Su Hua was taken aback, unable to understand why Gu Beixian suddenly wanted to kiss her, and on the lips no less.

Even though it was nighttime, there were still people passing by.

The village wasn't as open-minded as the city; being seen would be quite embarrassing.

Moreover, her grandmother had just been buried. Being affectionate at such a time was highly inappropriate.

Su Hua reached out to push him away.

But Gu Beixian held both her wrists with one hand, not letting her move.

Su Hua didn't have his strength and couldn't push him away. She could only close her eyes and let him kiss her.

His kiss was forceful, even domineering, unlike his usual gentle manner, as if he were competing with someone.

Su Hua recalled the words he had just spoken into the phone; they were definitely directed at Gu Aoting.

She thought he was just being spiteful towards Gu Aoting.

It wasn't until she was almost out of breath that Gu Beixian finally let her go. He wiped the moisture from her lips and said softly, "We won't get divorced."

It wasn't a suggestion; it was a decision.

Su Hua's mind was racing. "I appreciate you considering my feelings at a time like this, but your father..."

Gu Beixian said calmly, "I'll talk to him when we get back."

Su Hua remembered what Gu Aoting had said about winners and losers, her eyes dimming. "I don't want you to be caught between me and your father."

Gu Beixian cupped her face, "Stop talking and listen to me."

This time, his tone was commanding, leaving no room for argument.

Without further ado, he took her hand and walked towards the gate.

After a few steps, Gu Beixian turned back and glanced at the woods across the pond.

The man named Ah-Yao was no longer there.

He curled his lips, but there was no smile in his eyes.

For the first time, he realized how strong his possessiveness was.

All the talk about letting go and being magnanimous—he simply couldn't do it. After all, he was just a mortal, unable to escape the seven emotions and six desires.

They returned to Grandfather Gu's house.

As soon as they entered the bedroom, Su Peilan brought in a tray of food.

Four dishes and a soup, with two bowls of rice.

Placing the food on the table, she warmly invited Gu Beixian, "Beixian, you must be hungry. Come eat while it's hot. I just served it from the pot; no one else has touched it. I know you like cleanliness and won't eat food others have handled."

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Gu Beixian paused, surprised by her sudden warmth. She had been quite cold to him in their previous encounters.

After inviting him, Su Peilan turned to Su Hua, "Xiaohua, you should go back with Beixian tonight. No need to wait for your grandmother's seven-day memorial. I'll take care of things here."

Su Hua was puzzled, "I've already taken leave; there's no rush."

"Go back. Your grandmother would want you and Beixian to return. She'd be happier than anyone to see you two together." Su Peilan's eyes reddened as she smiled, "You two eat up. I'll leave you to it."

With that, she turned and left.

Gu Beixian smirked, "Mother-in-law is quite unusual tonight."

Su Hua thought for a moment, "Maybe she was moved by how hard you've been taking care of me these past few days. My mom may have a sharp tongue, but she has a soft heart."

"Mother-in-law is indeed a person of character." Gu Beixian smiled faintly and handed her a pair of chopsticks.

Su Hua took the chopsticks, sat next to him, and placed a piece of crispy fried meat on his rice. "This meat is delicious, very fragrant. Try it."

Gu Beixian picked it up and chewed a few times, "It is quite fragrant."

Normally, he wouldn't eat such food; it was too greasy and unhealthy.

But if Su Hua served it, he'd probably eat even rat meat.

After dinner, Su Peilan came in to clear the dishes and urged them, "You two should leave soon. It only takes two or three hours to get home. Wash up and get a good night's sleep. If you leave tonight, Beixian can get back to work early tomorrow. He's been delayed long enough here; it's affecting his work."

Gu Beixian was more than willing.

Staying longer would only bring more complications. He feared Su Hua would meet Ah-Yao again.

Feeling uneasy was one thing, but the thought of giving her up made him realize he couldn't bear it.

He suddenly wanted to be selfish for once, to keep her by his side.

Su Hua didn't want to leave.

She missed her grandmother and wanted to stay for the seven-day memorial.

But she couldn't refuse Su Peilan, who pushed her out the door and directly into Gu Beixian's car.

As the car left the village, Su Hua received a message from Su Peilan: "Daughter, I've realized these past few days that Gu Beixian is actually good to you. If you can avoid divorce, try not to. After a divorce, the next man may not be better than Gu Beixian. Besides, his leg's recovery is partly thanks to you. Why should you give him up after all your hard work?"

Su Hua frowned slightly and replied: "But his father doesn't agree."

Su Peilan said: "Parents can't always go against their children. You two should try harder. If you give up without trying, you'll regret it later."

Su Hua thought for a moment and replied: "Okay."

At ten o'clock that night, they arrived at their home in Riyue Bay.

Su Hua went to the bathroom to wash her hair and take a shower.

When she came out, she picked up the hairdryer, ready to dry her hair.

Gu Beixian, having just showered in another room, came over and took the hairdryer from her, offering to help.

Su Hua smiled, "My left hand is almost healed; I can do it myself."

Gu Beixian, expressionless, pressed her onto the small sofa beside him and said calmly, "I just want to take good care of you."

His words were so tender.

Especially coming from someone with his cold and aloof demeanor, it wasn't cloying at all; rather, it was incredibly alluring.

A warm feeling surged in Su Hua's heart. "Thank you."

Gu Beixian plugged in the hairdryer and said nonchalantly, "We promised to support each other. No need to thank me."

Su Hua smiled.

She liked the idea of "supporting each other," which felt more solid and warm than "respecting each other like guests."

Despite being a man, Gu Beixian was quite gentle when drying her hair.

At first, he wasn't sure about the pressure, but soon he was doing it better than Su Hua could herself.

After drying her hair, they lay down on the bed.

Having napped in the afternoon, Su Hua wasn't very sleepy. She just closed her eyes and nestled in Gu Beixian's arms, thinking about her grandmother.

Gu Beixian knew she was sad and gently patted her, like soothing a child.

Before long, Su Hua fell asleep.

As her breathing became steady, he kissed her forehead and whispered, "If you dare dream about calling out to Brother Ah-Yao again, I'll spank you."

Perhaps because of the change in environment, Su Hua didn't have any nightmares.

When she woke up the next day, the first thing she saw was Gu Beixian propped up on one elbow, looking at her with gentle eyes, seemingly in a good mood.

She smiled softly at him, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Because you're beautiful." He touched her face, his voice as gentle as moonlight.

Su Hua felt something was off about him but couldn't pinpoint what it was.

After washing up, they went downstairs.

The dining table was set with a sumptuous breakfast.

Besides various delicate pastries, there were several nourishing soups, their aroma enticing.

Gu Beixian said, "I called the hotel to have this sent over. You haven't been eating well these past few days, so eat more."

His thoughtfulness made Su Hua even more reluctant to let him go.

Maybe her mother was right; if she didn't try harder, she'd regret it later. She didn't want to lose him.

After breakfast, Gu Beixian had to go to the company.

He picked up his watch and put it on his wrist.

Su Hua, as usual, helped him with his tie.

She was particularly skilled with her hands, tying it quickly and beautifully.

After she finished, Gu Beixian suddenly pulled her into his arms, hugging her tightly. "Stay home and try not to go out. It's chaotic outside."

Su Hua felt even more that something was off. How was it chaotic outside?

It wasn't wartime.

Besides, if she went out, there was a driver who also acted as a bodyguard, just a phone call away.

She smiled, "The museum is waiting for me."

Gu Beixian raised an eyebrow, "Didn't you take bereavement leave?"

Su Hua was speechless and could only say, "Alright then."

Gu Beixian held her but didn't let go, lowering his head to nuzzle her nose and kiss her ear.

It was quite an intimate gesture, like a man deeply in love.

Su Hua was a bit puzzled.

He wasn't usually this clingy. What was going on today?

No, since last night, he had been acting a bit strange.

She was about to ask.

Gu Beixian's lips brushed her earlobe, and he whispered, "I really wish I could shrink you down and carry you in my pocket, taking you everywhere I go."