Reborn as the Reluctant Saint - Chapter 2 - A New Beginning

The morning sun shone brightly after a night of heavy rain, casting a beautiful rainbow across the sky. It was a perfect day, but Aunt Gui had no time to admire it. The Young Lady had requested steamed dumplings and Bird’s Nest Soup for breakfast, so Aunt Gui had risen early to prepare.

By seven o’clock, Mr. and Mrs. Gu were already up, but the Young Lady was nowhere to be seen at the breakfast table.

Gu Zhiguo, holding a newspaper, glanced at the clock on the wall with a stern expression. “Where’s Hanyu?”

Zhang Shuhui frowned and called Aunt Gui over. “Go and call Hanyu down for breakfast. It’s getting late.”

Aunt Gui nodded and went upstairs.

Knock, knock, knock-

She called softly from outside the door, “Young Lady, are you awake? It’s time for breakfast.”

After a moment with no response, she continued, “Young Lady, Mr. and Mrs. Gu are already in the dining room.”

“Young Lady, are you feeling unwell? Should I call a doctor?”

The Gu Family was known for its strict adherence to rules-meals at set times, no talking while eating, and other such decorum. Under such discipline, no one in the Gu Family would sleep in.

The Young Lady was particularly known for her adherence to etiquette, always poised and proper. Since Aunt Gui had started working for the Gu Family, she had never seen the Young Lady oversleep or behave inappropriately. Her steps were always measured and graceful, embodying the elegance of a well-bred lady.

But now it was already a quarter past seven, and the Young Lady had yet to appear-an unusual occurrence.

Gu Zhiguo and Zhang Shuhui were naturally displeased with their daughter’s tardiness and sent Aunt Gui to fetch her.

Just as Aunt Gui was about to retrieve the key to open the door, Gu Hanyu suddenly opened it. The delicate young woman wore a gray dress, her long hair neatly tied back with a black ribbon. Her expression was indifferent as she walked past Aunt Gui.

Her voice was youthful yet cold, “Let’s go.”

With her hands clasped casually in front of her, she walked with a straight, slender back, her chin slightly raised, like a proud winter plum blossom, exuding the grace of a noble lady as she descended the stairs.

The dining room was quiet. Gu Zhiguo held chopsticks in one hand and flipped through the newspaper with the other, while Zhang Shuhui sat elegantly, sipping Bird’s Nest Soup.

“Good morning, Father. Good morning, Mother,” Gu Hanyu greeted.

Gu Zhiguo responded with a simple “Hmm.”

Zhang Shuhui, displeased with her daughter’s tardiness, said with a hint of reproach, “Why are you up so late today?”

Aunt Gui served Gu Hanyu a bowl of Bird’s Nest Soup.

Sitting upright, Gu Hanyu replied earnestly, “Father, Mother, I’m sorry.”

Gu Zhiguo acknowledged with another “Hmm.”

Zhang Shuhui added, “Don’t let it happen again.”

Gu Hanyu nodded, “I understand. It won’t happen again.”

She explained, “The thunder and rain kept me awake last night, and I accidentally overslept this morning. By the way, where’s my sister? Has she eaten yet?”

She looked around, not seeing her sister.

Zhang Shuhui replied, “Your sister also had trouble sleeping because of the thunder. She finally fell asleep when the rain stopped, so I let her sleep in.”

Gu Hanyu smiled gently, “So my sister is still asleep? Aunt Gui, did you save some steamed dumplings and Bird’s Nest Soup for her?”

Aunt Gui assured her that Mrs. Gu had instructed her to save some for the Second Young Lady. Two baskets of dumplings were left unsteamed to ensure freshness, and a portion of Bird’s Nest Soup was set aside, ready to be steamed when the Second Young Lady awoke.

Gu Hanyu smiled softly, “Mother is always so thoughtful. Did you stay with my sister all night?”

Zhang Shuhui nodded, “Yes, I was worried she might be scared sleeping alone. Now, let’s eat.”

Gu Hanyu nodded obediently and quietly began her breakfast, her porcelain face serene and composed.

Zhang Shuhui was pleased with her eldest daughter, who embodied the grace and poise of a well-bred lady, a testament to her upbringing.

After breakfast, Gu Zhiguo left early for an academic conference, while Zhang Shuhui, having an afternoon appointment with friends at the spa, relaxed at home with tea and newspapers. A fresh batch of flowers had just arrived, lifting her spirits. She decided to arrange them with Gu Hanyu in the backyard.

Gu Yuanyuan awoke around ten, bouncing down the stairs, calling out, “Aunt Gui, Aunt Gui, I’m hungry!”

Aunt Gui heard her from afar and brought her a glass of warm milk, just the right temperature. “Second Young Lady, have some milk first. The dumplings and Bird’s Nest Soup will be ready soon.”

Gu Yuanyuan took a sip, the milk leaving a cute mustache on her lips. She frowned slightly, “I don’t want dumplings. I want beef noodles. Aunt Gui makes the best beef noodles.”

Aunt Gui hesitated, “But the dumplings and Bird’s Nest Soup were specially saved for you by Mrs. Gu…”

Gu Yuanyuan pouted, thought for a moment, and reluctantly said, “Alright, no beef noodles then. Beef noodles aren’t important; Mom is. I can’t let Mom down.”

Her voice carried just enough for Zhang Shuhui and Gu Hanyu to hear in the backyard. Zhang Shuhui smiled warmly, her affection for her daughter evident.

Gu Hanyu smiled slightly, “Sister is such a filial child.”

Zhang Shuhui nodded with satisfaction, though her expression showed a hint of sadness, likely mourning the lost seventeen years.

Gu Yuanyuan had been taken seventeen years ago due to a mistake and was only recently found. She had been sold to a childless couple, Zhang Wei and Wang Zhen, who raised her as their own, naming her Zhang Yuanyuan. They considered her a blessing.

After returning to the Gu Family, Gu Yuanyuan explained that although her adoptive parents had bought her from traffickers, they treated her well. After her persistent pleas, the Gu Family agreed not to pursue charges against the Zhangs. Gu Yuanyuan was allowed to visit them, grateful for their care.

Thus, Gu Yuanyuan had two sets of loving parents, though she could no longer bear the Zhang surname, becoming Gu Yuanyuan.

Gu Yuanyuan resembled Zhang Shuhui, with her round eyes and face, delicate features, and petite frame. Her long, soft hair and dimples made her irresistibly charming.

Her return brought laughter and joy to the Gu Family, a liveliness they hadn’t known before.

Aunt Gui set the steamed dumplings and Bird’s Nest Soup on the dining table, but Gu Yuanyuan cheerfully insisted on eating in the garden with her mother and sister. Aunt Gui hesitated, knowing the Gu Family’s strict rules.

“Second Young Lady, that’s against the rules.”

“Rules? What rules?” Gu Yuanyuan asked, puzzled.

Zhang Shuhui, overhearing, called out, “What are you waiting for? Bring it over.”

Aunt Gui, realizing Gu Yuanyuan’s favored status, brought the breakfast to the white round table in the garden, where Gu Yuanyuan happily ate while watching her mother and sister arrange flowers.

The freshly delivered flowers were flawless, with dewdrops still visible, likely just picked.

Gu Yuanyuan watched Zhang Shuhui, then focused on Gu Hanyu, who elegantly trimmed and arranged the flowers in a vase, creating a stunning display.

Zhang Shuhui smiled at her younger daughter, “Did you sleep well? If you’re still tired, you can nap after breakfast.”

Gu Yuanyuan shook her head, a dumpling in her mouth, “I slept great with Mom by my side!”

Zhang Shuhui beamed with contentment.

Gu Hanyu glanced at Gu Yuanyuan.

Zhang Shuhui’s love for Gu Yuanyuan was genuine. Eating breakfast in the garden was unprecedented in the Gu Family, known for its strict rules, especially under Zhang Shuhui’s watchful eye. Gu Hanyu had always adhered to a strict schedule, dressed and at the table by seven, with no exceptions.

As she arranged the flowers, her brow furrowed slightly, unnoticed by others.

Zhang Shuhui arranged three vases of flowers, placing one in her husband’s study and two in Gu Yuanyuan’s room.

Gu Yuanyuan said, “Thank you, Mom.”

Gu Hanyu added, “Sister, these are flowers Mother personally prepared for you. They were delivered fresh this morning and will last a long time. Aren’t they beautiful?”

Gu Yuanyuan hesitated, “They are beautiful…”

She didn’t seem particularly happy or fond of them.

Zhang Shuhui asked, “What’s wrong?”

Gu Yuanyuan shook her head, “Nothing. They’re pretty, but I don’t like cutting flowers and putting them in vases. I feel like flowers have life too, and it seems sad to see them like this. In a vase, they only last a few days, but in the ground, they can grow naturally and bloom longer.”

Zhang Shuhui was momentarily taken aback, then laughed, gently ruffling Gu Yuanyuan’s hair, marveling at her daughter’s kindness and innocence, worried such a nature might lead to hurt or deceit.

Gu Hanyu said, “Sister is so lovable, no one would want to harm her.”

Zhang Shuhui sighed, “The world is a dangerous place, full of deceit. Hanyu, take care of Yuanyuan.”

Gu Hanyu smiled at Gu Yuanyuan, “I will. I’ll take care of my sister.”

Gu Yuanyuan said, “Mom, I’m not that fragile. I’ve grown up and can protect myself now. Please don’t worry about me.”

Zhang Shuhui silently thought that with her and her husband around, they would always protect their youngest daughter from harm. She nodded and glanced at the flowers in the vase, losing interest in them. She casually tossed the ones in her hand aside.

She called Aunt Gui over and instructed her to tell the florist not to send flowers anymore but to send potted plants instead. Considering the Gu Family didn’t have enough pots, she also ordered a batch to be purchased. From then on, no more cut flowers were delivered to the Gu Family. All their flowers were planted, allowed to grow naturally, and no longer kept in vases to wither away.

Gu Yuanyuan immediately brightened up. “Thank you, Mom! You’re the best!”

Zhang Shuhui smiled warmly and gently ruffled her youngest daughter’s hair. Her daughter was so kind and pure; naturally, she wanted to protect this rare innocence. She then instructed Aunt Gui, “Since Yuanyuan doesn’t like them, throw these flowers away.”

Gu Yuanyuan frowned. “Throw them away? That’s such a waste…”

To Zhang Shuhui, a few flowers were hardly worth feeling regretful over. She was more concerned about her youngest daughter’s overly soft heart, which could easily lead to her being deceived.

Zhang Shuhui chuckled softly and motioned for Aunt Gui to take the flowers away. This time, she didn’t explicitly say “throw them away,” likely to avoid upsetting her daughter. But her attitude was clear enough. Aunt Gui, having worked in the Gu Family for years, understood Zhang Shuhui’s intentions perfectly-it was to discard them.

“Put them in my room,” Gu Hanyu said.

She remembered saying the exact same words in her previous life when faced with these soon-to-be-discarded flowers.

Gu Hanyu loved flowers. She enjoyed filling her room with bouquets, savoring the faint floral fragrance that permeated the space. She liked placing fresh flowers in vases for a few days before tying them into bundles and hanging them by the window or on the walls to let them naturally dry into decorative arrangements.

It wasn’t just her; Zhang Shuhui and Gu Zhiguo also appreciated flowers. Otherwise, the florist wouldn’t deliver fresh blooms to the Gu Family every few days. The expansive Gu Family mansion even had vases lining the hallways.

Gu Hanyu couldn’t bear to see them all thrown away.

But after hearing Gu Yuanyuan’s sentiments, her desire to use the flowers as room decorations seemed selfish and “heartless.” How could she justify letting such beautiful flowers suffer just to satisfy her own whims?

She recalled the disapproving look Gu Yuanyuan had given her in her previous life. Though her sister hadn’t openly criticized her, her gaze had been filled with pity and reluctance, as if silently asking, “Why can’t you spare those poor flowers?”

Zhang Shuhui had also cast a reproachful glance her way, seemingly questioning why she was so insensitive.

It wasn’t about the flowers. Tossing a few stems was trivial. What truly bothered her was the jealousy she felt toward Zhang Shuhui’s special affection and indulgence for Gu Yuanyuan.

This time, Gu Hanyu didn’t rush to say, “Put them in my room.” She watched the tender scene between mother and daughter unfold, her eyes betraying a complex mix of emotions.

Countless comments flashed before her eyes:

[Yuanyuan is so kind-hearted, even showing love for a flower. She’s truly an angel.]

[Yuanyuan is right. Flowers left unpicked can bloom beautifully for much longer. Once cut, they wilt in just a few days and are thrown away. It’s really sad when you think about it.]

[Yuanyuan is such a compassionate girl to even consider this.]

[I’m not going to decorate my house with cut flowers anymore!]

[Gu Yuanyuan is so funny. Why pity a flower? Aren’t flowers meant for decoration?]

[Haha, some people just don’t understand compassion.]

[Yuanyuan is a sweet little angel!]

[Yuanyuan’s dimples are so cute. I want to poke them.]

[Mom Gu is so beautiful and gentle. She really has such an elegant aura!]

[Mom Gu and Yuanyuan look more like sisters when they’re out together.]

[I wish my mom were as graceful and kind as Mom Gu.]

[Hanyu seems so fake, like a mannequin.]

[I don’t like Hanyu. She feels eerie, almost scary.]

[Hanyu looks so stiff, nothing like Yuanyuan’s lively charm.]

This time, Gu Hanyu didn’t react with the same shock, confusion, fear, or anger as she had the first time she saw these comments. She remained calm, as if she hadn’t seen anything at all. Even the smile on her lips stayed perfectly composed.

She had already witnessed the celebratory frenzy of comments after her death. What were these compared to that?

At this moment, she knew she was merely the “villainous supporting character” in Guardian Sweetheart. The protagonist was her younger sister, Gu Yuanyuan, two years her junior, and the male lead was her future husband, currently her fiancé.

Like all fairy tales, the male and female leads would have a happy, perfect ending, blessed by everyone. Meanwhile, the villainous supporting character was destined for a tragic demise, her death met with applause.

She hadn’t expected to die and then live again, granted a second chance at life. Even the black-framed screen she had seen after her death had followed her back, allowing her to see those comments once more.

In her previous life, Gu Hanyu had met such a grim fate. Was she resigned to it? No.

“Put them in my room.”

In this new life, Gu Hanyu repeated the same words.

As expected, the moment she spoke, Gu Yuanyuan’s startled gaze turned toward her, filled with reluctance and a hint of disapproval. Zhang Shuhui also looked at her, frowning slightly, her eyes carrying a trace of reproach, as if questioning why she couldn’t show a bit more compassion.

The comments shifted abruptly from praising Gu Yuanyuan to questioning Gu Hanyu:

[?????]

[What’s wrong with Gu Hanyu?]