Chapter 1243: Chapter 1147: Heart Bookstore

Gu Qichen was gradually becoming less busy than before.

Sometimes after having dinner together, the two of them would go for a walk in the bookstore.

The bookstore’s interior was peacefully and elegantly decorated, making it seem as if time stood still within its walls.

Gu Qichen said, “Everything’s almost ready now, have you thought of a name for the bookstore?”

The bookstore still had no name.

Standing by the window and leaning on Gu Qichen’s shoulder, Xia Yangyang said, “People nowadays are under too much stress and live too restlessly. I hope everyone can find a place here to let their hearts settle, to rediscover their initial intentions. After taking a rest, they can reenter the bustling world refreshed and re-energized. Let’s call it Heart Bookstore.”

Gu Qichen wrapped his arms around Xia Yangyang’s shoulders, “That’s a good name. From now on, should I call you Boss Xia?”

“Boss is too commonplace.”

“Then what should I call you? Scholar Xia or Hermit Xia?”

“Let’s stick with Boss Xia.”

The day Xia Yangyang’s bookstore opened, there was no grand celebration with lanterns and streamers.

There wasn’t even a single flower basket at the entrance.

It simply opened its doors in silence, as if it had been there for a long time.

The bookstore’s entrance was inconspicuous at first glance.

But as one neared, a quaint aroma of books would irresistibly draw the eye inward.

Once inside, it was as if entering another realm, quickly captivating with its retro, tranquil charm.

Many people hadn’t even realized when the shop opened but had already become regular customers.

Xia Yangyang’s daily life now consisted of spending the day at the bookstore, then picking up Xia Ye from kindergarten.

Occasionally she would visit Shengyuan.

Her days were ordinary yet profoundly tranquil.

A few days ago, the old master missed Xia Ye, so Xia Yangyang let him stay for a few days.

The old master’s health was declining day by day.

Gu Mingzhu wanted to take him to Beijing, but he refused to go.

Living alone in the vast Gu Manor was inevitably lonely.

Only when he saw Xia Ye would he laugh heartily.

That’s why Xia Yangyang had recently been visiting Gu Manor more frequently.

In fact, after all the trouble back then, the old master became harsher towards Xia Yangyang.

But now, his attitude towards her had softened a great deal.

Xia Yangyang had never held any grudges against the old master.

She could understand how he felt.

Gu Zhaohan was still lying in the hospital, sustained by a respirator, which pained the old master the most.

It was also Xia Yangyang’s biggest regret in life.

However, last night, Xia Yangyang had shared some Shaoxing rice wine with the old master.

The old master said, “Yangyang, you are a good child. Don’t blame me for sending you away before. I was scared. My Mingzhu suffered a lifetime because she fell in love with someone who didn’t love her back, and she ruined her life. I didn’t want Xiao Han to follow the same path. Xiao Han and Ah Chen are both his sons, my grandsons. I never favored one over the other in my heart. These two children are already pitiful. I couldn’t let them hate each other because of you. I thought, even if someone has to be the bad guy, let it be me. If they must hate, they can hate me. After all, I’m an old man who won’t live much longer. But they have decades of futures where they need to support each other. Now, I realize I was wrong, terribly wrong.”

It seemed the old master was slightly tipsy.

Xia Yangyang said, “I understand your position, and I’ve never held it against you.”