Just as she was diligently enjoying her meal alone in a private room, the door was pushed open and in walked a man accompanied by two women.
The man was Liang He, a renowned celebrity of the day, and naturally, one of the women was Long Fengxi.
These two were serving as best man and maid of honor for the occasion.
The other young woman was Shi Xiaotian, Liang He's manager.
"Perfect timing, Sister-in-law is here too," Liang He said nonchalantly as he plopped down beside Gu Lili.
"Hello, sister," Shi Xiaotian greeted shyly, her youthful smile betraying her inexperience, as if newly entering the industry.
"Hello, hello," Gu Lili responded warmly. "Come, have a seat and eat."
The four gathered around the table, dining and chatting amiably.
Clad in crisp white, Liang He radiated vivacity. "Sister-in-law, might you share how you managed to tame such a stubborn mule?"
"Easy as pie, a simple conquest," she replied with a smile.
Liang He was momentarily stunned by her answer, then applauded with meaningful admiration. "Impressive! Truly a masterstroke to win him over in one move."
Gu Lili laughed softly. "I'm joking, really. I don't even understand why he agreed to marry me. He doesn't strike me as a man easily won over. Is Yubei really that obstinate?"
"Need I say more?" Liang He eagerly nodded. "Sister-in-law, I'm not flattering you—he's definitely your first woman. That guy's been wounded before; he hadn't had a girlfriend in ages."
"What kind of heartbreak? Do tell—it might cheer me up."
The group chuckled at her remark. Liang He pondered briefly before recounting, "While Yubei was abroad, he had a girlfriend who suddenly vanished, leaving only a breakup letter. It was quite a blow for him—nothing more complicated than that."
"Why did she disappear so suddenly?"
"No idea. It was completely out of the blue. Yubei searched for her for a long time but never found her…"
Before Liang He could finish, Long Yubei pushed open the door and interrupted, "You talk too much…"
"You're married now—what's there to fear?" Liang He replied brazenly. "It's a pity our Long heir remained chaste all this time. Sister-in-law, you truly struck gold. Men like this are a rarity nowadays."
Gu Lili agreed, "That's true. But he's no loser either—he got a good deal with me."
The three present looked on in astonishment. Liang He gave a thumbs-up. "Perfect match—handsome man, beautiful woman, both pure. You two are truly made for each other."
"Haha, flattery will get you nowhere. But Liang He, I have to say, you're quite different from your TV persona. On screen, your characters are all aloof and commanding. I've been watching your dramas these days, but in person, you seem entirely different."
Liang He offered a sly smile. "It's all about the acting."
"Lies and rubbish acting," Long Yubei mercilessly retorted. "Don't watch his shows. Every time I do, I can't stop mocking it, and the volume of complaints would fill a vat."
Liang He punched him lightly. "Can you not watch TV with your low standards? Beat it."
"Ha ha ha ha."
"…"
Their meal extended well into the evening, and the newlyweds scarcely found a moment alone.
Not until they returned to Qinyuan at night did he notice her silence and took the initiative to speak.
"Don't you have anything to ask me?"
"Such as?"
"About the ex-girlfriend."
Gu Lili raised her chin arrogantly. "No, I don't want to ask. I don't mind."
"What is it you don't mind?" he tilted his head slightly, staring intently at her.