Qin He's pregnant belly was over seven months along, yet she had rushed to Hai City and then returned to handle matters in the West District.
She was indeed energetic, but thinking about giving birth in three months made her feel a bit anxious.
Gu Ranran stared at Qin He's belly for a few seconds, hesitating.
"He, Sister He, how much longer until you give birth?"
Previously, Gu Ranran had directly called Qin He by her full name without any politeness.
Qin He felt a sense of curiosity; the Gu family's change in demeanor was quite surprising.
She revealed her due date.
Ming Xue said with anticipation, "Sister, you should get a check-up to see if it's a boy or a girl by now, so I can prepare clothes and such."
"No need, we already have double the preparations at home."
As they were chatting, there was a sound from the spiral staircase at the entrance of the hall.
Qin He turned her head and saw Gu Qichen and Yu Jing walking down the spiral staircase.
Gu Qichen's expression was solemn, his head slightly tilted as he instructed Yu Jing about something.
As they reached the bottom of the stairs, Yu Jing hurried out.
Upon seeing Qin He, Gu Qichen's cold gaze softened slightly.
Gu Ranran, who had always been afraid of her brother, immediately stood up when she saw Gu Qichen.
"Brother."
"En," Gu Qichen responded, his gaze flicking to the cup in front of Qin He.
"Pregnant women shouldn't drink too much tea," he cautioned.
Qin He was slightly taken aback. "I know."
Gu Qichen turned to Yu Jing and said, "Go ahead and do it. Contact the people in Jiangcheng first, make arrangements there, and don't alert them."
Yu Jing acknowledged with a "Yes" and quickly departed.
Qin He felt a bit curious.
After watching Yu Jing leave, Gu Qichen turned and walked a few steps to the sofa.
Ming Xue blinked her eyes, and Gu Ranran also fell silent.
Gu Qichen sat down on the sofa, and the previously lively atmosphere immediately quieted down.
Gu Ranran was already scared, and Ming Xue, blinking her eyes, dared not speak much.
Shen Yilin and Xiang Mingjun followed suit, their eyes exchanging subtle glances.
Qin He felt a bit helpless and looked at Gu Qichen, who was sitting opposite her.
He was a few years older than everyone else present, yet his presence on the sofa made him seem like a teacher sitting among children.
Everyone was instantly affected.
"The authorities will be holding a seminar soon. You and I should attend together," Gu Qichen said, looking up at Qin He.
"What seminar?" Qin He asked.
Gu Qichen rarely attended banquets and only made occasional appearances at official events.
Since he brought it up, it must be something significant.
Gu Qichen glanced at the others and then stood up. "Let's take a walk in the back garden and chat about this."
Qin He, her mind occupied with the matter, got up and went out with Gu Qichen.
Ming Xue hesitated, wanting to follow, but Gu Ranran grabbed her arm and pulled her back.
This wasn't Qin He's first time in the back garden of the old Gu family residence.
Gu Qichen lowered his gaze to Qin He beside him, and when his eyes fell on her belly, his steps slowed imperceptibly.
"This seminar organized by the authorities is a very good opportunity," Gu Qichen said. "Members of the Italian royal family will be coming."
Qin He was surprised. "Italy?"
Italy possessed some of the world's top diamond mines, and key resource industries were held by the royal family.
Or, some of their collateral branches, such as dukes and counts, controlled them.
"Who is coming?" Qin He's eyes flickered. The royals wouldn't be visiting Qingcheng for no reason.
Especially with such an official reception, it was highly likely that some information had already been received.
"Grand Duke Morton Wilson."
Qin He's eyes widened instantly.
"It seems the business discussed at this seminar will be quite substantial."
A Grand Duke was the highest noble title in Italy, and this Grand Duke Wilson was extremely famous.
Qin He felt a surge of excitement. If there was indeed a business collaboration with the Italian royal family in Qingcheng, the current situation in Qingcheng might undergo a significant shift.
The Qin family had been established in Qingcheng for many years, and she had to pay close attention to such a change.
After returning home, she would immediately have Brother Yang investigate the matter.
As Qin He was contemplating, she heard Gu Qichen beside her say, "I've gathered some information from the authorities. Wilson is coming to discuss business cooperation regarding diamond mines in China."
Gu Qichen spoke in a low voice, meticulously detailing the information he had obtained from Italy to Qin He.
"I intend to secure this cooperation," Gu Qichen said, looking deeply at Qin He. "However, the scale is too large, and the Gu family taking it on alone carries risks. I'd like to collaborate with Qin Corporation."
Qin He pursed her lips, her dark eyes fixed on Gu Qichen.
From just the limited information she had heard, she understood this was a massive opportunity.
If they could secure it, it would likely impact the domestic jewelry market significantly.
But Gu Qichen wanted to cooperate with the Qin family?
Qin He pondered for a moment. "I'll need to discuss this with my elder brother."
She felt a sense of hesitation, even wanting to agree immediately. However, she didn't believe Gu Qichen's statement that the Gu Corporation faced risks if it went solo.
Given the Gu Corporation's recent development trajectory, Gu Qichen's actions were always precise and he did not shy away from risks.
Moreover, the Gu and Qin families were already collaborating on the West District redevelopment project.
Now, adding business from Italy on top of that—
She felt as though she and Gu Qichen were becoming inextricably entwined due to their myriad connections.
Gu Qichen did not press further. They strolled through the back garden for a while, and he quietly waited for Qin He to deliberate.
Unknowingly, they had ventured deep into the garden.
Qin He glanced at the quiet, deserted path and then turned to Gu Qichen. "Let's go back. Grandma Gu will be waking up soon."
The path was narrow, flanked by large trees that formed a canopy overhead. Birds chirped from the woods.
Only now did Qin He feel a sense of awkwardness.
She involuntarily recalled the kiss she and Gu Qichen shared in the car when they were in Hai City.
Ever since then, she felt that their relationship had become strangely complicated.
Fortunately, Gu Qichen had never brought it up again.
Qin He gently stroked her abdomen and walked slowly forward.
Gu Qichen walked beside her, his cool gaze sweeping over their surroundings, entirely in a protective stance.
When they returned to the living room, Gu Ranran, Ming Xue, Shen Yilin, and Xiang Mingjun were playing a board game.
Qin He leaned over to watch, and seeing that Shen Yilin was not very skilled, she took over.
They played until noon, by which time Grandma Gu had also woken up. Lunch was prepared by the kitchen.
Qin He ate lunch with Grandma Gu and then helped the old lady take a stroll in the garden, feed the fish, and digest her meal.
She stayed until the afternoon before leaving. She drove with Ming Xue, Shen Yilin, and Xiang Mingjun.
She first dropped the three of them back at Qing University. Shen Yilin and Xiang Mingjun lived in the dormitories, while Ming Xue lived in Qin He's villa near Qing University.
After watching the three of them return, Qin He felt relieved.
She turned the car around, and her phone rang.
It was a WeChat message.
Gu Qichen: [The seminar is the night after tomorrow. I'll pick you up then.]
Qin He: [Okay.]