After Yanzhou ran off and Yichen had gone upstairs, the atmosphere in the room slowly warmed up again.
Su Wei let out a soft breath, relaxing her tense shoulders. She looked at the Old Master, her eyes still holding a little bit of unease.
"Grandpa, is.... is Mr. Gu always like that?" she asked softly. "He seems very scary."
Old Master Gu chuckled gently, patting her hand reassuringly.
"Aiya, don't be intimidated by him, child. That boy just has a cold face and a stiff tongue. He isn't good at expressing himself, but his heart is actually good. He is the young head of the Gu family now, second only to me, so he has to carry a heavy burden and keep a serious image. He takes after me when I was young—proud and stern."
He looked at her with warm, loving eyes.
"Listen to me, Weiwei. From now on, don't see yourself as an outsider. I have already taken you as my own granddaughter. This is your home too. Feel free, laugh more, don't always hold back. Okay?"
Su Wei’s heart felt warm. For the first time in years, she felt the care of an elder. She nodded vigorously, a bright smile returning to her face.
"Yes, Grandpa! I understand."
They continued chatting happily for a while longer, talking about all sorts of interesting things.
Just then, a maid walked over respectfully.
"Old Master, Miss Su, dinner is ready."
"Ah, perfect timing!" The Old Master stood up with the help of his cane. "Come, Weiwei. Let's go eat. You must be starving."
Su Wei followed him to the dining room.
The dining table was long and magnificent, and it was already filled with an assortment of delicious dishes—colorful, fragrant, and looking incredibly expensive. There were soups, meats, vegetables, and even fresh fruits and fine drinks arranged beautifully.
Old Master Gu naturally took the seat at the very head of the table, the position of supreme authority. Su Wei sat on his right hand side.
Not long after, footsteps approached.
Gu Yichen walked in.
He had changed out of his business suit. Now, he was wearing casual home clothes—a simple white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, and dark pants. He looked less intimidating than before, more relaxed, but his handsome face still carried that natural aura of command that came with being the young leader of the family.
Since Grandpa was present, Yichen did not sit at the head. He took the seat at the opposite end, or sometimes the side, but tonight he sat directly across from Su Wei, maintaining his status as the Young Master.
The moment he sat down, the lively atmosphere seemed to quiet down slightly. Su Wei immediately stopped talking, lowering her head slightly and picking up her spoon quietly. She didn't dare to speak or move too much.
The dinner started in a somewhat awkward silence.
Yichen ate elegantly but quickly, focusing entirely on his food, not saying a single word.
But Old Master Gu was having none of it.
"Weiwei, eat more of this fish," the Old Master said, personally picking up a piece of fish meat and placing it in her bowl. "It's very nutritious. And this soup too, drink it while it's hot."
"Thank you, Grandpa," Su Wei replied softly, eating obediently.
Seeing how the Old Master doted on her, and seeing how beautiful and shy she looked, Yanzhou—who was sitting nearby—started his antics again.
He leaned over slightly, grinning playfully.
"Sister Weiwei, do you like spicy food? Oh right! You saved Grandpa, so you are our hero! From now on, you can order anything you want in this house! Just tell me, I'll get it for you immediately!"
He winked, clearly trying to flirt and charm her.
"Yanzhou!" Old Master Gu glared at him lightly, tapping his cane. "Eat your food properly! Stop disturbing Sister Weiwei while she's eating!"
Yanzhou immediately shut his mouth, but he couldn't hide his playful nature. He smiled mischievously, gave Su Wei a thumbs up under the table, and mouthed: "I'm serious though!"
Su Wei couldn't help but cover her mouth and giggle quietly.
Yichen, who was sitting opposite them, noticed that small smile. His hands paused for a split second holding the chopsticks, but he didn't look up. He just continued eating, though his expression seemed to soften just a tiny bit.
----------------------------------------------
Dinner finally came to an end. The atmosphere had gradually relaxed, and everyone felt satisfied and content. The food was delicious, and the conversation, though sometimes interrupted by silence, was warm.
Su Wei wiped her mouth gently with a napkin and stood up.
"Grandpa, Mr. Gu, Young Master Gu... thank you for the meal. It is getting late now, so I think it is time for me to head home."
Old Master Gu nodded, looking at her lovingly. "Alright, alright. It is indeed late. You must be tired."
Just as Su Wei was about to turn and ask the butler to call a car for her, a deep voice suddenly spoke up.
"I will drive you back."
"Huh?!"
Su Wei froze. She turned her head slowly, staring at Gu Yichen with wide eyes, completely stunned.
She thought she had misheard. He wants to drive her home? The man who barely spoke two words to her the whole night? The man who treated her like air?
She was utterly speechless, her mouth opening and closing slightly but no sound coming out. She didn't know whether to say yes or no. She didn't know what to do at all.
Not only Su Wei was shocked.
Gu Yanzhou, who was drinking water, nearly choked. He put down his glass, staring at his older brother with his eyes wide open, blinking rapidly in total disbelief.
"Bro? Driving her home personally?"
"Since when did Big Bro become such a gentleman?"
"He usually wouldn't even bother to walk someone to the door!"
Yanzhou just sat there, looking back and forth between them, completely stunned.
But the happiest person was Old Master Gu. His face lit up instantly, beaming with delight.
"Oh! That is wonderful!" The Old Master clapped his hands lightly, urging them on excitedly. "Hurry up then! It's not safe for a young lady to travel alone at night. Yichen, you send Weiwei back properly. Make sure she gets inside safely!"
He looked at Su Wei with a meaningful smile. "See? I told you he has a good heart. He just doesn't show it."
Yichen didn't say anything else. He just stood up straight, his tall figure casting a shadow over her. He adjusted his sleeve casually, acting as if offering to drive her home was the most natural thing in the world, despite the surprise he caused.
"Let's go," he said simply, his voice low and calm.
Su Wei was still in a daze. She looked at Grandpa's happy face, looked at Yanzhou's shocked expression, and then looked at Yichen's indifferent profile.
She still couldn't believe it.
Is this really happening?