Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Mei Yangyang removed her apron and asked eagerly, Whats the occasion?

My eldest brother Gu Dongcheng is getting married, An Xiaoning answered as she stood up to put on her coat and a scarf, which she wrapped around her neck. Mei Yangyang then headed upstairs to grab her bag, after which the two left in An Xiaonings car.

Mei Yangyang would be accompanying An Xiaoning everywhere she goes before the latter manages to hire a bodyguard whom she deemed trustworthy.

After they had finished replenishing the stock, Mei Yangyang returned to the store to sort the goods out together with Xu Jingwen and Zhang Li, while An Xiaoning drove off alone to the Gu familys home.

Just as she was alighting from her car, she noticed Gu Beichengs car approaching slowly.

She stood still and watched as Gu Beicheng got down from his car. He walked towards her and looked at her from head to toe. You dont look too good. Your face is a little red and swollen, and your eyes look extremely weary. You mustve had a poor nights sleep, he said with a grin.

Pursing her lips, An Xiaoning answered, Such sharp eyes youve got. Indeed, I didnt catch much sleep last night.

I heard about what happened last night. Cant believe said Gu Beicheng as he threw an arm around her shoulder.

Cant believe what?

Cant believe it turned out to be just a rumor. Otherwise, I wouldve thought that he really tried to kill himself because of you. But I guess its not true, after all. According to what I know about him, hes a resilient one who always strives to survive all odds. He couldnt have dug his own grave, Gu Beicheng remarked, clucking his tongue in disdain.

Not wishing to discuss the matter any further, An Xiaoning changed the subject. Whats the benefit of wearing the jade bangle youve given me?

You havent been wearing it? Gu Beicheng asked in surprise as he took a look at her wrist.

Yeah, Ive never worn it.

Its one of the few rare pieces Ive been collecting. I heard from an expert that it was mined from an extremely rare tomb.

A frown creased on An Xiaonings forehead upon hearing his words. It belongs to the dead?

Dont mistake it for an inauspicious item now, theres a rich history about this particular tomb, which dates back to thousands of years ago. The entire tomb is well kept and intact, and in it lies the corpse of a teenage girl. Judging from her clothes and coffin, she mustve been from an affluent family. However, the only piece of jewelry in her tomb was this jade bangle, which she had worn on her wrist. I heard it was an extremely precious and exquisite piece of jade, which brings women good health and fortune. After wearing it for an extended period of time, the jade and you will become one as it chooses you to be its owner. Itll then protect you from all harm.

Is it really that impressive? An Xiaoning asked.

Since when have Brother caused you harm? Turns out you havent been wearing the bangle I gifted you. No wonder youve been facing so many obstacles ever since you got married. You deserve a beating, Gu Beicheng said jokingly with a smirk.

Ever since I got married? More like ever since I was born. Ive been living all by myself my entire life, and probably will for the rest of it. An Xiaoning let out a chuckle and continued, Ill put the jade bangle on right away, as soon as I get home. Cant let a good thing go to waste.

Together, they entered the living room through the door to see that Mr. and Mrs. Gu were both present. Upon seeing their arrival, Mrs. Gu hurriedly patted the empty spot beside her on the couch and said, Come sit down here, Xiaoning.

An Xiaoning did as instructed and greeted Mrs. Gu, Mother, why is Eldest Brother getting married all of a sudden?

Because Chi Ruier had gotten pregnant. Besides, your brother is not getting any younger. Hes almost 30 this year, its time he got married. Your Father and I shall respect his decision. By the way, Xiaoning, I heard from Beicheng that youre living in a mansion along Dongpo Road. Move back in here with us, its safer that way, said Mrs. Gu, grasping her hand.

Its alright, Ive been looking for a bodyguard the past few days. Ill look for highly-skilled ones to keep me safe. I still prefer living by myself, actually.

Have you not been getting enough rest and taking good care of yourself? Why do you look so sick? Dont do anything at all and just stay at home to rest for the next few days. How about you move in with us for a while and go home when youve fully recovered? Ill get someone to tidy up a room for you. Mother will make you lots of nutritious food every day, for you to nourish your health. Listen to me. I wont take No for an answer, Mrs. Gu said with a frown.

Mother

Xiaoning, do you not see me as your mother? Mrs. Gu insisted.

Of course I see you as my mother. Its stated on my household register that were mother and daughter. Have a look, An Xiaoning answered, handing Mrs. Gu her household registry book.

I know that, of course. What I meant was that if you genuinely treated me like your mother, from the bottom of your heart. But since you do, then this is your home too. Are you going to turn your mother down for asking you to move back home for a while? Xiaoning, youre in poor health and your body is frail. Besides, you dont know how to take good care of yourself. Move in here for a period of time, Mother will take care of you and nurse you back into the pink of health. Listen to me, Xiaoning, you have to recuperate properly, especially since youve had a miscarriage. Otherwise, itll end up becoming a persisting ailment. I was planning to move in with you after your brothers wedding, but now that I think of it, its better that you move in here with us, said Mrs. Gu as she held onto An Xiaonings arm.

Seeing how insistent Mrs. Gu was, An Xiaoning pouted her lips and conceded, I shall move in for a while then, alright?

Great, Ill arrange a room for you later. You shall take the one opposite Beichengs, said a delighted Mrs. Gu, a smile forming on her face.

Okay, sounds good.

Upon hearing that An Xiaoning had agreed to move in, Gu Beicheng interjected, Mother, I havent been home in a long while too. Why dont I move back for a while as well?

Im glad you know you havent been home in a long time, little bastard. I can count the number of times Ive seen you lately with the fingers on one hand. Youre already starting to neglect me now that youre still single. I can only imagine how much worse its going to get once you get married, youll probably forget me completely, Mrs. Gu chided, feeling a little aggrieved.

I wouldnt dare to, Mother.

Bullshit. Ill get the servants to tidy Xiaonings room. Hubby, let the youngsters have a chat by themselves, go back to your room, said Mrs. Gu as she rose from her seat.

Mr. Gu stood up and left immediately.

An Xiaoning could not help burst into laughter. Gu Beicheng, Mother is getting more and more humorous of late. I still remember clearly the very first time I met her, as if it had only happened yesterday, she said.

Youre probably the only one amongst us who has the audacity to talk back to your elders and tell Mother to shut up, Gu Beicheng answered, chuckling.

Theres always a first for everything. But, in hindsight, it was indeed rather disrespectful of me to have done that. Thankfully, Mother did not take it to heart. Reminded of the fact that she was going to move in for a period of time, An Xiaoning said, Why dont I go home to collect my luggage now?

Ill go with you, Gu Beicheng suggested.

Alright.

They then headed towards Dongpo Road again. The temperature of this jade is really cool. It fits me just right though, not bad at all, indeed, An Xiaoning expressed her approval as she put the bangle on in front of Gu Beicheng.

Well, I couldnt think of a better gift for your wedding. Itd be too tacky to just give you a ton of money or gold

Before he could finish, An Xiaoning quickly interrupted, No, no, money will never come across as tacky to me, no matter how much it may be. Next time, just give me money instead, you wont have to fret over picking me a gift. Ill just buy myself whatever I want with the money.