After quickly skimming through the news flash, Gu Wenxi’s head buzzed. The words “Gu Corporation Chairman recuperating post-surgery” kept looping, pressing on his nerves. When did his father find out he had a heart problem? And when did he have surgery? He had been completely unaware. Thinking back to last month’s phone call, it seemed Gu Yuching had intentionally kept it from him and had also silenced Gu Wenheng.

The news article casually mentioned that Gu Yuching’s surgery was successful, but he needed a long period of rest, causing a significant impact on the company. Regardless, it was a big deal for the Gu family.

Why didn’t they tell him? Just because of that ridiculous agreement?

Instead of contacting his family directly, Gu Wenxi called his father’s assistant. After all, Assistant Zhou was one of the few people in the company whom Gu Yuching completely trusted and was also a respected elder to both him and his brother.

“Uncle Zhou—” he began hastily, unable to organize his thoughts immediately.

“Wenxi,” Zhou said knowingly, “it seems you already know.”

“How’s my dad doing?”

“President Gu’s health is fine,” the assistant replied. “He’s in the best hospital with the best caregivers, and the surgery was successful. President Gu requested to keep it from you.”

Gu Wenxi furrowed his brows. “Why?”

“Because, Wenxi, you often make decisions without informing your family. President Gu is a grown man; can’t he have his own opinions?”

Gu Wenxi was left speechless.

“Moreover, what can you do here? There are professional caregivers, and President Gu needs rest. It’s not good to have too many people around. The only thing that needs handling is the company’s affairs—will you do it?”

“I—” Gu Wenxi hesitated.

“You must be feeling quite awkward,” Zhou sighed. “President Gu’s concerns are not unfounded. Instead of you worrying needlessly, it’s better to live your own life.”

“How could he think like that?” Gu Wenxi felt frustrated. “Why can’t I help?”

“Are you willing to come back?” Zhou’s tone softened slightly, even showing a hint of surprise. “The doctors advised President Gu to rest for a few more months. The Gu Corporation is a family business, and it’s more reassuring to have family in charge rather than outsiders. Wenheng is still in his fourth year of college, and with so many competitors eyeing us, hoping for internal turmoil, honestly, it would be best if you could come back.”

“Alright,” Gu Wenxi glanced unconsciously at Du Yunyan nearby. “Give me some time to prepare.”

After learning more about Gu Yuching’s condition and confirming that there were no major issues, Gu Wenxi ended the call. Putting down his phone, he closed his eyes, facing the window, contemplating how to bring up this matter with Du Yunyan. This departure would probably be longer than the time they had spent together. But he couldn’t completely abandon his family responsibilities and enjoy the idyllic life alone.

He stood quietly for a while, hearing footsteps approaching from behind.

Du Yunyan, having overheard most of their conversation, understood even more when he saw Gu Wenxi’s expression.

Gu Wenxi turned around and looked at him steadily. “Yunyan, my father’s illness is not serious, but he needs to rest for a while. I… I want to go back to the company to help.”

“Wenxi,” Du Yunyan stepped forward, “you don’t need to have any reservations.”

“You know what I’m trying to say—” Gu Wenxi hesitated, “if I leave, it could be for several months, maybe until next year.”

“That’s something you need to do. Don’t let other thoughts affect you.”

Du Yunyan’s gaze was calm and gentle, hiding a sense of responsibility heavier than most. His sense of duty was not only towards himself but also imposed the same standard on those around him. If Gu Wenxi had responsibilities to face, he was willing to give him a push.

The sun was rising higher, making the air hot. Sweat beaded on Gu Wenxi’s forehead. The worry that had been weighing on his mind was being gently smoothed out by a force, making him believe that both his father’s illness and the company’s issues would head in a positive direction.

“Will you miss me?” he asked.

“Of course,” Du Yunyan nodded. “We both need to take care of ourselves. But Wenxi—”

“What is it?”

“Don’t tell your father about us just yet,” he recalled a conversation they’d had recently and frowned with worry. “Your father’s heart isn’t well. Don’t give him any more shocks.”

“Don’t worry,” Gu Wenxi said. “I’ll handle it carefully.”

How to break the news was indeed something he had considered. Before, it wasn’t a serious relationship, but now they were together, and it could be disclosed at any time, provided it was handled with Gu Yuching’s acceptance in mind. However, he was relatively optimistic, given his understanding of his father. He didn’t think his father was that conservative.

The straight-line distance from S City to Pingliang Village wasn’t far, but without direct public transport, the journey seemed roundabout. With this mental preparation, they didn’t feel overly sad about being apart for a while.

The night before Gu Wenxi was to return home, he called his younger brother from the terrace. Wenheng was very happy to hear he was coming back and no longer had to keep their father’s condition a secret.

The rural night sky was still like a clean, deep blue curtain, with stars sparkling like scattered diamonds. He took a deep breath, the air still carrying the cool, moist scent from the rain earlier in the evening.

Returning indoors, he found Du Yunyan helping him pack: toiletries and skincare products neatly organized in a small makeup bag, a separate clean plastic bag for towels, different bags for fruits and snacks, and a long-sleeved shirt in case the train’s air conditioning was too cold.

Gu Wenxi was amazed. He would never have been this meticulous. Even for long trips, he would just throw a few essentials into a bag, buying what he needed along the way. This time, he was just going home and didn’t need much.

“What kind of slippers do you like to wear outside?” Du Yunyan held up two pairs, one regular and one flip-flops. “Maybe I should pack both.” He began looking for a plastic bag to fit both pairs.

“Hey,” Gu Wenxi stopped him immediately, “are you helping me move?” He casually picked one pair and put it aside. “No need to bring so much.”

Du Yunyan hefted his bag and realized it was a bit heavy. “It does seem too heavy.” But he was reluctant to leave anything out, frowning in frustration.

Gu Wenxi placed his hand over Du Yunyan’s. “It’s fine. Just leave it as is and don’t pack any more.” He placed the organized bag on the chair in front of the desk.

There weren’t many items on Du Yunyan’s desk, just a simple setup with a pen holder, a few sheets of paper, and a paperweight. He often sat there writing or reading. Gu Wenxi’s eyes scanned the items, feeling a slight stir in his heart. He turned to Du Yunyan and said, “Yunyan, after I leave, write me letters.”

“Letters?” The suggestion surprised Du Yunyan.

“Yes, besides talking on the phone, I want us to be pen pals too. I’ll receive your letters and write back.” When Gu Wenxi heard about Zheng Jun’s story, this idea had crossed his mind, but since they lived together, letter writing seemed unnecessary. Now that they were facing separation, it was an opportunity. “My handwriting might not be as good as yours or your teacher’s, but it’s readable, right? If you’re willing, you can write about anything.”

“Okay,” Du Yunyan smiled and nodded, the warmth in his chest rising momentarily before he suppressed it, “I’ll write you letters.”