Font Size:
Upon returning to the Qing family, Gu Xiruo didn’t immediately apologize to Madam Qing but went back to rest at her residence.
Upon hearing this news, Qing Yukong felt extremely upset. Was Gu Xiruo mocking him?
Madam Qing thought Gu Xiruo had returned to apologize to her, but instead, she stayed in her own courtyard without coming out, which left Madam Qing feeling uneasy.
“What does Gu Xiruo mean by this?”
“Don’t worry, Madam. I’ve inquired, and she mentioned coming back to apologize to you. Young Master only let her in because of that. Even if she acts like this now, Young Master won’t let her off easily,” the maid reassured Madam Qing, easing her concerns.
The nanny beside her nodded in agreement, “Although Young Master allowed her in, it seems like he no longer holds the same feelings for her as before. I believe, Madam, you can rest assured.”
Madam Qing shook her head helplessly, “I wish I could relax, but can I, given her attitude towards Yukong? What’s wrong with my son? Why is Gu Xiruo treating him like this?”
Gu Xiruo had the looks, the charm, and was devoted, only showing kindness to Gu Xiruo.
With everything she has, what more could she possibly want? Acting so ungratefully is truly beyond comprehension.
“Madam, don’t worry. The more Gu Xiruo acts so arrogantly now, the more embarrassing it will be for her later. I believe Young Master’s feelings towards her have truly changed,” the maid reassured Madam Qing, suggesting that Gu Xiruo’s current behavior would eventually backfire, sparing Madam Qing from any potential rumors.
After a moment of silence, Madam Qing nodded helplessly, “We can only think this way for now.”
After finishing his tasks, Qing Yukong went to Gu Xiruo’s courtyard to find her.
Upon arrival, he saw Gu Xiruo leisurely reclining on a soft couch, having her nails painted by a maid.
Seeing her nonchalant demeanor, Qing Yukong’s expression turned sour.
Walking over, he glanced at the maids beside Gu Xiruo and ordered, “Leave.”
The maids wanted to speak up but, meeting Qing Yukong’s gaze, they dared not say a word and obediently exited the courtyard.
Gu Xiruo, displeased, looked at Qing Yukong, “What are you doing? My nails aren’t even done yet.”
“Gu Xiruo, have you forgotten your promise to me?” Qing Yukong coldly stared at Gu Xiruo and asked.
Frowning, Gu Xiruo retorted, “Isn’t it just an apology? Can’t I do it whenever I want? Why are you rushing me?”
“Either go apologize to my mother now, or leave the Qing residence immediately,” Qing Yukong asserted firmly, refusing to coddle Gu Xiruo this time.
If she couldn’t do it now, she could come back when she was ready.
Gu Xiruo was taken aback by Qing Yukong’s ultimatum.
“Qing Yukong, you…”
“You made a mistake, yet you show no remorse. Now, when asked to apologize, you drag your feet. Do you think delaying it will make everything okay?” Qing Yukong looked at Gu Xiruo indifferently.
Gu Xiruo, feeling upset at Qing Yukong’s cold demeanor, was about to react but then remembered the purpose of her return.
Frowning at Qing Yukong, Gu Xiruo reluctantly said, “I understand.”
“Can I have the maid finish my nails before I go?” Gu Xiruo looked at Qing Yukong, who seemed expectant.
For the first time in history, Qing Yukong regretted his stubbornness.
If he hadn’t insisted on marrying Gu Xiruo, would his life be different now?
Unfortunately, there are no “ifs” or regrets in this world.
The regret in his heart furrowed Qing Yukong’s brow.
Seeing him looking somewhat displeased, Gu Xiruo thought he might object to her getting her nails done, so she had to speak up, “If you don’t want me to get them done, then I won’t. Who are you trying to impress with that expression?”
Qing Yukong gazed deeply at Gu Xiruo.
When did the intelligent, gentle Gu Xiruo he knew turn into this sharp-tongued, worldly-wise person?
It made him feel quite uncomfortable.
“Let’s go,” Qing Yukong didn’t explain further and took the first step outside.
Gu Xiruo had no choice but to follow him.
On the way, Gu Xiruo kept pondering how she could apologize to the old woman and earn her forgiveness.
By the time they reached Madam Qing’s courtyard, Gu Xiruo still hadn’t found a suitable way to apologize.
She had to muster up the courage and walk in.
Seeing Madam Qing sitting there chatting with her maids, Gu Xiruo instinctively furrowed her brow.
Madam Qing didn’t seem welcoming at all.
“I see that Mother is busy. How about we leave and come back tomorrow?” Gu Xiruo looked hopefully at Qing Yukong, hoping he would agree.
However, Qing Yukong ignored Gu Xiruo and walked up to Madam Qing, greeting her respectfully, “Mother.”
“It’s Yukong who has come. Do you have something to discuss with me?” Madam Qing looked at her son with a serene smile on her face.
That expression made Qing Yukong feel somewhat uncomfortable.
If it weren’t for these recent events, perhaps certain things wouldn’t have unfolded this way.
“Mother, I’ve brought Xiruo here to apologize to you.” After speaking, Qing Yukong stood beside Gu Xiruo, watching her.
Gu Xiruo hesitated, unable to voice the apology she needed to make.
Seeing Gu Xiruo’s reluctance, Qing Yukong fully understood the situation.
“Mother, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me this time and overlook my mistake,” Gu Xiruo said, looking at Madam Qing with a touch of sorrow.
Witnessing Gu Xiruo’s sorrowful expression, without shedding a tear, and even observing her triumphant gaze when Qing Yukong wasn’t looking, made Madam Qing disinclined to engage further. She had no desire to speak with Gu Xiruo, even though Qing Yukong had brought her there.
Seeing Madam Qing’s silence, Gu Xiruo grabbed Qing Yukong’s clothes, saying, “Husband, I’ve already apologized. It’s Mother who refuses to forgive me.”
Gu Xiruo looked at Qing Yukong with a face full of sorrow, appearing genuinely distressed.
Observing Gu Xiruo in this state, Qing Yukong furrowed his brow.
Recalling the many times when Gu Xiruo had behaved similarly in the past, and how he had stood by her side against Madam Qing, he realized he understood his mother better than he did Gu Xiruo.
What difference does her apology make? What does she mean by saying Mother refuses to forgive her?
Has she truly apologized?
Seeing the faint smile on Gu Xiruo’s lips, Qing Yukong felt a mix of emotions.
“Was that your apology to Mother just now?” Qing Yukong asked Gu Xiruo inexplicably.
Gu Xiruo, failing to discern Qing Yukong’s tone, nodded and replied, “Yes, you asked me to apologize, so I did. Can we leave now?”
She had already apologized. What else did Qing Yukong want from her?
Looking up at Qing Yukong and sensing his anger, Gu Xiruo involuntarily asked, “What’s… wrong?”
What kind of expression was he wearing? It seemed odd.