Some Things Must Always Take Precedence

Luo Shuning watched as the private dining room door was gradually closed by the attendant, sighing helplessly in her heart.

Shuling was late again, as expected.

She should have called to remind her earlier.

As the older sister, she hadn’t fulfilled her responsibility properly.

Luo Shuning quietly averted her gaze, stealing a glance at her mother’s expressionless face.

Mother despised people with no sense of punctuality the most.

But perhaps it wouldn’t be a problem in front of their new family members.

"Big bro... not everyone’s here yet, why did they close the door?"

Gu Ximan skillfully employed a ‘secret technique’ honed in school—her lips barely moved, yet her words came out in a whisper.

Gu Luo shook his head slightly, indicating he wasn’t sure.

Locking their daughter out just for being late...

This stepmother didn’t seem like someone easy to get along with.

Before long, the door to the private room was pushed open again.

Gu Luo initially thought it was Luo Shuling, whom he hadn’t met yet, but it turned out to be a waiter carrying a tray.

The food on the tray was exquisitely plated, each dish resembling a meticulously crafted work of art, with colors harmoniously arranged to please the eye.

This meal must have been extremely expensive.

But upon closer thought, ninety percent of the cost was probably spent on this flashy but impractical presentation.

Gu Luo’s verdict—pretty to look at, but not as satisfying as a simple plate of fried rice.

At least such extravagance wouldn’t trick ordinary folks.

As he pondered, the door suddenly opened again.

This time, it wasn’t a waiter but a breathless ‘short-haired version of Luo Shuning’—the youngest of the triplets, Luo Shuling.

Unlike her sisters, Luo Shuling sported a playful pixie cut that accentuated her flawless features, adding a touch of spirited charm to her appearance.

A girl like her would usually be popular in both heterosexual and same-sex circles.

Luo Shuling offered an awkward smile, taking small steps toward her mother before bowing her head.

Luo Liang, however, acted as if she hadn’t noticed, continuing to eat from her plate with graceful, unhurried movements.

Only after finishing the bite did she leisurely pick up a napkin, dabbing the corner of her lips before speaking:

"Three minutes late."

"Go stand outside as punishment."

"Mom... it’s because I—" Luo Shuling tried to explain.

"Out."

Luo Liang didn’t even glance at her, cutting her off.

"Oh..."

Luo Shuling’s head drooped even lower, like a frostbitten eggplant, her entire demeanor wilting.

Just as she turned to leave, a clear voice suddenly spoke up.

"Excuse me, wait a moment."

At that instant, everyone except Luo Liang turned their eyes toward the source of the voice.

Luo Shuling blinked her lively, beautiful eyes in astonishment, her expression full of disbelief.

"Ahem..." Gu Luo sat upright in his seat, addressing Luo Liang softly. "Auntie, I think we should hear Shuling’s reason for being late first."

"If there’s a valid explanation, I believe some leniency would be appropriate."

No choice—his spineless dad not only stayed silent but even secretly kicked him under the table.

Besides, his system mission was to take care of the three sisters.

If he let one of them get red-carded right at the start...

He had to salvage the situation.

At that moment, the three Luo sisters stared at Gu Luo as if he were a ‘hero’ descending from the heavens.

In all their years, this was the first time they’d seen someone defy their mother.

Seeing an ally step in, Luo Shuling seized the opportunity and quickly explained:

"Here’s what happened—there was an issue at today’s club activity, and as the president, I had to stay behind to handle it. Then, on my way here, I ran into an elderly woman with dementia. She kept wandering into the road, and there were no traffic police nearby, so I called the authorities and stayed to look after her. That’s why..."

Her words spilled out rapidly, like beans pouring from a bamboo tube, her desperation palpable.

Yet.

Luo Liang simply asked calmly, "Finished?"

"Finished..."

"Out."

"..."

Luo Shuling opened her mouth, wanting to plead further, but ultimately chose to obey, turning around obediently.

But just as she was about to leave, that familiar ‘ally’ voice spoke again.

"Uh... sorry, just one more moment."

Gu Luo almost wanted to facepalm, suppressing his embarrassment, but since he’d already started, he might as well charge ahead.

Also, Dad, stop kicking me!

Hearing this, Luo Shuling quickly turned back, subtly waving at Gu Luo to signal he shouldn’t push further.

Meanwhile, Luo Liang finally turned her gaze toward him.

Gu Luo suddenly felt uneasy all over.

Taking a quiet breath, he forced an awkward smile. "Auntie, Shuling has already explained why she was late. I think what she did was commendable."

"And so?"

Luo Liang’s expression remained unchanged. "That doesn’t justify being late."

"Being late is the outcome—sacrificing your own interests for others."

"If you can’t even take responsibility for yourself, how can you take responsibility for others?"

Seeing that Luo Liang was willing to engage, Gu Luo relaxed slightly and pressed on:

"Auntie, I understand your point, and I know you want Shuling to learn the importance of punctuality."

"But when it comes to a family meal, I don’t think this is the way. Family should be about mutual understanding and tolerance."

"In fact, given the circumstances, we shouldn’t punish Shuling—we should praise her."

Pausing, he took another breath before continuing: "Some things are simply more important than others."

He had no choice but to push forward.

This was a tactical approach.

Gu Luo’s only goal was to let Luo Shuling sit down and eat, but in negotiations, he had to aim higher.

That way, the other party had room to ‘bargain.’

No matter what, he had to secure this meal for his sister.

Hearing this, Luo Shuling blinked rapidly several times.

Praise her?

This teammate was carrying the game!

When things got tough, he really stepped up.

Gu Feng’s look at his son was reminiscent of Cao Cao watching Yuan Shao draw his sword against Dong Zhuo—my sword is no less sharp!

After listening to Gu Luo’s words, Luo Liang simply studied him in silence.

"Let’s eat."

With that, she resumed eating as if nothing had happened.

"Then, Mom... can I...?" Luo Shuling was about to ask if she could stay when Luo Shuning frantically signaled her with her eyes.

Catching on, she quickly took a seat with a bright smile. "Thanks, Mom! Thanks, bro!"

She had a naturally sociable personality.

Luo Liang still didn’t acknowledge her, treating her words like passing wind.

Gu Luo gave Luo Shuling a slight nod before starting to eat.

At the same time, he quietly sighed in relief.

At least he hadn’t messed things up.

From the looks of it, his stepmother didn’t seem too difficult to talk to.

But just as this thought crossed his mind, Luo Liang abruptly announced something.

Both Gu Luo and Gu Ximan froze, exchanging bewildered glances.

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