The next morning, Qin He got up early to wash up.
She dressed herself up nicely and then went downstairs for breakfast.
Ming Yuzhu and Qin Yun were already seated in the dining room. Qin Yun's condition had not improved much recently, but it was much better than before when he wouldn't even come home. Qin He knew that her brother was holding onto hope, but he didn't dare to truly believe it until she could present a specific treatment plan.
In the dining room, Ming Yuzhu and Qin Yun both looked at Qin He as she entered. Seeing her in a pale pink elegant dress, Qin Yun seemed to understand, "Are you going to the Gu family?"
"Yes, I've been in Hai City for so long, and I haven't visited the Gu family since returning. Grandma Gu called," Qin He said with a smile.
Qin Yun snorted testily, "You're not part of the Gu family."
Ming Yuzhu frowned, "He'er, Gu Qishen did help with the matter in Hai City this time. And Old Mrs. Gu has always taken good care of you. It's appropriate for you to visit, but..."
Before Ming Yuzhu could finish, Qin He nodded.
"Mom, I know what you want to say. Don't worry, it won't happen."
"It's best if it doesn't. If you fall into the same pit twice, I'll definitely spank you," Qin Yun whispered from the side.
With this threat, both Ming Yuzhu and Qin He raised their eyebrows and looked at him.
Qin Yun immediately ate his food honestly, appearing as if nothing had happened, though he was already feeling guilty inside.
It was just a momentary outburst of righteous indignation at Gu Qishen; he wouldn't dare to lay a finger on his sister.
After breakfast, Qin He drove to the Gu family's old mansion.
She had nothing much to do now, except for going to the West District on weekends. However, having recently taken on a master, Qin He decided to go to the West District to learn mortise and tenon joinery whenever she had free time.
It would be even better if she could persuade her stubborn master to stay in Qingcheng.
Qin He thought as she drove. After an hour's drive, she arrived at the Gu family's residence.
Now, her car could enter the Gu family's residence without prior announcement, and she drove unimpeded to the front of the villa.
As soon as she got out of the car, the Gu family's butler came to greet her.
"Miss Qin has arrived."
Qin He smiled, "Has Grandma Gu woken up?"
"The old lady is getting older and sleeps less. She woke up long ago and has been waiting for you. The madam, young master, and young lady are all home today, and there are also guests," the butler said with a joyful expression.
The Gu family: Gu Qishen often resided in Senyuan, and Gu Ranran was usually at school.
Most of the times Qin He visited the Gu family's old mansion, Madam Gu was not home. The Gu family rarely gathered together.
"Guests?" Qin He asked curiously.
The butler smiled, "They were brought back by the young lady. They are all Miss Gu's classmates from Qingda University."
They walked towards the house while talking.
As Qin He stepped into the house, she saw several people sitting on the sofa.
Gu Ranran was sitting with Ming Xue. In a single armchair beside them sat the quiet Shen Yilin and another young man.
Seeing Qin He enter, Ming Xue immediately called out, "Sister, I missed you."
She ran over with small steps, trying to hug Qin He, but was afraid of touching Qin He's belly, so she only gave a light embrace.
Shen Yilin was also pleasantly surprised, but he couldn't be as enthusiastic as Gu Ranran, so he stood in place, "Sister—"
Qin He smiled and looked at Shen Yilin, "It's been a while since I've seen you. How have you been lately?"
Shen Yilin's face turned red, "Very well."
Qin He looked to the side. Madam Gu and Grandma Gu were sitting on another set of rosewood chairs in front of the television, smiling and looking at her.
Qin He walked over and greeted them, "Grandma Gu."
Then, she looked at Madam Gu.
In the past, during her previous visits, she and Madam Gu had been at odds. Although they had since reconciled, Madam Gu still seemed a bit awkward.
"Madam Gu," Qin He said politely.
"He'er, come to Grandma quickly. Let Grandma have a good look at you," Grandma Gu beckoned, patting another rosewood armchair beside her with her other hand.
Qin He sat down as instructed.
After chatting with Grandma Gu for a while, Qin He asked the Gu family's doctor about her recent condition.
Grandma Gu still had moments of confusion and clarity.
Fortunately, the duration of her confusion had not significantly increased.
Qin He felt relieved.
Grandma Gu tugged at Qin He's hand, "He'er, Qishen is also back. He's in the study upstairs. Do you want to go see him?"
Qin He smiled, "If he's in the study, he must be dealing with official business and doesn't want to be disturbed. Besides, I came to see you, Grandma."
Grandma Gu looked a little disappointed.
A maid brought tea and snacks. Madam Gu pursed her lips stubbornly and proudly, glanced at Qin He a few times, then cleared her throat and pushed the cake stand on the table towards Qin He.
"Qin He, the family has a new pastry chef. Try some."
Qin He was surprised that Madam Gu would speak to her proactively.
She reached out and picked up a piece, smiling, "Thank you, Madam."
Madam Gu's brows furrowed, and she spoke with a hint of hesitation.
"You don't need to be so formal. Just call me Auntie."
This was even more surprising.
Qin He paused for a moment, then smiled, "Then thank you, Auntie."
After chatting with Grandma Gu for a while, Grandma Gu looked at the expectant eyes of Gu Ranran and Ming Xue on the other side and smiled.
"Alright, I'm going to rest for a bit. You can play with Ranran and the others. We'll chat again at lunch."
Qin He got up and helped Grandma Gu, "I'll take you back."
When she came out after settling Grandma down, Madam Gu was also gone.
Gu Ranran sat in the living room looking at her, and Ming Xue waved her small hands excitedly.
"Sister, over here!"
Qin He walked over slowly.
"Do you not have classes today?"
"No."
After Qin He sat down, Shen Yilin immediately helped pour her tea and pushed all the snacks on the table towards Qin He.
Among the four present, Qin He only didn't recognize the other young man.
Gu Ranran took the initiative to introduce him to Qin He, "This is our classmate, he's in the same department as Ming Xue; his name is Xiang Mingjun."
Qin He smiled, "Hello, classmate Xiang."
Xiang Mingjun was good-looking, with a more rugged appearance, and his looks alone made him seem not to be trifled with.
Ming Xue leaned over, "Sister, how are Brother Yun and Sister Wanwan lately?"
Qin He glanced at her, "What do you think?"
The reason for Qin Yun and Xu Wanwan's falling out was due to a few questions Ming Xue had asked during a game of truth or dare.
Ming Xue fidgeted, "I didn't expect it to turn out like that. I haven't dared to see Brother Yun lately, and I've sent a few messages to Sister Wanwan, but she hasn't replied."
Qin He sighed softly and comforted Ming Xue, "She hasn't replied to me either." It seemed that Xu Wanwan might not have even turned on her phone.
She was truly heartbroken.
Shen Yilin, seeing that Qin He and Ming Xue had just finished their conversation, looked at her with some anticipation.
"Sister, you haven't streamed or posted videos for a while. Are you not going to do this anymore?"
"Yes, I will," Qin He said with a smile. "I'll resume streaming this weekend. I've been too busy with things lately."