But to the disappointment of the onlookers, none of the Luo family members showed a trace of jealousy or resentment. Their expressions were filled with joy, pride, and warmth—if this was all an act, then the whole family could debut in the entertainment industry.

“This decision,” Old Master Luo continued with a smile, “was actually made the day she was born. Back then, we planned to gift these shares to her as a coming-of-age present. We’re a year late, but better late than never. She’s built something of her own over the years, and she’s done well for herself. But what I want her to remember is—she is always a member of the Luo family. What’s ours is hers. She has our full support.”

As he spoke, he reached over to gently ruffle Luo Yunyan’s hair in a doting gesture.

“Now then, I hope you all enjoy yourselves tonight. If anything is lacking, I ask for your understanding.”

Just as they stepped down from the stage, the four members of the Gu family approached.

Old Master Gu gave his old friend a hearty slap on the shoulder and turned his warm gaze to Luo Yunyan.
“Our little Yunyan is growing more and more beautiful. Even as a child, she looked like a little fairy. I’m Gu, and you used to call me Grandpa Gu. This is your Uncle Gu and Aunt Lin.”

“Hello, Grandpa Gu. Hello, Uncle Gu. Hello, Aunt Lin.” Luo Yunyan greeted them all with a bright smile—except for the man standing silently beside them, Gu Shilin.

Madam Gu beamed as she took Luo Yunyan’s hand. “Such a lovely child. So delicate and pretty.”

Grandma Luo chimed in with a mischievous glint in her eye. “And don’t forget Lin Auntie’s son. He’s older than you—you should greet him properly.”

Luo Yunyan raised an eyebrow, then gave a polite smile.
“Hello, Brother Shilin.”

Gu Shilin replied in kind, but his tone was unmistakably teasing, warm with a touch of affection.
“Hello, little Yunyan~”

The Gu family trio exchanged a knowing glance—and smiled.

Madam Gu suggested enthusiastically, “Why don’t you young people go off and have fun together? You’ll have more to talk about.”

Old Master Luo instinctively felt something was off. He opened his mouth to object but was blocked by Old Master Gu.
“Come on, old Luo, let’s go find the Su fellows for a good chat. They’re all here tonight.”

Gu Shilin leaned slightly and said softly, “Shall we go, Yunyan?”

But Luo Yunyan glanced aside, the corner of her lips curling upward.
“I’m afraid not, Pretty Boy.”

Gu Shilin followed her line of sight—and spotted the Luo and Su family’s seven young men, storming toward them with murderous intent.

Damn. Miscalculated. Forgot about those seven as roadblocks.

Luo Yunzhe arrived first, handing Luo Yunyan a glass of orange juice.
“This is the brand you bought last time and kept in the fridge. Wang Ma thought you’d prefer this over something unfamiliar.”

“Thank you, big brother—and thank Wang Ma too.” Luo Yunyan took the glass and took a satisfying sip.

Luo Yunzhe finally turned to Gu Shilin.
“Aren’t you busy, Shilin? What brings you here tonight?”

Gu Shilin replied calmly as he sipped his wine,
“It’s Yunyan’s homecoming. Of course I had to be here.”

Watching from the sidelines, Chu Moxuan whispered to himself: Bro, can your face get any thicker?

The seven heirs from the Luo and Su families collectively narrowed their eyes, staring at Gu Shilin with barely concealed hostility.

Before the tension could reach a breaking point, a new voice cut through the air.

Lin Pingting, who had just returned from a business trip abroad, hurried over. She hadn’t seen the trending photos and was unaware of the Luo heiress’s identity—until now.

And now, standing before her… was her long-awaited savior, her mentor.

“Professor Luo! It’s been so long! I’m so happy to see you again!”

The tension in the group was immediately disrupted.

The Luo-Su Seven all blinked—Professor who? What professor? What Luo?! Who’s the shou here?!

Only Gu Shilin seemed to understand, casting a thoughtful glance at Luo Yunyan.
She was a professor?

Luo Yunyan blinked at the woman before her, trying to place her face.
“Sorry… and you are?”

“I’m Lin Pingting. I was lucky enough to take one of your courses at Loste. You also saved me once outside campus.”

The gears in Luo Yunyan’s mind finally clicked. Two years ago, she had been roped into teaching a semester by that scheming white-bearded committee chair. There had been a diligent Chinese girl who always sat in the front row—and one night, Luo Yunyan had helped her fend off a mugger outside a bar.

“Oh, that was you. Small world.” She smiled at Pingting.

“I graduated last year,” Lin Pingting said with excitement. “I’ve since taken over part of the family business.”

“Hold on—hold on—what professor?” Luo Yunxi, one of her brothers, finally broke his silence with a confused yell. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

Pingting turned to Luo Yunyan, silently asking if she could explain. At Yunyan’s nod, she said,
“Professor Luo earned her Ph.D. from Loste Academy at sixteen, after just three years of study. She’s now one of only two people in the academy’s history to receive a Lifetime Honorary Professorship. You can check the official website—no photo, but the name and age are there.”

Luo Yunyan shrugged casually.
“Yeah, that’s about it. Didn’t mention it before because it’s no big deal.”

The Luo brothers:
No big deal?! Are you kidding me?!

After a pause, they all erupted into proud exclamations:
“Yunyan’s amazing!”
“My sister’s the best!”

The other guests pretended to chat among themselves but were all eavesdropping—and now stared in disbelief.

Many people whipped out their phones to verify. Sure enough, under “Lifetime Honorary Professors” on Loste’s official site:
Luo Yunyan, Age 19.

Lin Pingting had always been hailed as the pride of Jing City’s upper crust—the only heiress to make it into Loste. But this? A sixteen-year-old Ph.D. and honorary professor?

This was Loste, for crying out loud—the best university in the world!

And she called that “not a big deal”? Was she just showing off? Was she humblebragging? Was she even human?!

The Luo brothers’ unflinching support was even more outrageous. No shock, no questions—just blind praise. Sibling stans are terrifying!

Word of the revelation reached the older generation. After a brief stunned silence, their expressions turned to unabashed pride.

At that moment, Old Zhang, the butler, leaned close and whispered something in Old Master Luo’s ear.

The old man’s face stiffened slightly, eyes narrowing with thought.

Before anyone could ask, he stood up.
“Keep chatting. I’ve got something to take care of.”

“No worries,” said Old Master Gu. “If it’s something you can’t handle, you know we’ve got your back.”

Old Master Luo waved him off and made his way toward the entrance.

Just as he stepped outside, a middle-aged man entered the estate—gently helping an elderly man in his seventies across the threshold.

(End of Chapter)