Chapter 1189: The Depths of Gu Garden

When Gu Qiaoqiao looked towards the flow of traffic again, the cars had already started moving, heading forward.

It really was a strange feeling. Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head slightly. To avoid worrying Qin Yize, she didn’t tell the truth, "It’s nothing, I just thought it was Xiao Wen and them in the car..."

Qin Yize reached out, gently ruffling Gu Qiaoqiao’s hair, and softly said, "Let’s go, ahead is the old street, I’ll take you to eat whatever you want."

Gu Qiaoqiao thought for a moment, abandoning the inexplicable thoughts from earlier, and turned to Qin Yize with a slight smile, "Okay, let’s go eat now."

In the flowing traffic that just passed, a low-key yet luxurious black sedan was also slowly moving.

A foreign man in the front passenger seat turned his head, looking surprised at the woman sitting in the back seat, "He Shan, why didn’t you let me greet Gu Qiaoqiao and them earlier? Do you know them?"

The woman sitting in the back seat, He Shan, smiled slightly, "Xino, firstly, greeting like that is a traffic violation. Secondly, better not let anyone know about our relationship for now."

The foreign man was indeed Xino. His bright blue eyes flashed with a shimmering brilliance as he looked thoughtfully at the woman sitting in the backseat, half-jokingly saying, "You couldn’t possibly know those two, right? How could that be? You’ve lived in America since your youth, and you’re just back now."

"You’re right, but I don’t know the man. However, the girl you tried to greet earlier, I know who she is."

"You know Gu Qiaoqiao?"

"Yes, I know Gu Qiaoqiao, but she doesn’t know me. I found out about her from Big Brother Jianhua. As for me and the Gu Family..."

At this point, He Shan hesitated, "No, it should be the Chang Family now, since they’ve changed their surname. So, it’s best that neither Gu Qiaoqiao nor the Gu Family knows about our association or that we know each other. It’s beneficial for both of us."

"Aren’t you overthinking this? You’re you, she’s her, Chang Jianhua is Chang Jianhua. What kind of relationship could there be between all of you?" Xino said disapprovingly.

The entire conversation between them was in English, the driver’s expression remained unchanged, not even twitching an eyebrow.

"I’ve only heard Big Brother Jianhua mention the grievances between the Chang Family and the Gu Family, but I don’t know the specifics yet. You can’t jump to conclusions, but you did once hang out with Chang Jianhua’s half-sister."

He Shan shrugged, smiling playfully, "Xino, don’t you think these relationships are really complicated?"

Xino turned his head, looking ahead. His bright blue eyes seemed to flash with confusion, unclear on what exactly was so tangled.

He had indeed been with Chang Jianhua’s half-sister, which was unquestionable, and Gu Qiaoqiao was aware of this.

He also knew Liang Yan, and Gu Qiaoqiao was aware of this.

Due to family business, he knew He Shan, who sat in the backseat, but Gu Qiaoqiao did not know this.

However, He Shan’s relationship with Chang Jianhua was extraordinary.

Xino shrugged almost imperceptibly, alright, it was indeed a bit messy.

Xino felt a headache, refusing to further analyze meaningless details, and straightforwardly asked He Shan, "He Shan, you frequently associate and assist Mr. Chang, the Gu Family doesn’t know this, but what if they find out someday?"

"That’s why she mustn’t know I exist," He Shan intensified her tone, "At least she can’t find out now. Alas, Big Brother Jianhua’s family is living too tough, I can’t just stand by and watch."

Xino looked at He Shan, "So, you intend to keep it secret?"

"Of course, keep it secret for now. Although New Nation is large, in some respects, within certain circles, it’s quite small. Additionally, before coming, grandfather specifically instructed me to find time to visit Elder Gu living in Gu Garden in Imperial Capital, yet due to circumstances, I haven’t made it there.

I plan to wait until Jiansheng’s business stabilizes, so I don’t have to assist anymore, then it won’t be too late to go to Gu Garden."

"It’s your decision, but the grievances between the Gu Family and the Chang Family have nothing to do with us. In Chinese terms, it’s a matter of facts, not personal matters."

He Shan nodded, "You’re right, there’s inherently no connection. Grandfather says the waters in Gu Garden run deep, advises me not to get involved. By the way, what are you planning to do with the Gu Family?"

Xino’s eyes glinted, "I’m here for some business with Yubao Square."

He Shan laughed, "You wouldn’t be eyeing those antique gemstones of theirs, would you? Let me tell you, don’t be delusionary. The Old Patriarch won’t sell such items to foreigners like you."

Xino wasn’t angered, "He doesn’t sell items from the previous dynasty that are historical and considered relics, but the gemstone carvings they sell now are available, right?"

"Yes, those are sold regularly, anyone can buy them. Why, does someone from your family have an interest in these things as well?"

"For some reason, my granduncle suddenly became interested in Eastern jewelry, especially their carved pieces."

"You mean your granduncle with Huaxia ancestry?"

"Yes, him."

"Doesn’t he already have many treasures brought over from Huaxia?"

"He does, but those no longer soothe his homesickness."

He Shan smiled gently, "Xino, is your granduncle homesick?"

Xino nodded, his voice tinged with sighs, "Probably, don’t they say ’fallen leaves return to their roots’? Since I arrived in New Nation, his desire has grown even stronger. This time he asked me to bring him some old items."

"Some you probably can’t bring over, customs will inspect."

"I’m not smuggling; I’m buying through legitimate channels."

"That’s good!" He Shan raised an eyebrow, seemingly asking casually, "So you grew up around your granduncle?

"Yes, I was taken to him at five years old and stayed until I was twenty."

"No wonder your Mandarin is so good, I thought Alina taught you."

"Don’t be ridiculous. I could speak Mandarin when I was five."

"Being around your granduncle surely widened your horizons. They say he’s virtuous and talented, erudite. My grandfather has always greatly admired him but never had the chance to meet him. If possible, introduce them sometime."

"Alright, no problem. My granduncle is always very friendly towards fellow clansmen." Xino agreed swiftly.