Gu Xiu

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Gu Xiu (顾琇)
Alias(es)	Ling Xiu
Gender	Male
Affiliation	A University; Gu Family (adoptive); Ling Family; formerly an intern at Huo Group
Occupation/Role	University student; former private tutor
First Appearance	Chapter 1

Background and History

Adoption and upbringing

Gu Xiu was abandoned as an infant near Gu Family Village and found by Mother Gu by the river. After police efforts failed to locate his parents, the Gu family adopted him; he grew up alongside their biological son, Gu Chen, and was treated as part of the family 181 369.

Gu Chen later recalls that the original story centered on Gu Xiu: he was meant to enter A University, form a relationship with Huo Mingzhang, discover his Ling family origins, and eventually inherit the Ling family business 2.

A University

Upon entering A University, Gu Xiu quickly attracts favorable attention through his appearance, soft-spoken manner, and apparent devotion to Gu Chen. He cooks for Gu Chen, fetches hot water, washes clothes, and makes his bed; he also publicly clarifies that he is the Gu family's adopted son 4.

Zhou Xiaoting introduces Gu Xiu to a high-paying tutoring opportunity despite his entrance-exam score of 669 falling below the client's preferred threshold. He prepares lesson plans diligently, but struggles to manage Joanna Qiao, who ignores his teaching and eventually slaps him 7 8 32.

He later quits the Qiao family tutoring position and becomes an intern at Huo Group through Huo Mingzhang 121.

Estrangement from Gu Chen

Gu Xiu becomes increasingly distressed as Gu Chen refuses his attempts at closeness and assistance. He repeatedly insists that he means well, while Gu Chen interprets his behavior as manipulative and damaging to his reputation 34 141 180.

During the New Year period, Gu Xiu admits that reminders of his adoption and abandonment have made him feel like an unwanted outsider. He resents being compared with Gu Chen and fears that the Gu family will always prioritize their biological son 165 182.

Return to the Ling family

After attending Ling Yiyi's birthday banquet with Huo Mingzhang, Gu Xiu is reunited with his biological mother, Mrs. Ling. His household registration is changed, and he becomes known as Ling Xiu, the recovered son of Ling Group's chairman 210 216 219.

Mrs. Ling intends for Ling Xiu to enter the family business after his recovery. While she is openly affectionate and eager to compensate for the years they were separated, other Ling family members are more guarded about his position and abilities 216 243.

Public fallout

Ling Xiu attempts to maintain ties with the Gu family and presents Gu Chen with a watch as a gesture of repayment. Gu Chen publicly rejects the gesture and exposes the Ling family's poor treatment of the Gu relatives during Ling Xiu's birthday visit, prompting classmates to reassess Ling Xiu's motives and return his gifts 263.

His later conflict with Gu Chen escalates into public accusations that the Gu family wronged him by raising him after his abduction. Gu Chen counters that Ling Xiu's grievances should be directed toward those responsible for the original crime rather than the Gu family 362 370.

Appearance

Gu Xiu is widely regarded as handsome, refined, and gentle-looking. His attractive appearance and clear, soft voice make a strong first impression on classmates and strangers alike 1.

• Often described as fair, clean-looking, delicate, and harmless in appearance 7 49.
• Has a smile that readily wins sympathy and goodwill 1.
• His outwardly mild presentation contrasts with the sharper temper he develops as his circumstances worsen 184.

Personality

Gu Xiu is sensitive to rejection and highly conscious of how others perceive him. He wants recognition as a genuine member of the Gu family, but resents being reminded that he was adopted and abandoned as a child 165 181.

He is capable of care and attentiveness, particularly toward Gu Chen, but often reacts poorly when that care is declined. His attempts to appear considerate can become clingy or accusatory when he feels ignored 13 141 175.

As Gu Chen gains popularity and professional recognition, Gu Xiu's insecurity becomes increasingly apparent. He envies Gu Chen's abilities, social support, and the respect he receives from others 87 106 165.

• Sensitive and insecure — Takes criticism and perceived slights deeply to heart, particularly regarding his adoption, tutoring performance, and comparison with Gu Chen 27 165.
• Attention-seeking — Relies on tears, visible hurt, and public displays of concern to gain sympathy or redirect conflict 7 209.
• Ambitious — Is drawn to Huo Mingzhang's social circle and the wealth represented by the Ling family villa; later seeks a role in Ling Group 210 216.
• Defensive — Denies malicious intent when confronted, framing his actions as concern, repayment, or misunderstood goodwill 180 263.

Skills and Work

Academics

Gu Xiu entered A University with a college entrance examination score of 669. Though this score was insufficient for the Qiao family's ideal tutoring candidate, he works hard to prepare teaching materials and lesson plans 7 8.

• Prepared individualized lessons for Joanna Qiao based on her academic weaknesses 32.
• Lacked the practical teaching ability to hold Joanna's attention or adapt effectively to her defiance 18 32.
• Tried to learn data organization in order to assist Gu Chen, but Professor Xing advised him to master the fundamentals first 121.

Tutoring

Gu Xiu briefly works as Joanna Qiao's tutor after receiving an introduction from Zhou Xiaoting 8.

• The position pays 200 yuan per hour and carries demanding expectations from the Qiao family 8.
• Joanna rejects his lessons, damages his prepared materials, and requests that Gu Chen replace him 32 87.
• Gu Xiu later leaves the tutoring job for an internship at Huo Group 121.

Relationships

• Gu Chen — Adoptive older brother. Gu Xiu grew up relying on Gu Chen's protection and approval, but their relationship deteriorates into resentment, distrust, and repeated confrontations 8 165 263.
• Mother Gu and Father Gu — Adoptive parents. They raised Gu Xiu as their own son, but his insecurity over being adopted leads him to question whether their love can equal their love for Gu Chen 181 182.
• Mrs. Ling — Biological mother. She welcomes Ling Xiu back emotionally and seeks to compensate for their nineteen-year separation 216 219.
• Chairman Ling — Biological father and chairman of Ling Group. He acknowledges Ling Xiu as his son, though his treatment of Ling Xiu is more formal and demanding than Mrs. Ling's 219 243.
• Ling Yiyi — Twin sister. She openly disdains Ling Xiu's presence in the Ling family and tries to investigate his past at A University 210 218.
• Huo Mingzhang — Romantic partner and patron. Huo Mingzhang helps Gu Xiu enter influential social circles, secures his Huo Group internship, and brings him to Ling Yiyi's birthday banquet 121 210.
• Zhou Xiaoting — Introduces him to tutoring work but is consistently critical of his teaching ability and behavior 8 18 87.
• Professor Xing — Gu Chen's mentor. Gu Xiu approaches him to offer help with data organization, but Professor Xing doubts his readiness and motives 121.
• Joanna Qiao — Former tutoring student. Their unsuccessful lessons undermine Gu Xiu's confidence and position with the Qiao family 32 87.

Trivia

• Gu Xiu initially presents himself publicly as the Gu family's adopted son, despite Mother Gu later questioning why he felt the need to emphasize it so often 4 181.
• He was raised from infancy beside Gu Chen and was approximately the same age as him 181.
• His surname changes from Gu to Ling after his return to the Ling family 219.