Gu Jin let out a deep sigh of relief. Her heart was still trembling from the dream, but she was glad. Glad that at least she had not lost days or months.

The next few days passed quietly. Most of the time, Gu Jin was busy selecting decorations for her engagement party. She looked at flowers, fabrics, and different kinds of ornaments.

She did not care much about luxury, but since this was her engagement, she wanted everything to look neat and proper.

Long Yifan, on the other hand, took care of almost everything. He managed the guest list, the food, the arrangements, and even the security. He made sure Gu Jin did not have to put too much pressure on herself.

"You do not need to overthink," he told her more than once. "Just focus on yourself. I will handle the rest."

Gu Jin nodded, though deep inside, she was both nervous and expectant. This engagement was not just a formality.

When the date was decided, the Gu family discussed the matter.

"We should keep it private," Mr. Gu said firmly. "Her condition is not good. She looks weak, as if even a single push could harm her."

Mrs. Gu agreed quickly. "Yes. We cannot allow a big crowd. Too much noise and too many people will only hurt her body more."

In truth, they were worried. Gu Jin's health had been fragile for weeks, and her pale face made their hearts ache.

But Gu Jin did not mind the decision. In fact, she preferred it.

"A small ceremony is better," she said calmly. "I do not want unnecessary people around."

The family nodded, relieved that she was not disappointed.

When the day of the engagement finally arrived, Gu Jin prepared herself carefully. Before the ceremony, she did something that shocked everyone.

She called out two figures from her space.

Si Kai and Ying Yue.

The moment they appeared, the Gu family froze in shock. They had never seen these two before.

Ying Yue looked especially excited. She had been in the space for a very long time and never expected to come out before the age of twenty.

But now, she was already thirteen years old, and her figure looked more mature. Her face carried the freshness of someone who had been locked away too long but finally saw the sun again.

The instant she noticed Gu Jin, Ying Yue's eyes grew wet. She ran forward, hugging Gu Jin tightly.

"Sister! I missed you so much!" she cried.

Gu Jin's lips softened into a smile. She patted her back gently. "I missed you too."

Si Kai, however, did not rush like Ying Yue. Instead, he walked slowly toward Gu Jin, his lips pouting in dissatisfaction.

"Why do you look so thin?" he asked softly. "You look like you will break with a single touch."

Gu Jin chuckled and brushed his hair. "I am fine. I was just on a diet."

Si Kai frowned deeply. "Diet? You call this diet? This is punishment. I do not like it."

But he did not argue further. He only looked at her with worried eyes.

Ying Yue, on the other hand, chuckled and wiped her tears. "Sister, I can now make talismans. If you want, I will make one that ensures you live a long life and stay slim at the same time."

Gu Jin laughed softly. "No, that is not the case. I do not need to stay slim. I only need to stay alive."

Her voice carried a hidden meaning, and Si Kai and Ying Yue both grew quiet.

Meanwhile, the Gu family exchanged confused glances.

Mrs. Gu tugged on her husband's arm and whispered, "Who are these children? Could they be our daughter's children? Our grandson?"

Mr. Gu shook his head. "Impossible. From all the records I checked, Gu Jin never gave birth. Most likely they are the brother and sister she had adopted."

Mrs. Gu let out a long sigh of relief. If that was the case, then there was no problem.

With a gentle smile, she walked up to Si Kai and Ying Yue. "Hello, children. I am Gu Jin's mother."

Hearing her words, both Si Kai and Ying Yue immediately straightened their posture and bowed politely.

"Mother," they greeted in unison.

The Gu family members were thrilled at their manners. Mrs. Gu's eyes softened with affection, and soon everyone accepted them warmly.

The engagement celebration continued.

Si Kai, however, was still restless. He walked up to Long Yifan and raised an eyebrow.

"I never thought," he said with a small smirk, "that the man I admired would one day become my brother-in-law."

Long Yifan chuckled and reached out, pretending to pinch Si Kai's face.

But Si Kai quickly dodged, stepping back with a glare. His expression turned serious.

"If you make my sister cry," he warned, "I will make sure you cry too."

Long Yifan was stunned for a second. Then he burst out laughing.

"If that is the case, then I will wait," he replied with a grin.

Si Kai nodded seriously and walked away, leaving Long Yifan amused.

Soon, the engagement began.

The hall was decorated beautifully with red and gold. Soft music played in the background. Family members and a few close friends gathered, their faces filled with joy.

Long Yifan stood at the front, waiting eagerly. His heart was beating fast.

Then he saw her.

Gu Jin walked out slowly, wearing a stunning red gown that matched her eyes. Her long black hair flowed down her back like silk. She looked fragile yet graceful, like a flower blooming in the snow.

Long Yifan's breath caught. His eyes stayed fixed on her as if nothing else existed.

Gu Jin walked with her usual calmness, her face cold. But Long Yifan had stayed by her side long enough to understand her. He noticed the lightness in her steps, the faint nervousness in her eyes.

He realized at once.

Her walls, the walls she had built around her heart, were finally starting to crack.

And for the first time, she was feeling something.

His own heart thudded loudly.

Gu Jin, meanwhile, could not explain her emotions. She felt a strange nervousness mixed with anticipation. She did not know what it was, but it made her look forward to the moment.

Finally, she reached him.

Mr. and Mrs. Gu stepped forward, holding the rings. They gave one to Long Yifan and one to Gu Jin.

It was time.

With steady hands, Long Yifan took her hand and slipped the ring onto her finger. His gaze never left her eyes.

Gu Jin hesitated for just a moment. Then she also slid the ring onto his finger.

A cheer rose from the crowd.

"Brother, congratulations!" Jasmine shouted loudly, clapping her hands with excitement.

Long Yifan chuckled and looked at Gu Jin. His smile was wide, his eyes shining. Without waiting, he pulled her into a deep hug.

"I never thought I would reach this moment," he whispered against her hair.

Gu Jin rolled her eyes, but this time, she did not resist. She let him hug her.

After the engagement ended, Gu Jin felt very tired. The celebration was not big, but all the talking, smiling, and greeting drained her strength.

When she finally walked back to her room, her body felt heavy.

She pushed open the door, expecting to see only her bed waiting for her. But instead, she saw a small figure already sitting inside.

"Jichun?" Gu Jin blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here in my room?"

Gu Jichun was hugging a pillow tightly, her face calm. She looked up at Gu Jin and spoke softly, "I want to sleep with you tonight."

Gu Jin froze. Of all the things she expected, this was not on the list.

"You want to sleep here?" Gu Jin asked again, her tone uncertain.

"Yes," Gu Jichun said as if it was the most natural thing in the world. "I want to stay with you."

For a moment, Gu Jin was speechless. But when she saw the serious look in her sister's eyes, her cold heart softened. She let out a quiet sigh and nodded.

"If that is the case," Gu Jin said gently, "then you can stay."

The answer made Gu Jichun smile faintly. She patted the space beside her as if she already owned the place.

But before Gu Jin could step further into the room, two tall figures appeared at the door.

It was Gu Jihu and Gu Jishi. Both of them looked gloomy, their faces darker than clouds before a storm.

"Why are you two here?" Gu Jin asked, raising her brow.

Gu Jihu cleared his throat. "We came to talk with you about something important."

But before he could continue, Gu Jichun hugged Gu Jin's arm tightly and glared at them. "She is tired. You can leave and come tomorrow."

Gu Jihu frowned, his jaw tightening. "This is not your decision. We need to speak to her."

Jichun smirked and leaned closer to Gu Jin, almost like she was showing off. "She agreed to let me sleep here. That means she belongs to me tonight. You two can leave."

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