newbobooks Chapter 719 Those who are alive must always look forward...
Chapter 719 Those who are alive must always look forward...
From this perspective, Master Gu's words were not exaggerated at all.
Although his motives were impure, mixed with the intention of paving the way for his grandson's future, he did put his heart into choosing a husband for his granddaughter.
The anger in Chu Ruohan's heart completely dissipated.
She waved her hand, signaling Haitang to unfurl the scroll.
The painting depicts a scholar in a blue robe, with black hair and a jade crown, and handsome features. Although it is just a traditional ink painting, one can still glimpse his gentle and refined demeanor.
"He's a good kid," Chu Ruohan commented softly.
She thought of Gu Lanxin's gentle and compliant nature. If she were to marry such a knowledgeable and reasonable husband, and live a peaceful and stable life, it would not be a bad match.
As for that elusive "mutual understanding," as Master Gu said, it's something that can only be encountered by chance, not sought after. Lanxin is indeed too old to wait.
Chu Ruohan rolled up the scroll again and placed it aside, already having made up her mind.
Forcing her is absolutely not an option, but creating an opportunity for Lanxin to see and feel for herself might help her resolve her inner conflict.
"Go and find out which bookstore this young master Wang frequents most often," Chu Ruohan instructed.
“Yes, Wenyuan Pavilion.” Haitang was clearly prepared. “He often meets with several friends in the private room on the second floor of Wenyuan Pavilion to enjoy tea and discuss philosophy.”
"Very good." A faint smile finally appeared on Chu Ruohan's lips.
She stood up and said, "Go and call Lan-jie. Tell her I'm feeling bored and want her to come with me for a stroll so we can pick out some interesting stories to cheer me up."
Half an hour later, a low-key yet luxurious carriage stopped in front of the Wenyuan Pavilion.
Chu Ruohan helped Gu Lanxin out of the car and looked up at the antique building.
"Let's go, accompany your aunt inside to take a look." She said to Gu Lanxin with a smile, her tone so natural that there was no hint of anything amiss.
Gu Lanxin was puzzled, assuming that her aunt was just bored, so she obediently nodded and accompanied her inside.
The Wenyuan Pavilion is filled with the fragrance of ink, and the bookshelves on the first floor are filled with all kinds of books.
Chu Ruohan casually flipped through the pages, but her gaze subtly swept towards the stairs leading to the second floor.
“Lanxin,” she picked up a travelogue and asked casually, “what do you think is the most important thing for a woman when she gets married?”
Gu Lanxin was surprised that she would ask this question suddenly. Her cheeks flushed slightly. She lowered her head and thought for a moment before answering softly, "A young lady doesn't understand these important matters. She just feels that if two people can respect each other and support each other, that's good."
"Well said." Chu Ruohan nodded approvingly. "Then, between character and family background, which do you think is more important?"
“It’s his character, of course,” Gu Lanxin replied without hesitation.
Chu Ruohan smiled; that was exactly what she wanted to hear.
She took Gu Lanxin's hand and slowly walked towards the stairs, lowering her voice as if they were chatting casually.
"I've inquired about the family your grandfather recommended. Their character and talent are top-notch."
Gu Lanxin paused, her face draining of color. She looked at Chu Ruohan with some unease: "Auntie..."
"Don't be afraid." Chu Ruohan patted her hand reassuringly, her gaze gentle yet firm. "I'm not here to force you."
"I just feel that since they are good in every way, it is disrespectful to them and irresponsible to ourselves to reject them without even taking a look."
"Today, I'll show you around."
Chu Ruohan lowered her voice even further, with a hint of cunning.
“He was in a private room on the second floor, and we were downstairs, just looking at him from afar. He couldn’t see us, but we could see him clearly.”
"If you find it agreeable, we can make further plans. If you don't, then if anyone brings it up again, your aunt will be the first to refuse. How about that?"
Gu Lanxin was at a loss after being half-comforting and half-encouraging from Chu Ruohan's words.
She could only pull him along and hide him behind a row of tall bookshelves.
The location is excellent, offering a perfect view of the staircase leading from the second floor to the first, yet passing guests rarely notice them in the shadows of the bookshelves.
"They're here," Chu Ruohan whispered in her ear.
Gu Lanxin stiffened and subconsciously raised her head.
On the stairs, several young scholars were walking down, chatting and laughing.
The man in the lead wore a simple indigo robe, his dark hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, and he had a tall and handsome figure.
He was listening intently to his companion, a gentle smile playing on his lips, his eyes clear, and his whole being exuding a calm, scholarly air.
With just one glance, Gu Lanxin knew that what her aunt had said was true.
He was indeed a gentleman of impeccable character and integrity.
Chu Ruohan kept observing Gu Lanxin's expression and felt somewhat relieved when she saw that Gu Lanxin did not show any disgust or resistance.
She nudged Gu Lanxin with her elbow. "How was it? Your aunt wasn't lying to you, was she? With such talent and looks, she's one of the best in the entire capital."
Gu Lanxin withdrew her gaze, her long eyelashes drooping down, concealing all the emotions in her eyes.
She twisted the handkerchief in her hand so hard that her knuckles turned white, and after a long while, she managed to squeeze out a few words from her throat.
"He's... fine."
Upon hearing this, Chu Ruohan finally smiled genuinely, "Since you think it's good, then..."
“But Lanxin is not good.” Gu Lanxin interrupted her abruptly, her voice pleading. “Aunt, it’s Lanxin’s fault. Lanxin is not worthy of such a good person as Young Master Wang.”
Chu Ruohan's smile froze.
She frowned slightly, looking at Gu Lanxin with incomprehension, "What nonsense are you talking about? Our Lanxin is well-educated, gentle, and virtuous. How could she not be a good match for him?"
"I..." Gu Lanxin's lips moved, her face as pale as paper.
She watched as the young master Wang downstairs bowed goodbye to his classmates, and watched him walk out of the bookstore with gentle elegance. His tall and straight back was as beautiful as a painting.
But her heart ached as if it were being cut by a knife.
“Aunt.” Gu Lanxin finally made up her mind. She turned around, tears welling up in her eyes, but she stubbornly refused to let them fall. “Please don’t worry about me anymore.”
My heart is already full.
She spoke with all her might, each word distinct and deliberate: "There's no room for a second person."
Chu Ruohan had considered countless possibilities, including Lanxin's shyness, hesitation, and excuses, but she never imagined that the answer would be like this.
Chu Ruohan thought she still harbored feelings for her deceased fiancé, and couldn't help but feel sorry for her. But the living must always move forward...