Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Gu Yubai knew little about the Su family’s affairs, what he did know came mostly from entertainment news.

Fate had long since diverged; everything was different from his previous life. Aside from the unchangeable blood in his veins, Gu Yubai had become a stranger to the Su family long ago.

From the airport, the group headed directly to the sanatorium where Old Master Su resided.

As wealthy individuals, their accommodations were naturally not as cramped as typical hospital rooms in China. Old Master Su enjoyed exclusive use of a three-story villa nestled under the shade of trees. Besides the medical staff, all the household servants were long-time employees he had brought from China.

Old Master Su himself possessed a kind and benevolent nature. Despite some awkwardness in his relationship with Gu Yubai and Gu Yihong, he held no ill will towards the brothers.

This comfortable, not-too-close-not-too-distant dynamic, neither overly intimate nor deliberately aloof, suited both Gu Yubai and Gu Yihong.

Moreover, Yu Li was a junior whom Old Master Su had watched grow up.

Their visit to Jasmine Country naturally included a visit to Old Master Su.

By the time they arrived at the sanatorium, night had fully descended. Bright, twinkling stars dotted the night sky, appearing almost within reach.

A cool breeze brushed their faces, refreshing them after their flight.

Gu Yihong, having changed into a clean white T-shirt and jeans after landing, couldn't help but grin.

"My classmates are slaving away in law firm internships during the dead of winter. They’d never imagine I’m enjoying spring in Jasmine Country right now. I should record some videos later to make them really jealous!"

Gu Yubai turned his head to glance at Yu Li, then naturally extended his hand. Yu Li promptly stepped forward and took it.

Yu Li chuckled, "I bet your classmates won’t envy you. They’ll just say you ran away and abandoned them in their time of hardship."

Gu Yihong instinctively rolled his eyes at Yu Li and muttered, "Brother Yu, don’t be so smug! Always contradicting me—what’s the deal? Just wait until someday you’ll need my legal advice!"

Seeing his younger brother-in-law glare at him, Yu Li wasn’t the least bit angry; in fact, he was amused.

These two brothers had the exact same way of being spoiled around those they were close to. No wonder they grew up together.

After nearly two years of interaction, Yu Li no longer found his boyfriend’s younger brother annoying. He had come to see this brother-in-law as his own younger brother.

And one’s own younger brother could be as mischievous as he wanted—it was just liveliness.

Besides...

*Smack!*

A stinging pain shot through Gu Yihong’s back. He whipped his head around, but instead of anger, his face showed a tearful pout.

Gu Yubai casually pulled back his hand, his tone calm.

"Mind how you speak to Brother Yu."

Heh heh~

His boyfriend was awesome!

Gu Yubai would always have his back!

Yu Li grinned smugly at Gu Yihong, his usual dignity completely replaced by the smug, gloating expression of a cheeky villain!

Gu Yihong was mildly irritated. He decided to give his older brother the silent treatment for five minutes!

Old Master Su was still awake. He had been fuming lately over news from China, but his mood improved upon learning that Yu Li and Gu Yubai were coming to visit.

Early that morning, Old Master Su had the old butler put the kitchen staff to work. From finalizing the menu to personally overseeing the purchase of local specialty ingredients, the old man had been involved in every step.

The moment Yu Li entered, Old Master Su dropped his cane and drew him into a hug.

"You brat! If it weren’t for Gu Mingliang receiving treatment at the nearby sanatorium, would you have forgotten about this old man entirely?"

Yu Li laughed. "No way, Old Master. Don’t accuse me. We came straight to you after landing."

Gu Yubai stood by, smiling as he watched the two catch up. The old butler was just arranging for the dishes to be served, while Gu Yihong was looking around bored—until his stomach let out a loud growl, instantly making him the center of attention.

Old Master Su’s gaze immediately shifted to him.

An understanding smile appeared in his eyes as he said kindly, "Young Yihong, are you hungry? Perfect timing—I’ve already had a feast prepared for you all."

With that, he motioned for Gu Yubai and Yu Li to follow and led the group to the dining room with a smile.

It truly was a feast. Despite there being only five people—including the old butler who had always stayed by his side—the table was set with over thirty mouthwatering dishes.

Old Master Su waved for the other staff to leave, then slowly poured clear tea to sterilize their bowls and chopsticks.

"Don’t hold back. I know you’re all young and strong, easily hungry at your age. These dishes were specially prepared for you."

Like any grandfather who loved stuffing his grandchildren with food, Old Master Su showed no airs in front of the younger generation.

During the meal, he even chatted with them about everyday matters—asking Gu Yubai about his company’s monthly profits and advising him to hire more professional managers if he didn’t want to spend too much effort on running the business.

"Still, I don’t need to worry too much about you. You’ve done exceptionally well these past two years, so I’m sure you have a good grasp of things. But Yihong, I can’t help but be concerned for you. Shouldn’t you start preparing for the bar exam? I hear it’s quite difficult, so I’d suggest starting at least six months in advance."

Gu Yihong, who had been sipping seafood porridge, nearly choked.

The old man was actually concerned about him?

The corner of Gu Yihong’s mouth twitched as he wiped his lips with a napkin.

"Don’t worry, Grandpa Su. I’ll be eligible to take the judicial exam next year, and I’ll prepare thoroughly."

"I won’t drag my brother down."

Old Master Su nodded. "Good. I have an excellent lawyer by my side—your brother knows him too. If you ever have any legal questions, go to him."

Gu Yihong laughed awkwardly. "Haha, got it, Grandpa Su."

He could easily guess who that lawyer was.

But Gu Yihong didn’t say more. Instead, he gleefully glanced at Yu Li, just in time to see Old Master Su shift his gaze toward him.

Yu Li remained composed, calmly setting down his chopsticks.

"Old Master, do you have any advice for me?"

Old Master Su’s expression turned serious. He stared at Yu Li for several seconds before speaking.

"Get married soon."

"Huh?" Gu Yihong instinctively let out a dumbfounded sound.

Gu Yubai's ears suddenly turned red, and even Yu Li stared blankly at Old Master Su, his expression distant for a long moment.

---------

Old Master Su's matchmaking ultimately didn’t receive a direct response from Yu Li.

After leaving Old Master Su’s residence, everyone walked in silence with their heads lowered on the way to their adoptive father Gu Mingliang’s hospital room.

The moonlight cast a layer of white frost on the road as Yu Li walked beside Gu Yubai without a word.

He stole a glance at Gu Yubai, attempting to hold his boyfriend’s hand, only to have it immediately shaken off.

Yu Li: "Are you angry?"

Gu Yubai’s tone was slightly stiff: "No."

The issue stemmed from Old Master Su’s matchmaking.

Even Gu Yubai hadn’t expected Old Master Su to bring up this topic. His ears flushed red first, and it took him two seconds to realize how uncomfortably silent the room had become.

Gu Yubai immediately turned to look at Yu Li, and his heart instantly sank.

In their two years of dating, he had never seen such a dark expression on Yu Li’s face—as if Old Master Su’s words about marriage had cut deep, leaving Yu Li unable to maintain his usual charm.

Based on Gu Yubai’s understanding of Yu Li over these two years, he had assumed that if marriage were ever on the table, Yu Li would’ve begged him to say yes.

But who would’ve thought...

Hmph, appearances truly can be deceiving.

Maybe Yu Li liked him, but not enough to marry him.

A flicker of inexplicable anger rose in Gu Yubai’s heart—both at his own misjudgment of Yu Li’s feelings and at how well this man could act, nearly fooling him completely.

The smile on his lips vanished abruptly, and he sped up, eager to get away from Yu Li immediately.

Hah.

What was so great about Yu Li, an older guy? Gu Yubai was only twenty, while Yu Li was already twenty-nine!

Just their age gap alone spanned worlds apart.

He hadn’t minded Yu Li’s age before, but that was only because he believed the man truly loved him. Now that he sensed doubts about that love, given Gu Yubai’s temperament... he wouldn’t hesitate to leave Yu Li.

He had suffered enough from emotional wounds in his past life.

No one would ever make him feel wronged again.

Gu Yubai’s eyes went ice-cold.

His steps quickened, and before he knew it, he was two meters ahead of Yu Li. Yu Li froze, watching Gu Yubai’s receding figure, a sudden surge of panic rising in his chest.

He had a feeling that if he didn’t make things right with Gu Yubai today, he might truly be abandoned.

At this thought, Yu Li abruptly sped up, grabbing Gu Yubai’s sleeve. Disregarding the complicated, unspeakable dangerous secrets in his heart, the words burst out:

"I really want to marry you."

Gu Yubai stopped in his tracks.

Yu Li, always mature, composed, confident, and dignified, suddenly looked vulnerable before a boy nine years his junior.

"But you don’t know... I’ve kept many things from you. There are still loose ends on my end, and if... I’m worried they might put you at risk."

Yu Li’s eyes darkened abruptly.

Gu Yubai’s eyes narrowed, and he let out a cold laugh.

"If you have so many concerns, why did you even get involved with me in the first place?"

With that, he shook off Yu Li’s hand and marched off angrily.

Gu Yihong had kept quiet during their argument, but now, seeing Gu Yubai leave Yu Li behind, he couldn’t help but step forward.

He looked at Yu Li with a mix of mocking worry.

"Brother Yu, look how angry you’ve made my brother. He~doesn’t~want~you~anymore~."

Gu Yihong clicked his tongue twice. "And here I thought you really loved my brother. Turns out you’re just an award-winning act. Old Master Su casually mentions marriage, and you showed your hand."

"Hah, the old man saw right through you—he knew you might not necessarily marry my brother, so he didn’t push it. Honestly, if you don’t think my brother is right for you, you might as well break up sooner rather than later. No need to hold up your future plans."

Gu Yihong grumbled.

"Perfect timing, too. My brother can find someone better fast."

The thought of Gu Yubai gazing lovingly at another man, the thought of Gu Yubai falling for someone else—Yu Li’s blood ran cold!

No! Over my dead body!