Gorgeous Female Tenants

Chapter 152: Self-Awareness

Gu Xiangyi did not push away Xu Xiangbei’s hand. Instead, she rested her head gently on his shoulder, like a little girl acting spoiled, "Okay, I want a three-layer cake. I can eat a whole layer by myself."

"Wow, you can eat that much? I might have to reconsider marrying you so you don’t eat me into poverty."

The ripples on the water created a pleasant sound, blending with the joyous laughter of Gu Xiangyi and Xu Xiangbei, like a melodious celestial tune drifting into the distance.

On their way back to Spring Villa, Gu Xiangyi and Xu Xiangbei bought a large three-layer cake, which barely fit in the trunk.

When they got home, they were surprised to find a large cake box already on the table. Although it wasn’t as exquisite as the one they bought, it was also a brand-name cake.

Gu Xiangyi placed the cake on the table with curiosity. She bought the cake herself every year at this time; who put this cake here? Could it be her sister asked Sister Wu to buy it?

As Gu Xiangyi wondered, Sister Wu came over from the kitchen, looking tense, "Miss, the Elders are here."

Upstairs echoed the hearty laughter of her grandfather, Gu Mingchun. It seemed like a long time since she’d heard him laugh so happily. Gu Xiangyi quickly walked to the staircase to greet her grandfather.

A handsome and trendy young man escorted Gu Mingchun down the stairs. Gu Mingchun, leaning on a cane, beamed and said, "Xiangyi, look who’s here."

Gu Xiangyi was startled, and after a moment, she responded, "Cousin, you’ve returned from America?"

"Cousin, you didn’t expect me, did you? I just arrived in Jiangcheng yesterday and heard it’s your birthday today, so our whole family came to celebrate."

Aunt Sun Xiaoli and Aunt Shang Xiaorong came down the stairs chattering away, looking disdainful. They had accidentally walked into Xu Xiangbei’s bedroom earlier and were shocked by the mess inside.

No one usually remembers her birthday, but today, her grandfather actually brought the whole family to celebrate it. Gu Xiangyi felt a wave of emotion, almost bringing tears to her eyes.

"Grandpa, Cousin, Aunts, have a seat on the sofa. You bought a cake too."

Aunt Sun Xiaoli flashed a look of disdain, "Ah Jie insisted on buying a cake for your birthday. I told him young people today don’t even eat cake for birthdays. Even a college graduate from America is so traditional."

Shang Xiaorong chimed in, "Ah Jie is really a good kid. He graduated from an American university and still remembers his cousin. That’s really nice of him."

Gu Xiangyi didn’t see her uncles and asked curiously, "Where’s Uncle and Second Uncle? Didn’t they come?"

Gu Jie smiled and explained, "I came back last night. My dad and Second Uncle had a drink with me, and they overdid it. They’re still sleeping it off."

Gu Xiangyi nodded understandingly and smiled, "Cousin’s return must have made Uncle so happy; it’s only natural they drank too much."

Elder Gu saw Xu Xiangbei, smiling warmly as he extended his hand, "Divine Doctor Xu, long time no see. We’re guests here; hope we’re not a bother."

Seeing the family celebrating the Gu Family Sisters’ birthdays, Gu Xiangyi looked visibly better. Xu Xiangbei was overjoyed and laughed, "Of course not, you’re very welcome."

Gu Mingchun introduced his grandson Gu Jie, "Ah Jie, this is Divine Doctor Xu. He’s the one who treated me. Divine Doctor Xu, this is my grandson, Ah Jie, who has just graduated from university in America."

Xu Xiangbei thought to himself, they say he’s a muddleheaded one, but he looks sharp and isn’t bad-looking. But with every gesture, he still seems like a playboy without much talent.

Since he’s Gu Xiangyi’s cousin, Xu Xiangbei smiled and extended his hand, "So you’re the cousin, nice to meet you."

Gu Jie did not extend his hand, arrogantly nodding, "Doctor Xu, hello. In America, we don’t shake hands, so I won’t shake hands with you."

Xu Xiangbei was secretly displeased: No matter what, I saved your grandfather. Just because you came back from America doesn’t mean you’re superior. You can’t even shake hands arrogantly. With that attitude, this kid is no good.

Sun Xiaoli glanced at Xu Xiangbei with contempt, "This house is too small, inconveniencing our Xiangyi and Xinyan."

Shang Xiaorong sang in tandem with Sun Xiaoli, "And it’s dirty and messy. The second floor isn’t fit for living."

Xu Xiangbei was displeased, thinking, what did I ever do to you? Why do you care if my place is messy or not?

Seeing Xu Xiangbei looking unhappy, Sun Xiaoli quickly shifted her focus, giving the Gu Family Sisters a disapproving look, "Nowadays, young girls are incredible; without parents’ guidance, they just can’t manage, living with improper people..."

Hearing the two aunts talking nonsense, Gu Xiangyi and Gu Xinyan’s faces turned cold, and the atmosphere in the living room became awkward.

Elder Gu also found the daughter’s-in-law’s words too harsh, glaring at Sun Xiaoli and the others, making them too scared to continue speaking.

Sister Wu, having prepared the food and wine, set it neatly on the dining table, "Master, Young Master, Miss, come eat, everything’s ready."

Xu Xiangbei carried Gu Xinyan downstairs from the third floor, wanting to push her wheelchair to the dining room, but he was stopped by Gu Jie.

Gu Jie, with a cold demeanor, asked, "Doctor Xu, did you borrow my Ferrari?"

Xu Xiangbei squinted his eyes, aware that trouble was brewing.

"That’s right."

Gu Jie’s eyes were filled with hostility, arrogantly saying, "When you borrow something, you have to return it. You haven’t forgotten, have you?"

Xu Xiangbei thought to himself, I saved your grandfather and found investment for your family, yet you’re getting weird with me over a car. I really want to punch him, but remembering it’s Gu Xiangyi’s birthday, he didn’t want to ruin her mood.

He smiled, pointing to the keys on the coffee table, "Your car, you can take it back. The keys are on the coffee table; I never said I wouldn’t return it. It’s just that your dad lent it to me for some fun."

Gu Jie took the Ferrari key from the table without hesitation, "You have a good sense of knowing the Ferrari isn’t yours, but borrowed. That at least makes you smart."

Xu Xiangbei silently cursed: You little brat, if it weren’t for Gu Xiangyi, I’d have kicked you out by now.

A cold hand grasped Xu Xiangbei’s big hand, quenching his anger.

Gu Xinyan, blushing and looking a bit anxious, said, "He’s just like that. He’s the legitimate grandson and spoiled; Brother Xiangbei, don’t mind him."

Xu Xiangbei squatted in front of Gu Xinyan and playfully tapped her pretty nose, "Don’t worry, I have the patience of a saint. Of course, I won’t stoop to his level. First, happy birthday to you, Fairy Sister. Did you slack off while we were away?"

Gu Xinyan, seeing Xu Xiangbei remaining cheerful and wishing her a happy birthday, smiled happily and lifted her white skirt to reveal a red and swollen knee. Her legs were pale and smooth, making the swelling more noticeable, "See if I slacked off."