Ji Mingxue looked at the letter Ye Yu brought back. After reading it, he showed the first smile he had in days, but quickly contained it, visible only to Gu Jingyi.
“I know about what you said, and an engagement is possible, but before that, there are some things I need to make clear.”
“Uncle, please speak!”
“You need to settle your family matters as soon as possible. I don’t want anyone to disturb my daughter because of this. Also, you must fulfill all the customary requirements for an engagement. As for other matters, I trust my daughter has discussed everything with you, so I won’t interfere.”
“Of course, the three letters and six betrothal gifts, we won’t miss a single one.” It was Gu Ershen who spoke this time, as it was her nephew’s important matter, and she couldn’t stand idly by concerning the Gu family.
“That’s good. I won’t keep you for dinner today!” He thought to himself, You’re already planning to whisk away my precious daughter, and you expect me to keep you for dinner? Dream on!
Gu Jingyi didn’t argue and said his goodbyes before leaving. Although Ji Mama was a little puzzled, it wasn’t the time to ask.
Ji Haoqi was a little angry and returned to his room after dinner. No one paid him any mind. Ji Mama took Gu Ershen to the guest room, and they chatted for a while. Ji Fu went into his study alone, while Ji Haoheng took Ye Yu to deliver apples to their maternal grandfather. The reason for bringing Ye Yu along was naturally to ask him something.
Ye Yu didn’t hold back and told Ji Haoheng everything that happened today, word for word. Ji Haoheng pondered for a while and soon stopped dwelling on the matter. Perhaps the current plan was the best. Most importantly, Ye Yu was right about one thing: among their peers, it was truly difficult to find someone more outstanding than Gu Jingyi. If it weren’t for the current unfavorable situation, Gu Jingyi wouldn’t be just a small bureau chief in the municipal government; he could have gone much further.
The next morning, Gu Jingyi arrived early, accompanied by Gu Ershu. Together, they headed towards the sanatorium. Of course, the two Ji brothers and Ye Yu also accompanied them. After dropping them off, Ye Yu went to attend to other matters. He had already inspected the warehouse yesterday and contacted Gao Yu. Now, he needed to sort things out with Gao Yu.
When their group arrived at the sanatorium, Gu Jingnian was in the courtyard, watching Mantis practice his martial arts. Mantis had his own training regimen every morning, and Gu Jingnian sat beside him, watching with great interest. Ji Xingmi had gone to prepare breakfast. As they entered, she was just coming out of the kitchen with breakfast.
As soon as Gu Ershu entered, he saw Mantis and his movements. His body reacted instinctively, his muscles tensing instantly, entering combat mode. Mantis also sensed it. He had noticed them the moment they entered, but he hadn’t shown it.
“Jingnian?” Gu Ershen saw the person sitting in the courtyard and called out. Gu Jingnian heard the sound and turned to look. He was a little surprised to see both his parents there!
“Dad, Mom? What are you doing here!”
“We came to see how you were. Seeing you like this, I’m relieved!” Gu Ershen was no longer worried upon seeing him. It wasn’t just that his wounds had healed; his entire demeanor had changed. The way he had been before had made her fear losing her son one day. But seeing him now, her heart instantly settled; her son had returned to his former state.
Only then did she look at the little girl who was acting cute with Ji Mama and felt a pang of sadness. How could her son be so foolish? He didn’t make a move on such a wonderful girl, and now, she was going to become his sister-in-law. She didn’t want such a simple-minded son!
Gu Jingnian felt his mother’s gaze was a bit off. Shouldn’t she be happy to see him? Why did it seem like there was a hint of disdain?
After exchanging a few words with her mother, Ji Xingmi called everyone to eat breakfast. Gu Ershu and Gu Ershen sat down. Even though they had already eaten, it didn’t prevent them from having a bit more.
Gu Ershu plopped down next to Mantis, wondering how to strike up a conversation with him. He had completely forgotten that he had come to see his son. Fortunately, Gu Jingnian didn’t know that his father’s attention had already shifted to someone else, or he would have cried!
After breakfast, Gu Ershen finally inquired about her son’s injuries. When Gu Jingnian said he was feeling much better, she turned to share the news with Gu Ershu, only to find her husband following behind another man, saying something. It was clear the man on the other side wasn’t agreeing and kept waving his hands.
Ji Xingmi also noticed the problem with Mantis and, to avoid making him uncomfortable, arranged for Mantis to do something else. Mantis fled as if granted a great pardon. At this moment, Gu Ershu cast a resentful glance at Ji Xingmi, almost making her hair stand on end. Gu Ershen became even more annoyed, grabbed Gu Ershu’s waist, and pulled him back.
Ji Xingmi suspected that if they weren’t there, Gu Ershen would have been pinching his ear. Seeing that Gu Ershu wasn’t resisting at all, she figured it was a common occurrence!
At this moment, Mantis also sighed and remarked, “I’ve heard people say before that the Second Master Gu is a ‘Soldier King’ who wants to compete with everyone everywhere. I didn’t expect it to be true!”
Ji Xingmi, purely out of curiosity, asked, “If you fought him, who would be stronger?”
“In terms of technique alone, I’m not as good, but when it comes to fighting for survival, he’s definitely not as good as me!” Ji Xingmi secretly gave him a thumbs-up upon hearing this. Of course, this gesture was hidden from Gu Ershu.
Gu Jingyi slowly moved closer to Ji Xingmi. Since he had arrived, she hadn’t looked at him even once, which made him a little uncomfortable.
“What are you doing?” Ji Xingmi, of course, hadn’t missed Gu Jingyi’s subtle actions.
When she saw him arrive with her mother that day, she knew he must have gone to talk to her father about their matters yesterday. And her mother had just asked for her true feelings, asking if she had agreed only because of recent events and telling her not to wrong herself.
As for Gu Jingyi being able to arrive here safely today, it seemed Ye Yu had returned in good time yesterday.
“Xing’er, I spoke with Uncle Ji about our relationship yesterday, and he agreed. Do you have any other requests?”
“What did my father say?”
“Uncle Ji said to handle family matters well and not to let you be wronged. I would have done that even if he hadn’t said it. I just want to know if you have any other requests?”
“My only requirement for an engagement partner is~”