A Promise, A Condition, and a New Discovery

“Chang’er,” Grandma said softly, her voice laced with nostalgia, “you know today I met a kind and beautiful young lady. She helped me so sincerely… if only I had a granddaughter like her… how wonderful that would be.”

Her voice trembled, her eyes welling with tears. “I still miss Rui.”

Chang’er moved closer and gently held her hand. “Grandma, please don’t cry. Rui may have left us, but her spirit is always around. She wouldn’t want to see you sad.”

Grandma nodded slowly, but her gaze remained distant. “Chang’er, can you fulfil one last wish of mine before I leave this world? I want to see you married, to watch you start a family of your own… just a little time with my great-grandson would be enough to leave in peace.”

“Grandma…” Chang’er hesitated.

“Please, child,” she continued, “don’t tell me it’s not the right time. I’m tired of hearing that excuse.”

He paused. Then, with quiet resolve, he said, “Alright, Grandma. I’ll get married.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Really?” She had never expected him to agree so readily—but she didn’t yet know the condition he held in his heart.

“Yes, Grandma. But you must promise never to say such things again. And give me a little time… I don’t have many preferences, but I want to marry someone who can care for you and love you like I do. Someone who accepts Dong—loves him as I do. You both are my family. That’s my only condition.”

She frowned gently. “Chang’er, marriage isn’t a business deal. As for Dong… ever since his parents passed, you’ve been everything to him. But do you really think a girl would accept that?”

“That’s not something I can control,” he replied calmly. “Dong is like my own child. If a girl cannot accept him, I’d rather stay alone for the rest of my life.”

There was a long silence before Grandma finally nodded. “If that’s your decision, I won’t argue. I only pray that you meet someone who understands you—who accepts and loves Dong without condition.”

The car rolled to a stop in front of their home.

“We’re here, Grandma,” said Chang’er. “You go inside. I have some urgent work at the office.”

“I’ll take the bags—”

“No need. Let the butler do that. Please, go in and rest.”

“Alright, Chang’er. Take care. And don’t forget to pick up Dong from school.”

“I won’t.”

(As she entered, Chang’er’s phone rang)

“Hello?”

“Sir, when will you reach the office? The guests are waiting.”

“I’m on my way.”

(A few minutes later, Chang’er arrived. Guards saluted him. His assistant ran over)

“Good morning, Master! Thank goodness you’re here. The guests have been waiting for over an hour.”

“Oh?” Chang’er smirked. “Looks like they know their position.”

“You expected this, didn’t you?” Assistant Lu grinned nervously.

“Of course. Are the papers ready? We don’t have time to waste.”

“Yes, Master. Everything’s prepared.”

“Let’s go.”

(They entered the conference room. The guests stood respectfully as Gu Liu Chang walked in and took his seat.)

“Good morning, Mr. Gu,” said one of the guests.

He gave a polite nod.

“These are the representatives from Ellen Pharmaceuticals. Miss Mario Wilson will explain their updated investment terms.”

“Mr. Stuart sends his apologies,” Mario said. “He couldn’t attend due to health issues.”

“I hope he recovers soon,” said Gu Chang smoothly. “Let’s begin.”

(Mario went over the policies in detail. Chang’er listened quietly.)

“Everything is according to your terms,” she concluded. “Shall we sign the agreement?”

“Miss Mario, why the rush?” he asked calmly. “Take a breath.”

“I’m alright, Mr. Gu. Thank you.”

“You’ve overlooked something important.”

Mario hesitated. “I don’t believe I missed—”

“Did you forget the new project?” His voice turned cold. The room froze under the weight of his anger.

“I… Mr. Gu, we… we can’t agree to the 70% stake.”

“You have three hours,” he snapped. “Decide, or the deal is off—and all our investments with Ellen Pharmaceuticals will be withdrawn.”

“Mr. Gu, please! If you do that, Ellen will collapse!”

“You said I’m a great businessman, didn’t you?” he replied sharply. “Then you know what’s coming.”

A heavy silence. Then finally, she bowed her head.

“There’s no need to wait. We’ll agree to your terms.”

“Good decision.”

(Assistant Lu handed her the paperwork. Mario signed with trembling hands.)

“Congratulations, Miss Mario.”

“And to you, Mr. Gu. I hope we have a smooth partnership.”

(Everyone filed out. Gu Chang stood alone by the window.)

“Dad… I did it. I took back what was once ours.”

(His phone beeped. A smile tugged at his lips)

Time to pick up Dong.

At Dong’s School

“Dong, your uncle will be here soon,” the teacher said kindly.

“Okay, Teacher!”

(Gu Chang’s car pulled up. He spotted Dong waiting on a bench.)

“DONG!!”

“Uncle!” The boy rushed to hug him.

“Were you a good boy today?”

“Yes, Uncle. Even my teachers praised me.”

Teacher Su approached. “Mr. Gu, Dong is a brilliant student. But…”

“Yes?”

“I shouldn’t interfere, but Dong isolates himself. He doesn’t play with others—just sits quietly and draws. He avoids interaction. No matter how smart he is, if this continues, he may struggle in society.”

“I’ve noticed,” Gu Chang admitted. “I try to give him the best life, but I don’t know why he distances himself from others.”

“Try seeing from his perspective. And look at his drawings. You may find your answers there. He’s mature beyond his age—but he’s still a child.”

“Thank you, Teacher Su. Truly.”

(He walked to the car.)

“Did Uncle make you wait long?”

“No, Uncle!”

“You’ve been such a good boy today. You’ll get a surprise gift!”

“Yay!! What is it?!”

“It’s a surprise.”

(Dong giggled excitedly as Gu Chang drove carefully home. The boy dozed off peacefully during the ride)

Back Home

“Welcome home, Master!” the butler greeted.

“Mr. Jun, carry Dong’s bag. I’ll carry Dong.”

“Of course, Master.”

(Grandma met them at the door)

“Back so soon? Is Dong asleep?”

“Yes, Grandma.”

“This child studies too much,” she smiled, gently caressing Dong’s face.

“Take him to bed. Then freshen up and come eat.”

(Gu Chang tucked Dong into bed, kissed his forehead, and whispered…)

“Sleep well, Dong.”

(He showered and joined Grandma downstairs)

“You’re just in time!” she said. “I made all your favourites.”

“Something special today?”

“We must celebrate—you signed such a big deal!”

He smiled. “How do you know?”

“You forget, I may not go to the office, but I have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Looks like I have to be more careful.”

(They laughed warmly)

“I trust you, Chang’er,” she said, her tone turning serious. “But be careful of your uncle. I don’t trust him.”

“Don’t worry, Grandma. He can’t do anything.”

“Oh, by the way, I found a wallet in my shopping bag—probably the girl who helped me. Must’ve fallen in accidentally when we bumped into each other.”

“Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ll find her and return it. She must be worried.”

Later That Night

(Back in his room, Gu Chang opened the wallet. He found some cash and cards—one with a name)

“Fang Wu.”

(He took a picture and called his assistant)

“Master? Everything alright?”

“Assistant Lu, check the image I just sent you.”

“Okay… got it! What do you want me to do?”

“Find her.”

“Did she do something? Or is this love at first sight?” Lu teased.

“Don’t overthink. She helped Grandma and accidentally dropped her wallet. I need to return it. That’s all.”

“Understood, Master. I’ll get on it.”

[To Be Continued...]

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