After consulting with Aran, Chu Hengyuan decided that they would depart for the Capital the following day, August 3rd.
Aran explained to Father Gu that an issue had arisen with her employer's business in the Capital. She had to leave Hehua Village tomorrow, and because much of the work had passed through her own hands, she needed to reach the Capital to assist her employer in resolving the matter. Hearing this, Father Gu realized he could not insist she stay. He summoned Chu Hengyuan and demanded that he take good care of his daughter, while also warning them both to uphold the proprieties until they were wed. Both Chu Hengyuan and Aran blushed at this; Uncle Gu, as he was, truly never missed an opportunity to keep them in check.
On the evening of August 2nd, the Gu family in Hehua Village shared their final reunion dinner before the departure to the Capital. During the meal, Aran asked Shen Jin once more to look after Father Gu. Somehow, in the course of the conversation, Shen Jin formally adopted Gu Zhentang as his godfather, making him and Aran true siblings. Father Gu, truly loath to part with Aran, drank some wine and pulled Chu Hengyuan aside, offering endless instructions and entreaties.
Chapter 80