“Is there someone in Father’s room?”
A middle-aged man’s voice came from outside. Su Nian’an guessed it was Gu Qingyu’s father, Gu Yaoguo.
“Yes. We have a visitor,” Bai Yuyan replied.
“Who would come?” Gu Yaoguo’s brow furrowed in confusion.
Ever since the Gu family fell on hard times, everyone had gone out of their way to keep their distance. Who on earth would show up now?
“It’s the Su family’s daughter. Have you forgotten? Father arranged a marriage with the Su family’s old master long ago.”
At those words, Gu Yaoguo fell silent.
Moments later, Su Nian’an heard footsteps drawing nearer.
The first to step in was Gu Yaoguo — a stern, sharp-featured man whose features bore a clear resemblance to Gu Qingyu’s. Su Nian’an hesitated, wondering whether to greet him.
Truth be told, winning over elders came easily to her. Growing up as a left-behind child had shaped her into someone who once habitually sought approval from others. But not anymore. Now, she only cared about pleasing those she truly wished to get along with.
Before she could make up her mind, Gu Yaoguo spoke first.
“I’ve met the Su family’s daughter a few times. This isn’t her.”
The room fell dead silent. Bai Yuyan and Gu Qingyuan, standing beside her, all turned their eyes toward Su Nian’an — only to find her calm, showing no trace of panic.
Suddenly, a fit of coughing broke out.
Gu Yaoguo immediately turned away from Su Nian’an and hurried to the bedside.
“Father! Why are you coughing so badly? Are you unwell?”
Old Master Gu lifted his head, shot Gu Yaoguo a sharp glare, and said firmly:
“Quiet! Whether An’an is still counted among the Su family or not, I’ve taken a great liking to this child. I’ve already decided — she will be my granddaughter-in-law.”
His words left Gu Yaoguo speechless. He shifted his gaze from Su Nian’an to his son, Gu Qingyu, who stood leaning against the doorway watching quietly.
“Qingyu,” he said, turning to his son. “You tell him.”
Gu Qingyu glanced first at Su Nian’an, then at his grandfather — and said nothing. His silence was answer enough.
“You…” Gu Yaoguo pressed on. “This is your marriage. Think carefully! The betrothal arranged between our families was never meant for this girl.”
Gu Yaoguo was simply furious. It felt as though the Su family had sent a random girl to fool them. Years ago, Old Master Gu had gone to great lengths to help the Su family. And now, with the Gu family demoted and exiled, others were using the Su family’s ties to attack them. The very idea that the Su family had sent Su Nian’an as a last-minute substitute bride filled Gu Yaoguo with deep resentment.
“I prefer this one,” Old Master Gu said calmly. “Yaoguo, everyone has their pride. You keep saying she’s ‘not the right one’ — how do you expect An’an to feel hearing that?” As he spoke, he looked at Su Nian’an with genuine concern in his eyes.
“I’m quite alright, Grandfather,” Su Nian’an said. “Uncle Gu only has the family’s best interests at heart. I understand completely.”
Her words were far from sincere. Anyone would be upset to be spoken to so coldly. But for now — to stay close to the male lead and obtain the spatial bracelet she sought — she needed to make a good impression.
Old Master Gu nodded gently. Then he tried to get out of bed, prompting Gu Yaoguo to rush forward and help him up carefully.
“An’an, come along — it’s time for dinner,” Old Master Gu said, walking slowly with Gu Yaoguo’s support and smiling at her.
“Yes, thank you, Grandfather.”
Su Nian’an didn’t stand on ceremony. She simply followed behind him toward the dining hall. As she passed Gu Qingyu, she didn’t pause or glance his way — walking straight past him toward the table. Gu Qingyu stood watching her retreating figure, deep in thought.
When everyone else had left, Gu Qingyu was about to follow — only to find his sister, Gu Qingyuan, still standing there facing him.
“Something on your mind?” he asked.
“Congratulations, Brother,” Gu Qingyuan said, smiling faintly. “You’re finally getting married.” Whether her words were truly warm wishes, however, remained unclear.
Gu Qingyu glanced at her coolly. “You shouldn’t force a smile. It doesn’t suit you.”
Gu Qingyuan’s expression hardened. She let out a soft huff, turned on her heel, and walked away.
In truth, the two siblings were remarkably alike — both reserved, slow to warm up, and cool by nature. Good relationships often thrive on differences; but because their personalities were so similar, the two had always been somewhat at odds. Though, it was mostly Gu Qingyuan who felt that way. As her elder brother, Gu Qingyu was far less petty. Still, they shared a genuine bond — whenever either needed help, they would bicker endlessly, yet always ensure the other’s request was perfectly fulfilled.
Gu Qingyuan struck Su Nian’an as a cool, striking beauty — that was her first impression. Watching her sit across the table, Su Nian’an realized every member of the Gu family was undeniably good-looking. Yet in the novel, Gu Qingyuan had been portrayed almost like a villain — and much of the reason the male and female lead had struggled to get together early on was due to her interference.
“Nian’an,” Old Master Gu said warmly, “I’m afraid we have little to offer you. You’ve seen our circumstances… but if you’re willing to stay, you will be most welcome in this home.”
Old Master Gu had not been able to dine with the family for days. Seeing Su Nian’an there seemed to have given him a spark of life.
Su Nian’an looked at the plain, simple food — clearly prepared by someone unaccustomed to cooking. Yet recalling the meals the original Su Nian’an had endured, she realized this was actually better. At least here, they had proper rice and steamed buns — not coarse, rough grains.
“I feel perfectly at home, Grandfather,” she replied with a bright smile. “Tomorrow, let me cook for you. I’ll prepare something delicious that will surely whet your appetite!”
The moment she spoke, the atmosphere in the room shifted subtly.
“Nian’an,” Bai Yuyan said gently from across the table, “we have very little food left. But since it’s your first day here, you certainly deserve something nice. Our rations from the village are strictly limited. Tomorrow, I’ll speak with nearby villagers and see if we can trade for some fresh ingredients. What would you like to eat?”
Su Nian’an understood now. The subtle tension made sense — the Gu family was struggling greatly. Yet with a new daughter-in-law arriving, they could not possibly welcome her without offering their very best. It was heartbreaking to see their decline — falling from wealth to hardship could not have been easy. Even so, seeing them all sit together so calmly filled her with admiration. Still, Old Master Gu looked frail and melancholy — even seated at the table, he appeared weak and unwell.
“Auntie, please don’t trouble yourself,” Su Nian’an said. “I’ll cook whatever rations are given to us. It will be more than enough.”
“That simply won’t do!” Old Master Gu spoke up firmly.
All heads turned toward him. With trembling hands, he reached inside his coat and pulled out a gleaming gold pocket watch.
Su Nian’an did not understand its significance — but every member of the Gu family paled visibly the moment they saw it in his hand.