In a Relationship With the Empress 1

As much as she didn't want to get involved in Gu Yuyao's family issues, she also couldn't just sit idly in Shenzhen knowing nothing about her friend's situation. It was also suspicious that Gu Yuyao never returned her calls.

"Relax. There's nothing to worry about, Moyu." Qin Jiran turned to face her and patted her hand. Tang Moyu pressed her lips together and nodded in response.

Beside her, He Lianchen's face hardened to a stony mask. He couldn't understand why Gu Yuyao had to face her family alone. Why couldn't she rely on him more?

He clenched his hands on his sides. He should have known that Gu Yuyao would still refuse to ask him for help. Didn't she know that people in relationships don't turn their backs on each other when troubles come their way? Why couldn't she have a little faith in him?

Fury made his blood boil and he wanted to scream at her unfairness to him. Did she really think he would wait again, uncertain if she would or not come back? He took a few calming breaths, trying to rein in his anger. Whether Gu Yuyao wanted it or not, she would be coming home with him to Shenzhen.

They were led into a spacious study where an old man was waiting for them. The furniture as well as the interior decor portrayed the wealth and elegance that the Gu family was known for. The old man was seated behind a mahogany desk, dressed casually in a long sleeve shirt and a pair of gray slacks that was suited for a man his age.

His thick mane had already turned silver and his slightly crooked nose made his narrow eyes more prominent.

"Grandpa Gu, it's been awhile." It was Feng Tianyi who broke the silence.

The old butler strode towards his master and whispered some words to the old man, their eyes shifting towards Feng Tianyi who was watching them with interest.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite Qin Jiran. I see you also brought guests with you." Elder Gu smiled, showing his perfect set of white teeth to them. He eyed Tang Moyu and He Lianchen before gesturing to the empty couch across him. "Please take a seat."

The old butler excused himself and left them alone to get some refreshment for their visitors.

"I didn't realize you would pay a visit to this old man after years of hiding, Jiran," Elder Gu emphasized Feng Tianyi's pen name, wondering what the devil was up to.

"Hmm… forgive me, Grandpa Gu. You see, I'm still stuck in this horrible chair, but don't worry, I've already agreed to start my therapy soon." Feng Tianyi replied as he poured himself and Tang Moyu each a cup of tea that was left on the coffee table.

Feng Tianyi raised his teacup and examined the intricate detail on it.

"I have business everywhere Grandpa Gu, you know this," which made Tang Moyu curious as to what kind of business Qin Jiran had, aside from making a living from writing.

So she was right. Qin Jiran wasn't just a simple reclusive author who spent most of his time behind his computer, writing books people loved to binge-read. Now that she thought about it, she didn't know anything about the man who had proudly claimed to be her boyfriend. He neither talked about his family nor his past with her.

It only made her feel wary that she was letting this unknown man involve himself not only in her affairs, but in her children's lives as well. Perhaps, she would need to discuss this with Qin Jiran later. She cannot be with a man with an unknown background for little buns' sake.

"We came here to see Sister Yaoyao to make sure she's okay." Tang Moyu chimed in, pulling both of the two men's attention.

"Ah, Miss Tang. Of course she's here, but why wouldn't our Yaoyao be okay? You are the one who convinced her to come home right? I owe you this one, Empress of Shenzhen." Elder Gu said with amusement in his voice.

Tang Moyu grimaced on that. Why the heck couldn't she shed the title off her? Though some people called her 'the empress' out of praise, most others were out of spite.

"We're Sister Yaoyao's friends, of course it would be normal for us to be worried about her."

Elder Gu sighed.

"Actually, I'm glad that you called and came here to see her. You see, ever since her arrival, Yaoyao has locked herself in her own room, refusing to talk to anyone. We've tried our best to convince her to come out, but we're also afraid that she would run away."

He Lianchen's complexion turned ashen, while the empress narrowed her eyes in return. This didn't make sense to her. If Gu Yuyao decided on something, whether she liked it or not, she would stick with it.

"Forgive me, Master Gu but that doesn't make sense to me. What happened to Sister Yaoyao after she came home? Did the two of you have an argument?"

The old man's eyes flickered. His hands clenching on top of the desk as he pondered how he should answer the empress.

"Yes, we talked about her inheritance and possible marriage arrangement."

"Gu Yuyao has been gone for over ten years and you are telling us you dragged her home just to make her marry someone she has NEVER met before?" He Lianchen's voice shook in anger.

"It's not that she doesn't know the man. In fact, they know each other." The old man looked at Feng Tianyi, making Tang Moyu and He Lianchen's jaws drop in realization.