Chapter 451

A few months ago, when Qi Xiu went to see Old Madam Gu, she saw Gu Junting in the courtyard for the first time. The weather was bright and sunny that day, and Gu Junting, dressed in a black suit, was sitting in a wheelchair, looking up at the sky, his face pale, with a hint of sorrow between his brows. His gaze seemed fixed on nothing, yet it also seemed to encompass everything. He was handsome, but his beauty was desolate and fragile, like a withered flower.

Qi Xiu, who had always been insensitive to beauty, was captivated by him at that moment. She was startled by his profound melancholy. It was a melancholy that reached the depths of one's soul, as if he carried all the sadness and despair of the world, quietly bearing it alone.

She had heard that Gu Junting was crippled and had been bedridden for three years, rarely leaving his room. This was the first time she had seen him since his accident.

"Qi Xiu, come here. This is Junting. Junting, this is Qi Xiu, a girl from the Qi family. She's visiting me today." Old Madam Gu's voice was gentle as she introduced them, watching the two young people.

Gu Junting lowered his eyes slowly and glanced at Qi Xiu, then closed them, as if uninterested in socializing.

Qi Xiu felt a jolt in her heart. He truly was like a flower that would wither at the slightest touch. Even looking at him felt like desecrating his fragility. She suddenly felt a pang of tenderness for him.

Perhaps it was because of this initial impression that when she needed a partner for a contract marriage, she immediately thought of him.

After marrying him, she discovered that he was not as delicate as she had imagined. His temperament was cold and aloof, and he seemed indifferent to everything around him. He rarely spoke to her, and when he did, it was concise and direct.

However, she found herself surprisingly accepting of his reserved nature. Their relationship was simple, calm, and peaceful, a stark contrast to her own life, which was chaotic and filled with struggles. Living with him, she felt an unprecedented sense of tranquility.

Perhaps because of this tranquility, she found herself occasionally pondering his situation. He was just 28 years old, yet he was crippled and seemed to have lost all hope for life. Even though he had never shown it directly, she could sense his silent despair.

A few days later, while Qi Xiu was having lunch, she received a call from her assistant, who spoke excitedly.

"Miss Qi, you're amazing! Director Zhao praised your script and even invited you to direct the TV series based on it. He said he has never seen such a brilliant new director and that you're a genius in the entertainment industry!"

Qi Xiu smiled faintly. "Did Director Zhao really say that?"

"Yes! He also said your work has the potential to become a classic!" The assistant's voice was filled with admiration. Qi Xiu was a legend in the industry. Starting as a screenwriter, she quickly became a well-known director, even making her mark in Hollywood. What made her even more impressive was her speed, efficiency, and exceptional talent. It was said that she was even more famous than the celebrities she worked with.

When she heard the news of Director Zhao's invitation, Qi Xiu was in a good mood. She had just finished a project and was about to move on to the next.

However, she suddenly remembered Gu Junting. She had signed a contract with him for a one-year marriage. Since they were married, she should at least inform him about her work.

After lunch, Qi Xiu returned to the study to make a video call. Gu Junting happened to be in the study, reading. He didn't look up when he saw her enter.

She cleared her throat. "Gu Junting, I have something to tell you."

He slowly raised his head. His eyes, typically devoid of warmth, held a hint of impatience.

Qi Xiu was already used to his attitude. She paused, then said, "I'm going to shoot a TV series soon, so I might be very busy and not at home often. You don't need to worry about me."

Gu Junting lowered his gaze. "Okay."

Qi Xiu bit her lip. She had expected him to ask something, but he merely said "okay." His indifferent reaction made her feel a little disappointed.

Just as she was about to leave, Gu Junting spoke again, his voice calm and unhurried. "When will you be back?"

Qi Xiu froze, then turned around to look at him. His expression remained unchanged, his gaze still on his book.

She was suddenly happy. He wasn't completely indifferent to her after all.

"I'm not sure when I'll be back. If the filming goes smoothly, it might be three to five months. If there are any delays, it could be longer. But I'll try to come back to see you." She couldn't help but say, then quickly regretted it. Why was she explaining so much to him? It wasn't necessary.

Gu Junting remained silent.

Qi Xiu felt a little awkward. She turned to leave, but then remembered something else. "Oh, by the way, I might need to attend some social events after filming starts, perhaps with investors, so I might drink a little."

Gu Junting finally looked up from his book, his eyes fixing on her. His gaze was sharp, like a sword.

Qi Xiu's heart skipped a beat. What was wrong with him?

He stared at her for a moment, then spoke, his voice cold and devoid of emotion. "You're a married woman. You should know what you can and cannot do."

Qi Xiu was stunned. She understood what he meant. He was warning her not to be reckless.

A wave of anger rose in her. How could he say that to her? He, who had never cared about her, suddenly turned into a moral guardian? And what right did he have? He was a crippled man who couldn't even stand up!

She suppressed her anger and sneered, "What's wrong? Do you care about my reputation, or are you afraid I'll embarrass the Gu family?"

Gu Junting's eyes narrowed slightly, a dangerous glint appearing in their depths.

"I don't care what you do outside," he said coldly. "But you'd better remember, you're the Gu family's daughter-in-law."

"Is that so?" Qi Xiu's anger flared. She approached him, leaned down, and stared into his eyes. "Gu Junting, you're a crippled man. What right do you have to demand anything from me? Don't forget, we're only in a contract marriage!"

His hands clenched tightly around the book, his knuckles turning white. His face, already pale, now seemed even more so, almost transparent. The delicate beauty that had once captivated her was now shrouded in an aura of cold ferocity.

His lips thinned, and his voice was low, almost a whisper, yet filled with icy intent. "Get out!"

Qi Xiu stared at him for a few seconds, then straightened up. She laughed mockingly. "Gu Junting, you really are a piece of work."

With that, she turned and left.

She felt like she was suffocating. She couldn't stand his gaze, his face, or his very presence. She felt like a trapped bird, suffocating under his scrutiny.

After leaving the study, Qi Xiu walked briskly towards the door. Old Madam Gu, who was sitting in the living room, called out to her, "Qi Xiu, where are you going?"

"I'm going out for a while," Qi Xiu replied, her voice flat. "I feel a bit suffocated inside."

Old Madam Gu sighed. "Don't be angry with Junting. He has always been a little temperamental. He’s had a difficult time these past few years, so his mood hasn't been good. Please be more understanding."

Qi Xiu paused, then said, "I know, Grandma. Don't worry."

With that, she opened the door and walked out.

As soon as she stepped out, a cold gust of wind hit her. It was raining lightly outside, and the air was filled with the scent of damp earth.

Qi Xiu took a deep breath. The fresh air helped to clear her mind.

She had been too impulsive just now. She should not have provoked him. Gu Junting was, after all, disabled. And she had married him of her own free will, choosing him as her husband. She shouldn't be so harsh with him.

She called a taxi and headed to a bar. She needed to relax.

After drinking a few glasses of wine, Qi Xiu felt a little tipsy. She thought about Gu Junting again and felt a sudden pang of regret. Perhaps she had gone too far.

She was about to leave when her phone rang. It was her agent.

"Qi Xiu, there's an emergency. Someone uploaded some of your photos online, photos of you coming out of a bar. They're saying all sorts of nasty things, accusing you of being promiscuous and disloyal to your husband. This is terrible!"

Qi Xiu's head was still spinning from the alcohol, but her mind instantly cleared. She opened her social media. Sure enough, there were a lot of posts accusing her. The photos were taken from a distance, so they were a bit blurry, but they clearly showed her walking out of a bar.

She frowned. Who would intentionally try to harm her? She had just married into the Gu family, and this kind of negative news could affect both her and the Gu family.

"Don't worry," she said to her agent, trying to calm her. "I'll handle it. I'll send a lawyer's letter immediately. Also, contact the media and explain that I was simply discussing work and socializing, not being disloyal. It's just a normal social activity."

"Okay, I'll do that right away."

After hanging up, Qi Xiu immediately called a lawyer. Then she called her assistant and told her to prepare a press release.

She returned to her room, her face solemn. She scrolled through her social media, seeing the escalating accusations. Some people were even fabricating stories, making her out to be a terrible person.

She knew this was a planned attack. Someone was deliberately trying to destroy her reputation. But who? And why?

Could it be someone from the entertainment industry? Or someone from the Gu family?

She thought of Gu Junting. Could he have done this? It seemed unlikely. He was crippled, and how could he have such influence?

However, she couldn't rule out the possibility. He was a Gu, after all, and the Gu family had immense power.

She decided to talk to him. Perhaps he knew something.

Qi Xiu returned to the Gu family residence. Old Madam Gu was already asleep. She went to the study, but Gu Junting wasn't there.

She found him in his bedroom. He was lying in bed, looking at the ceiling, his eyes open.

"Gu Junting," Qi Xiu called out to him softly.

He turned his head to look at her, his eyes still emotionless.

"Can we talk?" she asked.

He nodded slightly.

Qi Xiu closed the door and sat beside his bed. "Someone is spreading rumors about me online. They uploaded photos of me coming out of a bar and are accusing me of being promiscuous and disloyal. Do you know anything about this?"

Gu Junting's expression remained unchanged. "No."

Qi Xiu looked at him, trying to discern if he was lying. His face was calm, without any hint of deception.

"I know," she said. "You might think I deserved it for what I said to you earlier, but this is a serious matter. It could affect your family's reputation too."

Gu Junting closed his eyes slowly. "I'll tell the Gu family's legal department to deal with it."

Qi Xiu was surprised by his response. "You'll help me?"

He didn't open his eyes. "You are the Gu family's daughter-in-law."

Qi Xiu felt a surge of warmth in her heart. He was helping her because she was his wife, the Gu family's daughter-in-law. Even if it was for the family's reputation, it still felt good.

"Thank you," she said softly.

He didn't reply.

Qi Xiu sat there for a while, then got up and left.

The next day, the Gu family's legal department issued a statement, clarifying the rumors and threatening legal action against those spreading false information. The statement quickly went viral.

Because of the Gu family's power and influence, the internet quickly changed its tune. The comments that had been attacking Qi Xiu suddenly disappeared, replaced by apologies and support.

Qi Xiu was impressed by the Gu family's efficiency and power. She thought that Gu Junting was truly extraordinary. Even though he was confined to a wheelchair, he still had such power. It seemed she had underestimated him.

She went to Gu Junting's room to thank him, but he wasn't there. She asked the servants and learned that he had gone to see Old Madam Gu.

Qi Xiu went to Old Madam Gu's room. Gu Junting was indeed there, sitting in his wheelchair, looking at a photo album with Old Madam Gu.

"Junting, look, this is your mother when she was young. She was so beautiful, just like a fairy." Old Madam Gu's voice was filled with warmth.

Gu Junting smiled faintly, his eyes soft. Qi Xiu had never seen him smile like that before, so gentle and full of affection. He looked like a completely different person, no longer cold and indifferent. He looked like a warm, kind older brother.

Qi Xiu's heart trembled slightly. This was the real Gu Junting, the one who truly felt warmth.

She walked in quietly, not wanting to disturb them.

Old Madam Gu saw her and smiled. "Qi Xiu, come here. Look at Junting's mother's photos."

Qi Xiu walked over and saw a picture of a beautiful woman, elegant and graceful.

"She was very beautiful," Qi Xiu said.

Old Madam Gu sighed. "Yes, she was. But she passed away early. Junting was still young then."

Gu Junting looked at the photo, his eyes filled with sorrow.

Qi Xiu's heart ached for him. She knew he missed his mother very much.

She sat down beside him. "She was beautiful and kind."

Gu Junting looked at her, his eyes still holding a hint of sorrow, but also a glimmer of warmth.

Qi Xiu suddenly felt a strong urge to protect him, to care for him. She wanted to help him heal from his pain and find joy in life again.

"Grandma, I'm going to cook something for Junting. He needs to eat well," Qi Xiu said to Old Madam Gu.

Old Madam Gu smiled. "That's wonderful! Junting has a poor appetite recently. Maybe your cooking will help."

Qi Xiu went to the kitchen and prepared a nutritious meal for Gu Junting. She brought it to him, and he looked at her with a hint of surprise.

"You cooked this for me?" he asked, his voice soft.

Qi Xiu nodded. "Yes, I hope you like it."

He took a bite, and his eyes widened slightly. "It's delicious."

Qi Xiu smiled. "I'm glad you like it. Eat more."

He ate the entire meal. Qi Xiu was very happy.

After he finished eating, she stayed with him for a while, talking to him about various things, including her work and her life. He listened quietly, occasionally interjecting with a word or two.

She felt a connection with him, a deep understanding that transcended words. It was a comforting feeling, a sense of peace.

Days passed, and Qi Xiu spent more time with Gu Junting. She cooked for him, read to him, and talked to him. He slowly began to open up to her, sharing his thoughts and feelings.

She learned that he was a very intelligent and talented man, with a deep love for literature and art. He was also very sensitive and thoughtful, and he cared deeply about his family.

Qi Xiu found herself falling for him. She loved his gentle nature, his quiet strength, and his kind heart. She knew he was special, and she wanted to be with him forever.

One day, while they were sitting in the garden, enjoying the sunshine, Qi Xiu confessed her feelings to him.

"Gu Junting," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "I love you."

He looked at her, his eyes filled with surprise. "You love me?"

Qi Xiu nodded. "Yes, I do. I know we're in a contract marriage, but I've fallen in love with you. I want to be with you, not just for a year, but for the rest of our lives."

Gu Junting remained silent for a moment, then reached out and gently touched her hand. His touch was warm and comforting.

"Qi Xiu," he said, his voice soft, "I love you too."

Qi Xiu's heart soared. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. He hugged her back, his embrace warm and strong.

They stayed like that for a long time, holding each other, feeling the warmth of their love.

From that day on, their relationship changed. Their contract marriage became a true marriage, filled with love, trust, and happiness.

Qi Xiu continued her work as a director, but she always made time for Gu Junting. She cooked for him, read to him, and spent as much time as possible with him.

And Gu Junting, despite his physical limitations, found new purpose and joy in life. He supported Qi Xiu in her work, offering her advice and encouragement. He also started to pursue his own interests, reading more, writing, and even learning to paint.

One day, while they were in the garden, Qi Xiu noticed Gu Junting trying to stand up. She rushed to his side, her heart pounding.

"Gu Junting, be careful!" she exclaimed.

He smiled at her, a determined look in his eyes. "I want to walk again, for you."

Qi Xiu's eyes welled up with tears. She hugged him tightly. "You can do it, I believe in you."

With her encouragement and support, Gu Junting began physical therapy. It was a long and difficult process, but he never gave up. Qi Xiu was always by his side, cheering him on, helping him through the pain and frustration.

Slowly, step by step, he began to regain his strength. And one day, he stood up.

Qi Xiu cried tears of joy. She hugged him tightly, her heart overflowing with happiness.

"You did it, Gu Junting! You did it!" she exclaimed.

He held her close, his voice thick with emotion. "We did it, Qi Xiu. We did it together."

From that day on, Gu Junting continued to improve. He eventually regained the ability to walk, albeit with some difficulty. But he was no longer confined to a wheelchair.

Qi Xiu and Gu Junting lived a long and happy life together. They faced challenges, but they always faced them together, with love and unwavering support. Their love story became a legend, a testament to the power of love, resilience, and hope.