Chapter 3: The Invitation

1142 Words
Two days passed quietly after Old Master Gu sent her home. Su Wei thought that was the end of it. She thought she had done a good deed, received an apology, and life would return to normal. But normal for her was a life of running non-stop. While others her age were enjoying youth, Su Wei was fighting for survival. She worked at the library in the morning, distributed flyers in the afternoon, and tutored children in the evening. She was exhausted every single day, her feet sore and her body tired, but she never complained. Every cent she earned went straight to the hospital for Xiao Yu. But sitting by her brother’s bedside two days ago, watching the medical bills pile up, Su Wei felt a deep sense of powerlessness. The cost of the heart transplant was like a mountain she could never climb. Her efforts seemed futile, like trying to empty an ocean with a cup. On the third day, Su Wei returned home late in the evening. She was carrying groceries, tired but still maintaining her grace. But as she approached her small rented house, she froze. Standing outside her gate was a group of people. And in the center, leaning on a cane, looking elegant and distinguished even in casual clothes, was Old Master Gu—Gu Zhenting. He was waiting there patiently. "Grandpa?!" Su Wei rushed over, shock written all over her beautiful face. "What are you doing here? Why are you standing outside in the wind?" Old Master Gu smiled warmly when he saw her. "I came to see you, child! I missed you these past two days! You didn't come to see me, so I had to come find you!" Su Wei was flattered and flustered. She quickly unlocked the door and ushered him in. "Please, come in! My house is very small and simple, I hope you don't mind." "Nonsense! It looks clean and warm, much better than that empty big house of mine," the Old Master said kindly, walking in. His butler and bodyguards remained respectfully outside, standing guard. Inside the small living room, Su Wei hurriedly made tea for him. She was nervous at first, but the Old Master was so easy to talk to. He didn't act like a wealthy tycoon; he acted like a kind grandfather. And as they talked, Su Wei’s natural personality shone through. She wasn't just quiet and sad. She was actually very lively, witty, and had a great sense of humor. "Haha! Really? Your father actually tried to bet the family cow?" The Old Master laughed heartily, his eyes crinkling with joy. "Yes!" Su Wei covered her mouth and giggled, her eyes sparkling like stars. "He was so drunk he really thought the cow could win a race! That was when I knew I had to take my brother and leave. We couldn't live like that anymore." "You are amazing, Weiwei," the Old Master patted her hand affectionately. "You have suffered so much, yet you are still so optimistic. And you tell jokes so well! You really know how to make an old man happy. I haven't laughed this much in years." "Grandpa, you are making me blush," Su Wei said shyly, smiling brightly. "It's easy to talk to you. You don't act like those rich people in the movies who look down on others." "Good! That's how it should be," the Old Master chuckled. "We are friends, aren't we? More than that... I feel like you are my own granddaughter." They talked for hours. They talked about everything—food, interesting stories, life lessons. Su Wei found herself opening up to him completely. She told him about how hard it was to find work, and how she had to learn to cook and clean everything by herself. "I really wish you would visit more," the Old Master said softly, holding her hand. "It's so lonely at my house. No one dares to joke with me. They are all too afraid of my status. Tomorrow... come to my house for dinner. I will send my car and Butler Zhang to pick you up. Consider it my formal invitation. As a thank you." Su Wei hesitated, shaking her head gently. "But Grandpa, I really don't need anything. I saved you because I wanted to, not for rewards." "I know, I know!" The Old Master waved his hand. "But think of it this way—I have already adopted you as my granddaughter in my heart. Is there anything wrong with a granddaughter going to her grandfather's house for a meal? It’s just family. And I insist on sending the car. I don't want you getting tired." His reasoning was warm and irresistible. Su Wei smiled softly. "Okay. I will come." ---–-——-------------------------------------- The next day. Promptly at 4:00 PM, a luxurious black car arrived at Su Wei’s doorstep, just as promised. Butler Zhang opened the door respectfully. "Miss Su, the Old Master is waiting for you." Su Wei greeted the butler and got in. She was dressed simply—just a plain cotton dress, her hair tied back neatly. She wore no makeup, yet her natural beauty was radiant, like a lotus flower rising from water. When they arrived at the Gu Mansion in Jincheng, she was truly stunned. The mansion was enormous. The ceilings were high, the floors were polished marble, and the decorations were priceless. It was like a palace. She came from humble beginnings, and she couldn't help but look around nervously, feeling a little out of place. "Miss Su, please wait here. I will inform the Old Master you have arrived," Butler Zhang said politely. Su Wei sat on the edge of the huge sofa, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Soon, Old Master Gu came walking out. He was wearing comfortable, high-quality lounge wear, looking relaxed and free-spirited. Despite being one of the most powerful and wealthy men in the world, he preferred to be comfortable rather than stuck in stiff formal suits all day. "Weiwei! You're here!" "Grandpa!" Su Wei stood up quickly, a bright smile appearing on her face instantly. Her eyes lit up, and her whole demeanor became lively and happy again. "Come, sit here closer to me," the Old Master patted the seat beside him. "Are you comfortable? Did the car ride go well?" "Yes, it was very smooth, thank you, Grandpa," Su Wei replied gently. "Good, good. Now, tell me... what do you feel like eating tonight? We can have anything you want." "I eat anything, Grandpa. I'm not picky," Su Wei laughed. "From now on, you must eat well. You are too thin." They laughed and chatted, the atmosphere warm and joyful. Su Wei told him funny stories about her part-time jobs, making the Old Master laugh until his sides hurt.
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