"Yaoyao, where did you find this old man?"
During breakfast, Gu Yu looked at the old Daoist priest on the other side of the table with a speechless expression. The latter had a mountain of food piled on his plate. His chopsticks moved so fast they left afterimages, shoveling mouthful after mouthful, smacking his lips like firecrackers. Every now and then, he'd even remark, "Not bad."
A vein throbbed on Gu Yu's forehead.
This old Daoist had been brought back by his younger sister last night. Judging by his attire, everyone in the Gu family thought he was Yaoyao's new martial uncle. Thus, Chen Hui quickly had the servants prepare a guest room, originally worried about neglecting him. Who knew this old Daoist would be so familiar with everyone?
His current unrestrained eating style was quite shocking for the entire Gu family. Gu Yu had just secretly asked his sister and learned that this old Daoist was not her fellow disciple at all. Therefore, his tone of address wasn't as respectful.
"Grandfather Xuan, you shouldn't smack your lips when you eat!"
Yaoyao's light eyebrows furrowed in displeasure. She glanced at the old Daoist, who was wielding his chopsticks like rain, and spoke clearly.
"Ah, this... my apologies. It's truly that the food in your young friend's home is too much to my liking. This old Daoist couldn't help himself for a moment. I've made you laugh, young friend, this old Daoist will correct himself."
Xuan Qingzi said this without a blush, and his chewing sounds became somewhat restrained. However, Yaoyao, being less attuned to social subtleties, didn't sense the cunning in his eyes.
But the Gu family members present, all of whom moved in the circles of wealthy families and businesses, were quite perceptive. Especially Gu Xuesong, who lowered his eyebrows and instantly understood. This old Daoist, who appeared out of nowhere, was not at all greedy for delicious food. He was testing his own daughter!
"If Senior likes it, we'll have the servants prepare more later, so you can eat to your heart's content."
Gu Xuesong was unclear about the inner workings of the situation, but upholding his role of supporting his daughter, he politely took up the conversation.
The old Daoist was also incredibly shrewd. He chuckled and said, "The Gu family truly lives up to its reputation as the richest family in the Imperial Capital. Such magnanimity, this old Daoist is truly impressed."
"However, these refreshments are quite enough. There's no need to trouble the benefactor further."
The two exchanged pleasantries, easing the awkwardness at the table. The old Daoist then grinned and began eating much more slowly and meticulously. This only highlighted that he had been deliberate earlier.
Yaoyao pouted her small lips, suddenly regretting bringing him home. But it would be impolite to kick him out now. So, she channeled her annoyance into her appetite, eating her meal like a whirlwind.
...
Having eaten her fill, Yaoyao lay down in her own large cradle in the garden. She gazed at the lush blue sky, somewhat troubled by how she was going to spend time with Xuan Qingzi. Yesterday, her plans seemed wonderful, but she had forgotten a crucial point: she didn't know how to test him.
On the contrary, the other party seemed to have naturally blended into her family, giving Yaoyao the illusion of having invited a wolf into her home.
"No, I can't let him succeed."
Yaoyao did a carp sit-up, sitting upright in the cradle. This person must have come to spy on her. If she wasn't around, would he sensibly leave?
The more Yaoyao thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. Her large, bright eyes twinkled like stars.
As for whether this counted as desertion and surrender? Yaoyao didn't think so at all. According to her master, running away only counted as desertion if you couldn't win. Since she could take on ten people, it didn't count at all!
However, she needed to find a good excuse, otherwise, he would definitely stick to her like glue.
"What reason should I use...?" Yaoyao scratched her head, thinking exceptionally hard.
After a long while, she lay flat, because she truly couldn't think of anything. She was as sad as a cicada in autumn, lying motionless in the cradle, butt facing the sky.
This sight startled Gu Yu, who had come looking for his sister. He thought something had happened to her. After anxiously asking, he realized she wanted to avoid someone but couldn't find a reason, and he immediately laughed.
"I thought it was some big disaster. It's just this simple thing. There's a perfect excuse right now, want to use it?"
Gu Yu sat down in the cradle. Then he felt his arm sink, and looking down, his eyes met a fluffy little head.
The moment Yaoyao heard about a solution, she instantly perked up. She anxiously shook his arm, softly saying, "What method, Seventh Brother, quickly tell me... tell me!"
Her glistening, expectant eyes made Gu Yu's palms itch a little. Finally, he couldn't resist pinching her dumpling-like face, and after satisfying himself, he slowly began.
"Do you still remember the variety show we participated in last time?"
"The director sent me a message saying the second episode will be filmed the day after tomorrow. I see you don't want to stay at home, so this is a good opportunity to go out and relax."
"I came over this time to ask if there's anything you want to eat, so Seventh Brother can prepare in advance."
After all, they were going out to film a show, and the conditions outside would naturally be much worse. He couldn't let his sister suffer, so he could only arrange things beforehand. As for the large expenses? That was nothing at all. Besides, Yaoyao was the main star of the show. Even without relying on the Gu family, the guest fees were far more than enough.
"Wow, Seventh Brother, you're truly my great savior! Let's go, let's leave today!"
Yaoyao naturally remembered the variety show. She had been busy with other things before and had forgotten about the follow-up, but she didn't expect it to come at such a timely moment. Thinking this, her decision to take on this show with Seventh Brother now seemed undeniably wise!
And since the show was filming tomorrow, to leave a good impression on the director, reporting today was perfectly reasonable!
Yaoyao's two small eyebrows almost took flight with joy at the thought of escaping immediately.
"Alright, then Seventh Brother will make arrangements first. By the time we get there, the prepared items should be just about ready."
Gu Yu had known before coming that his sister wouldn't refuse. He had only come this time to ask if there was anything special she wanted him to prepare. As for the things he could accurately guess, Gu Yu had already prepared them long ago; even if they left now, it would be sufficient.
His manager had even complained that he was becoming more and more like a nagging mother. Gu Yu didn't mind at all; he was genuinely happy to be this "nagging mother" for his sister.
The news of the two of them leaving was naturally reported to Chen Hui and Gu Xuesong. In the past, they might have inquired in detail. But this time, they agreed generously, evidently having also figured out their daughter's true intention.
Since they couldn't get rid of this old Daoist, going out to avoid him was indeed the best option.
Thus, Yaoyao successfully left with her Seventh Brother. The only strange thing in between was that Xuan Qingzi, upon learning that she was leaving, not only didn't try to stop her but even encouraged her to perform well. Yaoyao was almost unable to figure out what his true objective was.
But things had progressed to this point, and she couldn't simply not go because of his intentions. At worst, they would just have a big showdown, and by then, he would be the one crying.
Yaoyao thought this, feeling more and more secure and relaxed.
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