Chapter 30 — Gu Xiao Is Gu Beicheng’s Younger Brother?

Qin Yu’s anger sent a chill through Mu Yuewei’s heart. The rumors had always claimed that the second young master of the Qin family had the gentlest temperament, always smiling at everyone. Yet now, the aura emanating from him was cold and oppressive. Qin Yu’s thin lips parted, his dark eyes lifting with a hint of wicked charm, “Best Actress Mu, you work for my brother’s company. I won’t deal with you for now. Go back and tell Mu Dacheng: the Qin family’s branch is ending all cooperation with your Mu family.”

“Security, escort these three out. Today is my elder brother’s birthday banquet—I dare anyone to make trouble!”

After Mu Yuewei and her companions left, the Qin family’s evening gala officially began. The stagnant, strange atmosphere gradually warmed.

“Yichen, why are you and A-Yu just now arriving?” Feng Si’s words carried a trace of complaint, but her lips curved in a smile, her eyes joyful.

Qin Xuan glanced at his taciturn eldest son standing before him. “Hmph, late to your own birthday party—honestly, so inconsiderate!”

Qin Yu nudged his brother with his elbow, blinking forcefully to prompt him to speak. “Heh, Mom, Dad, don’t be angry. Big brother’s school had a last-minute meeting, so he came a bit late, right?”

“Mm,” Qin Yichen responded mildly.

“Hmph, that’s no excuse. You knew you had something tonight—why not arrange your affairs properly?” Qin Xuan, seeing his silent eldest son, grew angry and moved off to calm himself.

Feng Si knew she couldn’t sway her husband. The stiff relationship between father and son wasn’t new; her words were powerless to change it. She shook her head helplessly. “Yichen, you know your father’s temper. He’s never truly blamed you for anything.”

Qin Yichen gave a faint smile. Behind his gold-rimmed glasses, his deep eyes flashed with bitterness. He knew his father never blamed him, but he blamed himself, and he hated himself. He dared not return to the Qin house, because every time he did, he remembered her—the innocent, lively, adorable Qin Ranran.

“An Lan! How is she here!” Qin Yu’s eyes widened in excitement, losing all the imposing air of a corporate titan, looking instead like a lovesick fool.

Feng Si tapped her second son. “Today’s your brother’s birthday banquet—why shouldn’t she be here?”

“Aunt Qin’s right, why shouldn’t I come? A-Yu, are you afraid of me?” An Lan’s lips curled in a mischievous smile as she led Mu Ran over.

“I’m not afraid of you. It’s you who avoids me. I’ve called you countless times, you never answer. I’ve explained a thousand times that I have nothing to do with that actress, you just don’t believe me.” Qin Yu looked awkward, head bowed, mumbling.

Qin Yichen coldly shot Qin Yu a look—he deserved it for not valuing what he had. Girlfriend in hand, yet still clubbing; what company president is so wild?

The young people chatted together, while Feng Si, lacking common topics, called out loudly and went off to find her husband.

“Hmph, ever since you said ‘If that’s how you think, there’s nothing I can do,’ it was over for us. There are countless men in the world—do you think I lack any?” An Lan was a woman who could let go without regret.

Qin Yu’s expression changed, but he said nothing more.

An Lan sneered. Clearly, this man never truly liked her—not even a word to keep her. As expected, men love themselves most; the great President Qin never lacked for women.

“Yichen, this is my good friend Mu Ran I’ve been telling you about. Mu Ran, this is Yichen, Aunt Qin’s eldest son, and he’s also your landlord.”

Mu Ran smiled softly, lips gently pressed, eyes lifting to Qin Yichen. “It’s been a while, Professor Qin.”

“Professor Qin?” An Lan was surprised, then remembered—Mu Ran graduated from the drama department at Imperial University, and Yichen was a professor there. No wonder they knew each other.

“Mu Ran’s graduate interview was conducted by me personally.” The man’s smile was refined.

Yet to Mu Ran, there was a trace of malicious amusement in his smile. She drew a deep breath, her own smile stiffening. “Professor Qin, you’re poking at my sore spot.”

Mu Ran had ranked first in the preliminary graduate exams, but was eliminated in the interview. The man before her was the one who’d eliminated her.

“Yichen, how could you be so unreasonable! My Ran is so talented!” An Lan protested, feeling sorry for Mu Ran.

Qin Yichen looked deeply at Mu Ran, the cold detachment on his handsome face softening. “Mu Ran is indeed talented, but she was too restless then. How many young people who’ve entered the entertainment industry can truly focus on academic research?”

An Lan had no rebuttal. She glanced sideways and noticed Qin Yu staring fixedly at Mu Ran. Quickly, she reached out and punched him, “Put away those wolf eyes! My Ran is already taken! If you dare have designs on her, I’ll have Brother Gu beat you up!”

“I have no designs on her. She just looks very much like someone—but it seems impossible. That person disappeared abroad…”

Qin Yu’s probing gaze swept over the nonchalant woman before him. “Miss, you look familiar. Your name is Mu Ran? You’re also from the Mu family? Mu Yuewei’s troublemaking was targeted at you, right?”

Mu Ran nodded apologetically. No wonder he was entrusted with the Qin family’s business—though his demeanor and aura lacked aggression, he was no ordinary man; he saw through the situation at a glance.

“Qin Yu, your flirting is so outdated. Can’t you be more original?” An Lan looked disgusted. Qin Yu truly couldn’t resist a beauty, nothing like Uncle Qin and Yichen, who were steady and reliable.

Qin Yu pressed his lips together, stepping closer to Mu Ran. “Brother, don’t you think she looks like Ranran? Her features really do resemble hers.”

“It’s been nearly twenty years—I can’t remember anymore.” Qin Yichen’s face was cold and grim as he turned to leave.

Qin Yu followed his brother, afraid An Lan would hit him again, hastening to keep up. “Brother, wait up! An Lan says you’re Mu Ran’s landlord—which house is it? Don’t tell me it’s the villa at Green Court? Wasn’t that reserved for Ranran?”

An Lan patted Mu Ran, pulling her away. “Ran, I know your situation in the Mu family. Have you ever suspected that you’re not Mu Dacheng’s biological daughter—that maybe…”

“What maybe?” The two stood on the yacht’s deck, leaning against the railing as the cool sea breeze swept in. An Lan sensed the loneliness emanating from the woman beside her and gently took her hand.

“Maybe the so-called lover’s mother they talk about doesn’t exist. Maybe you were bought, or found. If you were truly an illegitimate daughter, Mu Dacheng would have at least some affection for you. But he doesn’t show the slightest care or love.”

Mu Ran said nothing, simply gazing quietly at the shimmering night sea. Then she turned to An Lan, who cared for her. “Lanlan, I’m cold. Can you help me find a coat? I want to be alone for a while.”

“Alright, don’t wander off. I’ll go get it now.”

After An Lan left, Mu Ran smiled bitterly. She didn’t wish to know who her biological parents were, nor would she ever hope to be the Qin family’s lost daughter, Qin Ranran. She only wanted to rely on her own efforts, to fight for herself and deal with anyone who hurt her.

“Gu Beicheng! Why are you avoiding me! You promised we’d have a match when you returned!” A man’s furious shout echoed from a corner behind Mu Ran.

Then a familiar, hoarse voice devoid of warmth responded, “Gu Xiao, are you so idle? Finished shooting the film? Did you complete the tasks I assigned to you?”

“I hate it! Why should you order me around? Why are you in charge of the Gu family, not me?” The voice grew colder, laced with resentment and hatred.

“Because of who you are.”

Gu Beicheng’s voice showed no emotion, merely stating a fact.

“Gu Xiao, go home and see Grandpa when you can. He often asks when you’ll visit.”

“I won’t! Grandpa only cares about you. Why did you come back? If you’d died out there, I’d be the head of the Gu family!”

A sharp sound—the impact of fist against flesh.

Gu Beicheng’s voice finally carried a trace of anger, “Because you’re not worthy! If you had what it takes, I’d let you have it. Gu Xiao, don’t push me.”

“Hmph! You never see me as your brother!”

“And do you treat me as your brother?”

Mu Ran hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but the two voices were loud enough. She was stunned, “Gu Beicheng and Gu Xiao are brothers? Isn’t Gu Xiao the director who tried to exploit Qi Jun?”