Chapter 47 Part 2

Old Master He was chatting with his friends when Zhou Chiyu arrived, drawing the attention of all the elders. His naturally outgoing personality made him at ease; he chatted animatedly with them while eating dessert, his chirping laughter making everyone burst into guffaws.

“Uncle Chen, if you like playing golf, I can take you to our family’s private resort. Then all the grandpas and uncles can come together—I’ll personally serve everyone to enhance the experience.”

Old Master He’s close friend, Elder Chen, took a great liking to Zhou Chiyu. His gaze shifted from initial unfamiliarity to fondness as he kept teasing Zhou Chiyu to talk.

“Oh? With so many of us, how could Little Fish take care of everyone?”

Zhou Chiyu raised his brows. “Of course we can—there’s my brother too.”

At the mention of Gu Yuan, Chairman Chen suddenly said, “I’ve heard some rumors lately—not sure if they’re accurate.”

Old Man Gu: “What rumors?”

Chairman Chen smiled intriguingly. “I heard the Gu family is arranging a marriage with Little Fish?”

“I heard it too.” President Ye held his teacup and chuckled leisurely. “Seems like it started circulating last week.”

As the orphan of the Zhou family, Zhou Chiyu’s marriage naturally drew attention in business circles—he was someone everyone coveted. But he wasn’t of age yet, and with Old Man Gu overseeing things, no one dared approach for a marriage alliance.

“Who does the Gu family want to pair with Little Fish?” Chairman Chen grinned at Zhou Chiyu. “I recall the Gu family doesn’t have any girls around Little Fish’s age. Could it be—”

Chairman Chen mused thoughtfully. “The Xia family and Bai family just got engaged the other day. Rumor has it their young sons took a liking to each other—mutual affection.”

Old Master He smiled faintly and teased, “Songyuan, want to reveal the answer?”

Old Man Gu remained composed. “Just jokes. Little Fish is still young. When it comes to romance in the future, it’ll depend on who he likes.”

Even if Zhou Chiyu wasn’t the sharpest, he could guess the source of this gossip. He looked toward the gossip originator, who was hanging his head and silently peeling a red banana.

Better to stay quiet.

Discussing his own marriage made him a bit shy.

“Little Fish, what kind of girl do you like?” An uncle across from him asked warmly. “Or do you prefer boys?”

“Huh? I-I’m not sure.” Stared at by all these elders, Zhou Chiyu’s cheeks grew hotter. To distract himself, he lowered his head and chewed on fruit.

“How could you not know?” Chairman Chen scrutinized Zhou Chiyu seriously. “Little Fish, have you never dated?”

“Of course not.” Zhou Chiyu straightened his back and replied earnestly. “Grandpa said before I’m of age, I should focus on studies—otherwise, it’s puppy love.”

Old Man Gu chuckled and joked with the crowd, “I never imagined my words would hold such sway over Little Fish.”

“Of course they do.” Zhou Chiyu muttered under his breath. “Except for the ones telling me to eat less—those actually work.”

“Hello, Grandpas, Uncles.” Gu Yuan arrived with the He family young master and sat across from Zhou Chiyu.

The He family young master said, “Grandpa, the theater actors you invited have finished their makeup. The troupe leader reminds everyone we can head to the next hall for the performance.”

Zhou Chiyu looked at the He family young master, his eyes tightening slightly.

This was his first time meeting He Zhao, and he hadn’t expected the He family young master’s looks to rival his brother’s.

He compared them carefully—the two were handsome in different ways.

Gu Yuan’s temperament leaned cool and aloof, while He Zhao was the complete opposite, like a piece of warm, flawless jade—clean and gentle.

“Little Zhao, this is Little Fish.”

Old Master He picked up his tea. “You two haven’t met, it seems.”

“No.” He Zhao nodded at Zhou Chiyu. Seeing the red banana in his hand was finished, he asked proactively, “Little Fish, want more fruit? I’ll get some for you.”

Zhou Chiyu’s fingers gripping the banana peel tightened abruptly, his voice suddenly turning shy. “Thanks, Brother.”

“Hahahaha, Little Fish.” Old Master He burst into laughter. “Little Zhao is a day younger than you.”

“Huh?” Zhou Chiyu tensed up, blood rushing to his head. “I-I didn’t notice.”

“No worries.” A gentle smile rippled in He Zhao’s eyes. “Little Fish calling me Brother is fine. I’d love another cute little brother.”

Zhou Chiyu stared at He Zhao’s smile, feeling a bit embarrassed. Even when He Zhao brought him fruit, his gaze remained awkward.

He seemed to have caught a disease.

The kind where he got nervous around handsome guys.

Gu Yuan watched Zhou Chiyu’s every move, his distinct knuckles tapping lightly on the sofa, a trace of displeasure rising between his brows.

As expected—same reaction to handsome guys from childhood to now.

Zhou Chiyu nibbled at the fruit He Zhao had brought him, fingers clutching the porcelain bowl tightly. That shy smile scorched Gu Yuan’s eyes. He shifted, crossing his long legs, as jealousy surged uncontrollably in his heart.

He told himself Zhou Chiyu was just a looks-obsessed type, only extra interested in handsome guys—like with Zhou Junyi.

Probably in a few days, Zhou Chiyu would forget He Zhao completely.

“Huh?” President Ye’s gaze darted between He Zhao and Zhou Chiyu before he suddenly suggested, “Look at how well Little Fish and Little Zhao match. A marriage alliance between your families would be a joyous occasion.”

The elders all turned to look at the two.