Hidden truth, intricate love

In Gu Beichen's office, the afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting patches of light onto his desk. He was immersed in an upcoming project, and every detail was crucial. The vibration of his phone shattered the silence. He glanced at the caller ID: it was his home number.

He pressed the answer button, his voice carrying a hint of barely perceptible fatigue: "Mom, I'm busy now."

On the other end of the phone, my mother's voice was filled with concern and excitement: "Beichen, how are you doing recently? How is work?"

"Everything's fine, Mom," he replied curtly, trying to end the call as quickly as possible.

But her mother changed the subject and her tone became serious: "Beichen, do you still remember Xiaoya? She just came back from studying abroad and will be home this weekend. I think you should meet her."

Gu Beichen frowned slightly, feeling an invisible pressure: "Mom, I'm very busy at work now, and..."

"I know you're busy, but personal matters are also important." His mother interrupted him, her tone undeniably resolute. "Xiaoya is a good girl. Your father and I both think she's a good match for you."

Gu Beichen's impatience began to rise. He didn't want to waste time on this issue: "Mom, I already have someone I like. I don't want to go on a blind date."

The mother on the other end of the phone was silent for a moment, then her voice was filled with disappointment: "Beichen, you are always like this, never considering our feelings. Xiaoya and you are childhood sweethearts, we have always treated her as one of our own."

Gu Beichen's tone became a little stiff: "Mom, I understand your thoughts, but I hope you can also respect my choice."

Mother Gu's attitude was unusually firm: "Beichen, no matter what you say, Xiaoya is the daughter-in-law I have chosen. You must come home to meet her. She is not only smart and beautiful, but also achieved excellent academic results while studying abroad and is independent. She has a gentle and virtuous personality, and I believe she can bring you happiness."

Gu Beichen felt unprecedented pressure, his mother's every word like a hammer hitting his heart. He knew his mother had high expectations for Xiaoya, and that Xiaoya possessed many of her ideal daughter-in-law qualities. But Gu Beichen already had Su Wanqing in his heart, and he didn't want to go against his feelings.

"Mom, I respect your opinion, but my feelings cannot be arranged. I already have someone I want to spend my life with." Gu Beichen said firmly.

Mother Gu sighed deeply on the other end of the phone: "Beichen, I hope you can seriously consider this. This is not only your personal matter, but also the expectation of our family."

Gu Beichen entered the house. Sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting a warm and bright glow on the wooden floors of the old house. His gaze wandered around the living room, finally settling on Xiaoya. She stood there, her posture elegant, just as he remembered her, yet with a touch of mature femininity.

Xiaoya turned around, a hint of surprise in her eyes: "Beichen, you are here." Her voice was soft, with a barely perceptible tremor.

Gu Beichen walked closer and responded with a smile: "Yes, Xiaoya, long time no see." There was a hint of complicated emotions in his voice.

The two sat down, and their mother enthusiastically prepared tea and snacks for them. The air was filled with the faint fragrance of osmanthus, which brought back childhood memories.

"Beichen, I heard that you have made great achievements in your work. I am so happy for you." Xiaoya said, her eyes full of sincere admiration.

Gu Beichen nodded gently, but his heart was filled with mixed emotions. "Thank you, Xiaoya. Your study and life abroad must be very exciting, right?"

Xiaoya smiled and began to recount her experiences in a foreign country, her eyes gleaming with a thirst for knowledge and a vision for the future. Gu Beichen listened, occasionally interjecting a comment, but his heart was always on Su Wanqing. He missed her terribly...

On the Gu family's dining table, sumptuous dishes exuded an alluring aroma. Gu Beichen sat on one side, while Xiaoya was arranged across from him. This was a special arrangement by Gu's mother, hoping that the two would have more opportunities to communicate.

Mother Gu enthusiastically picked up some food for Xiaoya, saying, "Xiaoya, you're like my own daughter. I'm so happy to see you back."

Xiaoya smiled and replied, "Auntie, I feel very warm to be back with you."

In the Gu family's dining room, the lights were soft, and the family sat around a long dining table. Gu Beichen sat opposite Xiaoya, and there seemed to be an invisible emotional line between the two, subtly entangled.

Mother Gu kept picking up dishes for Xiaoya, and for each dish she told about Xiaoya's childhood preferences. Xiaoya responded in a coquettish tone: "Auntie, you are so kind. You still remember that I like to eat these."

Xiaoya turned to look at Gu Beichen with a hint of playfulness in her eyes: "Beichen, look at your aunt, she treats me better than you." There was a hint of intimacy in her tone, as if she was testing Gu Beichen's reaction.

Gu Beichen smiled slightly, but felt a little uneasy in his heart: "Xiaoya, you have always been the darling of our family, and this has never changed."

Xiaoya put down her chopsticks, held her chin with both hands, blinked her eyes and asked Gu Beichen: "Beichen, I have been abroad for so long, have you missed me?" Her question was direct and playful, with an irresistible intimacy.

Gu Beichen didn't know how to respond for a moment. He sensed the deep meaning in Xiaoya's words. His longing for Su Wanqing and his friendship for Xiaoya intertwined, leaving him feeling conflicted. "Xiaoya, of course we miss you. You've always been an important family member to us."

Xiaoya seemed dissatisfied with Gu Beichen's answer. A hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she soon regained her smile: "Beichen, you are always so serious, you haven't changed at all."

After dinner, Gu's mother suggested that they go for a walk in the garden and enjoy the quiet of the afternoon. Gu Beichen and Xiaoya walked side by side on the path in the garden. Gu's mother deliberately slowed down her pace to leave them some space to be alone.

Xiaoya said softly, "Beichen, you know what? During these years abroad, I often think of the days when we played together as children."

Gu Beichen nodded and responded: "Yes, I was really happy at that time."

Xiaoya stopped and turned to look at Gu Beichen, her eyes flashing with seriousness: "Beichen, I have actually been waiting for you. I hope you can understand my feelings."

The atmosphere in the Gu family's living room was warm and welcoming. Mother Gu pulled Xiaoya to sit on the sofa, their conversation filled with laughter. Mother Gu's fondness for Xiaoya was almost palpable. She responded to Xiaoya's every response with a smile of approval, and her every gesture revealed genuine fondness.

"Xiaoya, you are always so sensible and outstanding." Mother Gu stroked Xiaoya's hand, her eyes full of pride. "I can't wait for the whole family to know you."

Xiaoya lowered her head modestly, a gentle smile on her lips. "Thank you for the compliment, Auntie. I feel very honored to receive your recognition."

Yet, behind that modest smile, Xiaoya harbors a hidden determination and ambition. Her years abroad not only honed her knowledge and independence, but also fostered her thirst for success and unwavering pursuit of her goals. Xiaoya understands her strengths and how to leverage them to achieve everything she desires.

During the stroll in the garden, Xiaoya and Gu Beichen walked side by side, her eyes flashing with deep affection for Gu Beichen, but this affection was mixed with a hint of imperceptible cunning.

"Beichen," Xiaoya said softly, a hint of coquettishness in her tone, "I know Auntie has always hoped that we could be together. In fact, I've also been thinking that maybe we can really give each other a chance."

Gu Beichen felt the pressure in Xiaoya's words, and his heart was full of contradictions. He knew Xiaoya was an outstanding girl, but he already had Su Wanqing in his heart, and he didn't want to betray his feelings.

After dinner, Mother Gu once again expressed her expectations for Xiaoya: "Xiaoya, Auntie has always hoped that you could become a member of our family. You are so sensible, I believe you can bring happiness to Beichen."

Xiaoya's eyes flashed with a smug light. She knew that Gu's mother's support was her greatest advantage. She smiled and responded, "Auntie, I will do my best and will not let you down."

However, when the night was still and everyone was asleep, Xiaoya sat alone by the window in her room, her eyes cold and determined. She knew that Gu Beichen's heart already belonged to someone else, but this did not weaken her resolve. Xiaoya had already made up her mind to become the daughter-in-law of the Gu family, no matter the cost.

"Beichen," Xiaoya whispered to herself, her voice filled with determination, "You may not understand it now, but you will eventually see that I am the right person for you."