Chapter 1
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Mid-August
On a night in City C, the heat of the day had not dissipated yet. The wind that blew past created dry hot waves.
A taxi stopped outside the courtyard. Xu Jiahui got out of the car, took three gift boxes from the car, and placed them on the ground. She walked to the front window to pay the taxi driver. Gu Siyi got out of the back seat and held the gift box in her hand.
Inside one of the boxes were two bottles of aged Maotai. Another had top-quality ginseng velvet. The last box contained a set of jade.
A taxi left, and Xu Jiahui led the way for Gu Siyi as they moved forward.
“Uncle Xia and your father were old classmates. Back then, they had a good relationship, but they haven’t been in contact for many years now. As long as Uncle Xia is willing to help with the difficulties your father has encountered this time… By the way, their Young Master Xia Zhijun was born on the same day as you. It should not be difficult for you to communicate with others your age.”
As Xu Jiahui walked, Gu Siyi followed her mother with a gift and listened quietly. When they reached the entrance, they were stopped by a guard and interrogated.
“I’m Xu Jiahui and I’m looking for Secretary Xia… I’ve already greeted the secretary before and let him know that I was coming.”
The guard walked to the outpost and made a call. After a while, the two were let in and escorted inside by another guard
Xu Jiahui thanked him repeatedly and followed behind the guard with Gu Siyi.
At the Xia Family courtyard, the maid who was waiting led them inside. Entering the room, Xia Guangyu and his wife, Peng Ling, stood up to receive the guests.
Gu Siyi looked at the approaching middle-aged couple, her voice clear and sweet. “Hello, Uncle Xia. Hello, Auntie.” She gently placed the gift on the ground.
“If you’re coming, just come. There is no need for gifts,” Xia Guangyu glanced at the box and said.
Xu Jiahui’s smile had a hint of awkwardness. “This is a token of our gratitude. We have not seen each other in so long —”
Xia Guangyu did not say anything more and simply greeted. “Come in and take a seat.”
“Siyi has grown so big in the blink of an eye.” Peng Ling touched Gu Siyi’s head and said, “Last time I saw you, you didn’t even know how to walk. You were smiling at me in your mom’s arms—”
Gu Siyi smiled and said, “So I liked to smile at beauty when I was young.”
Peng Ling’s smile deepened. “This child’s smile is so sweet.”
After the awkward atmosphere passed, Xu Jiahui was about to get down to business. She knew that the people sitting opposite her didn’t have much time to spend on small talk.
She glanced at her daughter beside her and said, “Siyi, go play in the courtyard. Mommy wants to talk to Uncle and Aunt.”
“Yes.” Gu Siyi nodded obediently. She stood up from the sofa and walked out the door.
Xia Guangyu looked at the little girl’s back and thought of something. He asked Peng Ling, “Is Ah Jun home?”
“He’s not here. He’s playing with his classmates.”
“Oh.” He wanted his son to take the little girl upstairs to play, but he could only give up since his son wasn’t home.
Gu Siyi walked into the courtyard and kicked the pebble under her feet. She felt a sense of confusion in her heart.
Recently, her father had encountered a difficult problem and hadn’t returned home for a week now. Her mother was utterly worried, but she didn’t say anything to her. When she’d asked brushed her aside saying, “These are all matters of the adults. You won’t understand even if I say it.”
Gu Siyi knew that this wasn’t a small matter. Otherwise, her mom wouldn’t cry until her eyes were red behind her back. But what could she do? At the age of sixteen, she lived under the wings of her parents and could not solve anything by herself.
She walked to the basketball court on the side of the courtyard. There happened to be a basketball under the basket. She stepped forward and hooked her toes. The basketball jumped up and was caught by her. She dribbled the basketball and jumped to shoot. She was sweating profusely in the empty court, venting her frustration.
When Xia Zhijun walked home unhurriedly, he heard a thud of the basketball hitting the ground. At this time, there should be no one playing in the courtyard.
He walked toward the basketball court and saw an unknown girl, sweating as if she had been through the rain. She was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans shorts. When she jumped up, he caught a glimpse of her fair waist. The night wind blew her hair and ponytail, and the lights pulled the reflection longer. Her long slender legs were white and straight, with a good jump.
Xia Zhijun stood to the side with a tired look on his face. He had both of his hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the long legs that had jumped up a moment ago. This was a standard and beautiful 3-pointer, whether it was the posture or angle, the moment she threw it, he knew that it would go in.
With a clang, the basketball fell from the box. Gu Siyi caught it when it jumped up, dribbled, and ran. When she shot the ball again, she wasn’t focused and didn’t use much strength causing the ball to go straight for the backboard.
The basketball flew out of the backboard. Her gaze followed the ball and she caught sight of someone standing next to the court. Seeing that the basketball was about to hit the boy’s face, she was shocked.
In the blink of an eye, Xia Zhijun tilted his head and raised his hand to catch the ball.
He dribbled the ball as he walked to court, passed her by, and did a three-step layup.
Cool!
Without another word, Gu Siyi started to snatch the ball. The two of them fought one on one. A moment later, she was completely exhausted. The basketball stopped rolling, she sat on it and wiped her sweat with her hand.
How refreshing!
Xia Zhijun was certain that he had never seen her in the courtyard before. This place was heavily guarded and no one could enter. Perhaps she was a relative or a visitor’s child.
He stood to the side, rather relaxed unlike her who was panting heavily. “That was a good game,” he commented. And without waiting for her to reply, he left.
Gu Siyi looked at his departing back and suddenly stood up. He was walking toward the Xia family house. A boy similar in age walking to the Xia family house at this hour?
He must be Xia Zhijun!
Gu Siyi immediately trotted and chased after him.” Whoa, wait for me —”
He turned to look at her. “What’s wrong?”
She calmed down and asked, “You’re Xia Zhijun, right?”
He replied with an “Ah” and looked at her with a puzzled look.
Gu Siyi continued. “I came to see Uncle Xia with my mother. My mother is inside telling him something important. I’m waiting outside.”
‘So, please don’t interrupt their conversation for the time being. This matter is very important. It is related to my father’s safety.’
It was a pity that Xia Zhijun could not hear what she was thinking. He nodded and continued on. Just as he was about to walk up the steps, Gu Siyi stopped him and asked, “Shall we go there and play?”
Xia Zhijun curled his lips and was about to say something when the door of the small building opened. Gu Siyi turned around and saw her mother walk out of the door. She stopped talking to the boy and quickly followed her.
Xia Guangyu and his wife sent Xu Jiahui to the door. Xu Jiahui repeatedly urged, “Secretary, thank you. Old Gu will definitely personally come to the door to thank you for helping us overcome this difficulty—”
Madam Xia picked up the gift. “Please take this back, we understand your gratitude.”
Xia Guangyu said, “Old Man Gu is the victim here in the first place. If you brought a gift, it just makes it harder for me. Please take it back.”
Xu Jiahui understood what this meant and stopped trying to force her. Then said to her daughter, “Siyi, let’s go. Say goodbye to Uncle and Aunt.”
Gu Siyi looked at the middle-aged couple. “Uncle, Auntie, goodbye.”
“Next time I come over to play, I’ll let Ah Jun accompany you.” Madam Xia liked this obedient and generous girl beyond words.
“Dad, Mom, is there a guest at home?” The young man’s voice carried a piercingly cold tone as if the winter snow had melted.
“Come here. This is Aunt Xu and this is Gu Siyi Meimei.” Madam Xia introduced her son as if she had thought of something and said, “You and Siyi were born on the same day of the same month of the same year. You were born around midnight and she was born around noon. An expert said that your fates are tied from the past, your destinies will affect each other. Because of this we even arranged an engagement when you guys were little.” She teased. “Look at Siyi Meimei, beautiful with a sweet voice. Are you satisfied with such a wife?”
Gu Siyi: “—”
Xia Zhijun: “—”
The eyes of the two parties met. Gu Siyi revealed an awkward and courteous smile and looked away but Xia Zhijun noticed a faint blush on her fair cheeks.
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Mid-August
On a night in City C, the heat of the day had not dissipated yet. The wind that blew past created dry hot waves.
A taxi stopped outside the courtyard. Xu Jiahui got out of the car, took three gift boxes from the car, and placed them on the ground. She walked to the front window to pay the taxi driver. Gu Siyi got out of the back seat and held the gift box in her hand.
Inside one of the boxes were two bottles of aged Maotai. Another had top-quality ginseng velvet. The last box contained a set of jade.
A taxi left, and Xu Jiahui led the way for Gu Siyi as they moved forward.
“Uncle Xia and your father were old classmates. Back then, they had a good relationship, but they haven’t been in contact for many years now. As long as Uncle Xia is willing to help with the difficulties your father has encountered this time… By the way, their Young Master Xia Zhijun was born on the same day as you. It should not be difficult for you to communicate with others your age.”
As Xu Jiahui walked, Gu Siyi followed her mother with a gift and listened quietly. When they reached the entrance, they were stopped by a guard and interrogated.
“I’m Xu Jiahui and I’m looking for Secretary Xia… I’ve already greeted the secretary before and let him know that I was coming.”
The guard walked to the outpost and made a call. After a while, the two were let in and escorted inside by another guard
Xu Jiahui thanked him repeatedly and followed behind the guard with Gu Siyi.
At the Xia Family courtyard, the maid who was waiting led them inside. Entering the room, Xia Guangyu and his wife, Peng Ling, stood up to receive the guests.
Gu Siyi looked at the approaching middle-aged couple, her voice clear and sweet. “Hello, Uncle Xia. Hello, Auntie.” She gently placed the gift on the ground.
“If you’re coming, just come. There is no need for gifts,” Xia Guangyu glanced at the box and said.
Xu Jiahui’s smile had a hint of awkwardness. “This is a token of our gratitude. We have not seen each other in so long —”
Xia Guangyu did not say anything more and simply greeted. “Come in and take a seat.”
“Siyi has grown so big in the blink of an eye.” Peng Ling touched Gu Siyi’s head and said, “Last time I saw you, you didn’t even know how to walk. You were smiling at me in your mom’s arms—”
Gu Siyi smiled and said, “So I liked to smile at beauty when I was young.”
Peng Ling’s smile deepened. “This child’s smile is so sweet.”
After the awkward atmosphere passed, Xu Jiahui was about to get down to business. She knew that the people sitting opposite her didn’t have much time to spend on small talk.
She glanced at her daughter beside her and said, “Siyi, go play in the courtyard. Mommy wants to talk to Uncle and Aunt.”
“Yes.” Gu Siyi nodded obediently. She stood up from the sofa and walked out the door.
Xia Guangyu looked at the little girl’s back and thought of something. He asked Peng Ling, “Is Ah Jun home?”
“He’s not here. He’s playing with his classmates.”
“Oh.” He wanted his son to take the little girl upstairs to play, but he could only give up since his son wasn’t home.
Gu Siyi walked into the courtyard and kicked the pebble under her feet. She felt a sense of confusion in her heart.
Recently, her father had encountered a difficult problem and hadn’t returned home for a week now. Her mother was utterly worried, but she didn’t say anything to her. When she’d asked brushed her aside saying, “These are all matters of the adults. You won’t understand even if I say it.”
Gu Siyi knew that this wasn’t a small matter. Otherwise, her mom wouldn’t cry until her eyes were red behind her back. But what could she do? At the age of sixteen, she lived under the wings of her parents and could not solve anything by herself.
She walked to the basketball court on the side of the courtyard. There happened to be a basketball under the basket. She stepped forward and hooked her toes. The basketball jumped up and was caught by her. She dribbled the basketball and jumped to shoot. She was sweating profusely in the empty court, venting her frustration.
When Xia Zhijun walked home unhurriedly, he heard a thud of the basketball hitting the ground. At this time, there should be no one playing in the courtyard.
He walked toward the basketball court and saw an unknown girl, sweating as if she had been through the rain. She was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans shorts. When she jumped up, he caught a glimpse of her fair waist. The night wind blew her hair and ponytail, and the lights pulled the reflection longer. Her long slender legs were white and straight, with a good jump.
Xia Zhijun stood to the side with a tired look on his face. He had both of his hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the long legs that had jumped up a moment ago. This was a standard and beautiful 3-pointer, whether it was the posture or angle, the moment she threw it, he knew that it would go in.
With a clang, the basketball fell from the box. Gu Siyi caught it when it jumped up, dribbled, and ran. When she shot the ball again, she wasn’t focused and didn’t use much strength causing the ball to go straight for the backboard.
The basketball flew out of the backboard. Her gaze followed the ball and she caught sight of someone standing next to the court. Seeing that the basketball was about to hit the boy’s face, she was shocked.
In the blink of an eye, Xia Zhijun tilted his head and raised his hand to catch the ball.
He dribbled the ball as he walked to court, passed her by, and did a three-step layup.
Cool!
Without another word, Gu Siyi started to snatch the ball. The two of them fought one on one. A moment later, she was completely exhausted. The basketball stopped rolling, she sat on it and wiped her sweat with her hand.
How refreshing!
Xia Zhijun was certain that he had never seen her in the courtyard before. This place was heavily guarded and no one could enter. Perhaps she was a relative or a visitor’s child.
He stood to the side, rather relaxed unlike her who was panting heavily. “That was a good game,” he commented. And without waiting for her to reply, he left.
Gu Siyi looked at his departing back and suddenly stood up. He was walking toward the Xia family house. A boy similar in age walking to the Xia family house at this hour?
He must be Xia Zhijun!
Gu Siyi immediately trotted and chased after him.” Whoa, wait for me —”
He turned to look at her. “What’s wrong?”
She calmed down and asked, “You’re Xia Zhijun, right?”
He replied with an “Ah” and looked at her with a puzzled look.
Gu Siyi continued. “I came to see Uncle Xia with my mother. My mother is inside telling him something important. I’m waiting outside.”
‘So, please don’t interrupt their conversation for the time being. This matter is very important. It is related to my father’s safety.’
It was a pity that Xia Zhijun could not hear what she was thinking. He nodded and continued on. Just as he was about to walk up the steps, Gu Siyi stopped him and asked, “Shall we go there and play?”
Xia Zhijun curled his lips and was about to say something when the door of the small building opened. Gu Siyi turned around and saw her mother walk out of the door. She stopped talking to the boy and quickly followed her.
Xia Guangyu and his wife sent Xu Jiahui to the door. Xu Jiahui repeatedly urged, “Secretary, thank you. Old Gu will definitely personally come to the door to thank you for helping us overcome this difficulty—”
Madam Xia picked up the gift. “Please take this back, we understand your gratitude.”
Xia Guangyu said, “Old Man Gu is the victim here in the first place. If you brought a gift, it just makes it harder for me. Please take it back.”
Xu Jiahui understood what this meant and stopped trying to force her. Then said to her daughter, “Siyi, let’s go. Say goodbye to Uncle and Aunt.”
Gu Siyi looked at the middle-aged couple. “Uncle, Auntie, goodbye.”
“Next time I come over to play, I’ll let Ah Jun accompany you.” Madam Xia liked this obedient and generous girl beyond words.
“Dad, Mom, is there a guest at home?” The young man’s voice carried a piercingly cold tone as if the winter snow had melted.
“Come here. This is Aunt Xu and this is Gu Siyi Meimei.” Madam Xia introduced her son as if she had thought of something and said, “You and Siyi were born on the same day of the same month of the same year. You were born around midnight and she was born around noon. An expert said that your fates are tied from the past, your destinies will affect each other. Because of this we even arranged an engagement when you guys were little.” She teased. “Look at Siyi Meimei, beautiful with a sweet voice. Are you satisfied with such a wife?”
Gu Siyi: “—”
Xia Zhijun: “—”
The eyes of the two parties met. Gu Siyi revealed an awkward and courteous smile and looked away but Xia Zhijun noticed a faint blush on her fair cheeks.
Mid-AugustOn a night in City C, the heat of the day had not dissipated yet. The wind that blew past created dry hot waves.A taxi stopped outside the courtyard. Xu Jiahui got out of the car, took three gift boxes from the car, and placed them on the ground. She walked to the front window to pay the taxi driver. Gu Siyi got out of the back seat and held the gift box in her hand.Inside one of the boxes were two bottles of aged Maotai. Another had top-quality ginseng velvet. The last box contained a set of jade.A taxi left, and Xu Jiahui led the way for Gu Siyi as they moved forward.Uncle Xia and your father were old classmates. Back then, they had a good relationship, but they haven't been in contact for many years now. As long as Uncle Xia is willing to help with the difficulties your father has encountered this time By the way, their Young Master Xia Zhijun was born on the same day as you. It should not be difficult for you to communicate with others your age.As Xu Jiahui walked, Gu Siyi followed her mother with a gift and listened quietly. When they reached the entrance, they were stopped by a guard and interrogated.I'm Xu Jiahui and I'm looking for Secretary Xia I've already greeted the secretary before and let him know that I was coming.The guard walked to the outpost and made a call. After a while, the two were let in and escorted inside by another guardXu Jiahui thanked him repeatedly and followed behind the guard with Gu Siyi.At the Xia Family courtyard, the maid who was waiting led them inside. Entering the room, Xia Guangyu and his wife, Peng Ling, stood up to receive the guests.Gu Siyi looked at the approaching middle-aged couple, her voice clear and sweet. Hello, Uncle Xia. Hello, Auntie. She gently placed the gift on the ground.If you're coming, just come. There is no need for gifts, Xia Guangyu glanced at the box and said.Xu Jiahui's smile had a hint of awkwardness. This is a token of our gratitude. We have not seen each other in so long Xia Guangyu did not say anything more and simply greeted. Come in and take a seat.Siyi has grown so big in the blink of an eye. Peng Ling touched Gu Siyi's head and said, Last time I saw you, you didn't even know how to walk. You were smiling at me in your mom's armsGu Siyi smiled and said, So I liked to smile at beauty when I was young.Peng Ling's smile deepened. This child's smile is so sweet.After the awkward atmosphere passed, Xu Jiahui was about to get down to business. She knew that the people sitting opposite her didn't have much time to spend on small talk.She glanced at her daughter beside her and said, Siyi, go play in the courtyard. Mommy wants to talk to Uncle and Aunt.Yes. Gu Siyi nodded obediently. She stood up from the sofa and walked out the door.Xia Guangyu looked at the little girl's back and thought of something. He asked Peng Ling, Is Ah Jun home?He's not here. He's playing with his classmates.Oh. He wanted his son to take the little girl upstairs to play, but he could only give up since his son wasn't home.Gu Siyi walked into the courtyard and kicked the pebble under her feet. She felt a sense of confusion in her heart.Recently, her father had encountered a difficult problem and hadn't returned home for a week now. Her mother was utterly worried, but she didn't say anything to her. When she'd asked brushed her aside saying, These are all matters of the adults. You won't understand even if I say it.Gu Siyi knew that this wasn't a small matter. Otherwise, her mom wouldn't cry until her eyes were red behind her back. But what could she do? At the age of sixteen, she lived under the wings of her parents and could not solve anything by herself.She walked to the basketball court on the side of the courtyard. There happened to be a basketball under the basket. She stepped forward and hooked her toes. The basketball jumped up and was caught by her. She dribbled the basketball and jumped to shoot. She was sweating profusely in the empty court, venting her frustration.When Xia Zhijun walked home unhurriedly, he heard a thud of the basketball hitting the ground. At this time, there should be no one playing in the courtyard.He walked toward the basketball court and saw an unknown girl, sweating as if she had been through the rain. She was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans shorts. When she jumped up, he caught a glimpse of her fair waist. The night wind blew her hair and ponytail, and the lights pulled the reflection longer. Her long slender legs were white and straight, with a good jump.Xia Zhijun stood to the side with a tired look on his face. He had both of his hands in his pockets, eyes fixed on the long legs that had jumped up a moment ago. This was a standard and beautiful 3-pointer, whether it was the posture or angle,the moment she threw it, he knew that it would go in.With a clang, the basketball fell from the box. Gu Siyi caught it when it jumped up, dribbled, and ran. When she shot the ball again, she wasn't focused and didn't use much strength causing the ball to go straight for the backboard.The basketball flew out of the backboard. Her gaze followed the ball and she caught sight of someone standing next to the court. Seeing that the basketball was about to hit the boy's face, she was shocked.In the blink of an eye, Xia Zhijun tilted his head and raised his hand to catch the ball.He dribbled the ball as he walked to court, passed her by, and did a three-step layup.Cool!Without another word, Gu Siyi started to snatch the ball. The two of them fought one on one. A moment later, she was completely exhausted. The basketball stopped rolling, she sat on it and wiped her sweat with her hand.How refreshing!Xia Zhijun was certain that he had never seen her in the courtyard before. This place was heavily guarded and no one could enter. Perhaps she was a relative or a visitor's child.He stood to the side, rather relaxed unlike her who was panting heavily. That was a good game, he commented. And without waiting for her to reply, he left.Gu Siyi looked at his departing back and suddenly stood up. He was walking toward the Xia family house.A boy similar in age walking to the Xia family house at this hour?He must be Xia Zhijun!Gu Siyi immediately trotted and chased after him. Whoa, wait for me He turned to look at her. What's wrong?She calmed down and asked, You're Xia Zhijun, right?He replied with an Ah and looked at her with a puzzled look.Gu Siyi continued. I came to see Uncle Xia with my mother. My mother is inside telling him something important. I'm waiting outside.So, please don't interrupt their conversation for the time being. This matter is very important. It is related to my father's safety.'It was a pity that Xia Zhijun could not hear what she was thinking. He nodded and continued on. Just as he was about to walk up the steps, Gu Siyi stopped him and asked, Shall we go there and play?Xia Zhijun curled his lips and was about to say something when the door of the small building opened. Gu Siyi turned around and saw her mother walk out of the door. She stopped talking to the boy and quickly followed her.Xia Guangyu and his wife sent Xu Jiahui to the door. Xu Jiahui repeatedly urged, Secretary, thank you. Old Gu will definitely personally come to the door to thank you for helping us overcome this difficultyMadam Xia picked up the gift. Please take this back, we understand your gratitude.Xia Guangyu said, Old Man Gu is the victim here in the first place. If you brought a gift, it just makes it harder for me. Please take it back.Xu Jiahui understood what this meant and stopped trying to force her. Then said to her daughter, Siyi, let's go. Say goodbye to Uncle and Aunt.Gu Siyi looked at the middle-aged couple. Uncle, Auntie, goodbye.Next time I come over to play, I'll let Ah Jun accompany you. Madam Xia liked this obedient and generous girl beyond words.Dad, Mom, is there a guest at home? The young man's voice carried a piercingly cold tone as if the winter snow had melted.Come here. This is Aunt Xu and this is Gu Siyi Meimei. Madam Xia introduced her son as if she had thought of something and said, You and Siyi were born on the same day of the same month of the same year. You were born around midnight and she was born around noon. An expert said that your fates are tied from the past, your destinies will affect each other. Because of this we even arranged an engagement when you guys were little. She teased. Look at Siyi Meimei, beautiful with a sweet voice. Are you satisfied with such a wife?Gu Siyi: Xia Zhijun: The eyes of the two parties met. Gu Siyi revealed an awkward and courteous smile and looked away but Xia Zhijun noticed a faint blush on her fair cheeks.
