chapter 20
Gu Zhao looked helpless. He wanted to show some concern, but the other person had to be willing to accept it first.
âI still have a few things to take care of. Iâll be back in four or five days,â Gu Che said over the phone.
Gu Zhao pressed his lips together and hummed in acknowledgment before hanging up. Then he turned and walked toward his sports car.
The Wanjin Residence was far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center. Row upon row of grand villas stood proudly in silence.
To put it simplyâit was a haven for the wealthy.
Anyone who could afford to live there carried influence and power.
Likewise, its security system was famously strict. Even residents had to verify their identities every time they entered or left.
However, there was one notable exception.
A sleek black luxury car drove through the main gates. The moment the guard saw the license plate, he waved it through immediatelyâwithout a single question.
He didnât dare delay, afraid of offending whoever sat inside.
âBrother Shan, we didnât even verify that carâs identity. How come you just let it in?â the newly hired guard asked, staring at the dark silhouette of the departing vehicle in confusion.
The man called âBrother Shanâ cast him a sharp look and replied sternly, âYouâve only been here a couple of days, so you wouldnât know. That license plate is a special exception in this community.â
âWhenever you see that plate, no need to check identityâjust let it through.â
The young man froze for a second, then couldnât help asking curiously, âSomeone with that kind of privilege⌠whoâs in the car?â
âCuriosity isnât always a good thing,â Brother Shan warned. âIf you want to keep this job, donât go poking around. Just do your part.â
The young man quickly caught on and nodded. âYes, sir.â
The black luxury car pulled into the Tao family courtyard.
Fu Juncheng stepped out, holding two gift boxes, and climbed the steps at a leisurely pace.
Just as he neared the living room door, he heard the clatter of mahjong tiles from inside.
âWait, Iâm declaring a Kong!â
âI didnât see that tile just nowâtake that move back!â
âDad, this is like the third time youâve cheated today. Iâm not playing with you anymore if you keep that up.â
When Fu Juncheng entered the room, the laughter suddenly died.
All four people at the mahjong table turned to look at him. The elderly womanâs face broke into a warm, loving smile as she rose to greet him.
âAh Cheng.â
Fu Junchengâs tone softened slightly. âGrandma.â
âItâs been so long since you last visited. I thought youâd forgotten about your grandparents,â she said, smiling so wide her eyes nearly disappeared.
âHave you eaten yet? What do you want? Grandma will cook for you.â
Fu Juncheng set the gift boxes on the table. âNo need, Iâve already eaten.â
âUncle!â
A soft, milky voice rang outâfull of excitement.
A small figure ran toward him but couldnât stop in time, bumping straight into his leg.
The little boy fell to the floor but didnât cry. He quickly scrambled back up, his bright eyes shining as he reached his chubby arms up.
âUncle, hug!â
His adorable pleading made everyone in the room laugh.
Fu Juncheng looked down at the round, pudgy little thing by his feet, the corners of his thin lips curving slightly.
âYouâve gotten even fatter.â
At the word fat, the little boyâs eyes immediately reddened, tears welling like golden beans.
âUncle, youâre mean! Iâm not fatâIâm strong!â
Fu Juncheng chuckled softly, reached down to pinch the boyâs chubby cheek, and teased, âNo, youâre just fluffy fat.â
So mean!
Even a three-year-old couldnât escape his sharp tongue.
âWaaahâ!â
The ground practically trembled with his wailing. The little guy was utterly heartbroken.
As his tears rolled like pearls, Grandma gently tapped Fu Junchengâs arm, smiling helplessly.
âHow can you tease a child like that?â
Then she scooped the little boy up and soothed him in a soft voice.
âDonât cry, Hengheng. Your uncle was just joking. Youâre not fat at allâyouâre handsome and perfect.â