Chapter 384: Chapter 346: Falling in Love with You in a Beautiful Dream
Qiu Lan flipped open the first page of the diary; upon seeing the group photograph, her fingers trembled even more violently, and her eyes brimmed with sourness.
She remembered this photo; at that time, it was she who had actively requested to take it.
The diary was thin, and there weren’t many words inside, but almost every sentence, every word was about her. This was a man’s diary of unrequited love, dense with deep affection in every line.
It turned out, throughout those past years, he had always been watching over her from behind, protecting her, loving her deeply.
Like a dark knight, hidden in the shadows keeping her safe, sharing in her joy with her smiles, troubled by her tears, rejoicing when she was happy, and grieving when she was sad.
Qiu Lan didn’t know how she managed to read through the entire diary, her whole body shivering, unable to utter a single word.
Gu Qili stood to the side, quiet and not speaking, pitying the pure love her father had back then, which unfortunately did not lead to a lifetime of companionship, and in the end, brought misconceptions and disdain.
Time seemed to stand still as Qiu Lan’s gaze stayed fixed on the last page of the diary—an utterly silent blank page.
After an unknown duration, she finally spoke in a hoarse voice: "Where is his gravestone?"
Gu Qili sighed softly: "I’ll take you there."
Gu Dezhong’s gravestone was very clean; in the photograph on it, you could faintly discern the handsome features of his youth. For him to have risen from an ordinary driver to his position then was no easy feat.
Qiu Lan noticed a large bunch of violets placed in front of the gravestone, which were bought by Gu Qili and Mu Qinian when they recently came to visit Gu Dezhong; the flowers had withered, losing their vibrant colors.
Qiu Lan squatted down and picked up one of the flowers.
Gu Qili said: "Dad’s favorite flowers are violets, and he said that the flower language of violets is falling in love with you in a dream."
Upon hearing these words, Qiu Lan’s tears finally fell without warning, clear droplets dripping onto the withered violet.
She had liked violets since she was young, had a preference for all things purple. She remembered once receiving a large bunch of violets for her birthday; the card at that time had not been signed. She knew the flowers couldn’t have been from Mu Haotian, yet she couldn’t guess who sent them, not until now did she realize, that silly man had always been loving her in this manner.
She gradually began to sob, as memories surfaced like scenes from a play.
She still remembered the last time they met; he was truly very happy then, overjoyed, filled with the joy of reunion after a long separation. But what did she say? She coldly told him with a heart-wrenching hatred of the misfortunes she had endured over the years, telling him that it was all caused by him. She watched as his face turned pale, then ashen, before he fainted away.
Why hadn’t she thought more carefully at that time, and looked more closely, at the man’s eyes filled with indelible deep affection.
All she knew was the deception by the most trusted person, but never knew the protection and love from the same most trusted person.
It turns out, she had missed the best man of her life, missed a love story that could have become a legend.
Qiu Lan suddenly knelt in front of the gravestone, crying out loud without any semblance of composure.
It was she who wronged him; had it not been for her, he would not have died—it was she who bit the hand that fed her, it was only what she deserved.
Watching Qiu Lan weep bitterly, Gu Qili turned away with aching eyes, wiped away her tears forcefully, and walked down the mountain alone.
Qiu Lan’s plight brought her sympathetic pain, but had it not been for Qiu Lan, Gu Dezhong might still be living well.
The cycle of cause and effect; why can’t good people receive good fortune.
The moment Gu Qili walked down the mountain, she saw a Maybach parked by the roadside; Mu Shuoqian was striding over to her. Seeing her tear-streaked face, he became a bit anxious, and enveloped her in his arms, whispering into her ear: "It’s okay, I’m here for you."
He had also just received the news from Uncle Zhong, had left all the executives in the meeting room, and called the people at the vineyard, learning she had come to the cemetery.
"I’m ok." Gu Qili hugged his lean waist, inhaling his familiar scent, feeling her restless heart gradually calm down: "Your mom is up there, crying quite sadly."
"Mhm," he responded with a faint acknowledgment.
"Both your mom and my dad are pitiful people, victims of a cruel fate; without these tribulations, they might have already been together."
Mu Shuoqian rubbed the back of her head, half-jokingly saying: "Without that, where would you and I come from?"
Her mood lightened with his words, and she wasn’t as sad as before.
The two waited in the car for a while until Qiu Lan came down; her eyes were swollen like peaches. Seeing Mu Shuoqian, she gave a slight smile before heading towards a car not far away, with the driver hastily opening the door for her.
"Go check on your mom," Gu Qili gently nudged his waist and gestured toward the car with her mouth.
Qiu Lan must be very sad right now and needed someone to comfort her.
"She’ll be fine, I need to go back for a meeting." Mu Shuoqian warmed her hand in his, "If you have time tonight, keep her company for dinner."
"Won’t she hate me?" Although this matter had nothing to do with Gu Dezhong, Cheng Menghong is her mother, and it would be reasonable for Qiu Lan to hold a grudge against her.
"No," Mu Shuoqian gave her a reassuring glance, "Although she’s strong-willed, she is not unreasonable; moreover, these past years, her vision was clouded too heavily by hatred. I think, for her now, revenge is probably not that important anymore."
"Then what does she like to eat?"
Mu Shuoqian chuckled softly, "So you’re starting to learn about your mother-in-law’s preferences now?"
"Mu Shuoqian." Gu Qili glared at him with feigned annoyance.
Qiu Lan, sitting in the car, did not forget to observe the situation here, and let out a gentle sigh when she saw the two reluctant people.
If it were not for her intervention back then, they would not have gone through so many hardships. Obsessed with hatred, she had overlooked her own son’s happiness, causing him to suffer for four years, to struggle for four years, and he almost missed his soulmate in this life.
But there’s no medicine for regret in this world; she couldn’t turn back time, nor could she bring Gu Dezhong back to life, but the only thing she can do now is to facilitate.
Qiu Lan did not expect to receive a call from Gu Qili in the evening. When she arrived at the restaurant, Gu Qili was already sitting there waiting for her.
"Auntie." Gu Qili took a long time to muster the word—it was not easy for her to say.
Qiu Lan also seemed startled for a moment, forcing an awkward smile: "Hello."
"Please have a seat." Gu Qili pointed to the seat opposite her and passed the menu, "Mu Shuoqian said you like Aus City cuisine; this restaurant has the most authentic flavor in Aus City."
"Is that so?" Qiu Lan looked around and suddenly found the place somewhat familiar; before she could think further, Gu Qili pointed out what was on her mind.
"This place used to be a coffee shop a long time ago."
Qiu Lan seemed to remember something, and her eyes suddenly widened.
"You must have guessed it too, Auntie. It used to be called Qili Pavilion Café, your favorite place to go back in the day." Gu Qili’s voice trembled with a sour note, just how much had her dad loved her to even use the café’s name for her own?
Qiu Lan was in shock, incredulously staring at her. Wasn’t she blaming herself for causing Gu Dezhong’s death? To actually bring her to this restaurant that brings back memories and nostalgia?
"Auntie, to be honest, I really can’t say I forgive you right away, but I do regret that it was my mother who brought you and Mu Shuoqian misfortune. The grievances of the older generation are too complex for hasty decisions, but I only hope that we, the younger generation, don’t have to continue suffering because of their disputes. Over the past few years, how Mu Shuoqian and I have endured, we both know best in our hearts." Gu Qili’s voice broke with emotion, and the past memories brought on an ache.
However, she quickly sniffled: "Look at me, talking about such things. I meant to invite you for dinner. Auntie, please go ahead and order."
With guilt in her heart, Qiu Lan silently looked down at the menu. After ordering, she spoke with difficulty: "I’m sorry."
Just like Mu Shuoqian, Qiu Lan was prideful and haughty, and despite her tragic and humble beginnings, she always held her pride high. Apologizing to a junior like this indeed took a lot of resolve from her.
This apology untied the knot in Gu Qili’s heart; she couldn’t bring herself to hate or resent anymore, because after all, this was Mu Shuoqian’s mother.
Qiu Lan, not one to be talkative, felt melancholy whenever she brought up past events involving Gu Dezhong.
"I’m planning to stay a bit longer this trip," Qiu Lan took the initiative to say, "I want to spend more time with Niannian; he’s already becoming estranged from his grandmother."
Aside from wanting to be close to her grandson, she had other plans; she had had a falling out with Jason, and knowing his nature well, she was certain he would lower his stance to ask for her return; then, the discord between them would naturally dissolve over time.
"If there’s anything you need, call me," Gu Qili offered her business card.
Qiu Lan took it and glanced at it, a faint smile forming on her lips: "I see you’re managing the wine estate quite well. When will the first bottle be released?"
"I’ll strive to launch the wine estate’s brand on Qixi Festival," Gu Qili responded.
"Qixi Festival? Hmm, that’s not bad," Qiu Lan knew that the wine estate was also named Qixi, formed from the names of Gu Dezhong’s two daughters.
Thinking of Gu Dezhong’s other daughter, Qiu Lan’s heart suddenly skipped a beat, tentatively asking, "Is your sister doing well now?"
"My sister has been missing for a long time, no one knows where she is," Gu Qili took a sip of her juice.
As expected, she was confined.
No matter what, this matter had to be resolved by Mu Shuoqian quickly.
"Are you and your sister close?" Qiu Lan asked with a smile.