Volume One, Chapter 24: You Don't Want It?

Gu Huaixu was taken aback by surprise.

He was just about to approach and strike up a conversation when Lin Zhi glanced at him indifferently.

“Mm.”

With an impassive face, she squeezed out a curt, “Congratulations on your marriage.”

With that, Lin Zhi withdrew her gaze and walked straight toward the shop entrance.

“Hey?”

Gu Huaixu watched her turn away, then grumbled to Jiang Wan once she’d left.

“What’s her problem?”

He was dissatisfied with her reaction, his tone turning sour. “I was talking to her nicely—what’s with that attitude!”

“No wonder no one likes her, the old spinster.”

After venting his disdain, Gu Huaixu moved to Jiang Wan’s side and wrapped his arm around her waist, giving it a squeeze.

“My darling is still the best—so beautiful and sweet, truly the apple of my eye.”

He flaunted his affection without restraint, his words flowing smoothly.

The shop assistant smiled politely nearby, not forgetting to introduce the season’s new arrivals to them.

The window display was filled with men’s clothing and accessories, but Jiang Wan’s mind was occupied only by that navy-blue silk tie.

“Darling?”

It wasn’t until Gu Huaixu called her that Jiang Wan realized she’d been lost in thought.

“Are you tired from shopping? Let’s get something to eat.”

Jiang Wan nodded.

She was like a gentle little kitten—beautiful, soft, and easy to love.

Gu Huaixu felt a surge of affection and clasped her hand as they left the men’s boutique.

“Does the Lu family have any businesses in Rong City?” Jiang Wan asked suddenly.

“Hm?” Gu Huaixu turned his head. “Why are you asking about that all of a sudden?”

“No reason, just curious. Weren’t they said to be aiming for that prime plot in Rong City?”

“That’s right.”

Gu Huaixu spoke, lifting his chin with pride.

“A so-called prime plot in Rong City is nothing compared to the capital. My younger uncle isn’t even planning to stay in Rong City long. Even if he wins that land, he’ll just give us the agency rights.”

He didn’t sound like he was joking.

Jiang Wan’s eyes showed surprise, and then she frowned.

“Your younger uncle said that?” she asked skeptically.

Gu Huaixu shrugged. “That’s about it. If he was planning to stay in Rong City long-term, he wouldn’t be living at the Cloudtop Hotel all this time.”

“With the Lu family’s resources, buying a ready-made villa would be as easy as breathing.”

He continued talking, but Jiang Wan heard nothing beyond the words “Cloudtop Hotel.”

Before they reached the dessert shop, Yan Yan called again, telling them to return to the Gu family home.

On the way, Jiang Wan guessed that news of Gu Huaixu taking her shopping had already made the rounds among their circle—and to Yan Yan’s ears as well.

Sure enough, the moment they entered the house, they heard Yan Yan’s sarcastic voice from the living room.

“Well, you two actually decided to show up.”

She sat beside the tea table, surrounded by leftover tea and snacks—a clear sign that a guest had just left.

“Mom.”

Jiang Wan nodded obediently, her demeanor humble and deferential.

“I really can’t accept you calling me that,” Yan Yan replied, shooting her a glance full of disdain.

“Now that you’re married into the Gu family, you ought to contribute something. If your own family can’t help, fine—but you’re always eyeing our family’s things. Not content with just wanting business orders, are you planning to drain us dry before you’re satisfied?”

“Turns out Mrs. Wang next door was right. Pretty faces are useless—every one of them becomes a thief in their husband’s home.”

As she spoke, she glared at the housekeeper behind them, who was carrying bags and packages inside.

“Why bring those in here? Doesn’t she have her own home? All…”

Before Yan Yan finished, Gu Huaixu let go of Jiang Wan and walked over.

“Mom, why are you so upset?”

“These are all for you! If they’re not sent here, where else would they go?”

He picked up a pastry and took a bite.

“Jiang Wan didn’t buy anything for herself today—she picked out gifts for you and Dad. Even mine wasn’t forgotten, so what do you have to complain about?”

“Don’t listen to Mrs. Wang’s nonsense—she’s just jealous I found such a treasure.”

With a few words, Gu Huaixu caught Yan Yan off guard. She’d been ready to give them a proper scolding, but he’d gone completely off script.

Yan Yan’s expression soured.

Jiang Wan didn’t remain idle; she bowed her head to Yan Yan.

“If you don’t like the gifts, I’ll have someone return them. I kept all the receipts.”

“Return them for what? If you don’t want them, just give them to your mother—she’ll love them,” Gu Huaixu replied.

No sooner had he finished than Yan Yan objected, “How thoughtless. Who gives away what I don’t want?”

She motioned for the housekeeper to bring the bags over and inspected them one by one.

With Gu Huaixu footing the bill, Jiang Wan hadn’t held back—she’d chosen only the most sought-after limited editions from the top brands.

The selection showed exquisite taste and discernment. Apart from their price, Yan Yan couldn’t find fault.

Noticing the hint of discomfort in her eyes, Gu Huaixu pouted and moved to console her.

“Mom, don’t fret about the money. Once the bidding at the end of the month is over, the development project for that prime plot will be in the Gu family’s pocket.”

“Never mind tens of thousands—hundreds of thousands, millions, it’s nothing to us.”

He boasted shamelessly, munching on a pastry without even glancing up, his confidence unshaken.

Yan Yan shot him an annoyed look.

“You have the nerve to say that. Since you know your uncle has his sights set on it, why aren’t you making sure Gu Corporation gets the bid ready? We might not even bid, but we need to help manage the competition.”

“Clear the obstacles, and the future will be bright.”

With that, Yan Yan turned meaningfully to Jiang Wan.

“Since you’re married into the Gu family, you should be a good wife to Huaixu.”

“If you want to win some orders from Gu Corporation to help the Jiang family, I won’t object. But if you only take and never give, don’t expect another chance.”

Her smile was laced with warning—a threat and a reminder.

“At the end-of-month bidding, go with Huaixu. Now that you’re part of the Gu family, you should broaden your horizons. Don’t be like your mother, who only knows how to spend money.”

Yan Yan made no attempt to hide her disdain for Jiang Wan, sparing her no embarrassment.

“Mom, you—”

Seeing Jiang Wan bow her head and remain silent, Gu Huaixu couldn’t help but step in to defend her.

But as soon as he began, Jiang Wan reached out and tugged his hand gently, twice.

“Mom is right. I will remember her words,” Jiang Wan said, looking up at Yan Yan with reddened eyes, fighting back tears.

This display of bittersweet humility immediately triggered Gu Huaixu’s protective instincts.

“Mom, must you make my darling cry before you’re satisfied?”

As he spoke, he took Jiang Wan’s hand and started to lead her outside.

“Even bringing gifts isn’t enough for you. Come on, darling, let’s go. We don’t have to stay for dinner.”

“Wait…”

Jiang Wan pretended