Chapter 5: So she dislikes being old?

Gu Rongqing noticed the shift in her expression and finally snapped out of it, placing his other long leg down from the vehicle.

What just happened? Why did she look at him with a hint of disdain and sympathy in her eyes?

Well, he couldn’t blame her. His mother had handled this matter completely out of order. What era was this already, and she was still trying to arrange some blind marriage?

“Is that you, Rongqing? You’re finally back,” his mother, Aunt Lu, was briefly stunned before she realized it was her youngest son.

“Yes, Ma. I’m back. This is…?” Gu Rongqing replied while casting a confused glance at the woman standing with a suitcase in hand, clearly ready to leave.

Aunt Lu scratched her head. “Ah, that’s a long story… This young lady is the bride I told you about. But… something unexpected happened…”

Ruan Xiangxiang gave a gracious smile and nodded. “Hello, I’m Ruan Xiangxiang. You came back at the right time—we can now clear everything up face-to-face.”

Her voice was soft and gentle. Even though her words were distant and formal, they didn’t feel cold.

“Alright. I’m Gu Rongqing. I made a point to return just to handle this situation properly.” He straightened up, his posture and manners impeccable.

Just as the two were about to continue, the backseat door burst open. A disheveled man in uniform staggered out, looking nauseous.

“Qing-ge, bro! Were you trying to suffocate me in there? Ugh, I feel awful!” Lu Hang whimpered dramatically, hugging his stomach. Then he realized everyone was staring at him.

He looked up—and saw Ruan Xiangxiang standing in the courtyard.

His eyes widened in shock, unblinking. “Is this… uh… how should I address you?”

She’s stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Lu Hang could swear this was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen—her looks hit like a truck. He was practically tongue-tied.

He had been about to call her “sister-in-law,” but quickly recalled why he had come with Gu Rongqing in the first place. The family had arranged a marriage, but the bride had tried to back out—she even slammed her head into a pillar.

So yeah… probably best not to call her “sister-in-law” just yet.

“Hello, I’m Ruan Xiangxiang.”

“I’m Lu Hang,” he said quickly, straightening his posture, already regretting the messy entrance he’d made. Now he had to salvage whatever impression he could.

“Xiangxiang, now that Rongqing’s back—fresh off a long trip—why don’t you stay for now? I’ll go cook something. No rush, no rush,” said Aunt Lu, thrilled inside. Her son was back; maybe there was still hope after all?

Ruan Xiangxiang hadn’t expected Gu Rongqing to return so suddenly either. Well, at least this meant they could resolve things properly before she left.

Only Gu Rongqing, Ruan Xiangxiang, and Lu Hang were left in the house.

“Would you like to sit inside for a bit?” Gu Rongqing offered carefully, his voice unconsciously softening. For some reason, this woman reminded him of a delicate porcelain doll, and he instinctively treated her gently.

“Let me take your suitcase,” he added, reaching for it.

He had expected it to be heavy, but it was surprisingly light—clearly, she hadn’t brought much with her. Judging by how her family had sent her off even before he, the groom, was home, it was obvious she wasn’t valued much back there.

His brows furrowed. A girl like her, delicate and refined, shouldn’t have to suffer like this.

“Alright then, let’s just be direct and talk everything through,” said Ruan Xiangxiang, nodding as she handed over the suitcase. Well, she thought, at least the guy has gentlemanly manners.

Too bad… he’s not functional.

Honestly, Gu Rongqing was exactly her type—both face and build. Ugh! Life just never gives you what you want, she thought bitterly.

While she was lost in thought, Gu Rongqing set her suitcase aside, then went into the main hall to fetch a thermos and poured a glass of warm water for Lu Hang.

Then he brought over some bags from the car and pulled out a packet of puffed rice. He made a simple puffed rice sweet drink with hot water and a spoon of sugar and handed it to Ruan Xiangxiang.

Puffed rice was a common snack at the time. With some sugar and hot water, it became a warm, sweet comfort drink.

“It was a rushed trip back, so I didn’t have time to get much. Try this and see if you like it,” Gu Rongqing said with a soft explanation.

“Thank you, I understand.” Ruan Xiangxiang smiled, though her heart was bleeding. Why does such a thoughtful man have to be the one who’s… broken? What a waste.

Gu Rongqing once again picked up on that subtle hint of pity and rejection in her eyes. He rubbed his face in frustration. What the hell is going on?

Before he could think further, Aunt Lu called back the eldest and second sons’ families.

The second brother’s kids, excited to hear their third uncle was home, came rushing over, shouting joyfully.

The previously awkward atmosphere quickly shifted to a lively one.

The two older brothers naturally had a lot to say to their long-absent sibling. The eldest brother’s wife, Li Chunlan, was diligent and greeted everyone before joining her mother-in-law in the kitchen.

The second brother’s wife, Zhang Meizhi, beamed like a blooming flower when she saw the third brother return. She called over her two sons:

“Dabao, Xiaobao, your third uncle is amazing. Go keep him company. When you grow up, maybe your third uncle can pull some strings and get you into the military too!”

“Third Brother, you don’t know—while you weren’t home, these two nephews of yours kept talking about how much they missed you,” Zhang Meizhi chirped on and on. “We’re family after all, blood is thicker than water—it’s just different with relatives.”

Gu Rongzhi, the second brother, stood next to her, grinning ear to ear and nodding along in agreement. His wife had told him that since the third brother was supposedly not functional, he likely wouldn’t have children of his own. Naturally, that meant he’d have to adopt one of their sons in the future.

And once that happened, well, as the second brother, he’d certainly get to share in the good life right alongside his younger brother.

Gu Rongshan, the eldest, had been chatting with Gu Rongqing for a bit but, upon seeing how his second brother and sister-in-law were already laying it on thick, sensibly chose to back off. He said a few words to Lu Hang and Ruan Xiangxiang, then headed into the kitchen to help.

By now, Lu Hang had warmed up from drinking hot water. He dragged a stool over and sat next to Ruan Xiangxiang to chat.

“Comrade Ruan, you look pretty young—how old are you this year? Got any unmarried sisters at home?” Lu Hang said cheerfully, treating her as if they’d known each other for years.

He figured—with someone as pretty as Ruan Xiangxiang, her sisters couldn’t be too far off. If she could introduce him to one, he’d be over the moon.

“I just turned twenty this year. As for sisters, I do have an older sister. She’s not married yet and just got into a university in Shangdu this year,” Ruan Xiangxiang replied with a warm smile.

This scene happened to be overheard by Gu Rongqing, who had come out carrying a tray of fruit. He paused mid-step, shocked.

She’s only twenty?

He hadn’t expected that at all.

He was already twenty-six—a whole six years older than her. No wonder she always looked at him with a hint of disdain.

She must think I’m old, he thought with a sinking feeling.