Chapter 2: Why Should I Apologize When I Did Nothing Wrong?

Gu Luosheng packed her things briefly before moving back into the Gu household. She had lived here for twenty years, yet now that she had returned, everything felt strangely unfamiliar.

A housekeeper noticed Gu Luosheng’s bedroom door open and walked in. “Who are you? Why are you wandering around the Gu house?”

The housekeeper didn’t recognize her and assumed she must have sneaked into the villa.

Gu Luosheng explained, “My name is Gu Luosheng. Gu Yunzhu brought me back.”

The housekeeper eyed Gu Luosheng up and down, doubtful of her words. What kind of status did Gu Luosheng have? Why would the second young master bring her to the Gu family villa? Besides, judging by her clothes—a sleeve a little too short, jeans faded from countless washes, and sneakers worn nearly flat at the heels—she hardly looked like someone of importance.

“The second young master is in the living room. Come with me and let’s ask him.”

The housekeeper dared not make a mistake. If someone had really slipped into the villa, her job would be over.

Gu Luosheng didn’t protest; she was already finished unpacking, so she followed the housekeeper to the living room.

Gu Yunzhu was sitting on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, scrolling through his phone. Before the housekeeper even arrived, her question rang out, “Second young master, did you bring this person back?”

Gu Yunzhu glanced at Gu Luosheng and nodded. “Wang Ma, I brought her. She’ll be living here from now on.”

Wang Ma was about to reply when the villa’s door was pushed open. A clear, bell-like voice floated in, “Yichen, thank you for taking time to go out with me today.”

At the sound of that voice, hatred flashed across Gu Luosheng’s eyes. Five years had passed, yet the memory remained vivid. In an instant, she knew exactly who had walked in.

The true daughter of the Gu family, Gu Qingwan, and… Lin Yichen.

“Wang Ma, come help me with these bags!” Gu Qingwan called into the villa.

“Yes, miss!” Wang Ma responded immediately, hurrying to the door to take the things from Gu Qingwan.

Gu Qingwan entered the villa and noticed Gu Luosheng standing there. She didn’t recognize her at first glance—the years had changed Gu Luosheng’s appearance considerably.

“Second brother, do you have a guest?” Gu Qingwan asked offhandedly as she sat down beside Gu Yunzhu. She then waved to Lin Yichen, who had come in behind her. “Yichen, come sit down and rest a bit.”

Lin Yichen had only walked a few steps before he stopped in his tracks, having recognized Gu Luosheng. “Gu Luosheng?”

At his words, Gu Qingwan snapped her head around to look at Gu Luosheng, her eyes darkening almost imperceptibly.

“Sister Luosheng?”

“Sister Luosheng, it really is you! You’ve finally come home. Second brother told me you felt guilty for hitting me with your car and refused to return.”

Gu Luosheng remained silent, turning instead to look at Gu Yunzhu. So this was how he’d explained her absence to everyone else?

Gu Yunzhu felt a chill under her gaze; what was she thinking, looking at him like that?

He coughed lightly. “Qingwan, Gu Luosheng’s return was sudden today, so I didn’t have time to let you know in advance.”

“It’s alright, as long as Sister Luosheng is back!” Gu Qingwan feigned joy, coming over to pull Gu Luosheng to sit on the sofa.

Gu Yunzhu watched Gu Qingwan, an indulgent smile tugging at his lips. “Gu Luosheng, you never had a chance to apologize to Qingwan for what happened back then, did you? Now’s a good opportunity. Apologize to her. While you were gone, she kept saying how much she missed you.”

“Apologize?” Gu Luosheng murmured softly, finding it absurd. The car accident had never been her fault.

“Sister Luosheng, what did you say?” Gu Qingwan hadn’t caught her words and asked again.

Gu Luosheng returned to herself, looked straight into Gu Qingwan’s eyes, and enunciated, “Why should I apologize?”

“I didn’t deliberately try to hit you with my car. You ran in front of me on purpose.”

Panic flickered in Gu Qingwan’s eyes, but she quickly composed herself, putting on a look of aggrieved innocence. “Sister Luosheng, it’s all my fault. Please don’t be angry, alright?”

Gu Yunzhu’s anger flared. “Gu Luosheng, what do you mean by that? Is it so hard to just apologize?”

Gu Luosheng stood and stepped back. “I did nothing wrong. Why should I apologize? Gu Qingwan, how have I offended you? Why must you slander me?”

Gu Qingwan appeared pitiful, as if she might burst into tears at any second. “Sister Luosheng, I didn’t… I really didn’t. I know you’ve never wanted me to come back to the Gu family. If you don’t want to see me, I’ll leave.”

With that, Gu Qingwan got up as if to run out of the villa.

But Gu Yunzhu reacted quickly, grabbing her at once. “Qingwan, don’t be afraid. I’ll stand up for you.”

“Gu Luosheng, why are you so stubborn?” Gu Yunzhu raised his hand, as if to strike Gu Luosheng. She closed her eyes in fear, but the slap she expected never landed.

“Lin Yichen, what are you doing? Can’t you see Qingwan is being bullied?” Gu Yunzhu snapped at Lin Yichen in annoyance.

Gu Luosheng opened her eyes to find Lin Yichen had stepped in front of her, shielding her from the blow.

“Gu Yunzhu, why is your temper so foul? Even if Gu Luosheng was in the wrong, you can’t raise your hand to a woman,” Lin Yichen said, brow furrowed.

“This is a Gu family matter. What business is it of yours?” Gu Yunzhu retorted.

“Get out of my house, now!”

Lin Yichen let out a cold laugh. “Fine, I’ll leave and spread the word: the second young master of the Gu family likes to hit women. Let’s see how you manage in Yun City then.”

“You…” Gu Yunzhu was rendered speechless. If that rumor spread through Lin Yichen, it would truly ruin his reputation.

The Lin family’s standing in Yun City was not insignificant. Lin Yichen’s words would certainly be heeded by the right ears.

Gu Yunzhu was twenty-eight, still unmarried. If word got out that he was a woman-beater, marriage prospects would dry up fast.

Lin Yichen turned to face Gu Luosheng.

“You…” He had just begun to speak when Gu Luosheng turned and left, returning to her room.

Gu Luosheng couldn’t fathom what game Lin Yichen was playing.

Five years ago, right here in the Gu household, Gu Yunzhu had struck her, and Lin Yichen had watched coldly from the side, doing nothing to intervene.

His actions today made no sense to her; something in his mind must have changed.

Gu Yunzhu sneered. “Lin Yichen, seems your efforts are wasted on someone ungrateful.”

Lin Yichen was silent, lost in thought. After a long while, he turned to leave.

Gu Qingwan hurried after him. “Yichen, are you leaving?”

“Yes, I have work to take care of at the office.”