"Why did you come to see me this time?"
Gu Yuan was unaware that Gu Fei had driven Xun'er out of the mountain last night. After all, Xun'er herself knew that she would be embarrassed if this matter became known to others.
When Gu Fei saw Gu Yuan's reaction, he realized that the clan leader didn't know yet. Initially, Gu Fei wanted to make things clear directly, but Xun'er was Gu Yuan's daughter, and even a tiger won't eat its own cubs. As the clan leader, Gu Yuan might not openly favor his daughter, but he would certainly be biased in handling the situation.
"Xun'er and I have been married for half a year. Xun'er is a very good person."
"But..."
Gu Fei thought about what Xun'er had done. Although he had let it go in his heart, his tone remained obscure.
"Maybe I'm not good enough. Xun'er doesn't have me in her heart. Perhaps Xun'er and I are not meant to be together. I am not suitable for her."
Gu Fei stopped talking and looked at Gu Yuan, who had remained silent.
Could it be that Gu Fei wanted to separate?
[Gu Yuan is surprised. Emotional value increases by 5.]
The surprise in Gu Yuan's eyes was well hidden. He lowered his gaze, looking at Gu Fei who was sitting below. It was Gu Fei who had come to him for help and kept insisting that he wanted to marry Xun'er. Gu Fei, the leader of the younger generation, had shown great potential, and Gu Yuan, having watched the child grow up, had agreed. But how could such a change happen after only half a year of marriage?
As the thought settled, Gu Yuan felt slightly angered. If Xun'er separated from Gu Fei, even if she had done nothing wrong, her reputation would undoubtedly be greatly affected. Gu Fei observed Gu Yuan's reaction in silence, then received a system prompt.
[Gu Yuan becomes angry. Emotional value increases by 5.]
Gu Fei understood that Gu Yuan was likely preparing to speak up for his daughter. Anticipating questions, Gu Fei organized his thoughts, knowing his explanations had to be more tactful.
Gu Yuan's expression became sterner, his body unconsciously exuding a faint sense of oppression. He didn't do it intentionally, it was a subconscious response. Just as Gu Yuan was about to ask Gu Fei the real reason, a female voice rang out before anyone even appeared.
"Father, I will not divorce Gu Fei!"
Xun'er, who had not slept well the whole night, hurriedly rushed in, lifting her skirt as she ran.
[Xun'er becomes excited. Emotional value increases by 50.]
Gu Fei concealed a smile as his ex-wife, now with heightened emotional value, arrived. Gu Yuan looked at her, a mix of love and dissatisfaction crossing his face, and he let her sit down. Xun'er hesitated for a moment before choosing to sit opposite Gu Fei. Though she wanted to sit closer, Gu Fei showed no intention of giving her any face, so she refrained from asking for trouble.
As soon as Xun'er sat down, Gu Yuan sat up straighter and anxiously asked, "Gu Fei came to see me early this morning to discuss something. Xun'er, tell your father, what happened between you and Gu Fei?"
The worry on his face made Xun'er feel ashamed, causing her to lower her head.
[Xun'er feels ashamed. Emotional value increases by 50.]
She remained silent, leaving Gu Yuan to look at Gu Fei for answers. Gu Fei sighed and tried to explain why he wanted to separate as tactfully as possible.
"Xun'er and I have been married for half a year. I wanted us to live in harmony. But... we have never actually been husband and wife."
His first sentence left Gu Yuan dumbfounded. Gu Yuan had anticipated that Xun'er might need time to develop feelings for Gu Fei, but he hadn't expected the two hadn't consummated their marriage for half a year. Gu Yuan had hoped for getting news about new grandchildren by now but it turned out that it was all his wishful thinking.
Seeing that Gu Fei had more to say, Gu Yuan nodded for him to continue.
"If that was the only issue, I would never propose a divorce. Do you still remember the Xiao family?"
Xun'er's face paled. She feared that if Gu Yuan knew the truth, he would put her under house arrest and never allow her to see Xiao Yan again. Worse, she dreaded that Gu Yuan might send someone to capture Xiao Yan to prevent her from thinking about him.
[Xun'er becomes nervous. Emotional value increases by 50.]
"Of course, I remember. That family in Wutan City—where I sent Xun'er back then," Gu Yuan responded. His expression grew curious. What was Gu Fei going to say?
"Xiao Yan, the son of the Xiao family leader, was considered a 'genius' in Wutan City. He grew up with Xun'er, and they got along extremely well... so well that they even..."
Gu Fei closed his eyes. "Even after returning to the Ancient Clan, Xun'er still gave Xiao Yan a big gift."
"Of course, it could just be friendship. But she was afraid I would get angry if I found out, so she secretly went to see Xiao Yan without telling me."
[Xun'er feels ashamed. Emotional value increases by 100.]
Xun'er listened to Gu Fei's tactful explanation. Though she didn't deny it, her face turned red.
[Gu Yuan becomes angry. Emotional value increases by 5.]
After hearing everything, Gu Yuan's anger was directed at Xun'er. Yet, as a man, he also understood Gu Fei's frustration. He would be furious too if his woman acted that way. He even wanted to break things off. Still, Xun'er was his daughter, and naturally, he wanted to protect her. Gu Yuan sighed, feeling sorry for Gu Fei.
"Xun'er, how could you do such a thing? How could that Xiao family kid compare to your husband? You've disappointed me greatly!"
[Xun'er feels ashamed. Emotional value increases by 200.]
Xun'er lowered her head even more at her father's scolding. Gu Yuan, however, softened his approach.
"Xun'er must regret this deeply. Why don't you take some time to think it over?"
Gu Fei, strong and loyal to his wife, still held potential as a son-in-law. Gu Yuan still believed in giving Xun'er more time.
"If, after a month, you still insist on separating, I will agree to it."
A month... Gu Fei looked a bit puzzled. Even in the Douqi Continent, there was such a thing as a "cool-off period" for divorce? But Gu Fei was unwilling to agree to such an absurd request. In a month, could he forgive Xun'er for what she had done?
However, contradicting Gu Yuan now would be unwise. Gu Fei was not yet powerful enough to act as he pleased in the Ancient Clan. He nodded reluctantly.
"Chief, I'll leave it up to you then."
Gu Yuan nodded in satisfaction but choked on Gu Fei's next words.
"But I don't think my feelings will change in a month."
Gu Yuan, as the clan leader, carried great authority. Since he had asked for time, Gu Fei had to agree for now. But who could predict what might happen in the future?