Chapter 5: Out of Sight, Out of Mind

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Upon hearing the familiar voice, Qiao Weiwei shuddered with a chill. Her eyes betrayed undeniable disgust. "Why are you here?" she asked.

Gu Zhiyuan reached out instinctively, wanting to stroke her head, but she dodged away. Concealing the disappointment in his eyes, he smiled gently. "At a time like this, I should be by your side."

The man before her still looked somewhat youthful, lacking the cold, icy demeanor he would later develop. For a moment, she was momentarily distracted.

In her previous life, after her parents died, she locked herself in her room, refusing to eat or drink. Gu Zhiyuan had sat by the door, chatting with her about trivial school matters. Though separated by a wall, that kindness remained etched in her heart.

Like a poisoned candy, whenever she longed for him in the sanatorium, she would take it out and savor it. Until he, for Lin Zhiyi’s sake, disregarded their grandmother’s cause of death and even pushed her down the stairs, watching her die.

At that moment, she drew a definitive line. Hearing anything similar afterward only made her feel sick.

Qiao Weiwei’s eyes turned cold. "I have nothing to do with you, nor do I need your company."

Gu Zhiyuan assumed she was merely acting strangely due to the trauma of losing her parents. Still patient, he said, "How can I be at ease if you’re like this?"

He continued, "Uncle Gu is temperamental, and your grades aren’t outstanding domestically. Why not come abroad with me? I’ll hire the best violinists to teach you. You’ll surely become the most dazzling violinist."

"No need," Qiao Weiwei said without looking up, rejecting him outright. "Uncle Gu can do all that."

Seeing her stubborn refusal, Gu Zhiyuan grew annoyed. He was a favored son of fortune, proud and never one to beg.

In the past, he would have turned and left immediately.

But for reasons unknown, he sighed and went on, "Uncle Gu is about to marry. If you stay by his side, what will others think? He treats you well. You wouldn’t want to ruin his wedding, would you?"

Qiao Weiwei frowned, confusion flashing in her eyes. "Uncle Gu is getting married? Since when?"

She didn’t recall this from her previous life.

Gu Zhiyuan said, "Zhao Xinwei, the only daughter of the century-old jewelry family, was personally chosen by Grandma. She’s from a prestigious background and a renowned classical dancer."

Qiao Weiwei lowered her head to think.

If Gu Huaijin were marrying, as an orphan she couldn’t just cling to the family like that.

While she hesitated, a man’s voice sounded from behind.

"I had no idea you could make decisions for yourself now."

Gu Huaijin appeared suddenly, his hawk-like eyes fixed on Gu Zhiyuan. Tall and hardened by years of ruthless business battles, his gaze was intimidating.

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"Uncle Gu," Gu Zhiyuan said respectfully, though a cold light flickered in his eyes, betraying his displeasure.

He kept a smile on his lips. "This marriage was personally arranged by Grandma. I’m just stating facts. If you’re unhappy, you can take it up with her."

Though Gu Huaijin now controlled Gu Corporation, the company’s shares remained in Grandma’s hands. Offending her meant being cast out of Gu Corporation.

Yet, Gu Zhiyuan had always underestimated Gu Huaijin.

Gu Huaijin had left the family business as an adult and only returned five years ago during the company’s crisis to save it.

Having a brat threaten him now was a novelty.

A handsome curve lifted Gu Huaijin’s lips, and a cold gleam flashed behind his gold-rimmed glasses.

Though he hadn’t said a word, Gu Zhiyuan felt a sudden chill of fear.

Turning away, he regretted his thoughts.

"Gu Zhiyuan, you should be grateful you share the Gu name."

At those words, assistant Chen Li wiped cold sweat from his brow.

He marveled at when this young master had grown so bold as to threaten Mr. Gu.

If not for the family name, he’d likely have vanished from Haicheng by now.

Amid the tense standoff between the two men, Qiao Weiwei wished to add fuel to the fire.

"Uncle Gu, isn’t making money for freedom? Now someone’s dragging you into the graveyard of love. That’s just too much."

Feigning innocence while defending the man, she secretly fanned Gu Huaijin’s resentment toward Gu Zhiyuan.

She hoped to send Gu Zhiyuan off to the Africa branch.

Out of sight, out of mind.

"Besides, Grandma dotes on you. She wouldn’t force Uncle Gu into anything. Someone must be stirring trouble."

Qiao Weiwei smiled obsequiously, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Sensing her rejection, Gu Zhiyuan clenched his fists, pain flashing in his eyes.

"Weiwei... don’t you want to come with me?"

Refusing to listen, Qiao Weiwei chose to ignore him.

"You have no connection to my family. It makes no sense for me to follow you without reason. People in our circles will talk."

"You’re the only son of a wealthy family, raising me like a pet. No one would embarrass you."

"But gossip is ruthless. I’m a lonely orphan who can’t bear endless rumors."

In her previous life, even without confessing, society mocked her as scheming, accusing her of clinging to Gu Zhiyuan to claim Mrs. Gu’s position.

Though supported by Grandma and Gu Zhiyuan, other socialites secretly ostracized her and set traps.

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Now, she only wanted to focus on her university entrance exams and her violin studies, avoiding any messy affairs.

"That’s not it..."

He wanted to deny he saw her as a pet, but couldn’t find the words.

He could only repeat, "Believe it or not, I sincerely want you to live well."

"You can stay with Uncle Gu if you want. If you need anything, just call me..."

Gu Huaijin’s cold voice interrupted, "Enough?"

His patience had reached its limit. "My affairs are none of your concern."

"Exactly," Qiao Weiwei quickly agreed. "With Uncle Gu here, I don’t need to call you, nor your concern."

Gu Zhiyuan seemed crushed by her resolute tone and left dejectedly.

Had any of the girls who once chased after him seen this feigned affection and frequent glances back, they might have been heartbroken.

But Qiao Weiwei wasn’t fooled.

She smiled brightly at Gu Huaijin. "Thanks to you, Uncle, or I’d have been driven mad by him."

"You really dislike Gu Zhiyuan?"

Gu Huaijin lowered his gaze, eyes searching hers.

Though they’d never met, why did she harbor such aversion toward Gu Zhiyuan from the hospital?

Qiao Weiwei pursed her lips, casually saying, "No reason at all.

Fate is strange. Some people like you at first sight, others dislike you immediately."

Afraid he’d read too much into it, she quickly changed the subject. "About the engagement, is Uncle Gu going back to the old mansion?"

"Can I come with you?"

Qiao Weiwei repeated nonchalantly, "No reason at all.

Fate is strange. Some people like you at first sight, others dislike you immediately."

Anxious not to reveal more, she swiftly diverted the conversation. "Uncle Gu, when can I be discharged?"

Gu Huaijin replied calmly, "The doctors said you suffered a head injury. The bruising has cleared, but to prevent complications, you need to stay under observation for another week."

"Oh."

Qiao Weiwei nodded thoughtfully.

A week later the new term would start—just in time.