"Why have you come to see me this time?" Gu Yuan asked, unaware that Gu Fei had driven Xun'er away the previous night.
Xun'er would never reveal such embarrassing matters to others. Seeing Gu Yuan's reaction, Gu Fei realized the Patriarch remained ignorant of last night's events.
Originally, Gu Fei intended to state his case directly. But Xun'er was Gu Yuan's daughter - even a tiger wouldn't eat its own cub. Though as Patriarch he couldn't openly favor her, bias was inevitable.
"Xun'er and I have been married for half a year. She's... a remarkable person," Gu Fei began carefully. "But..."
Memories of Xun'er's actions surfaced. Though he'd moved past them, his tone still carried shadows. "Perhaps I'm inadequate. Xun'er has never held me in her heart. Maybe... we're simply not meant to be."
Gu Fei fell silent, observing Gu Yuan's reaction.
[Gu Yuan experiences surprise. Emotional Value +5]
The Patriarch's astonishment was well-concealed as he studied the young man before him. This was the same Gu Fei who had begged to marry Xun'er - the promising leader of the younger generation whom Gu Yuan had watched grow up.
How could their marriage deteriorate so quickly?
Then anger flickered through Gu Yuan. A divorce would damage Xun'er's reputation regardless of fault.
[Gu Yuan becomes angry. Emotional Value +5]
Gu Fei noted the system's alert. The Patriarch would surely demand explanations next, requiring delicate responses.
Gu Yuan's expression hardened, his imposing aura intensifying unconsciously. Just as he opened his mouth to question Gu Fei—
"Father! I won't divorce Gu Fei!"
Xun'er burst in, her disheveled appearance betraying a sleepless night.
[Xun'er becomes agitated. Emotional Value +50]
Gu Fei suppressed a smirk at his soon-to-be ex-wife's dramatic entrance. Gu Yuan sighed with mingled affection and exasperation, gesturing for her to sit.
After hesitating, Xun'er chose the seat opposite Gu Fei rather than beside him. Given his current attitude, she knew better than to push her luck.
"Gu Fei came early to discuss important matters," Gu Yuan said sternly. "Xun'er, explain what's happened between you."
Xun'er hung her head in shame, refusing to answer.
[Xun'er feels ashamed. Emotional Value +50]
Left with no choice, Gu Yuan turned to Gu Fei, who sighed heavily before speaking with careful diplomacy:
"Though married six months, Xun'er and I... have never truly been husband and wife."
Gu Yuan stiffened. He'd expected adjustment difficulties, but never this.
"If that were the only issue, I'd never seek divorce. Do you recall the Xiao family?"
Xun'er paled. She feared house arrest - or worse, Gu Yuan sending someone after Xiao Yan.
[Xun'er becomes nervous. Emotional Value +50]
"Of course. I sent Xun'er to Wutan City myself," Gu Yuan replied, puzzled.
"Xiao Yan, the Patriarch's son, was Wutan's so-called 'genius.' He and Xun'er grew exceptionally close—so close that..." Gu Fei closed his eyes. "Even after returning to the clan, she continued sending him gifts."
"Perhaps they're just friends. But she hid these visits, knowing I'd disapprove."
[Xun'er feels ashamed. Emotional Value +100]
Xun'er kept her head lowered as Gu Fei tactfully exposed her actions, cheeks burning.
[Gu Yuan becomes angry. Emotional Value +5]
Fury warred with understanding in Gu Yuan. As a man, he comprehended Gu Fei's position perfectly. Yet as a father...
"Xun'er! How could you? How could some Xiao boy compare to your husband?" Gu Yuan thundered. "You've shamed me!"
[Xun'er feels ashamed. Emotional Value +200]
Gu Yuan moderated his tone. "She clearly regrets this. Why not take a month to reconsider?"
After all, Gu Fei was an exemplary son-in-law - powerful and devoted. Xun'er needed time to appreciate what she'd lose.
"If after a month you still wish to separate, I'll permit it."
Gu Fei nearly laughed. A cooling-off period? Here?
Could one month erase Xun'er's betrayal?
Yet opposing Gu Yuan now was impossible. Without sufficient strength, defiance would be suicidal.
"As you wish, Patriarch," Gu Fei acquiesced reluctantly. Then added pointedly: "But I doubt my decision will change..."
As clan leader, Gu Yuan's word was law. For now, Gu Fei had no choice but to comply.
But the future? That remained unwritten.