Deep within the Gu Clan's ancient inner grounds stood the Second Elder's villa—a residence built upon spirit-nourished stone, supported by jade pillars engraved with flowing runes of protection. Crystal springs whispered beside the walkway, rare medicinal herbs perfumed the air, and silent guards watched from beneath softly glowing lanterns. Every detail proclaimed the authority of a prestigious bloodline.
Inside the warmly lit main hall, Gu Qingxuan's parents were already engaged in a serious discussion.
"That brat must be restless by now. The Lin Clan arrives tomorrow," Gu Chen said, stroking his beard with satisfaction. "Lin Xingyu agreeing to the marriage was unexpected. For a genius like her, I expected them to try replacing her with a substitute. But it seems they can't risk offending us—they need our help."
Tang Yuru nodded slowly, suspicion lingering in her eyes. "The one Qing'er wants is her. And since the arrangement was made by our ancestor and theirs, the clan must honor it. Even if there are other geniuses more suitable than our son." She paused. "…But something feels off today."
Gu Chen sighed. "You noticed it too? By now he should be making a ruckus about preparing to welcome the Lin Clan. Yet we've heard nothing. That's unlike him."
They were still discussing when a servant entered, bowing deeply. "Master, a message has arrived from the medicine hall."
"Oh? What is it?"
"It concerns the young master."
Tang Yuru immediately stood, anxious. "Qing'er? What happened to him?"
"Madam, nothing bad!" the servant quickly assured. "They report that the young master collected a Yuyin Wan pill."
Gu Chen chuckled. "Isn't that the gift he prepared for the Lin girl? Hah, Yu'er, it seems our son is impat—"
The servant's next words froze both parents solid.
"Master… the young master forced Miss Qiqi to swallow it."
"What?!" both husband and wife shouted in unison.
Inside Gu Qingxuan's villa, Qiqi sat cross-legged, her body shrouded in a halo of pale mist. Her breathing merged with the rhythm of heaven and earth as she absorbed the surrounding essence. Earlier, Gu Qingxuan had made her swallow the Yuyin Wan. She never expected it. She wanted to refuse, but one calm, terrifying glance from him was enough to silence her.
Whatever her young master planned, she would accept it. That was her resolve as his maid.
Gu Qingxuan watched her quietly, nodding in satisfaction.
"Why should an outsider enjoy good things while someone beside me suffers?"
The Yuyin Wan was invaluable to those with cold or ice-aligned bodies. No one knew that Qiqi possessed the Immortal Phoenix Jade Body, a constitution that tormented her nightly. Her body reacted violently to Yin energy—especially at night when it thickened—forcing her to curl on her bed in silent agony.
Tang Yuru had tried helping her, but Qiqi's constitution was too rare. No suitable method existed for her. She had only been given rare pills to ease her suffering. Ironically, those pills had already begun awakening her talent, though no one knew. Not even his mother.
The Yuyin Wan originally came from Li Rui—a maid of the Heavenly Palace Immortal Sect and his childhood friend.
In the original storyline, the pill carried a secret message, but the former Gu Qingxuan—blinded by infatuation for Lin Xingyu—never understood.
"What a mess," he murmured. "Li Rui was like a villain's buff, helping him from the shadows, risking herself, yet getting nothing. That idiot predecessor didn't even think of her."
He exhaled. He disliked harems, but in this world, following the script meant trouble would find him. The more he involved himself, the more his fate would cross with the protagonist's.
"What to do… I'll handle everything as it comes." His eyes narrowed slightly. "As for giving Qiqi the pill… I need a proper explanation for my parents. If I don't handle it well, Qiqi will suffer—and that's the last thing I want."
"Young Master!"
His thoughts were interrupted by a call from outside.
He stepped out with calm, measured steps, locking the door behind him. His already handsome face carried a new, aloof sharpness—the presence of a different soul settling beautifully over him. The waiting servant felt a chill.
Is this really the same young master stuck in Qi Refining? Why does he feel so oppressive…? If I offend him, he might break my legs. He's done it before—just because someone met his eyes for too long…
"Gu Fang," Qingxuan said lightly, "what brings you here?"
"T-To answer Young Master…" Gu Fang bowed until his forehead nearly touched the ground. "Master requests your presence… and Miss Qiqi's. You must come immediately."
Gu Qingxuan's gaze deepened. "Stand up. Let's go. As for Qiqi, she cannot come. I'll explain to Father myself."
Gu Fang blinked. The young master's cold tone somehow felt… reassuring.
"A-Alright, Young Master."
They left the villa together.
"Greetings, Father, Mother."
Gu Qingxuan bowed respectfully—a bow from the heart. In the original novel, these parents risked everything for their "useless" son, even against the protagonist Lin Mo. This bow was gratitude.
"Um? Brat, do you want me to break your leg—"
"Chen! You dare?" Tang Yuru glared.
Gu Chen, who moments ago carried the aura of a great elder, instantly shrank like a chastised puppy.
The sight warmed Gu Qingxuan's heart. This was the harmony the original Gu Qingxuan ruined.
I will make sure things stay this way, Father… Mother.
He had been an orphan in his past life. This life gave him the love he never had. He must cherish it.
Tang Yuru stepped forward gently. "Qing'er, I heard what happened. I don't know why you did it, but… if you regret the decision, we can ask Rui'er for another Yuyin Wan pill. No matter the cost, I will handle it."
"You're spoiling this brat—"
One glance from her silenced Gu Chen again.
Gu Qingxuan felt his chest tighten.
These parents… their love was overwhelming.
Thank you, original Gu Qingxuan… for leaving me a chance to be their son.
"Qing'er, are you alright?" Tang Yuru pulled him into her embrace. Her soft fragrance calmed his turbulent emotions. Gu Chen patted his shoulder, comforting him.
"Son, don't be angry at your father. I simply don't want you to act rashly and regret it later."
They misunderstood his emotions, and he almost laughed.
"…I need to clear this misunderstanding."
"Father, Mother," he said softly.
Both parents froze as he bowed again. Tang Yuru tried to stop him, but Gu Chen raised a hand, sensing their son had something important to say.
"Father, Mother… what I did today might surprise you," he began. They waited patiently. He continued, "I've done many things in the past that stained our family's name. Yet as parents, you endured everything without blaming me. Even today."
Both parents felt a sting behind their eyes.
What medicine did this unfilial brat take today?
"Qiqi deserved the Yin pill," he said firmly. "Because of her condition. She never asks for anything… but she has sacrificed a lot for me. When we were young, I made reckless mistakes—like running into the forest to play. She shielded me from a wolf bite even though she was younger. There are many more things…"
Tang Yuru and Gu Chen both inhaled sharply.
"And Mother," he added gently, "I am no saint. But giving that pill to the Lin young mistress would have been unfair. I only followed my heart. You care for Qiqi too, Mother… and Father, don't pretend the beatings you gave me weren't mostly because I mistreated her."
Gu Chen's jaw dropped. When had his son become this… sensible?
Tang Yuru's lips curved slightly. "It seems Qing'er is becoming more responsible."
Gu Chen sighed. "Brat, don't make us feel guilty. We're not against your decision this time." He glanced at his wife, who nodded. "We were only surprised because you acted so suddenly."
Tang Yuru nodded in agreement.
"But there's still a problem…" she added slowly. "The Lin young mistress already knows about the gift you prepared for her."
Both parents looked troubled.
"Don't worry, Father. I will handle it."
Gu Qingxuan's tone was calm, steady, confident.
For the first time, his parents truly saw it—
Their son had changed.
And they liked this version of him even more.