Chapter 236: You Can Give It a Try If You Get the Chance

Gu Yang, Lu Feng, and Liu Yiyi, who were originally eating in the main hall, moved directly to a spacious private dining room. The number of people at the table changed from three to six.

Although there were more people, an indescribable sense of awkwardness permeated the air.

Ma Chulan kept staring at Gu Yang; thinking of what that old Taoist had said, her gaze was filled with nothing but sympathy.

At this moment, she actually found herself wishing the old Taoist had been a fraud.

Originally, Gu Yang's attention had been entirely on Su Yan, but Liu Yiyi forcibly opened a topic of conversation.

"Why has this little sister been staring at Editor-in-Chief Gu all this time?"

This single sentence caused everyone to turn their gaze toward Ma Chulan. Su Yan was not surprised.

She naturally knew what Ma Chulan was thinking; she only hoped the girl wouldn't let something slip.

"Is it that obvious?" Instead of denying it bashfully, Ma Chulan responded with a frank counter-question.

This caused the puzzled Gu Yang and Lu Feng to instinctively relax.

"Does Miss Ma also think Editor-in-Chief Gu possesses extraordinary charm?" Liu Yiyi was clearly instigating; as she spoke, she watched the reactions of Gu Yang and Su Yan.

Ma Chulan simply nodded. "Big Brother Gu is indeed handsome. Before Big Brother and I met him, we were always curious about what kind of man could be worthy of Su Yan. After meeting him, I feel they are a match made in heaven."

As she finished, she gave Liu Yiyi a deliberate, provocative smile.

Although she was young, her ability to read people was quite accurate. This Liu Yiyi was a typical type who couldn't stand to see others doing well, and she might even turn out to be a second Su Mo.

A crack appeared on Liu Yiyi's beautiful face.

Su Yan actually took the initiative to join the conversation between the two. "Miss Liu, are you very close with Big Brother Gu?"

Her gaze was sharp, as if she could see through people's hearts.

They had only been in the capital for two days and had already encountered this woman twice; it certainly wasn't a coincidence.

Gu Yang's voice rang out, "Not close."

Lu Feng immediately echoed, "Indeed, not close. Liu Yiyi was only transferred to work at the publishing house these past few months. Her contact with Gu Yang before this could probably be counted on one hand."

No matter how thick Liu Yiyi's skin was, she could not maintain her composure in the face of such a situation.

"I'm going to the restroom."

With her departure, the atmosphere at the dining table finally relaxed completely.

"Sister-in-law, how long do you plan to stay in the capital? I heard from Gu Yang that you are still studying; is it alright for you to be out like this?" Lu Feng was full of curiosity regarding Su Yan.

Su Yan replied politely, "I took a leave of absence from school for this trip. I haven't decided when I'll be going back."

Gu Yang knew she likely wouldn't return until she investigated the clues regarding her mother's death, but he simply couldn't figure out why the clues to Kong Xiangrou's death would be here in the capital.

"I see. If you're willing, you could completely let Gu Yang arrange a school for you to study at here. That way, it would be convenient for the two of you to be together," Lu Feng said, worrying deeply for his friend.

Worried that Su Yan would loathe such a suggestion, Gu Yang stepped in before she could speak.

"Yan Yan is still young. It won't be too late to consider it once she enters university."

Entering university was also a matter of the near future.

"I will consider it." Su Yan surprisingly did not mention in front of everyone that the two of them had already canceled their engagement.

Gu Yang felt a weight lift off his shoulders, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

As long as she didn't particularly hate him, there was still a chance.

Ma Chulong and Ma Chulan remained silent, their expressions complicated.

Before today, they had been entirely supportive of Su Yan and Gu Yang, but now...

"Su Yan, didn't you have a gift to give Big Brother Gu? Hurry up and take it out!" Ma Chulan reminded her from the side.

Hearing there was a gift, Gu Yang's expression turned to one of astonishment.

To Lu Feng and Ma Chulong, this reaction looked like one of pleasant surprise.

Su Yan took the opportunity to take out the peace talisman given by the old Taoist.

"For me?" Gu Yang confirmed with her once more.

Su Yan had previously given him a similar talisman; he hadn't expected it to be another one this time.

"Yes. Remember to keep it on you," Su Yan instructed solemnly.

Gu Yang's eyes flickered, his thoughts unknown, as he took it and carefully placed it in his pocket.

Lu Feng watched, completely bewildered.

He had seen girls give all sorts of gifts to their lovers, but this was the first time he had seen someone give a talisman.

That should be a talisman, right?

"Haha, I didn't expect Sister-in-law's tastes to be so different from ordinary girls."

Su Yan naturally wouldn't explain, but Ma Chulan spoke up blithely: "Big Brother Lu, don't look down on peace talismans; they can save your life at critical moments. And this peace talisman of Su Yan's was obtained by trading two gold bars."

In fact, she had undersold it; besides the two gold bars, there were also several hundred yuan in cash.

Lu Feng was dumbfounded, his eyes staring blankly at Su Yan.

A storm rose in his heart; he hadn't expected Gu Yang's little fiancée to be a wealthy person as well.

Is the lifestyle of people outside so prosperous nowadays?

Gu Yang frowned upon hearing this; even for him, two gold bars were not something one could just produce casually.

Su Yan coughed lightly. "She's teasing you. How could I possibly have that many gold bars?"

Hearing her say this, Ma Chulan realized she had said too much and began to giggle.

"I just wanted to make sure Big Brother Gu doesn't think the talisman is cheap. The gift is light, but the sentiment is heavy."

It was a fairly perfect explanation.

"How could that be? As long as it's from Yan Yan, I like it," Gu Yang said from the bottom of his heart.

He had originally thought Su Yan would deliberately keep her distance from him, but he hadn't expected her to give him such a huge surprise. He was truly too happy for words.

Su Yan breathed a secret sigh of relief in her heart.

She hoped this peace talisman would never have to be used.

"I'm also going to the restroom."

"I'll go with you," Gu Yang prepared to stand up.

"No need, you should eat with everyone," Su Yan said before leaving the table.

Watching the two of them acting so "lovey-dovey," Lu Feng revealed a relieved smile, like that of a proud father.

When Su Yan walked into the restroom, Liu Yiyi was standing in front of the mirror touching up her makeup.

Upon seeing her, one corner of Liu Yiyi's mouth curled up slightly.

"Little sister, I heard you and Editor-in-Chief Gu have a childhood engagement?"

Su Yan looked at her through the mirror. "Yes."

Liu Yiyi's gaze lingered on the side of her face, her smile gradually widening. "You're so young, you probably don't even know what a man is. Have you ever kissed Editor-in-Chief Gu?"

Su Yan hadn't expected her to ask so directly and froze for a moment.

Liu Yiyi had already obtained her answer from her reaction. In the next second, her voice was filled with boasting, "So you haven't. Editor-in-Chief Gu's kissing skills are quite good; I suggest you try it if you get the chance."

(End of Chapter)