Gu Qingyue lifted her eyes to meet the man’s phoenix-like gaze. The depths of his eyes were like a finely aged wine calm, intoxicating, and tender.
The tension in her chest seemed to ease a little. Her fingers slowly unclenched around the seatbelt.
Shang Yuze stepped out of the car and retrieved the gifts from the trunk. Gu Qingyue followed closely, not leaving his side. The late-autumn wind bit at her skin, bringing a sudden clarity to her previously muddled thoughts.
Before they could step into the living room, a silver-haired elderly man appeared in a rush, moving with such speed it hardly seemed like he was in his seventies.
“Grandpa” Shang Yuze called out.
But the old man didn’t even glance at him. He brushed past Shang Yuze and strode directly toward Gu Qingyue, completely ignoring his grandson.
He studied Gu Qingyue carefully. The young girl looked gentle and obedient, her complexion fair and beautiful, her eyes clean and bright. The more he looked, the more he liked her, and his eyes narrowed into a pleased slit.
“You must be Yueyue. I’m Shang Yuze’s grandfather. Come in, come in. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time,” he said warmly.
His kindly demeanor instantly eased much of Gu Qingyue’s nervousness and apprehension. She allowed the old man to guide her inside.
Shang Yuze removed his coat and casually hung it on a rack, then naturally took a seat beside Gu Qingyue.
Just as they sat, uniformed servants filed in one after another, standing neatly before them a total of about twenty people.
Shang Lin smiled and said, “It’s your first time meeting, so Grandpa prepared a few small gifts for you. See if you like them. If not, Grandpa can get you something else.”
The servants lifted the red cloth on the tray, revealing top-tier luxury items limited edition handbags, dazzling jewelry sparkling under the lights, perfume bottles inlaid with diamonds, each refracting colorful light.
Even without knowing the brands, Gu Qingyue could tell these were extremely expensive. The cheapest items were likely worth seven figures.
She was genuinely shocked, her words stumbling. “Grandpa… all of these are for me?”
“Yes, it’s a bit modest. Time was tight today. Later, Grandpa will get you something even better,” Shang Lin said matter-of-factly, seeing no issue.
After all, this was the first time the girl had come to meet the family, and as her grandfather, he wanted to make an impression.
The wedding had been rushed, so he had gone to Beijing’s largest mall and chosen a few of the most expensive luxury items he thought the girl might like.
It wasn’t until later that he realized he hadn’t asked her age. He called Shang Yuze, confirmed, and had the store expedite delivery to the Shang family residence.
Time was tight, so this was a temporary selection. Later, he planned to carefully choose more valuable and meaningful gifts for his granddaughter-in-law.
“No, no, no… these are too extravagant,” Gu Qingyue shook her head vigorously.
“You are my Shang family granddaughter-in-law. This is only right,” Shang Lin said, his face full of affection. “Grandpa is giving them to you, so just accept them.”
Shang Yuze had told him about Gu Qingyue’s difficult family situation. Knowing she had been neglected at home, and that her foster parents were unreliable, he wanted to give her extra care now that she was part of their family.
He had long regretted never having a granddaughter. Now, with his grandson married, it was as if he had a granddaughter after all.
Gu Qingyue felt tears prick her eyes, her gaze shifting to Shang Yuze sitting beside her.
He leaned against the sofa, relaxed yet elegant. Noticing her glance, he smiled faintly and nodded, silently encouraging her to accept the gifts.
Gu Qingyue’s face brightened. “Thank you, Grandpa.”
Shang Lin chatted with her casually. His gaze was kind and warm, completely approachable, like a grandfather from any ordinary family.
Gradually, Gu Qingyue relaxed, her delicate features lit with a smile.
Shang Yuze mainly served tea and refilled their cups, occasionally joining the conversation.the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
A faint smile lingered at the corners of Shang Yuze’s lips. Since his parents had passed, such peaceful and cozy family moments had been rare.
During the conversation, Shang Lin noticed Gu Qingyue’s graceful speech, her modest and polite demeanor, and found her very likable.
At mealtime, Shang Lin gestured to Gu Qingyue from the head of the table. “Yueyue, come sit beside Grandpa.”
Obediently, she took the seat. Shang Yuze didn’t sit on the other side of his grandfather; instead, he sat close to Gu Qingyue.
The meal was lavish, almost like a full banquet.
“I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I asked the chefs to prepare a few extra dishes. If you like something, tell Grandpa. Next time, we’ll have it ready for you in advance.”
Shang Lin carefully used chopsticks to place food on Gu Qingyue’s plate. Soon, her bowl was piled high.
Shang Yuze placed the prepared crab meat within her reach.
Gu Qingyue lowered her gaze to the food, her lips tight, her fingers gripping the chopsticks.
In her memory, no one had ever served her food. Being aware she wasn’t a biological child, the coldness and neglect of the Gu family now made sense.
She had thought time could heal all wounds. But later, she realized only the surface healed; deep inside, decay had taken root.
When ignored for long periods, memories resurfaced like persistent rain, seeping despair into her chest.
Now, the storm had passed but the lingering clouds hadn’t completely dissipated.
Seeing her hesitate, Shang Yuze leaned close, voice soft beside her ear. “Don’t like it? You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to.”
“Huh?” Gu Qingyue turned instinctively, her thoughts previously lost in her own emotions. She hadn’t noticed his words or how close he had been.
Her red lips brushed against his cheek as she turned.
Her eyes widened in shock, her face instantly aflame. She recoiled instinctively, trying to put distance between them.
Shang Yuze’s gaze darkened slightly, recalling the fleeting softness of her lips against his cheek. His usually cold features softened imperceptibly. He repeated his words in a voice only they could hear.
“I… I like it very much,” Gu Qingyue replied, picking up the crab meat and eating in small bites.
Shang Lin observed this scene, clearly seeing a young couple in the early stages of romance. He glanced between his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, smiling like a proud aunt.
Good. Newlyweds should be close and affectionate.
He almost thought his usually aloof and detached grandson would end up alone for life.
While eating, Shang Lin glanced at the young couple again. Seeing Shang Yuze making no move to serve her, he furrowed his brows.
“Shang Yuze, don’t just eat for yourself. Serve Yueyue. Is this so hard? Do I need to teach you? You didn’t inherit your father’s emotional intelligence at all.”