Gu Shouyan was saying it as it is.
For Ella's situation, if Gu He wasn't in the country, they could only leave her in the care of either Gu Shouyan or Gu Hong's family.
But wouldn't it be a torment for them?
Gu Shouyan definitely wouldn't agree to it.
"In the past, I felt that Qingjiu would always be an outsider no matter how you raise her. But now, under comparison, Qingjiu is sensible and capable."
Gu Hong: "…"
Gu He: "…"
Gu He looked towards his older brother with envy. "Say, both of us adopted daughters. Why is the contrast so stark?"
Gu Hong revealed a rare chuckle. "I guess it depends on affinity. But you have to handle Ella's matter properly. You know that things could get troublesome otherwise. After all, you've raised that child for so many years. Surely there's some kinship there?"
"I just fear that if she continues behaving this way, it will destroy the last of that kinship."
...