Jiang Wan felt that Gu Shilan was nothing like the rumors suggested.
People said he was ruthless in his dealings, never leaving any room for compromise.
But after their interaction tonight, Jiang Wan thought the rumors might be wrong. Uncle Gu was actually a very patient and gentlemanly person.
Throughout the meal, Gu Shilan barely ate, instead discreetly taking care of Jiang Wan.
After dinner, Jiang Wan felt her stomach was no longer uncomfortable, and her mind had cleared considerably.
“Wanwan.” Seeing that Jiang Wan’s spirits had improved, Gu Shilan finally steered the conversation back to the main topic. “I’d like to hear your thoughts.”
“Uncle Gu.” Jiang Wan looked up at Gu Shilan, pausing for a moment before saying, “I can’t keep this child.”
Gu Shilan’s expression didn’t change much, but even if it had, a girl as inexperienced as Jiang Wan wouldn’t have been able to tell.
He said, “May I hear your reasons?”
“I just graduated from university and haven’t settled down yet. I haven’t even found my own path, and if I start working, I won’t be able to take care of them. Bringing a child into the world under these circumstances would be irresponsible.”
Gu Shilan wasn’t surprised by this answer. Jiang Wan might appear soft, but she was actually a girl with a strong inner resolve.
She was probably much stronger than he had imagined.
“If that’s your concern,” Gu Shilan said with unprecedented seriousness, “I will take responsibility. Wanwan, I will marry you.”
Jiang Wan paused, not expecting Gu Shilan to make such a decision. She studied his expression; it didn’t seem feigned. He was serious.
“Uncle Gu, please forget about what happened that day. We can’t even say we’re familiar with each other, and the child isn’t a product of love. If we rashly come together just for the sake of the child, how long can a marriage without love last? If one day we regret today’s decision, what will happen to the child?”
Jiang Wan was rational and wouldn’t let her emotions cloud the practical issues.
Besides, what happened between her and Gu Shilan was just an accident.
She still had a vague memory of that day.
She had been the one to initiate it.
It wasn’t solely Gu Shilan’s fault, and he shouldn’t have to bear the responsibility alone.
Gu Shilan stared into Jiang Wan’s eyes and asked, “Wanwan, have you made up your mind?”
Jiang Wan hesitated for a moment but still replied, “Yes.”
Gu Shilan didn’t try to persuade her further. Instead, he shifted the topic, saying, “Regardless, I also bear responsibility. I’ll cover the cost of the abortion, and I’ll accompany you to the hospital. Otherwise, I won’t feel at ease.”
Jiang Wan didn’t refuse Gu Shilan’s offer to pay for the abortion. After all, it was his child too, and besides, five thousand yuan was no small sum for her.
That same night, Gu Shilan drove Jiang Wan to the city’s most upscale private hospital.
Looking at the luxurious facilities in the hospital, Jiang Wan whispered, “Uncle Gu, this place is too expensive. For an abortion procedure, a regular hospital would be fine.”
“Don’t worry,” Gu Shilan reassured her gently. “I have some connections with the director here. They’ll give me a discount on the checkup and hospitalization.”
Jiang Wan couldn’t tell if it was her imagination, but she felt this might be a well-intentioned lie from Gu Shilan.
“You’re not lying to me, are you?”
Gu Shilan looked into Jiang Wan’s bright, dark eyes, which held a liveliness and charm others often overlooked.
“Of course not,” he said gently, changing the subject. “You have a checkup tomorrow morning, Wanwan. Staying up too late could affect the results.”
Hearing Gu Shilan’s “threat,” Jiang Wan obediently went inside right away.
This place was more luxurious than a five-star hotel, unlike the cold and solemn atmosphere of an ordinary hospital room. Inside was a suite, complete not only with a patient’s rest area but also a living room and office space.
“Uncle Gu,” Jiang Wan glanced at the wall clock; it was almost ten o’clock. “It’s very late, you should go back.”
“Alright,” Gu Shilan didn’t insist on staying and instructed, “If anything comes up, call me.”
“Understood.” Jiang Wan paused before adding, “Be careful on the road.”
Gu Shilan nodded, signaling for her not to worry, and then left the room.
However, after leaving Jiang Wan’s room, he didn’t head home. Instead, he turned and entered the adjacent room.
With a flick of the switch, warm light immediately filled the space.
Gu Shilan sat on the sofa with a grave expression, leaning back slightly to relax his body. His long fingers gently pinched the bridge of his nose.
He sighed and then dialed his phone, calling medical doctor He Boyan.
The next morning, at 6:30 a.m., Zhang Qian knocked on Gu Shilan’s door precisely on time, holding a custom-made suit.
Almost the moment he knocked, Gu Shilan opened the door.
“Thank you for your trouble,” he said as he took the clothes, his demeanor as composed and steady as ever. He spoke concisely, “Later, please go to Yuexiang Lou and buy some chicken soup and crab roe soup dumplings for me.”
“Understood, Mr. Gu.” Zhang Qian accepted the order and went to carry it out.
He was always reliable and meticulous, capable of handling even the smallest details.
This was why he had remained by Gu Shilan’s side as his special assistant.
After changing his clothes, Gu Shilan glanced at his wristwatch—the hands pointed exactly to seven o’clock. It was time for the check-up, so he headed to Jiang Wan’s room.
When Gu Shilan arrived, Jiang Wan had just finished washing up. Hearing a gentle knock on the slightly ajar door, she said, “Come in.”
The door opened, and Gu Shilan walked in.
He was dressed in a perfectly tailored custom-made suit. The shirt over his chest was slightly taut from his well-built physique, the fabric rising and falling with his breath, exuding a cold, restrained allure.
At that moment, his deep eyes were fixed on Jiang Wan.
For some reason, Jiang Wan was reminded of that night. Though she had no specific memories, she secretly blushed.
Seeing her distracted, Gu Shilan thought she was nervous about the upcoming check-up and reassured her, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll accompany you during the examination.”
Jiang Wan glanced at him in surprise, realizing he had misunderstood.
She secretly felt relieved that Gu Shilan hadn’t noticed her unusual reaction.
Letting out a quiet sigh in her heart, she avoided looking at Gu Shilan’s stone-blue shirt and said nonchalantly, “I’m not afraid.”
Thanks to Gu Shilan’s prior arrangements, the entire examination proceeded smoothly.
After Jiang Wan had her blood drawn for testing, Gu Shilan took her for the relevant examinations. By the time they returned to the room, barely an hour had passed.
Zhang Qian, who had gone to buy breakfast, happened to return just then.
Jiang Wan immediately recognized him as Gu Shilan’s assistant, who had driven her home the day before.
She smiled and said, “You’re here.”
“Hello, Miss Jiang,” Zhang Qian greeted her with appropriate courtesy, placing the breakfast on the dining table. With keen awareness, he added with a smile, “Mr. Gu specifically asked me to buy chicken soup and soup dumplings for you.”
Jiang Wan stole a glance at Gu Shilan, her heart skipping a beat, and quickly looked away before he noticed.
“Thank you,” she said politely to Zhang Qian.
“Miss Jiang, you’re too kind.” Sensing the atmosphere in the room, Zhang Qian immediately said, “Please enjoy your meal with President Gu. I won’t disturb you any further.”
After speaking, he looked toward Gu Shilan.