Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Such a heavy-handed approach—are the Su family planning to keep Gu Yihong silenced forever?

Gu Yubai was so infuriated by the Su family's actions that he could only laugh.

Is this it?

"Pure self-delusion, burying their heads in the sand."

Whether they still looked down on Gu Yihong or genuinely believed the Su family's power could dominate everything, they were in for a rude awakening.

Even if Gu Yihong was temporarily unable to speak, he had plenty of friends and family... Wait. Gu Yubai suddenly recalled Gu Yihong’s repeated warnings before leaving and immediately understood.

He had been blind to the obvious, forgetting that he was publicly just a "tenant."

From the Su family’s perspective, Gu Yihong currently had no relatives by his side except for his vegetative adoptive father.

The other brother he grew up with had long been sent abroad by their aunt to recuperate.

The Sus' arrogance made them unwilling to step down from their high horse, even after being dragged into public scrutiny by Gu Yihong. Naturally, they wouldn’t bother investigating thoroughly. Had they paid even a little more attention to their long-lost child, they would’ve spotted the impostor long ago.

Gu Yihong was a lone wolf. As long as he was silenced, no matter how much others defended him, the Su family had ways to control the narrative.

Gu Yubai let out a derisive snort.

Song Yao sent him a message, likely puzzled by the Su family’s online statements and reaching out to Gu Yubai for clarification.

"Where exactly did Gu Yihong go on his trip? Even if he’s on a cruise, he shouldn’t have zero signal. I noticed all his social media accounts are gone. Class Monitor Gu, if you get in touch with him, tell him Mom will always love him and that she’s happy to lend him her account, lol."

Gu Yubai: "...Appreciate the thought."

He then took a screenshot and sent it to Gu Yihong. The message kept spinning, indicating Gu Yihong was indeed in a dead zone, unaware of the Su family’s dirty tricks.

Gu Yubai drummed his fingers lightly before casually posting a message on his own platform, questioning the Su family on Gu Yihong’s behalf.

"Excuse me, but Gu Yihong isn’t even in Mingcheng right now. So, who exactly is the guest of honor of your Recognition Banquet tomorrow night?"

Ordinary people’s posts rarely gained traction unless they had a following. Gu Yubai’s message was quickly lost in the noise.

Apart from a few classmates sending question marks in response, there was no real response.

Gu Yubai huffed a laugh but didn’t reply to anyone.

Instead, he lowered his head and sent a message to an unlisted contact.

Gu Yihong was hell-bent on humiliating the Su family. Since he wouldn’t be attending tomorrow’s Recognition Banquet, Gu Yubai naturally had to provide an alternative guest of honor for the Su family’s grand event.

A cold glint flashed in Gu Yubai’s eyes.

The car continued moving smoothly. When Gu Yubai looked up, he realized they were nearing the highway exit.

In another hour, they’d be back in the neighborhood.

But as soon as they exited the highway, Yu Li pulled over abruptly.

Gu Yubai frowned. "What’s wrong?"

-----

A quiet, serene atmosphere settled between them in the darkness.

Gu Yubai turned to look at Yu Li.

The car was dark as pitch, save for the occasional faint glow from the automatic low beams illuminating Yu Li’s face.

The dancing shadows accentuated his razor-sharp jawline, making his already handsome features appear even more mysterious.

Some of the ice left Gu Yubai's expression. He quirked a smile and asked again,

"What’s wrong?"

Yu Li remained silent for a long time.

Then he turned and stared directly at the young man beside him, his gaze icy and probing. But after a moment, he suddenly smiled, his expression softening into something warm and clear-eyed.

"There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask."

Yu Li’s voice was soft. "I’m just curious—how do you and Gu Yihong, two ordinary high school students who’ve just suffered a devastating loss with your adoptive father in a coma, have the courage to take on a powerful family like the Su family?"

His tone remained gentle, his faint smile reassuring, as if he were choosing his words carefully to avoid misunderstanding.

"I’m not mocking you. I’m genuinely worried."

"A family like the Su family—even wealthy families running businesses might not withstand their pressure, much less kids like you, who’ve just come of age. From what I’ve seen these days, you’re steady, but your brother is more impulsive and straightforward. Aren’t you worried about him rushing in like this?"

Gu Yubai could feel Yu Li’s gaze searching his face.

Hearing his words, the usually quiet Gu Yubai suddenly laughed.

Steady?

Maybe. But Gu Yihong was far from the reckless hothead others perceived him to be.

Gu Yubai gave a quiet hmm, his lips curving.

"What does it matter? He’s my brother. No matter what he does, I’ll support him. I trust him as much as I trust myself—he knows where to draw the line. He understands what can and can’t be done."

"The Su family may be powerful, but so what? Gu Yihong doesn’t want anything from them. Why should he kowtow before them? At the very least, he still has me backing him."

Gu Yubai shrugged.

He couldn't care less about the Su family’s influence.

Either he knew the Su family well enough—or he had unshakable confidence in his own strength.

He knew everything.

Including the fact that he had been... impersonated by Gu Yihong.

Yu Li felt there was no need to ask further.

Someone as sharp and composed as Gu Yubai wasn’t about to miss what was happening around him.

Yu Li said with a knowing smile, his words carrying a hidden meaning.

"Even if neither of you fears the Su family, you should still be wary of a desperate enemy. But with Old Master Su in your corner... well, backing you two, I doubt anyone would dare push their luck."

Then he added,

"Of course, if you ever run into trouble you can’t handle alone, you can always give me a call. I’ve got your back."

With that, Yu Li restarted the car.

This time, the two of them got back to the apartment complex without any issues.

-------

Before shutting off the engine, Gu Yubai smiled and said, "I haven't had dinner yet. Brother Yu, have you eaten? Want to join me? There's a hot pot restaurant by the roadside—their fish slices and lamb rolls are especially delicious. It's on me."

Coincidentally, as soon as he finished speaking, a stomach growl suddenly came from the car.

Gu Yubai instinctively touched his own stomach, then realized something was off.

Even if he'd had a light lunch, he wouldn't be that hungry that his stomach was growling now.

He was just a few hours late for dinner, and now he was about to have hot pot.

When he realized, Gu Yubai instinctively glanced at Yu Li, only to see Yu Li calmly unbuckle his seatbelt and casually turn off the car.

Yu Li said flatly, "I haven’t eaten anything since yesterday noon. Today, I only had a few sips of coffee."

No wonder his stomach was growling.

This workaholic really didn’t take care of himself.

Gu Yubai’s eyes widened slightly as he unbuckled his seatbelt and asked, "So when did you get home to rest today? You didn’t just fall asleep when my call came in, then rushed straight here to pick me up, did you?"

Gu Yubai had clearly guessed right. But Yu Li didn’t admit it, still playing it cool.

"No, I got enough sleep before your call came."

Gu Yubai couldn’t help but laugh. "Well, thanks for tonight. No matter what, you'd better eat your fill at this hot pot meal."

Yu Li had already opened the car door. He stepped out and was about to close it when he suddenly remembered something. Leaning back in, he reached up and switched on the dome light in the driver’s seat, which had been off the whole time.

The bright light was like an icy glare, instantly illuminating Gu Yubai’s suddenly pale face.

His body trembled uncontrollably, flinching back as he instinctively raised his arms to shield his eyes.

Just a second ago, he had been smiling calmly, ready to get out of the car.

Now, he was curled up against the door, hunched over slightly, as if terrified by something.

Yu Li noticed something was off.

He bent down to check on Gu Yubai, but when there was no response, his gaze shifted to the bright overhead light.

Frowning, Yu Li reached out to turn it off, but then a weak voice came from beside him.

Gu Yubai seemed to have just recovered, his whole body looking worn out.

"Don’t turn it off."

After another two seconds, he added, "I’m used to the brightness now. No need to turn it off. If you’re looking for something, hurry up."

He peered out from between his arms, his pale face tinged with something pitiful.

Yu Li felt a twinge of concern. Just minutes ago, Gu Yubai had been full of energy, pumping him up about how good the hot pot place was.

"You… not feeling well?"

Yu Li’s voice was gruff as he reached out to touch Gu Yubai, but the other man dodged. A flicker of irritation showed in the eyes peeking out from behind his elbow.

"Says you! I just don’t like lights coming on suddenly. At home, I close my eyes when I turn on the lights and only open them slowly after my eyes adjust. You just flicked on the overhead light without warning—it’s uncomfortable."

Gu Yubai spoke calmly, explaining patiently to Yu Li, though he didn’t care whether the other man believed him or not.

Yu Li hummed noncommittally, his eyes narrowing slightly as he gave Gu Yubai a considering look.

Moving slowly, he pulled something out from the car’s glove compartment, tucked it into his pocket, then looked up at Gu Yubai.

"If you’re fine, then let’s get out."

Gu Yubai lowered his arms gradually, managing a tight smile for Yu Li.

"Getting out now."

As soon as he spoke, the light—which he’d just gotten used to—was flicked off with a snap. The car was plunged back into darkness.

Gu Yubai couldn’t help but laugh. "You’re crazy! I just said I was adjusting to the light."

Yu Li firmly turned off the light, then smiled at Gu Yubai.

"Force of habit."

Yu Li lowered his eyes.

A gust of warm summer air blew in from outside, and in Yu Li’s chest, his heart was pounding hard.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Not from excitement, but from the sudden, shocking realization of a mystery’s answer.

Like being lost in a maze, confused about which path to take, then looking up to see a massive moon hanging overhead in the night sky, so close you could almost touch it.

The most unbelievable thought was the answer.

Gu Yubai stepped out of the car, and the two of them walked from the underground parking lot toward the exit.

The hot pot restaurant Gu Yubai had mentioned was just two streets away. They walked past one intersection and arrived.

Even though it was already 10 p.m., the restaurant was still brightly lit and packed with customers. Before even stepping inside, the two could already smell the characteristic spicy aroma of hot pot.

As the glass door swung open, a wave of cool, air-conditioned air hit them.

Gu Yubai turned to him with a grin. "We’re here."

Yu Li finally shook off his thoughts. He steered him inside, a hint of a smile in his eyes.

"Right. After you."