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nChapter 42: Heartache

nTranslator: _Min_

nAs the car hummed on the road, Su Ting noticed Gu Dai gently rubbing her temples. With a concerned undertone in his voice, he offered, “Sister, you seem to have a headache. I’ve picked up some massage techniques over the years, want to give them a try?”

nGu Dai, her thoughts clouded by the tedium of the office, readily accepted his proposal with a simple, “Alright.”

nAs Su Ting’s skilled hands worked their magic, Gu Dai’s tension started to melt away. Surprised by the effectiveness, she praised him, “You’ve certainly changed over these years, Su Ting. You’ve become a good cook and even learned massage.”

nHe chuckled softly, his eyes warm with promise, “There’s a lot more to learn about me, sister. I’ll reveal them to you slowly over time.”

nIntrigued and a little excited by his words, Gu Dai responded enthusiastically, “Okay!”

nOn their arrival at the villa, Gu Dai surveyed the newly renovated surroundings, noticing how it had been restored to its familiar old-world charm, free from any ostentatious modern touches. The sight stirred nostalgia, bringing unshed tears to her eyes.

nNoticing her emotional state, Su Ting stayed quiet, giving her the space she needed. Seeing her, lost in her thoughts and seemingly fragile, a wave of compassion filled his heart.

nHis own childhood had been devoid of familial warmth until he met Gu Dai’s parents. Their kindness had shown him a world filled with light and warmth, a stark contrast from the one he’d known. But fate had been cruel, snatching away those kind souls prematurely.

nWiping away her tears, Gu Dai’s voice quivered, “Three years have gone by so quickly, Su Ting. My parents’ death anniversary is approaching.”

nUnable to suppress his urge to comfort her any longer, Su Ting pulled her into a gentle embrace, “I remember Uncle Gu loved art. There’s an art exhibition coming up, how about we choose some paintings for him?”

n“Mm,” she responded softly, and after a brief pause, added, “Mom always loved flowers. 1 want to bring her the most beautiful ones.”

nAs her mood seemed to lighten, Su Ting found himself relieved. He reassured her, “The Gu Group is their legacy. They’d be proud to see you at the helm.”

nNodding earnestly, she resolved, “I’ll restore the company to its former glory. 1 won’t let my parents’ efforts be in vain.”

nRemembering the upcoming event, she asked, “When’s the art exhibition?”

nChecking his phone, Su Ting replied, “Tomorrow afternoon.”

nSuddenly flustered, Gu Dai worried, “I haven’t prepared anything and it’s already tomorrow!”

nShe realized that she’d been so engrossed in managing the company that she’d overlooked her attire for the event.

nSu Ting reassured her with a confident smile, “Don’t worry. Leave everything to me.”

nSeeing his assurance, Gu Dai relaxed, “Okay.”

nThen she realized that she was still in Su Ting’s arms. The sudden awareness made her body stiffen.

nUpon feeling her stiffen, Su Ting realized the intimate position they were in. Hastily breaking the embrace, he stammered, his ears flushing, “1… I… didn’t mean to… 1 wasn’t trying to… I’m sorry…”

n“It’s okay,” Gu Dai diverted her gaze, keen to switch topics, “Let’s head inside.”

nShe then led the way into the villa, with Su Ting quickly trailing behind her.

nOn entering the villa, they encountered Gu Ming. A trace of confusion flickered in Gu Dai’s eyes as she asked, “Uncle, why are you here?”

nNoticing the disapproval in Gu Dai’s voice, Gu Ming stiffened. Resentment flashed in his eyes but quickly faded. Remembering the upcoming transfer of the Gu family’s assets, he forced a smile and responded, “I brought something for you. I initially planned to give it to Wu Zhen to pass on, but since you’re here, I’ll give it to you directly..”

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