Chapter 729: Amiable Fifth Elder
Chapter 729: Amiable Fifth Elder
Yet, there he stood, the young man who had impulsively left home, now repentant and seemingly dedicated to fulfilling his late grandfather’s wish of rejuvenating the family. Such a display of responsibility was commendable.
Gu Yang and the others observed Gu Zhaoming’s performance in silence, struggling to contain their amusement at his straight-faced delivery of utter nonsense.
However, the Fifth Elder was deeply moved, his eyes brimming with tears. “It’s never too late! I’ve always said that as long as you choose to return, I’ll stand by you!”
“Touched that you still harbor the desire to restore our family’s glory even after achieving success in your own right. What happened in the past was not your fault. I’ve always had faith in you,” the Fifth Elder assured him.
Gu Zhaoming, too, was visibly moved, clasping the elder’s weathered hands gratefully. “Thank you, Fifth Uncle!”
Observing from the sidelines, Gu Yang couldn’t help but marvel at Gu Zhaoming’s acting prowess.
Truly, her father’s talents extended beyond his role in the entertainment industry. Yet, amidst the charade, she couldn’t ignore the Fifth Elder’s kindness and trusting nature, traits that made him both endearing and vulnerable.
Before arriving in the capital, Gu Zhaoming briefed them on the current state of affairs within the Gu family.
Following Old Master Gu’s passing, three out of the seven elders sided with Gu Zhaoming: the Second, Fifth, and Seventh Elders. Initially, they had all urged Gu Zhaoming to return to the capital.
However, as two decades passed without his return, the Second and Seventh Elders gradually grew distant, their support waning over time.
The Fifth Elder, however, refrained from pressuring Gu Zhaoming, instead offering unwavering support should he choose to come back.
Thus, when Gu Zhaoming finally decided to return to the capital, he reached out to the Fifth Elder first.
Introducing his wife and children to the elder, Gu Zhaoming declared, “This is your Fifth Grandpa.”
Gu Jin couldn’t help but feel exasperated. How many grandpas did she have to acknowledge during this trip to the capital?
Despite her reluctance, Gu Jin followed Gu Yang’s lead, politely addressing him as “Fifth Grandpa.”
The elder beamed warmly at them. “Well done, all of you.” He even produced a few red packets for the children.
As he looked at the youngsters, the Fifth Elder couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy, recalling the car accident Gu Zhaoming had mentioned to him earlier.
Upon learning of Gu Zhaoming’s return to the capital, the Fifth Elder had already arranged accommodation for his family—a villa left to Gu Zhaoming by the late head of the Gu family.
Following Old Master Gu’s funeral that year, Gu Zhaoming had departed the capital. However, prior to the elder’s passing, he had already allocated Gu Zhaoming’s portion of the inheritance, though control had remained with the other elders of the Gu family for many years.
Similar in size to the Gu Family’s Villa in Jin City, the villa boasted a classical style.
The Fifth Elder displayed thoughtfulness by ensuring the villa was meticulously prepared, arranging for a housekeeping company to clean and hiring a nanny and servant as needed.
While Gu Zhaoming and the Fifth Elder discussed matters in the study, Ruan Xueling assigned rooms to the four children.
Gu Jin found herself still situated next to Gu Yang’s room.
After a day of rest, Ruan Xueling took her daughters into the capital for a shopping spree.
Despite Feng Jue’s offer to carry the shopping bags, Gu Jin didn’t give him the chance.
Meanwhile, Gu Pei ventured out to meet his online acquaintances.
Having bonded through eSports, they hailed from the capital.
Before his departure, Ruan Xueling offered a word of caution. “Stay cautious. In today’s world, boys need to protect themselves.”
Guess who Gu Pei’s netizen friend was?