Didn't they just meet today? Why were they meeting again tomorrow?
Sensing the confusion between the two, Lao Gu, who was standing beside Ye Shulian, spoke up to explain.
Aren't you two off tomorrow afternoon? Your mother and I just discussed it. It's better to move during the break so you can adapt to the new environment early and avoid feeling out of place.
These words were directed at Ye Zhenzhen. Then, he turned to Gu Ran and said, We need to pack up properly tonight. Don't let your sister see that pigsty of yours when she comes over tomorrow.
Ye Zhenzhen: ???
Gu Ran: ???
Wasn't this a bit sudden?
Meeting today and moving in together tomorrow? This was moving at more than double speed.
But the two adults had already made up their minds. The opinions of the two children weren't particularly important. After all, once they moved in, it wasn't the two of them who would be sharing a bed.
Furthermore, when Lao Gu took out the loan to buy the house, he had specifically chosen a three-bedroom apartment so that both children would have their own rooms.
So, this was merely an announcement. Gu Ran understood this and remained quietly obedient.
Ye Zhenzhen was also a good girl. Although she was shocked, she could only accept reality.
Regarding the move tomorrow, the four of them reached a pleasant consensus, bringing brilliant smiles to the faces of Ye Shulian and Gu Xiangcheng.
Seeing their parents so happy, Gu Ran and Ye Zhenzhen also began to think calmly about their life together starting tomorrow.
The two shared a tacit glance, which ended when the girl shyly turned her head away.
...
Night.
Gu Ran sat in the passenger seat, watching the lingering smile on Lao Gu's face without saying a word.
Finally, Lao Gu noticed his son's complex expression. His heart skipped a beat, fearing his son might cause trouble, so he tentatively asked.
I didn't ask for your opinion before discussing the move with your Aunt Ye. Are you...
Knowing what he wanted to say, Gu Ran shook his head and said in a flat tone, It's fine, Dad. You bought the house. It's up to you who lives there.
Gu Ran's face looked calm and his tone seemed normal, but for some reason, Gu Xiangcheng felt like the words sounded a bit off, even a little sarcastic.
If... if you feel uncomfortable about it, I...
Before he could finish, Gu Ran raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, If I feel uncomfortable, are you going to back out at the last minute?
No, I mean you can just bear with it for a bit. Anyway, you'll be going to college soon, so you won't be living at home much, Lao Gu shook his head, offering a blunt solution.
Gu Ran: ...
...
On the other side, Ye Zhenzhen followed her mother upstairs.
As soon as they entered the house, she grabbed her mother's hand and hurriedly asked why they were suddenly moving tomorrow.
Zhenzhen, our lease is about to expire. Your Uncle Gu and I have talked about this before, and we only decided to move after much discussion. As for why we're going tomorrow, it's because the landlord has been pressing us lately. Besides, the location here isn't great, and it's too far from your school. I've seen your Uncle Gu's place. You'll have your own separate room, the environment is good, and it's close to school, making it convenient for you.
Hearing this, Ye Zhenzhen's lips moved as if she wanted to say something.
Seeing this, Ye Shulian tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and continued.
I know what you want to say. The reason your Uncle Gu and I haven't registered our marriage yet was out of consideration for your and Gu Ran's feelings. But seeing how well you two got along today, we've decided to go get the marriage certificate next Monday.
Mon... Monday?!
Ye Zhenzhen's mouth hung open slightly, her eyes filled with shock.
She was completely floored by her mother's speed.
She shook her head, not intending to say anything more, and turned to go back to her room.
In her three years of high school, this was the first night she didn't study. Instead, she organized her room and packed her personal belongings.
She threw away what needed to be thrown and replaced what needed to be replaced; she wouldn't take any old or worn-out items.
She heard her mother say that Uncle Gu's house was in Riverside Garden.
Even if she didn't pay attention to real estate, she had heard of the most luxurious residential complex in the county.
Thinking about her future life under someone else's roof, she turned to look at the little bear on the bed that had been with her for over ten years.
It was a gift from her mother when she was a child. After more than ten years and countless washes, the fabric was poor to begin with, and now it was severely faded with hardly any fur left.
She reached out and stroked the bear's head. After careful consideration, she left the bear on the bed instead of putting it in her suitcase.
It wasn't a particularly sentimental item; it had just been with her for a long time.
But thinking about her stepfather's house in a luxury complex and Gu Ran being there, she was afraid the old, shabby bear would be looked down upon. In the end, she gave up on the bear.
...
Early the next morning.
Sunlight spilled into the room through the curtains, the soft light washing away the gloom of the night and awakening Gu Ran's consciousness.
He sat up lazily, stretched tiredly, got out of bed, and put on his clothes, preparing to start his daily morning run.
Stepping out of the house, the early morning air was a bit chilly. The cold wind brushed against his cheeks, and the bone-chilling sensation instantly cleared his head.
He picked up his pace and ran along the path by the river embankment.
After several consecutive days of exercise, he could feel his body becoming significantly more energetic. An eighteen-year-old body was indeed strong, as evidenced by the tent his shorts propped up every morning.
Bringing breakfast home, he began to tidy up his room since he had spent the previous night writing code.
He carefully placed his books neatly on the bookshelf and organized his messy clothes in the wardrobe, making everything orderly.
He meticulously wiped every piece of furniture and every inch of the floor, doing his best to create a comfortable and clean space.
Having finished the tidying, he picked up an air freshener and lightly sprayed it into the air.
A faint fragrance filled the room, bringing a sense of peace and comfort.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if he could smell the scent of flowers and grass and feel the breath of nature.
This was good. Surely that girl, Ye Zhenzhen, would like this scent too. He then turned and entered the adjacent second bedroom.
It was the same size as his bedroom and had been cleaned by Lao Gu last night. This was the room prepared for his future stepsister.
He sprayed a light mist around the room, looking at the empty yet fresh space with great satisfaction.
Walking to the window, he pushed open the French doors. This room also had a balcony, but it was connected to the balcony of his own room.
Seeing that he could come over without using the door, Gu Ran was even more satisfied.
He could come over through the balcony anytime to bond with his future stepsister. Ye Zhenzhen would surely be so moved she'd want to cry.
With a face full of smiles, he walked out of the room and happened to bump into Lao Gu, who was coming out while yawning. The father and son glanced at each other, and Lao Gu's eyelid couldn't help but twitch...