Closing the Door

"It's alright." Gu Luo waved his hand with a smile.

Just as expected.

Since he had already sensed it coming and mentally prepared himself, he wasn’t too surprised by the situation.

Meanwhile, Gu Ximan turned her head away and secretly pursed her lips.

Hmph, my brother must be over the moon right now.

But who would’ve thought that one day we’d end up in the same family as a celebrity?

Even if she’s a retired one.

"Come with us," Luo Shuning said, her eyes curving into crescents, her voice brimming with unconcealable joy.

"Sure." Gu Luo nodded.

None of the four showed excessive surprise at the situation.

Once they realized they were all heading to Tianshui Restaurant, they had already suspected this strange connection.

Gu Luo and Luo Shuning walked in the middle of the group.

With a slight tilt of his head, he could faintly catch the delicate fragrance emanating from her.

The scent was light and elegant.

It was soothing.

"What a coincidence," Luo Shuning broke the silence first, smiling brightly.

"Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Luo Shuning, born in November 2036, a second-year student at Guangya Academy."

"I’m Gu Luo, born in April 2036, studying at Caizhou Academy, also a second-year." After introducing himself, Gu Luo noticed Gu Ximan beside him seemed distracted, so he gently patted her shoulder.

Gu Ximan snapped back to attention and quickly added, "I’m Gu Ximan, born in April 2037, eighteen years old. Like my... like my brother, I study at Caizhou Academy—just a first-year."

Then, the three of them turned their gazes toward Luo Shuhe, who had remained silent.

Luo Shuhe slightly lifted her chin, her eyes locking directly onto Gu Luo. The moment their gazes met, she spoke in a cool, detached tone:

"Luo Shuhe."

Under her stare, Gu Luo instinctively averted his eyes, nodding politely.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that this stepsister of his was... odd.

He’d sensed it from the moment they first met.

Seeing Gu Luo’s lack of reaction, Luo Shuhe shifted her gaze to the window.

"Sorry, elder brother. Shuhe has always been like this—not very expressive," Luo Shuning apologized, already naturally addressing Gu Luo as "elder brother."

"It’s fine."

This was the first time someone had addressed him with such respectful deference, and it felt... nice.

But compared to that, Gu Ximan’s usual "stupid old brother" still felt more familiar.

Luo Shuning continued, "Shuhe was born two minutes after me. We also have a younger sister, Luo Shuling, but she has a club activity today, so she might arrive a little later. I hope you don’t mind, elder brother."

"It’s fine." Gu Luo casually took the opportunity to ask, "I heard Guangya Academy has a lot of clubs and even holds public performances every year."

"That’s right! And this year’s school festival is happening earlier than usual. Many clubs will be performing. If you’re interested, elder brother, you and Ximan should come watch." Luo Shuning beamed as she extended the invitation.

"Sure."

Gu Luo nodded, but out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Gu Ximan suddenly lower her head, her expression slightly off. Concerned, he whispered,

"What’s wrong?"

"I’m... I’m fine." Gu Ximan forced a smile.

But the truth was, the moment she heard "Guangya Academy," especially knowing Gu Luo was somewhat familiar with the school, a pang of bitterness twisted inside her.

Unwanted thoughts surfaced in her mind—if it weren’t for her...

"Is little sister feeling unwell?" Luo Shuning, perceptive as ever, noticed Gu Ximan’s discomfort. She stepped around Gu Luo and gently placed a hand on Gu Ximan’s forehead.

Thankfully, her temperature was normal—no fever.

"I’m fine, thank you." Gu Ximan shook her head lightly, trying to appear unaffected.

............

Tianshui Restaurant, the most prestigious high-end dining establishment in Caizhou, was renowned for its exorbitant prices and luxurious atmosphere.

It wasn’t uncommon for minor celebrities or musicians to be invited for live performances.

Since it wasn’t yet six o’clock, the four of them weren’t in a hurry to head to their private room. Instead, they lingered in the main hall, quietly appreciating the violinist on stage.

The performer was exceptionally skilled, her movements fluid and precise.

Only the most talented could grace that stage, and the melodious notes flowed through the hall like a gentle stream.

As Gu Luo enjoyed the music, his gaze occasionally drifted toward Luo Shuning beside him.

More accurately, toward Luo Shuning without her mask.

Only now did he truly understand how breathtaking beauty could be.

Luo Shuning’s beauty was pure and ethereal, evoking not a single impure thought.

"Celestial" might be a more fitting description.

Now he realized why she wore a mask—it wasn’t just to avoid being recognized by overzealous fans.

The main reason was that with her looks, she’d instantly become the center of attention wherever she went.

And that was without considering the fact that she was part of an eye-catching set of triplets.

Time slipped by unnoticed.

Then, a middle-aged man’s voice called out from behind them.

"Xiao Luo, Xiao Man."

Gu Feng, dressed in a sharp tailored suit and carrying a ladies’ handbag, waved at them with a bright smile.

The suit was impeccably fitted, its fabric clearly high-end.

Beside him stood a stunning woman with voluminous wavy hair, dressed in fashionable attire. Her expression was cold, and an air of unapproachable authority surrounded her.

Their stepmother—Luo Liang.

Luo Shuning and her sisters looked almost like carbon copies of her.

A family of beauties.

But in terms of demeanor, Luo Shuhe and Luo Liang were more alike—both icy and aloof.

"Mother." Luo Shuning stood up first, greeting Luo Liang respectfully before turning to Gu Feng with equal politeness. "Hello, Uncle."

"Hello." Gu Feng nodded with a smile, his eyes sweeping over the four youngsters with visible satisfaction. "Seems like you’re getting along well."

"We are. Elder brother has been very kind to us." Luo Shuning’s smile was flawless.

After exchanging greetings and small talk, Luo Liang suddenly asked, "Where’s Shuling?"

Her voice was calm, yet it carried an inexplicable weight.

"Mother, Shuling has a club activity today. She’ll be here soon," Luo Shuning answered softly.

Luo Liang said nothing more, turning to walk toward their private room.

The others followed.

"She’s so elegant," Gu Ximan whispered to Gu Luo under her breath.

"Yeah," Gu Luo agreed quietly.

"Why would someone that gorgeous fall for Dad?" Gu Ximan muttered again.

"Who knows? Maybe he’s got some hidden talents."

Once inside the private room, everyone took their seats in order.

Luo Liang naturally took the seat at the head of the table.

Gu Feng, smiling warmly, settled into the chair beside her.

Soon, a server entered the private dining room and poured tea for everyone.

Luo Liang didn’t engage in conversation with the Gu Luo siblings. Instead, she retrieved a tablet from her bag and began tapping lightly on the screen.

Noticing this, the others fell into silence.

An aura of undeniable authority radiated from Luo Liang. Seated at the head of the table, she resembled an aloof queen, commanding both respect and unease.

Even Gu Ximan, who was usually glued to her phone, sat perfectly still in her seat.

Time passed quickly.

Luo Shuning glanced at the clock on the wall, growing increasingly anxious.

Three minutes remained until six o’clock.

But Luo Shuling still hadn’t replied to her messages.

5:58.

5:59.

6:00.

Luo Liang set down her tablet.

Gu Feng, understanding her intention without a word, promptly collected the device for her.

Luo Liang then turned her gaze to the server standing nearby and issued a detached command:

"Close the doors."

.............

.............