Chapter 40: Back to the Old House

Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

Shu Pan returned to her father’s rental house and saw his increasingly white hair. She couldn’t help but feel a surge of sadness, knowing that her father was worried about debt and feeling guilty for burdening herself.

No matter how much Shu Pan tried to console him, she still blamed herself.

“Panpan, we need to discuss something with you,” Auntie Lu suddenly said with a serious expression.

“What is it, Auntie Lu?” Shu Pan asked nervously, thinking that something significant had happened.

“Your father and I have discussed it. We plan to return to our hometown. The scenery there is beautiful, and it’s quieter. It’s suitable for your father’s recovery, and we won’t need to rent a house, which saves money. The old house is still there, just needs some tidying up before we can live in it. Besides, the transportation is convenient.”

“How can that be? If something happens to you, what am I supposed to do? Renting a house here doesn’t cost much, so you don’t need to worry about money,” Shu Pan became anxious. She couldn’t leave them right now as she needed to take care of them, and she couldn’t immediately go back with them due to her work and other responsibilities.

“It’s alright, we will take care of ourselves. Don’t worry. I just need to focus on recovering my health, and Auntie Lu will take care of me. You can come back to visit us whenever you have time. It’s just a three-hour drive,” her father added. He felt that staying here was a burden to Shu Pan, and he also wanted a change of environment as he was easily recognized by acquaintances when he went out. He wanted to start fresh.

Shu Pan’s hometown was a small town near Bin City, about a three-hour drive away. It had beautiful scenery and was a famous tourist destination, which had developed even more in recent years.

When Shu Pan’s grandmother was alive, they used to go back frequently. After her grandmother passed away, they stayed in Bin City.

Seeing that her father and Auntie Lu had already made up their minds, Shu Pan reluctantly agreed but insisted that she would accompany them on a trip back. She couldn’t leave without ensuring their well-being.

Finally, they nodded in agreement. After having dinner at home, Shu Pan went back to her own house.

When she arrived home, it was only 2 p.m., so Gu Shaoting wouldn’t be there. As expected, there was food prepared on the dining table, probably Sister Zhang assuming she would come home for lunch.

As she passed by the bedroom door, she noticed a branded suitcase placed next to the dressing room. Shu Pan suddenly felt melancholic, thinking about the times when they were on good terms, and she used to help him pack his luggage before every trip. Now? They were practically strangers.

Suddenly, the doorbell interrupted Shu Pan’s thoughts. She walked over and opened the door, only to see Gu Shaoting’s secretary, Zhang, standing outside.

“Madam, I’m here to help Mr. Gu with his luggage. He’s going on a business trip,” Zhang stated the purpose without waiting for Shu Pan to speak.

“Alright, come in. It’s in the dressing room,” Shu Pan opened the door and let Zhang in to retrieve the luggage.

She turned and poured herself a glass of water in the kitchen, gazing at the warm sunlight outside, which alleviated some of her gloom. Now she could only go with the flow. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t change her relationship with Gu Shaoting.

Her only focus now was taking good care of herself, protecting her child, and looking after her family.

After Zhang left, she remained standing there, her thoughts in disarray.

Shu Pan walked into the study, prepared her professional books and some drawing tools, and decided to end her leave and return to work. Her current goal was to work, earn money, and support her family. The once carefree princess now had to face reality, deal with the necessities of life, and embrace the mundane aspects of everyday living.