the door, and the two walked into a glass corridor.
“Walking from here leads directly around to the main entrance of the house. Going outside would be too cold.”
Gu Xu pointed toward the right side of the corridor. A patch of white plum blossoms had been planted there, stretching all the way toward the villa on the left. They were currently in bloom, covering the area in a breathtaking layer of pure white.
Even inside this enclosed space, Xia Zichen seemed to be able to smell the faint fragrance of plum blossoms.
After walking through the glass corridor for a while, the two finally arrived in front of the main building.
A neatly dressed butler and several female servants were already waiting there. When they saw Gu Xu, they immediately greeted him.
“Fourth Young Master, you’re back.”
“Uncle Fu.” Gu Xu nodded and greeted him.
Butler Fu then turned his attention toward Xia Zichen.
“So you must be Young Master Xia. Welcome, welcome.”
“Hello.” Xia Zichen politely greeted him.
Butler Fu’s gentlemanly smile made him feel quite warm and approachable.
“It’s cold outside. Please come in quickly.” Butler Fu stepped aside and invited them inside first. “The old master, madam, and Third Young Master have all been waiting.”
After entering the door, the warm air inside rushed toward them, sweeping away the slight chill on their bodies.
“Xiaoxu is back?”
Hearing the voice, Gu’s Madam Wang Yuehua walked out from the living room. When she saw Xia Zichen, the smile at the corner of her mouth deepened.
“This must be Zichen? Come in quickly.”
As she spoke, she walked over to welcome him.
Wang Yuehua wore a champagne-colored long dress with a light purple shawl draped over her shoulders. Her long hair was pinned up behind her head. Although she was already in her fifties, she looked younger than forty. She was both beautiful and elegant, carrying an extremely noble aura.
“Hello, Auntie.” Xia Zichen greeted her politely.
Sometimes, you only realize the difference after seeing it for yourself. Standing face-to-face now, Xia Zichen finally understood what kind of woman could truly be called graceful and noble.
Even without any expensive jewelry or decorations, Wang Yuehua possessed a naturally luxurious temperament and charm.
“Good, good. Welcome to our home.”
Wang Yuehua naturally took Xia Zichen’s hand.
“Come inside quickly. Why are your hands so cold? Are you cold?”
“I’m fine.”
Xia Zichen pursed his lips slightly.
For someone who had never received a mother’s love, Wang Yuehua’s few words made him feel both warm and touched.
“You too. Why didn’t you bring Zichen a pair of gloves?” Wang Yuehua glared at Gu Xu behind them.
She pulled Xia Zichen inside.
“Come warm up.”
“It’s because you keep the house too warm that you think everyone else’s hands are cold. Besides, they just came in from outside. How could their hands possibly be warm?”
A man who looked only slightly older than Gu Xu walked out of the living room while speaking.
When he saw Xia Zichen, he smiled.
“Hello, I’m Gu Xu’s third brother, Gu Ao.”
“Third Brother.”
Xia Zichen looked at Gu Ao.
Gu Ao and Gu Xu did not look particularly similar, but with the Gu family’s genes, outstanding looks were naturally expected.
Compared with Gu Xu, Gu Ao smiled more often. However, even though his smile was gentle, Xia Zichen could still sense that Gu Ao was not truly an easygoing person at his core.
It was similar to Gu Xu, who only smiled sincerely at him but usually showed a cold expression toward everyone else.
“Go, you’re always so talkative. Move aside and let Zichen come in.”
Wang Yuehua lightly patted Gu Ao.
Gu Ao smiled and stepped aside. Wang Yuehua led Xia Zichen into the living room.
When Xia Zichen had looked at the house from outside just now, although the building was magnificent, its white exterior did not reveal much about what was inside.
But after entering the living room, Xia Zichen finally understood what luxury truly meant.
After all, this was something accumulated over many years. Every corner of the house seemed to reveal the history and strength of the Gu family, yet it was not so excessively extravagant that it felt lacking in substance.
At this moment, Gu’s father, Gu Zhengqing, was sitting on a single sofa in the living room, looking at Xia Zichen who had just entered.
Gu Zhengqing had also maintained himself extremely well. It seemed that time had not left many traces on his face.
Gu Yan and Gu Xu looked more like their father, while Gu Ao resembled their mother more. However, the kind of presence and authority all three carried was completely inherited from Gu Zhengqing.
Gu Zhengqing’s expression was serious, but he was not cold.
After seeing Xia Zichen, his expression softened slightly as he carefully examined the person Gu Xu had brought home.
“Hello, Uncle.”
Xia Zichen greeted him.
Perhaps because he had spent so much time with Gu Xu, he had gradually become somewhat accustomed to this kind of imposing presence from the Gu family.
Gu Zhengqing looked at Xia Zichen for a long while before finally nodding.
“Come sit here.”
Only then did Xia Zichen relax after being stared at for so long.
“Okay.”
He sat down on the long sofa beside Gu Zhengqing. Xia Zichen took the bags from Gu Xu’s hands and said,
“This is my first time visiting, and I didn’t know what to bring. These are just small gifts. I hope Uncle and Auntie won’t dislike them.”
“Oh, child, didn’t I tell you not to bring anything?”
Wang Yuehua accepted the gifts Xia Zichen handed over. Her tone sounded slightly helpless, but the happiness in her eyes was obvious.
“It’s only proper. As long as Uncle and Auntie like them, that’s enough.”
Xia Zichen smiled.
Wang Yuehua took out a white scarf with faint orange patterns and laughed.
“This scarf matches my clothes perfectly.”
As she spoke, she removed her purple shawl, unfolded the scarf, and wrapped it around her shoulders.
This scarf was wider than the ones designed for men. It had been made with women’s various uses in mind, so Wang Yuehua using it as a shawl suited it perfectly. It also matched her current outfit very well.
Gu Zhengqing also looked at his black scarf, then nodded with a smile.
“I like it very much. You spent money.”
As he spoke, he asked the butler to put it away in his wardrobe.
“You’re too polite. I’m glad you like it.”
Seeing that Gu Zhengqing and Wang Yuehua liked the gifts, Xia Zichen also felt relieved.
“I like it. Things Zichen gives are much more practical.”
Gu’s Madam sat beside Xia Zichen, pushing Gu Xu aside.
“The things your friends give you are always flashy but impractical. Some of them aren’t even used once a year. This is much better. You can use it whenever you go out.”
Just as she was speaking, Gu Yan walked in from outside.
He was wearing a suit and seemed to have just returned from work.
“Dad, Mom, I’m back.”
“Big Brother.”
Gu Ao and Gu Xu greeted him.
“Mm. Zichen is here.”
Gu Yan smiled as he walked over. He handed the bag in his hand and the suit jacket he had taken off to the butler.
“Big Brother.”
Xia Zichen also obediently greeted him.
Compared with the others, he was much more familiar with Gu Yan.
“What did you bring?”
Wang Yuehua glanced at the bag Butler Fu had taken.
“Four boxes of Blue Mountain coffee that I ordered last week. They just arrived by air today.”
Gu Yan sat down on the sofa opposite Xia Zichen, next to Gu Ao.
“Let Zichen take two boxes. One box is for his father. Yuze likes this kind. The other box is for them to keep and drink themselves.”
“Let Second Brother take one box to his apartment. The remaining box is for us.”
The Gu family did not like storing too much coffee.
If it was kept for too long without being consumed, it would lose its freshness. Therefore, they always bought small amounts and purchased more after finishing them.
Besides, only Gu Yan basically lived at home now, so they did not need much coffee.
“You really think things through.”
Gu Zhengqing nodded, clearly approving of Gu Yan’s arrangement.
“Where’s Xiaohan? When will he arrive?”
Gu Yan asked.
“Before Xiaoxu and Zichen arrived, Second Brother had already gotten off the plane. I’ve already sent someone to pick him up. He should be here soon.”
Gu Ao answered.
“Mm.”
Gu Yan nodded and stood up, going upstairs first to change clothes.
The butler brought tea for Gu Xu and Xia Zichen.
Wang Yuehua went to the kitchen to check on the dishes.
Gu Zhengqing took a sip of tea and looked at Gu Ao beside him.
“As the older brother, you didn’t prepare a gift?”
Gu Ao smiled.
“How could I not? I originally planned to tell Zichen privately later.”
As he spoke, Gu Ao took out a world-famous car magazine from beneath the coffee table and pushed it toward Xia Zichen.
“I’ll give you something practical too. Pick any car you like from here. Your brother will buy it for you.”
Xia Zichen looked at the magazine cover and immediately felt awkward.
He really did not dare drive these kinds of sports cars. He would definitely attract attention everywhere he went.
Besides, the price was certainly not cheap.
Although Gu Ao was the third son of the Gu family, Xia Zichen did not want him to spend so much money.
“Third Brother, I don’t know how to drive.”
Unable to reject him directly, Xia Zichen could only phrase it more tactfully.
“Go learn. Your brother will pay for it.”
Gu Ao smiled.
He was a member of the Gu family. He did not particularly like wasting money, but he was not stingy either. He was especially generous toward his own family, so he had never considered that Xia Zichen would feel burdened by it.
Xia Zichen pursed his lips slightly.
“Third Brother, the car is too expensive. Don’t spend so much money.”
“It’s not much money. Just pick one you like. If you don’t choose, your brother will decide for you.”
Gu Ao completely adopted an attitude that left no room for refusal.
“If your third brother wants to give it to you, just accept it. Anyway, he doesn’t really have anywhere else to spend his money.”
Wang Yuehua walked over with a smile.
“This can also count as a proper use of it.”
Xia Zichen had originally wanted to refuse again, but Gu Xu, who was sitting beside him, spoke up.
“Then it’s settled. Zichen and I will think about it. We’ll tell you if we find something we like.”
“Alright.”
Gu Ao nodded and let them choose for themselves.
The reason Gu Xu agreed so quickly was because, judging from the gifts Gu Ao had given him in the past, a car today was already considered quite normal.
Every year on Gu Xu’s birthday, he received gifts from his third brother.
When he was young, those gifts were still acceptable. But starting from middle school, Gu Ao’s gifts became all kinds of guns and cold weapons, and there were even grenades among them.
At first, Gu Xu thought those guns were fake. Until one day, he took one out to look at it out of boredom and accidentally shot through the ceiling of their house.
Only then did he discover that they were real weapons.
In the end, all those things were packed up and thrown to Gu Yan to deal with.
But Gu Ao still happily continued giving him those kinds of things.
The group chatted casually while waiting for dinner when they heard Butler Fu say from the doorway,
“Second Young Master has returned.”
Gu Yan immediately stood up and walked outside. Gu Ao followed him toward the entrance. Gu Xu also stood up, pulled Xia Zichen along, and walked out of the living room.
Gu Han entered wearing a gray suit. The bottom of his clothes was slightly wrinkled, clearly showing that he had not even had time to change before rushing back.
“You’re back.”
Gu Yan walked over.
“Are you cold?”
“Not cold.”
Gu Han smiled, then greeted Gu Ao and Gu Xu. The four brothers exchanged greetings and chatted for a while.
Watching the interaction between the four of them, Xia Zichen felt a little envious.
This was what brothers were like.
A good relationship was not something that needed to be declared with words. It could be seen through their actions and smiles.
Gu Han looked more like Gu’s mother. When he was expressionless, he appeared somewhat cold, but when he smiled, he looked refined and gentle, making people feel very comfortable.
A pair of frameless glasses softened the sharpness in his eyes, making him appear even easier to approach.
After the four brothers finished greeting each other, Gu Han noticed Xia Zichen standing behind them and smiled.
“This must be Zichen, right? Hello, I’m Gu Xu’s second brother, Gu Han. Welcome to our home.”
Xia Zichen nodded and greeted him as well.
Butler Fu had already brought in Gu Han’s luggage. Gu Han opened the luggage bag on top and took out a large box.
“There are two sets of health supplements inside. They’re things our family has always used. The effects are pretty good.”
“Keep one set for yourself and give one set to your father. When you finish them, just ask me for more.”
“Thank you, Second Brother.”
Xia Zichen was starting to feel embarrassed from receiving so many gifts.
Originally, he had come as a guest. He never expected that the things he would take away would end up being more than what he had brought.
“You’re welcome. We’re family.”
Gu Han patted Xia Zichen’s shoulder.
Afterward, he entered the house to greet Gu Zhengqing and Wang Yuehua before going upstairs to take a shower.
By the time Gu Han finished getting ready and came downstairs, dinner was also ready.
The meal was extremely lively.
To welcome Xia Zichen, the Gu family had prepared more than twenty dishes. Xia Zichen felt full after taking just one bite of each dish, yet Gu’s mother and Gu Xu kept putting food into his bowl.
However, he had to admit that the food was truly delicious.
“See when your father is free. We’ll meet together.”
During the meal, Gu Zhengqing spoke.
“Okay. I’ll arrange a time with my father.”
Xia Zichen answered.
Gu Zhengqing nodded and did not say anything more.
After dinner, the family moved to the side hall. They drank the coffee Gu Yan had brought back while chatting.
Naturally, Xia Zichen became the main topic.
Wang Yuehua asked about every aspect of Xia Zichen’s life and even told him some embarrassing stories about Gu Xu when he was younger.
After finishing his cup of coffee, Wang Yuehua said,
“From now on, Zichen is the youngest in our family. You older brothers should take better care of him. Anything that needs looking after, make sure you handle it properly.”
“We know, Mom.”
Gu Yan answered first. Gu Han and Gu Ao also nodded afterward.
“Little one, if anything happens in the future, just tell us. We’re all family, so don’t be polite.”
“If Gu Xu treats you badly, tell me. I’ll kick him out of the family.”
Wang Yuehua said this to Xia Zichen.
Being called “little one” still felt unfamiliar to Xia Zichen.
But Wang Yuehua’s words deeply moved him.
This time, he had gained many more family members.
That feeling made Xia Zichen extremely satisfied, yet at the same time, it felt a little unreal.
“I won’t bully Zichen.”
Gu Xu, who was sitting beside Xia Zichen, spoke.
“I don’t listen to promises. I only look at actions.”
Wang Yuehua lifted her chin toward her fourth son.
“Isn’t he a little demon?”
Gu Ao laughed.
“I originally thought someone with your cold personality would stay single your whole life. I never expected you to be the first one to settle down.”
“If Zichen wasn’t a little demon, how could he possibly control you?”
Only then did everyone realize that the “little demon” Gu Ao mentioned was not the same as “little one.”
Xia Zichen’s face turned red.
He knew Gu Ao was joking, so he was not angry.
But being called a “little demon” by another man still made him feel somewhat embarrassed.
“You really talk too much.”
Gu Zhengqing lightly patted Gu Ao.
This son of his had always been free-spirited, but he was reliable when handling matters, so Gu Zhengqing rarely lectured him.
“Don’t laugh. Maybe you’ll be the next one someone controls.”
Gu Han slowly ate a piece of dessert.
“I welcome it anytime. But the person I find probably won’t be younger than little demon, so he’ll still be the little demon.”
Gu Ao shrugged indifferently, completely unconcerned.
“Since you’ve decided to settle down with the youngest, although you’re not officially married yet, your current assets should also count as shared property between the two of you. The youngest should be entitled to half.”
Gu Zhengqing said.
Xia Zichen froze for a moment before quickly responding.
“Uncle, I don’t want Gu Xu’s things.”
Gu Zhengqing smiled.
“It’s not about you wanting them. Once you enter the Gu family, it is a right you should have.”
“I…”
Xia Zichen had never once thought about taking Gu Xu’s things.
Hearing it brought up so suddenly, he truly did not know how to react.
“Everyone who enters our family has this right. My future wife will also have this right.”
Gu Ao smiled and said to Xia Zichen.
“I’ve already taken care of it. The documents have been signed. You don’t need to worry.”
Gu Xu said.
“Ah? When?”
Hearing this, Xia Zichen was genuinely surprised.
He did not remember signing any documents related to this.
Gu Xu smiled and held Xia Zichen’s hand.
“When you came to work at the company, the contract you signed was actually a property distribution agreement.”
“I only replaced the first few pages with an employment contract. You only read the beginning and signed without looking at the rest.”
Xia Zichen suddenly felt extremely regretful that he had not carefully read the document.
Because of that, without even a hint of suspicion, he had stepped directly into the trap called Gu Xu.
Although that trap was actually a paradise for him.
“Alright, I admit I should have told you beforehand. But what’s done is done. Don’t be angry.”
Gu Xu lowered his voice.
“I’m not angry. I just feel like I shouldn’t take your things.”
“We’re family. Why are you worrying about that?”
Gu Xu tightened his grip on Xia Zichen’s hand.
“Even if you hadn’t signed before, you would still have to sign when we got married. Consider it just being done earlier.”
Xia Zichen looked at him for a while, then nodded.
Gu’s parents watched the two of them quietly talking and smiled without saying anything more.
That night, the two stayed overnight at the Gu residence.
It had actually been a temporary decision.
Wang Yuehua said she had already prepared a room, and the two of them could not bring themselves to refuse her kindness, so they stayed.
After showering, the two lay side by side on the bed.
Gu Xu turned his head and looked at Xia Zichen, who was staring at the ceiling with his eyes open.
“Is it hard to sleep somewhere unfamiliar?”
“No.”
Xia Zichen smiled and turned to look at him.
“I just feel like today was unexpectedly wonderful.”
“Before, I only had my father. Later, I had you. And now I have so many more family members.”
This was the kind of happy family scene he had dreamed of when he was a child.
Gu Xu smiled, leaned over, and kissed the corner of his lips.
“In the future, our family will keep growing.”
“Mm. Thank you.”
Xia Zichen spoke seriously.
Gu Xu reached out and pulled him into his arms.
“Thank you too.”
“Mm.”
The bedside lamp was turned off.
The bedroom fell into darkness.
The two people holding each other fell asleep with faint smiles on their lips.
Family was a kind of bond—steady and warm…