Chapter 37: Since Young Mr. Wen Has Already Left, There Won't Be a Fight

"Help me squeeze toothpaste," he said.

Wen Zhixia gazed at him, her eyes lingering on his perfectly fine ten fingers, finding nothing amiss.

Sensing her gaze, Gu Pingsheng curled his thin lips, his height giving him a vantage point as he looked down at her. "I held you all night. My arm went numb."

Wen Zhixia: "?!"

It was an utterly preposterous excuse, yet he presented it with impeccable justification, brazenly making her wait on him.

After the toothpaste, there was shaving. He was the one who refused the comfort of his large bed at home, insisting on squeezing into the hospital’s small bed with her, insisting on holding her as he slept, and now he used this as leverage to extract her care.

Wen Zhixia thought he was becoming more and more like an overindulged young master.

"Ouch, I'm shaving you—do you want a scar on your face?" Gu Pingsheng never liked using electric razors, always opting for the custom-made manual ones, their blades sharp as knives.

Suddenly, he hooked an arm around her waist, pressing her face-to-face onto his body. Her hand paused, nearly cutting him by mistake.

Gu Pingsheng looked at her, a hint of amusement in his disheveled eyes.

Wen Zhixia sensed something, her eyelids fluttering in disbelief. She put down the razor, intending to leave him alone in the bathroom.

But the thought had barely surfaced when, as if sensing her intent, he tightened his embrace, lifting her onto the washbasin with his long arms. The surface was cold; she braced her hand against his chest. "The nurse will be here soon. Handle it yourself."

Gu Pingsheng raised his brow, "Who told you to... make my arm numb?"

His hand was numb, so he could only rely on her.

But this was broad daylight, not the stillness of night.

The nurse carrying breakfast entered, finding no one in the room, her eyes drifting to the tightly closed bathroom door.

"Knock, knock—"

"Ma’am, are you in there?"

Wen Zhixia's eyelid twitched; she glared, cheeks flushed, at the man indulging himself.

"Ma’am?" The nurse sounded doubtful—was she not there?

"Mrs. Gu, they're calling you," he whispered at her ear, lips curling in schadenfreude.

Wen Zhixia, annoyed, twisted his waist with her other hand. He grunted softly at her pinch.

That muffled grunt made the nurse, who had been about to look elsewhere, pause. Then, with an awkward expression, she hurriedly left a word: "Breakfast is on the table," and quickly departed.

Wen Zhixia: "..."

They spent so long in the bathroom, yet he could still sit unhurriedly with her for breakfast.

Wen Zhixia had little appetite; she’d never eaten much. After half a bowl of porridge and a few bites of coarse bread, she quietly wiped her mouth and stopped.

Gu Pingsheng looked at her, brows creased. "Eat a bit more."

Even raising a kitten, it would eat more than she did.

Wen Zhixia leaned lazily against the sofa, unwilling to move. She merely lifted her eyelids and replied, "I’m done. You go ahead."

Gu Pingsheng brought her the half-finished porridge, "Finish it before you rest."

On her discharge day, Hua Qianjiao arrived with roses to congratulate her.

The fiery red roses brought a healthy flush to her cheeks.

"Did you enjoy yourself abroad?" Wen Zhixia asked.

Hua Qianjiao nodded, but her enthusiasm seemed lacking.

"What’s wrong?" Wen Zhixia asked.

Hua Qianjiao lowered her head, stealing a glance at Gu Pingsheng beside Wen Zhixia, seemingly hesitant to speak.

"Pingsheng, would you wait in the car?" Wen Zhixia suggested.

Gu Pingsheng glanced at Hua Qianjiao, then left for the car.

"Now it’s just the two of us. Tell me, what happened?" Wen Zhixia encouraged.

Suddenly, Hua Qianjiao threw her arms around Wen Zhixia, sobbing loudly. Wen Zhixia, still holding the bouquet, was caught off guard. "Why are you crying?"

"Qingqi said he might really marry a fool, but he promised he liked me, that he’d marry me when we grew up..."

Hearing her crying, Wen Zhixia didn’t know how to explain that not every man’s promise was meant to be kept.

Even childhood sweethearts—she had risked everything to save him—yet Qingqi would choose a distinguished heiress to bring him glory, and see a mentally impaired daughter of the Hua family as a disgrace.

Not everyone will be grateful for your sacrifices.

"Jiaojiao, leave him. You’re the eldest daughter of the Hua family—no one has the right to trample on your feelings. What Qingqi is doing now is more than humiliating you; he’s grinding your parents’ pride into the dirt as well." Wen Zhixia gently wiped her tears. "You’ve spent ten years allowing your joys and sorrows to revolve around Qingqi, yet you can’t compare to a single morning greeting from Lin Huixian. Whether you accept it or not, that’s the truth."

Cruel as it was, it was still the truth.

"Look back—even without Qingqi, you still have parents who love you. You are their heart and soul. The pain Qingqi inflicts on you is a knife to their hearts." Madam Hua stood not far off; worried about her daughter’s fragile state, she had followed. Hearing Wen Zhixia’s words, her eyes grew moist.

Hua Qianjiao turned, looking at her aging mother, and gradually quieted her sobs.

"Giving up something you’ve held onto for so long is hard, but one day you’ll move on. Go back with your mother, talk to them—they mean you no harm." In this world, there are parents like Wen’s who feel entitled to exploit their children, expecting them to suffer for their sake. There are also parents like the Hua family, who dare not even grow old for fear of not being there to protect their children.

Hua Qianjiao left with her mother. Before the car drove off, Madam Hua gave Wen Zhixia a grateful look.

When Wen Zhixia got into the car, Gu Pingsheng was on the phone. He ended the call soon after seeing her.

"Tomorrow, come with me to a gathering," he said.

Wen Zhixia glanced sideways. Since she had left the company, he hardly ever let her make public appearances.

"It’s not a banquet, nor business—just a get-together with a few friends," Gu Pingsheng explained.

She agreed.

The Chang’an Club had only recently opened, but its investors spared no expense. After three years, it became the largest, best-equipped, and most beautiful club in the country.

The decor was mainly European, with touches of Chinese architecture—seemingly contradictory, yet somehow in harmony.

Stepping out of the car and strolling inside, she remarked, "The owner of this club has quite a unique vision. Who are they?"

While the driver went to park the car, Gu Pingsheng wrapped an arm around her slender waist from behind. "They haven’t made a public appearance yet, but rumor has it, there’s some connection to the Chu family of Liangcheng."

The Chu family of Liangcheng?

Wen Zhixia vaguely recalled an encounter with them; the details were hazy, but she remembered, "The young lady of the Chu family is not someone to be trifled with."

Both pampered heiresses: if Hua Qianjiao was sweet and adorable, then Chu Man was flamboyant and dazzling, wild and unforgettable.

Gu Pingsheng smiled without comment. Wen Zhixia didn’t know that her own brother, Wen Lechuan, was now the companion-tutor for this very "difficult" Miss Chu.

As they walked inside, Wen Zhixia spotted someone on a sightseeing cart waving in their direction.

"An acquaintance?" she asked.

Gu Pingsheng nodded. When the person got off the cart, Wen Zhixia saw he was about Gu Pingsheng’s age, graceful and refined, and looked somewhat familiar.

"Lanzhou," Gu Pingsheng called.

Ye Lanzhou nodded, teasing, "From afar, I thought it was you, but... so gentle and at ease—I almost didn’t recognize you."

Gu Pingsheng smiled and introduced them, "You’ve just returned, so you haven’t met. This is Wen Zhixia, my wife."

Ye Lanzhou’s gaze shifted to Wen Zhixia, smiling, "No wonder Jiaojiao can’t stop talking about her ‘Sister Wen.’ Meeting you in person is even better than I’d heard."

His words surprised Wen Zhixia. "You know Hua Qianjiao?"

"Old acquaintances. I left the country young and only recently met her again," Ye Lanzhou replied.

Wen Zhixia wondered if it was her imagination, but when Ye Lanzhou mentioned Hua Qianjiao, there was a subtle tenderness in his manner.

"Let’s go inside," Gu Pingsheng said, noticing the faint flush on Wen Zhixia’s face from the sun.

Ye Lanzhou smiled gently, "I should have thought of that. Let me take you in—the others have all arrived."

By the time they entered, several people were already in the open-air pavilion: some playing pitch-pot, others playing cards.

"Is this... President Gu’s date?" someone asked in surprise.

Only then did Wen Zhixia realize that none of the men had brought companions, making her presence rather conspicuous.

Gu Pingsheng, however, seemed unfazed and introduced her to everyone.

"So it’s young Miss Wen—I’ve heard much about you." Even if they hadn’t met, her reputation had preceded her.

Wen Zhixia now understood the nature of the gathering—a group of affluent young men, some from powerful families, others with outstanding business acumen.

"What’s the lively discussion about?" a familiar voice asked from behind.

Wen Zhixia turned, meeting Zhang Zhiyan’s gaze, momentarily surprised.

He too seemed taken aback to see her, quickly glancing at Gu Pingsheng.

It was Ye Lanzhou who had organized the gathering. Seeing their reactions, he laughed, "No need for introductions, then."

Zhang Zhiyan put down his cue stick, poured two glasses of water, and handed one to Wen Zhixia. "I’m well acquainted with both Zhixia and President Gu. It’s hot—have some water."

On the surface, nothing seemed amiss. On any other day, people might have teased Zhang Zhiyan for his gallantry, but...

The woman before them was not simply Gu Pingsheng’s date, nor was she unclaimed or available. She was his lawfully wedded wife, introduced as such. For Zhang Zhiyan to bypass Gu Pingsheng and show Wen Zhixia such care was, at the very least, a subtle provocation.

The atmosphere grew tense in an instant.

Gu Pingsheng and Zhang Zhiyan locked eyes, silent sparks flying.

Wen Zhixia declined Zhang Zhiyan’s kindness; she did not accept the glass. "Before getting out of the car, Pingsheng specifically reminded me to drink some water. Thank you, President Zhang, but I’m not thirsty."

Her refusal seemed expected by Zhang Zhiyan; he didn’t press, but instead suggested, "I just saw the club’s stabled horses. There’s a particularly fine silver-maned one. How about a race later?"

Young men love competition, especially as a display of their vigor. The suggestion was met with enthusiasm.

Wen Zhixia had never ridden a horse and was somewhat tempted.

"The horse is gentle—perfect for beginners. The stable master is experienced and will keep you safe."

As everyone selected their mounts, Zhang Zhiyan lingered near Wen Zhixia, guiding her.

She was intrigued.

"Your wound hasn’t fully healed. Strenuous activity isn’t suitable," Gu Pingsheng suddenly interjected.

His words doused her budding excitement.

Her current health indeed made such exercise inadvisable. "You all go ahead and enjoy," she said, a touch regretful.

With Wen Zhixia out, the two men became even more competitive, each selecting their ideal horse and joining the others.

When someone proposed a race, the tension crackled.

Gu Pingsheng and Zhang Zhiyan subtly sized each other up, their stares sharp as blades.

Ye Lanzhou, observing their rivalry, merely shook his head. When the race began, he ambled along at the back, watching as the two sped off, horses’ hooves kicking up dust.

At first, others vied for first place, but seeing their reckless style, most settled in to watch the spectacle.

Outside the arena, Wen Zhixia watched the two men atop their steeds, her brows unconsciously furrowing.

"I remember your father used to say you hated horseback riding. Seems people do change," Zhang Zhiyan remarked ambiguously as they rode neck and neck.

"My preferences are none of your concern," Gu Pingsheng replied coldly, sleeves rolled up to reveal well-toned forearms.

The horses’ hooves thundered, wind whisking past, man and horse as one.

"It’s not concern—just that my father can’t help but recall you’re his own flesh and blood," Zhang Zhiyan said, tone half-serious.

Gu Pingsheng snapped the reins, urging his horse onward. "Hyah!"

Zhang Zhiyan kept pace. "President Gu, you’re at the top of your game—you don’t care about the Zhangs. Still, you’re too ruthless. The Wens are Zhixia’s parents, after all. You may be indifferent, but must you make her sever all ties as you have?"

The wind whipped his shirt close to his body. "Severing ties—so what? Ruthless—so what? She likes peace and quiet. I’m just clearing away those pests who trouble her."

"If you truly believe you’re acting in her best interest, why haven’t you told her what you did to her family?" Zhang Zhiyan asked. "Not everyone is as cold-blooded as you."

Gu Pingsheng’s eyes narrowed, then he looked down and sneered, "President Gu, you jest. Husband and wife are one—my actions are her will, because... I am her husband."

"Husband? Today, yes. Who can say about tomorrow? After all, you could drive away even her beloved brother. If she ever learns you so lightly severed her ties of kin, leaving only yourself in your obsessive confinement, she might well be terrified—even as your wife," Zhang Zhiyan replied.

"Whoa—"

"Whoa—"

Almost simultaneously, both men reined in their silver-maned horses.

After a hard-fought, inconclusive race, neither dismounted. Gu Pingsheng stared at him blankly. "No wonder Mrs. Wu is still the gold standard among mistresses—her influence is profound. She likes to whisper in married men’s ears, while her son prefers to listen to slander from the sidelines."

Mrs. Wu, of course, referred to Zhang Zhiyan’s mother.

Gu Pingsheng didn’t say it outright, but he hadn’t forgotten what happened at No. 73 Xiangshan Road.

Zhang Zhiyan took a bow from the attendant, nocked an arrow, and let it fly with a "whoosh"—a perfect bullseye. "There’s no smoke without fire."

Gu Pingsheng raised his own bow, drawing it to full length, his gaze sharp and cold. "A tree has many roots, a woman a long tongue." His arrow sliced through the air—another perfect ten.

Wen Zhixia didn’t want them to do anything inappropriate in public, so she circled around a small path to approach. Before she drew near, the breeze carried snatches of their conversation to her ears.

When it came to her parents, Wen Zhixia felt little attachment.

Even family ties came in degrees. She was unlucky; she hadn’t even tasted the weakest form. Over time, even blood relations became as indifferent as strangers.

She didn’t know what exactly Gu Pingsheng had done, but knowing him, he’d shown little mercy.

The two men stared each other down in silence. Distant onlookers murmured, "Lanzhou, do you think those two will... fight?"

The enmity between Gu Pingsheng and the Zhang family was no secret among their circle.

In the summer heat, Ye Lanzhou sipped iced coffee. "Didn’t Miss Wen just go over? They won’t fight."

"But..." someone began, but Ye Lanzhou lifted a hand for silence, picking up his phone.

"Uncle... Yes, I met Jiaojiao briefly last time and haven’t yet paid my respects. I was planning to visit soon, but you called first. It’s been years—are you well? ...Of course, I’ll be there on time. Until then..."

They didn’t speak long, but his words conveyed his respect.

"Lanzhou, do you have something going on?" someone teased.

Ye Lanzhou pocketed his phone and smiled faintly, "Don’t talk nonsense—it’s just a little sister."

"A real sister or a ‘little darling’? You just got back, and half the city’s heiresses are watching you. If you quietly tie yourself down, you’ll break a lot of hearts."

Ye Lanzhou massaged his forehead. "So noisy."

His tone was impatient, but his expression was not.

"Miss Wen isn’t going to smooth things over?" another asked, watching Wen Zhixia hesitate.

But Wen Zhixia was only pondering how to ask about her brother Wen Lechuan’s whereabouts.

With Zhang Zhiyan present, she could only pretend she hadn’t heard anything.

"This is the first time I’ve seen you shoot," she greeted them with a gentle smile as she emerged from the path, her demeanor unchanged.

Her presence relaxed the tension in both men’s faces.

"If you want to learn, I’ll teach you," Gu Pingsheng offered, dismounting.

Wen Zhixia shook her head. "Maybe another time. It’s nearly noon—let’s eat."

Chang’an Club was as particular about its cuisine as its decor, hiring Michelin-starred chefs at great expense.

On the way to the restaurant, Ye Lanzhou fell into step beside Gu Pingsheng. "You and Zhang Zhiyan—still the same?"

"If you have time to watch the show, you’d do better to think about how to rescue your ‘little sister’ from the Qing family’s pit. She’s hopelessly in love with Qingqi right now," Gu Pingsheng replied coolly.

Whoever had started the "little sister" rumor, he’d heard and now turned it back on him.

Ye Lanzhou chuckled quietly. "When did you get so gossipy?"

Gu Pingsheng glanced at him but said nothing.

Their conversation lagged behind the group. By the time they caught up, Zhang Zhiyan was already seated to Wen Zhixia’s right.

The others, perhaps wanting to watch the drama, had deliberately left her left side open for Gu Pingsheng.

Sandwiched between the two, Wen Zhixia glanced at Gu Pingsheng. He remained impassive.

"The salmon here is excellent—you should have some more," Zhang Zhiyan offered, a plate before her.

Just as Wen Zhixia was about to cut into it, Gu Pingsheng took her plate and halved her portion. "You just had surgery. Too much isn’t good for you."

A moderate amount of salmon helps healing after surgery, but it’s hard to digest, and recovery lowers digestive function—too much is unwise.

His meticulous care made Ye Lanzhou’s eyebrows rise.

Interesting.

Zhang Zhiyan said nothing more.

Compared to the men, Wen Zhixia ate very little. If not for Gu Pingsheng’s supervision, she’d have eaten even less.

Even so, Gu Pingsheng said nothing in front of others, only furrowing his brow.

She hadn’t eaten much main course, but the peach-shaped dessert served afterward suited her taste perfectly; she ate several pieces, and showed no sign of stopping.

Since she rarely liked anything, Gu Pingsheng noticed and reached to push the plate closer to her—only for another hand to get there first, its palm meeting Wen Zhixia’s as she reached out.