"What are you staring at? If you want to look, go look at yourself!" Grandma Gu snapped coldly, then suddenly remembered that Cecilia Gu was no longer the same as before.
"Cecilia, that's not what Grandma meant! I just think..." Grandma Gu tried to smooth things over.
Unfortunately, Cecilia Gu couldn't care less anymore.
She had already said everything that needed to be said.
The rest had nothing to do with her anymore.
"Grandma, I won't overthink it," Cecilia replied softly, cutting her off. "I'm suddenly not feeling well, so I'll head back first."
"Alright, alright, take care of yourself!" Grandma Gu was still hoping Cecilia would prove herself by bearing a child, so she could secure a hefty dowry.
Now wasn't the time to fall out with Cecilia.
She was more concerned about how her younger son and daughter-in-law had managed to take two million yuan.
Cecilia Gu left Grandma Gu's room and, not far away, spotted Charles Yin standing tall.
Seeing Cecilia come out looking exhausted, Charles Yin couldn't help but pull her into his arms.
"I'm fine..." Cecilia answered softly.
This time, she didn't resist Charles Yin's embrace.
She felt truly sad and, at that moment, just wanted someone to lean on.
Charles Yin, thank you for lending me your embrace, even if just for now.
I just want to lean on you for a little while... just a little while...
"Ah... ah! No, it's nothing!" Howard Gu replied nervously. Even though he said that, he kept looking at his phone.
What's going on with Dad today? Is something wrong? Why does he keep checking the time?
"Then could you give me a ride?" Howard Gu's eyes lit up, full of hope. "At this hour, all the buses to the county seat have left, so..."
Cecilia laughed, "Of course! Dad, let Mom know, and you can both come with us to the county seat. I want to buy you some new clothes!"
Hearing Cecilia offer to buy him clothes, Howard Gu grinned and rubbed his hands. "Great, great! Cecilia is so thoughtful—Dad's really happy!"
In the past, he never thought the woman in his arms was all that captivating, nor did he think she had any qualities worth his attention.
But this woman kept surprising him, making him see her in a new light, and his gaze lingered on her more and more.
Now, her forced smile made his heart tremble.
Just as they reached the entrance to the mall, Howard Gu suddenly said, "Cecilia, I just remembered your grandma asked me to come help her look at something. You two go ahead and shop, I'll call you in a bit!"
"Once everyone's finished eating, let's leave," Cecilia said softly. "I really can't stand another minute here."
"Okay," Charles Yin replied quietly.
Just that one word made Cecilia's nose sting with emotion.
Even an outsider cared about her feelings—so why did the Gu Family only know how to exploit and bully her and her mother?
She didn't even ask the Gu Family to treat her mother kindly—just not to make things hard for her, and she'd be content...
"Your dad's coming over. Wipe your tears and remember to smile," Charles Yin said gently, his eyes glinting. "He looks like he has something to say to you."
It was Howard and Helen Gu's first time in such a fancy car—they sat stiffly, afraid to touch anything.
She turned and saw her father walking toward her.
His expression seemed a bit conflicted and torn.
Did something happen?
"Dad, is something wrong?" Cecilia asked proactively.
"Cecilia... are you heading into town later?" Howard Gu asked cautiously.
"Yes," Cecilia replied. "There are so many people with us, we can't all fit at home! So we're staying at a hotel in the county tonight."
"Then could you give me a ride?" Howard Gu's eyes lit up, full of hope. "At this hour, all the buses to town have left, so..."
Cecilia laughed, "Of course! Dad, let Mom know, and you can both come with us to town. I want to buy you some new clothes!"
Hearing Cecilia offer to buy him clothes, Howard Gu grinned and rubbed his hands. "Great, great! Cecilia is so thoughtful—Dad's really happy!"
Even though Grandma Gu mistreated Mom, Dad always stood by and watched.
But he was still her adoptive father.
Cecilia smiled, "Go get ready with Mom. We'll leave soon!"
"Alright, alright!" Howard Gu left, beaming with excitement.
Charles Yin watched Howard Gu's departing figure, deep in thought.
If only Cecilia knew what her dad was really...
Forget it, better not say anything.
Her emotions were still unstable, so it was better not to tell her right now...
By three o'clock, everyone had finished eating and drinking. Little A directed everyone to pack everything up.
Cecilia linked arms with her parents and led them to the business van they'd be riding in.
It was Howard and Helen Gu's first time in such a fancy car—they sat stiffly, afraid to touch anything.
Cecilia laughed, "Mom, Dad, don't be so uptight! It's fine!"
Charles Yin smiled and nodded.
Out of respect for Cecilia, he tried his best to act like a proper son-in-law.
Of course, it was just for show.
Seeing Cecilia get into such a luxurious car, Jenny Gu's eyes burned with jealousy.
Why?!
Why does Cecilia get all the good things?!
Now even her uncle and aunt get to benefit too!