Chapter 901: Gu Pei, Aren’t You Apologizing to Your Second Uncle?
The only solace for Gu Shuzhi was that the second branch was in an even worse predicament than the third. It made sense—his second uncle, feeling cornered, was seizing any chance to discredit Eldest Uncle in front of Grandpa.
After Gu Shuzhi intervened, Gu Zhaoye fell silent.
Gu Zhao’an continued in a tone laced with sarcasm, “Brother, look at the situation—nothing serious happened to Gu Yang. Instead, Young Master Tong and Miss Tong are in custody. The issue hasn’t been resolved; it’s become a trending topic. To outsiders, it seems like the Gu family is in a full-blown feud with the Tong family.”
“Even though you’re now representing the family and company, is it really wise to provoke the Family Head of the Tong family over an adopted daughter and risk escalating the conflict between the two families?”
Gu Hongwei frowned but didn’t challenge Gu Zhao’an’s remarks. He understood that Gu Zhaoming valued relationships, but he questioned whether it was worth offending the Tong family for the sake of an adopted daughter.
Gu Pei, struggling to contain his anger, was about to retort when he noticed Gu Zhaoming motioning with his wine glass. An idea sparked in his eyes, and he seized the opportunity to hurl the contents of his glass at Gu Zhao’an.
Caught off guard, Gu Zhao’an was drenched in champagne.
Gu Yang, who had witnessed the entire scene, could only watch in stunned silence.
Everyone at the table was taken aback. Gu Shuda, chewing on a drumstick, dropped it into his bowl as he silently shifted away from Gu Zhao’an to avoid getting caught up in the commotion.
Gu Jin and Feng Jue, having witnessed Gu Pei’s bold move, found themselves more inclined to support him in future games.
Gu Zhao’an glared at Gu Pei, his expression darkening, and turned to Gu Zhaoming. “Brother, what is this…”
Before he could finish, Gu Zhaoming cut him off, his anger palpable. He slammed the table and scolded, “Gu Pei! What’s wrong with you? You can’t even handle a glass of wine properly? Why haven’t you apologized to your second uncle?”
Gu Pei, head lowered in a show of reluctant contrition, muttered an apology. “I’m sorry, Second Uncle. I didn’t do it on purpose.”
The veins on Gu Zhao’an’s forehead throbbed with rage.
Gu Zhao’an seethed with anger. Did this father and son take him for a fool? Was it really so intentional to splash champagne on his face?
Gu Shuxue handed Gu Zhao’an a tissue to clean himself, her eyes flashing with indignation as she glared at Gu Pei. “Cousin Gu Pei, this is unacceptable. My father is your elder…”
“That’s right, Pei, you’ve gone too far!” Ruan Xueling interjected, frowning at Gu Pei. “It’s New Year’s Eve. I understand you wanted to toast your elders, but you need to be more careful.”
Gu Pei, head lowered, responded sincerely, “Mom, I know I was wrong.”
“Forget about dinner. Go home and reflect on your actions!” Gu Zhaoming’s voice was stern as he looked at Gu Pei.
Gu Pei nodded and, looking at Gu Hongwei, said, “Happy New Year’s Eve, Grandfather. I wish you good health.” He then turned and left.
Despite the incident, Gu Hongwei still had affection for Gu Pei. Seeing him leave, he called out, “Pei, come back and eat first.”
Gu Pei glanced at Gu Zhao’an and hesitated. “But…”
In his mind, he was thinking, “Let me leave! I want to go home and play games!”
He had learned to master this tone and expression from Feng Jue. If he stayed any longer, he might not be able to keep up the pretense.
Gu Hongwei surveyed the room, his gaze dark as he looked between Gu Zhao’an and Gu Zhaoming. “Pei didn’t mean any harm. Let’s not dwell on this. It’s the Lunar New Year, and it’s rare for the whole family to be together. Let’s not let small matters ruin the occasion.”
He was aware of his sons’ little schemes but chose not to call them out. At his level, it was often necessary to feign ignorance about many things.
This New Year’s Eve was a rare gathering of the family, the first in over 20 years, and he wanted to make the most of it.