What is Grandma Gu doing that's so secretive?
Cecilia Gu was stunned.
Before she could react, Charles Yin had already grabbed her hand and quickly led her away.
Cecilia's gaze fell onto Charles Yin's fingers. The warmth from his touch made her feel uneasy.
Is Charles Yin getting too into this?
There's no one else around, so why is he holding on so tightly?
While Cecilia was still lost in thought, Charles Yin's deep voice sounded in her ear.
He had clearly leaned down to speak into her ear, and the warmth made her whole body tense up.
"See? I told you there'd be something interesting to watch." Charles Yin's voice pulled Cecilia Gu back to reality. She forced herself to ignore the odd sensation and looked where Charles was gazing.
With just one look, Cecilia's expression changed completely!
Grandma Gu wasn't meeting with any relatives at all—she was hiding in her room, counting money!
Counting money was one thing, but she kept muttering to herself, telling Helen Gu to ask Cecilia for more money!
Cecilia Gu had never felt so embarrassed before.
Especially in front of Charles Yin.
At that moment, someone came in from outside.
Grandma Gu was startled at first and tried to hide the money on the table. But when she saw it was Jenny Gu who came in, she relaxed and continued counting.
Grandma! Didn't you promise to buy me a house?' Jenny Gu clung to Grandma Gu's arm and whined. 'When are you going to buy it for me?
Be good, Jenny. Once your aunt gets some money from Cecilia, you'll have your house! I've already paid the deposit and signed the contract, just waiting for the money and the keys.' Grandma Gu affectionately pulled Jenny Gu to sit beside her. 'When have I ever lied to you?
Hearing this, Jenny Gu finally smiled with satisfaction.
As long as she got a house in the county, she'd be a city person!
Then she'd be worthy of that lofty, god-like man!
Just now, someone called Mom and Dad over, saying Aunt wanted to talk to them. I don't know what they talked about, but when they came back, they were acting weird. They even kicked me out of the room and whispered to each other.' Jenny Gu pouted and whined, 'Grandma, do you think Aunt will get money from Cecilia Gu? Two hundred thousand is no small sum!
She wouldn't dare refuse!' Grandma Gu snorted.
Now that Cecilia Gu is doing well, she won't help us out! She's so heartless! Not a real Gu by blood, so of course she's ungrateful.' Jenny Gu said angrily.
Who does Cecilia Gu think she is? Why does she get to marry such a perfect, god-like man? Why does she get to live in a luxurious house, eat gourmet food, wear expensive clothes, and drive a limited-edition car?
That's why Grandma loves you more! Cecilia Gu is just a child the Gu Family picked up—how could she matter as much as you?' Grandma Gu said bitterly. 'In this house, she and her useless mother are the biggest eyesores! But it's fine, she's still useful for now. Once we've squeezed enough money out of her, we'll move to the city and live the good life!
Mm!' Jenny Gu nodded happily.
Seeing all this, Cecilia Gu truly didn't know what kind of expression could convey her feelings right now.
She'd known her grandmother was biased, but she never imagined it was this extreme!
Not only did she squeeze her parents for over twenty years, now she's coming after me too!
I'm not as weak as Mom, letting them bully me like that!
She'd already guessed that the two hundred thousand her mom asked for wasn't just a simple matter.
She hadn't expected the house wouldn't be in Dad's name, but Grandma Gu wanted it in Jenny Gu's name!
This is too much!
Charles Yin saw Cecilia Gu's chest heaving with anger and felt a pang of sympathy.
Don't worry, they might not be able to buy that house.' Charles Yin lowered his voice. 'Want to get revenge?
How?' Cecilia Gu whipped her head around, not expecting Charles Yin to be so close behind her. Their noses nearly bumped into each other.
As soon as Cecilia turned, she crashed into a pair of deep, star-like eyes.
Up close, Charles Yin's features were flawless.
Charles Yin hadn't expected Cecilia Gu to turn so suddenly. Caught off guard, his gaze landed on her eyes, full of longing and anticipation.
Those sparkling eyes gently tugged at Charles Yin's heartstrings.
For some reason, a thought popped into his mind: I can't let her down!
Cecilia Gu saw his handsome face so close to hers, her body stiffened and she didn't dare move.
She had no doubt that if she just stretched her neck a little, she could kiss his lips.
This distance was way too intimate...
They could hear each other's breathing so clearly...
Charles Yin forced himself to stay in control, resisting the urge to lean in and kiss those soft, red lips.
He swallowed, his gaze darkening, and deliberately put on a nonchalant expression as he replied softly, 'I heard your uncle has a gambling habit...'
And then? Did you set up a trap for my uncle?' Cecilia Gu was instantly drawn in by Charles Yin's words, forgetting all about the intimate atmosphere.
'Mm.' Charles Yin's lips curled into a mocking smile. 'Is my money really that easy to get?'
Hearing that Charles Yin had set a trap for her uncle and aunt, Cecilia Gu instantly felt much better!
That feels so satisfying!
But now Grandma Gu was holding the two hundred thousand from Mrs. Yin and had already paid the down payment for Jenny Gu. Looks like that money's gone for good...
Don't worry, you've got me!' Charles Yin seemed to guess what Cecilia was thinking and smiled gently. 'Trust me!'
After saying this, Charles Yin reached out and ruffled Cecilia Gu's hair.
This was the first time Charles Yin had ever made such an affectionate gesture toward Cecilia Gu.
Cecilia Gu was stunned.
Charles Yin, are you maybe a little too good at acting?
After secretly watching the drama unfold, the two quietly returned to the courtyard.
By then, the chef had finished cooking and was just waiting to serve the dishes.
Cecilia Gu saw Assistant A rushing over from outside and whispering something in Charles Yin's ear.
Charles Yin quickly glanced at Cecilia, then casually waved his right hand, signaling to hold off on the matter for now.
Cecilia Gu was curious, but she didn't ask any questions.
Assistant A was Charles Yin's aide, responsible for all sorts of big and small matters.
Whatever Assistant A was reporting, it wasn't something she could ask about.
Once Assistant A left, Charles Yin smiled at Cecilia Gu and said, 'It's time to invite Grandma Gu and the other elders to dinner!'
Cecilia Gu nodded.
The chef got the signal and instantly assembled a long table in the courtyard.
Elegant velvet napkins were folded into various shapes and placed carefully.
A row of pure silver cutlery was neatly arranged.
High-end chairs were arranged in order of status.
In just ten minutes, the once-empty courtyard was transformed into a luxury banquet.
Countless exquisite dishes were placed on the table like a flowing river, their tempting aroma making even the family dog drool.
Grandma Gu walked over with a big smile, eyeing the fancy dishes she'd never tasted before. She said to the relatives around her, 'Ah, today we're lucky to have Cecilia! I've never eaten such good food in my life!'
'That's because you've got good fortune, old sister!' Someone Cecilia should call Third Grandpa by seniority kept praising Grandma Gu. 'I've always known you were blessed! Now your granddaughter's so successful, married into a rich family, you'll never want for anything!'
Grandma Gu was basking in the flattery, feeling more proud than ever!
At that moment, Helen Gu also came in from outside.
As soon as Grandma Gu saw Helen, she shot her a probing look.
Helen Gu looked up and met her mother-in-law's gaze, shivered, and quickly lowered her head, not daring to meet her eyes.
Seeing Helen act like this, Grandma Gu knew the money hadn't come through.
Just thinking about the two hundred thousand meant for Jenny Gu's house made Grandma Gu anxious.
In her heart, Cecilia Gu was just a child the family picked up—she could never compare to her real granddaughter, Jenny Gu!
Even after getting married, Cecilia Gu was supposed to help her birth family!
Otherwise, she'd just be an ungrateful wolf!
As soon as Jenny Gu came out, her eyes were glued to Charles Yin.
Why does he look better every time I see him?
No matter what expression he makes, he's just ridiculously good-looking...
And on top of being so gorgeous, he's a billionaire heir!
Why is he my brother-in-law?
If Cecilia Gu didn't exist, would everything be different?
Jenny Gu kept dreaming about good things, never realizing that without Cecilia, she'd be nothing!
She wants to get to know Charles Yin?
Keep dreaming!
Cecilia Gu and Charles Yin invited everyone to take their seats.
The villagers had never seen such a grand occasion!
Every dish in front of them was exquisitely crafted, beautiful like works of art!
Even though it was all Chinese food, they couldn't name a single dish!
The ingredients were things they'd never seen before!
Please, everyone, don't be shy—try our chef's cooking.' Charles Yin kept making Cecilia Gu look good. 'Cecilia always regretted that our relatives couldn't visit when we got married. That's why, this time, I brought the chef home. We have to treat all our country relatives to a great meal to thank you for all your care over the years.'
Charles Yin's words were like a slap in the face, making several people look embarrassed.