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As soon as he went out, he ran into Chu Zeshen heading out for his morning run. Over the past few days, Mocha had gotten used to Chu Zeshen's schedule and would get up at this hour to go out and exercise.

Mocha followed behind Chu Zeshen, wagging his tail wildly without sparing Gu Bai so much as a glance.

So he was the only one in the entire Chu Family who understood the joy of sleeping in. Watching the man and dog head downstairs, Gu Bai chuckled, then returned to his room to catch up on sleep.

Chapter 16

The dinner between the Chu and Gu families was set for Friday evening. Chu Zeshen booked a luxurious private dining room at a star-rated hotel under the Chu Corporation.

That evening, Gu Bai waited at home for Chu Zeshen to return from work. The night before, he had said he could head over on his own, but Chu Zeshen had told him that Grandpa wanted them to go together.

This was Gu Bai's first marriage, and his first time attending a dinner with both families. Since an elder had spoken, he would simply follow instructions.

The sound of a car parking came from outside. Gu Bai got up and went out, with Mocha, who had always been a little shadow, following wherever he went.

Chu Zeshen opened the door and got out. Seizing the opportunity, Mocha darted into the car.

At the sight of Chu Zeshen getting out, Gu Bai momentarily forgot to stop Mocha. He knew Chu Zeshen was extremely handsome-he had thought so from the very first glance. Otherwise, Gu Bai would never have agreed to the arranged marriage.

Since there was no escaping an arranged marriage, he might as well pick someone good-looking. That way, even after spending a long time together, they would not grow sick of the sight of each other.

Chu Zeshen had probably dressed up especially for today. He wore a fitted black suit, his hair styled with gel to reveal his piercing eyes, and an exquisite tie clip on his tie. He looked cool and distinguished.

Gu Bai's eyes could not help lighting up. Handsome men really ought to dress up for the good of humanity.

Compared with Chu Zeshen's carefully chosen outfit, Gu Bai's was much simpler. The early autumn weather was crisp and clear, and he wore a sweatshirt with black casual trousers. After all his lounging around at home, he dressed however felt comfortable.

Gu Bai walked to the back seat and told Mocha, who was already sitting obediently, "Get out. We can't take you with us today."

Mocha gave Chu Zeshen a pitiful look. This was not just an ordinary outing, so Chu Zeshen could not make that decision either.

"We'll bring you something to eat when we come back."

Gu Bai looked at Chu Zeshen disapprovingly, as though looking at a parent who spoiled his child.

In the end, Uncle Li led Mocha out of the car. Mocha stood at the entrance, watching his two owners get into the car and leave home.

The driver drove up front, while Gu Bai and Chu Zeshen sat in the back.

"It might not just be our two families there tonight," Chu Zeshen said.

Gu Bai understood. "Uninvited guests?"

Of course Chu Zeshen knew what Gu Bai meant. Who else would show up uninvited but Third Madam Chu and her family?

Who knew where they had heard about the dinner between the Chu and Gu families? They had gone to the old residence first thing that morning and told the old master that everyone named Chu was family, that Chu Family blood ran in their veins, and that there was no reason not to invite their own family to a family member's wedding dinner. The old master had patiently agreed to let them attend that evening.

Chu Zeshen nodded. "Them."

Gu Bai could relate. "Who doesn't have troublesome siblings? As long as they don't come looking for trouble, just let them be if you can't keep them in line."

Ever since he had moved into the Chu Family residence, the Gu Family had not bothered him again. They had tried to visit twice, but Gu Bai had declined both times on health grounds. They had reached the entrance only to turn back, and after being shut out, they were no longer willing to come.

Still, the Chu Family did not need to handle things the way he did. As the head of the family, Chu Zeshen had far more power than he did.

Gu Bai added, "That's just a small suggestion."

Chu Zeshen seemed to give it serious thought. "They're a little hard to handle when the whole family comes together. Outside the office, I avoid them whenever I can."

Gu Bai said in puzzlement, "They have their family, but you have family too. We're on the same household register. Dealing with them is also in the contract... something I should do."

The two of them were partners. Even aside from their shared interests, it was only right that they help each other.

Actually, what Gu Bai cared about most at this family dinner was the food. Everything else was inconsequential to him. Anything could be held up, but not the meal.

Chu Zeshen had asked for his opinion beforehand, and he had freely chosen several dishes he liked. He had very discerning tastes, and the dishes had appealing names and were suitable for the occasion.

He did not give the uninvited guests any thought at all.

When they reached the hotel entrance, a doorman stepped forward to open the door. Several senior hotel executives were waiting outside. They had learned that Mr. Chu would be coming to the hotel that day and, worried something might go wrong, had come out to greet him.

The executives saw Mr. Chu get out of the car with a tall young man. Though the two did not act intimately, it was clear that they had a good relationship.

"Mr. Chu." Everyone stepped forward to greet him.

Chu Zeshen had come on personal business today, and this reception was far too grand and somewhat conspicuous.

"I'm only here to dine today, not to inspect the hotel. There's no need for all this."

The executives were all shrewd people. As soon as they heard Chu Zeshen say that, they said, "Understood, Mr. Chu. We'll return to our posts right away."

Before long, the executives had dispersed, leaving only a server to show them the way.

When Gu Bai visited his own family's hotel, only a lobby manager came to greet him. Here, executives had been waiting before Chu Zeshen even got out of the car. He really was Mr. Chu.

Gu Bai teased, "What an impressive reception, Mr. Chu."

Chu Zeshen explained, "I didn't tell them beforehand that this was a personal visit. They all thought I was coming for a routine business inspection."

Of course Gu Bai knew. Had he not received the same treatment in his previous life? But things were different now. Having finally found someone to tease, how could he not make the most of it?

"Young and accomplished, Mr. Chu, a man among men. How enviable."

He praised Chu Zeshen with the words he had often heard others use about himself.

At first, Gu Bai had thought Chu Zeshen must have heard such things plenty of times, but apparently not. Chu Zeshen seemed a little embarrassed.

Before Gu Bai could follow the server on his own, he caught a glimpse of the faint redness at the tips of Chu Zeshen's ears.

But that flush faded as quickly as it had appeared. By the time they reached the private dining room, his ears had returned to normal.