Chapter 1

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Translator: PastTimer

Editor: Yongyangyu

Proofreader: PastTimer

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It all started when my mother remarried.

My father¹ has been dead for many years and if my mother had found another partner, it wouldn't have been a big deal. But who knew that an almost fifty years old single mother who only bought discounted groceries could still charm like a young lady and manage to marry into the wealthy.

My stepfather was said to be quite rich; I just didn't know exactly how rich. To illustrate, I often see him in finance magazines and he had often been featured on several finance channels. He and my mother had met on a road. That day my mother was riding a bicycle and was on her way to the cheapest vegetable market to buy food. She didn't pay attention and accidentally scratched the other's Lincoln².

My then would-be stepfather gradually fell in love with my mother.

They had just received the marriage certificate yesterday, and today, my mother moved us out of our former apartment to live in my stepfather's house.

The large villa was located on the city outskirts and it was as big as a park.

I was a bit cautious. After all, for the past sixteen years, the only place I had lived in was our previous one. I had not seen much of the world yet. My mother was quite comfortable in contrast as if she has adapted to the status of being the mistress there.

The butler was standing by the door ceremonially and invited us in with a smile. Very polite, it seemed as if we were just guests in this mansion.

I saw my stepfather sitting on the sofa in the living room.

He had very majestic looks, profound facial features, and a calm temperament.

I thought that he probably should've been more charming when he was younger.

My mother then walked over and sat next to my stepfather.

Probably it was because he was rich, but my stepfather didn't talk much, giving off a sense of superiority, and wasn't really particularly enthusiastic about my mother. I couldn't gauge how much he liked her.

I couldn't figure out why he even married my mother.

My mother adapted very well. She was scared, but even though her husband didn't like her she was still willing to marry this successful and handsome man.

We sat on the soft leather sofa for a while. Of course, most of it was my mother talking, my stepfather occasionally talking, and me staying silent.

From my very first step through the door, I knew I wouldn't fit in.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of footsteps from the staircase, getting closer and closer.

I glanced up at the spiral staircase and then looked back down at my fingers in panic.

"This is Gu Yan, my son." my stepfather said, it was difficult to conceal the pride in his tone.

After all, they are family.

I thought.

Gu Yan was quite tall and looked like he had inherited his father's dazzling features. He didn't speak, just looked at me, his expression arrogant and cold.

I felt a bit embarrassed, blinked, and hung my head down again.

"Oh, this kid hasn't talked since he came in; go say hello to your elder brother."

My mother stared at me, a warning in her eyes.

I couldn't call him brother. After all, we had only met for the first time, so I only whispered, hello.

Gu Yan stared at me condescendingly, looking a bit unhappy, and asked coldly, "What? Won't call me brother?"

I looked at him and didn't know why I felt afraid. I clenched my hands, and called him: "Brother."

My voice was weaker than before.

Gu Yan smiled.

However, even when he smiling, he still looked arrogant, and out of reach³.

My mother and I, from then on started living at the Gu mansion. The food and clothing were far cry from before, I even had a chauffeur to pick me up and drop me off at school.

I enjoyed it for a few days, but I was always worried. I could feel that the Gu family didn't really accept me and my mother. These benefits, it was like them giving alms, and when we took what they offer, it was us naturally lowering ourselves in their eyes.

But I wanted to go to college. My mother had no money to spare for me, but Gu family could afford it, so I could only continue bowing my head⁴.

Gu Yan, who was three years older than me, had just entered campus as a freshman and needed to live there. We rarely had the opportunity to meet.

My stepfather was also busy, so busy that he didn't seem to notice at all; my mother's shopping interests have changed from market discounts to branded goods.

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Notes:

1- Referring to MC's biological father
2- A car brand.
3- A more literal translation would be 'we were still far apart'.
4- To bend to circumstances/accept the recent turn of events without protest.

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