After Losing My Memory, My Husband Begged Me to Love Him Again

Chapter 37

Lu Guangcheng was startled at first, instinctively taking a few steps back. After regaining his composure, he felt annoyed that he, as a father, had been frightened by his son.

Fortunately, another commotion from the entrance soon interrupted the potential conflict.

Two female voices could be heard from the foyer. The women seemed to have just returned from shopping, carrying various bags.

Shortly after, Gu Wan saw a well-preserved woman in her early forties, along with a girl who appeared to be a few years younger than herself.

Noticing two unfamiliar faces in the house, and guessing they must be the elder brother and sister-in-law her husband and mother-in-law had mentioned, the girl in her early twenties studied Gu Wan. When Gu Wan returned her gaze, the girl offered a polite and gentle smile.

Gu Wan paused briefly before nodding in response.

She surmised that the woman in her forties must be Lu Yu's stepmother. As for the girl beside her, Gu Wan initially thought she might be the stepmother's niece or some other relative. Although it was New Year's Eve, it seemed odd for relatives to visit at this time. Since Lu Yu's younger brother was reportedly only twenty-two this year, Gu Wan didn't consider other possibilities.

It wasn't until the girl affectionately linked arms with the young man - Lu Yu's brother, Lu Cong - that Gu Wan realized they were a couple. In fact, they had gotten married shortly after Lu Cong's twenty-second birthday, just a few months ago. Gu Wan hadn't heard a word about it, which showed how little regard Lu Yu had for these two, especially his brother. It wasn't so much disdain as treating them like they didn't exist - he hadn't even attended the wedding.

Interestingly, Lu Yu's stepmother seemed quite cordial towards the couple when she saw them.

Probably aware that even Lu Yu's own father couldn't get on his good side, the stepmother didn't attempt to approach that thorny issue. Instead, she turned her attention to Gu Wan, speaking much more pleasantly than Lu Yu's unfortunate father had.

Without being overly familiar, she asked with a hint of concern, "I heard you had a small accident recently. At the time, I wanted to bring your brother-in-law to visit you, but he was busy preparing for his wedding. I hope you don't mind. How are you feeling lately?"

Without waiting for Gu Wan's response, she handed over the first bag she was holding. "By the way, this is your first time meeting your sister-in-law. We happened to see this while shopping at the mall earlier. I hope you like it."

Gu Wan, as the elder sister-in-law, hadn't brought any gifts, yet the stepmother and younger sister-in-law were making such a gesture, not minding the couple's coldness at all.

Old Master Lu said nothing, while Lu Yu's father appeared even angrier than before.

Gu Wan glanced at the seemingly kind woman before her, then at Old Master Lu's expression, and couldn't help but think that Lu Yu's behavior seemed excessively harsh in comparison.

It wasn't that he should try to please his stepmother or siblings, but there was a saying about showing a minimum of courtesy when meeting people. One was distant, the other was right in front of them. No matter how capable or successful Lu Yu was, that was intangible. Old Master Lu might have felt proud before, but as he aged, he likely had fewer such aspirations. If this continued, even the deep bond between Lu Yu and Old Master Lu would eventually wear thin.

Perhaps there was already a problem. Otherwise, given Lu Yu's experiences growing up, how could he wait until the end of the year to visit the old master just once?

However, Gu Wan couldn't possibly bypass Lu Yu to curry favor with others. What would that make her?

So Gu Wan just sighed inwardly, outwardly accepting the luxury brand bag from Lu Yu's stepmother with a faint smile. "It was just a minor car accident. I was discharged after only a few days."

Before the other could inquire further, Gu Wan added, "Thank you, and thanks to my sister-in-law as well."

Hearing this, Lu Yu's stepmother couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.

As for Lu Guangcheng, ever since marrying his current wife, he had been trying to get Lu Yu to call her "mother" or "mom." It wasn't because he particularly valued his wife, but rather as a way to make his son submit.

Besides, she was his lawful wife - wasn't it only right for Lu Yu to call her mother?

Seeing that Gu Wan had used a respectful term, if not the exact one he wanted, he wasn't sure whether to make an issue of it this time.

Lu Yu's stepmother, seemingly unconcerned, quickly approached Old Master Lu with her shopping bags.

Of course, if she had bought something for Gu Wan, she certainly wouldn't forget Old Master Lu, the family patriarch.

From outerwear to socks and shoes, she had thought of everything, showing great thoughtfulness.

Although Old Master Lu still couldn't fully accept this former mistress turned daughter-in-law, and continued to find fault, he considered his own advanced age and that his only son was no longer young. Even if he once felt ashamed, he gradually became less resistant.

However, Old Master Lu's tone remained gruff as he instinctively began to criticize. He complained that the coat's color was too bright, or that the shoes were too stiff and not in a style he liked.

Lu Yu's stepmother showed no sign of anger or annoyance. She listened attentively and even asked which brands the old master preferred, suggesting they could all go shopping together when they had time - herself, her son and daughter-in-law, and her husband.

The old master had no desire to go out with this family, finding it embarrassing. In the end, he just snorted coldly without saying more.

At this point, Gu Wan began to admire the stepmother a little.

How to put it? Wasn't this also a kind of skill?

In contrast, Lu Yu, standing alone to the side, seemed somewhat out of place.

Fortunately, lunchtime soon arrived. Hearing the voice of the family's housekeeper, Old Master Lu abruptly cut off his daughter-in-law's chatter and called for his most valued eldest grandson as he headed towards the dining table.

Lu Yu pressed his lips together and, instead of a cane, offered his arm to support the old man.

Old Master Lu's expression softened considerably, a stark contrast to how he treated Lu Yu's stepmother.

Gu Wan thought surely now Lu Yu's stepmother would be angry, but she showed no trace of resentment in her eyes or actions.

However, Lu Yu's brother, Lu Cong, involuntarily revealed an indignant expression. Though it lasted only a moment, Gu Wan caught it.

At the dining table, Lu Yu sat closest to the old master, with Lu Yu's father on the other side. Even Gu Wan was seated closer to Old Master Lu, while Lu Yu's stepmother was placed even behind Lu Cong.

Even Gu Wan was momentarily speechless at this arrangement.

Yet Lu Yu's stepmother acted as if nothing was amiss. As everyone was halfway through the meal, Old Master Lu, with Lu Yu by his side, became particularly cheerful after a few drinks.

Just as Old Master Lu was in high spirits, Lu Yu's stepmother seemed to say something to the girl beside her. She was seen smiling and patting the girl's hand. As the girl's face turned red with embarrassment, the stepmother stood up and made an announcement to everyone -

The girl, Lu Cong's wife, had been diagnosed as pregnant.

In a few months, the fourth generation of the Lu family - a great-grandchild - would be born.

As the words fell, Old Master Lu's expression went through several changes. Some wine even spilled from his glass, indicating that his inner emotions were far from the indifference he usually displayed.

At his age, money and business were no longer as important. Although his sons had nearly emptied his coffers, Old Master Lu wasn't as concerned about these matters as he had been in his younger days.

As people age, they tend to care more about their relationships with their descendants.

Old Master Lu had long since reached the age where he should be doting on grandchildren. Whenever he saw others with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he couldn't help but feel envious. Although this good news didn't come from his favorite grandson and daughter-in-law, after a moment, the joy eventually overcame other emotions. Old Master Lu immediately gave the girl a card worth several million yuan.

Gu Wan noticed that Lu Yu seemed to be pressing his lips tightly together.

No matter how gifted he was in business, he was no match for his stepmother in this arena.

From everything that had transpired in just over an hour, Gu Wan felt that if he were to lose to his stepmother, it wouldn't be unjustified in the slightest.

Lu Cong's abilities were indeed far inferior to Lu Yu's, so they didn't even try to compete in that aspect. Moreover, their target had never been Lu Yu in the first place.

Knowing that Lu Yu was not to be trifled with, they simply didn't provoke him. Instead, they firmly grasped Old Master Lu, which was enough to secure the Lu family's assets. Otherwise, Lu Cong wouldn't have rushed to get married as soon as he reached the legal age.

This was what Gu Wan had initially thought.

By evening, Gu Wan discovered that this family of four seemed to have plans beyond this.

At that time, Gu Wan was in her room preparing to rest. It was New Year's Eve, and by all rights, everyone should have been gathered together watching the Spring Festival Gala, enjoying the festive atmosphere.

However, Old Master Lu's energy was failing, and by just after nine o'clock, he no longer felt like watching. The relationships between the others were so strained that after the old man went upstairs, they each returned to their own rooms.

But just as Gu Wan reached her room, the housekeeper came knocking on the door. It seemed the old master had something to say to Lu Yu.

Lu Yu quickly left after that.

Just as Gu Wan had finished washing up and was about to check the time, she suddenly heard the room door bang open.

Startled, Gu Wan looked up immediately, only to see Lu Yu standing there.

His expression at that moment was one of profound sorrow, something she had never seen before and had never imagined could appear on his face.

Lu Yu's entire body was shaking uncontrollably, trembling.

Then Gu Wan learned the news that Old Master Lu had decided to transfer his shares in Lu Yu's company to his father, Lu Guangcheng.

It turned out that the old man's initial regard and nurturing of Lu Yu had been genuine.

Now, in his twilight years, unable to let go of his only son, that too was genuine.

No matter how outstanding the grandson or how reckless the son, the son still came first, especially now that the son was about to have a child of his own. With his own health failing and the family fortune long since depleted by his son, the old master couldn't bear the thought of his son's family being left destitute after he passed away.

Old Master Lu had indulged his son for decades; he didn't mind making one last muddle-headed decision.

On the scales of judgment, after long hesitation, Old Master Lu ultimately chose his own son, abandoning Lu Yu.

These matters had shown signs of happening a few years ago, but—

"I thought Grandfather wouldn't go this far," Lu Yu said.

"I know he cares about my father, and I had promised him that I wouldn't truly abandon my father after he's gone. But he doesn't believe my promise and would rather force me like this."

Lu Yu's voice was flat, almost to the point of coldness.

Lu Yu wasn't unaware of his grandfather's changing attitude over the past few years, nor of his cunning stepmother's behind-the-scenes manipulation of his fool of a father, or that his brother Lu Cong was no better. But he had always wanted to believe that the grandfather who had raised him single-handedly still had a place for him in his heart, so he hadn't bothered to deal with it.

Unfortunately, the unwavering confidence that had allowed Lu Yu to remain unmoved was ultimately shattered by Old Master Lu's own hand.

After a long pause, Lu Yu spoke again: "You know, his actions give me the illusion that the reason he raised me was solely so that my father could continue living his luxurious lifestyle after he passes away."

"So, am I just a tool to provide for my father, is that it?"

Gu Wan opened her mouth, but found herself at a loss for words.

She stepped forward and gave him a hug.