Chapter 19: Useless

Su Shiyi was surprised by Gu Chen calling Gu Lang “Father,” but for Gu Chen, it would have been even stranger for her to call Gu Lang “Dad.”

Moreover, Gu Lang had actually agreed to it—he didn’t even object! This was absolutely unbelievable to Gu Chen. He had always thought that, aside from his never-ending business, his father didn’t care about anything else. His life seemed like a precisely calibrated machine, with no room for deviation whatsoever.

It was really incredible… sometimes Gu Chen felt that Su Shiyi didn’t quite fit in with this world. Everything she did made people feel as if it shouldn’t exist, yet somehow, it happened in a strange way.

Yet, these things weren’t unpleasant, in fact, they were quite interesting? He had heard that she even created a variety show called “Return to Senior Year” which was highly discussed online. He didn’t know how she came up with such a strange idea.

At lunchtime, Gu Lang also brought it up.

“Didn’t expect you had some business acumen.”

With nothing else to do, Gu Lang briefly summarized the viral rise of “Return to Senior Year.” “First, post videos online to build up the hype, then launch the show, with fresh content and live-streaming to attract attention. At the same time, you market yourself as a rich woman who isn’t afraid to offend people, willing to film anything. You even dragged in those celebrities who didn’t participate in variety shows, which helped keep your program trending. Before the official recording even started, it was on trending searches more than ten times.”

“Su Shiyi, didn’t expect you had some skills. I heard from Kevin that the sponsors’ bidding is almost enough to break even? Once it’s officially finished and released, you’ll make a profit when you share with the video platforms. This show is a steady win for you.”

Actually, Su Shiyi just wanted to satisfy her own quirky sense of humor: …

What could she say? She could only blame herself for being too good. She didn’t even intend to make money, yet these annoying little earnings kept coming her way, leaving no opportunity for anyone else.

Sigh, she didn’t even need that much money. What’s the point of making more? It just makes spending it more difficult.

She gave a dry laugh. “It’s just a coincidence. If it’s about making money, I’m still far behind Dad.”

After saying that, she kindly picked up a piece of rib and handed it to Gu Lang. “Here, Dad, try this, it’s really delicious.”

Su Shiyi thought she was simply flattering Gu Lang, but unexpectedly, she caught everyone’s attention at the table. Although everyone was being discreet, the way they all looked at her at the same time was really obvious!

She hadn’t done anything outrageous… right?

She started to feel nervous, her hands trembling a little. “Uh, I used the public chopsticks…”

She still had some common sense. How could she possibly use the chopsticks she had used, with her saliva on them, to serve food to Gu Lang? Why were they still looking at her like this?

Beside her, Gu Pan whispered, “Uncle Gu only eats the food he serves himself.”

Su Shiyi: ?

What? Do rich people have this strange habit too? She didn’t understand. What’s the difference between food served by oneself and food served by someone else? She was just showing filial piety!

Sure enough, Gu Lang didn’t even glance at the rib and left it sitting in the bowl. Su Shiyi’s toes were digging into the floor, feeling how awkward it was.

Fortunately, her real mother, Li Shuman, was still at the table. She wore a polite smile and said to Gu Lang, “Then could you pass that rib to me?”

Gu Lang glanced at her. “No.”

Su Shiyi: ?

Li Shuman: ?

Gu Lang said confidently, “This was served for me, and even if I don’t eat it, it’s still mine.”

Su Shiyi: ????

When she typed out these three question marks, it wasn’t that she had a problem, but rather, she felt like Gu Lang had a problem.

He even generously pushed the whole plate of ribs toward Li Shuman, saying, “The ones here can be yours.”

Li Shuman: Listen to me say thank you.mp3

How should she put it? The image of Gu Lang in Su Shiyi’s mind had almost completely crumbled. Originally, he was a cold, business-oriented, domineering CEO, but now, he had fallen from grace, becoming a childish middle-aged man.

However, considering his age in his forties, still not overweight, bald, or greasy, his level of self-discipline was truly remarkable. Su Shiyi had heard from Gu Pan during a chat that the Gu father and son never smoked, never exceeded the recommended alcohol intake, were extremely strict with their sugar control, and no matter how busy, they insisted on exercising for two hours every day.

This level of discipline truly amazed Su Shiyi. She could only manage not smoking or drinking, but exercising and controlling her diet were a whole other story. It was just too tiring—wouldn’t it be better to live like a salted fish?

^[1]“Salted fish” (咸鱼, xiányú) is a Chinese slang term that refers to someone who is lazy, unambitious, or just wants to live a relaxed life without striving for success. It’s often … Continue readingSalted fish Su Shiyi lowered her head to eat, but Gu Lang once again brought the topic back to her.

“You’ll be graduating with your bachelor’s degree in a year. What are your plans? Are you going to pursue a master’s degree?”

Huh? Isn’t it enough to just live day by day?

Why pursue a master’s degree? She didn’t even know how to write her undergraduate thesis. She was clearly not cut out for academics!

Of course, she couldn’t say that directly. Su Shiyi thought for a moment before replying, “Well, maybe I’ll do some investments or something? I think shooting variety shows is fun. In the future, I could even do some TV dramas or movies. I also own a talent agency, two islands… I just manage those things, and that should be enough.”

It sounded busy, but Gu Lang immediately cut to the heart of it: “You don’t need to personally manage those things. You just want to be useless, don’t you?”

Su Shiyi: …

Sorry, Dad, you got me there.

Gu Lang didn’t say much else but picked up a piece of fried lotus root for her. “Anyway, you’re not that smart, so just be useless. I can still support you.”

Wuwuwu, Dad, her good dad Gu Lang, he was so cool when he said that! As for the part about her not being smart, that was just a small detail. It was obviously just a joke between father and daughter (she was sure of it).

Su Shiyi’s eyes lit up, feeling deeply moved, as if Gu Lang was radiating golden light. And it wasn’t just any light—it was the holy light of the Buddha, enlightening all living beings!

She even felt a bit ashamed: “I won’t always be useless, though. If I get the chance, I could try to improve…”

Although she might never get that chance in her whole life, it’s okay to say it, right?

Gu Lang looked at her as if he was smiling.

“It’s fine,” he said slowly, “I have so many elites around me. Someone like you is actually rare. Keep it up. It’s pretty good.”

Su Shiyi: ?

Su Shiyi: ???

Her expression, one of wanting to scold someone but swallowing it down in frustration, was incredibly amusing, and Gu Lang felt like he could eat another bowl of rice.

After a half-minute of brewing, just when Gu Lang thought the moment had passed, Su Shiyi angrily retorted, “Don’t say it like that! If you keep doing this, I’ll rebel! If I rebel, I’ll—I’ll…”

“What will you do?” Gu Lang scanned her up and down, his face clearly saying—Is that all?

They say poor people who suddenly become rich tend to squander, but Gu Lang hadn’t paid much attention to Su Shiyi’s spending and investments lately. Things under a hundred billion weren’t worth his attention—such a waste of time.

He chuckled a few times. “With your spending efficiency, it would be hard for you to even catch up with the change I earn.”

Su Shiyi: …

Damn, that’s too arrogant. She couldn’t stand people like this, rich yet so unaware of their own arrogance. She didn’t know who she disliked more—those who think they’re impressive just because they have endless money.

Oh, it’s her dad. Never mind.

She obediently ate the fried lotus root Gu Lang gave her. After all, when it’s time to admit defeat, you have to admit it. Arguing with her dad? How could that count as arguing? That’s just a way of connecting emotionally.

Gu Lang didn’t even know what he was laughing about and added a piece of fish to her plate. The grouper fish had no small bones, and Su Shiyi slurped it up. When she looked up again, there was another spoonful of steamed egg in her bowl, and everyone was looking at her.

Su Shiyi inexplicably felt a pressure, and the fish didn’t taste as good anymore. Gu Lang, on the other hand, was as calm as ever. “Keep eating, little squirrel.”

What? Little squirrel?

So you’re treating me like a pet now? TAT

Su Shiyi knew her eating habits weren’t the best. She could only try her best to control herself, making sure no unnecessary noises escaped, but being called a cheek-puffed squirrel was a bit too much. Whaa, how unfair!

She swallowed the food in her mouth. “Thanks, but I’m not into being a part-time eating streamer.”

Gu Lang: “I’ll reward you.”

“A custom private jet for you, how about that?”

Su Shiyi was choked up.

Su Shiyi took a righteous tone and declared, “Dad, you can’t do this. How can you use money and material things to corrupt me—”

“But to be honest, my nickname is Little Squirrel.”

No matter what she was called before, from now on, she’s Little Squirrel.

“Come on, put the thanks to the top big brother on the screen!”

What’s wrong with squirrels? Squirrels are so cute! With their plump cheeks, round little bellies, and fluffy tails, she is a squirrel, and she’s proud of it!

Aside from Gu Chen, who was speechless, both Li Shuman and Gu Pan couldn’t help but laugh. Gu Lang’s lips curved into a slight smile as he added a meatball to her plate.

For some reason, Su Shiyi had a distinct aura that set her apart from everyone else. Both Gu Chen and Gu Pan were quite attractive to the opposite sex, but that kind of attraction felt like an irresistible magnetic pull, as if it were destined—certain people would like them, and certain people would dislike them.

But Su Shiyi’s aura wasn’t like that. Magnets have corresponding poles, but her presence was unknown.

Gu Lang, now in his middle age, had long reached the peak of success, and his pursuit of power and wealth had waned. If he were to describe how Su Shiyi made him feel, it was like a small stone being thrown into a tranquil lake.

He was observing, also curious, to see if she would only bring ripples or if she could stir up a tidal wave.

This daughter… was indeed interesting.

—

After lunch, Gu Lang and Gu Chen went off to discuss work matters, and Li Shuman had plenty of things to attend to as well. The Gu family was hosting a banquet tomorrow, and various important details still needed to be confirmed by her, the madam.

The adults were busy, and the youngest, Gu Pan, and Su Shiyi stayed in the room, enjoying the peaceful afternoon. They changed into comfortable pajamas, lay on the soft bed, and watched a movie on a cinema-level giant screen, with the air conditioner keeping the sweltering summer heat outside. It was incredibly comfortable.

Andrew had prepared chilled watermelon juice and a beautiful fruit platter for them.

Looking at the ^[2]Yubari King melons are a type of premium cantaloupe grown exclusively in Yubari, Hokkaido, Japan. They are known for their perfect round shape, smooth netted skin, and incredibly sweet, juicy flesh. … Continue readingYubari King melons from Hokkaido, each one paired with ping-pong ball-sized ruby Roma grapes, rare black-skinned watermelons, and the Sun Child mangoes with bright red skin, Su Shiyi felt like she wasn’t eating fruit, but edible gold.

The two sisters were sticking close to each other, following the tips on ^[3]“Little Red Book” (小红书, Xiǎo Hóng Shū) refers to a Chinese social media and e-commerce platform, also known as RED. It’s popular for lifestyle content, where users share beauty … Continue readingLittle Red Book, taking several sets of photos for each other, and sending them to the secretary for processing.

Ahem, it was just adjusting the filters to make the pictures look better. After all, the way people look in real life and on camera are different. This is called restoring beauty, how can it be considered photo-editing?

Su Shiyi and Gu Pan still had plenty to talk about. Girls can chat for days and nights. When Su Shiyi mentioned meeting the foolish supporting female character at the door, Gu Pan immediately guessed who it was.

“It’s Gu Yuxuan.” Gu Pan said with certainty, “She has that certain something… anyway, I’m not surprised she would say something like that. She’s about our age, and when she and I were in the same middle school, she liked to bully classmates, especially those who didn’t have much background and got into school on scholarships.”

“I really don’t get what she’s thinking. Others didn’t provoke her, but as long as you enter her line of sight, she’ll start saying nasty things. Even if she gets scolded, she won’t change—it’s like a conditioned reflex.”

Su Shiyi: Damn, this vicious supporting character was nurtured since childhood? I have to say, this is such an illogical, bizarre character setup! She comes from a wealthy family, both her parents are alive, so how could she develop such an antisocial personality?

“Let’s not talk about her anymore, let’s talk about something happy.”

Gu Pan changed the topic and cheerfully said to her, “You’re in luck, there’s a film festival tonight. We can go and have some fun.”

A film festival? That means there will be a lot of celebrities, which equals many handsome men and beautiful women!

Ah, speaking of that, she wasn’t sleepy anymore. Su Shiyi rubbed her hands excitedly. “I’ve never been to a film festival. Do we have an invitation? I want to take a picture as a keepsake.”

Gu Pan: “Hmm? We don’t need one. We’ll just make a call, and the organizers will personally meet us at the entrance.”

Su Shiyi: …

Sorry, it’s just that her vision was too small.

Sigh, she wouldn’t be able to post it on her social media. Is this the trouble that comes with having too much status? Well, she could only post some boring celebrity selfies to make do.