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Song Miaoli almost thought she had misheard.
The events of last night were still fresh—she had only just worn the ring, and it barely counted as a proposal. How could this sudden development occur?
Moreover, what he said seemed unbelievable.
“Did you…get too excited last night and lose your mind?” Song Miaoli muttered under her breath. “Why are you coming to my house so early in the morning to deliver betrothal gifts?”
And not even all of them—just part of them.
As Song Miaoli pondered the formality of delivering betrothal gifts, she also wondered what was inside and what the remaining portion might be.
Gu Nanyan replied, “It’s not early—it’s almost noon.”
He had already guessed that Song Miaoli would wake up late, which explained why his earlier call went unanswered.
“Close enough—that’s the gist,” Song Miaoli said, pointing at the item in his hand. “You’re rushing things a bit, aren’t you?”
“To avoid any unforeseen complications,” Gu Nanyan said calmly.
Who knew what might happen later? It was better to settle things early. Both parties’ intentions were already clear.
What complications could arise? Song Miaoli thought to herself.
She and Gu Nanyan entered the living room one after the other. Song Chengrui had already finished his porridge and was sitting there.
Mrs. Song, meanwhile, had just come downstairs, wearing an elegant emerald-green silk scarf tied neatly around her neck.
As her daughter, Song Miaoli bore a striking resemblance to her. When she wasn’t speaking, she appeared refined and gentle, like a young lady from ancient times raised in seclusion.
“Little Gu.”
Mrs. Song saw Gu Nanyan and smiled as she descended the stairs.
Gu Nanyan greeted her politely. “Aunt Song.”
He had met them before the New Year when he visited the Song household. He was familiar with the place and well-acquainted with Mrs. and Mr. Song.
Song Chengrui glanced over.
His phone had been bombarded today. A group of his so-called friends kept asking about the rumors—was his sister really dating President Gu of Zhongyue Technology?
After answering two calls, Song Chengrui stopped picking up.
Men could be so gossipy.
Mrs. Song’s gaze fell on the gift box in his hand. “You didn’t need to bring anything. Next time, don’t bother.”
Gu Nanyan placed the gift box on the table.
Song Miaoli felt something significant was about to happen. To avoid being at the center of attention, she pretended to be deaf and mute, retreating to the side to grab some fruit.
But just as she took a step away, she heard Gu Nanyan repeat his explanation.
Song Chengrui echoed, “What betrothal gifts?”
Mrs. Song interjected, “Why are you meddling in this?”
Song Chengrui protested, “…It’s my sister’s business. Why can’t I get involved?”
Ignoring him, Mrs. Song turned to Gu Nanyan. “Let’s sit down and talk. Didn’t you and Miaoli just officially confirm things yesterday?”
Gu Nanyan understood Song Miaoli’s younger brother. Having taken over part of the Song family’s business, Song Chengrui was well-regarded in business circles—quite outstanding.
He spoke gently, “I don’t want to waste any more time.”
Song Miaoli brought over a plate of fruit from the maid and sat on the sofa, exchanging glances with Song Chengrui.
In truth, the matter was nearly settled.
When Gu Nanyan had initially approached the Song family to discuss matchmaking, Mr. and Mrs. Song were very satisfied with him, which was why they repeatedly urged their daughter to return for the arranged meeting.
Later, when they learned that Song Miaoli’s boyfriend was him, they were shocked for a long time.
At that point, Gu Nanyan had earnestly discussed marriage-related matters, including the wedding, betrothal gifts, and where they would live in the future.
He had no specific demands regarding dowry.
Of course, the Song family wouldn’t skimp, especially since Song Miaoli was their most beloved child.
“My parents also wish to finalize things quickly,” Gu Nanyan glanced toward Song Miaoli.
“This matter cannot be rushed,” Mrs. Song said thoughtfully after a pause. “Perhaps we should visit the capital to meet your parents, or invite them here.”
Gu Nanyan nodded with a faint smile. “Agreed.”
He stayed for lunch.
Song Miaoli’s fidgeting prompted Mrs. Song to pull her aside for a lecture.
Left in the living room were Gu Nanyan and Song Chengrui, sitting quietly in silence.
After a while, Song Chengrui spoke, “Don’t get too cocky.”
A faint smile flickered in Gu Nanyan’s eyes as he replied evenly, “Do you think choosing someone else would be better than me?”
This rhetorical question left Song Chengrui at a loss for words.
No one knew the wealthy heirs of Nan City better than him. They could be friends, but marrying his sister was out of the question.
Otherwise, Song Miaoli wouldn’t have been a first-love kind of girl.
Speechless, Song Chengrui simmered in frustration. Looking at Gu Nanyan’s face, he wondered if Song Miaoli had fallen for his looks alone.
Not long after, Mrs. Song ushered Song Miaoli and Gu Nanyan out for a walk.
The surrounding area was vast, quiet, and elegant.
Song Miaoli asked, “What’s inside the box?”
Gu Nanyan thought for a moment and replied, “Hearing me explain and seeing it yourself might feel different.”
Song Miaoli wanted to stop walking and go home to open it immediately, but she decided to stay composed and restrained herself.
“Alright.”
________________________________________
The contents of the gift box were revealed in the evening.
Song Miaoli found several asset statements evaluated by professional institutions—thick stacks of documents that looked dizzying.
Though she didn’t usually handle such matters, it didn’t mean she couldn’t understand them.
She had assumed it would be jewelry or something similar, but she hadn’t expected Gu Nanyan to show her this.
What did it mean—to be fully transparent with her?
He said it was only part of it. What was the rest?
Sitting cross-legged on her bed, Song Miaoli puzzled over it, vaguely wondering if Gu Nanyan intended to give everything to her.
But that seemed unlikely, as these were assets of the Gu family.
When in doubt, consult her sisters.
When Su Mian heard about it, she was envious for a moment before replying: [Maybe he’s telling you that his salary will be handed over to his wife? No money for bad deeds?]
Song Miaoli: […Is that even a thing?]
Su Mian: [Of course! Otherwise, why would he show you everything? If you don’t believe me, ask Director Chi.]
The strategist’s words left Song Miaoli half-convinced.
She figured Gu Nanyan wouldn’t do anything wrong. If he did, they’d simply break up.
Unable to figure it out herself, she decided to let it go.
When she messaged Chi Suisui, the latter was dining at a private restaurant with He Xingwang. She sent over a long voice message.
He Xingwang heard it clearly.
Raising an eyebrow, he remarked, “So this is the kind of President Gu he is.”
Chi Suisui didn’t reply immediately but asked, “What kind?”
He Xingwang said, “Thoughtful, steady.”
Chi Suisui agreed with this assessment. A man who could pretend to be poor for a year must be exceptionally patient.
And quite cunning.
It was fortunate that he had met Song Miaoli, whose personality complemented his. The two were perfectly suited to each other.
Chi Suisui replied: [Offering all his assets shows how much he likes you.]
Song Miaoli waited for the answer, her eyes widening slightly.
Though the statement sounded ridiculous, it strangely made her happy.
Anyway, she would learn everything eventually. The marriage was practically set in stone; only formalities remained.
Meanwhile, the Gu family was also discussing the matter.
Far away in the capital, though modern technology made information accessible, there were always gaps or errors.
For instance, their understanding of Song Miaoli.
When Gu Nanyan and Song Miaoli had just confirmed their relationship, Gu Nanyan had shared a photo from Song Miaoli’s social media.
The entire Gu family saw it—a girl who appeared refined and cultured.
The Song family was renowned in Nan City for their good relationships, frequent charitable activities, and lack of conflicts with others. Mr. and Mrs. Song were known for their amiable personalities.
They also had a son who had begun taking over the Song family business—an equally outstanding individual.
Upon researching, the Gu family discovered that Song Miaoli had once gained fame online for “saving lives.” Their fondness for her grew even more.
A young lady choosing to become a doctor—clearly a kind-hearted person.
What parent wouldn’t adore such a gentle and serene girl? Thus, they didn’t interfere with Gu Nanyan and Song Miaoli’s relationship.
In fact, they wholeheartedly supported it.
So when Gu Nanyan proposed marriage, the Gu family enthusiastically endorsed it, urging them to settle things quickly.
When the arranged meeting fizzled out and they later broke up, the Gu family feared the engagement might fall through.
Unexpected twists and turns brought them back to square one.
Gu Nanyan had always been independent, choosing to go to Nan City on his own despite his family’s objections.
That evening, he informed his family about arranging a meeting to discuss the marriage.
Ultimately, it was decided that Gu’s parents would travel to Nan City to demonstrate sincerity.
Unbeknownst to her, Song Miaoli was brought to the meeting. Overwhelmed by the thought of meeting her future in-laws so soon, she panicked, unsure of what to say, and could only smile.
Fortunately, her years as a socialite and her close friendship with Chi Suisui, combined with her naturally gentle appearance, quickly won over Gu’s parents.
The elders had only one minor concern—the girl seemed lively. But liveliness was good; it brought warmth.
Marriage was simple yet complex.
They finalized an approximate timeline, but actual implementation would likely take six months due to the distance and the families’ sizeable enterprises.
Song Miaoli sat there listening, feeling like a mascot.
Song Chengrui was even more like a silent, brooding mascot, but oddly endearing to the adults. Gu’s parents even considered introducing him to prominent ladies in the capital.
This nearly startled him.
It felt like everyone was pressuring him to date now that his sister was getting married.
Song Chengrui, while melancholic, began contemplating trying out dating.
But there was no opportunity for him to act on it.
________________________________________
The news of the Song-Gu union spread quickly.
Nan City’s elite circles had known since the auction, but the speed of confirmation still surprised many.
The capital was different from Nan City. Throughout history, countless people had tried to enter its inner circle but left disheartened.
When Zhongyue Technology first arrived in Nan City, many sought connections.
Upon investigation, details of Song Miaoli and Gu Nanyan’s tumultuous romance came to light, leaving people astonished and envious.
It was like a real-life romantic drama.
Why hadn’t they encountered such an opportunity?
When rumors circulated about Song Miaoli dating an ordinary employee, many socialites whispered among themselves, thinking she must have gone blind.
Later, upon learning he was handsome, they joked that she was overly fixated on looks.
Yet Song Miaoli remained unfazed, ignoring their gossip. In the blink of an eye, they were all proven wrong.
Overnight, Nan City’s socialite circle was shaken.
Though everything was settled, the issuance of Song Miaoli and Gu Nanyan’s marriage certificate was delayed. On the day they finally received it, she posted it on her social media.
It instantly garnered a flood of likes and comments.
Gu Nanyan owned a house in Nan City. After the auction and their mutual revelations, Song Miaoli had spent a few nights there.
After all, they had been intimate for quite some time.
Reflecting on her earlier fake breakup attempt, Song Miaoli found the outcome surreal.
Who could have predicted this turn of events?
Even Gu’s parents chimed in with elderly emojis in the comments.
Song Miaoli lay sprawled on the bed in an unladylike pose, the two red marriage certificates resting on the soft blanket.
When He Xingwang had posted his marriage certificate, she had envied him.
Now it was her turn.
The sound of the bathroom door opening startled her.
Turning her head, she was visually struck by how handsome her boyfriend—no, husband—looked.
Song Miaoli blinked, not averting her gaze, and asked, “Your parents commented on my post. Look at those emojis.”
Though she understood their meaning, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Gu Nanyan said, “They’re your parents now too.”
Song Miaoli chuckled, rolling closer to him, and asked, “Are they home by now?”
Gu Nanyan hummed in affirmation.
Song Miaoli suddenly recalled their first meeting. She had been nervous then and forgotten to ask follow-up questions. “The first time they came to Nan City to meet me, did they mention me afterward?”
Gu Nanyan, smiling faintly, replied, “Yes.”
Dissatisfied with his brief response, Song Miaoli pressed her hand against his chest. “Gu Nanyan.”
Predicting her reaction, he still feigned ignorance. “What is it?”
Song Miaoli demanded, “Tell me.”
Gu Nanyan couldn’t suppress a chuckle, laughing softly for a few seconds before answering, “They liked you very much. They praised you.”
This was no lie—it was true.
“Really?” Even though it had been a while, Song Miaoli felt a small burst of joy, smugly boasting, “Everyone who meets me likes me.”
“Yes,” Gu Nanyan said.
Song Miaoli didn’t realize the double meaning behind his single word.
When he first came to Nan City and saw her at the hospital, he liked her at first sight.