Contract Marriage: The President's Stand-in Lover - Chapter 12:

The Family Banquet

After her father’s condition finally stabilized, Vivian felt the tight string in her heart ease,

if only a little. But before she could truly breathe, another test awaited her

the Gu family’s monthly dinner.

This time, the gathering was held at the Gu family’s ancestral residence,

an elegant courtyard house steeped in tradition. Compared to Gu Chen’s sleek modern villa,

the old mansion felt weightier, heavier with history and under that weight,

Vivian’s nerves tightened again.

In the car on the way there, Gu Chen seemed to notice her tension.

His voice, usually cool and distant, carried a faint softness as he said,

Relax. It’s only a routine family dinner. Just stay close to me.

She turned her head slightly to look at him. His eyes were closed,

his face calm and sharp in the dim light filtering through the window.

She murmured a quiet acknowledgment, though the unease in her chest refused to settle.

She knew the truth. A Gu family dinner was never just dinner.

The butler was already waiting at the gate when they arrived.

They passed through winding corridors and serene courtyards

until the fragrance of sandalwood met them at the entrance to the main hall.

Inside, the long table was already full.

Old Master Gu sat at the head, his spirit still strong despite the years.

When he saw them, his face lit with a warm smile. Around him sat uncles, aunts, cousins

their gazes curious, assessing, some friendly, some sharp.

Gu Chen greeted him first, his tone respectful. Vivian followed with a gentle smile,

her voice soft and graceful as she greeted the old man.

Old Master Gu nodded approvingly. Good, good. Sit down, both of you.

The warmth lasted only a moment.

A sharp, feminine voice broke through the murmur of conversation.

So this is the young lady our dear Gu Chen chose?

No wonder he finally let himself be caught she’s quite the beauty.

The speaker was Gu Chen’s third aunt, a woman draped in jewels and perfume,

her eyes gleaming with calculation. Her words were coated in sugar,

but the bitterness beneath was unmistakable.

Vivian kept her smile composed and polite, choosing silence over defense.

Gu Chen, however, lifted his gaze lazily toward his aunt. His tone was cool and measured.

Third Aunt flatters us. Vivian has a quiet nature. She isn’t used to noisy occasions.

His words were calm, yet firm enough to draw a line.

The aunt’s face stiffened. She laughed awkwardly and turned away, her jab deflected cleanly.

But the attacks didn’t stop there.

Throughout the meal, questions and comments floated across the table

some light, some heavy with intent.

I heard your family runs a business, Miss Lin, said a cousin’s wife, feigning curiosity.

What kind of company is it?

Vivian set down her chopsticks and smiled calmly. Yes, my father runs a small technology firm.

We specialize in the development and production of precision instruments.

A tech company, the woman drawled, exchanging a look with someone down the table.

That’s a tough industry. I thought I heard something about your

company running into problems recently?

The question was barbed and deliberate, cutting straight to Vivian’s sore spot.

Her fingers tightened briefly around her chopsticks, but her voice stayed even.

Thank you for your concern. It’s true we faced some challenges, but with Gu Chen’s help,

things have stabilized. Every business faces setbacks what matters is having

the determination to overcome them.

Her answer was smooth, balanced neither defensive nor submissive.

She turned the insult into an opportunity to highlight strength.

Beside her, Gu Chen’s eyes softened slightly. He said nothing,

but the faint curve of approval at his lips did not go unnoticed.

Another cousin tried to press the matter. And what about your own work, Vivian?

Are you helping with your family’s company, or

Gu Chen’s voice cut through, low and final. Vivian works at the Gu Foundation.

She oversees several of our charity initiatives. She’s been doing an excellent job

recently she resolved a particularly complex project. She’s quite capable.

The tone was flat, but the message was unmistakable she is part of my world,

and she has my recognition.

Vivian blinked, startled. A gentle warmth unfurled in her chest.

He was defending her, publicly, and without hesitation.

The cousin who had asked the question fell silent, her curiosity evaporating

under Gu Chen’s authority.

But the peace didn’t last long.

As the dinner drew to a close, Gu Chen’s third aunt smiled slyly

and turned toward Old Master Gu. Father, don’t you think it’s time

for these two to start thinking about a baby?

You’ve been longing for a great-grandchild, haven’t you?

The entire table went quiet.

Vivian’s face flushed crimson. The air around her thickened with embarrassment.

A child in a marriage built on a contract the thought felt absurd, almost cruel.

Gu Chen’s expression darkened instantly. He set down his napkin and fixed his aunt with a cold,

unyielding stare. Third Aunt, when and how Vivian and I choose to start a family is our business.

You don’t need to concern yourself.

His tone was glacial, each word carrying a warning.

The woman’s face shifted from red to pale, her smile faltering.

I was only asking out of concern

Excessive concern becomes intrusion, Gu Chen interrupted sharply.

Then he turned to his grandfather, his voice softening just slightly.

Grandpa, we just got married. We’d like to enjoy some time together first.

The rest will happen naturally.

Old Master Gu chuckled, diffusing the tension. That’s fair enough.

Let the young ones live their lives. Now, let’s eat.

The storm passed, but the undercurrent lingered.

After dinner, Old Master Gu called Gu Chen into the study for a private talk.

Vivian stepped outside into the courtyard, letting the cool night air wash over her.

A mocking voice cut through the silence. So it’s true what they say

people from small families really can’t hide their lack of class.

Vivian turned, meeting the disdainful gaze of a cousin the same

one who had tried to embarrass her earlier.

You think a pretty face is enough to climb your way up? The woman sneered.

Don’t flatter yourself. Gu Chen doesn’t care about you.

You were just brought in to cheer up Grandfather while he was ill.

Once he gets bored, you’ll be tossed aside.

The words struck like needles. That same old whisper

you’re just a substitute rose again in her mind. Her chest tightened,

but she forced herself to stay calm.

She met her cousin’s gaze squarely, her smile faint but unwavering.

You’re mistaken. Gu Chen and I chose each other.

And how long our marriage lasts is no one else’s concern.

Perhaps you should spend less time worrying about us and more time fixing your own problems.

I’ve heard your husband’s recent investments haven’t gone too well.

Her tone was light, but her aim was precise. The color drained from the woman’s face.

You—

What are you talking about?

The cousin’s words were cut short by a deep voice behind them.

Gu Chen was standing there, his expression unreadable, one hand sliding naturally to Vivian’s

waist. His gaze turned cold as it met the other woman’s.

Were you giving my wife a hard time?

The cousin faltered, her arrogance vanishing in an instant.

N-no, we were just talking. She muttered a hasty excuse and fled.

Gu Chen looked down at Vivian, his brows drawn slightly. Did she trouble you?

Vivian shook her head, her voice soft but steady. No. I can handle it.

He studied her for a moment longer, then tightened his arm around her waist. Let’s go home.

She nodded.

The drive back was quiet. The city lights streamed past in a blur of gold and silver,

their reflections flickering across the glass. Vivian leaned against the window,

her thoughts drifting back to the evening’s chaos the barbed words, the hidden hostility

and then, his voice, his presence beside her, each time he stood up for her without hesitation.

The warmth that spread through her chest felt unfamiliar, but comforting.

She realized that when she stopped retreating, when she stood her ground

and faced them head-on, the fear began to fade. And Gu Chen cold, restrained Gu Chen

had been there beside her, steady as a shield.

Perhaps she was not just a substitute or a convenience.

Perhaps, deep within that guarded heart of his,

there was beginning to be a place for her for Vivian Lin.

The thought made her heart flutter, quiet but undeniable.