Chapter 42: Heartache
Translator: _Min_
As the car hummed on the road, Su Ting noticed Gu Dai gently rubbing her temples. With a concerned undertone in his voice, he offered, “Sister, you seem to have a headache. I’ve picked up some ma.s.sage techniques over the years, want to give them a try?”
Gu Dai, her thoughts clouded by the tedium of the office, readily accepted his proposal with a simple, “Alright.”
As Su Ting’s skilled hands worked their magic, Gu Dai’s tension started to melt away. Surprised by the effectiveness, she praised him, “You’ve certainly changed over these years, Su Ting. You’ve become a good cook and even learned ma.s.sage.”
He chuckled softly, his eyes warm with promise, “There’s a lot more to learn about me, sister. I’ll reveal them to you slowly over time.”
Intrigued and a little excited by his words, Gu Dai responded enthusiastically, “Okay!”
On their arrival at the villa, Gu Dai surveyed the newly renovated surroundings, noticing how it had been restored to its familiar old-world charm, free from any ostentatious modern touches. The sight stirred nostalgia, bringing unshed tears to her eyes.
Noticing her emotional state, Su Ting stayed quiet, giving her the s.p.a.ce she needed. Seeing her, lost in her thoughts and seemingly fragile, a wave of compa.s.sion filled his heart.
His own childhood had been devoid of familial warmth until he met Gu Dai’s parents. Their kindness had shown him a world filled with light and warmth, a stark contrast from the one he’d known. But fate had been cruel, s.n.a.t.c.hing away those kind souls prematurely.
Wiping away her tears, Gu Dai’s voice quivered, “Three years have gone by so quickly, Su Ting. My parents’ death anniversary is approaching.”
Unable to suppress his urge to comfort her any longer, Su Ting pulled her into a gentle embrace, “I remember Uncle Gu loved art. There’s an art exhibition coming up, how about we choose some paintings for him?”
“Mm,” she responded softly, and after a brief pause, added, “Mom always loved flowers. 1 want to bring her the most beautiful ones.”
As her mood seemed to lighten, Su Ting found himself relieved. He rea.s.sured her, “The Gu Group is their legacy. They’d be proud to see you at the helm.”
Nodding earnestly, she resolved, “I’ll restore the company to its former glory. 1 won’t let my parents’ efforts be in vain.”
Remembering the upcoming event, she asked, “When’s the art exhibition?”
Checking his phone, Su Ting replied, “Tomorrow afternoon.”
Suddenly fl.u.s.tered, Gu Dai worried, “I haven’t prepared anything and it’s already tomorrow!”
She realized that she’d been so engrossed in managing the company that she’d overlooked her attire for the event.
Su Ting rea.s.sured her with a confident smile, “Don’t worry. Leave everything to me.”
Seeing his a.s.surance, Gu Dai relaxed, “Okay.”
Then she realized that she was still in Su Ting’s arms. The sudden awareness made her body stiffen.
Upon feeling her stiffen, Su Ting realized the intimate position they were in. Hastily breaking the embrace, he stammered, his ears flushing, “1… I… didn’t mean to… 1 wasn’t trying to… I’m sorry…”
“It’s okay,” Gu Dai diverted her gaze, keen to switch topics, “Let’s head inside.”
She then led the way into the villa, with Su Ting quickly trailing behind her.
On entering the villa, they encountered Gu Ming. A trace of confusion flickered in Gu Dai’s eyes as she asked, “Uncle, why are you here?”
Noticing the disapproval in Gu Dai’s voice, Gu Ming stiffened. Resentment flashed in his eyes but quickly faded. Remembering the upcoming transfer of the Gu family’s a.s.sets, he forced a smile and responded, “I brought something for you. I initially planned to give it to Wu Zhen to pa.s.s on, but since you’re here, I’ll give it to you directly..”