Chapter 123

Cen Songbai and Fu Junsheng were carrying two bags of ingredients upstairs while chatting.

"Do you think we might get locked out by Brother Gu if we just show up like this unexpectedly?" Fu Junsheng seemed a little hesitant as he had not forgotten about the time when a certain someone was left outside a hotel room door.

However, the person involved was not too bothered. "That won't happen. Anyway, we're here to keep Sister-in-law company."

"Are you sure it's not about making money?"

Cen Songbai lightly coughed and glared at Fu Junsheng. This guy really didn't know when to keep his mouth shut and just had to spell things out.

"Tsk, talking all self-righteous when it's really just for your own selfish motives."

"Enough! Can you say that you don't want Sister-in-law to make money with you?"

Fu Junsheng fell silent. Alright, he did want that too.

"But...last time when we played together, we didn't win a single round?"

"That's because of you!" Cen Songbai refused to take the blame. Naturally, a good buddy should be the one to shoulder it.

Just as Fu Junsheng was about to say something more, the two had arrived at Gu Huaian's door. After pressing the doorbell for a while without anyone coming to open up,

"Do you think no one's home?"

"Or did they go out on a date?"

After pondering for a long time and pressing the doorbell a few more times, the door was suddenly opened.

It was already night time, yet the room was pitch black. Gu Huaian only opened the door a crack, concealing himself completely in the darkness so that his features could not be made out clearly.

A strong smell of smoke and alcohol wafted out from the room, quite pungent.

Cen Songbai and Fu Junsheng exchanged glances, both having an ominous feeling.

Even their voices unconsciously lowered, "Brother Gu, are you alright?"

Gu Huaian opened the door wider. The light from the corridor shone on him but could not dispel the gloom surrounding him.

His hair was disheveled, stubble already appearing on his chin, looking extremely haggard.

"Where's sister-in-law?"

Cen Songbai had just finished speaking when Fu Junsheng pulled him. This guy, whether foolish or smart, clearly could not read the situation.

With Brother Gu looking like this, it definitely had something to do with sister-in-law.

Gu Huaian switched on the light. The coffee table was strewn with cigarette butts and ash, with empty beer bottles lying haphazardly in a row on the floor. The two were shocked speechless. When had they ever seen Gu Huaian so decadent?

At another glance, the room was deathly silent except for the three of them. Obviously, sister-in-law was not at home.

"Brother Gu, what happened?"

"Tangtang left." Gu Huaian sat on the sofa, rubbing his brow wearily.

The story rewinds to some time ago.

Upon hearing that Shen Tang wanted some time alone, Gu Huaian became extremely anxious. "Can you go back to stay at Aunt Peach's place?"

Shen Tang remained silent but answered in her heart, [No.]

Gu Huaian was truly panicking now. He didn't know if he should beg her forgiveness or listen to her request for some quiet time.

"Tangtang, I'm sorry. I can explain. I didn't say anything previously because—"

Shen Tang forcefully covered her ears with both hands. "I don't want to listen. Can you let me be alone for a while?"

Gu Huaian's mouth opened and closed before he finally uttered an "Okay."

After waiting for who knows how long, maybe half an hour or maybe one hour, the room remained deathly silent.

Not a hint of a thought wave either. The room was so quiet it was as if only he was present.

Before long, the door was knocked on. The expected visitor had arrived.

Gu Huaian had just opened the door when Shen Yu rushed in.

"Sister Tangtang!"

Shen Tang came out with a suitcase. "I'm here. Let's go."

Gu Huaian reached for the luggage but Shen Tang dodged his grasp. Shen Yu hurriedly took over instead. "Let me, let me!"

As if to say, see this!

"I'll send you off."

"No need."

Shen Tang and Shen Yu walked side by side ahead while Gu Huaian silently followed behind until they reached the parking lot.

As Shen Tang opened the car door, Gu Huaian tremblingly asked, "Tangtang, do I still have a chance?"

Shen Tang pursed her lips.

[I don't know...]

She got into the car without looking back and drove off.

Gu Huaian's eyes were red-rimmed. He staggered two steps and leaned against the wall.

"Tangtang..."

In the car, Shen Tang sat in the back seat with eyes tightly shut. Yet tears flowed forth like a snapped strand of pearls.

The more she endured it, the more anguished she felt. Shen Tang's body shook uncontrollably as muffled, agonized sobs escaped her.

Utterly heart-wrenching despite the lack of audible sounds.

Shen Yu was rather worried. As he drove, he kept glancing at the rearview mirror, barely daring to breathe.

He didn't know what had happened but could sense the deep sorrow emanating from Sister Tangtang.

Gu Huaian!

If he had mistreated Sister Tangtang, he would make him pay!

Shen Yu swore in his heart.

Soon, the car stopped. Shen Tang wiped her tears and forced a smile. "Don't tell Auntie and the rest about this."

She didn't want them to worry for her.

Shen Yu pointed at his eyes. "I don't think I need to say... it's obvious from these reddened, swollen eyes that you've been crying."

Shen Tang sighed. "It's fine. We'll sneak upstairs later and you can help me cook an egg."

"Okay."

However, the plan was foiled. The two had just entered the living room when they bumped right into Shen Boyuan coming downstairs for tea.

Shen Tang: "..."

"Tangtang, you've been crying?"

"It's nothing much..."

Shen Tang assumed her uncle would ask for details but surprisingly, he said nothing more. Instead, he pulled her to sit on the sofa.

"Go ahead and cry if you want to. But remember, no matter what happens, don't bottle things up. Uncle will always be your staunch pillar of support."

Shen Yu also hurriedly nodded. "Me too!"

Shen Tang smiled through her tears. What had she done to deserve such a family?

The gloom shrouding her heart lightened considerably.

"Thank you, Uncle."

"Ai~ we're family. What's with all these thanks?"

Shen Yu pointed at himself.

Shen Tang laughed and ruffled his hair. "And little brother Shen Yu too."

Shen Yu grinned from ear to ear, practically baring his throat. He looked just like the silly young master of a wealthy household.

Shen Boyuan asked, "If it's not too inconvenient, you can tell Uncle what happened. Having lived for so many years, Uncle may be able to offer some advice. If not, it's fine not to say anything."

Shen Tang hesitated. Mind reading was far too incredulous to speak of.

Moreover, the whole matter revolved around mind reading abilities. Without mentioning that, she wouldn't know what else to say.

"I..."