The couple worked at the research institute, constantly busy with no ti to rest.
They had very little ti to spend with Gu Bichen since he was young, which left them with a persistent feeling of guilt toward him.
Gu Bichen, however, was particularly mature and incredibly smart from a young age. Whether in daily life or academics, he had never given them any reason to worry.
The more understanding Gu Bichen was, the deeper their sense of guilt grew, always trying to find ways to make up for it.
Moreover, the couple was exceptionally open-minded. Though they were often occupied with work and unable to spend much ti with their child, they had nurtured him into an independent and well-rounded individual, giving him the confidence and foundation to pursue his dreams.
While they had expectations for their child, they never forced him against his will. As long as his passions were genuine and he had the courage to shoulder responsibility, they would wholeheartedly support him as parents.
Experience proved that their approach to parenting was incredibly effective.
Upon hearing about their child’s slightly declining grades, if they were like certain parents who desperately wanted their child to succeed, they might have already slamd the table and berated him.
Yet, the couple was delighted instead. Having received higher education themselves, they deeply understood the principle that "there’s always soone better out there."
Their child learning and growing alongside more outstanding individuals would only be beneficial.
Gu Bichen smiled faintly, "Thank you, Mom and Dad, for understanding. I’ll continue to work hard."
Mrs. Gu asked enthusiastically, "Achen, have you made any new friends at school?"
His eyes suddenly lit up at the thought, "I t soone really interesting."
The couple exchanged glances and slowly smiled.
At the dining table, the atmosphere was harmonious and warm.
In the kitchen, Feng Gu wore a grim expression as she stared at the little girl with her head hanging low before her.
The girl’s frail body trembled uncontrollably, her hands clutching the apron tightly.
"Feng Gu, please give one more chance. I can’t lose this job."
Lowering her voice, Feng Gu reprimanded her, "Before you joined, I warned you multiple tis that the rules of the Gu family are strict—the biggest taboo being a servant who isn’t clean-handed. You’ve truly disappointed ."
"Go to the steward, collect three months’ wages, and leave."
The girl collapsed to her knees, clutching Feng Gu’s pants as she cried.
"I know I was wrong. Please give another chance. My mother is ill and urgently needs money. I... I lost my sense for a mont..."
Feng Gu glanced toward the kitchen’s entrance, then shook off her grip and hissed angrily in a lowered voice, "The Gu family cannot keep you. If you don’t want things to get ssy, you’d better leave quietly. If you wait until the guards forcibly evict you, you won’t even retain a shred of dignity."
The girl sat on the ground in despair.
She couldn’t understand—other wealthy families didn’t have rules this harsh. Why was the Gu family so rciless?
There was a side door in the kitchen leading to a small garden.
While the family dined in the dining room, servants could only co and go through the kitchen’s side entrance.
After the girl left in a daze through the side door, Feng Gu’s gaze gradually darkened.
That incident from over a decade ago had left Madam Gu deeply affected, making her increasingly strict with the servants.
Glancing back toward the dining room, three generations of the family were joyfully enjoying themselves.
Perhaps it was better Madam Gu remained unaware, lest old unpleasant mories be brought to the surface.
~
"Chen brother!" Leng Xingshuang darted in like a lively butterfly.
She rushed straight toward Gu Bichen, but he sidestepped, causing her to miss.
She pouted in annoyance, "Chen brother, don’t you miss at all?"
Gu Bichen smiled and shook his head, "n and won shouldn’t casually touch."
Leng Xingshuang clung to Madam Gu’s arm, acting coy and sweet, "Grandma, you must make Chen brother behave!"
Madam Gu smiled lovingly, "You two have bickered since you were kids, and even now, as teenagers, you can’t seem to break the habit."
Leng Xingshuang pouted, "Ever since I was little, I’ve envied others for having brothers. I’ve always thought, if Chen brother were truly my sibling, how wonderful that would be."
"You silly girl, the two of you grew up together. Chenchen cares for you the most and has treated you as his own sister all along."
"But Chen brother shows no excitent when he sees ." Leng Xingshuang gave Gu Bichen a sharp glare.
"Alright, alright, you young people go on with your jokes and antics. You’re giving a headache. I’m going to rest now; you all amuse yourselves."
Feng Gu ca over to assist Madam Gu as she slowly returned to her bedroom.
Once Madam Gu was out of sight, Leng Xingshuang grinned mischievously, stood up, and ran over to Gu Bichen. "I just t Uncle and Aunt at the front gate."
"They said you’re always cooped up in your room studying, which is bad for your health. They want to take you out for so fun. I rember Chen brother, you enjoy operas—there’s a performance of *Faust* at the Grand Theater this afternoon. I’ll treat you to it."
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