The sound of Gu Yan's casual yet emotional humming echoed through the kitchen.
At that moment, Leng Qingqiu's heart trembled slightly.
She didn't know why, but she seemed to feel the joy Gu Yan experienced while singing this song.
Why? Leng Qingqiu wasn't a fool.
From the lyrics "Having you means having the whole world," Leng Qingqiu could hear it clearly.
This was obviously referring to her.
However, what she hadn't expected was that Gu Yan actually believed that having her was equivalent to having the whole world.
Leng Qingqiu had never experienced this kind of feeling before, and it made her breathing quicken noticeably.
"It sounds so good..." Leng Ling'er murmured to herself. Although it was just simple humming, the catchy melody and sweet lyrics conjured up an image in Leng Ling'er's mind.
It was of a couple, sweet and loving, and this song seemed like it was meant for confessing to someone you liked.
But who sang this song? She didn't seem to have heard it before.
Just then, Leng Qingqiu moved her feet, slowly walking towards Gu Yan.
[The pure love interest's heart was moved by the host's singing, +1 point]
"Darling, don't be willful..."
As Gu Yan was humming halfway through, a system prompt suddenly sounded in his mind.
He was slightly startled and was about to turn his head when he heard a cool voice and felt a tall figure standing beside him.
The person tilted her head slightly, her brows furrowed.
Her tone seemed somewhat dissatisfied as she asked, "Who are you saying is hard to pursue?"
Leng Qingqiu didn't know why she had asked this question; perhaps she simply wanted to start a conversation with Gu Yan.
Upon hearing this, Gu Yan reacted within a breath.
He smiled gently, then reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind Leng Qingqiu's ear. "Of course, it's our Qingqiu. You were once the number one talented woman in Jianghai City."
"You were like a star in the sky. At that time, pursuing you was truly as difficult as ascending to heaven."
Leng Qingqiu felt Gu Yan's movement, but she didn't resist at the moment. Instead, she lightly snorted, "I never heard that the young master of the Gu family had any intention of pursuing me back then."
"Instead, in recent years, I've always heard that you were pursuing the Shen family's young miss."
"This song, it couldn't be that you're singing it for Shen Wan'er, could it?"
As Leng Qingqiu said this, the warmth in her heart seemed to dissipate a little for some unknown reason.
After all, it wasn't impossible. What if this was indeed a song Gu Yan sang for his old flame?
Although it wasn't really her business who he sang for, still...
Now she and Gu Yan were at least nominally engaged.
She just didn't want her fiancé to still be pining for an ex.
That way, she wouldn't even feel at ease using the Gu family.
Hearing Leng Qingqiu's question, Gu Yan naturally knew how to answer. He casually took Leng Qingqiu's jade-like hand and said sincerely, "Qingqiu."
"My love for you is like a river, flowing through plains and hills."
"Never fearing hardships, coming towards you from afar."
"'Love Confession Balloon' is an original song I wrote for you years ago."
"Perhaps it was destined, we still ended up together now!"
"That's why I couldn't help but hum this song."
Oh... Oh my, why say it so dramatically.
Listening to Gu Yan's exaggerated words, Leng Qingqiu's mood improved for some reason, and the corners of her mouth curved up slightly. "Smooth talker."
She quickly withdrew her hand from Gu Yan's grasp.
After turning her head away and taking a deep breath, she faced Gu Yan again and asked curiously, "You said the song you were just humming is called 'Love Confession Balloon'? And it's your original composition?"
"You even have this talent?"
Hearing this, Gu Yan nodded, "Of course. But it was also because of a burst of inspiration back then. My mind was full of thoughts of you, Qingqiu, even fantasizing about doing this and that with you, so I created this song."
"Tsk, what do you mean by 'doing this and that'? Don't you know how to talk properly?"
"Alright, alright, it's getting late. Let's hurry up and get this done."
Leng Qingqiu clicked her tongue, then reached out towards the sink.
"Qingqiu, what are you doing?"
Seeing Leng Qingqiu's movement, Gu Yan immediately grabbed her small hand. "This is the sink, it's dirty."
Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu pulled her hand free from Gu Yan's palm and said exasperatedly, "This is my house, of course I know this is the sink."
"Then you..."
"Hmph, what? Do you think the girl you found hard to pursue doesn't know how to wash dishes?"
Leng Qingqiu rolled up her sleeves and skillfully turned on the faucet, starting to rinse the dishes.
Seeing this scene, Gu Yan's heart was slightly taken aback.
He had originally only approached Leng Qingqiu because of his inevitable death and the system's requirements.
Later, it was because Leng Qingqiu was his type that he chose to be good to her.
Moreover, in his view, someone like Leng Qingqiu who had once lived in a big family probably wouldn't know how to cook or even clean.
But now...
Looking at Leng Qingqiu helping with the dishes, a warmth spread in his heart.
As Leng Qingqiu washed the dishes, she could more or less guess what Gu Yan was thinking.
However, she couldn't let Gu Yan think of her that way.
Even though she couldn't see now and many aspects of life were inconvenient, still...
She didn't want to appear weak in front of others.
Not to mention...
Today, Gu Yan seemed to have done a lot for them.
She should at least share some of the work.
Heh, and he's supposed to be a young master.
Leng Qingqiu thought amusingly to herself, Gu Yan was truly an exceptional man among the rich second generation.
Splash splash~
Gu Yan also turned on the faucet on the other side: "Alright then, Qingqiu, you wash that side, and I'll take care of the bigger pots and bowls on this side."
"Okay."
Leng Qingqiu said, then paused.
After that, she casually asked, "So, are you not going to sing 'Love Confession Balloon' anymore?"
Gu Yan was stunned for a moment, then revealed a smile: "Of course I will. Let me start over."
"It's not like I really want to hear it, sing or don't sing, it's up to you."
"Alright, alright, I'll begin then."
"Whatever you want."
Then, Gu Yan's newly exchanged [Godlike Singing Skills] resounded in the kitchen again.
Because he was singing for Leng Qingqiu, the system was moved and gave him a discount.
However...
What they didn't notice was that at the doorway, a young girl stood with an increasingly stiff expression.
"Sis... Sis..."
Leng Ling'er looked at Leng Qingqiu and Gu Yan, who seemed to be surrounded by a special light effect, as if petrified.
They were talking, laughing, singing, and washing dishes together.
This made her feel like she was just a... just a...
"Waaah!! How did it turn out like this?!" Leng Ling'er cried out, holding her head, on the verge of tears.
The sun had already set.
At the entrance of the Leng family house.
"It's getting late, I should head back now," Gu Yan said softly in farewell.
Behind him in the luxury car, Old Gao watched his young master's great change with immense satisfaction.
His gaze towards Leng Qingqiu had also become very friendly.
Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu calmly nodded, "If you're going to cook so much every time you come, you might as well not bother."
"I know you're worried about your husband getting too tired from cooking, so I'll make less next time," Gu Yan chuckled.
"Heh, I didn't say that. I'm just concerned about the lifespan of my stove," Leng Qingqiu paused, then turned to face Gu Yan and said, "Drive slowly on your way back."
Then, before Gu Yan could react, she walked towards the house.
Gu Yan, coming to his senses, happily called out, "Qingqiu! I'll come again tomorrow morning!"
The response he got was a calm voice saying, "Do as you please."
Boom!
The main door closed.
However, in a place where Gu Yan couldn't see, as Leng Qingqiu walked, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curve upwards slightly.
At this moment.
Thump!
An object rushed into Leng Qingqiu's arms.
Followed by a wail: "Sis!! You've changed!!"
Hearing Leng Ling'er's words, Leng Qingqiu revealed a slightly helpless smile: "What's wrong, Ling'er? How has your sister changed?"
Hearing this, Leng Ling'er felt even more heartbroken: "Sis! You have changed! Ever since that Gu Yan came, you've been different!"
"You only have eyes for Gu Yan now!"
"What! It's only been two days! I've become an outsider in this family already!"
Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu thought that she must have neglected Ling'er because of the matter with Gu Yan.
Ah, she really shouldn't have done that. So she reached out and patted Leng Ling'er's back. "There, there. Your sister hasn't changed."
"It's just that our Leng Family needs the Gu family's financial resources and influence to rise again, so I'm forcing myself to talk to Gu Yan despite how nauseating it is."
Leng Qingqiu comforted her.
"Is that so?"
Upon hearing this, Leng Ling'er looked up, her face brightening with joy. "That's great, sis! I really thought you had fallen for Gu Yan!"
"I'm so glad you haven't! That dog of a man might seem to have some talent! He cooks well, sings decently, comes from a good family, and is quite handsome, but still, I'm so relieved you haven't fallen for him!"
"Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to stay in this house anymore!"
The more Leng Qingqiu listened, the more uneasy she felt. Like... how could she possibly like Gu Yan?
What a joke, she couldn't possibly experience what love feels like as a normal girl would.
Nor could she ever fall in love with someone.
"Don't overthink it, Ling'er. How could I ever like Gu Yan, and how could I ever not let you stay at home?"
"Alright, alright, go take a shower, watch some TV, and then go to bed."
Leng Qingqiu comforted her.
Leng Ling'er nodded vigorously, pulling Leng Qingqiu towards the house while happily exclaiming, "Sis, hearing you say that makes me feel so much better."
Leng Qingqiu smiled, though for what reason, she wasn't sure.
She suddenly asked casually, "By the way, how would you describe Gu Yan's looks?"
"Oh, him! Although he's just a small fry, I can't deny he's a good-looking one! I heard he goes to the gym every day to win Shen Wan'er's favor, so he's in great shape. If he were to cosplay, he'd nail any character without a doubt!"
"It's just a shame that his previous behavior as a love-sick puppy has made many people in the circle despise him."
"They say he's rejected hundreds of girls who confessed to him for Shen Wan'er's sake. I heard he hasn't even had a single girlfriend until now!"
Leng Ling'er, having received her sister's assurance, replied disdainfully without a second thought.
"Oh, I see," Leng Qingqiu nodded beside her.
What she was thinking in her heart, nobody knew.
"Sis, you absolutely must not fall for that small fry Gu."
"......"
Leng Qingqiu fell silent for a moment upon hearing this.
"Ling'er, he's now your brother-in-law in name. You should show some respect."
"Also, didn't you say you failed your math test? Come to the study after your shower, I'll tutor you a bit."
"Ah! Sis!!!"
Leng Ling'er was completely stunned. What was this all about?
........
........
On the way back to the Gu residence.
Old Gao was driving, and through the rearview mirror, he saw the smile on Gu Yan's face.
He couldn't help but feel happy too, and cheerfully asked, "Young Master, it seems you really like that girl from the Leng family, huh?"
Hearing this, Gu Yan chuckled lightly and nodded without denying it. "Yes, Old Gao, I've decided to be good to her for the rest of my life."
As he spoke, Gu Yan paused. He remembered something and asked, "By the way, Old Gao, how strong are you really?"
In the original story, there were actually many plot points about Old Gao.
But most of them were just scenes of dealing with ordinary people.
The only truly serious segment was.......
[The young man's fist whistled through the air, viciously striking towards Gu Yan.]
["Young Master!" Old Gao's eyes turned blood-red as he let out a low growl and rushed forward.]
[With a splattering sound of flesh being torn apart, Old Gao stood in front of Gu Yan, his head exploding into a shower of blood.]
Yes, this was the only segment related to martial artists. It described how in the original plot, the protagonist chose to ambush and assassinate Gu Yan at night because he heard Shen Wan'er say she was too annoyed by Gu Yan.
He even said something like "You're courting death."
Old Gao died protecting Gu Yan at that time, and naturally, Gu Yan followed shortly after.
Tragic, too tragic.
In the present.
Old Gao heard these words.
A hint of a smile appeared in his eyes, and he jokingly said, "Haha, I guess I could probably take a bullet for you, Young Master."
"Alright, Old Gao. If that's what you're saying, then I guess it's up to me to protect you from now on."
Gu Yan shook his head and laughed.
Old Gao was a loyal servant of the Gu family, having been guarding the family since Gu Yan's father was just a child.
So he was extremely loyal and devoted.
His strength wasn't specifically mentioned in the original story, but based on what he said about being able to take a bullet.....
He must be at least at the Grandmaster level.
Grandmasters could be considered top-tier experts in this world.
After all, in the original story, the highest level of characters described by the author was only Peak Greater Grandmaster.
But unfortunately...
He just happened to encounter the protagonist.
Thinking of that protagonist, a hint of gravity appeared in Gu Yan's eyes.
According to the plot, that person would kill him.
He wasn't a match for the protagonist yet, so naturally, he wouldn't be foolish enough to go looking for him.
However, even if he didn't seek him out, he at least needed to know the other's whereabouts.
Moreover, with his system, there were many things he could set up in advance as safeguards.
Gu Yan's expression turned slightly cold.
In fact, a plan had already formed in his mind. If it worked out,
Even the original story's protagonist wouldn't be a threat.
First, let's analyze the situation.
According to the plot, the timeline for the protagonist to finish his training and return from the mountain would be shortly after his failed confession to Shen Wan'er.
Thinking of this, a strange look appeared in Gu Yan's eyes. He said, "Old Gao, investigate anyone named [Xiao Lin] who has recently been in Jianghai City."
Hearing this, Old Gao didn't know who this person was, but he wouldn't refuse the young master's request: "Certainly, Young Master. I'll have all the information by tomorrow night at the latest."
Getting this response, Gu Yan closed his eyes.
In his mind, he recalled Xiao Lin's storyline.
Xiao Lin, the male protagonist of the original story.
He had been training on a mountain called [Dragon King Mountain] with several old men.
He was passionate and naive.
Coming down from the mountain was the old men's idea. Before he left, they gave Xiao Lin a dragon-shaped jade pendant.
Others might not know what that object represented, but Gu Yan, having read the story, knew very well.
The meaning of that jade pendant was...... the Young Master of the Dragon King Palace!!
The Dragon King Palace, a vast organization in the original story, but unfortunately....
It was destroyed single-handedly by Leng Qingqiu.
Thinking of this, Gu Yan couldn't help but smile slightly.
As expected of our Qingqiu.
Although he didn't know why Leng Qingqiu would destroy the Dragon King Palace and constantly target the protagonist's group.
But, at least this was good news for Gu Yan.
Because it could prove that..........
Even the Dragon King Palace was no match for Leng Qingqiu.
However, this organization's storyline only appeared in the middle to late parts of the novel.
There was still plenty of time.
Gu Yan felt he had enough time to set up some precautionary measures in advance.