C19 Going to the Funeral!

"Auntie, you're too kind." Ning Yishu nodded slightly, his gaze radiating a sense of distance.

From a distance, Zhao Qiao had already noticed the striking Ning Yishu and nudged Gu Ruoshan's arm covertly, "Ruoshan, who is that?"

Gu Ruoshan followed her gaze, her heart leaping with joy, "That's my cousin Yishu!"

Ning Yishu had gone abroad for his studies after high school and only returned to the country earlier this year.

Upon his return, he founded his own company, which astonishingly reached a market value in the hundreds of millions within just six months.

The company's potential for growth was boundless.

Though Gu Ruoshan and he were cousins, it had been years since their last encounter.

She gathered her skirt and, accompanied by Qin Lang and Zhao Qiao, approached Ning Yishu, "Cousin, when did you arrive?"

With so many guests around, it was easy to overlook someone.

"I've only just arrived," Ning Yishu replied, acknowledging Qin Lang with a nod but not sparing Zhao Qiao a glance.

"Are you Ning Yishu of the Ning family?" Zhao Qiao asked, her cheeks flushed as she shyly extended her hand, "I'm Zhao Qiao, a distant cousin from the Zhao family."

Ning Yishu glanced at her hand but made no move to take it.

Zhao Qiao paused, her face quickly reddening with embarrassment.

To ease the awkwardness, Gu Ruoshan took Zhao Qiao's hand and suggested with a smile, "Cousin, it's been so long since we've caught up. How about we sit down for a chat?"

"There's no need," Ning Yishu replied, his demeanor elegant yet his tone unmistakably aloof, "I'm going to step out onto the balcony for some fresh air."

Gu Ruoshan's smile stiffened. "Okay, then we won't keep you."

Ning Yishu nodded at her before turning to leave, without giving Zhao Qiao so much as a parting look.

Watching his retreating figure, Zhao Qiao couldn't hide her irritation, "Ruoshan, why is your cousin like that?"

Gu Ruoshan offered a resigned smile, "My cousin has always been reserved. His looks can be deceiving."

She had learned of his chilly nature early on in life.

Ever since childhood, aside from Gu Zhiwei, she had never seen Ning Yishu show warmth to anyone else.

Gu Ruoshan cast her gaze downward, concealing the shadow that flickered in her eyes. When she lifted her head once more, her smile remained gentle and inviting.

Glancing toward the door, she noted the absence of the person she had hoped to see, a wave of disappointment washing over her.

The clock had ticked its way to 6:30 p.m., and Bo Yandong was still nowhere to be seen. Gu Ruoshan kept her composure, but inside, she was growing increasingly worried.

Seizing a moment, Lin Li drew her aside. "Ruoshan, that little troublemaker Gu Zhiwei still hasn't shown up. Give her a call, will you? Light a fire under her."

"Mom…" Gu Ruoshan bit her lip, looking down. "Mr. Bo hasn't arrived either. Could they possibly be together…?"

"Don't overthink it, sweetheart," Lin Li soothed, stroking her hair. "Your dad's already been in touch with Mr. Bo's assistant. He had to handle some urgent business at the company, but he's on his way now."

Gu Zhiwei's fingers, which had been tensely perched on the hem of her dress, relaxed, and she breathed a sigh of relief.

"Go on, call that little troublemaker. If she doesn't show up, we can't go on with tonight's event."

Just as she was about to ask a server to fetch her phone, a stir erupted at the entrance.

"Gu Zhiwei?" someone muttered incredulously. "Wasn't she ousted last month? How dare she show her face at Ruoshan's birthday party?"

"After all the scandalous things she's done, she has the nerve to show up at a posh banquet like this? She's got no shame!"

"And look at what she's wearing. Anyone would think she's here to mourn, not celebrate!"

Gu Ruoshan's eyes followed the murmurs.

The young woman at the door was clad in a simple black dress, her makeup understated, enhancing her naturally radiant features. With only a light dusting of powder and a small white flower tucked behind her ear, she bore an uncanny resemblance to someone in traditional mourning attire.