A Loving Embrace

Gu Boyuan looked somewhat concerned as he gazed at his wife. "Do you think Zhenxuan is really taking good care of Antong?"

His wife replied, "Regardless of the truth, he's still more dependable than Si Yueyun!" The mention of Si Yueyun angered Concubine Jiang Yun to the point that she dropped the newspaper she was holding onto the bed.

Gu Boyuan adjusted his reading glasses and observed his resentful wife. "Alright, let's set aside those worries for a moment. Can't you see that Antong has a strong fondness for Zhenxuan? In my opinion, Zhenxuan is steady and competent, certainly a better choice than Si Yueyun."

Tang

Concubine Jiang Yun grumbled, "Well, we've looked into it before, and Si Yueyun is indeed the legitimate son."

Gu Boyuan reluctantly set down the book he had been reading. "Even if Si Yueyun is the rightful heir, what has he done for us? Wasn't it Zhenxuan who played a significant role in fostering cooperation between the Si and Gu families?"

Gu Boyuan's words left Concubine Jiang Yun with nothing to say.

As they chatted, a distant hum caught the attention of the elderly couple. 

Suddenly, Gu Boyuan's expression changed, and he said, "It seems we're going to be grandparents soon."

Concubine Jiang Yun blushed and retorted, "Why are you grinning like a fool? You're not as young as you used to be."

"Alright, alright."

Later, Gu Antong lay on Si Zhenxuan's chest, gently running her hand over his smooth, round shoulder.

Si Zhenxuan softly inquired, "How are you feeling now?"

Having calmed down, Gu Antong finally managed to express the weight that had been on her chest. "Zhenxuan..."

"Yes? What's the matter?"

"Si Yueyun's actions have become increasingly audacious. Not only do people in the company support him, but it appears to extend beyond the headquarters to the branch offices as well. Si Yueyun has now firmly taken control of the Si Group. Why are you still not taking action?"

Anxiety filled Gu Antong's voice as she recounted the subtle maneuvers of Si Yueyun. She was acutely aware of his previous actions, and the recent daytime meeting indicated a significant escalation. If Si Yueyun's previous activities were merely minor skirmishes, now they seemed to be about seizing power and position.

She worried that Si Zhenxuan might be ousted from the Si Group by Si Yueyun, much like he had been cast out of the Si family. What would he do in such a situation? How would he cope with the loss of the family that raised him and the company he had worked so hard to build?

Sensing the turmoil in Gu Antong's heart, Si Zhenxuan's hand ceased its motion and tenderly stroked her face.

Gu Antong raised her head slightly, and Si Zhenxuan addressed the matter calmly. "Don't worry. I have a plan."

Si Zhenxuan lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

This brief, butterfly-like kiss seemed almost magical, instantly soothing the turmoil in Gu Antong's heart. She nodded and settled back onto Si Zhenxuan's chest, finding comfort in his embrace.

As time passed, the two fell asleep in each other's arms, their faces serene.

Early the next morning, Gu Antong and Si Zhenxuan got up. Following his usual routine, Si Zhenxuan left the bedroom first, spending some time exercising in the courtyard before returning to the bedroom. Then, together, they made their way downstairs to the living room.

Gu Boyuan, Concubine Jiang Yun, and Gu Nianguang had already risen early, indicating their awareness of Gu Antong's departure that morning. However, both the faces of the elderly couple showed signs of sleep deprivation.

The daughter and son-in-law had been up half the night, and the elderly couple had also struggled to sleep.

"Mom, Dad, good morning," Gu Antong greeted her family one by one.

"Good morning," Si Zhenxuan nodded and extended the same greeting to the three.

"Good morning! Are you heading to work now?" Gu Boyuan seemed a bit reluctant to see his daughter leave after just one night's stay.

Gu Antong replied, "Yes, the company is quite busy lately, and we need to focus on our work." Despite her reluctance to leave, she understood the importance of her work, Si Zhenxuan, and the company, so she chose to prioritize them for now.

"Sure, but please visit us whenever you're free."

"I understand. Let's head out for now. If we have some spare time..."

Gu Nianguang interrupted Gu Antong before he could finish. He took Gu Antong's hand and led him outside to the courtyard, where they stopped near a cane chair.

"Brother, what's in the bag?" Gu Antong was curious, noticing that Gu Nianguang was carrying a document bag.

"Here, I've gathered some information on ancient incense recipes and raw materials. Take a look; they might be helpful for your current project," Gu Nianguang handed the document bag to Gu Antong as expected.

Gu Antong smiled happily, saying, "Thank you, big brother. This will be a great help."

Gu Nianguang patted Gu Antong's head affectionately, "I'm your brother, I'll always help you out."

"Brother is the best." Gu Antong gratefully accepted Gu Nianguang's assistance.

Seeing Gu Antong's smile, Gu Nianguang noticed that his brother had been smiling more recently. However, the memories of the images he had seen in the kitchen and the headache-inducing sounds of the past few nights made him serious.

"Antong, is Si Zhenxuan treating you well?" Gu Nianguang asked.

"Yes, he's very good to me," Gu Antong replied without hesitation.

However, Gu Nianguang still had doubts, "Does he like you, love you? Antong, I can tell you've fallen for Si Zhenxuan, but what about him?"

Gu Antong didn't respond immediately this time, but after a short pause, he said, "I believe Zhenxuan likes me."

"He believes?" Gu Nianguang frowned slightly, unsatisfied with the answer.

Gu Antong, in a childlike manner, said, "Brother, we're doing just fine. Zhenxuan is really kind to me. You don't need to worry. I'll be happy with him."

Gu Nianguang sighed as he watched Gu Antong's earnest explanation. "Antong, I'm just concerned that you might end up hurt. Marriage is a serious commitment. If it goes wrong, it could be painful in the future."

Gu Antong lowered his head and remained silent for a few seconds. When he looked up again, his face was resolute and filled with a smile. "Brother, don't worry. I genuinely like Zhenxuan, and I believe he treats me sincerely. Besides, no one knows about my marriage. Even if it doesn't work out, no one will blame me."

Gu Antong's face displayed a determination and self-assuredness that Gu Nianguang had never seen before, which made him feel a mix of emotions.

"Thank you, brother! I'll be on my way now. I'll visit you whenever I have some free time," Gu Antong waved to Gu Nianguang and made his way into the living room to join Si Zhenxuan.

From the French window, Gu Nianguang watched as Gu Antong smiled warmly in the living room beside Si Zhenxuan. The aura of happiness surrounding them brought a smile to Gu Nianguang's face as well.

"Antong, even your brother believes that Si Zhenxuan will fall in love with you, because you truly deserve his affection."

Gu Antong and Si Zhenxuan bid farewell to their families and hopped on the bus together, heading towards the company. During the ride, they exchanged occasional words. Passing by a tea shop, Gu Antong's thoughts turned to Lu Yulin.

When Si Zhenxuan wasn't paying attention, Gu Antong discreetly sent a text message to Lu Yulin.

Absolutely! Gu Antong and Lu Yulin both understood the significance of this message.

In a small house, Lu Yulin, who had been lounging on the sofa, leaped up in excitement when she read those two words. "Wow, Antong, you're doing great!"

Her excitement, however, startled Lu Qiyan, who was sitting on another sofa. "Lu Yulin, what's got into you? You just exclaimed, 'Anton, it's a message from Anton?'"

Lu Qiyan finally grasped the key point and sat up straight.

Lu Yulin, looking somewhat exasperated like Lu Qiyan, couldn't tolerate her brother's attitude. "Why are you so excited?"

Lu Qiyan disregarded Lu Yulin's annoyance and shifted closer to her. But when he saw the message on her phone, he furrowed his brows with suspicion. "What's going on? What does this mean?"

"Obviously, it means that Antong and Si Zhenxuan are together!" Lu Yulin didn't hold back, causing Lu Qiyan's heart to ache. There was anger written all over his face.

Lu Qiyan's eyes glared at Lu Lin's phone, and the words "Cheng Cheng" stung his eyes.

In a fit of rage, he swiftly grabbed Lu Yulin's phone and forcefully flung it to the ground.

"Crash!" The phone couldn't withstand such force and split into two. However, Lu Qiyan's anger had not subsided, and he was seething with anger.

Lu Yulin stared at her shattered phone with wide eyes, then exploded, "What's wrong with you? That's my phone. If you want to smash something, why not smash yourself?"

Lu Yulin picked up the broken phone with a painful expression. Lu Qiyan remained silent, his stern gaze locked onto Lu Yulin. It seemed as though Lu Yulin's anger had been directed at him.

"Hmph!" Lu Yulin huffed coldly, though inside, her heart was still filled with frustration. "You have the courage to do this but not the courage to confess your feelings! So Antong will never like you, and even if you decide to pursue Antong, will Gu approve?"

Sort out your emotions! Lu Qiyan's expression dimmed, and his anger slowly receded into the depths of his eyes. He clenched his fists, as if struggling with something.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the car, they reached an intersection, but Si Zhenxuan suddenly made a turn in the opposite direction of the company.

Gu Antong was puzzled. Did he have something in mind?

"Where are we going?" Si Zhenxuan's words took Gu Antong by surprise. She considered suggesting going shopping, almost calling it a "date."

However, knowing Si Zhenxuan's serious demeanor, she felt that the term "date" wasn't quite fitting for him.

"Weren't we heading home just now?" Gu Antong smiled, her calm face radiating happiness. "Wherever you want to go is fine. Even if you wish to go to work, it's alright with me."