The next morning, Gu Anran got dressed and headed downstairs for breakfast.
To her immediate disappointment, the dining room was empty. Lu Zhenyu wasn't sitting in his usual spot. A heavy realization settled in her chest—he hadn't come home last night.
Sensing her thoughts, Aunt Qin stepped forward with a warm, comforting plate.
"Young Master said he is too busy to come home today. But he strictly ordered me to make sure you eat your breakfast before going out."
Gu Anran forced a faint smile and sat down. She didn't want to make things difficult for the kind older woman.
"Young Madam..." Aunt Qin hesitated, wiping her hands on her apron. "If you will allow me, I would like to say something."
Gu Anran looked up from her plate. "Aunt Qin, please, say what's on your mind."
Aunt Qin took a soft breath. "Yesterday, I accidentally overheard your argument with the Young Master. Your words hinted that he was seeing another woman outside... but the Young Master didn't seem to catch your meaning."
Gu Anran froze, her fork hovering in the air.
"All I want to say is this," Aunt Qin continued, her eyes softening with memory. "I watched the Young Master grow up. If there is one thing he hates most in this world, it is cheating. When he was just five years old, his father betrayed his marriage."
Aunt Qin sighed, the weight of the past heavy in the room.
"The eldest Young Master and Young Miss were already grown, so they weren't affected as deeply. But Madam... Madam was too consumed by the betrayal to care for the Young Master. Sir was the same. Unable to withstand the blow, Madam fell ill and began to take her anger out on the Young Master, abusing him."
Gu Anran's breath hitched. She had never heard any of this.
"Because of that neglect, the Young Master was kidnapped. And worst of all, it was his own nanny who took him. Ever since then, he became completely disgusted with his parents and moved out to live with Old Madam Lu."
Aunt Qin stepped closer, her voice earnest.
"I am certain the Young Master could never cheat on you. He would never become the very kind of person he detests. Besides, he loves you deeply. If there is a misunderstanding, please clarify it with him rather than keeping it locked in your heart."
With a respectful bow, Aunt Qin turned and left the dining room, leaving Gu Anran alone with her thoughts.
Gu Anran stared blankly at her food, her heart aching. A rough childhood... She could hardly believe the powerful, stoic Lu Zhenyu had survived such trauma. Could she really have mistaken what she heard?
Absentmindedly, she finished her breakfast and walked out the door. Just as she stepped into the morning air, her phone buzzed with a notification.
It was a text from Lu Zhenyu:
I know you are angry with me, but please take the driver today.
A single tear escaped her eye. She quickly wiped it away, a wave of guilt washing over her.
The driver was already waiting, holding the door open. Gu Anran climbed into the backseat and gave him the address. As the city blurred past the window, her mind spun.
Had she completely misunderstood him?
Before she knew it, the car pulled up to He Xun's studio.
Gu Anran pushed the door open and walked inside, finding He Xun surrounded by sketches, deeply engrossed in designing a few new pieces.
"It seems like you're busy," Gu Anran said, announcing her presence.
He Xun jumped slightly, looking up with a sheepish grin. "Ah, yes! I suddenly got a burst of inspiration, so I decided to sketch them out immediately."
Gu Anran smiled, pushing her personal worries aside for a moment. "How is the opening of the new stores going?"
"We've already secured great spots in the major department stores and malls," He Xun reported confidently, pulling up the contract files. "All that's left now is the grand opening of our flagship store."
"Okay, then let's focus on the department stores first," Gu Anran replied, her eyes scanning the blueprints. "That is our ticket to making this brand a household name."
They discussed a few more business strategies before she wrapped up the meeting and left the studio.
As she settled into the back seat of the car, her phone vibrated. Seeing the caller ID, a warm smile spread across her face. It was Teacher Bai. She quickly answered.
"Little girl, how have you been?" Teacher Bai's concerned voice immediately flooded the line. "I hope that family of yours hasn't been bullying you."
"I'm doing well, Teacher. And you don't have to worry about them anymore—I moved out of the Gu residence. They can't reach me now."
"That's good, very good," Teacher Bai said, sounding relieved. "Listen, I will be returning to the country in a few days. I'm planning to host a formal banquet to officially announce your identity as my disciple. It will also be a good opportunity for you to meet your senior brothers and sisters."
Gu Anran's heart swelled with happiness. "Alright, Teacher. Just send me the venue, date, and time."
"Okay, I'll text you the details later. Oh, and don't you dare forget to pick me up at the airport!" Teacher Bai chuckled.
"I wouldn't dream of it," Gu Anran replied warmly before hanging up.
Staring out the window as the driver started the engine, Gu Anran took a deep breath.
She had finally made up her mind. She was going to Lu Zhenyu's company to talk to him face-to-face about what she had overheard.
She couldn't lie to herself any longer—she missed him. She missed his constant pampering, his endless spoiling, and the safety of being wrapped in his arms.
Habit truly was a terrifying thing. Ever since their fight, she hadn't been able to sleep properly because his side of the bed was cold.
Suddenly, the sharp ringing of her phone snapped her out of her thoughts.
She looked down. The caller ID read Ruan Qin.
The moment she pressed answer, a chaotic wave of thumping music and shouting erupted from the receiver.
Gu Anran's brow furrowed in instant worry. "Ruan Qin? Where are you? Why is it so noisy over there?"
"Anran..." Ruan Qin's voice came through, thick and choking back tears. "Please... come over to Sky Bar. I'm all alone here..."
"Stay right there! Don't move, I'm on my way!"
Gu Anran hung up, her heart hammering against her ribs. All thoughts of going to Lu Zhenyu's company evaporated.
She leaned forward, her voice urgent. "Change of plans. Take me to Sky Bar, right now!"