Group Pet Eldest Lady, She Just Wants To Be A Salted Fish

Chapter 43 Part 1 一 The only brother fell off the horse!

Elder Qi’s 75th birthday banquet was more grand than usual, and many people attended.

After a few polite words from Elder Qi, the influential figures, socialites, and rich heirs gathered together for a chat. The older generation mingled and entertained each other, while Ruan Liuyu stood side by side with Qi Zhiyan’s mother, not knowing what they were talking about, both with smiles on their faces.

Ruan Yōu followed Gu Fuchen to the gift registration area to present their gift.

Thinking about the inquiries from the socialites earlier and seeing that everyone was giving antique calligraphy and paintings, precious tea leaves, teapots, and similar items, enough to host an antique exhibition, Ruan Yōu, who had been confident in her gift, felt a slight panic.

She had a feeling of “everyone in the class is diligently doing their homework except her.”

“Brother,” she tugged at Gu Fuchen’s sleeve.

Gu Fuchen’s lips curled up slightly, and he glanced down, asking, “What’s wrong?”

“The gift I gave is very cheap. Will Elder Qi be angry?”

“The value of a gift lies in the thought behind it.”

In Gu Fuchen’s mind right now, he was thinking:

一 My sister is willing to give them things, which is already good enough. As long as it’s a gift from my sister, it must be good. Why be picky? What’s there to be picky about?

With Gu Fuchen’s words, all the worries in Ruan Yōu’s heart vanished completely. She confidently gave the gift to the Qi family.

Just after giving the gift and wanting to talk to Lu Xuan about investment projects, the Qi family butler approached. He stepped aside and respectfully said, “Young Master Gu, Miss Gu, Elder Qi would like to meet Miss Gu, and Mrs. Ruan is also there.”

In the front left side of the living room, half of the six prominent wealthy families, Jiang Huai and Mr. Jiang, Lu Xuan, Fu Jiazhan’s mother, Wen Juxi and Father Wen, were present.

When Ruan Yōu arrived, she overheard Lu Xuan complaining to Elder Qi.

“My dad’s been having back pain lately, so he went with my mom to a warmer place down south. My brother is busy again, so I’m the only one at home. I have to take care of everything, big and small. It’s so painful.” Lu Xuan pouted and complained seriously, “When you see the gift I brought for you later, even if you don’t like it, please don’t report it to them, Grandpa Qi.”

“Even if the little princess comes empty-handed, no one dares to report anything.” Mother Fu teased her.

Elder Qi nodded approvingly, “I heard you’ve been helping your brother with the company recently? That’s a good thing. Girls shouldn’t always be preoccupied with love and relationships. It’s not appropriate for girls to be in love…”

Seeing that Lu Xuan was about to be criticized again, she quickly changed the subject, “Ruan Yōu is here, it’s her. She helped me invest and we made a lot of money.”

Everyone’s gaze instantly fell on Ruan Yōu, who had just arrived and stood still.

Ruan Yōu and Lu Xuan exchanged a cool glance.

Lu Xuan naturally had a chubby face. When she smiled, there was a slight plumpness, giving her a sweet and endearing appearance. She secretly shook her hand behind Ruan Yōu’s back and whispered, “You helped me this time, I’ll help you fend off knives at your banquet next time.”

Ruan Yōu didn’t say anything but silently agreed.

Gu Fuchen took the lead and called out, “Elder Qi.” She realized it and quickly followed suit.

Ruan Liuyu stood on her right side, with Gu Fuchen on her left. With two powerful protectors on either side, Ruan Yōu felt a strong sense of security.

Mother Fu couldn’t help but suppress her laughter.

Elder Qi could easily see Ruan Liuyu’s protective mood towards her cub and kept praising Ruan Yōu.

“So your name is Ruan Yōu, right? Not bad, it’s a nice name, you look good, and when you smile, it’s festive and sincere, very genuine.”

The more Elder Qi praised, the prouder Ruan Liuyu and Gu Fuchen became, frequently giving each other joyful signals.

一Keep going, keep going, give us more.

There was no trace of joy on their faces, as they maintained their usual “seriousness” in front of others.

Elder Qi: …

Elder Qi was at a loss for words, pondered for a while, and added, “I heard… you’re quite good at spending money?”

Ruan Yōu raised an eyebrow.

Is that also a good thing?

Elder Qi looked at Ruan Yōu, a spirited elderly person with white hair, and rested his hand on the mahogany armchair. “I heard you have many fans online?”

Lu Xuan nodded like a pecking chicken, afraid that Ruan Yōu might feel embarrassed meeting the elders for the first time, so she took the initiative to talk about the past. “Yes, yes, Sister Yōuyōu used to be a star, she was amazing. Now there are many fans waiting for her return online.”

“Star…” Elder Qi contemplated, mentioning the word “star” suddenly reminded him of something. “Did the child from the Yu family next door also become a star?”

Lu Xuan knew that he was referring to Yu Chi, whom Sister Yōuyōu disliked, and she didn’t like her either, so she didn’t respond.

Gu Fuchen and Ruan Liuyu’s expressions instantly turned cold.

Ruan Yōu, on the other hand, remained indifferent.

Just now, the halo of the protagonist had descended, and the plot master naturally had to pave the way for the protagonist. Even if Lu Xuan didn’t mention the star, and Elder Qi didn’t bring it up, there were still a hundred and eighty ways to make someone talk about him.

After Elder Qi finished speaking, his expression became slightly complicated. He didn’t know why he suddenly mentioned the Yu family.

The relationship between the Qi family and the Yu family had always been lukewarm, neither too cold nor too warm, not to the extent of him actively caring about the Yu family’s child. But since the words had been spoken, someone naturally had to continue the conversation.

Mr. Jiang: “Yu Chi? She came today and brought you a generous gift.”

Since it was said like that, the Qi family butler naturally had to invite her over.

Yu Chi’s father also came along with Yu Chi.

It was probably assumed that if they sent a gift tonight, the contract would be finalized. Even the special assistant came, but for now, they were waiting in the lounge outside.

Yu Chi obediently held a mahogany box and said, “Grandpa Qi, I heard that you particularly like Mr. Jiang Yun’s1 ink treasures, so I brought this landscape painting. I hope you will like it.”

Indeed, Elder Qi deeply loved Jiang Yun’s works, which were not widely circulated nowadays. He didn’t have the energy to search for them, but now on his birthday, he naturally felt joyous. As he accepted the landscape painting, his gaze repeatedly observed Yu Chi, filled with admiration.

Ruan Liuyu and Gu Fuchen naturally knew about the relationship between this female star and their sister.

Especially Gu Fuchen, who had once mocked her with a drone, saying her live broadcast with Cheng Guyuan won’t become popular. Gu Fuchen believed he didn’t speak falsely, as his sister’s investment in variety shows had outstanding results. Who would still watch the variety show with Yu Chi, Cheng Guyuan, and the girl who impersonated his sister?

The fact was, it didn’t become popular indeed.

Gu Fuchen didn’t particularly like this person, and his expression became even more unpleasant upon hearing Elder Qi’s praise.

Praising someone who had bullied his sister in front of her?

Who could endure that?

Ruan Liuyu is dominant both at home and outside. When she is at home, Gu Youqian always listens to her, never allowing herself to be treated this way, let alone letting her daughter be wronged.

After Yu Chi suppressed her excitement and stood aside. Father Yu nodded with satisfaction, and Ruan Liuyu suddenly spoke up, “Elder Qi, you said something right just now.”

Elder Qi, who was admiring the painting presented by Yu Chi, paused slightly and asked, “Which sentence?”

“Girls shouldn’t always be preoccupied with love and relationships.”

At this point, Elder Qi had a lot to say. He subconsciously glanced at his granddaughter, Qi Zhiyan, no longer in the mood admiring the painting, and quickly had the butler put away the painting. He pretended to be casual and said, “Do you agree with that?”

“Of course.” Ruan Liuyu chuckled. “A few days ago, when we just returned home, gossip reporters spread rumors that our Yōuyōu had fallen for someone. But that’s impossible. That person looks average and has a poor background. He even pretended to be in a fake relationship on some love variety show with someone else. Our Yōuyōu would never like someone like that.”

Ruan Yōu raised an eyebrow in surprise as she looked at her mother.

Can she say that in front of others?

Clearly unaware that the man Ruan Liuyu was talking about was Cheng Guyuan, Elder Qi fully agreed with Ruan Liuyu’s words. “Yes, his character is average, if he doesn’t uphold the virtues of a man, it’s not good enough.”

Yu Chi’s face instantly darkened.

Jiang Huai, Lu Xuan, and Qi Zhiyan had heard about this matter to varying degrees, and they looked at Ruan Liuyu with a mix of astonishment and admiration.

Ruan Liuyu turned to Gu Fuchen and asked, “What are those celebrity couples called? I heard they even found a body double to develop their careers together, attempting to replace Yōuyōu’s position in everyone’s hearts. Yōuyōu has been away from home for so long, we can’t let her be wronged.”

Gu Fuchen’s face showed a difficult expression, remaining silent.

How could Mother Fu not know about the conflict between her good friend, Ruan Liuyu, and Gu Fuchen? She reluctantly gave them an opportunity to save face: “What’s the matter? You’re the older brother, and you should protect your younger sister outside. If anyone finds out that she can be bullied by anyone, how can she establish herself in the wealthy family?”

Jiang Huai and Lu Xuan glanced at each other, struggling to hold back their laughter.

Incredible, they were truly incredible!

Gu Fuchen had no choice but to say, “That celebrity happens to be here, and the other person is named Cheng Guyuan, the youngest son of the Cheng family from the neighboring city.”

Once these words were spoken, those who understood, understood.

Ruan Liuyu suddenly realized and reprimanded lightly, “It’s better not to mention it then.”

Gu Fuchen nodded repeatedly.

Their performance was clear to everyone.

Yu Chi and Father Yu showed no signs of happiness on their faces. They were quietly escorted out by the butler, and Elder Qi also stopped tasting the tea, asking someone to return the painting to them.

As Yu Chi left, Ruan Liuyu was still saying, “To succeed in our careers, we must choose the right path. It’s not acceptable for anyone to bully us.”

Mother Fu chimed in, “That’s right.”

When Yu Chi and Father Yu left, her protagonist halo seemed to have shattered for a moment and disappeared in an instant.

Ruan Yōu turned around and looked at her energetic brother and her mother, whose face was gentle but wouldn’t allow any compromise, feeling warm in her heart.

She secretly held her mother’s hand, never expecting to be protected so openly by her mother.

They wouldn’t let her suffer the slightest grievance.

Not even a little bit.

Ruan Liuyu smiled and tightened her grip on Ruan Yōu’s hand.

“Elder Qi, the gift from the Gu family is no less than that painting. You will like it,” Ruan Liuyu added.

Elder Qi helplessly glanced at her and made a firm two-finger gesture.

“You said it. If it’s not, compensate me with two paintings.”

“Compensate with as many paintings as you want.”

What’s important is not the painting, but Elder Qi’s attitude.

After Yu Chi and Father Yu were asked to leave the main hall, they kept making phone calls to friends, helping to establish a connection with Elder Qi.

Father Yu paced anxiously in the rest lounge, occasionally scolding her from time to time: “If only you hadn’t entered the entertainment industry, none of this would have happened!”

Yu Chi apologized obediently on the surface, but the gloom in her eyes grew stronger.

Her father was a useless person.

The prosperity of the Yu family today relied entirely on the efforts of the previous generation. Why should the family’s enterprises be in the hands of her brother and her incompetent father?

If given the chance, she could be of great use.

In the main hall, Elder Qi didn’t chat for long before retiring upstairs.

His granddaughter remained as indifferent as ever. Elder Qi sighed, having long gotten used to it. If anyone was to blame, it would be his son and daughter-in-law for pushing her in this direction and leaving her abroad all this time. How could there be any family affection?

Back in the master bedroom, the butler asked if he wanted to unpack tonight’s birthday gift.

Elder Qi was tired and wanted to sleep. He initially wanted to refuse but then thought of something. “Bring Ruan Yōu’s gift.”

They say she knows how to spend money, and Elder Qi was quite curious about how much she would spend on his birthday.

As for the others, it would either be antique calligraphy and paintings or other antiques. Elder Qi had seen the same thing every year on his birthday and was already tired of it.

Five minutes later, the butler brought up a small gift box.

Cute pink wrapping paper with a bow tied on it. The butler explained, “For birthdays, we usually use this kind of packaging.”

It’s not like the gift boxes they use now, made of redwood or something.

Elder Qi nodded and waved for the butler to bring the gift over.