Chapter 97 Beach (Below)

  When Gu Tianxi arrived at the Azure Dragon Bay, Gu Huanlin was having a great time. Ruan Hongyu stood five steps away from her with two bodyguards, smiling faintly.

  He didn't walk over immediately, but leaned against the car door with a faint smile, watching his sister play by the sea.

  From the deep azure to the noble sapphire blue, the sea water gradates into a soft pale blue, surging and foaming with row upon row of white waves crashing against the silver sand, like fleeting flowers blooming and disappearing in an instant, repeating endlessly. Gu Huan stepped onto the fine white sand with her bare feet, playing with the waves, leaving behind a string of footprints on the gentle beach.

  Ruan Hongyu saw Gu Tianxi, she slightly bowed and then got into the minivan with her bodyguards and quietly left.

  Gu Huanli was tired from playing and stood on the beach gazing into the distance.

  The turquoise waves carried white foam surging onto the beach, making a crisp sound like shattered jade, appearing exceptionally quiet and peaceful. Listening quietly to the sound of the sea, it felt as if I was having a long dream about freedom and flying.

  Gu Tianxi looked at her back, suddenly feeling a sense of panic, as if his dearest sister was slowly disappearing into the vast ocean and sky, until she vanished.

  At dusk, the red sun sets, and the sea surface ripples with layers of pale waves. The sun has already set, leaving only a faint blush on the western sky.

  The place where dreams wake up is still waiting. Yes, she has become too accustomed to waiting, so accustomed that she has no feeling for the passage of time.

  Gu Huanli felt a chill, wrapping her arms around her shoulders and shrinking into a ball. As soon as she warmed up, she suddenly fell into a warm embrace, surrounded by the familiar scent of tobacco leaves, Zero Ling Xiang wood, oak moss, and sweet myrrh tree resin that filled the entire sky.

  "Brother." Gu Huanli smiled awkwardly, hesitated for a long time, and then mustered up the courage to pull her brother's hand, slowly walking towards the seaside.

  "Always disobedient." Gu Tianxi's face was cold as he scolded her, his tone laced with a hint of helplessness, yet he still allowed her to pull him along on the soft gravel.

  The sea was solemn and quiet at night, smooth as marble. The sea surface flickered with threads of silver light, countless marine organisms emitted firefly-like bright lights, one by one, piece by piece, flashing. The seawater rolled gently, humming, bursting into clusters of snowy waves.

  The waves surged towards the shore one after another, and the two people walked shoulder to shoulder in silence, as if they would continue walking like this until the end of the world.

  It was already more than ten days after returning to the old Gu residence.

  "Miss, this is the dress prepared for you by the president." From the box, he picked up a petal-pink strapless floor-sweeping evening gown. Ruan Hongyu smiled and said, "This dress is very suitable for tonight's ball."

  Ruan Hongyu, who has been recalled from Sanya by Gu Tianxi and promoted to a fixed private housekeeper, now also lives in the old Gu mansion. However, her direct supervisor is not the housekeeper, but rather Gu Tianxi's attendant - He Muyang. Although this arrangement is somewhat strange, for Ruan Hongyu, as long as she does her job well and takes care of the young lady's daily life, it is enough. Moreover, she likes this young lady named Gu Huanli very much.

  "Is today's live band a 15-piece mini classical orchestra?" Just thinking about dancing in front of everyone made Gu Huanlin a bit nervous. If her brother made the dance party fashionable and modern, she could only hide in the corner as a wallflower. Because, apart from social dance and ballet, at her age she should have known Latin or street dance, but she was clueless - completely ignorant.

  Ruan Hongyu nodded and patted her hand gently, saying softly, "Yes. The main theme is light music adapted from classical masterpieces such as waltzes and nocturnes."

  Although she didn't have the chance to attend the prom, her brother made it up to her in another way. Gu Huanli smiled slightly at herself in the mirror, no matter what, she had to look perfect today. So, she became even more nervous.

  "Miss, which accessories would you like to match?"

  Ruan Hongyu's words broke into Gu Huanli's thoughts, pulling her back to reality. Her fingers brushed over the black swan down, finally stopping at a pair of simple and elegant diamond earrings, tapping them twice, "Has the makeup artist and stylist arrived?"

  "Yes."

  "Please let them in."

  The Chinese lanterns have just been lit.

  The pale marble under the crystal chandelier seemed to ripple with a soft glow, casting an indescribable sheen that scattered amidst the faint music. Waiters carrying trays wove in and out, while people dressed in various formal attire dispersed throughout every corner of the hall. The men's conversations blended with the melodious music, punctuated by the occasional sound of women's affected laughter.

  The main character of today has not appeared yet.

  "Ladies and gentlemen"

  The music and the hum of conversation ceased at the same time, and all eyes turned to the circular platform under the arched staircase on the east side of the hall. A middle-aged man in a black suit stood confidently on the platform, covering his mouth with his hand and clearing his throat lightly.

  "Today, we gather together to celebrate the coming of age of Miss Gu Huanli, who was admitted to Tsinghua School of Economics and Management with excellent grades, ranking first in Beijing. She is now officially entering society." As he spoke, the speaker's face beamed with pride and satisfaction. "Next, please welcome our guest of honor tonight - Miss Gu Huanli, as well as the host of this ball - Mr. Gu Tianxi" He led the applause.

  People also echoed. When the warm applause rose, from the stairs covered with red carpet, came a sweet girl like cherry blossoms swaying in the wind.

  Gu Huanli seemed somewhat tense, with an extremely unnatural smile hanging on her face, making her expression appear somewhat stiff. Until she saw her brother standing at the end of the stairs waiting for her, whether it was fear or timidity, all disappeared.

  The corners of her mouth curled up into a smile, Gu Tianxi slowly stretched out her hand and led her sister through the crowd to the front of the stage.

  "Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to see you all here today." Gu Tianxi stood at the microphone, his hand lightly wrapped around Gu Huanli's slender waist. His shoulder-length hair was like dark water under the night sky, exuding elegance and detachment. His lips, pressed together in a slight smile, made him look exceptionally handsome. The white tailcoat accentuated his tall figure, and simply by standing there, he gave off an overwhelming sense of presence, like a majestic emperor ruling over all.

  "Gu Huanli is my most beloved little sister, and the daughter of the Gu family who brings us pride and honor. Whether in the past, present or future, as her older brother, I will do my utmost to protect her and take care of her. And sincerely wish that my dearest little sister - forever be happy"

  Gu Tianxi took a glass of champagne from the middle-aged man beside him and raised it high, "Cheers!"

  Everyone else also raised their glasses at the same time with "Cheers".

  The music filled the entire hall once again, and the dance officially began.

  Not far away, the person in charge of Anshi Real Estate who replaced Gu Tianxi to host the banquet was chatting with several new rich men in the business circle. The topic of businessmen is always only one, that is money. And what all businessmen really care about is also only one, that is the opportunity to double their assets.

  Gu Huanli stood alone in the corner, absent-mindedly listening to the conversations around her, her attention focused on Gu Tianxi surrounded by the crowd. She had declined countless invitations, but couldn't help noticing a certain charming red-haired woman clinging tightly to her brother's arm.

  The thumb of the cup holder slid gently along the rim, Gu Huanli silently watched the fleeting world of fragrance and beauty in front of her. She felt like a fool, but couldn't find Ruan Hongyu's figure anywhere. All she could do was stand there, constantly apologizing, constantly refusing, and constantly flashing a polite smile.

  A gentle breeze blew past her, and she suddenly turned around. After a moment's thought, Gu Huanli quietly left. She hadn't gone far, but the hall filled with cigar smoke and perfume made her feel dizzy. Walking across the lawn, along the creek, if she wasn't mistaken, under the willow tree not far away, there should be an old wooden chair.

  Five new thatched cottages, three rooms each, with stone steps, cassia pillars and bamboo walls. The south eaves receive the sun in winter, warm as spring; the north door welcomes the wind, cool as autumn. A small stream flows from the courtyard, but not enough to form a brook; the bamboo by the window is sparse, not yet grown into a grove. Next spring I'll repair the east wing of the house, and hang paper lanterns with reed blinds, shining with Meng Guang's light.

  Gu Huanli gazed up at the dense foliage, her eyes and heart soothed by the moonlight filtering through the leaves in thin streams.

  "If it's really as Miss Gu thinks, I'm afraid there will be nothing to worry about." The overly soft and gentle voice, when heard by Gu Huan Lian, was like being splashed with a basin of icy water on the head, rather than being caressed by a spring breeze.

  It's cold, too cold.

  She raised her eyes to look at the young man who was disturbing her, with soft black short hair, lips that seemed to be about to bloom like a blood-red rose, and delicate features that seemed to be the most satisfying work of art created by God. Under the moonlight, even her skin looked transparent.

  "Who are you?"

  "I had only come down because I couldn't bear the noise and chaos, and was greedy for a glimpse of the beautiful scenery in the courtyard. I strolled idly along, not realizing that I would be disturbing someone else's peace. For this detestable and rude behavior, I offer my sincerest apologies."

  A drop of cold sweat slid down her spine, and Gu Huanli slightly furrowed her delicate eyebrows. It took her a good while to organize the words into a rational language she could understand. "If you'd like to rest for a moment, this chair can still seat one more person."

  "I am deeply moved by Miss Gu's kindness, please allow me to praise..."

  What an interesting person, Gu Huanli's words are all dramatic and exaggerated. Although she speaks in Chinese, the words that come out of her mouth are like a play, piled up with grandiose and beautiful rhetoric. She shifted to the side, but didn't say anything more.

  Two people sat side by side, quietly listening to the gentle hum of the rippling waves, and in the swaying wind, a melodious tune seemed to be carried over, as if time and space had solidified.

  Under the moonlight, the young man turned his head to gaze at her, his eyes as beautiful as the clearest crystal. He slightly leaned forward, picked up Gu Huanli's hands that were placed on her knees, and slowly brought them to his lips. Whispering softly, it was as if he was sighing, "I am An Ruo Dong."

  His warm breath caressed her trembling finger back, Gu Huanli was slightly stunned, and the young man had already let go of her hand.

  "It's nice to meet you." She stood up and bowed politely, her movements very elegant.

  An Ruo Dong stood up and bowed to her in return.

  The vast night sky, the stars' faintly cool light twinkling quietly. Gu Tianxi stood at the window with his hands behind his back, his eyes seeming dull and slightly withdrawn, like a black hole in the dead of night, as if to engulf everything.