Chapter 741: Does Grandpa Not Like Us?
Chapter 741: Does Grandpa Not Like Us?
Editor: Henyee Translations
Gu Shuxue’s expression froze, her anger bubbling beneath the surface, yet constrained by the demands of propriety.
Butler Liu introduced Gu Zhaoming to Gu Shuxue. “Miss Shuxue, allow me to present your eldest master, Mr. Gu Zhaoming.”
Gu Shuxue managed a strained smile, her thoughts seething beneath the facade. “Ah, Eldest Uncle. My apologies for the misunderstanding earlier. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”
Being the elder, Gu Zhaoming refrained from engaging in any conflict with his younger relative.
“And will you, Sister Shuxue, still consider us nouveau riche and wish to oust us?” inquired Gu Yang, her features adopting an expression of innocence and vulnerability.
Observing the tender-hearted display of Gu Yang, Butler Liu’s heart went out to her. The sight of the young lady, so obedient and fragile, stirred a sense of compassion within him.
The children of the Young Master and the grandchildren of the Old Master had never had the chance to meet their grandfather. Their anticipation turned to disappointment when they were nearly rejected by Miss Shuxue due to their perceived social status.
Unable to contain his sympathy, Butler Liu gently reassured her. “Young Miss, you and your siblings are simply adorable. How could the old man not adore you?”
He regarded Gu Shuxue with a grave expression. “Miss Shuxue, you’ve made a mistake. Eldest Young Master and the others have already revealed their identities. It was premature of you to consider ejecting them without verifying. Apologize to Eldest Young Master and the others.”
Butler Liu, the venerable steward of the old residence and the trusted confidant of the old master, commanded respect from both her father and third uncle.
Gu Shuxue’s apprehension of Butler Liu potentially informing her grandfather about the incident loomed over her. Despite her reluctance, she acquiesced, bowing her head and extending an apology to Gu Zhaoming. “Eldest Uncle, I apologize sincerely for my hasty actions.”
Gu Zhaoming responded graciously, understandingly. “No harm done. Youth often carries impulsivity. Your father and I were no different in our younger days.”
A brittle smile crossed Gu Shuxue’s lips as she addressed Butler Liu, “Grandpa Liu, I need to speak with Sister Qingzi. Please excuse me.”
Butler Liu nodded, aiming to quell any lingering tension. “Of course, Miss Shuxue. Carry on.”
Turning to Gu Zhaoming, he added, “Eldest Young Master, allow me to escort you. The Master will be delighted to see you, along with the Young Master and Young Miss.”
“Incidentally, may I inquire about the names of the young masters and young misses?”
As they proceeded, Gu Zhaoming introduced his wife and children to Butler Liu, transparently disclosing that Gu Yang and Feng Jue were adopted.
Butler Liu couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. “Not only do you possess exemplary genes, but your discernment in adoption is also commendable. The children you’ve chosen are remarkably handsome and beautiful.”
He contemplated asking about the orphanage from which they were adopted.
Gu Yang sensed a veiled compliment in Butler Liu’s demeanor, detecting his admiration for their striking appearances.
She found it somewhat unsettling that the old butler, at his age, would still place such emphasis on physical beauty.
Meanwhile, Ye Qingzi’s patience wore thin as she endured repeated affronts. Her frustration reached a boiling point, compelling her to contemplate leaving the Gu family’s ancestral home.
Anxiously, Gu Shuxue hurried after her, seizing her arm to prevent her departure. “Sister Qingzi, please don’t be upset. I take full responsibility for this oversight. My lapse in memory regarding Eldest Uncle’s family was unforgivable.”
“Eldest Uncle committed a transgression in the past, leading to his expulsion from the family by the elders. I never anticipated their return.”
Ye Qingzi halted, her curiosity piqued. “What transgression?”
Gu Shuxue breathed a sigh of relief, recognizing Ye Qingzi’s intrigue regarding Eldest Uncle’s family scandal.
“Sister Qingzi, let’s return and discuss this matter in depth,” she urged, gently tugging Ye Qingzi back.
Despite both the Gu and Ye families being esteemed among the Eight Great Clans, the current status of the Gu family paled in comparison to that of the Ye family.
Inviting Ye Qingzi was not only a gesture of friendship but also a strategic move to strengthen ties between the two families, thereby bolstering the Gu family’s standing.
By fostering a close relationship with the eldest daughter of the Ye family and enlisting Ye Qingzi’s guidance in medicine, Gu Shuxue sought to impress her grandfather and elevate her own stature within the family.