Chapter 1241: Graduation Gift

Zhao Ling bit her lip and said, “Thank you for the reminder. The professor mentioned it to me too. He said my personality might not be suited for this career–if I want to pursue it, I’d have to change. But still, I want to give it a try.”

After all, this had been her lifelong dream. With such an opportunity finally within reach, Zhao Ling wasn’t about to give up so easily.

Gu Zi looked at her with mild surprise. “I never thought I’d hear you say thank you one day. Well, I’m heading home now. Whatever happens, I wish you all the best for your future.”

With that, Gu Zi walked away with a light step. Zhao Ling watched her retreating figure and finally smiled. Truth be told, she no longer disliked Gu Zi. Her words might be blunt sometimes and ruffle feathers, but they were always honest. She silently wished Gu Zi a bright road ahead.

Not long after, Gu Zi graduated smoothly. Since she had completed her studies early, the graduation ceremony was a solitary affair, just for her.

Holding her diploma, she strolled down the wide campus walkway, feeling a touch of chill in the air. It was probably because classes were in session; the path was nearly deserted, with only the occasional distant figure breaking the silence.

Gu Zi’s thoughts drifted to Su Shen, who was away on a business trip in Guangcheng. She had no idea when he’d be back. If he were here today, he’d surely have accompanied her to collect the diploma, and it wouldn’t feel so lonely.

She quickened her pace, eager to return home to the three adorable children waiting for her.

Just as she neared the campus exit, Gu Zi spotted a familiar tall figure approaching, dressed sharply in a suit, holding a bouquet of flowers. Behind him trailed four children.

Gu Zi paused briefly, then quickened her steps, greeting warmly, “Su Shen, when did you get back? Teddy, you’ve grown so much!”

She knelt down to hug her long-unseen youngest son. He was sturdier now, with thick, shiny black hair–clear proof he had been well cared for in Guangcheng.

Standing up, she looked at Su Shen, who said, “I knew you were graduating today, so I bought tickets to come back early, and brought Teddy too. These flowers are for you, and this.”

Su Shen pulled a ruby bracelet from his pocket. The gems sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight.

Gu Zi held out her hand, letting him fasten the delicate bracelet on her wrist. Her smile was radiant–this was no longer just her graduation celebration. It was a family affair.

After leaving campus, Su Shen took Gu Zi to a private restaurant where they enjoyed themselves before dinner. On the way back, Su Shen said, “The kids are on vacation now, and you’ve graduated. How about we all go back to Guangcheng for a visit? Oh, by the way, Jin Long and Gong Xin are getting married next week.”

Gu Zi sighed with emotion. “Jin Long’s had a hard time. It’s good Gong Xin finally agreed to marry. We should prepare a wedding gift. How about a gold bracelet?”

Su Shen smiled confidently. “That’s already taken care of. I bought a pair of dragon-and-phoenix gold bracelets. You can present one to Gong Xin.”

Gu Zi couldn’t help but think what a dependable man Su Shen was–always taking care of everything perfectly. “Then let’s get ready and make the trip. We’ll spend this summer in Guangcheng. Oh, and tomorrow, let’s buy some specialty gifts from the capital to take back.”

In the backseat of the car, the children were thrilled at the idea of returning home for the summer holiday. Their parents had taught them not to forget their roots or their hometown. Though they planned to settle in the capital in the future, they would always be Guangcheng people at heart.

That very night, Su Li went to the Gao family and told Gao Ming, “I can’t go to swimming lessons with you anymore. Mom said this summer we’re going back to Guangcheng.”

Hearing this, Gao Ming lost interest in swimming lessons for the summer. He promised Su Li, “Then I’ll ask my grandparents to take me to Guangcheng too. See you there!”

That night, Gao Ming mentioned the plan to his grandparents. They didn’t refuse; in fact, they missed their hometown too. Though Gao Lang was busy and wouldn’t be able to join, they were happy to take their grandson back. The only hitch was that their tickets were booked later, so they wouldn’t be traveling with Gu Zi’s family.

The next day, Gu Zi entrusted Big Yellow to Gao Lang’s care.

Gao Lang mainly stayed at the courtyard house now, dividing his time between the research institute and home with Gao Ming. Two housekeepers had been hired to help with chores, so leaving Big Yellow with the Gao family was no problem at all.

Big Yellow, accustomed to guarding the home, no longer feared when its masters went away because it knew–its owners would always come back.