Chapter 20 The Lady Visits the Shen Residence

The enmity between the Zhang and Shen families was something Zhang Guoguo had known since she was Shen Linyue, which was why she deliberately concealed her true identity to approach her grandmother. She had thought she would meet her grandmother alone today, but unexpectedly, her uncles and relatives all came as well. She was worried her identity might be exposed, but fortunately, none of them recognized her as Zhang Guoguo from the Zhang family.

Now, with Gu Yiqiao’s sharp gaze fixed intently on her, she felt momentarily unsettled. Yet, recalling his past indifference, his scorn, and the hurt he had inflicted, she quickly regained her composure.

She removed her sunglasses, met his eyes, and spoke with gravity, “Gu Yiqiao, you haven’t even sorted out your own mess, so what right do you have to interfere in my affairs? Also, you are just my classmate, nothing more. And listen to me: whatever happens between the Shen family and me is my own business and has nothing to do with you. So please, don’t meddle.”

With that, she closed the car window, started the engine, and drove off at once, leaving Gu Yiqiao standing there in bewilderment. He realized he understood his old classmate less and less, shaking his head in frustration as he got back into his car. Behind him, Xu Mengdie, who had been hiding, hurriedly got out, clutching a stack of documents.

This scene played out in Zhang Guoguo’s rearview mirror as she sped away; she glanced back once, then quickly looked ahead and pressed the accelerator.

“President Gu, you’re here—wonderful! Could you sign this urgent document for me?” Xu Mengdie called out eagerly.

Gu Yiqiao was taken aback but accepted the file. “What are you doing here?”

“I happened to pass by, saw your car, and waited for you,” Xu Mengdie replied carefully, her eyes shining as she watched him review the document with such seriousness. Her heart brimmed with joy.

Out of the corner of his eye, Gu Yiqiao glanced at Xu Mengdie. For some reason, he always caught glimpses of Shen Linyue in her, and now, standing by the roadside looking over documents to sign, he was reminded of moments with his ex-wife Shen Linyue. She, too, would look at him with those eyes full of hope. Remembering this brought a pang of sorrow to his heart.

He signed his name, checked the time, and said to Xu Mengdie, “Are you free for lunch? Let’s eat together.”

“Yes, I’d like that. I also want to talk to you about Linyue,” she replied.

*

Luo Minglang sat in his office when Taodley entered and said, “President, Madam went to the Shen residence after you left.”

“The Shen residence?” Luo Minglang closed his files and looked at Taodley in confusion. “What would she be doing there?”

“We’re not sure. Only Madam herself would know. Not long after Madam arrived at the Shen residence, Gu Yiqiao and An Ruier turned up as well. I thought it strange and wanted to report it to you.”

“Alright, I understand. You may leave.”

After Taodley left, Luo Minglang took out his phone and stared at his wife’s familiar number, puzzled as to why she would go to the Shen residence. Usually, he didn’t interfere in her personal matters. The only reason he had someone follow her was for her protection. He hadn’t expected anything that would even leave Taodley at a loss.

He sighed softly. In his mind, he’d already imagined a hundred possible reasons, but in the end, he chose not to ask. Only when the call was answered and her sweet voice filled his ear did he speak.

“Honey, what’s the matter?”

Hearing her call him “honey,” his heart melted, and he nearly forgot why he had called. “It’s nothing—I just missed you.”

“I miss you too. I’m actually nearby, not far from your office. Shall we have lunch together? There’s something I want to talk to you about.”