Gu Jin did come, that's for certain, but he was holding a porcelain basin in his hands.

The porcelain basin was filled with hot water. Since Gu Jin's body was too weak and lacked strength, he couldn't steady the basin that was full of water. He held the basin unsteadily, causing it to sway and spill a lot of water, soaking his sleeves.

"Chu, Chu Shao," Gu Jin seemed hesitant to raise his head and stuttered, making his way to Cen Xiuzhi. He placed the basin of water by the bed and said with difficulty, "Um... I brought the foot-washing water for you."

Cen Xiuzhi closed the book, remaining silent.

"Who told you to bring it over?"

"Um, Auntie from the back room..." Gu Jin lowered his head, his tone filled with obvious sadness and nervousness. "Auntie said... I should remember my own identity, and from now on, I must serve you well. It's fine to use old bed sheets, and then... she told me to bring the foot-washing water."

"Chu, Chu Shao."

Cen Xiuzhi felt even dizzier and forced himself to speak weakly, "Go ahead."

"Can I go back tomorrow?" Gu Jin's voice grew softer, "Staying here also inconveniences you. I am just the illegitimate child of the Gu family. If I stay here, it will only invite gossip about you..."

The fire in Cen Xiuzhi's heart grew higher and higher. Without waiting for him to finish speaking, he extended his foot and directly kicked over the pot of water on the ground.

Hot water gushed out with a "gushing" sound, startling Gu Jin. In the next moment, Cen Xiuzhi grabbed Gu Jin's collar and made him staggeringly kneel by the edge of the bed.

Gu Jin's heart tightened, instinctively reaching out to hold onto his own head, thinking that Cen Xiuzhi was about to hit him. However, Cen Xiuzhi merely stepped on his kneeling thigh on the ground, raising Gu Jin's chin with his right hand.

Gu Jin looked up, only to see a pair of beautiful eyes filled with anger.

"Gu Jin, I have no idea what kind of life you've lived in the past, nor am I interested in knowing how tragic your past has been," Cen Xiuzhi's voice turned icy, exerting a strong force on Gu Jin's thigh, causing his knee to ache as it hit the floor. Cen Xiuzhi caught a glimpse of a shadow passing through Gu Jin's eyes and continued, "All I know is that you are the young master of the Gu family."

"But if even a servant of the Chu family can command you, then I think I've been giving you too much credit."

The tone was filled with a sarcastic and cold sneer, causing Gu Jin's heart to tremble fiercely. Following that came an unprecedented sense of humiliation and resentment.

Cen Xiuzhi knew that the servants in the rear courtyard would definitely make things difficult for him and be unwilling to help with any extra tasks. Therefore, he needed to find a way to stimulate Gu Jin's sense of shame and desire for revenge.

Cen Xiuzhi withdrew his foot, but still used his finger to hook under his chin, forcing Gu Jin to look up at him.

He bent down, his handsome features revealing a touch of icy refinement and allure in the dim, yellowish light. The air around him carried a faint fragrance of elegance as he spoke, yet his expression was dangerously sharp. In the calm and tense atmosphere, he resembled a poppy blossoming in the dark night, exuding an intoxicating scent.

"Since I've agreed to form a marital alliance with you, it means that you have the qualifications. Don't let me see you in such a pathetic state in the future. There's only one thing you need to know – you are the legitimate heir of the Gu family. No one is worthy of having you fetch water for them, including me." Cen Xi Zhi released his chin and pushed him away with a palm from the edge of the bed, calmly gazing at him.

Gu Jin's heart was filled with emotions that seemed to slowly expand like a balloon. In that instant, the quickening pulse wildly grew, crawling all over her chest.