宅男的天堂

Yao had said much more, but Gu Jinyu did not hear a word of it.

Yao gently took her hand, urging her to rest well.

That night, as Gu Jinyu lay in her luxuriously plush bed, she tasted insomnia for the first time.

A great wind began to shake the leaves outside, causing them to whirr loudly.

Gu Jinyu lifted the blanket and left her bed, opening the door to a fierce gust of wind pulling at her robes and hair.

“Ah! Miss, why are you outside? The wind is so strong! You might catch a cold!”

The night maid quickly approached, intending to usher Gu Jinyu back inside.

With a glacial demeanor, Gu Jinyu said, “I couldn’t sleep, so I wanted to take a walk.”

“Ah… But it’s very late…” The maid noticed that Gu Jinyu had no intention of returning to her room, so she swallowed her words of caution. “Wait a moment, Miss, let me fetch a cloak for you!”

“Hmm.” Gu Jinyu nodded.

The maid found a soft cloak from the wardrobe and helped Gu Jinyu put it on.

As she gazed at the cloak she now wore, Gu Jinyu quietly recited, “Fine horses painted in myriad colors, precious furs worth a thousand gold coins, boys are sent to exchange them for fine wine.”

The maid replied, puzzled, “Miss, what’s wrong? Why are you suddenly reciting poetry? Are you trying to write a poem?”

The maid did not understand poetry. Yu Ru, who had before, was unfortunately driven away by Gu Yan.

Gu Jinyu lifted a corner of her cloak and murmured, “Do you know what a ‘precious fur worth a thousand gold coins’ is? The cloak I’m wearing is one. Some people could abstain from food and drink for generations and still not afford a garment like this.”

The maid understood this, she giggled, saying, “Of course, Miss is a lady of the Marquis Residence! You can’t be compared with ordinary folk!”

“What is your name?” Gu Jinyu asked.

“This servant’s name is Xiaoli.” The maid replied.

After Yu Ru had left, the servants attending to Gu Jinyu were carefully screened by the Marquis. The most recent additions were all unfamiliar faces.

“Are you from a nearby village?” Gu Jinyu inquired further.

“Yes!” Xiaoli replied with wide, sparkling eyes.

Gu Jinyu looked her up and down, “You look even younger than me. How did your family find it in their hearts to let you serve as a maid?”

Xiaoli chuckled, “Miss, you jest. Entering the villa to serve as a maid is a coveted role that many in our village cannot get! I have four sisters at home, and my position is the best amongst us!”

Gu Jinyu was taken aback, “Four sisters… All working? Does your family not have brothers?”

Xiaoli nodded, “I have an older brother and a younger brother. My older brother is about to get married, and we are trying to gather the dowry. My younger brother will need to get married in the future, so we need to save up for him. But, if we all have successful marriages, the dowry should cover their wedding costs.”

There was not a hint of complaint in her voice. It was as if she were born to live for her brothers.

Gu Jinyu felt her world view being turned upside down.

She had been raised in the Marquis Residence, with three older brothers and one younger one. Although the youngest was naughty and bullied her, he did not oppress her. Her three elder brothers were all young and promising. Even if they didn’t favour her, they never thought about sacrificing her for their own pursuits.

As Gu Jinyu heard more about Xiaoli’s family, she felt a growing conviction that Lord Gu and Yao were the best parents in the world.

She couldn’t bear to leave such wonderful parents and the cherished life in the Marquis Residence behind.

The following day, when Lord Gu and Yao came to see her, her eyes were as swollen as walnuts.

The maid explained, “Miss cried all night…”

“You may leave.” Yao said.

“Yes.” Xiaoli retreated, filled with anxiety. She was worried that it was because of her negligence that Gu Jinyu was in distress. She didn’t want to be thrown out of the villa.

Lord Gu and Yao came to the bedside. Lord Gu stood nearby, and Yao sat at the edge of the bed.

“Mother —–” Gu Jinyu hurled herself into Yao’s arms, her tears splashing against Yao’s chest, “Do not abandon your daughter… I cannot bear to part from you…part from father…I do not want to leave you——”

Gu Jinyu’s cries seemed to stir up chaos in Lord Gu’s heart.

He comforted her, “Silly child, when did your mother and I ever say we would abandon you? Your mother and I have already discussed this matter, and the decision is up to you. If you want to return home——”