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墨書 Inktalez
The Flower Viewing Banquet at the Minister's Residence arrived as scheduled. I was reluctant to attend, but I couldn't refuse Gu Lan, so I eventually changed into an exquisite dress, accompanied by him as we headed out.
The carriage moved slowly toward the Minister's Residence, and I sat inside feeling somewhat anxious. Gu Lan sat across from me, eyes closed in meditation, seemingly unaware of my nervousness.
"Brother Lan," I couldn't help but speak up, "do we really have to go? I don't like those kinds of occasions; they’re filled with strangers, and I have to deal with all sorts of small talk. It's such a hassle."
He opened his eyes and looked at me with bright clarity. "A Mian, you can't always stay under the wings of me and our parents. Some occasions require you to experience and face them on your own."
His words made sense, but I still felt a bit uneasy.
"Don't be afraid," he seemed to see through my thoughts, softening his voice. "I'm here."
Those three words seemed to possess a magical power, instantly dispelling much of the gloom in my heart. Yes, with him by my side, what was there to fear?
The Minister's Residence was festooned with lights and bustling with guests. As soon as we entered, we attracted quite a few glances. Gu Lan's noble status and striking appearance naturally made him the center of attention. Following him, I also basked in some of that light; many ladies and young misses cast curious and scrutinizing looks in my direction.
Lin Ruohan was indeed present; she was dressed exceptionally beautifully today, flitting through the crowd like a flower butterfly. Upon seeing us, she immediately approached with a beaming smile. "The Gu family Brother, Sister A Mian!"
Her gaze flitted between me and Gu Lan, carrying a hint of subtle scrutiny.
Gu Lan merely nodded lightly without saying much, taking my wrist and leading me to a relatively secluded corner.
"If you feel uncomfortable, just ignore them. Find a place to sit and enjoy some snacks," he whispered.
I nodded, feeling warm inside. He was always so considerate.
However, trouble often arrives uninvited. Before long, several young ladies from prominent families who were friends with Lin Ruohan surrounded us, led by the daughter of the Deputy Minister of Personnel, Li Yun.
Li Yun sized me up from head to toe with an air of arrogance. "So this is Young Master Gu's... sister?" She deliberately emphasized the word "sister."
I frowned slightly and was about to respond when Gu Lan calmly positioned himself protectively behind me, his tone flat yet authoritative. "Miss Li has something to say?"
Li Yun was somewhat intimidated by his presence and tempered her attitude slightly but still persisted, turning to me with a smile. "I've heard that Sister A Mian is deeply cherished by Young Master Gu. Seeing you today, it's clear you are both talented and charming. But may I ask if you are currently engaged? My father is recently looking for a suitable match for my younger brother."
The probing nature of her words was unmistakable. All eyes around us suddenly focused on me.
My face flushed with embarrassment and anger. This Li Yun was clearly trying to make things difficult for me!
Just as I struggled to find a response, Gu Lan's voice cut through coldly: "Miss Li should choose her words carefully. A Mian's marriage will be decided by the Gu Family and the Su Family; there's no need for outsiders to worry about it."
As soon as he said this, there was an immediate silence around us. The mention of the Gu Family and the Su Family making decisions carried significant weight, almost declaring that the relationship between the two families was extraordinary.
Li Yun's face shifted between shades of green and white before she awkwardly retreated. Lin Ruohan stood nearby with a somewhat complex expression.
I looked at Gu Lan's tall figure from behind and felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me—difficult to articulate what I truly felt. He was defending me; that much I understood. Yet his words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that stirred up layers of complexity within me.
He... what does it mean?
The curious gazes around me seemed to burn even hotter. I could even hear someone whispering, "So that's what the Young Master Gu thinks of Miss Su..." "No wonder we haven't heard about the Young Master Gu seeking a marriage proposal; it turns out he has long had someone in mind..."
My face burned even more, and I wished I could find a crack in the ground to hide in.
Gu Lan seemed to notice my embarrassment and said softly, "Don't pay attention to them. Let's take a walk over there."
He took my hand and led me away from the crowd. In a corner of the garden, the moonlight was bright, and the fragrance of flowers wafted through the air.
"Brother Lan..." I lowered my head, my voice barely above a whisper, "What you said just now..."
"A Mian," he interrupted me, his tone unusually serious, "Do you trust me?"
I looked up into his deep-set eyes. There was not a hint of doubt in them. Without much thought, I nodded, "I do."
He seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, the corners of his lips lifting into a faint smile. "That's good."
He didn't explain what he had just said, but the slight turmoil in my heart strangely calmed down. I believed he wouldn't harm me. However, that little commotion at the banquet and his resolute words added fuel to the already ambiguous relationship between us.
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