Only a single wall lamp was on in the hotel room.
The warm light fell on the dining table, cordoning off the darkness beyond the curtains.
“Hello, delivery.”
Tonight’s meal was Pizza Hut.
Since it was already late and they had to return to the provincial capital early tomorrow morning, the family didn’t want to go through much trouble after packing their luggage.
Two boxes of pizza.
One was bacon and cheese, and the other was seafood.
The moment the boxes were opened, the rich aroma of cheese slowly drifted through the air.
In the past, food like Pizza Hut was something Gu Yebai could never bring himself to buy.
“Brother Bai, which flavor do you want to try first?”
Gao Hongyi sat down naturally next to Gu Yebai, her tone casual.
“Anything is fine with me…”
Gu Yebai replied subconsciously.
Gao Hongzhi picked up a slice of pizza and said to the two children, “We have to wake up early tomorrow, so don’t stay up too late tonight.”
His tone wasn’t stern; it was more of a habitual reminder.
Ya Xinyao remained in her chair, watching them with a smile.
She didn’t seem in a hurry to eat the pizza, appearing more interested in the egg tarts on the side.
Speaking of which, this was the first time Gu Yebai had truly participated in a normal family meal with them.
The last time he had eaten with family was 6 months ago.
From the day he sent off his mother, he had prepared himself mentally — for a long time to come, perhaps even for the rest of his life, he would be eating alone.
He hadn’t expected to be sitting at a dining table again in such a short period of time.
The pizza was delicious.
The cheese pulled into long, thin strings, and the heat hadn’t fully dissipated yet.
“The taste of these pre-made food chains isn’t too bad no matter where you go.”
Gao Hongzhi seemed quite satisfied with his choice.
“Besides, Hongyi and Little Gu are just at the age where they love pizza.”
As he spoke, he looked at Gu Yebai.
“Little Gu, is the taste alright?”
“It’s delicious!”
Gu Yebai answered almost immediately.
These were his true feelings.
During Gu Yebai’s first 16 years, he really hadn’t eaten many things that could be called “delicious.”
The fried eggplant boxes made by his mother, Lu Xiaoai, were probably his favorite and most frequently eaten dish.
Foods like KFC and McDonald’s were things his former family could only afford once in a long while.
As for Pizza Hut, he hadn’t even thought about it.
It was a bit embarrassing to admit, but this was Gu Yebai’s first time eating pizza.
Just as he was seriously savoring the food, a phone ringtone suddenly sounded, breaking the silence in the room.
It was Gao Hongzhi’s phone.
Gu Yebai subconsciously looked over.
A judgment almost immediately formed in his mind — ‘It’s probably work-related again.’
To come and find him, Uncle Gao had already delayed too many important matters.
However, Gao Hongzhi quickly answered the phone.
“Hello, this is Gao Hongzhi.”
His tone was as calm and polite as always.
“…Yes, that’s correct.”
“Good, good, I understand.”
The person on the other end of the line seemed to say quite a lot.
Gao Hongzhi didn’t interrupt, only responding occasionally.
Ya Xinyao sensed something.
She noticed her husband’s brow twitch slightly, and a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
So, she put down the egg tart in her hand and walked over to Gao Hongzhi’s side.
“In other words, the current paternity index has reached the confirmation standard, correct?”
Gao Hongzhi paused for a moment.
“Yes, I understand.”
“It’s fine to issue the formal report after the procedures are finished.”
“Thank you for your hard work. I really appreciate it.”
The call ended.
The room fell silent once more.
Gao Hongzhi didn’t speak immediately.
He looked down at the now-dark phone screen, and his breathing slowed for a beat.
Then, he looked up, cleared his throat, and let his gaze sweep over Ya Xinyao, Gao Hongyi, and Gu Yebai in turn.
“Ladies and gentlemen.”
His tone was like he was presiding over a long-prepared meeting, yet it carried a hint of lightness he couldn’t quite suppress.
“I have some good news to announce.”
“The hospital just confirmed that based on the current test results — “
He paused.
“Mr. Gu Yebai, who is present here, can generally be confirmed to have a biological relationship with myself and Mrs. Ya Xinyao.”
“Let’s applaud and celebrate this good news.”
As the words fell, Gao Hongzhi was the first to start clapping.
“That’s wonderful.”
Ya Xinyao’s voice was a bit hoarse.
She walked over and looked at Gu Yebai, her eyes filled with light.
After so much hardship, they had finally found their biological child.
Gao Hongyi was also so happy that she suddenly hugged Gu Yebai.
“Brother Bai, welcome home.”
Gu Yebai stood there.
For a moment, his mind was blank.
He didn’t know how he should react right now, nor did he know what kind of expression to use to respond to all of this.
But he knew very well that at a time like this, he should smile.
So, he gave a faint smile.
It wasn’t because he was truly ready, but because he didn’t want to ruin this seemingly perfect and happy scene.
He shouldn’t be dramatic, nor should he shrink back.
He should integrate into this family as quickly as possible.
This was the most rational choice at the moment.
But he knew in his heart that he was still using titles like “Uncle Gao” and “Aunt Ya.”
If he continued to call them that, it would feel like he was denying the blood relationship that had just been confirmed.
‘Should I celebrate? Cheer for becoming a “Young Master of Shanghai”?
Give an acceptance speech for being about to have a Donghai household registration and a brand-new life?
Feel fortunate for stepping into another social class in one leap?’
Gu Yebai hated taking from others.
He also hated getting things without working for them.
A strong sense of “unworthiness” became even clearer at this moment.
“I… want to go to the restroom.”
“Go ahead, Little Gu.”
Gao Hongzhi nodded.
He and Ya Xinyao looked at each other, their eyes filled with soft and certain smiles.
“Dad, Mom, is Brother Bai… okay?”
“He’s fine, Hongyi,” Gao Hongzhi said softly.
“He just hasn’t learned how to find his footing in happiness yet.”
Inside the restroom, however, Gu Yebai looked quite different.
The mirror reflected a bewildered teenager.
He knew very well that he could never go back to his old world again.
People always feel fear toward the unknown, even if that unknown looks so glamorous.
He was clearly the one who had wanted to leave Linchuan the most, but when all this actually arrived, he didn’t feel the joy he had imagined.
Gu Yebai turned on the faucet and washed his face.
When he walked out of the restroom, Gao Hongyi immediately approached him.
“Brother Bai, are you okay?”
“I think…”
The family’s gaze fell on him once again.
“The seafood pizza tastes a little better than the bacon and cheese one.”
After a brief silence, the room lightened.
“Brother Bai is really something…”
“If it’s good, eat more.”
“After you’re done eating, get some rest early, Little Gu.”
Everyone understood that Gu Yebai was changing the subject.
He had plenty of time.
He could take his whole life to slowly accept this family that would always keep its doors open for him.