Chapter 8: Gu Mansion
The Gu Mansion is located in the most affluent neighborhood in A City. From district 3 where the Su Family are staying to district 1 where the Gu Mansion is located, is about a 45 minute drive.
Presently, Gu YuChen had just returned from a jog and is currently playing with a white samoyed dog called Samson. Every morning he would eat an early breakfast and get some exercise before he leaves for school. During the weekends, he still has collegiate level supplementary lessons but he tries to spend time with Old Madam Gu and meet with friends. Aside from Old Madam Gu, the matriarch of the Gu Family, he is not close with other relatives from the main or branch family. In fact, he even has a distant relationship with his father, the current CEO of Gu Co Ltd., Gu Han.
Although Gu YuChen is being groomed as the heir to the Gu Family, he is the son of the deceased first wife, Meng Jia. Meng Jia was a daughter of one of the noble families in A City. Grandfather Gu felt that her calm temperament would balance Gu Han's more rash temperament and set up an arranged marriage between them. Unfortunately, Gu Han had already fallen in love with Song Rui, a hostess he met at a gentlemen's club during one of his trips. Song Rui was more seductive and acted progressively on her feelings for Gu Han but Meng Jia always appeared cold and unfeeling evoking his dislike. Eventually, he decided to marry Meng Jia on paper but also kept Song Rui as his mistress against his parents wishes. Unbeknownst to many, Gu Han had already gotten Song Rui pregnant a year prior to his marriage. After a year, Meng Jia found herself with a child but her body had become weakened due to stress and sickness. As soon as Meng Jia passed away from childbirth, Gu Han brought Song Rui and his daughter Gu Lan to live in the Gu Mansion. Since grandfather passed away a few years ago, only Old Madam Gu has treated Gu YuChen as family in the mansion.
At around 10:20am, a white Mazda pulled into the main driveway of the Gu Mansion. The Su Family was greeted by a chauffeur who took the car keys from Father Su. Afterwards, Butler Wang welcomed the group of three at the entrance and led the family straight to the study where Old Madam Gu was waiting.
Although Su Ning had some recollection of the Gu Mansion from the original owner's memories, she still cannot help but be in awe of the grandeur of the manor. 'It's more like a palace than a house. There's so many rooms too. How do people not get lost?' Su Ning had lived to 29 years of age but she never experienced such luxury. Butler Wang noticed her interest and patiently explained that the estate's architecture was European style. The decorations are all originals from the Victorian era (from mid to late 19th century) that have been purchased from noble families in the UK. 'In other words, everything is antique and costs an arm and a leg.' thought Su Ning.
We reached the study after a 10 minute walk and Butler Wang gave the door a sharp knock to indicate our arrival. "Come in." Old Madam Gu called from inside. Old Madam Gu was a formidable woman with keen eyes in her sixties. She currently serves as the Chairman of Gu Co Ltd. Upon seeing the trio, her face held a warm smile as she gestured towards the sofa. Old Madam Gu was seated on an armchair. And beside her stood Young Master Gu.
Mother Qin and Father Su quickly gave their greetings and gave Su Ning a small nudge. "Hello, Old Madam Gu, Young Master Gu. Thank you for inviting us over today." Su Ning said her salutations with a smile. Old Madam Gu, who had been informed of the status of Su Ning's condition since her surgery, made a soft sound of approval. "Come closer and let grandma have better look at you." Su Ning silently walked over and let Old Madam Gu hold her small hands and face. The Old Madam told the young girl to refer to her as 'Grandma Gu' and began to ask Su Ning about her health, family, and school life. Su Ning answered all her questions politely indicating everything is well. "NingNing, this grandma likes you. Would you like to study in M Academy with Xiao Chen?"
Su Ning remained quiet for a few seconds before responding. "Thank you for your offer Grandma Gu. But I really like the school I am attending now. I am making friends and will be joining a singing competition soon." Not wanting the Old Madam to be saddened by her refusal, Su Ning continued "I would like to enter M Academy on my own abilities. If Grandma Gu helps me now but I am not able to keep up with the studies on my current abilities, I will make Grandma Gu lose face."
M Academy is the most prestigious primary & secondary school establishment located in A City, the capital of C Country. Children of noble families in different cities would fly to A City to attend M Academy. Graduates of this school pursue further education and become prominent in the fields of politics, business, medicine and music.
After hearing Su Ning's explanation, Old Madam Gu appeared very pleased. With a twinkle in her eyes, she laughed and commented on how Su Ning is all grown up. Gu YuChen who was watching the situation had a complicated look on his face. Su Ning has become like a completely different person. He did not expect her to decline Grandma Gu's offer. Entering M Academy through Grandma Gu will ensure a smooth secondary school life; though she will unlikely excel in class, the instructors would still give her a passing grade in all subjects without much effort - such is the power of the Old Madam Gu. 'But this little girl says she wants to test into M Academy with her own abilities? Is this some sort of ploy to gain Grandma's interest?' He is certain that Su Ning's academic prowess was average at best so where did she get this confidence, no determination? If she fails to get into M Academy wouldn't this bluff just backfire on her?
In fact, the reason he previously didn't spare Su Ning any mind was he knew she had no capabilities to post a threat to him in the Gu Family. She was simply a foolish child doted on by Old Madam Gu. However, now Su Ning has caught his interest for another matter entirely. 'She doesn't seem to have any evil intent but let's observe her actions for now.' Gu YuChen thought silently.