Chapter 1 Ci Xin "As long as the young master is willing, then I am willing too!"...

Gu Ci loved to laugh when he was born.

His eyes were round, black and bright, like plump and shiny black grapes. His big watery eyes moved around, clearer than clear glass. He looked at the world and humans he was meeting for the first time, and he was not at all nervous.

There was a lot of crying in the delivery room, but he blinked his eyes and smiled innocently. In less than half a day, he became famous in the hospital. Many doctors and nurses came to join in the fun, just to take a look at this beautiful and smiling angel baby.

The nurse who was taking care of him loved him so much that she asked Gu Ci's father beside him: "The baby is so cute, what will his name be?"

At that time, Gu Ci was not called Gu Ci. According to the original discussion between Gu's mother and Gu's father, the baby girl was to be named Gu Wu Yu, wishing her safety and happiness for many years. The baby boy was to be named Gu Chi, wishing him to be unremitting and slow but persistent.

Gu's father cheerfully helped Gu's mother drink water, then said, both happily and shyly, "You'll be called Gu Chi from now on."

That evening, at nine o'clock, seven hours after giving birth, Gu's mother suddenly and without warning began to bleed profusely. Gu's father, who had been waiting by her bedside, immediately called a doctor and rushed her to the emergency room.

The rescue efforts continued until four o'clock in the morning. Then, the lights dimmed, and Gu's mother, shrouded in a white sheet, was wheeled out. The doctor was unable to step out, officially declaring her life over.

Gu's father, holding his wife's urn in one hand and the infant Gu Ci in the other, walked slowly through the heavy snow.

From then on, a new, green sycamore tree sprouted in the Gu family courtyard. Gu Ci, who had nearly become "Gu Chi," took one of Gu's mother's names and began his own life.

It was almost inevitable that Gu Ci would resemble his mother in both appearance and personality. From a young age, he was beautiful, fair-skinned, delicate, and slender, a living beauty, with a penchant for laughter, the epitome of someone who could shine even without sunlight.

Father Gu was the personal bodyguard of the head of the Huo family. At first, he would rush home every day, no matter how late it was, just to catch a glimpse of little Gu Ci's peaceful, well-behaved face as he slept. As Mr. Huo's schedule grew increasingly hectic, and he frequently traveled from country to country, his opportunities to personally care for Gu Ci dwindled.

But Gu Ci's greatest strength was his obedience. Although his father was away year-round, leaving him in the care of a nanny, he never cried or fussed. He simply read quietly, played with his toys, ate and slept at the appointed times, never forgetting to grow up on time.

When Gu Ci was six, his second-grade class meeting was held at school. Father Gu was late due to security duty, and by the time he arrived, exhausted, Gu Ci, the class monitor, had already delivered his reflections on achieving first place in his class.

Seeing his father arrive, Gu Ci's eyes curved. He pulled out a bench for him to sit on, then pulled a bottle of pre-purchased mineral water from a drawer. Standing on tiptoe, he put his chubby arms around his neck and whispered something.

"Dad, you've worked so hard! The school gave bonuses to the top student in the grade. Cici, I'll treat you to a nice dinner tonight!"

Nearly 5 feet 4 inches tall and with a steely build, Gu's father was known as the "living devil" by his peers. But that day, he held tiny Gu Ci in his arms, crying uncontrollably without a care for his appearance, even requiring Gu Ci to coax him and pass him tissues to wipe his tears.

When he was twelve, Gu's father booked his vacation time in advance and threw him a birthday party, inviting friends and family. By then, Gu Ci looked more and more like his mother, even down to the exact placement of the mole under his eye.

Watching Gu Ci, dressed in a white suit, thanking his uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters with a mature yet childish air, Gu's father was so moved that he almost burst into tears. He drank a bottle of baijiu and burst into tears.

"Old comrade, I'm not bragging." Only then could Father Gu let down his guard and, unwaveringly, brag to Mr. Huo, "Everyone who meets our son, Cici, praises him. They all say he's well-behaved and worry-free."

After another bottle of baijiu, his eyes welled up again, and he rubbed them red as he said, "But I don't want him to be a worry-free child. Old Huo, you know what? He and Queci are two peas in a pod. I've never seen him cry. Once, when he was eight years old, he had a high fever, and he insisted on waiting for me in the middle of the night to make me birthday noodles."

He laughed and cried, "I just want him to live a happy and carefree life. If I'm gone... Old Huo, please bear with me."

Mr. Huo, who was usually reserved, took a sip of his wine in silence and looked at his friend of over twenty years. "If that day ever comes, you won't have to worry."

Two years later, that day arrived.

Gu Ci, who was taking his monthly exams, was called out by his homeroom teacher. Mr. Huo's personal driver took him to a city two hundred kilometers away, where he met his father, who had fallen asleep.

"Dad?" He was a little scared, but still stepped forward and gently patted his father's shoulder.

"Dad, I'm here to take you home."

Father Gu, who always responded to his requests, had a calm smile on his face, and never responded to him again.

Day and night are endless, Gu Ci, confused, carrying his schoolbag, returned to Guicheng again, with a mobile tombstone in his hand.

"This child doesn't even cry." The driver who picked him up commented while smoking in front of the car door, "Two hundred and seventy-five kilometers, calmer than an adult, so worry-free."

Huo Xiao extinguished the cigarette in his hand, opened the car door, and bent down to the little boy who was timidly holding the urn inside.

"Xiao Ci, come back to the Huo family with me."

Gu Ci opened his eyes wide in confusion, hugged the urn tighter, and carefully shrank back.

The driver said, "Sir, he's still a child. Let me take over."

Huo Xiao silently gave up his seat. The driver smiled warmly at Gu Ci and said, "Hello, little Gu Ci. This is Mr. Huo, your father's good friend. We'll take you back to live with the Huo family, okay?"

When Gu Ci didn't nod, he continued, "Mr. Huo's family also has a little brother, three months older than you. How about you go to school together?"

Huo Xiao lowered his eyes and held out his hand. "Gu Li entrusted me to look after you. I won't let you suffer any injustice."

Gu Ci raised his distinct black and white eyes, and after hearing something in his voice, he gently placed his hand in his.

As the sun rose, Huo Xiao took Gu Ci's hand and led him to the Huo residence.

Gu Ci nervously surveyed the old house, which was countless times larger than their own courtyard. Looking up, he saw a magnificent display of gold and jade, with crystal chandeliers and antique wall clocks he had never seen before.

A host of servants followed, some changing clothes, some changing shoes, some receiving things. An uncle wearing black-framed glasses stood alone, calling Uncle Huo "Sir."

Uncle Huo asked, "Is Wen Yuan feeling better? Bring him down to meet Gu Ci."

Gu Ci sat obediently on the leather sofa, his hands nervously folded, looking toward the elevator door, feeling both anxious and expectant.

Ten minutes later, the uncle with black-framed glasses emerged from the elevator alone, his face hesitant, saying, "The young master is feeling a little unwell. It's not convenient for him to come down."

"Not feeling better yet?" Huo Wenyuan frowned. Although he felt something was amiss, he could do nothing about it. He said to Gu Ci, "Wen Yuan isn't feeling well. Butler Feng will introduce you to him next time."

"This will be your home from now on. You can come to me or Butler Feng for anything."

Gu Ci nodded. From then on, he had a place to stay in the vast Huo family.

Butler Feng first arranged for someone to take his luggage to his room, and then personally led him to familiarize himself with the environment of the mansion. After walking for a while, he hesitated for a moment before stopping and saying, "Xiao Ci, there is something else I need to tell you."

He gazed into those large, dark eyes and explained, "Your previous school was two hours from here, making it inconvenient to get to and from school. We've arranged for your transfer, so you'll be in the same class as the young master. From now on, Old Du can take you both to and from school."

Butler Feng was actually a little nervous: having been arbitrarily transferred by a so-called adult, leaving behind his familiar surroundings, teachers, and classmates, he expected Gu Ci to say something. But Gu Ci simply widened his eyes, then politely stepped back and bowed deeply, his face filled with sincerity.

"Thank you, Uncle Feng, for your trouble."

Butler Feng blushed, unsure whether to feel relief or even more nervous. He quickly pulled Gu Ci up, his heart filled with comfort and emotion.

Just as the driver, Old Du, had said, this child was truly sensible.

He led Gu Ci upstairs to a newly cleaned room and introduced him, "Little Ci, this is your bedroom."

Gu Ci poked his head out from beside Butler Feng, his mouth slightly open.

Unlike the Huo residence's overall retro and luxurious style, the room before him was unusually cozy, with a creamy, warm yellow hue. The new quilt and pillows were also a soft, pale yellow, very similar to the layout of his old bedroom.

Butler Feng, hands behind his back, looked down at him expectantly, "How do you like it, Xiao Ci?"

Gu Ci quietly turned his back and rubbed his eyes, then turned back and nodded vigorously, smiling up, saying, "I like it! Thank you, Uncle Feng!"

Butler Feng felt that the last few days of staying up late and overseeing the work had been worth it.

At Mr. Huo's request, this bedroom was a 1:1 replica of the Gu family's bedroom. He hoped that little Gu Ci would be happy and successful here, and that Gu Li's lifelong loyalty to the Huo family would be worthy.

He forcibly withdrew his hand that was about to fall on Gu Ci's fluffy head, and with the serious look of an elder, gestured for him to look at the room opposite: "Across from there is Young Master Huo's room. From now on, you will be his companion. Whether at home or at school, you can take care of each other."

Gu Ci looked at the closed door, thinking of what Butler Feng had said downstairs before, and felt vaguely worried: "Young Master Huo...is okay?"

Butler Feng felt that Gu Ci was considerate and attentive, and said with some regret: "Young Master has not been in good health since he was a child. Except for school and the hospital, he basically seldom goes out."

Seeing the worry on Gu Ci's face, he comforted him: "But don't worry, with his age and long-term treatment, Young Master is sick less and less often now, and it will not affect your friendship." Gu Ci

nodded thoughtfully, and then thought of something and felt a little embarrassed: "Then... Uncle Feng, would Young Master be willing to be friends with me?"

"Of course!" Butler Feng said firmly. "As long as you're willing, Young Master is a very kind person."

Gu Ci smiled at Butler Feng, his eyes curved like crescent moons. "As long as Young Master is willing, then I am willing too!"

"I don't want to!"

Meanwhile, after hearing Butler Feng's proposal, Huo Wenyuan closed his book without a second thought.

He coughed a few times, threw back the quilt, and stood up. "I don't care whether he transfers or not, but I don't agree with him going to and from school with me."

Butler Feng hurried over, trying to persuade him. "Young Master, you haven't met Xiao Ci yet. He's very cute, well-behaved, and polite. If you meet him, you'll definitely like him."

"No matter who he is or what he is like, there's no way I'll like him," Huo Wenyuan refused flatly, his narrow eyes filled with resistance.

Butler Feng's persuasion was futile, like a ball of cotton hitting an iron wall.

Though only fifteen, Young Master Huo was a spitting image of Mr. Huo back then. Not only were his features the same deep, stern sternness, but his personality was also the same unwavering.

Like father, like son.

Butler Feng sighed and closed the door with a worried look.

As he stepped out, he was met with a pair of dark, piercing eyes, nearly jumping off the silk Persian carpet.

He adjusted his glasses, quickly regaining his composure. He asked gently, "Are you waiting for me, Xiao Ci?"

Gu Ci hadn't expected that, and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Uncle Feng, did I scare you?"

"No way." Butler Feng leaned down, placing his hands on Gu Ci's shoulders. "Xiao Ci is such a good kid, how could you have scared me? Tell me, is there something you want to talk to me about?" "I

'm so sorry," Gu Ci lowered his head. "Uncle Feng, I do have something I want to tell you."

Butler Feng nodded, waiting for him to finish.

Gu Ci said truthfully, "Actually... if it would bother the young master, I could take public transportation to school, or even live on campus!"

Butler Feng looked up in surprise, meeting Gu Ci's sincere gaze, his heart aching.

"Silly boy," Butler Feng's hand finally rested on his head. He glanced at the closed bedroom door beside him and said calmly, "The young master didn't say he was bothering me at all."

He hadn't said he was bothering her, but he was just not sure yet.

But it didn't matter. Butler Feng had faith in Gu Ci. "Tomorrow morning at seven, I'll wake you up and put on your school uniform. Old Du and I will take you and the young master to school."

Gu Ci tilted his head back, revealing the dimple on his right cheek. "Thank you, Uncle Feng! Thank you, young master! Thank you, Uncle Du!"

Butler Feng thought he'd seen an angel's smile, and for the first time, he felt like he was floating on clouds.

The next morning at seven, Gu Ci rubbed his eyes, got up on time, put on his school uniform, and shouldered his schoolbag, but there was no sign of the young master.

Butler Feng had just returned from the hospital, his eyes showing a dark blue from staying up all night. He hurriedly packed milk, bread, and eggs for Gu Ci and led him to a car.

"Uncle Feng." Standing in front of the car, Gu Ci looked back again and again, "Isn't the young master coming with us?"

Butler Feng sighed, "The young master had an allergic reaction in the middle of the night and was hospitalized. Xiao Ci, you have to go to school alone today."

Gu Ci nodded ignorantly, thinking that the health of this young master Huo seemed to be really not that good.

But it doesn't matter. Since they are going to be friends, he can take care of the young master in the future.