Chapter 13: Mr. Gu's Birthday Banquet

Early the next morning, Gu Yao came knocking on Lin Xi’s door, saying he wanted to take her to Gu Jue’s house for a small gathering, and Lin Tianyou would be joining them for lunch. This time, Lu Yuxiu couldn’t find any excuse to follow along; he returned to his parents’ place, preparing for the evening banquet.

Gu Yao brought Lin Xi to Gu Jue’s house at noon.

As soon as Lin Xi stepped out of the car, a golden shadow darted out and threw itself onto her legs.

It was Gu Jue and An Shiying’s beloved dog—a purebred Labrador named Happy, a retired therapy dog. Lin Xi had once cared for Happy while she was ill in Country Y, and later gifted it to her third brother.

Perhaps Happy had caught her scent from afar; as soon as Lin Xi exited the car, it leapt at her, tail wagging with exuberant excitement.

Lin Xi was overjoyed. She reached down to stroke Happy’s head, watching its blissful expression. It had been so long since she’d seen Happy, yet it still remembered her.

“Happy, you’ve grown so much!” Lin Xi laughed, running her fingers through the dog’s smooth fur.

Happy panting, grinning broadly.

Looking at it, Lin Xi nearly teared up. Back in those painful days, Happy had always greeted her with a smile, no matter how she lashed out in anger, always nudging her, never letting her harm herself. Lin Xi felt a pang of sorrow and hugged Happy’s neck tightly.

Gu Yao noticed something was amiss. Seeing An Shiying come out, he hurriedly exchanged a glance with her.

An Shiying understood at once and stepped forward, “Xi, come inside, your third brother had a bunch of dresses delivered. Let’s pick one together.”

She helped Lin Xi to her feet. Lin Xi’s loose hair covered her face as she discreetly wiped her eyes. Standing up, she was smiling once again.

An Shiying signaled Gu Yao to lead Happy away, then linked arms with Lin Xi and they went upstairs, chatting warmly as they chose dresses.

An Shiying donned a pale blue gown, its silk fabric smooth and accentuating her graceful figure, swaying elegantly. Her hair was braided into a complex, splendid plait, making her glow with gentle, serene beauty.

Lin Xi fastened a butterfly necklace for her. “Sister-in-law, are you nervous?”

An Shiying drew a deep breath, clenching her hands. “A little.”

Gu Jue and An Shiying had only registered their marriage half a year ago; the wedding was yet to be held. An Shiying had no notable background, her parents both ordinary working folk, so she felt timid.

Gu Jue feared she would be criticized, so he had not revealed her identity publicly, delaying the announcement. Tonight, taking advantage of the old master’s birthday, he planned to introduce her, killing two birds with one stone.

Lin Xi smiled, encouraging as she put her arm around An Shiying’s shoulder, “It’s alright, sister-in-law, I’m here with you.”

“Xi, that’s my line!” Gu Jue appeared out of nowhere.

He wore a deep blue evening suit, exquisitely tailored to highlight his refined and elegant bearing. The ring on his hand sparkled brilliantly. Standing beside An Shiying, they seemed made for each other.

“Third brother, sister-in-law, you two really belong on screen. What a shame about your looks,” Lin Xi teased, smiling.

Gu Jue walked to An Shiying, stood by her side, and leaned down to kiss his wife’s crimson lips.

Lin Xi turned her head, theatrically raised her hand to cover her eyes, spreading her fingers wide and peeking through them, round-eyed, deliberately calling out, “Oh my, oh my, see no evil, see no evil!”

Her antics made both Gu Jue and An Shiying laugh.

“Xi, hurry and change into your dress, we’re leaving soon,” An Shiying said shyly, dragging Gu Jue out with her.

Lin Xi watched their backs with envy. This was the love she longed for most—a gentleman, cultured and accomplished, devoted to family; a lady, gentle and capable, with her own career and values.

For some reason, Lu Yuxiu’s cool, deep eyes floated before her mind. She shook her head and turned to change.

Lin Xi put on a white strapless gown, its lace trim highlighting her fair legs, the delicate curves perfectly outlined, making her appear even more radiant. Her long black hair draped over her bare back, her features exquisitely sculpted, alluring and captivating.

Unaccustomed to high heels, she settled for a pair with five-centimeter heels—the most she could tolerate in pursuit of beauty.

“Xi, are you ready?” Lin Tianyou’s voice sounded—her own brother had arrived.

Lin Xi stepped out like a walking constellation, full of charm. Lin Tianyou complimented her with a smile, “My sister is getting more beautiful every day!”

“Brother, you’re the one getting more handsome,” Lin Xi replied, sizing him up and nodding appreciatively.

“Enough, you two—no need for mutual flattery,” Gu Yao interjected, clad in dazzling leather, his charisma undiminished.

Lin Xi strode forward, feigning anger as she tried to hit Gu Yao. “You’re the commercial one! My brother’s the most handsome!”

Gu Yao played along, dodging left and right, “Help, sister-in-law!”

The two chased each other playfully.

An Shiying laughed as she stepped in, gently scolding, “Xi, stop running, especially in those heels!”

Lin Tianyou and Gu Jue watched from the side, smiling.

Gu Jue paused and spoke, “Second brother, I’ve found some clues.”

“Yes, I know. Let’s see if he dares to show up today,” Lin Tianyou replied, his gaze dark as a deep pool, inscrutable, but with a chilling ruthlessness at its core.

“Let’s go,” said Gu Jue, picking up two shawls to keep them warm.

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The group arrived early at the venue for the old master Gu’s birthday banquet.

The Gu residence, located in the most bustling district of Long City, was reached by passing through a long corridor lined with greenery. Looking up, the scene was grand and magnificent; the lawns surrounding the house were dotted with red round tables, creating a refreshing, pleasant atmosphere.

The banquet had not yet begun, but cars were already arriving outside the mansion, guests filtering in, each clad in splendid attire—every one of them people of status.

Master Gu was a figure of his generation, wielding influence in both the entertainment and business worlds. Those invited were all distinguished, while the uninvited would do anything to get in.

Business tycoons, representatives of noble families, CEOs of entertainment companies, veteran artists, and stars of all sizes under various firms arrived in succession.

This grand banquet was, in essence, a networking gala, with most attendees seeking to form connections.

After getting out of the car, Lin Tianyou and his companions headed inside. The hall was a spacious courtyard, open and bright, filled with vibrant flowers and lush trees.

Passing through the courtyard were well-preserved noblewomen, lively heiresses, glamorous stars, and impeccably dressed gentlemen.

Farther in was the opulent main hall, where attentive staff served drinks and ran errands. The dazzling lights and exquisite cuisine all spoke of the host’s status and prestige—everything harmoniously matched.

Lin Tianyou and his group, each outstanding in appearance and bearing, naturally attracted many admiring glances. As family members, they went straight upstairs to visit the old master.

Today was Master Gu’s sixty-fifth birthday. According to custom, they should have come early to offer congratulations; now, they were both paying their respects and apologizing for their tardiness.

Meanwhile, Wen Jin was also on her way to the Gu residence, riding in a car with complicated feelings. She knew she’d see Gu Yao today—hoping for a glimpse from the shadows, yet unwilling to interact with her father’s family.

Wen Jin’s cold, unfeeling father was also invited. Ever since her mother’s death, Wen Jin had almost cut ties with him, yet publicly she remained the Wen family’s eldest daughter. For every gathering or banquet, her father compelled her to attend, maintaining his facade as a good father.

Privately, he never cared for Wen Jin, nor given her a cent; Wen Jin, timid by nature, did not dare to fight for anything.

She had grown up under her grandmother’s protection, but when her grandmother fell gravely ill, Wen Jin did whatever work she could find for money—eventually entering the entertainment industry, where earnings came fastest. She had suffered much, starting out with no connections, only able to take minor roles, scraping by on a few hundred yuan a day.

She had witnessed the dirtiest, darkest side of the industry. Once, she begged a director for a role, only to find he was a beast beneath his veneer.

When she was nearly in despair, Gu Yao happened to pass by and rescued her, beating the director bloody. He tossed her his jacket and left.

Because of that incident, rumors spread that Gu Yao was violent and hot-tempered, but no one knew it was for her. Only she knew his upright, kind heart and chivalrous spirit. Sadly, he didn’t remember her—she was just a passerby he helped.

From that moment, Gu Yao became Wen Jin’s sole source of light.

At home, she still treasured his jacket, carefully keeping it in her wardrobe. She knew everything about him—had watched every concert, listened to every song. The songs he wrote for his ill sister were healing and warm; she secretly wished they were for her.

But that was just wishful thinking.

He was born dazzling, the focus of all, while she was an obscure glimmer in the dark. To glimpse him from afar was enough; she was content.

“What are you wearing? You’re embarrassing Dad!” Wen Sipei sneered, pointing at Wen Jin and breaking her reverie.

He was the son of her father, Wen Yiming, and stepmother, Sun Yao—clearly spoiled, though only a year younger than Wen Jin.

Hearing his words, Wen Jin merely curled her lips, indifferent. She was used to him always finding fault.

“Sipei, enough. Stop talking,” Sun Yao snapped, turning to glare at her son.

She felt uneasy; Wen Yiming was acting strange today, his eyes filled with inexplicable anger and sorrow.

She knew her husband’s heart belonged to someone else. Sometimes, when he looked at her, it was as if he was seeing someone else through her. There was no love between them, only mutual benefit. For Wen Corporation’s assets and her son, she pretended not to know.

She had once felt pity for Wen Jin, but knowing Wen Jin could inherit Wen Corporation someday, she hardened her heart. Even as the company faltered in recent years, she would not let its assets fall to another.

Scolded by his mother, Wen Sipei grumbled and took his frustration out on Wen Jin.

The car rolled onward, its occupants each lost in their own thoughts, the feeling of family entirely absent.