LOVE FRAGMENTS

UNVEILING HIDDEN AGENDA

Si Zhenxuan let out a soft cough and gently withdrew his hand from Gu Antong's grasp.

The room fell into a moment of silence, with a hint of awkwardness hanging in the air. Gu An Tong hurriedly reached for the blanket, covering her body, too shy to meet Si Zhenxuan's gaze.

"Sorry, it was just..." Si Zhenxuan began, his voice trailing off as he searched for the right words.

Gu An Tong's expression shifted slightly. She had been equally caught up in the moment just now. Why was he apologizing? Even if he didn't, she wouldn't have had the strength to resist. In fact, a part of her had even vaguely hoped for a deeper connection with Si Zhenxuan, but he had stopped in time, leaving her puzzled.

"You have feelings for me, don't you?" Gu Antong finally mustered the courage to ask.

Si Zhenxuan raised an eyebrow, considering the question carefully. "Feelings and desires are different."

Gu An Tong was taken aback by Si Zhenxuan's response. He seemed to be saying that he felt something for her, but it wasn't necessarily love. Did that mean he would refrain from pursuing a deeper emotional connection?

Gu An Tong sank deeper under the covers, still confused. "Then why did you say you can't let go of it?"

Si Zhenxuan sighed. "Feelings can be complicated. It's not that straightforward."

Gu Antong's frustration grew. She clutched the blanket to her chest. "Is it because of Meng Mei? Are you here for her?"

Si Zhenxuan turned to look at Gu An Tong, his face a mixture of surprise and amusement. "You're overthinking things."

Yet, Si Zhenxuan couldn't shake the memory of what Meng Mei had confided in him. She had mentioned that Gu An Tong was being treated like Si Yueyun and would eventually marry into Si Yueyun's family. She had even been willing to live under the same roof as Si Yueyun, despite the awkwardness. There had to be a reason for that.

In that moment, Gu An Tong felt completely lost in her married life. This man felt something for her, but it wasn't love. She wanted to escape from this marriage, but she couldn't. Her emotions were in turmoil, and she couldn't understand Si Zhenxuan. He didn't seem interested in explaining himself, and she was left to wonder.

She walked up to Si Zhenxuan, her voice quivering. She let go of the blanket, revealing her disheveled form. "This is all so confusing. Please put on the clothes you took off one by one."

Even though she had the last word, it didn't feel like a victory.

Their family had sent a car to pick them up, and Shu Xun, Si Zhenxuan's special assistant, finally emerged from the front seat. Shu Xun had a youthful, sunny appearance. He was said to be 25 years old but could easily pass for 20. When Shu Xun had entered the room the day before, Gu An had mistaken him for a hotel waiter.

Shu Xun turned to Si Zhenxuan and said, "Mr. Si, do you want to head straight home or make a stop at the company?"

"No rush," Si Zhenxuan replied, checking his watch. "We'll discuss company matters tomorrow. Let Antong have a day off."

Gu An Tong wondered if he meant that she should report to Si's enterprise. She asked with a hint of confusion, "Don't you need to discuss this with your uncle and aunt?"

"Uncle and aunt?" Si Zhenxuan raised an eyebrow and looked at her quizzically.

Gu An Tong quickly corrected herself, "I mean, your parents..."

"You joined Si's enterprise before we got married," Si Zhenxuan explained. "Now, they don't get involved much in the group's affairs. I'll handle it."

Si Zhenxuan was right in reminding her. Gu An Tong's presence in the Ru Group, as Si Zhenxuan's wife, would likely raise the ire of some board members and could hinder her relationships with her colleagues.

Gu An Tong understood this, but she couldn't forget the pictures of her and Si Zhenxuan that had been published in the financial news. Wouldn't the people at Si's Group recognize her?

Si Zhenxuan chuckled, "Shu Xun shared the news but didn't reveal your identity or show your clear photos."

Gu An Tong hesitated for a moment and then agreed, "Okay."

Si Zhenxuan continued, "I've arranged for you to lead a project team, specifically for the cooperation project. Si Yueyun will be your direct supervisor. How do you feel about that?"

Gu An Tong blinked in surprise. "You're okay with that?" The reality of the situation made her a little unhappy, and there was a hint of playfulness in her voice. "You did promise to treat me well, after all."

"Are you flirting with me?" Division Zhen Xuan Mou once subtly hinted at a hint of emotion. In front of him, Shu ten days inadvertently cracked a smile.

Gu Antong corrected himself, saying, "Flirting? Who, me? That's not what we agreed upon!"

Si Zhenxuan nodded and casually placed his hand on hers. "True, but this project is something Xie Jianchen suggested you join."

Gu An Tong stared out the window, deep in thought.

Si Zhenxuan held her hand firmly, pulling her closer, and whispered in her ear. His lips brushed her earlobe, and she shivered slightly, hearing his soft words, "This project needs you, and I need you too."

Gu Antong's fair complexion turned a faint shade of pink. She could even see Shu Xun's amused eyes in the rearview mirror. After a moment of silence, she nodded. It seemed like her quiet response was just for Si Zhenxuan, "Alright."

A simple phrase like "I need you" caused the eldest daughter of the Si family to relinquish her principles and willingly follow the second son of the Si Yueyun family. Knowing the dynamics, Shu Xun couldn't help but think that the boss was quite a force to reckon with.

Yet, there seemed to be a harmonious relationship between the two. Shu Xun couldn't help but feel content.

The three-story villa was perched on the hillside garden, an exquisite residence in Fengcheng. Wei Yulan sat on the sofa in the grand hall, clutching her chest. A newspaper lay on the desk in front of her.

Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan sat side by side, with Jiang Nuan gently cradling her pregnant belly. She grumbled to Si Yueyun, "They're coming back today. I'm not happy about it. They always bring us trouble."

Wei Yulan cast a cold glance at Jiang Nuan. "You dare to say that, even though you're the one who caused trouble?"

Jiang Nuan spat out a cherry pit and cast a sly look at Si Yueyun.

Si Yueyun grinned. "Mom, it's my fault. Don't always blame Xiao Qiu. She's carrying the Si family's future generation in her belly now. We shouldn't mistreat her."

Wei Yulan stared at Si Yueyun with an iron-willed look. If only he hadn't chosen that woman, they wouldn't have been through all this trouble.

Gu Antong was more tolerable than Jiang Nuan, but now that she was married to Si Zhenxuan, Wei Yulan couldn't quite forgive her for being under his care.

Si Yueyun quickly picked a tangerine and handed it to his mother. "Mom, relax. We should think about how to handle big brother when he returns. He's not the same as before; we must tread carefully."

Jiang Nuan nodded in agreement.

In reality, Jiang Nuan didn't have any ill intentions. She just felt uneasy with Gu Antong constantly around Si Yueyun, and now that she was pregnant, her concerns had only grown.

Thankfully, Si Yueyun was understanding and readily accepted her opinions.

Although Wei Yulan disliked Jiang Nuan, she, surprisingly, shared her stance on certain matters.

Wei Yulan had long been resentful of Si Zhenxuan. An adopted son holding the top position in the Si family and enjoying a high reputation in the company, overshadowing her own son, who was less competent and not as handsome. Even Si Hanxiang, the family's patriarch, seemed to favor Si Zhenxuan.

Wei Yulan reached for the newspaper on the desk and responded casually to her son, "Alright, you don't need to worry about this. I'll handle it."

Si Hanxiang had recently gone abroad to handle the overseas listing of their new branch projects. This task was initially meant for Si Zhenxuan, but Wei Yulan preferred to oversee it herself, rather than entrusting it all to him.

Even though Wei Yulan didn't particularly like Jiang Nuan, they managed to enjoy each other's company when they were all together.

However, when two people suddenly appeared at the door, Wei Yulan instinctively set the newspaper aside, her expression turning gloomy. She was increasingly reluctant to act in these situations.

Gu An Tong noticed the sharp look in Gu An Tong's eyes as they gazed at the newspaper, which displayed Si Zhen Xuan and her kissing on the street. Her face flushed with embarrassment.

Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan stood up, and the two brothers exchanged friendly greetings. Jiang Nuan chuckled, "Antong, you two seem so happy. Yue Yun and I envy your happiness."

"How was our honeymoon? Weren't you both direct witnesses?" Gu An Tong retorted with a cold glance.

She remembered that when she first arrived, Housekeeper Ye had approached and discreetly reminded them that if Si Hanxiang wasn't home, Wei Yulan might cause them trouble.

Gu Antong was mentally prepared, but she felt inexplicably upset upon seeing Jiang Nuan's face.

Jiang Nuan nodded, "True, who would have thought that big brother would put on such a show with you in the street, and it even made it into the newspapers. Big brother is quite remarkable. That's how Si Shi's stock has skyrocketed."

Gu Antong could sense the sarcasm in her words, but she decided not to engage in an argument.

Si Zhenxuan took Gu Antong's hand and led her to Wei Yulan, saying, "Mom, is something wrong? If everything's alright, we'd like to go upstairs and rest." Wei Yulan gestured for them to sit down and pointed to Jiang Wen and Si Yueyun standing to the side. "Antong, both Yueyun and Jiang Nuan felt sorry for you before, but it's all in the past. You and Zhenxuan should maintain a good relationship."

As she spoke, Wei Yulan gestured to the newspaper on the desk, drawing Gu Antong's attention to it. Gu Antong locked eyes with her in silence.

"As for me, I've always been straightforward," Wei Yulan smiled. "Zhenxuan knows. Since you're all here this time, I'll let bygones be bygones."

"Antong, Jiang Nuan has our family's bloodline. She and Yue Yun should not be delayed. I promised you that I would test them earlier. Han Xiang also withheld Yue Yun's funds, which made his life quite difficult. But, to be fair, I'm his mother, and I can't keep watching them struggle."

"Mom, are you saying that I've been unreasonable all this time?" Gu An Tong stated simply, refusing to look at Si Zhenxuan. These two people engaged? What had she lost in the beginning?!

Si Hanxiang had recently gone abroad to deal with the overseas listing of their new branch projects. This matter should have been Si Zhenxuan's responsibility, but Wei Yulan preferred to handle it herself rather than entrusting it to him.

Although she had no particular affection for Jiang Nuan, they managed to find moments of happiness when they were together.

However, when two unexpected visitors appeared at the door, Wei Yulan instinctively set the newspaper aside, her expression darkening. She was growing increasingly averse to these situations.

Gu An Tong noticed the sharp look in Gu An Tong's eyes as they examined the newspaper, which depicted Si Zhen Xuan and herself sharing a kiss on the street. Her face flushed with embarrassment.

Si Yueyun and Jiang Nuan stood up, and the two brothers exchanged friendly greetings. Jiang Nuan chuckled, "Antong, you both seem so happy. Yue Yun and I envy your joy."

"How was our honeymoon? Weren't you both direct witnesses?" Gu An Tong retorted with a cold glance.

She recalled that when she had first arrived, Housekeeper Ye had discreetly reminded them that Wei Yulan might cause them trouble if Si Hanxiang wasn't at home.

Gu Antong had mentally prepared for this, but seeing Jiang Nuan's face still stirred up inexplicable feelings of unease.

Jiang Nuan nodded, "Indeed, who would have thought that big brother would create such a spectacle with you on the street, and that it would end up in the newspapers. Big brother truly has a way with things. That's probably why Si Shi's stock has soared."

Gu Antong sensed the underlying sarcasm, but she chose not to engage in a confrontation.

Si Zhenxuan took Gu Antong's hand and led her over to Wei Yulan, saying, "Mom, is everything alright? If it is, we'd like to go upstairs and rest." Wei Yulan motioned for them to take a seat and gestured to Jiang Wen and Si Yueyun, who were standing nearby. "Antong, both Yueyun and Jiang Nuan felt remorse about the past, but that's all behind us. You and Zhenxuan should nurture a good relationship."

As Wei Yulan spoke, she pointed to the newspaper on the desk, directing Gu Antong's attention to it. Gu Antong met her gaze in silence.

"As for me, I've always been forthright," Wei Yulan smiled. "Zhenxuan understands that. Since you're all here this time, I'm willing to let go of the past."

"Antong, Jiang Nuan carries our family's bloodline. She and Yue Yun shouldn't be delayed any longer. I did promise you that I would test them earlier. Han Xiang also withheld funds from Yue Yun, which caused him considerable hardship. However, to be fair, I am his mother, and I can't continue watching them struggle."

"Mom, are you implying that I've been unreasonable all this time?" Gu An Tong stated plainly, avoiding eye contact with Si Zhenxuan. The prospect of these two getting engaged was not something she had initially anticipated. What had she lost in the beginning?!

Certainly, here's the text rewritten in a more readable and extended form:

Feeling Gu Antong's body straighten up, Si Zhenxuan gently squeezed her hand, signaling her to remain silent for now.

In her subconscious, Gu Antong held onto Si Zhenxuan's hand, which felt oddly cold. This small gesture seemed to infuse her with a newfound sense of confidence, and she resolved to stand by his side through thick and thin, no matter the challenges they might face. So, for the moment, she held her tongue, allowing Si Zhenxuan to handle the situation.

Wei Yulan, with a dismissive wave of her hand, spoke, "We've nearly completed all the preparations." Si Yueyun, as ever, accompanied her with an unchanging smile. Yet, occasionally, his meaningful glances were directed at Gu Antong, leaving her feeling rather uneasy.

Jiang Nuan, hidden beneath his warm exterior, harbored a deep disdain for Si Yueyun's continuous advances. To express his dissatisfaction, he subtly twisted Si Yueyun's hand behind his back.

With each passing moment, Jiang Nuan became more convinced that the agreement he'd reached with Wei Yulan was the right decision, especially if they were to coexist under the same roof. It was essential to ensure that Si Yueyun harbored no ulterior motives toward Gu Antong. This man had a knack for wanting what others possessed.

Wei Yulan's tone shifted, and she turned the conversation toward Si Zhenxuan. "Our family has been taking care of you for so many years, Zhenxuan. When you first came to our household as a child, you enjoyed the privileges of a young master. Even now, Yue Yun regards you as a brother. You hold the esteemed position of director in the Si family business, and you've held it for quite a few years."

Gu Antong, listening to these words, found them rather distasteful. She glanced at Si Zhenxuan, who seemed unruffled by the praise, bringing her a modicum of relief. There was no way Wei Yulan would ask Si Zhenxuan to step down from his directorial role in the family business. After all, Si's enterprise had flourished under his management, and Si Yueyun hadn't proven as capable.

They had a dedicated workforce laboring for their benefit, a win-win situation. There was no reason for Wei Yulan to engage in thankless endeavors.

Nonetheless, Gu Antong's grip on Si Zhenxuan's hand tightened.

Wei Yulan's intentions had become abundantly clear; she wanted to use their current home as a wedding venue, and she intended for Si Zhenxuan and Gu Antong to vacate the premises today.

Even if Wei Yulan wrapped her words in a veneer of magnanimity, Gu Antong couldn't help but find the whole situation absurd.

Was it really necessary to evict their adopted son to accommodate their second son's wedding?

Wei Yulan continued, "After all, you're about to be married. It wouldn't be appropriate to live here with us any longer. We've treated you well over the years, and you should be self-reliant by now."

"The day after tomorrow, our engagement ceremony is scheduled, and we need to prepare the house in advance. Your belongings have been packed for you."

Gu Antong couldn't believe it. Si Hanxiang had gone abroad, and they were enjoying their honeymoon in Chengdu, while Wei Yulan and Jiang Nuan seemed to have begun making calculations.

But what could Gu Antong say?

Si Hanxiang and Wei Yulan had raised Si Zhenxuan for nearly 30 years. Even if Si Zhenxuan were asked to move out now, he wouldn't raise any objections. Nor would Gu Antong.

To be honest, moving out seemed like a better option. She wouldn't have to see Jiang Nuan's face every day, which would certainly make things easier for her.

Si Zhenxuan remained silent, his expression grave. Si Yueyun appeared slightly apprehensive about his elder brother's reaction, huddled together with Jiang Nuan in hushed conversation.

Sensing that Gu Antong still wore a discontented expression, Wei Yulan's tone took on a more serious note. "Antong, there are things you don't fully comprehend. Being a mother all these years hasn't been easy for me. Now that you and Zhenxuan are married and in love, it might be best for you to find your own place to live. Staying in this family could lead to conflicts sooner or later."

Wei Yulan's words left Gu Antong momentarily stunned. There was a hint of weariness on Wei Yulan's face, suggesting that she, too, had grown tired, and she felt that Si Zhenxuan was burdened by the family's expectations.