Meanwhile, at the Shanghai airport, rows of black cars were neatly lined up, each guarded by stern-faced security personnel. At the center of this organized formation, a black Hongqi SUV stood prominently. The clock struck 18:00, and the October air carried a chill that Master Gu, standing outside, couldn’t ignore. Despite the cold, he awaited something with teeth clenched.

Finally, at the airport exit, a procession of bodyguards approached. Master Gu’s heart quickened with excitement. As the bodyguards halted, they split into two sections, unveiling a young man. His lips curved into an enigmatic arc, leaving observers unsure if it was a smile or something else.

The young man, stepping into view at the airport exit, possessed features that seamlessly blended refinement and an air of mystery. His almond-shaped eyes, a rich hue of deep coffee brown, held a captivating intensity that hinted at a well-guarded secret. They were framed by perfectly arched eyebrows, adding an element of elegance to his countenance.

His nose, straight and sculpted, spoke of noble lineage, while his well-defined jawline and high cheekbones accentuated a chiseled handsomeness. A subtle dimple adorned his left cheek, appearing like a hidden treasure that only revealed itself in moments of amusement.

A cascade of dark, glossy hair fell effortlessly, styled with a meticulous care that spoke of both confidence and a penchant for detail. The young man’s lips, curved into that ambiguous arc, carried a natural rosy tint, suggesting health and vitality.

Draped in a tailored charcoal-gray suit, he exuded an aura of affluence and sophistication. Every move seemed deliberate, as if he navigated the world with a purpose known only to him. Despite the October chill, there was an undeniable warmth in his presence, a contrast that added to the intrigue surrounding him.

Master Gu’s wide smile reflected genuine warmth as he stepped forward, extending his hand for a handshake. Shan Zitong reciprocated the gesture, a subtle blend of respect and friendliness in his demeanor.

"Evening, young Master Shan," Master Gu greeted, his tone carrying a blend of formality and familiarity. Shan Zitong, with an easygoing charm, replied, "Please call me Shan Zitong. You might be my father-in-law soon; I should be the one showing respect to you."

Master Gu chuckled, appreciating the young man’s humility. "Very well, Shan Zitong. Please, come this way. I’ve organized dinner for you."

Shan Zitong nodded in gratitude, "Lead the way."

As they entered the Hongqi SUV, the convoy set in motion, security cars taking their positions both in front and at the back. The journey to Moonlit Mirage unfolded under the city lights, casting a magical glow on the anticipation brewing inside the car. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Seated comfortably, Master Gu initiated conversation, "My daughter couldn’t come here, but she’s waiting at the hotel where we’ll have dinner. She’s been eager to meet you."

Shan Zitong, a glint of excitement in his eyes, responded, "I can’t wait to see her again." The evening promised a blend of romance, family dynamics, and the intertwining of destinies as they approached the opulent setting of Moonlit Mirage.

Master Gu’s smile widened with pride as he listened to Shan Zitong speak warmly about Gu Liang. The car smoothly pulled up at the Moonlit Mirage hotel, an opulent establishment known for its exclusivity. The in-house restaurant, accessible only to those with a special card, was a symbol of extravagance. Master Gu had gone the extra mile to secure this card, even owing favors to business associates, all in the pursuit of making a lasting impression.

Entering the hotel, they made their way to the restaurant’s VIP section. Master Gu was determined to showcase not just the grandeur of the surroundings but also the potential of their family. Shan Zitong, here for Gu Liang, was unknowingly becoming a pivotal figure in their aspirations for the future.

The Gu family was already assembled when Shan Zitong and Master Gu arrived at the Moonlit Mirage hotel. Standing up, the family greeted the guest with courtesy. Master Gu took the opportunity to introduce his wife and son, Gu Hua, before turning his attention to Gu Liang.

As the introductions unfolded, Gu Hua stepped forward, extending a hand for a friendly handshake. "Evening, pleasure to finally meet you," he greeted. Shan Zitong responded with a warm smile, "Please call me Shan Zitong; that title is for strangers." Gu Hua nodded in agreement, acknowledging the informal approach.

Madame Gu, in her elegant demeanor, approached Shan Zitong. As she looked him up and down, a flicker of coldness briefly passed through her eyes. She maintained composure, offering a polite greeting, "Good evening. Please, take a seat. We’ve already ordered for everyone, and we hope you’ll enjoy the meal." Shan Zitong’s smile widened, and he replied, "I am not a picky eater."

They all took their seats, allowing Gu Liang to sit next to Shan Zitong. Although she hadn’t uttered a word, her gaze remained fixed on him. Shan Zitong’s charm and undeniable handsomeness caught her attention, momentarily captivating her.

The food was quickly delivered, and the atmosphere became more relaxed as they chatted about various topics.

As the dishes were served, Shan Zitong showed a genuine interest in the culinary choices, appreciating the delicate flavors and textures. Gu Liang, sitting next to him, couldn’t help but smile at his enthusiasm.

"Your family has exquisite taste," Shan Zitong complimented, savoring a bite of a particularly well-prepared dish.

Master Gu nodded appreciatively. "We’re glad you enjoy it. It’s crucial for us to make a good impression on you, as you’re an important guest."

Master Gu continued, "And we’re hoping you and our daughter can get to know each other better."

Shan Zitong turned his attention to Gu Liang with a warm smile. "I’d be delighted. Getting to know you better is one of the highlights of my visit."

Gu Liang couldn’t deny the charm in his words, but a subtle skepticism lingered in the depths of her eyes. Shan Zitong, however, maintained an air of confidence, seemingly undeterred by any underlying tension.

Gu Liang, feeling a bit overwhelmed, excused herself with a polite smile, mentioning her need to visit the bathroom.

Shan Zitong, ever the gentleman, stood up immediately. "Mind if I walk you there? Perhaps we can talk a bit and get to know each other," he suggested, his charming smile in full display.

Madame Gu shot a subtle glance at Gu Liang, silently urging her to consider her response. Unbeknownst to Gu Liang, her mother’s eyes held a mix of concern and caution. Master Gu, on the other hand, encouraged the gesture, emphasizing the importance of conversation between the young couple.

"Young ones, go ahead. We’ll wait here. It’s good to talk and get to know each other," Master Gu said, acknowledging the significance of building a connection.

Gu Liang nodded, offering a faint smile, and followed Shan Zitong as he courteously opened the door for her. In the corridor leading to the restroom, Gu Liang took a moment to touch up her makeup, ensuring she presented herself with the same grace and poise she maintained at the dinner table.

When she emerged, Shan Zitong was still waiting for her, leaning against the wall with a casual yet sophisticated demeanor. He looked up as she approached, a genuine smile gracing his features. "You look more beautiful than the last time I saw you," he remarked.

Gu Liang, caught off guard by the compliment, offered a polite response, "Thank you. But I’m afraid I don’t remember you."

Shan Zitong, maintaining his charm, placed a hand over his heart in a mock hurt gesture. "You hurt my feelings," he teased, "but I don’t blame you. I was too much of a coward to approach you before."

Gu Liang, intrigued by Shan Zitong’s straightforwardness, asked, "What gave you courage now?" Shan Zitong, with a genuine smile, replied, "I heard you got divorced, and I thought I might possibly stand a chance now."

There was a subtle shift in Gu Liang’s eyes, a momentary flicker that didn’t escape Shan Zitong’s notice. Realizing he might have touched on a sensitive topic, he quickly apologized, "I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable talking about the past."

Gu Liang, displaying grace under pressure, reassured him, "It’s fine; it’s all in the past." Shan Zitong, impressed by her composure, appreciated her ability to handle the conversation with such poise.

Shan Zitong then ventured, "Can I at least have your contact number so we can talk, get to know each other? Maybe we can go out while I’m here. What do you think?" Gu Liang, after a moment of contemplation, agreed, "Okay, that would be great. I don’t want to rush into marriage now; we can start off by getting to know each other."

Shan Zitong, adopting a playful tone, responded, "Whatever makes you happy, my dear princess," accompanying the words with a gesture resembling a bow, like servants bowing to queens. The nickname carried a hint of both admiration and jest, creating a lighthearted atmosphere between them.

Upon returning to the table, Gu Liang wore a wider smile, and Madame Gu couldn’t help but size her up. "Seems like you had a pleasant conversation," remarked Madame Gu. Gu Liang blushed and replied, "Yes, Mom." Although Madame Gu was annoyed, she made an effort to conceal it. Meanwhile, Master Gu and Gu Hua were too caught up in their joy to notice any tension with Madame Gu. The dinner continued, with Gu Liang actively engaging in the ongoing conversations. The atmosphere lightened, and the family seemed to enjoy the evening, unaware of the subtle undercurrents.