chapter 51
Compared to the pitch-black night outside the window, the bright light poured into every corner of the bedroom.
Gu Qingning sat on the sofa, her features clear and serene, showing no trace of sleepiness.
She realized she had a habit: whenever she was in an unfamiliar environment, she would easily suffer from insomnia and stay awake all night.
Nearby, Gu Che crouched in front of a suitcase, seemingly searching for something.
Even when Gu Zhao called him, he didn’t respond.
Gu Zhao placed the takeout on the table, glanced at Gu Che, and seeing that he still didn’t come over, asked curiously, “Second Brother, what are you looking for?”
At that moment, Gu Che lifted his head from the suitcase, holding a jewelry box in his hand.
“Found it.”
He turned and walked back, a smug smile spreading across his handsome face.
He sat directly on the carpet, one leg bent lazily, and said, “Little one, Second Brother brought you a gift for our meeting. See if you like it.”
With that, he opened the jewelry box to reveal a pink diamond necklace.
The sparkling pink diamond was perfectly cut into the shape of a four-leaf clover, surrounded by small diamonds. Its design was unique—simple yet elegant and noble.
Gu Zhao’s gaze shifted from the necklace to Gu Che, her eyes filled with disdain. “Second Brother, that’s too sneaky of you, preparing a gift in secret.”
By comparison, it made him, the third brother, seem stingy.
Second Brother was clearly trying to win favor in front of Qingning, to elevate his position in her heart.
“You’re really sly, Second Brother.”
Gu Che’s phoenix-like eyes narrowed, a playful and flirtatious smile curling his lips. “You didn’t prepare a gift yourself, and now you’re blaming me? Besides, I already reminded you before.”
Gu Qingning responded, her calm voice carrying a hint of teasing, “Soft and hard tactics, huh? Should I be scolded a little?”
The epitome of social embarrassment could be found in Gu Che.
The smile on his face froze, his wide phoenix eyes staring at Gu Zhao. “Are you talking about me?”
Gu Zhao held back her laughter, defending herself, “It’s not my fault. Qingning’s ears are just too sharp.”
Gu Che’s lips twitched as he turned to Gu Qingning, smiling in a flattering manner. “Little one, I was just teasing him. Second Brother would never scold you. Don’t misunderstand.”
He leaned forward, holding the jewelry box toward her. “Look how beautiful this necklace is. I knew at first sight it was perfect for our little one.”
Gu Qingning glanced at the necklace and politely declined, “No need, I don’t accept gifts without merit.”
“Gifts from an older brother to his little sister are the most natural thing in the world,” Gu Che said, closing the box and placing it directly into her hands, pressing her hand gently.
He straightened his expression, showing a rare older-brotherly demeanor, his voice steady. “Our little one disappeared since birth. Your brothers didn’t even celebrate your birthdays. Counting it all, Second Brother owes you a lot of birthday gifts. Consider this the first, and I’ll make up the rest later.”
Meeting the apology in his eyes, Gu Qingning was momentarily stunned.
Having never experienced family affection, she felt a little at a loss.
Just as the atmosphere was becoming sentimental, Gu Che broke it.
His eyes drooped, a pitiful expression on his face. “Little one, if you don’t accept Second Brother’s gift, it means you’re still angry with me. That would make me really sad.”
Gu Qingning pressed her lips together, her voice low. “I’m not angry at you.”
For so many years, in the place where she had stayed, everyone was independent, never relying on anyone. Once she became strong, she didn’t need anyone to protect her.
But after meeting them, she realized that blood ties were truly unbreakable. She could feel and see whether their care for her was genuine; she just didn’t know how to interact with them yet.
Gu Che smiled, seizing the moment. “If you’re not angry, then just accept the gift.”
“Qingning, don’t be polite with Second Brother. He has plenty of money, no need to save it,” Gu Zhao said, winking and smiling.
“Come sit, the food will get cold if you don’t eat.”
Gu Che scooted aside, making space for her in the middle.
Facing their expectant gazes, Gu Qingning felt a flicker of hesitation.
Gu Che gave Gu Zhao a look, and Gu Zhao smiled knowingly. Together, they each grabbed one of her wrists.
Gu Qingning stumbled forward, sitting down between the two of them.
Thankfully, the carpet was soft, so she wasn’t hurt.
“Qingning, try this fried chicken. It’s really good.”
“Little one, do you want juice or cola?”
Watching the two of them bustling around her, a warmth seeped into her cold heart, and she smiled softly.
Gu Zhao caught her smile and quietly curved his lips. As Jun Cheng had predicted, only genuine actions could gradually make Qingning accept them.
Gu Qingning glanced at the juice in her hand, then at the wine glasses in front of Gu Che and Gu Zhao, her eyes showing a hint of curiosity.
Noticing her gaze, Gu Zhao quickly pushed the wine glass away. “Qingning, this is alcohol. You can’t drink it.”
Gu Qingning tilted her head. “Why not?”
Gu Che, noticing her interest, couldn’t help but laugh and cry at the same time. “It will make you drunk and give you a headache tomorrow.”
Unbeknownst to them, the effect of getting drunk was exactly what Gu Qingning wanted.
Her eyes sparkled. “Really? I can get drunk?”
If she could get drunk, she wouldn’t have to worry about her insomnia tonight.
Gu Che froze, realizing he might have said the wrong thing.
He raised a hand to cover the wine glass, trying to discourage her. “Little one, you’re young. Drinking isn’t good for you.”
If their eldest brother found out they had given alcohol to the little one, they’d be in big trouble.
Gu Qingning said softly, “I’m already an adult.”
Gu Che was speechless.
He exchanged a look with Gu Zhao, and the two brothers were troubled.
Gu Qingning put down the juice and stood up. “Forget it, I’ll go back to my room.”
“No, no, no!”
Both brothers shouted in unison to stop her.
The little girl had finally warmed up to them; they couldn’t ruin that over a single drink.
Gu Che coaxed without restraint, “I’ll give it to you, I’ll give it to you.”
“Second Brother, you—” Gu Zhao’s protest was cut off by Gu Che’s challenging look: “You do it if you can.”
Gu Zhao slumped her shoulders, looking helplessly at Gu Che pouring the wine.
The small teacup was filled with a peach-red liquid, giving off a rich, intoxicating aroma.
Gu Qingning lifted the cup. Gu Che’s hand holding the bottle trembled as he warned, “Little one, it’s not strong, but the aftereffect is big. Taste it slowly. Don’t gulp it all at once.”
If something went wrong, their eldest brother would punish them harshly.
Gu Qingning raised an eyebrow and took a small sip.
The cool liquid slid down her throat, and the rich fragrance of the alcohol was addictive.
She pursed her lips, bringing the cup to her mouth again and drank it all in one gulp.
