Chapter 205 - Chapter 205: Their Gossip
Chapter 205: Their Gossip
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Gu Chen’s arrival added a thrilling twist to the entire banquet, catching everyone by surprise. They hadn’t expected Old Master Fu to successfully invite him.
Gu Chen was known for his aversion to social gatherings. He rarely accepted invitations from others, often making brief appearances at business functions before swiftly departing. His reputation for disliking crowded events was well-established.
Despite this, no one dared to complain or press him about his early exit. His stature was too imposing; as the head of the Gu Family, he could stand shoulder to shoulder with some of the most esteemed old masters. His early departure was not a matter anyone could raise.
This particular gathering was relatively small, primarily composed of individuals from the world of chess. Gu Chen’s presence was almost certainly a result of Old Master Fu’s invitation.
Even though the reason behind Gu Chen’s acceptance remained unknown, Old Master Fu was delighted by his attendance. It bolstered the Fu Family’s reputation and standing.
Xiao Zhi, noticing Gu Chen’s arrival, approached him, teasing, “Why didn’t you inform me you were coming? I might have skipped the event if I had known.”
He sported a playful smile and a light-hearted tone, making it evident that the two shared a close relationship.
Wang Lu, who stood beside Song Fan, quickly explained their connection, “The Gu family and the Xiao Family had a marriage alliance in the previous generation. They are considered relatives.”
Song Fan acknowledged her understanding. Her interest in these intricate ties among affluent families was minimal, and she often forgot the details. She preferred not to understand such matters, and her memories regarding such matters were usually fleeting.
Gu Chen responded with apparent ease, “Big brother, it sounds like we’re not allowed to meet.”
Xiao Zhi laughed and said, “I feel like you’re so much better at chess that I’m too embarrassed to play with anyone when you’re around.”
“When we were kids, I won against big brother once by chance. How come you still remember it to this day?” said Gu Chen.
Gu Chen and Xiao Zhi continued their lighthearted banter, creating a cheerful atmosphere. Old Master Fu promptly invited them to sit down.
Gu Chen shifted his attention to Song Fan and greeted her, “Hello, Miss Song.” Surprised by his presence, Song Fan inquired, “Why are you here? I thought you’ve been swamped these past few days.”
Gu Chen met her gaze with determination. “I initially declined the invitation, but I changed my mind when I learned you would be here.”
His words carried a substantial weight, and Wang Lu, seated nearby, was taken aback. She couldn’t decide whether to eavesdrop further or turn her attention elsewhere.
It was rumored that Song Fan and Gu Chen were romantically involved, even pregnant, and contemplating marriage. Although she had dismissed these rumors earlier, it seemed they held some truth.
Wang Lu couldn’t help but sneak a glance at Song Fan’s midsection, but she remembered that Song Fan had consumed a fair amount of wine. Her appearance showed no signs of pregnancy.
Wang Lu wasn’t the only one who entertained these thoughts. Many in attendance discreetly observed Song Fan and Gu Chen, seeking insight into their relationship.
Gu Chen had maintained a lifelong distance from women, and the absence of female associates had stirred speculation about his preferences. The relationship between Song Fan and Gu Chen was an unprecedented revelation in this context.
For all these years, Gu Chen had kept his distance from romantic affairs. He didn’t get close to women, not even having a female assistant by his side. Some people speculated if he preferred men, but in the end, it turned out he didn’t favor men either.
In the end, everyone came to agree that Gu Chen’s true love was his work.
And Song Fan was the first person to be associated with Gu Chen in such a scandal for many years, and it had yet to be clarified by the Gu family.
As time passed, people had already forgotten about this scandal. They didn’t expect that when Gu Chen finally attended the banquet, he would sit beside Song Fan. No matter how one looked at it, their relationship was out of the ordinary.
Song Fan was aware of the intense scrutiny and addressed it with a smile.
“They’re all fixated on my stomach. Do you have anything to say about it?”
Gu Chen offered a cryptic reply, “They remember after all this time. I thought it had slipped their minds.”
Song Fan shook her head. “Remember, no matter how many years pass, scandals like this are not going to be forgotten.”
Gu Chen lowered his head and said, “Don’t worry about them. Our relationship isn’t normal anyway.”
Song Fan sensed an underlying message in Gu Chen’s words and frowned, questioning, “Aren’t we just friends?”
Gu Chen chose not to address the question directly, instead smiling enigmatically. His intentions went beyond mere friendship.
Wang Lu held the cake in her hand and hesitated to take a bite, her mind filled with Gu Chen’s recent words and smile. She felt like her heart was about to stop beating.
Her instincts told her that Gu Chen must have developed feelings for Song Fan, and both of them were still in the ambiguous phase..