Chapter 35
In this delicate situation, Gu Changan, representing Yunzhou and Jiangcheng, gave a tentative nod to Gu Xi's plan. To avoid any leaks or complications, he immediately called Wei Fangzheng and arranged a meeting.
Meeting in the city was too risky—too many eyes, too much exposure. After careful consideration, they chose Luoshan County, a small town halfway between Yunzhou and Jiangcheng, as the neutral ground for their discussion.
With the plan finalized, Gu Xi, under her father's gentle insistence, returned to the hospital for an infusion. Meanwhile, Zhan Mingyuan stayed behind to help Gu Changan with some errands. Ever since Zhang Yue's betrayal, Gu Changan trusted almost no one. For even minor matters, he needed his nephew's reliable assistance.
Fortunately, Zhan Mingyuan was steady and dependable. Through conversations with Gu Xi and Gu Changan, he gained a clearer understanding of the complicated dynamics between the Wei and Gu families. Though the Zhan family didn't rely on either, having an uncle who was a government leader and another involved in real estate could only benefit his future.
Under normal circumstances, these connections might not seem significant, but if the Wei and Gu families were to fall, his own family would suffer serious repercussions. Thinking of this, Zhan Mingyuan threw himself into his work even harder. And even if not for these worldly reasons, he simply couldn't hide how much he cared for his uncle and aunt.
After her infusion, Gu Xi decisively went through the discharge procedures.
Her frailty was likely a side effect of being reborn—some lingering weakness was inevitable. But aside from that, she was fine. With her uncle's crisis unresolved and the Gu family's troubles far from over, she couldn't afford to waste any more time in the hospital.
"Xixi, why are you so stubborn?" Wei Xiangqin looked at her daughter helplessly. "You just finished the infusion. Wouldn't it be better to stay under observation for another day?"
"Mom, I've already rested half a day. Dad will pick me up soon. We have things to do." Gu Xi changed into fresh clothes and sat on the bed, waiting.
"Are you not going home?"
"I'll be back by evening," Gu Xi squeezed her mother's hand and reassured her, "I might miss dinner, but you have to make me a midnight snack."
"What do you want?"
"Hmm… sweet dumplings?" Gu Xi smiled softly, "I want you to make them yourself."
"All right, I'll make them for you."
With something to occupy her mind, Wei Xiangqin's worries eased just a little.
Watching her daughter and husband leave, she lifted her spirits and headed home, escorted by their bodyguard.
The car sped through the night and arrived in Luoshan just after dark.
Wei Fangzheng was already waiting at the hotel. He'd picked a lively little restaurant and reserved a private room in the back.
Gu Xi followed her father inside and spotted her uncle sitting calmly at the table, sipping tea.
"Uncle!" Gu Xi hurried over and threw her arms around Wei Fangzheng's shoulders, acting like a spoiled child. "Xixi's here!"
Years spent navigating official circles had added a seriousness to Wei Fangzheng's face. But as the eldest son, he had always been doting toward his two younger sisters. And since Gu Xi was the only girl in the family, he could never be stern with her.