<h4>Chapter 262: Chapter 262: Great Grandmother’s Birthday, What is She Doing Here?</h4>


    "Uncle Gu." The man’s voice was clear as he called out, "My mom’s health has been quite good, and you’re still so robust. You’ve worked hard taking care of the Gu Family all these years."


    "Oh, nonsense! I’ve watched you and the youngdy grow up, and as long as youe back to visit often, this old bag of bones will be content."


    Jin Qichuan nodded and replied, "Alright, I’ll make an effort to visit the Gu Mansion more frequently."


    Listening to this exchange, it seemed this Young Master Jin was also part of the Gu Family.


    Ji Wei hadn’t quite pieced it together yet, but then Uncle Gu finally remembered the young mistress standing nearby.


    Uncle Gu quickly pulled her forward to introduce her to the man: "Young Master Jin, this is your Brother Moqian’s wife, Miss Ji Wei from the Ji Family." Then, turning to Ji Wei, he added, "This is your elder aunt’s son, Jin Qichuan."


    Oh.


    Ji Wei finally understood.


    So this was Gu Moqian’s cousin!


    "Hello, cousin." Ji Wei greeted him with a smile.


    The sudden term caught Jin Qichuan off guard for a moment, but he quickly recovered, "Hello, Miss Ji."


    Ji Wei didn’t mind that he addressed her as Miss Ji instead of Cousin’s Wife. She nced at her watch and said, "Uncle Gu, I’ll head back first with the persimmons. Moqian and the others should have returned by now."


    "Alright, alright, we’ll head over shortly."


    Jin Qichuan watched as the woman’s graceful figure disappeared through the main gate. Some unspoken emotion flickered across his distinct features.


    ...


    The front hall of the Gu Mansion was bustling with activity.


    When news spread that Old Madam Gu had returned, the guests all stood up and headed outside to greet her.


    Old Madam Gu, dressed in a modest robe adorned with auspicious cloud and crane patterns, was helped out of the car by her grandson and great-grandson on either side.


    It had been so long since such a lively scene unfolded. The wrinkles on Old Madam Gu’s face revealed her deep emotions, and her eyes glistened with tears.


    Everyone guided her to the intricately carved wooden chair at the center of the front hall. A servant hurriedly served her tea.


    Next, the rtives of the Gu Family came forward ording to their generations to offer birthday wishes and gifts to Old Madam Gu.


    By the time Ji Wei arrived, the front hall was already crowded with guests. She craned her neck in the throng, searching for Gu Moqian’s figure. Suddenly, a hand reached over and wrapped around her slender waist.


    "Ran over here?"


    Gu Moqian saw that Ji Wei was slightly out of breath and couldn’t help but remark.


    "I went back to my room to change outfits—almost lost track of time, but luckily I’m here on time." Ji Wei saw it was Gu Moqian and replied with a smile.


    Gu Moqian nced at the basket in her hands, its contents hidden beneath floral-patterned cloth. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is this for Grandmother?"


    "That’s right." Ji Wei nodded.


    "Come, I’ll walk you over."


    Gu Moqian took her hand and led her to the front of the crowd.


    As the two were about to step up to Old Madam Gu, Nan Huiru suddenly emerged from the crowd, pulling Zhu Jianian along by the hand.


    Ji Wei caught sight of the tall gift box in Zhu Jianian’s hands and her gaze froze.


    Grandmother’s birthday—what was she doing here?


    Nan Huiru shot Ji Wei a silent re before withdrawing her gaze. Her face broke into a smile as she nudged Zhu Jianian forward, saying warmly to Old Madam Gu, "Grandma, this is Miss Zhu from the Zhu Family—the one who used to y with Moqian when they were young. You might still remember her? When Miss Jianian heard it was your nieth birthday, she begged me to bring her along to show her respect."


    "Grandmother, back when I was little and spent time with Moqian, I would call you that too. I hope you don’t mind?" Zhu Jianian spoke eagerly. "I heard Grandmother is fond of Buddhist worship, so my father specially sourced a Guanyin statue from abroad for you. Wishing you blessings as vast as the ocean and a long life that rivals the peaks of Nanshan."


    With that, Zhu Jianian hurriedly held her gift box up for Old Madam Gu to see.