“When Grandpa was critically ill overseas, my parents only had time to come back and see him for the last time… We sent people to look for you in China, but there was no information at all…”

After Mrs. He gave birth, due to poor hospital care, the newborn somehow got lost. Despite numerous efforts by the He family to find her, there was no trace.

Of course, there was no trace because, in this novel, Chi You, as a supporting character, was destined to become the Chi family’s child.

She didn’t bother to think about the illogical parts of the plot in this world.

Initially, when this self-proclaimed “brother” contacted her, Chi You did wonder why this part was missing in the original plot. However, her appearance had already changed many elements in this book. Though wary, she still met with him.

The moment she saw He Chenran, she knew he wasn’t lying.

Just like how the Chi parents recognized Xu Xueyin as their biological daughter at first sight, Chi You also instantly realized that he did have a connection with her.

Seemingly, with the same upturned gaze filled with emotions, equally puzzling.

Knowing that she was an actress, He Chenran didn’t delay her too much. By the time he drove her to the hotel entrance, the sky had already darkened.

Watching the girl in the passenger seat unbuckle her seatbelt, He Chenran thought for a moment, then turned to say, “Mom and Dad really want to see you. They feel guilty about what happened back then. If possible, please give us a chance to make amends.”

“If I have time, I will go and see them,” Chi You replied in a calm voice.

She had been busy lately, so she didn’t agree on a specific time with He Chenran. After speaking, she opened the door and got out of the car.

The black car departed, and Chi You observed the vehicles coming and going on the road, lost in thought. After a while, she lowered her gaze and turned around.

In the next instant, however, she saw a very long shadow extending to her feet on the ground.

Chi You was momentarily stunned, looked up, and saw a tall man standing under the streetlight in front of the hotel entrance.

Gu Jingxu stood there, and it was unclear how long he had been watching.

——

The security of the hotel He Xing chose was very good. Before Gu Jingxu came, he had also sent someone to check, and there were no paparazzi waiting.

He sent a message to Chi You, but never received a reply. After 9 o’clock, Yang Qirou said that Chi You had gone out in the afternoon, but did not mention when she would return.

He waited downstairs in the hotel for almost an hour before he saw her getting out of someone else’s car.

It was a man he had never seen before.

Even from the half-open car window, one could see that the other person had an appearance that matched Chi You’s aesthetic.

Gu Jingxu slightly lowered his gaze, watching Chi You approach him. There was no emotion on his face, but the slightly pursed corners of his mouth had already revealed his feelings.

As Chi You approached, she didn’t say anything else, just reminded, “Let’s go in first.”

The girl brushed past him, carrying a strange scent of perfume.

Gu Jingxu’s eyes lowered.

He hadn’t slept all night, rushed over after a busy morning at work, changed clothes in a hurry, without any grooming, and no perfume.

The man who brought her back had applied perfume.

Chi You could somewhat guess Gu Jingxu’s mood, so in the elevator, she couldn’t help but take his hand in hers.

The man stood still, his tall figure next to Chi You. He seemed oblivious to Chi You’s little movements. His facial expression showed no change, but his hand firmly grasped Chi You’s.

The two entered Chi You’s room.

The room powered up, and the lights automatically turned on. Chi You put down the bag hanging on her shoulder and looked at the motionless Gu Jingxu.

The man stood by the door, his expressionless face looking somewhat intimidating, as if the person in front of him wasn’t Chi You.

Seeing that he had a look that said, “Hurry up and comfort me,” Chi You instead sat still.

She propped up her cheek on the sofa, curious, and asked, “When did you arrive?”

Gu Jingxu grunted, “I sent you a message.”

Chi You squinted her eyes, not saying anything.

Gu Jingxu’s lips moved slightly, “It’s been over an hour.”

“Why didn’t you rest after arriving? Is the company’s business settled?”

“Yeah,” Gu Jingxu replied.

Since he arrived, he had only touched Chi You’s hand once, which was far from the usual level of contact.

He had thought about going over to hug Chi You, having her sit in his arms, and laughing softly like a little cat talking to him.

But he couldn’t take a single step.

Chi You had already taken out her phone to reply to messages.

The girl, dressed in a simple white dress, sat on the sofa. When she lowered her head, her soft long hair scattered down, hiding her expression, and it was impossible to see who she was replying to.

After waiting for a moment, Gu Jingxu shifted his gaze away, feeling a heavy weight on his heart. “Well, I’ll go rest first. See you tomorrow.”

Only then did Chi You raise her head to look at him. “Go where?”

Gu Jingxu: “I booked a room next door.”

Seeing his expression, Chi You sighed slightly. She set aside the unfinished message, stood up, and walked in front of him. She softly said, “I’m waiting for you to speak.”

Gu Jingxu paused for a moment, then realized what she meant.

Chi You had taught him that communication was essential when emotions were involved.

But just now… he only wanted to escape.

The gentle demeanor of the girl softened Gu Jingxu’s heart a bit. He reached out and gently embraced her, burying his chin on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, I forgot.”

Chi You patted his back. “It’s okay, take your time to learn… So, can you talk now?”

“Yeah…”

Gu Jingxu: “Can I ask… who was that person?”

Chi You pondered. “No, you can’t.”

Gu Jingxu closed his eyes and remained silent.