Campus Ace Girl-Chapter 496 - 497: One Pleases, One is Pleased

Tang Yuan gave a faint smile. "Of course I’m not targeting her, Yuanshan. You’re being too sensitive; I’m just happy for Mingzhu."

Gu Yuanshan quietly looked at her. Tang Yuan had been his wife for twenty years, and her beauty was as enduring as ever. Yet, some things had changed.

He recalled how, with her stunning beauty, she had entered the Gu family business as his secretary right after graduating from high school. Once, during a business trip, he had drunk too much. That night, he experienced the most moving tenderness and understood the alluring charm of a woman crying like raindrops on a pear blossom. He felt an overwhelming pity for her.

He could have easily dismissed her with a single check. However, the pitiful young girl curled up beside him had touched his heart, and things soon spiraled out of control. He bought her a villa, kept her there, and spent five out of seven days a week in her gentle embrace. Even when his first wife found out and caused a scene, he still secretly met her. He liked her fragility, the careful way she tried to please him. Surely, no man in the world would dislike such a thing, right?

Eventually, Changqing’s mother could no longer bear it and left. He withstood the pressure and made Tang Yuan his official wife. When Tang Yuan first entered the Gu family’s doors, she was like a delicate flower needing his protection and care.

Later, she gave birth to Anxi, and then to Mingzhu. Gradually, she established herself in the Gu family and gained fame in Beicheng, renowned throughout the city for her beauty and kindness. No one mentioned her past as a mistress anymore. However, Gu Yuanshan, the man who shared her bed, increasingly felt that she had changed.

She no longer needed him as much. She had become strong-willed; she meticulously planned Mingzhu’s upbringing, participated in social events for fame and fortune, and grew independent, no longer the delicate little flower needing his protection. As for him, his pity for her had gradually faded. They were like an ordinary, long-married couple. She was perhaps still beautiful, but she was no longer young or vibrant. Her beauty seemed merely a label.

Mingzhu was her source of confidence, wasn’t she!

She had also become increasingly assertive. Sometimes Gu Yuanshan would be displeased. However, whenever he remembered that she had been with him since her early twenties, he wouldn’t hold it against her.

But now, looking at this woman who had been with him for twenty years, he sometimes felt she was a stranger. It was as if she wasn’t herself anymore...

Tang Yuan noticed his gaze and gave a faint smile. "Yuanshan, why are you looking at me like that?"

Gu Yuanshan chuckled. "Which beauty salon have you been visiting recently? The results are quite good."

With that, he left with his hands behind his back.

Tang Yuan felt a pang of disappointment, sensing Gu Yuanshan’s recent coldness towards her. Even Gu Mingzhu bit her lip and asked, "Mom, is Dad... showing favoritism to Anxi?"

Tang Yuan soothed her, "Your father is just upset with me, Mingzhu, don’t overthink it. Just focus on securing this design project and getting your film made. I can assure you that no one in Beicheng will surpass you."

Gu Mingzhu, appearing somewhat more confident, asked in a low voice, "Mom, should I go visit Old Mrs. Wang?"

Tang Yuan considered for a moment. "That could work. Don’t be too forward with Mr. Wang, but you can certainly try to win over Old Mrs. Wang. Mingzhu, how about this: don’t we still have those two large wild ginseng roots at home? Take them to Old Mrs. Wang and say they’re for the Old Master’s health. She’ll appreciate that."

Gu Mingzhu nodded, a hint of shyness on her lovely face. After all, this was the first time she had taken such initiative towards a man.

Tang Yuan helped her find the large wild ginseng roots and gave her detailed instructions.

The following Sunday, Gu Mingzhu took the two large wild ginseng roots and went to visit Old Mrs. Wang. Her visit was somewhat abrupt, but Old Mrs. Wang was an approachable woman and, considering the Gu family’s standing, she received her.