When Gu Shilan returned home from work.
Jiang Wan’s dumpling-making skills had already begun to show promising results.
She was quick to learn. Although she had just started practicing, the dumplings she made already looked quite decent.
“Why don’t you go rest?”
Gu Shilan’s gentle voice grew clearer as he approached.
Aunt Zhang, afraid that the Young Master might blame the Young Madam, spoke up cleverly: “The Young Madam knew we were having dumplings today and insisted on helping. She said she wanted to make dumplings for you with her own hands.”
But Aunt Zhang was completely overthinking it. How could Gu Shilan bear to blame Jiang Wan? He cherished her too much for that.
Jiang Wan finished shaping a dumpling and set it down, looking up to meet Gu Shilan’s gaze. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled and said, “I’m not very good at making them.”
A smudge of flour had somehow found its way onto her fair cheek.
Gu Shilan reached out to wipe it away. Seeing the question in Jiang Wan’s eyes, he explained, “You accidentally got some flour here.”
“Oh.” Jiang Wan felt clumsy, embarrassed to have made a mess in front of Gu Shilan. In her mind, she pouted.
Gu Shilan rubbed his fingertips, which still carried the warmth from Jiang Wan’s cheek.
It was as if he felt a slight regret in his heart—that the warmth lingered on his fingertips for too short a time.
Although he cherished the feeling Jiang Wan gave him, he had to restrain himself.
This timid little rabbit could only be won over slowly. If he were too forward, the little head she had finally dared to raise would only shrink back in fright.
“I’ll go upstairs to change first, then come down to try Wanwan’s cooking.”
With that, he went upstairs.
Aunt Zhang thought to herself: The young couple’s relationship is so good, so mutual. Even someone in her fifties could feel the sweetness. It wouldn’t be long before they lived together.
After the dumplings were made, the chef took the initiative to cook them. Everyone here got along well, and they were considerate of each other’s work.
Once cooked, Jiang Wan and Gu Shilan sat at the dining table to eat.
Thanks to Aunt Zhang’s excellent seasoning skills, each dumpling was juicy and generously filled. With just a light bite, the flavorful broth filled the mouth.
Jiang Wan even ate a few more than usual. Seeing Gu Shilan dip his dumplings in vinegar, she was unusually intrigued.
She poured some into her bowl as well and began dipping her dumplings too.
Gu Shilan looked up and saw the small half-bowl of vinegar in Jiang Wan’s bowl. His mouth watered uncontrollably, and he asked hesitantly, “Wanwan, do you really like vinegar?”
Jiang Wan shook her head: “I didn’t used to eat it much, but I suddenly felt like having some just now.”
Gu Shilan set down his chopsticks, chuckling inwardly. He felt Jiang Wan’s answer was somewhat suggestive.
But Jiang Wan remained completely unaware, looking at him with innocent, pure eyes.
“It’s good to like vinegar. I like vinegar too, just like Wanwan.” Gu Shilan paused, then added with a double meaning, “It’s even better if you also like spicy food.”
Jiang Wan: “??”
Uncle Gu, listen to what you’re saying. Do you really like condiments that much?
After the meal, Gu Shilan, worried that Jiang Wan might have indigestion, took her for a walk in the backyard to help with digestion.
After a few days of interaction, Jiang Wan had already categorized Gu Shilan in her mind as an exceptionally gentle and humble person.
Thus, her initial reserve slowly faded away.
Little did she know he was a fox in sheep’s clothing.
“Wanwan, did the Jiang family call you today?”
Gu Shilan walked slowly, keeping pace beside Jiang Wan as they strolled leisurely.
Hearing this, Jiang Wan turned her head to look at him. Although she wasn’t short either, standing next to the tall Gu Shilan, she still had to tilt her head up to clearly see the expression on his face.
“No…” Jiang Wan said, somewhat puzzled. “Why do you ask, Uncle Gu?”
Gu Shilan was worried that Jiang Yi wouldn’t give up until he hit a wall—knowing he had been blocked, he might change his phone number to contact Jiang Wan.
Their daughter was missing, yet no one was worried. Instead, they were planning how to find her a remarried man with a child.
Yesterday, seeing Jiang Wan silently keeping to herself, Gu Shilan was instantly overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of heartache, so he decided to give them a small lesson.
“Nothing, I was just afraid they might trouble you again.” Gu Shilan’s expression made it seem as if his earlier words were just a casual inquiry, but what followed was spoken with utmost seriousness: “Wanwan, how do you want to handle your relationship with the Jiang family?”
If she didn’t want to have any further ties with them, he could help her settle it.
Jiang Wan stood under the moonlight, slightly raising her head to look at the sky, her eyes seemingly gazing at distant memories. “Uncle Gu, there’s no place for me in that home anymore.”
After Mom left, she only had herself.
Gu Shilan’s heart suddenly tightened.
As if a sharp dagger had cut a deep wound.
A constricting pain.
In the business world, he had always remained calm and composed in the face of various challenges, but now he found himself somewhat tongue-tied.
He thought that, regarding Jiang Wan’s past, any comfort now would feel powerless.
Jiang Wan lacked a sense of security, stemming from her family of origin—her mother’s early passing, her father’s incompetence. In that home, Jiang Wan had never felt a trace of warmth.
Yet, Jiang Wan deeply longed for familial affection and normal interactions within a family.
Just like when she made dumplings with Aunt Zhang and the others, the smile on Jiang Wan’s face was one of genuine happiness.
“Wanwan.” Gu Shilan gently took Jiang Wan’s hand. The hand in his palm trembled slightly but didn’t pull away.
He looked at Jiang Wan, her almond-shaped eyes flickering slightly, and said softly, “From now on, this is your home. You’ll have many family members who love you. You’re no longer alone.”
Jiang Wan felt a pang of sorrow in her heart. It had been a long time since anyone had spoken to her like this after her mother passed away. “Uncle Gu… thank you.”
Under the moonlight, Jiang Wan’s dark eyes were like flawless obsidian, as dazzling as stars.
Gu Shilan’s heart seemed to sink into them. He said, “Wanwan, and there’s also someone who loves you—”
Before he could finish, he was interrupted.
“Master.” Wen Shi called from a distance. “Mr. Lu is on the phone regarding the banquet in a few days.”
Gu Shilan’s unspoken words were left unsaid. He suppressed his emotions and chuckled inwardly, wondering how he had become so impulsive.
Fortunately, Wen Shi had interrupted him. If he had told Jiang Wan now that he liked her,
this little rabbit would surely shyly hide away, and he would only see her lowered head every day, making it difficult to even exchange a few words.
“Alright, let’s go back.” Gu Shilan pretended as if nothing had happened and prepared to lead Jiang Wan back. “It’s late. You should rest.”
Jiang Wan didn’t know what Gu Shilan had wanted to say earlier. After a moment of thought, she turned her head and asked, “Uncle Gu… what were you going to tell me just now?”
Gu Shilan chuckled lightly, teasingly saying, “And there’s also Du Du who loves you.”
Jiang Wan: “…”