Chapter 56: Legally and Reasonably Kept

"Sister, you really overestimate me. I've always been at the bottom of my class, a total academic failure. How could I possibly manage something as complicated as audio synthesis? Plus, the recording has a timestamp. In just a few short minutes, how could I create a fake recording without a computer? And with so many servants around, they all heard it firsthand…" Gu Yicing lowered her head, her voice filled with a sense of injustice.

Her weak tone trembled slightly as two streams of tears rolled down her cheeks, painting a poignant picture of innocence and despair.

Grandpa Fu, a kind-hearted man, couldn't bear to see anyone weak or suffering. Observing Gu Yicing in such a state, he imagined the struggles this unassuming girl must face while being bullied in the Gu family.

"That's enough… Tingyuan, it seems you need to educate your wife and daughter properly before discussing any potential alliances with me. We're leaving," Grandpa Fu declared, rising angrily from the sofa, ready to take his leave.

Gu Yicing felt a wave of relief wash over her as she discreetly wiped her tears. She had successfully executed her plan, and it was worth the few drops of eye drops she had used to enhance her tears.

"Wait a moment, Grandpa," Fu Hanning interjected, remaining seated and stopping the elder from leaving.

Gu Wenxuan's hopes rekindled as she gazed eagerly at Fu Hanning. His words suggested that he might still harbor some hope for the marriage alliance.

"Grandpa Fu, you believe me, don't you?" Gu Wenxuan asked, deliberately moving closer to Fu Hanning, her voice soft and pleading as she met his gaze.

Fu Hanning shot her a cold glance. "A person who plagiarized in a perfume competition? I hardly expect much integrity from you at home. And that wealthy businessman keeping her? Well, that's me—Fu Hanning." 

"What?" Gu Wenxuan's eyes widened in shock, her mouth agape.

Everyone in the living room, including Grandpa Fu, was equally astonished, their jaws nearly dropping to the floor.

Fu Hanning abruptly stood up from the sofa and walked over to Gu Yicing, wrapping an arm around her slender waist. 

The unexpected gesture left Gu Yicing utterly bewildered. 

What was happening? Why was this man suddenly standing up for her?

The sudden turn of events was so unexpected that she felt a bit dazed, caught off guard by this wave of happiness.

"And not just any kind of keeping; it's a legally and reasonably certified arrangement," Fu Hanning continued, dropping another bombshell.

He slowly pulled a marriage certificate from his suit pocket and tossed it onto the table.

Grandpa Fu's reflexes were quick; he snatched the certificate immediately.

Excitedly, he examined the embossed seal, his joy bubbling over. "This is a real marriage certificate! My grandson is actually married! Oh, how wonderful; my little great-grandchild finally has a chance!"

Chen Huilan and Gu Tingyuan were both skeptical and hurried to Grandpa Fu's side, leaning in to inspect the marriage certificate closely.

The date on the certificate was a week ago, shocking them all.

Even the photo on the certificate featured Gu Yicing's unappealing face.

What on earth was going on?

Gu Tingyuan held his forehead, nearly fainting from the revelation, barely supported by Chen Huilan.

Gu Wenxuan shook her head vigorously, unable to process the shocking information. It was as if she were trapped in a nightmare.

Fu Hanning was supposed to marry her, so why on earth was he with Gu Yicing, of all people? 

Did Fu Hanning have such peculiar tastes?

Gu Wenxuan's expression twisted into one of utter disgust, her jealousy and resentment boiling over in her heart.

Gu Yicing couldn't help but smile widely, relishing the satisfaction of watching her adversaries' horrified expressions.

"Chen Auntie, you mentioned earlier that my second sister's engagement ceremony with Fu Hanning must invite me. I'm afraid your invitation won't be going out anymore," Gu Yicing said, deliberately reminding her of her earlier words.

"You…" Chen Huilan fumed, pointing an accusatory finger at Gu Yicing, wishing she could tear off that triumphant, smug look from her face.

But with Grandpa Fu and Fu Hanning present, they dared not act too recklessly.

The anger simmered within them, their faces darkening to an almost comical shade of rage.

In the tense atmosphere, Gu Yicing felt a mix of triumph and defiance, knowing that she had managed to turn the situation in her favor. She had become a player in this family drama, and there was no turning back now.

As the tensions in the room reached a boiling point, it became evident that the dynamics within the Gu family were shifting. Gu Yicing had emerged stronger, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead in her newfound role.