The Mighty Mage
Chapter 357: Banquet

Chapter 357: Chapter 357: Banquet

"No, no," Jihu said quickly, holding up his hands. "I just think... it might help. You’ve been through a lot, you know?"

Gu Jin frowned and looked away. "I’m fine. I don’t need therapy."

"Jin," Jihu said softly. "I used to think that too. But then I tried it, and... it really helped me. It’s not about being weak or broken. It’s about getting stronger."

She didn’t say anything, but Jihu could see the walls she’d built around herself. He wasn’t going to give up, though.

"Just think about it, okay? For me?" he said, giving her a small smile.

Gu Jin sighed, still avoiding his gaze. "I’ll think about it."

That was all Jihu needed to hear. He knew it wouldn’t be easy, but at least it was a start.

As Gu Jin stood up, she grabbed her phone and mumbled, "I’m going to my room." Her tone was calm, but Jihu could sense her frustration. Without waiting for anyone to respond, she walked away, her footsteps fading down the hallway.

The silence in the living room was short-lived.

Jichun, who had been sitting nearby, leaned closer to Jihu, her face filled with curiosity and concern.

"Brother, why were you telling Jin to go for therapy? What’s wrong with her?"

Jihu hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. He didn’t want to worry Jichun, but she had already overheard enough. After a moment, he sighed.

"It’s not that something’s wrong with her, Chun. It’s just... Jin can’t cry."

Jichun’s eyes widened in shock. "She can’t cry? Like, at all?"

Jihu nodded. "Yeah. She’s been holding in her feelings for so long that it’s like she built this wall around herself.

Therapy could help her break that wall and let it out."

Mrs. Gu, who had just walked into the room with a tray of snacks, paused when she heard this.

She set the tray on the coffee table and sat down beside Jichun, her face full of worry. "Jihu, are you serious about this?"

Before Jihu could answer, Mr. Gu folded his newspaper and frowned deeply.

"She can’t cry? What kind of nonsense is this? Are you sure you’re not overthinking?"

Jihu met his father’s stern gaze with a firm expression.

"I’m sure, Dad. I’ve seen it. She bottles everything up, and it’s not healthy."

Mr. Gu leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

"That girl has always been strong, but maybe she’s been too strong for her own good."

Mrs. Gu sighed, looking toward the hallway where Gu Jin had disappeared.

"I thought it was just her personality, but now I’m not so sure."

Jichun grabbed Jihu’s sleeve, her voice trembling.

"We have to help her, Brother. Jin shouldn’t have to feel like that. What if she’s sad and can’t even tell us?"

Jihu put a hand on her shoulder.

"We will, Chun. We all have to help her see that therapy’s not a bad thing."

Mr. Gu stood up, determination in his eyes.

"I’ll talk to her. She’s my daughter, and I won’t let her carry everything by herself."

Mrs. Gu nodded in agreement.

"We’ll talk to her together, but we need to be patient. This isn’t something we can force her into."

Just as they were all gearing up to form a plan, Gu Jin suddenly reappeared in the doorway, her arms crossed. Her sharp gaze swept over them. "You’re all talking about me, aren’t you?"

The family froze, caught red-handed.

Jihu cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh, we were just—"

"Don’t," Gu Jin interrupted, her tone flat. "I know what you’re going to say. And I don’t want to hear it."

Jichun stepped forward, her hands clasped tightly.

"Jin, we just want to help! You don’t have to do this alone."

Gu Jin pinched the bridge of her nose, clearly frustrated.

"You’re all making a big deal out of nothing. I’m fine."

"Fine people don’t shut themselves off, Jin," Jihu said, crossing his arms.

Gu Jin shot him a sharp look, then sighed.

"Can we just drop it? Please? It’s exhausting."

Mrs. Gu placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"Alright, Jin. But we’re here for you, always. Don’t forget that."

Gu Jin gave a small nod but quickly changed the subject, her voice brisk.

"Has the banquet date been set yet?"

Mrs. Gu tapped on her forehead while Mr. Gu frowned,

"Don’t you know? It is today."

Mr. Gu turned to Mrs. Gu and asked, "Did you forget to tell her?"

"Ah...I...I did..." Mrs. Gu said with a sheepish smile.

Gu Jin let out a long sigh, rubbing her temples.

"Okay, so what time is it? And why hasn’t anyone told me before now?"

Mr. Gu cleared his throat, looking slightly sheepish himself.

"It’s in the evening, at 7 PM. That gives you plenty of time to get ready."

"Plenty of time?" Gu Jihu repeated with a sarcastic laugh. "You do realize it’s already 4 PM, right?"

Jichun gasped. "Oh no! That’s only three hours!" She grabbed Gu Jin’s arm, her eyes wide with panic. "Thank god, we had already prepared your dress and makeup style, let’s go."

As they reached Gu Jin’s room, Jichun flung open the closet doors with a dramatic flourish. Hanging in the center was a floor-length gown in a deep, elegant shade of black.

The fabric shimmered subtly under the light, and delicate embroidery adorned the hem and sleeves.

"Ta-da!" Jichun exclaimed, beaming with pride. "Isn’t it gorgeous?"

Gu Jin stepped closer, her fingers brushing over the fabric. Despite her annoyance, she couldn’t help but admire the dress. "It’s... nice," she admitted grudgingly.

"Nice?" Jichun gasped, clutching her chest like she’d been insulted. "Jin, this is more than nice. It’s stunning! You’re going to steal the show."

An hour later, Gu Jin stood in front of the mirror, fully transformed.

The black gown fit her perfectly, hugging her figure in all the right places. Her hair was styled into an elegant updo, with a few loose strands framing her face.

The makeup Jichun had done was subtle but enhanced her natural beauty.

Jichun clapped her hands together, practically bouncing with excitement.

"See? What did I tell you? You look like a queen!"

Mrs. Gu smiled warmly, her eyes glistening with pride.

"Jin, you look breathtaking."

Even Gu Jin had to admit, that she looked good. She tilted her head, studying her reflection with a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Not bad," she said quietly.

As they made their way back to the living room, Jihu let out a low whistle. "Wow, Jin. You clean up pretty well."

"Don’t get used to it," Gu Jin replied, her tone dry, but there was a glint of amusement in her eyes.

Mr. Gu stood up, adjusting his tie as he approached them. His expression softened when he saw his eldest daughter. "You look beautiful, Jin," he said simply.

"Thanks, Dad," she replied, her voice quieter than usual.

The family piled into the car, heading to the banquet.

.............................................

At the same time.

Long Yifan who had returned from the forgotten elemental world, smiled as he looked at the beautifully decorated banquet hall.

Just one more step and he would be free from the Gu family and can pursue Gu Jin openly from now on.

With that thought, he fixed the black tuxedo suit. Even though he had casually styled his outfit, his natural arrogance and powerful aura made everyone turn to look toward him.

"When will the princess from the Gu Family arrive?"

Jasmine standing beside her brother was speechless. This was the third time, her brother had asked this question.

Long Yifan was placed near the entrance of the banquet hall, his black tuxedo making him look like he’d just stepped out of a movie.

"Yifan," Jasmine said with a sigh, tugging at his sleeve. "She’ll get here when she gets here. Stop asking."

Long Yifan smirked, not taking his eyes off the door.

"Sister, you don’t understand! My freedom...is dependent on the fact whether I will be able to break off the engagement or not."

Jasmine tugged at Long Yifan’s selvees, "Calm down."

Long Yifan nodded. Just then he heard a slightly familiar voice, "I didn’t know you loved Gu Aihan so much that. If I knew before I would have given her a glance or two."

Turning around Long Yifan saw Long Yeiling who was wearing a white three-piece suit. He looked charming.

Long Yifan smiled,

"I don’t like Gu Aihan. I like the true daughter of the Gu Family, but I am scared of telling her my feelings so I am planning to offer her the chance to break off the engagement."

With a sorrowful expression, he lowered his gaze to the floor and said,

"If she broke the engagement then she doesn’t love me. But if she didn’t...I will be very happy."

Long Yeiling’s eyes narrowed.

He couldn’t have been happy if Long Yifan had been happy. So...he will make sure that the true daughter of the Gu family will break off the engagement.

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