Gu Qingshuang was now certain that what she felt was love.
This realization had crystallized during yesterday’s blind date with Miss Zhou. Throughout the meal, she had been restless and ill at ease—a sensation entirely different from when she had proposed marriage to Ming Li in the past.
Back then, a thought had flashed through her mind: If I must marry, being with this person wouldn’t be so bad.
It wasn’t: I have to marry now, so she will do.
The underlying concepts were worlds apart.
Gu Qingshuang’s seriousness and rigor manifested in every aspect of her life. For instance, if someone had told her as a child, “I’m your friend now,” she would have done everything in her power to understand the definition of “friend” before replying with solemn conviction, “No, you aren’t.”
She hadn’t realized how devastating such a remark could be to another child because, to her, there were distinct boundaries between classmates, colleagues, friends, girlfriends, and lovers.
It was the same when Shen Lideng decided to go abroad; from that moment on, it was impossible for them to remain lovers. The things one did in a romantic relationship were things she would never do with Shen Lideng again.
However, Shen Lideng understood the flaws in Gu Qingshuang’s character all too well. She knew exactly how to navigate those boundaries, retreating one step at a time. This process of retreat forced Gu Qingshuang to break her own internal rules—a process that was both agonizing and exhausting.
Yet, whenever she remembered that Shen Lideng had once saved her life, she forced herself to ignore the trouble and make choices that went against her inner order.
She treated her mother the same way.
Even if she occasionally felt reluctant or disliked a situation, she would compromise as long as the other party remained firm. And firm was the only way Gu Xueqiang knew how to be.
But regarding Ming Li, Gu Qingshuang did not want to compromise on everything.
Recognizing her own feelings didn’t seem to help; it only added to the awkwardness, much like the present moment. Gu Qingshuang was too embarrassed to explain the root of her argument with Gu Xueqiang or her reasons for wanting to move out of the Gu Manor.
She could only let the silence stretch, the awkwardness thick in the air.
Little Xi stood to the side, shivering from the cold. Her hands were buried deep in the pockets of her down jacket as she sniffed. “Can’t we find somewhere warm to talk?”
“You go first,” Ming Li said.
Little Xi glanced at Gu Qingshuang but remained steadfastly at Ming Li’s side. “Forget it. I’ll wait for you.”
“You two should go,” Gu Qingshuang said. “I’ll be leaving in a moment. I won’t get in your way.”
Ming Li frowned at her words. “Where will you go?”
Gu Qingshuang remained silent. She truly had nowhere to go. Fortunately, she could still go to work.
“To the company,” Gu Qingshuang said, a faint smile touching her lips. “I’ll look for a place after work.”
Ming Li looked at her suspiciously. “Are you serious about this decision?”
“What else would I be?” Gu Qingshuang asked calmly. “I’m serious about every decision I make.”
While there was an element of impulse, it was mostly the result of careful consideration. In fact, she had moved out of the Gu Manor once before when she was twenty, and that had been the most relaxed period of her life.
Even though her studies had been so demanding she felt like her soul might ascend to heaven, she could fall asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. When she woke, she was full of energy to dive back into her learning. Had she lived away from home longer, she might have earned a triple major.
Occasionally, Gu Qingshuang felt a pang of regret. She had truly loved that field of study.
Right now, she wanted to escape. Even if it was only temporary, she just wanted to taste freedom.
Ming Li asked, “Have you discussed this with President Gu?”
Gu Qingshuang shook her head.
Little Xi’s eyes widened. “Then isn’t this just running away from home?”
Ming Li shot her sister a look, and Little Xi sheepishly shut her mouth.
“I suggest you discuss it with President Gu before making a final move,” Ming Li advised. “Otherwise, you might not achieve your goal.”
Gu Qingshuang wanted to say that Ming Li didn’t understand Gu Xueqiang at all. Discussing it was the surest way not to achieve her goal. Usually, Gu Qingshuang had to threaten to tear the roof off before Gu Xueqiang would even agree to open a window.
However, she feigned compliance, humming an acknowledgment before urging them to go eat.
“How about you come with—” Little Xi started, but she cut herself off with a sigh. “Never mind. Sister, let’s go.”
The invitation died in her throat out of consideration for Ming Li’s feelings. She didn’t see the brief flicker of hope in Gu Qingshuang’s eyes.
“Let’s go.” Ming Li took Little Xi’s arm and didn’t offer any more advice. They walked away together.
Gu Qingshuang watched their retreating backs for a while before returning to the driver’s seat of her car. It was freezing inside.
Little Xi was much more cheerful than Ming Li, acting spoiled and joking with her sister the whole way. Even from behind, they looked like a harmonious pair of sisters. Gu Qingshuang watched a little longer, then started the engine and drove away.
In reality, Little Xi was currently acting spoiled to beg for forgiveness. Her slip of the tongue earlier had clearly displeased Ming Li.
“I didn’t mean it,” Little Xi wheedled.
“Even Mom wouldn’t let you off if she knew you were gossiping about someone to their face,” Ming Li said coldly.
“Mom wouldn’t, but you will. Besides, it’s only gossip if it’s behind their back. To their face, it’s a discussion,” Little Xi chirped. “Especially since she’s my former Sister-in-law. I was just showing concern.”
“Is that what you call concern?” Ming Li called her out.
Little Xi pouted. “Well, I was concerned… and maybe a little curious to see the drama.”
She mumbled the last part, but Ming Li heard her clearly. She flicked Little Xi’s forehead. “At a time like this, don’t pass judgment on people in a relationship you don’t understand.”
” I wasn’t passing judgment,” Little Xi protested. “And Sister-in-law—I mean, Doctor Gu—that’s a better title.”
Little Xi kept slipping up and calling her “Sister-in-law,” blaming Ming Li in her heart. Ming Li had originally refused to use the title, but after being pressured by Ming Li’s glares to change her habit, it was now stuck in her head.
Finding a more suitable title, she said happily, “Isn’t her behavior exactly like when I ran away from home in middle school after a fight with Mom and Dad? Why did you all call me immature and childish back then, but now you say I’m being judgmental?”
As they spoke, the sisters arrived at the restaurant. The place was bustling and full of life, with steaming baskets of buns being brought to tables, looking incredibly appetizing. A breakfast shop in the early morning was the epitome of domestic warmth.
Ming Li picked a seat. Seeing her sister’s silence, Little Xi felt she had the moral high ground. “Either admit you were wrong back then, and I’ll admit I’m wrong now, or stop lecturing me about today.”
It was a choice between two options, and either one suited Little Xi just fine. She felt like a genius.
After a moment, Ming Li handed her a pair of chopsticks and said softly, “Why did you fight with Mom and Dad? And to what extent?”
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