Chapter 85 Are You Afraid to See Me?

Assistant Song sent her a message. Grandpa Gu had received an anonymous tip that morning—someone had kidnapped Grandma to threaten him.

Luo Xing had been busy with her competition lately and hadn’t visited Grandma’s house in a long time. Shen Que was the same; both of them spent their weekends in the laboratory building. Yet, she had just spoken to Grandma on the phone last week.

Luo Xing couldn’t understand—why Grandma? Wasn’t she already expelled from the Gu family? Why would they use Grandma to threaten Grandpa Gu?

She rushed out, hunched over, frantically pressing the elevator button. The numbers on the panel jumped one by one.

Ding—

Luo Xing’s legs nearly gave way; she almost had to support herself against the elevator wall as she entered. Her hand holding the phone trembled—it was still Assistant Song’s message. She didn’t know if her parents were aware yet.

Suddenly, someone wrapped an arm around her shoulders. The scent of hospital disinfectant mingled with a familiar crispness at her nose. Luo Xing turned, startled and pale.

It was Gu Shiyan.

“So scared?” Gu Shiyan steadied her, pressing the button for the first floor.

Luo Xing didn’t know what was happening to her—almost the moment she saw Gu Shiyan’s face, her tears began to flow. She couldn’t even stand; her legs grew weak, threatening to buckle. Only with Gu Shiyan’s arm around her did she manage to stay upright.

She clung tightly to his collar. “Grandma… she, she…”

Words failed her; her choked sobs rose and fell. Her chest shook, unable to calm her crying. It was all her fault—she should have called Grandma every day, should have gone to see her more often.

Gu Shiyan’s palm brushed her cheek; the back of his hand still had an IV needle inserted, blood seeping out. His gesture to wipe her tears was awkward.

“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen. He’s doing this to negotiate with Grandpa—not to truly harm your grandma.”

He gently patted her trembling back and shoulder blades.

“The reason Assistant Song told you is because you’re Grandma’s family. You know Grandpa’s situation, so we hope you’ll keep this matter confidential for now. Don’t tell your parents—it’ll only make them worry. If they call the police, it’ll be even harder to handle.”

Luo Xing shook her head. “Why Grandma?”

Gu Shiyan lowered his head, leaning close to her ear. “Do you want to know a secret only Gu family members know?”

His deep, magnetic voice was pleasant in her ear, but at this moment, she felt no hint of romance. Her mind was fixed on why it had to be Grandma.

She nodded, her voice trembling with tears. “Is it about Grandma?”

Gu Shiyan nodded, his arm still around her waist, though neither of them noticed.

He leaned closer. “Back then, Grandma Gu was driven out of the family by Grandpa’s parents. They couldn’t accept their son loving a penniless orphan girl. Now, Grandpa is ill; aside from me, only your grandma can visit him. He feels guilty, and he regrets it deeply.”

Luo Xing frowned, confusion clouding her eyes. “Grandpa Gu and Grandma?”

Grandpa Gu had always treated Grandma well—Luo Xing had seen it herself. He understood Grandma better than her own father did. He knew what foods she liked or disliked, her favorite songs and movies. They were in perfect harmony, able to converse about anything.

But Luo Xing had always thought they were just ordinary siblings.

The elevator doors opened.

Gu Shiyan pulled Luo Xing out.

After Gu Shiyan’s words, Luo Xing’s anxiety eased somewhat.

On the way, Gu Shiyan walked quickly. She hurried after him, nervous. He grabbed her hand, seeming to realize he was walking too fast. He wasn’t used to waiting for others.

Seeing Luo Xing sweating from exertion, he slowed his pace.

“Where are you taking me?” Luo Xing asked.

“To my house.”

She hesitated, stepping back. “Let go of me—I’m not going.”

Gu Shiyan didn’t release her. “It’s just me.”

“Why your house?” Luo Xing was dragged forward, questioning him.

“To protect you for the time being.”

Luo Xing didn’t understand.

He explained, “Grandpa says someone is already watching you. He’s afraid you’ll be harmed, so he told me to keep you close and protect you. Not telling your parents is because if they call the police, they’ll be drawn in—it’ll be even more complicated. I can protect you at any time, but your parents still have to go to work. Can you guarantee their safety?”

Luo Xing frowned. “So they kidnapped Grandma, for what? Money?”

“Do you remember the man who wanted to visit Grandpa in the hospital?”

Luo Xing thought carefully. The man’s presence had been imposing—she remembered him clearly. “Wasn’t he Grandpa Gu’s eldest son?”

“He’s not Grandpa’s biological son. He was born from Grandpa’s first wife’s affair. Out of guilt, Grandpa raised him. This time, it’s him—he’s the one behind it, all for Grandpa’s inheritance.”

Luo Xing covered her mouth, her eyes wide as she stared at Gu Shiyan. “Can you really tell me this?”

Such family secrets—would it be…?

“You already know Grandpa’s secret. One more won’t matter.”

Gu Shiyan continued, “He saw Grandma Gu at the hospital but waited until she returned to North City before acting. He thought this way, Grandpa wouldn’t suspect him.”

He had already led Luo Xing to the car.

He opened the door, ushered her into the passenger seat, then walked around to the driver’s side.

Luo Xing’s mind was spinning with the torrent of information Gu Shiyan had just given her.

He had said so much, all to explain things to her.

She had barely settled in when the car engine started.

She looked at Gu Shiyan. “When will Grandma come back?”

“That depends on how greedy he is. If his demands are too great, Grandpa will inevitably be entangled with him. For now, please stay with me.”

At least now, Luo Xing knew Grandma would be safe.

She finally had the presence of mind to pay attention to his last words. “Can’t you hire a bodyguard for me? What’s the point of me living with you?”

Gu Shiyan froze, surprised that Luo Xing had noticed something was off.

Grandpa had indeed planned to hire two bodyguards to protect her, but Gu Shiyan had taken on the task himself.

He didn’t explain.

“What, just because of what I said in the hospital, you don’t dare to see me?”