OBS Chapter 87 Testing
Chapter 87 Testing
As the social event entered its second day, the interactions among family members deepened, while the undercurrents beneath the surface grew increasingly turbulent.
Early in the morning, Lin Chuyue got up and changed into an elegant dress, looking fresh and appropriate. Today, she and Gu Yanchuan were going to test the attitudes of the elders in preparation for dissolving the engagement.
At breakfast time, Lin Chuyue and Gu Yanchuan walked into the restaurant side by side and sat down at their designated seats. Opposite them were Gu Yanchuan's parents, Gu Mingzhe, the head of the Gu family, and his wife, Shen Xiulan.
Gu Mingzhe picked up his coffee and said casually, "Chuyue, how have you been getting along with Yanchuan lately? I heard your collaboration at the company is going quite well."
Lin Chuyue smiled slightly, her expression natural: "Uncle, that's true. I work very well with President Gu. He has a lot of courage, and I've learned a lot from him."
Shen Xiulan interjected, "Chuyue, you should also consider the engagement. After all, the two families have been friends for so many years, we can't drag it out for too long."
The moment the words were spoken, the atmosphere at the dinner table instantly became subtle.
Gu Yanchuan put down his milk glass and said calmly, "Mother, Chuyue and I have our own thoughts about the engagement. Although the relationship between our two families is important, we hope to have time to carefully consider the future."
Shen Xiulan frowned, about to speak, but Gu Mingzhe stopped her: "Let the young people decide their own affairs. However, Yanchuan, the interests of the family are always the top priority, you should understand that."
"Yes, Father." Gu Yanchuan nodded, his expression remaining calm.
Lin Chuyue continued, "Uncle, we will definitely respect the family's arrangements. However, I also hope to prove myself through my actions, not just through a marriage contract."
Gu Mingzhe glanced at her, his tone softening slightly: "Chuyue's intentions are very good. I hope you can truly bring more value to both families."
This seemingly peaceful breakfast was actually fraught with hidden danger. Lin Chuyue and Gu Yanchuan exchanged a glance, understanding each other perfectly; their probing seemed to be yielding initial results.
After breakfast, Lin Chuyue went for a walk alone in the manor's garden. The sunlight shone on her, warm and gentle, but her mood was somewhat heavy.
She was looking down at her plans when she heard familiar footsteps behind her. Turning around, she saw Li Zhanchuan.
"Miss Lin, you're already spending time alone so early?" Li Zhanchuan smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"President Li," Lin Chuyue replied softly, turning to continue walking forward, "What brings you here?"
Li Zhanchuan didn't answer directly, but followed her: "You seemed preoccupied at last night's banquet. Do you want to deal with it alone today?"
Lin Chuyue stopped and turned to look at him: "Why does President Li always like to observe me?"
“Because you pique my interest.” Li Zhanchuan’s answer was direct and frank. “Miss Lin, you are not as simple as you seem.”
Lin Chuyue was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "President Li, you really know how to talk. But you're overthinking it. I'm just an ordinary person."
Li Zhanchuan stared into her eyes, his voice low and firm: "Ordinary people wouldn't be able to handle themselves so easily in a situation like this."
Lin Chuyue avoided his gaze, turned around and continued walking forward: "President Li, I'm just trying to make myself look less bad."
Li Zhanchuan didn't press further, but silently followed beside her. Sunlight shone on the two of them, lengthening their shadows, as if silently conveying some subtle emotion.
The ball that evening was the highlight of the entire social event. Guests, dressed in gorgeous evening gowns, flocked to the dance floor and danced gracefully to the melodious music.
Luo Yurou wore a light pink dress, looking exceptionally elegant and charming. She stood by the dance floor, her gaze following Gu Yanchuan, a faint smile on her face.
A short while later, Gu Yanchuan walked up to her, bowed slightly, and extended his hand: "Miss Luo, may I invite you to dance?"
Luo Yurou blushed slightly, but quickly nodded and gently placed her hand in his palm: "Of course."
The two stepped onto the dance floor and began to dance gracefully to the music. Luo Yurou looked up at Gu Yanchuan's face, which was so close to hers, and her heart began to race: "Mr. Gu, you are very good at dancing."
Gu Yanchuan smiled slightly: "You flatter me. Miss Luo's dance is also very graceful."
"Thank you," Luo Yurou replied softly, her gaze shifting as she couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Gu, you seem a little different tonight than usual."
"Really?" Gu Yanchuan raised an eyebrow. "How are they different?"
"It makes people feel...warmer." Luo Yurou's voice was very soft, almost drowned out by the music.
Gu Yanchuan's gaze flickered slightly, but he did not respond. He looked down at her, a long-lost flutter rising in his heart for the first time.