Hidden truth, intricate love

As night fell, Gu Beichen's car slowly pulled into the familiar private driveway, its headlights casting a warm arc of light through the night. He peered through the windshield, gazing at the outline of his home. The building, standing quietly in the night, now weighed on him like never before.

He sighed softly, unbuckled his seatbelt, and pushed open the car door. The scent of home greeted him, warm and familiar, but it couldn't soothe the turmoil in his heart. Gu Beichen took off his coat and hung it on the hanger, every movement revealing the calm he was trying to maintain.

The phone screen lit up with a text message from Su Wanqing, the words overflowing with concern: "Are you tired from work today? I hope everything is okay."

Gu Beichen stared at the screen and replied with a light touch of his fingertips: "I'm not tired, work is going well. How are you today?" He tried his best to make his reply sound light-hearted and cheerful, hiding the anxiety in his heart.

Su Wanqing's message came back quickly, with a hint of playfulness: "I'm doing fine here too, I just miss you a little bit."

Gu Beichen's lips lifted unconsciously, but then fell again. He replied, "I miss you too, Wanqing. Let's get together when I'm done with this busy schedule."

He knew it was a promise, but it was also an unknown. He silently vowed in his heart that no matter what was about to happen, he would protect the innocence and beauty between them.

Su Wanqing seemed to sense something, and her reply was filled with a hint of worry: "Beichen, if anything bothers you, remember that I'm always here."

Gu Beichen's heart was deeply touched, and he replied: "I know, Wanqing. Thank you." He knew that Su Wanqing was his strong backing, but her concern also made him feel more heavy-hearted about concealing the truth.

In the study, Gu Beichen sat at his desk, the cold glow of the computer screen reflected on his face. He opened a work document, but couldn't concentrate. He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the stars in the night sky, and silently said to Su Wanqing, "Please forgive my concealment. I just don't want you to be involved in this storm."

His phone rang again. It was a voice message from Su Wanqing: "Beichen, I was just looking at the stars and remembered the first time we looked at the stars together. It was so beautiful."

Gu Beichen closed his eyes and listened to Su Wanqing's voice. Her gentle tone seemed to soothe all his worries. He replied, "That is one of the most precious memories of my life. Wanqing, your voice always makes me feel calm."

Su Wanqing's reply was full of affection: "Beichen, no matter how bumpy the road ahead is, I will walk it with you."

Sitting alone at the dining table, Gu Beichen had no appetite despite the sumptuous meal. His mind was preoccupied with the upcoming family gathering, a challenge he would have to face alone. He ate a few quick bites, then stood up and walked into the study.

In the study, the bookshelves were filled with books, each carrying his knowledge and memories. He sat at his desk, turned on his computer, and tried to immerse himself in work to avoid the upcoming family gathering.

However, his thoughts kept drifting to Su Wanqing. He thought of her smile, her voice, and every beautiful moment they had together. He knew he had to protect their relationship and not let outside pressure and misunderstandings affect them.

Gu Beichen stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the stars in the night sky. He silently swore in his heart that no matter what happened at the family gathering, he would find a way to solve this problem and protect the love between him and Su Wanqing.

He returned to his desk and began to make a plan, thinking about how to deal with his mother's expectations and Xiaoya's obsession. He knew it would not be easy.

He recalled his childhood with Xiaoya, a girl who was always the center of attention, her intelligence and beauty earning her countless accolades. But as time went on, Gu Beichen gradually realized that behind these accolades lay Xiaoya's possessiveness and selfishness. In her worldview, there was nothing she couldn't have: toys, attention, or... a heart.

Gu Beichen knew that Xiaoya's character might become the driving force behind her actions. If she believed she deserved his love, she might fight for it at all costs, even if it meant hurting others, including Su Wanqing.

Meanwhile, Su Wanqing was at home, preparing to rest. Unaware of the difficulties Gu Beichen was about to face, she sent him a message before bed, expressing her longing and concern. She believed in Gu Beichen, and believed their love could overcome all difficulties.

Gu Beichen received Su Wanqing's goodnight message, and his anxiety eased a little. He replied with a short message: "Goodnight, Wanqing, tomorrow is a new day." He hoped that this would come true, and that their love could usher in a new day without any shadow.

At this moment, Xiaoya called...