C16 A Sad Scene

Lin Qingwan and Gu Mingfeng had been adrift at sea for two more days before they reached the capital that morning. Stepping off the cruise ship, they were greeted by a light drizzle, prompting them to quicken their steps. Suddenly, a delicate voice called out from up ahead, "Second Brother, over here, this way!"

Instinctively, Lin Qingwan looked toward the voice to find Gu Na, the Fifth Lady of the Gu family, standing beside a stretch Lincoln, energetically waving at them.

Gu Mingfeng strode over, noticing that Gu Na had been waiting in the rain long enough for her dress to be soaked through. Draping his suit jacket over her, he chided, "Why didn't you wait inside the car?"

Gu Na's cheeks flushed as she looked down, "I was just eager to see you, Second Brother."

While speaking, she glanced at Lin Qingwan, who had followed Gu Mingfeng, and quickly moved to shield her from the rain with her handbag, saying with genuine concern, "Qingwan, hurry into the car so you don't catch a cold."

"Thanks a lot." Lin Qingwan gratefully ducked into the Lincoln, followed by Gu Na, who sat next to Gu Mingfeng and let out a small sneeze.

Gu Mingfeng pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Gu Na before instructing the driver to head back to the Gu residence.

Gu Na's demeanor had shifted significantly; she was now showing a newfound attentiveness to Lin Qingwan, repeatedly inquiring whether she was tired or seasick from the journey.

Over the past few days, Gu Na had come to a realization: her only support within the Gu family was Gu Mingfeng, especially now with rumors that the patriarch intended to pass the reins to him. She knew she needed to cling to Gu Mingfeng's coattails more than ever.

She was aware of Gu Mingfeng's fondness for Lin Qingwan and understood the importance of maintaining a good rapport with her.

Gu Mingfeng gave a nod, then rested with his hands clasped and eyes closed.

Lin Qingwan had seen right through Gu Na's intentions, but she chose to keep her insights to herself, engaging in light conversation with Gu Na instead.

Upon arriving at the Gu family villa, Gu Na stepped out first, once again using her handbag to shield Lin Qingwan from the rain. Meanwhile, Gu Mingfeng had already made his way towards his Ming Residence with purposeful strides.

Gu Na was eager to catch up, but Lin Qingwan meandered along, arms outstretched, savoring the misty rain. "This weather is just so romantic. In so many TV dramas, the hero confesses his love to the heroine in the rain. It's incredibly romantic!"

Gu Na nearly let out a curse. Lin Qingwan had the luxury of her handbag shielding her from the rain, while Gu Na herself was drenched and shivering, sneezing twice in quick succession.

To stage this melodrama, she had deliberately left the umbrella in the car when picking up Gu Mingfeng and Lin Qingwan, even standing in the rain for over half an hour. She had hoped to rush home for a hot shower, but Lin Qingwan's theatrics were unending.

With no choice but to endure, Gu Na braved the rain alongside Lin Qingwan. At that moment, Gu Mingfeng emerged from the Ming Residence, heading toward the main building. His gaze landed on Lin Qingwan, his brow furrowing. "Why are you still out here? Hurry up and get ready. We're going to see Grandpa immediately."

With that, Gu Mingfeng strode into the main building under the protection of a servant's umbrella, ready to report on matters concerning the Lan Family.

Lin Qingwan had no choice but to head back to the Ming Residence, with Gu Na still holding the handbag over her head to fend off the rain. Gu Na glanced around, then asked with a playful smile, "By the way, Qingwan, what's the name of that actor you mentioned from the TV show? You're quite fond of him, aren't you? Have you been dreaming of a romantic proposal in the rain, just like in the dramas?"

Lin Qingwan beamed and nodded. "Yes, I adore that actor! I believe his name is Chen Zifeng, a real talent!"

Gu Na filed the name away in her memory and escorted Lin Qingwan inside the Ming Residence. As soon as Lin Qingwan was occupied with her hot shower, Gu Na whipped out her phone and dialed swiftly, "Get in touch with the entertainment agency immediately. I need Chen Zifeng at the Gu family home, pronto."

Since this fool was so enamored with the idea of a romantic rain-soaked proposal, Gu Na would set the stage for her. But for a performance, an audience was essential. After issuing a few hushed instructions into the phone, she dashed off toward the main building.

After her hot shower and slipping into a casual white outfit, Lin Qingwan was about to head to the main building when her phone rang. A pleasant voice came through, "Is this Miss Lin Qingwan? This is Chen Zifeng. I was doing a lottery event with my fan club and happened to come across your address and name. To surprise you, I've arrived at the park in front of your house. Could you come out?"

Lin Qingwan paused briefly, a hint of irony tugging at the corner of her mouth. "A raffle in the fan club?"

She had once been a true fan of Chen Zifeng, yet she couldn't shake the feeling that this was too much of a coincidence. She had only just mentioned Chen Zifeng to Gu Na, and now he had surfaced.

"Alright, I'm on my way!" she responded promptly, her curiosity piqued about the scheme Gu Na was concocting.