Chapter 577: Fan’er 34: Guoguo Who Didn’t Return at Night

In the quiet night, the only sound was that of a television program from the TV, intermittently mixed with ambiguous smacking noises. Pei Hao and Guoguo’s breaths were no longer steady; he released Guoguo and, looking at her flushed cheeks, asked softly, "Is it okay?"

Guoguo blushed even more, and under Pei Hao’s burning gaze, she let out a soft "mhmm." Though the sound was faint, it lit up Pei Hao’s eyes. He picked up Guoguo and walked into the bedroom.

Gently placing Guoguo on the bed, Pei Hao flipped over to join her, looking down at her. "It’s still not too late to regret this," he said, hanging on to his last shred of rationale, knowing there would be no chance for regrets later on.

Guoguo’s cheeks grew even redder, her eyelashes quivering, yet she dared not meet his gaze. Hearing his words, though, she looked up and met his eyes. Without saying anything, she reached out, grabbed the front of his shirt, pulled him down a bit, and kissed Pei Hao’s lips.

At that moment, Pei Hao’s rationale completely abandoned him, scattering like troops in disarray. Clothes littered the ground as the phone in the living room rang inappropriately.

Pei Hao paused for a second, while Guoguo, with her eyes slightly closed, said, "Ignore it." It was her phone ringing.

Pei Hao leaned in closer, Guoguo frowned; the ringing continued, followed by Pei Hao’s phone this time.

They exchanged a look, a hint of helplessness in both their eyes. Guoguo wrapped her arms around Pei Hao, clearly stating her stance through her actions. Pei Hao smiled softly, surrendering completely.

In the tranquil night, the only sounds among the stars were the incessant but unanswered phone rings in the living room and the breathless moans from the bedroom.

**

At the Han Family’s house, Han Yi looked at the once again darkened phone screen, his face ashen with anger, "It’s so late and she’s not home yet, and now she’s not even answering the phone. This girl is going too far." He gritted his teeth in exasperation.

Yu Xiaoxuan sat at her vanity, calmly applying skincare products, as Han Yi turned around and said, "Yu Xiaoxuan, your daughter plans to spend the night out, aren’t you going to intervene?"

Yu Xiaoxuan’s eyelids fluttered, "Intervene in what? She’s definitely with Haohao. They’re engaged and the wedding is in six months. There’s nothing to fuss about."

Han Yi clenched his teeth, "But she’s your daughter, your daughter!"

Yu Xiaoxuan chuckled, "When I married you, I was already pregnant with Guoguo. Han Yi, one must not be hypocritical."

Han Yi was almost gnashing his teeth in frustration, "How can that be the same?"

Yu Xiaoxuan turned to face him, her gaze steady, "Then tell me, how is it different?" She wanted to hear what he was thinking.

Han Yi met his wife’s profound stare, fell silent, and instinctively knew that whatever he said would be wrong; it was better to say nothing. Feeling an overwhelming instinct for self-preservation, Han Yi decided the bedroom wasn’t a good place to be at the moment. He rolled out of bed, "I just remembered, I have some unfinished business. I’m going to the study. You should go to sleep."

Watching him flee in disarray, Yu Xiaoxuan pursed her lips in disdain. If this were the past, she might not have been so calm, but perhaps it was the influence of spending time with Shen Qinglan; she’d learned to embrace Shen Qinglan’s hands-off approach to parenting. She was no longer as controlling over her children’s matters as before.

Han Yi wasn’t heading to the study to work; he immediately called Fu Hengyi, feeling that at this time, the only person in the world who could understand him would undoubtedly be Fu Hengyi.

Thus, in the middle of the night, the two middle-aged men found themselves over the phone discussing the downsides of raising a daughter – the conversation only made their hearts heavier. Shen Qinglan, having overheard the conversation, flashed a smile and turned to go serenely to bed.

Daughters are said to be a father’s lover from a past life but they aren’t Shen Qinglan’s; she couldn’t empathize with a father’s feelings about marrying off his daughter.

After Fu Hengyi finished his call with Han Yi and returned to the room, Shen Qinglan was already asleep. He instinctively lightened his footsteps and lay down gently beside her. Shen Qinglan, with her eyes closed, was breathing evenly.

Fu Hengyi watched her for a while, tucking in the corner of the blanket, when Shen Qinglan opened her eyes. They locked eyes and Shen Qinglan raised an eyebrow, "Finished exchanging thoughts with Han Yi?"

Fu Hengyi pursed his lips, and after a few seconds, he broke into a smile. "Qinglan, I must really be getting old." Only those who are old would feel such reluctance to let go.

Shen Qinglan chuckled softly. "Fu Hengyi, I’ve always been with you." Children are merely passersby in the journey of life, the partner is the only one who can accompany you to the end, so let go when it’s time to let go. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Fu Hengyi stared into Shen Qinglan’s eyes, his expression deep. "Do you really like that kid Bai Junnan?" Don’t think he couldn’t tell that she was speaking up for Bai Junnan.

Shen Qinglan didn’t speak, instead, she hugged his waist and closed her eyes. "Let’s go to sleep."

Fu Hengyi huffed lightly, turned off the light, and just before falling asleep, Shen Qinglan suddenly spoke up. "Actually, Bai Junnan isn’t bad, young but mature and steady, and he is caring. Shuyi is happy with him, her taste isn’t bad."

Fu Hengyi replied with annoyance. "Just go to sleep."

Shen Qinglan’s lips curled into a slight smile as she closed her eyes.

**

Pei Hao’s apartment.

When Guoguo woke up, there was no one beside her. She clutched the blanket, feeling the bareness of her body underneath, her cheeks reddened first. Hmm, had she been too forward last night?

The scenes from last night flashed vividly in her mind. She could feel the heat rising on her face, rolled around with the blanket, slapped her face gently, then caught sight of the ring on her hand. Her brows and eyes curved, and she couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

"What are you thinking about, looking so happy?" From the doorway, Pei Hao’s warm and pleasant voice came through.

Guoguo was startled and looked up to meet Pei Hao’s gentle eyes. Hmm, it felt like even her ears were burning. She quickly turned her head away, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

Knowing she would feel uncomfortable, Pei Hao didn’t come in but said gently, "I’ve made breakfast; come and eat quickly."

"Okay," Guoguo replied, yet didn’t move.

Pei Hao turned away, considerately closing the door behind him. Guoguo stared at the ceiling for a few seconds, laughed again softly, then finally, leisurely sat up.

Neatly laid out on the bedside table were new women’s clothes, which she slipped into, then went to the bathroom to freshen up. The washstand held a brand-new set of toiletries, even her usual skincare products. Had Pei Hao prepared all this for her this morning?

Guoguo’s eyes brimmed with smiles, she quickly finished her morning routine, then headed to the living room where Pei Hao was waiting to have breakfast with her, a lavish spread of both Western and Chinese dishes.

Throughout the meal, Guoguo didn’t say much, but the atmosphere between them was laced with sweetness.

After eating, Guoguo offered to clean up the dishes, but Pei Hao beat her to it. "You were too tired last night; just rest well, I’ll handle these things."

Guoguo’s face flushed instantly, and she bolted from the dining room, sitting on the living room sofa with her hands covering her cheeks. Brother Pei Hao was really too naughty, how could he say that?

Her gaze shifted and fell on the mobile phone thrown on the sofa; only then did she remember last night’s relentless chain of calls, her scalp tightened, she picked up the phone to see, indeed, it was her father’s calls. Seeing ten missed calls, she could only feel her scalp tingling, this was trouble.

She dared not call Han Yi back, but sent a message to Yu Xiaoxuan first.

Yu Xiaoxuan had recently been resting at home; she fainted while shooting a movie not too long ago. The doctor said she was exhausted, so now she had been ordered to rest at home. Seeing the message from her daughter, she thought for a moment and replied with an emoji.

After receiving her mother’s reply, Guoguo’s nervous heart immediately settled down, she exhaled a breath and relaxed. With her mother at home, she wasn’t afraid.

Pei Hao had wanted to spend the day at home with her, but Guoguo said she wanted to go back to her own place, so he had no choice but to drive her home.

"I’ll come in with you." Outside the Han Family’s villa, Pei Hao said.

Guoguo shook her head, "No need, I’m just going home, it’s not like I’m entering a dragon’s den or a tiger’s lair. Brother Pei Hao, go take care of your own stuff. My mom is at home today anyway."

Pei Hao insisted on accompanying Guoguo inside but was refused. After thinking about it, he said, "If anything comes up, call me right away, I’ll come over."

Guoguo nodded hastily and waved her hand, "Got it, you can go." With that, she turned and went through the door, her steps light.

Indeed, only Yu Xiaoxuan was at home. Knowing that Han Yi was not there, the smile on Guoguo’s face instantly blossomed, but before she could enjoy her moment of happiness, she saw Han Yi walking in from outside. The smile on Guoguo’s face immediately froze, "Daddy, why are you at home?"

Han Yi snorted coldly and walked past her, not even sparing her a glance from the corner of his eye. Guoguo turned to Yu Xiaoxuan with a plea in her eyes—it clearly read, didn’t you say Daddy wasn’t at home?

Yu Xiaoxuan looked innocent. Indeed, at first, he hadn’t been at home; who knew he would come back halfway through—and so coincidentally at that. She even suspected that Han Yi hadn’t really gone out at all, that he had simply been hiding in the garden waiting for Guoguo to come home.

Yu Xiaoxuan beckoned to her daughter, and Guoguo moved to sit next to her. Han Yi was sitting across from them with a dark face, holding a book and seeming quite absorbed in it, although how much he was actually taking in was anyone’s guess.

"Daddy." Guoguo called out, but Han Yi pretended not to hear. Yu Xiaoxuan kicked her husband with her foot, and finally, Han Yi spoke, "I don’t remember having a daughter."

Guoguo looked embarrassed. Was he angry because she hadn’t come home at night, or because she hadn’t answered his calls? She couldn’t figure out why Han Yi was angry, but she could tell from his words that he was indeed very upset.

Guoguo looked at Yu Xiaoxuan, who mouthed two words to her—"phone call."

Guoguo immediately understood and said, "Daddy, I’m sorry, I made you worry. Last night, I was watching a movie with Brother Pei Hao, and my phone was on silent, so I didn’t see it ringing."

Although he suspected it was mostly an excuse, Han Yi’s heart felt somewhat pacified. He snorted, "I wasn’t worried about you. You’ve grown wings and think you can just fly away whenever you want—I can’t control you anymore."

Guoguo: ...And he says he’s not angry, listen to that tone!

After thinking for a bit, Guoguo walked over and sat next to Han Yi, tugging at his sleeve, "Daddy, I really know I was wrong. From now on, I promise to answer your calls right away." No matter whether she could do it or not, the first step was to cheer her father up.

Han Yi’s anger subsided a bit, and he finally deigned to look up from his book and glance at his daughter. But the moment he did, his face turned completely ashen, "You stayed with Pei Hao for the entire night?"

Hearing this, Yu Xiaoxuan rolled her eyes. Wasn’t it obvious?

Guoguo blinked, "I accidentally fell asleep and ended up staying over at Brother Pei Hao’s house." She tried to look as innocent as possible, Daddy, look into my sincere eyes, I’m not lying.

Han Yi snorted, "Do you think I believe you?"

Guoguo’s face was the picture of sincere innocence, "Daddy, I never lie."

Han Yi’s gaze fell on her neck, "Next time, wear a high-collared shirt before you say that." As the words left his mouth, Guoguo realized something and her face instantly turned red; she tugged at Han Yi’s hem, at a loss for words.

Yu Xiaoxuan kicked her husband, what on earth was he saying? Seeing his daughter’s reaction, Han Yi realized his implication and grew embarrassed.

Yu Xiaoxuan stood up, "Guoguo, come upstairs with Mom, I have something to say to you."

Guoguo replied with an ’oh’ and followed behind her mother, "Mom, what do you want to talk to me about?"

""

"It’s okay, go up and rest a bit. Don’t worry about your father; he’s just upset that you’ll be getting married in a few months. He can’t bear to part with you, but he’ll get over it soon." Yu Xiaoxuan patted her daughter on the shoulder before turning to go downstairs, where there was another person who needed comforting.

Guoguo watched her mother’s retreating figure and smiled.

**

On March 20th, Gu Qingzhu and Fu Chenxuan held their engagement ceremony. Their engagement was low-key, known only to a few close friends and family. Looking at the engagement ring on her hand and then at the man beside her, the smile on Gu Qingzhu’s lips was warm and gentle.

Fu Chenxuan noticed her gaze and tilted his head slightly, "What’s wrong?"

Gu Qingzhu smiled, "Nothing. Let’s go on a date this afternoon." Her vacation was almost over, and once she returned to the military, she wouldn’t have as many opportunities to see Fu Chenxuan.

Fu Chenxuan naturally agreed, and after changing into a different set of clothes, they set out. Fu Chenxuan somehow had gotten a motorcycle, "Get on."

Gu Qingzhu whistled, "Where did this come from?"

Fu Chenxuan smiled softly, "Don’t ask now, just enjoy the experience."

Gu Qingzhu sat on the back seat, wrapping her arms around Fu Chenxuan’s waist, "Let’s go."

Instead of the bustling city area, Fu Chenxuan rode to the suburbs where there were fewer people and cars. With the motorcycle speeding along, the wind whistled past their ears, fluttering Gu Qingzhu’s long hair. She held onto Fu Chenxuan’s waist, her lips curving into a wide smile—today’s life was something she had not anticipated.

Four years ago, when she went undercover, she had prepared herself for the possibility of not coming back. During those years, she had experienced countless life-and-death situations, walking through death’s door again and again. She knew that Fu Chenxuan had dropped out of school, gone abroad, and then returned, and she was aware of every update about him, yet she pretended not to know and dared not meet him.

She had also fantasized that even if she could come back alive, Fu Chenxuan might have already found a new love, and she and he would become a perpetual miss.

Gu Qingzhu and Fu Chenxuan raced through the outskirts, indulging their motorcycle craze before slowly heading home. Unable to sleep that night, they went to Charming Color.

"I remember the first time I saw you, it was here," said Gu Qingzhu.

Fu Chenxuan arched an eyebrow, "When?"

After Gu Qingzhu mentioned a specific time, Fu Chenxuan immediately remembered—it was the night he was casually approached by Jiandan. At that time, he seemed to have seen someone who looked like Gu Qingzhu’s silhouette and had followed, but no one was there, and he thought he had been mistaken.

"So it really was you that day?"

Gu Qingzhu nodded, "Yes, it was me. I didn’t dare let you find out."

"Why didn’t you come to see me?" Fu Chenxuan asked with a hint of grievance in his voice.

Gu Qingzhu chuckled, "I didn’t want to get you involved. My mission wasn’t over yet, and it was approaching the most crucial moment. I couldn’t afford to mess it up then." The results they were about to achieve had been hard-won over a long period of time and effort. Naturally, she couldn’t let it be ruined by her own hands, and she did not want to bring danger to Fu Chenxuan.

"Qingzhu, from now on, you can’t keep anything from me, nor can you take on any dangerous tasks without telling me. Going through an experience like this once is enough," Fu Chenxuan said seriously, as he couldn’t bear to endure it again.

Gu Qingzhu nodded; her identity was now exposed, and even if there were such tasks again, they wouldn’t be her responsibility.

They leaned on the railing upstairs, looking down at the noisy bar below. Suddenly, Gu Qingzhu’s gaze sharpened and her complexion changed. Fu Chenxuan sensed her disquiet and followed her gaze but saw nothing. Before he could speak, Gu Qingzhu turned and left, with Fu Chenxuan quickly following her.