At the dining table.
Yan Ling'er found the food tasteless.
Because—
Across the table, Gu Yan had moved his chair next to Yan Qingqiu. He picked up a spoon and fed her mouthful by mouthful, whispering sweet words in between.
"Qingqiu, is it delicious?"
Yan Qingqiu answered seriously, "It's okay."
It was delicious, but she didn't want to admit it.
Gu Yan nodded. "Okay, then I'll make it for you again next time."
Hearing that, Yan Qingqiu felt a little unhappy. Did that mean he knew she liked it? She emphasized, "So-so can also mean it's not delicious."
"But I can tell you obviously like it."
"Haha, what illusion makes you think that?"
Gu Yan thought for a moment, then chuckled. "Maybe because you always lick your lips after eating?"
"?"
Yan Qingqiu froze. What was that supposed to mean?!
Hateful!
Her ears flushed red. She balled her fist and punched Gu Yan's thigh. "You're so full of yourself!"
Seeing this, Gu Yan caught her hand and laughed. "Haha, Qingqiu, I love you so much."
"You! Don't say such cheesy things while eating!"
Watching this scene, Yan Ling'er bit down on his spoon, gritting his teeth.
"Damn it… damn it… a mere piece of trash."
"You actually… you actually do this and that with my sister right in front of me!"
"Bastard!"
Yan Ling'er couldn't accept the scene before his eyes—especially after what he learned last night.
The reason his sister pretended to be so close to Gu Yan…
It was all for the Yan family.
His elder sister endured humiliation, acted affectionate with Gu Yan, and waited for the chance to seize the Gu family—so the Yan family could rise to its peak again.
My elder sister is so pitiful! She actually sacrificed herself for the Yan family!
Yan Ling'er clenched his fists. He knew his sister hated Gu Yan. He knew she was enduring all this humiliation for the family.
Yet he could do nothing. He could only watch as Gu Yan treated his sister this way.
His heart bled at the thought.
If only he could take his sister's place, he would gladly bear it all.
"I'm full. I'm going to school!"
Unable to bear the sight any longer, Yan Ling'er shoved down his grief and left the table.
Gu Yan looked at him and called out, "Wait, I'll take you to school later."
"?"
Both Yan Ling'er and Yan Qingqiu were stunned.
Yan Ling'er especially resisted. He snorted proudly. "I don't need you to take me! I'll ride my Chunmaru to school."
Chunmaru?
"That little electric bike?"
Gu Yan had noticed a flashy Ghost Fire e-bike parked at the Yan family's gate.
"What little electric bike! That's Chunmaru!" Yan Ling'er corrected proudly. "Let me tell you, Chunmaru can go up to 140 mph!"
"Oh, but if you modify an e-bike illegally, you'll get fined and it'll be confiscated."
Gu Yan nodded and continued, "I remember there were traffic police at the intersection to your school today. If you go that way, you'll probably run into them."
"If you don't want your Chunmaru dragged away and scrapped, I suggest you ride with me instead."
Yan Qingqiu's face turned cold as she turned to her brother. "Ling'er, didn't I arrange a driver for you? Why does it sound like you've been riding that illegal e-bike to school lately?"
Yan Ling'er's heart skipped a beat.
It's over. I accidentally let it slip!
In desperation, he lowered his head and muttered indignantly, "Sister… I just wanted to save some money for the family… so I fired the driver."
From the side, Gu Yan leaned toward Yan Qingqiu's ear and whispered, "And used the money to modify his ."Chunmaru
Yan Ling'er exploded. "You!!!"
Before he could finish, Yan Qingqiu snapped coldly, "Do you know how dangerous modified bikes are? I won't allow you to ride it anymore."
Then she turned to Gu Yan. "From now on, Ling'er will go to and from school with you."
Yan Qingqiu was really angry. This child was too disobedient! She had arranged a driver for him, yet he fired him. He even modified an e-bike—something so dangerous!
Maybe I haven't disciplined him enough, she thought, panic welling up. What if Ling'er makes friends with bad people outside? What if he learns bad habits?
Her hand subconsciously gripped Gu Yan's. Yes—Gu Yan could help her keep an eye on Ling'er.
Before she could speak, Gu Yan patted her hand gently. He glanced at Yan Ling'er's dyed yellow hair, pierced ears, and rebellious clothes, then reassured her.
"I'll look after Ling'er for you."
Hearing that, Yan Qingqiu finally relaxed.
She turned to her brother and said sternly, "This matter is settled. You don't get to refuse."
Seeing his sister truly angry, Yan Ling'er lowered his head and mumbled aggrievedly, "Oh."
Gu Yan chuckled. So this kid could only be handled by blood suppression.
…
Outside.
Yan Ling'er followed Gu Yan unhappily, schoolbag on his back, yellow hair swaying.
A Rolls-Royce was parked by the door. Lao Gao stood waiting, bowing respectfully. "Master, little master."
"Mm."
Gu Yan nodded, then patted Yan Ling'er on the shoulder. "Don't be upset. I'm doing this for your own good. Modified bikes are dangerous. Do you want to wait until you get into an accident and make your sister cry?"
Yan Ling'er knew he was wrong, but he refused to admit it in front of Gu Yan. So he just snorted.
Then, with a scowl, he shoved his schoolbag into Gu Yan's arms. "Hold this, trash Gu!"
Gu Yan smiled helplessly. Did this brat not realize he had no deterrent effect at all?
"Okay, okay, I'll listen to my little Ling'er."
"Bah! What do you mean, your Ling'er!"
Yan Ling'er's face burned red as he hurried into the car.
Trash Gu Yan, always spouting nonsense!
…
Inside the car, Gu Yan leaned back, closing his eyes as he thought.
He needed to confirm something first.
In the original novel, Yan Qingqiu and Yan Ling'er were villains.
And according to the timeline, it was almost time for the plot where Yan Ling'er got involved with the protagonist group.
Originally, it was just a small arc introducing Su Wan'er's younger brother, Su Tian. But it actually served to foreshadow the brother of the final boss!
That arc led to Yan Ling'er's tragic ending.
Gu Yan would never allow that.
And
Who is Su Wan'er? She is the main heroine of the novel.
…
Meanwhile.
Yan Ling'er leaned against the window, pretending to look outside, but actually sneaking glances at Gu Yan.
Trash Gu, falling asleep this early in the morning…
Wait, didn't he bring groceries early today? That meant he got up very early.
If it weren't for this Rolls-Royce, I might forget that he's the young master of the Gu family.
Why would someone like him lower his status just to cook for us?
Could it be… does he really love my sister?
Yan Ling'er pursed his lips, eyes flickering.
But my sister's true goal is to seize the Gu family, what will Gu Yan do when he finds out? How devastated will he be?
Yan Ling'er didn't dare imagine it.
No, no, no. He shook his head.
He deserved it. If he insisted on liking my sister, then it's his fault when our family takes everything from him!
Yan Ling'er convinced himself.
But then—
"By the way, Ling'er, do you like motorcycles?"
"If you get into college, I'll buy you one. How about it?" Gu Yan said with a smile. "All I ask is that you get into university, get a license, and then I'll take care of the rest."
Yan Ling'er blinked. How did he know I like motorcycles?
"What? You don't want the reward? Or do you think you can't get into university?"
Yan Ling'er snapped back. "Who said I'd fail?! I'm just afraid you won't keep your word!"
Gu Yan waved him off. "Do I look like someone short on money? Even if you want a custom-designed motorcycle, your brother-in-law can deliver it within a day."
Hearing that, Yan Ling'er's heart twisted.
Sister! Can't we find another way to get the Gu family? My conscience feels uneasy!
…
Not long after.
Jianghai High School.
The Rolls-Royce immediately drew attention.
"Wow! Which rich kid is transferring here?"
"Oh my god, a luxury car at our shabby school?"
"Who is it? A new student?"
Whispers spread quickly.
Click.
Gu Yan stepped out of the car. His elegant, handsome demeanor instantly stole the spotlight.
"Wow! He's so handsome!"
"Is he a celebrity?"
Students swarmed to get a closer look.
Gu Yan calmly opened the door and said something quietly.
Yan Ling'er stepped out, proudly taking his schoolbag from Gu Yan. He shot him a glare. "Don't be so flashy next time, okay?"
With that, he strutted toward the school gate.
Gu Yan just shrugged with a smile. "Obviously happy, but still pretending."
He waved at the crowd, then got back into the car.
His smile slowly faded. A cold glint appeared in his eyes.
It was time to cut off any dangerous plots before they sprouted.
"Lao Gao, head to Xinghui KTV."
"Yes, Master."
…
On campus.
Yan Ling'er's fierce façade melted into pure excitement.
Hahaha! So many people staring at me! It feels amazing!
Even girls crowded around him.
"Brother Ling'er, who was that? Your friend?"
"He's so handsome, so gentlemanly! Way better than the guys in our class!"
"He's the prince of my dreams!"
Yan Ling'er coughed and said calmly, "He's my friend. He insisted on sending me today."
The girls' eyes lit up. "So handsome… do we have a chance? Does he have a girlfriend?"
Yan Ling'er froze. Why were they interested in Gu Yan?!
His face darkened. "Don't even think about it. He's my brother-in-law, already married to my sister!"
The girls sighed in disappointment.
"That's right," Yan Ling'er added proudly. "My brother-in-law and sister are very loving. Don't even think about hitting on him!"
Still… he hadn't expected trash Gu to be so popular.
It seemed he'd have to keep an eye on him—for his sister's sake.
"By the way, Xiaowei's dad owns a KTV. Want to go sing after school? It'll be free!"
"Yeah, free fruit plates too!"
Everyone cheered.
As their leader, Yan Ling'er couldn't refuse.
But… Gu Yan said he'd pick him up after school.
What should I do?
Ah, forget it! I'll deal with it later!
Yan Ling'er nodded. "Let's go!"