《Rebirth: He refused to Divorce Again》 Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: Chapter 01 Life Chapter 1: Chapter 01 Life (Note: Consuming Guide: Fiction set in an unspecified era, please do not relate it to any real-world setting.) ***** Gu Qiaoqiao stood on the cliff. The sky in September seemed exceptionally clear. The sun was radiant and bright. Even such sunshine couldn¡¯t penetrate the gloom that filled Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart. She couldn¡¯t go on living. The only thing that had kept her going was her younger brother, the lone family member still in prison. She had to wait for him to get out. But on this day last month, her brother died of a heart attack. Her parents had passed away one after the other eight years before, and her younger sister had committed suicide soon after. After she took care of her brother¡¯s funeral and settled other affairs, there was no one and nothing left in this world for her to cling to. The mountain wind fiercely blew her white hair, yet she was only twenty-nine. Her throat had been scorched by hot coals to rawness; she didn¡¯t even have the right to question the heavens. She gritted her teeth, her deeply sunken eye sockets long dry of tears. Her lifeless eyes watched a wispy cloud in the sky silently shift its shape. It was as if she saw a seventeen-year-old young girl, shyly saying to a handsome young man beside her, ¡°Grandpa, I want to marry him.¡± She got her wish. She thought she would live happily ever after from that moment on. But it was the beginning of her nightmare. Back then, she didn¡¯t know that Qin Yize was the designated heir to the first family of the Imperial Capital, the Qin Family, didn¡¯t know he was a prodigious young talent with a doctorate in medicine, and didn¡¯t know how many noble ladies from high society were infatuated with him. She was even more unaware that his childhood sweetheart secretly harbored feelings for him. By the time she found out, she had been sold into the mountains by human traffickers, and from then on, fate was exceptionally cruel to her. She dared not recall, for each memory pained her to the core. Gu Qiaoqiao took one more look at the blue sky and the wispy cloud, whimpered a few times in her throat, closed her eyes, and leapt with all her might, like a butterfly with broken wings, gracefully falling into the deep pool below the cliff. When the horrifying sensation of suffocation hit, a smile unexpectedly appeared on her lips. From now on, she wouldn¡¯t be in pain. As she sank into darkness, she thought, if there were a next life, she would stay far away from Qin Yize¡­ ¡­ ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re just too kind-hearted; she was seeking death herself, why save her?¡± That was a girl¡¯s crisp voice. ¡°After all, it¡¯s a life, she¡¯s also your sister-in-law, and, sigh, during the festive season¡­¡± An old person sighed when speaking. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s head hurt terribly, and she strained to open her eyes, but after much effort, she failed to do so. Who was talking? Could it be that she didn¡¯t die and got rescued? ¡°She made my mom faint from anger, and you¡¯re still giving her water?¡± The girl¡¯s voice flared up again. ¡°Xiao Yu, can you check if your mom is feeling better?¡± Then there was the sound of shuffling, and suddenly there was a moist sensation at her mouth. Gu Qiaoqiao trembled her lips and, with all her might, suddenly opened her eyes. ¡°Qiaoqiao, you¡¯re awake?¡± The old person exclaimed with joy. Gu Qiaoqiao stared blankly at the old lady before her, who held a porcelain bowl and spoon in her hands, her expression kind and smiling; suddenly her heart pounded like thunder. All the blood in her body seemed to freeze at once. Wasn¡¯t this Qin Yize¡¯s Grandma? But wasn¡¯t she dead? Eight years ago, on the day her brother stabbed Qin Yize¡¯s sister, she suddenly died from a cerebral thrombosis. So, was this a meeting in the underworld? ¡°Grand¡­ Grand¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao, with trembling lips, began to speak, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± But suddenly stiffened up, she abruptly reached for her own throat. She had been mute for eight years; now that she was dead, could she speak? At that moment, the door was pushed open. A girl with a ponytail stormed in, pointing at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°My mom got so upset because of you that she¡¯s shaking and can¡¯t get out of bed, you owe my mom!¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes widened in terror. This was Qin Yize¡¯s sister, Qin Xiaoyu, she¡­ Realizing something, Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly sat up, frantically looking around. On the wall opposite, adorned with a delicate patterned wallpaper, hung a picture frame with a large photo inside¡ªof a sweet-smiling young girl and a handsome young man with a hidden aloof coldness. It was her wedding photo with Qin Yize; her mind exploded for a moment, and there was a blank. She bit her lip hard, forcing her gaze away from the image. On the east wall stood a row of ancient redwood furniture. Adorned with large red ¡°happiness¡± characters. She abruptly turned her head; the brilliant sunlight stabbed into her eyes undefended. Gu Qiaoqiao winced and closed her eyes, and when she reopened them, she saw a young man standing in the doorway. He had clearly just returned from outside. His hands, with their distinct knuckles, were draped over a dark blue wool coat; his looks were exceedingly fine, with eyebrows like distant hills and eyes like autumn waters in a deep pool, but his expression was as indifferent as mountain snow. Wearing a simple white shirt, the pristine collar seemed to carry a touch of coldness. Accentuating his tall, upright figure. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand suddenly clutched at the clothes over her heart, her breath catching as if choked. Qin Yize! The man she had loved for four years and hated for eight. Eight years earlier, after parting in the mountains, she had never seen him again. This man, who carried the dreams of her youth, this man with the indifferent gaze void of warmth, was now quietly watching her. His handsome face betrayed no emotion. Grandma Qin gave Qin Xiaoyu a look, ¡°Go, take Grandma to see your mother; it¡¯s almost time to prepare the New Year¡¯s meal¡­¡± ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Qin Xiaoyu stomped her foot in hatred. ¡°Xiao Yu, take Grandma out,¡± Qin Yize spoke, his voice like the strings of a fine instrument, melodious and pleasing, yet carrying a tremor-inducing chill. Nothing frightened Qin Xiaoyu more than her own older brother. She darted a resentful glance at the pale-faced Gu Qiaoqiao on the bed before pushing Grandma Qin out of her big brother¡¯s bedroom. Gu Qiaoqiao had yet to come to grips. Her body was shaking, her hands trembling, and so she clenched them into fists tightly. Fingertips pressed into her palm; a sharp pain shot through her, making her bite her lip. Qin Yize hung up his coat and hat leisurely on the wardrobe rack and then walked slowly to Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s bedside. His tall figure loomed by the bed, looking down at Gu Qiaoqiao with an oppressive air. At that moment, his lips formed a chilling straight line. After a pause, he spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Do you really not want to live?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart clenched, her pale lips trembling silently. She hastily lowered her head. She didn¡¯t dare meet Qin Yize¡¯s gaze, for his piercing eyes seemed to see through everything, leaving her nowhere to hide. And making her feel utterly disheveled. That¡¯s how it was in her memory. Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Chapter 02 The Sunshine is Very Bright Chapter 2: Chapter 02 The Sunshine is Very Bright ¡°Today is New Year¡¯s Eve, and all Grandma looks forward to is a family reunion. Have you ever thought, if you died, could Grandma¡¯s body withstand it?¡± A voice devoid of warmth rose above her head. Gu Qiaoqiao looked up abruptly as if possessed. Such words, faintly familiar. Memories from long ago flooded in like a tide. Her heart thudded. Reminding her, this was not a dream. She, it seemed, had returned to the past! Eleven years ago, she and Qin Yize had just gotten married. That day was New Year¡¯s Eve morning, when Qin Yize went out to meet with classmates, and she wanted to follow, but was refused. Bai Yun, who lived next door and was her only friend in the Qin Family, advised her that to deal with Qin Yize, she had to ¡°cry, make a scene, and threaten to hang herself.¡± Otherwise, his high school classmates would spirit him away, and he would never want her again. At that time, her mind was filled with nothing but Qin Yize, because since marrying him, he had been indifferent and distant towards her. She loved him, loved him madly, loved him persistently. She would try anything if there was the slightest chance. So, when Qin Yize was about to leave, out of love and to show her commitment to that love, she hurled herself against the cold wall. She fainted right then and there. Naturally, Qin Yize indeed did not leave. Because Mrs. Qin, out of extreme agitation, also collapsed to the ground. What was supposed to be a festive New Year¡¯s Eve ended with both mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in the hospital. Fortunately, the issues were not serious, so after much turmoil, they returned home. But by then, it was already afternoon. The Qin family were both hungry and exhausted, and had to endure the finger-pointing from neighbors. Since then, a label of shame was attached to her face. But this was just the beginning. Thinking of this, Gu Qiaoqiao clenched her hands and lowered her eyes. Seeing Gu Qiaoqiao remain silent, Qin Yize ran out of patience. He gave a cursory glance at the young girl on the bed and turned to leave. His tall figure, straight as a pine, soon disappeared into the bedroom. Gu Qiaoqiao zoned out for a moment, then suddenly turned over and got out of bed. Standing on the pearwood flooring, even with socks on, the coldness of the moment rapidly reached her feet. She hesitated no longer. Swiftly, she walked to the window. The windows of the Qin Family¡¯s house were large, spacious and bright, but slightly old-fashioned; the frames were carved with patterns, and they had a bolt at the bottom. She bit her lip, trembling as she unlocked the bolt and flung the windows open. A piercing chill instantly struck her face and body. The sun was bright. And splendid. Because of the sudden cold air, her lips trembled, and her teeth chattered. She was still alive, this was real. Though it wasn¡¯t time for the New Year¡¯s meal yet, children were setting off firecrackers outside. In the yard, the tall crabapple tree still stood firm. This was the old residence of the Qin Family in the Imperial Capital. One of the ancestral homes of the Qin Family, it was quite large. With the wing rooms and garden included, it covered more than eight hundred square meters. Later, because too many things happened and it became unbearable to stay, they sold it and moved to another neighborhood. Since it was an apartment complex, naturally, they no longer had this quaint and elegant old yard. Gu Qiaoqiao slowly closed the window and looked at the calendar on the desk. February 8, 1986, New Year¡¯s Eve! Then glancing at the wall clock, exactly 14:00 in the afternoon. She went to the mirror in front of the large wardrobe, and her body suddenly stiffened. The mirror reflected a girl with a ghastly pale face and trembling lips. Her dark hair was somewhat disheveled, and as she opened her mouth, she let out two ¡°ah¡­ ah¡­¡± sounds, her voice a bit hoarse, but she could still speak. She was wearing a red sweater, and, incredibly, green pants below. It was an odd look. But her eyes were astonishingly bright. The bruise on her forehead was now very obvious. Gu Qiaoqiao parted her hair, took the scissors, and cut herself bangs that hung down askew, perfectly covering the injury on her forehead. The other side revealed her arched and delicate brows, making her eyes appear even more lustrous. The memories of her past life were engraved in her heart. She knew that in one more hour, Bai Yun from next door would come. At first, she gently comforted Mother Qin, then went to her room and praised herself for doing well; at that time, she naively believed it. She was completely obedient to Bai Yun¡¯s every word. Because Qin Yize really didn¡¯t manage to come. He even spoke to her. Keep in mind, although they had been married for six months, he left on their wedding day and hadn¡¯t sent a letter or made a phone call since then. Moreover, on the night of his return, not only did he not touch her, but he barely even spared her a glance, let alone spoke to her. Of course, she was apprehensive¡ªother than Grandma Qin speaking to her, the rest of the Qin Family treated her like a stranger. Thus, Bai Yun became her main source of support. Then, Bai Yun incited her to kneel on the ground on the first day of the New Year¡¯s while the Qin Family was hosting Old Grand Master of the Qin Family, cry about Qin Yize¡¯s indifference and neglect, question if Qin Yize had a woman outside, and ask Old Grand Master Qin to decide for her¡­ And she did just that. It was the one time in her life she considered herself most brave. But she forgot that she was dealing with the Qin Family. Claiming Qin Yize had a woman outside, she not only lacked evidence, but she also turned herself into a joke for Second Uncle of the Qin Family and his relatives to witness. Moreover, she forgot that day was New Year¡¯s Day; she cried so pitifully, she committed a great taboo. Thus, that day became a nightmare for the Qin Family and the beginning of her own nightmare. She had almost driven Old Grand Master Qin to the hospital with anger. He pointed at Qin Xuan¡¯s nose and scolded: ¡°Family misfortune.¡± And she, like a stray dog, could only hide in her bedroom and weep pathetically. She was really foolish. How could she be so foolish? Gu Qiaoqiao clenched her hand tightly, her fingernails digging into her palm, causing a piercing pain before she slowly let go. Being foolish once was enough. Her tears streamed down her cheeks. At the same time, a surge of ecstasy welled up within her. Right now, she and her parents as well as her twin siblings were all alive and well! She hadn¡¯t been sold off to the mountains, subjected to so much inhumane torment. Her father hadn¡¯t lost his job because of her, and her sister hadn¡¯t taken out high-interest loans after her father¡¯s death and her mother¡¯s illness, leading to her suicide in despair. Her brother hadn¡¯t gone to settle scores with the Qin Family for her sake, accidentally injuring Qin Xiaoyu in the process. Her brother hadn¡¯t gone to prison, and the college-going Qin Xiaoyu hadn¡¯t had his right kidney removed because of the stabbing¡­ Grandma Qin hadn¡¯t passed away because of this incident. Gu Qiaoqiao bit down hard on her lip, Heaven had shown her mercy, allowing her to start over again. She was endlessly grateful. The tragedies of her past life, now, in the future, would not happen again. She and Qin Yize were just a mistake. Although she was reborn after their marriage, she was satisfied. She could get a divorce. From then on, she would stay far from the Qin Family, far from Qin Yize. A separation best for both, wishing each other peace and happiness! Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Chapter 03: Everyone Regrets, This Feeling is Great! Chapter 3: Chapter 03: Everyone Regrets, This Feeling is Great! In her previous life, the tragedy, though the indifference of the Qin family bore undeniable responsibility, her own foolishness and stubbornness were equally nauseating. Both parties had paid a painful price. Gu Qiaoqiao no longer hesitated, she opened the wardrobe and found a pair of black pants. She took off the garish green pants, as red paired with green was truly unattractive. Bai Yun, that girl who spoke so softly, insisted that she looked good in such attire. Her eyebrows were naturally beautiful, arching like willow leaves without needing deliberate grooming. Her forehead was also very smooth and fair. Yet, Bai Yun insisted she looked good with bangs cut straight across. So, she obediently got them cut. Then she looked foolish and sullen. And somewhat oppressed. A cold smile spread across Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s lips. This life, she would never be so foolish again. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t waste any more time. Although a divorce was inevitable, she decided to leave the Qin family with dignity. At the moment, Mrs. Qin, Shen Manru, lay in bed, unable to calm her rage. The grandmother sat in a wheelchair. None of the male members of the Qin family, including Qin Xiaoyu, knew how to cook. Yet today was New Year¡¯s Eve, in the hearts and eyes of the Chinese people, the most important day of the year. A cold stove on this day boded ill for the year. She knew that in her previous life, Bai Yun had become the angel and savior of the Qin family. She had showed off her skill by preparing a New Year¡¯s Eve dinner that looked impressive. While she herself had been relegated to the bedroom to ¡°recover.¡± When it was time to eat, Bai Yun summoned her. The outcome was predictable. It was the most unbearable and anxious New Year¡¯s dinner she ever had¡ªunforgettable for a lifetime! It also increased her resentment, which ensured she carried out her plan against Bai Yun the next day without compromise. After that, the Qin family took a complete dislike to her. After the twelfth day of the first month, a reluctant Qin Yize took her to a medical research center in Border City. However, Gu Qiaoqiao thought she had left the wolf¡¯s den, only to find herself entering the tiger¡¯s lair. Unable to bear revisiting the memories, Gu Qiaoqiao wiped away her tears and took a deep breath. The nearly ten years of hardship in her previous life had fortified her resolve remarkably. Otherwise, she would not have been able to save up for an apartment in the Imperial Capital to provide a home for her younger brother. But then her brother died. And she lost all her hopes¡­ Gu Qiaoqiao glanced once more at the elegant young girl in the mirror, took a deep breath, and turned to walk toward the bedroom door. She wanted to get the New Year¡¯s meal ready before Bai Yun arrived. After all, she still owed the Qin family from her past life. With slightly trembling hands, she steeled herself and pushed the door open. The moment she opened it, she instinctively closed her eyes. Fearing that this was just a scene from a dream. Like in a movie, when the door opens, there¡¯s nothing¡­ Just for a moment, Gu Qiaoqiao resolutely opened her eyes. Brilliant sunlight was casting from the window, and the tall figure standing in front of the living room window was enveloped in a faint glow. It seemed surreal, and yet, it was incredibly real. It was Qin Yize! His hands were in his pockets, and due to his self-discipline, even at home, his posture remained as erect as a pine. The living room of the Qin family was large. It was also elegant and luxurious. The wooden furniture and sofas, under the sunlight, emitted a deep gloss. The styles were ancient; however, all were made from huali wood and red sandalwood, simple yet precious. The Qin Family was a typical major clan of scholars and elegance. The wall carried paintings personally crafted by Qin Xuan, and on the Duobao Pavilion on the west wall, there were some attractive porcelains and antiques displayed. In fact, that Duobao Pavilion was very sturdy. But in her previous life, on the tenth day of the first lunar month, she accidentally knocked over several Song Dynasty porcelain vases. They shattered instantaneously on the ground. Mr. Qin¡¯s face had turned ashen at that moment. Thinking back, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s lips twisted into a mocking sneer. If it hadn¡¯t been for Bai Yun holding her, how could she have fallen, how could she have bumped into the shelves of the Duobao Pavilion? Gu Qiaoqiao cast a complex look at the figure still facing away from her, then turned and walked towards the kitchen. Shen Manru¡¯s bedroom door was half-open. There was no sound inside. Shen Manru and Qin Xuan were both professors at a certain university in the Imperial Capital; even if they resented Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯ they would remain dignified and had never maliciously slandered her in her absence. Only with faint sighs and limitless regrets. They all regret it¡ªwhat a wonderful feeling! A smile curled upwards on Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s lips as she stood in the kitchen, surveying the food materials. It was now 1986, an era of sweeping reform across the country, and life in the Imperial Capital was naturally better. The Qin family was well-off. The preparations for the New Year¡¯s goods were also sufficient. Qin Yize had left the Imperial Capital for over half a year; no one knew where he had gone, nor dared to ask. However, they knew he had a twenty-day holiday. He would leave again on the fourteenth day of the first month. Therefore, Shen Manru had prepared an especially abundant range of New Year¡¯s goods this year. Some memories were quite blurry. But she could still recall, for this New Year¡¯s dinner, how Shen Manru had excitedly discussed the menu with her mother-in-law. It was just unexpected that today¡¯s events would happen. In her previous life, to provide a home for her brother when he was released from prison a few years later, she had taken on many jobs. Except for selling herself, she did whatever she could. Washing dishes in a restaurant, working as a nanny, working in a five-star hotel¡­ Cooking was naturally a breeze for her. Gu Qiaoqiao washed her hands, tied on her apron, and was just about to reach for the vegetables when she heard an indifferent voice like snow behind her, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Her body stiffened, her hand gripped tighter, then she turned around, glanced at the young man standing by the door as serene and slender as a jade painting, then averted her gaze, calmly saying, ¡°Today, I¡¯m cooking.¡± Qin Yize frowned slightly; he hadn¡¯t misheard, had he? This Gu Qiaoqiao was going to cook? According to his sister, the only thing she could do was wash dishes, and even that she did not do well. Was this an attempt to cause even more chaos at home, perhaps to ruin all the food materials? Qin Yize¡¯s eyes were as deep as the ocean, unmoving and silent. But Gu Qiaoqiao knew she couldn¡¯t dawdle any longer. She needed to finish these preparations before Bai Yun arrived, otherwise, she truly wouldn¡¯t have the energy to deal with her. Qin Yize was a man of few words. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t expect to hear much from him; as if she hadn¡¯t seen him at all, she swiftly began sorting the ingredients. The meats and fish had been processed in advance, requiring just retrieval from the refrigerator. The fresh vegetables were all placed on the balcony. In a moment, she had decided what dishes to make for the day. After washing the vegetables, she placed them in a dish basin. Lotus roots sliced, cucumbers shredded, and garlic sprouts cut into segments. When she became busy, she really forgot that there was someone behind her. Qin Yize stood at the kitchen doorway, feeling that something was slightly odd. His piercing gaze flickered with a shadow, his innate sharp intuition immediately picking out the difference. This woman, her gaze towards him wasn¡¯t as intensely irritating as before. It was somewhat calm, slightly complex. What trick was she playing this time¡­ Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Chapter 04 You, a country bumpkin! Chapter 4: Chapter 04 You, a country bumpkin! He gained fame as a young man, devoted himself to medical studies, and then returned from the world¡¯s top academic institutions with a medical doctorate at the mere age of 20. However, his heart was wholly invested in his medical research, so he was extremely indifferent to matters of affection. When Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s grandfather forced a marriage upon him by calling in a favor, he thought, ¡°Well, if I¡¯m to marry, then so be it. Everyone must marry eventually. With a wife, perhaps those women will back off.¡± But he hadn¡¯t anticipated that the woman he married would be the real trouble. Qin Yize¡¯s expression was unreadable as he cast a fleeting glance at the busy figure before turning to leave. After he had gone, Gu Qiaoqiao let out a big sigh of relief. The gaze that followed her had been inquisitive, and she could feel it. She¡¯d get used to it. This rebirth given to her by the Heavenly God wasn¡¯t meant for her to repeat the mistakes of her past life. Gu Qiaoqiao picked up the washed radish. It was a beauty-heart radish. Her hands felt a bit itchy. She had a talent for carving. Perhaps it was the carving skills inherited in her blood from her grandfather, she had a particular gift for it. Gu Qiaoqiao stretched out her hand, which at that moment, was fair and delicate, her nails gleaming with a rounded, light pink luster. She flexed her fingers a few times but then gave up the idea. Right now, cooking was more important. Suddenly, a noise came from the door followed by an angry shout, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, what are you doing?¡± It was Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s voice. Gu Qiaoqiao frowned but still turned around, smiling slightly, ¡°Grandma¡­¡± ¡°Qiaoqiao, what are you¡­¡± Grandma Qin eyed Gu Qiaoqiao suspiciously in the kitchen, her hand still holding a fruit knife. It seemed she had realized something, and the old lady¡¯s face changed drastically as she began to breathe rapidly, ¡°Qiaoqiao, put down the knife quickly.¡± ¡°You wicked woman, what else do you want to do? Will you ever stop? You¡¯re really too annoying,¡± Qin Xiaoyu glared at Gu Qiaoqiao with hatred. Gu Qiaoqiao curved her lips upward, ¡°Auntie Qin is unwell, so I¡¯m cooking today.¡± ¡°My mom is unwell because of you,¡± Qin Xiaoyu shot daggers at Gu Qiaoqiao with her eyes, spewing anger, ¡°You country bumpkin, what do you know about cooking? Get out of here now, and don¡¯t ruin the groceries my mom bought.¡± Country bumpkin? Heh, a familiar term indeed. In her previous life, Qin Xiaoyu thought Gu Qiaoqiao hailed from a small place and looked down upon her entirely. She also believed Gu Qiaoqiao was unworthy of her elder brother, so she often ridiculed her with cold sarcasm. Qin Xiaoyu was the Qin family¡¯s youngest daughter, not very old, just sixteen this year. And since some of her remarks were what the rest of the family wished to express, they let her be. In her past life, Gu Qiaoqiao did not understand and, finding Qin Xiaoyu cute, attempted to draw close to her. She reached out to take her hand but was met with a slap, repulsion written all over her face as she said, ¡°Stay away from me. Don¡¯t pass your lice on to me.¡± At that time, Gu Qiaoqiao, not quick-witted with words and aware of the Qin family¡¯s disdainful looks, felt exceedingly embarrassed and wished she could vanish into thin air. Fortunately, Grandma Qin, while also doting on her granddaughter, took her hand and said with a kind smile, ¡°Such a clean and neat young girl, Xiao Yu, don¡¯t talk nonsense¡­¡± But from then on, Gu Qiaoqiao truly dared not approach her. She made Gu Qiaoqiao feel, lowly as dust! Perhaps her complexion was too somber, not like usual; she wasn¡¯t bowing her head to cry or running into a room and refusing to come out. The afternoon sun filtered through the kitchen windows, casting several strands across her face, which only seemed to make her eyes resemble the boundless deep sea all the more¡ªlooking at them was chilling to the heart. Qin Xiaoyu felt somewhat scared, unconsciously gripping the handles of her wheelchair tighter, but then she suddenly thought how ridiculous it was to be afraid of a country bumpkin, a hillbilly like her. Yet Grandma Qin saw the dishes in the kitchen, neatly arranged, plate by plate, looking like the backkitchen of a grand hotel. ¡°Xiao Yu¡­¡± Grandma Qin grabbed Qin Xiaoyu, who was about to charge into the kitchen, and on this precious New Year¡¯s occasion when they had finally found some peace, she didn¡¯t want any more trouble. She scolded softly, saying, ¡°You can¡¯t cook; you don¡¯t even know how to wash vegetables. What are you going in there for?¡± ¡°But she can? She can¡¯t even wash dishes properly,¡± Qin Xiaoyu complained bitterly. Not only was this woman ugly but also petty and uneducated, meek and compliant, yet she had married her brother, who was like a Heavenly God in her eyes, making Qin Xiaoyu feel utterly insulted. Gu Qiaoqiao collected her thoughts and looked at the sixteen-year-old girl in front of her. She herself actually disliked her very much¡ªfor being so critical on the back of her young age. In her past life, she had been far from an excellent person, and her first time in the big city had left her feeling inferior; this girl only added insult to injury! The hand that Gu Qiaoqiao held the knife with tightened, and her cool gaze shifted away from that young face. In her previous life, she was stabbed by her own brother, forced to have her right kidney removed, and it seemed like she lay in bed for several years, naturally missing out on college. Gu Qiaoqiao sighed inwardly; one wrong marriage had ruined two families. There was no denying that in her last life, the heavens had played a joke on her. Fortunately, everything had started over. She spoke softly, ¡°Grandma, I often watched my mom cook, and though I¡¯ve never really done it myself, I do know the basics. Let me give it a try.¡± ¡°Alright, you try,¡± said Grandma Qin. She knew what this child could be capable of just by looking at the arranged dishes and basket. It was getting late, and if they didn¡¯t start cooking now, they might not celebrate the New Year at all. Even though Grandma Qin was educated, it didn¡¯t mean she valued the New Year¡¯s Eve¡ªthe most important day of the year¡ªany less. ¡°Grandma¡­¡± Qin Xiaoyu stamped her feet, unwilling to let it go. ¡°Enough, stop it. Push Grandma to the living room; I have to talk to your brother,¡± Grandma Qin said. She usually spoiled her granddaughter, but not today. ¡°Grandma, just a moment,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao called out to her, clutching the fruit knife in her hand. ¡°Give me one minute.¡± After speaking, Gu Qiaoqiao picked up a radish. With a crisp chop, she cut it in half and flexed her fingers, then started peeling it with swift strokes. ¡°Qiaoqiao, what are you¡­¡± Grandma Qin watched, astonished. ¡°Grandma, don¡¯t worry, it will be ready in no time.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao peeled the radish into a spinning top shape. Her small hand moved like a magician¡¯s, spinning around the bottom, the left hand holding the radish while the right hand¡¯s knife whirled rapidly over it. It was so fast it dazzled the onlookers. Even Qin Xiaoyu was gaping in surprise. After a minute, a blooming rose appeared in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s palm. Its petals quivered as if they had just been picked. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at it with satisfaction. She had just noticed that her fingers were even more nimble than in her previous life. She turned and picked up a long bamboo skewer, then stuck the radish rose onto it and extended her hand to present it to the already dumbfounded Grandma Qin, smiling with her eyes curving, ¡°Grandma, here¡¯s a rose for you. I wish you long life, and may you grow younger and younger.¡± ¡°For me?¡± Grandma Qin asked in surprise. She had not expected this child to possess such a skill. Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Chapter 05: The Noble Son Chapter 5: Chapter 05: The Noble Son Immediately, she thought of Qiaoqiao¡¯s deceased grandfather, and then she realized. Her spouse had mentioned that he was very skilled with his hands, capable of sculpting anything. ¡°Yes, this is for you,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao nodded. Grandma Qin happily took it and looked it over from all angles. The more she looked, the more she liked it, truly captivated, ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful, Qiaoqiao, your hands are like those of a magician, truly so skillful.¡± ¡°Do you like it?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly. ¡°Like it, love it.¡± Grandma Qin picked up the radish flower and even pretended to smell it, extremely happy, ¡°Qiaoqiao, thank you.¡± ¡°Thank for what, it¡¯s just a little trinket,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said. Seeing her smile, Grandma Qin remembered something and quickly spoke, ¡°Qiaoqiao, when you first came here, you used to smile like this all the time, but then you always had a stern face, and this fringe too, keeping it so thick and heavy. I told you about it a few times, but you wouldn¡¯t listen. Look how pretty you look today¡­¡± Having said that, she even tilted her head to take a better look. Gu Qiaoqiao was taken aback, then she curved the corners of her mouth, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯ll start cooking now.¡± ¡°Alright, Xiao Yu and I will go out and set the table first.¡± Qin Xiaoyu took another look at the flower in grandma¡¯s hand, really beautiful, seemingly even prettier than real flowers. This woman? She even has this skill? She snorted, reminded of Sister Bai Yun¡¯s words, and then snorted again, pushing Grandma towards the living room. However, her gaze never left the flower in grandma¡¯s hand, she also really wanted to have a look at it. That was when Gu Qiaoqiao really started to get busy. It was New Year¡¯s Eve, and naturally, there had to be fish, Shen Manru had bought a big carp, so they were going to make braised carp. Using yam to stew ribs, so grandma could eat more. A vegetable and julienned cold dish, a large ham platter, chicken stewed with mushrooms, braised pork, and then a minced pork with eggplant¡ªgrandma could eat this too, it was not only nutritious but also good for calcium¡­ Fried several kinds of greens, vegetarian meatballs, dry pot green pepper lotus slices. And large prawns, better steamed. By then, Gu Qiaoqiao had already begun stewing the dishes on the gas stove. Shen Manru, although she was the Qin Family¡¯s housewife, was at the end of the day a university professor and quite busy with work, so honestly, her culinary skills were average. The year was 1986 in the Imperial Capital, even though it was at the forefront of the era, it was incomparable to more than a decade later. Especially since it was Gu Qiaoqiao who was personally cooking. When the delicious aroma started wafting from the kitchen, Qin Xuan, who had been sulking in his study, came out with a book in hand. Although such a big incident had occurred at home, as the father-in-law he could not say much. Having seen that both individuals had no issues, he had hidden in his study to brood. This New Year¡¯s Eve was definitely upsetting for his dear mother. Only when the scent of the dishes came from the kitchen did he know that his wife had gotten up, and he hurriedly came out. He was also worried about whether his wife¡¯s health could withstand it. When he saw the figure in the kitchen, he was stupefied. It was Gu Qiaoqiao. At that moment, she was skillfully stir-frying the vegetables, and then a dish of vibrant and tender scrambled eggs with garlic shoots came off the stove. The fragrance followed. Thus, Shen Manru also came out, standing at the kitchen doorway, watching the busy Gu Qiaoqiao, with an equally incredulous look. The calmest in the entire Qin family was Qin Yize. He merely glanced at the radish flower that grandma showed off as if it was a treasured possession, then continued to read his book. Her expression was calm, without a trace of fluctuation. Surprised as they were, the children were already setting off firecrackers outside. The atmosphere of New Year¡¯s Eve was growing stronger. Even with numerous displeasures, they couldn¡¯t show it at this time. So, both of them glanced at their son, who appeared nonchalant, then exchanged a look silently and sighed slightly. Shen Manru called to Qin Xiaoyu, ¡°Xiao Yu, come here, set the bowls and chopsticks.¡± Xiao Yu knew how to do this task. Seeing her mother getting up from the bed also made her happy, and she ran over bouncing, holding Shen Manru¡¯s hand, ¡°Mom, are you feeling better?¡± ¡°Yes, much better.¡± Shen Manru made a face towards the kitchen, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°How would I know? When I wheeled Grandma out here, she was already in the kitchen.¡± Qin Xiaoyu frowned, ¡°She even carved a radish flower for Grandma¡­¡± ¡°A radish flower?¡± ¡°Mom, wait, I¡¯ll get it for you.¡± Qin Xiaoyu, being only sixteen, naturally showed her youthful spirit and quickly approached Grandma Qin. At this moment, Grandma Qin was chattily talking with her eldest grandson. Qin Yize, with the book set aside on the tea table, listened to his grandmother attentively, bowing his head and occasionally nodding or uttering a hum. This behavior had become customary. Grandma Qin didn¡¯t mind at all. Playing with the radish flower in her hand, she suddenly sighed, ¡°In my life, this is the first time someone has given me flowers.¡± Qin Yize¡¯s eyes flickered, intensely gazing at it. In the sunlight, the radish flower, carved to translucence, had petals thin as cicada wings, so lifelike it seemed one could smell the fragrance, a veritable marvel of craftsmanship. Carved by Gu Qiaoqiao? After searching through the scant information about her, the corners of Qin Yize¡¯s mouth lifted slightly, ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it.¡± ¡°Grandma, give me the radish flower, my mom wants to see it.¡± Qin Xiaoyu stood beside Grandma Qin, sounding slightly urgent. Grandma Qin glanced at the little girl who had been eagerly looking at it, constantly wanting to touch it but too shy to do so, so she pretended not to notice. She wondered how long the little girl could hold out. Seeing the eagerness in Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s eyes, she didn¡¯t tease her further and graciously handed it over, instructing, ¡°Look but don¡¯t touch, and bring it back to me once you have shown her.¡± ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re so stingy.¡± Qin Xiaoyu, holding the radish flower, doubted anyone¡¯s ability to carve such delicate petals unless seen with her own eyes. She certainly wouldn¡¯t believe that the wicked woman could carve like this. Just as Qin Xiaoyu was about to show the radish flower to her mother, the door of the Qin Family¡¯s home was pushed open. A girl with fair skin and waist-length hair stood at the doorway, speaking softly, ¡°Xiao Yu.¡± At that moment, Qin Xiaoyu was standing right across from her, happily exclaiming, ¡°Sister Bai Yun, you¡¯ve come.¡± ¡°Yes, I came to see how Aunt Shen is doing.¡± Bai Yun, familiar with the house, walked into the living room, her gaze first landing on Qin Yize. He sat on the sofa, dressed in a black turtleneck sweater, his dignified and elegant demeanor reminiscent of a nobleman from the Republic of China era. Meanwhile, he continued to listen quietly, bowing his head to Grandma Qin¡¯s chatter. Bai Yun¡¯s heart fluttered. Qin Xiaoyu came over and warmly grasped her arm, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my mom is doing well.¡± ¡°Bai Yun, come, join us for some peanuts and candy pieces,¡± Shen Manru warmly invited. This child was thoughtful and good-natured; she really deserved the affection. Qin Xiaoyu pulled Bai Yun to sit on another sofa. At that moment, the aroma wafted from the kitchen. Bai Yun frowned, all the Qin Family members were in the living room, so who was in the kitchen? Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: Chapter 06: The Agitating Bai Yun Chapter 6: Chapter 06: The Agitating Bai Yun ¡°Aunt Shen, my mom heard that your sister-in-law fainted from anger after you tried to commit suicide by banging your head against the wall, and she was quite upset. She can¡¯t come out right now, so she sent me to check on you.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine¡­¡± Shen Manru¡¯s complexion wasn¡¯t great. Attempted suicide? It¡¯s really bad luck, especially during the New Year. But there¡¯s no help for it, the entire neighborhood knows; it¡¯s impossible to keep it under wraps. Bai Yun noticed Shen Manru¡¯s complexion and a barely noticeable smile appeared on her lips. That dead woman, why didn¡¯t she just die on the spot. If she had died, then she could have been with Brother Ze. However, this was also good. Such a scandal made her lose all face. She believed that, after today, this woman would never recover her standing. ¡°Aunt Shen, my sister-in-law was just being thoughtless, don¡¯t take it to heart,¡± Bai Yun said, knowing this wasn¡¯t the right time to discuss this topic, but there would be no chance to mention it if not now. One must press home the advantage. She knew this principle well. ¡°Thoughtless? That¡¯s ignorance, stupidity,¡± Shen Manru said angrily, gripping the melon seeds in her hand. ¡°Aunt Shen, she just hasn¡¯t read enough books. If she reads more, she¡¯ll improve, and since she grew up in a remote village, she hasn¡¯t seen much of the world¡­¡± Bai Yun offered her feigned sensible comfort. Seeing Shen Manru¡¯s complexion worsen, and Mr. Qin lowering his head and frowning, Bai Yun was satisfied and softly spoke again, ¡°Aunt Shen, have you prepared the New Year¡¯s dinner? Let me help you.¡± ¡°No need, I¡¯ve already finished.¡± A clear voice came from the kitchen entrance. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes were bright and she looked at Bai Yun with a mocking half-smile. They say you shouldn¡¯t slap someone in the face or expose their shortcomings when you scold them. Bai Yun had a knack for jabbing right in the soft spot. It seemed, just as in her past life, even if the Qin Family¡¯s anger subsided, Bai Yun had rekindled it yet again. Because the look Shen Manru was now giving her was filled with intense loathing. Bai Yun stood up in surprise, looking at Gu Qiaoqiao with disbelief that flashed into a twisted envy. Wasn¡¯t she supposed to be hiding in her room at this time? Why was she standing in the kitchen with an apron on? ¡°Sister-in-law, didn¡¯t you say you¡¯ve never cooked before?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was silent. Her eyes were deep, staring steadily at Bai Yun, and after a long pause, she said, ¡°Yes, today is the first time.¡± ¡°You once said that even dogs wouldn¡¯t eat your cooking, now¡­¡± Bai Yun¡¯s eyes flickered, then she playfully stuck out her tongue and turned to Shen Manru, whose complexion was unpleasant, ¡°Aunt Shen, sorry, I misspoke¡­¡± But Gu Qiaoqiao had no intention of engaging with this woman, today wasn¡¯t the best time. She smiled faintly, standing there like bamboo after a rain, neither servile nor overbearing, and said to Grandma Qin in the wheelchair, ¡°Grandma, the New Year¡¯s dinner is ready, can we start eating now?¡± ¡°Absolutely,¡± Grandma Qin nodded eagerly, her face bright with delight as she said to Qin Yize, ¡°Quick, go help your wife serve the dishes.¡± Qin Yize stood up and moved Grandma Qin to the dining table, then entered the kitchen without a word. The kitchen had ample space, but it felt exceptionally cramped when Qin Yize entered. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyebrows furrowed briefly, then relaxed slowly. Just endure a few more days. She turned around, sprinkled some chopped green onions on the yam stewed pork ribs, and then poured it into the casserole. The prepared dishes were all laid out on the large dining table. Qin Yize took a glance, his expression subtly changing, and then with his long, jade-like hands, he picked up two plates of food and exited the kitchen. The scent of the food grew stronger as it moved. He was swift in his actions, performing the task of serving dishes as gracefully as drifting clouds and flowing water. Gu Qiaoqiao carried out the casserole from the kitchen. Her gaze accurately captured the sight of Bai Yun, who had regained her composure. Although the woman was smiling, a poisonous light flickered in her eyes. Gu Qiaoqiao watched Bai Yun approaching, her lips curling into a smirk, surely Bai Yun was holding back some mischief. Let her think, what was she planning to do? Under the guise of talking, she would ¡°accidentally¡± bump into her and surely cry out, ¡°Sister-in-law, why are your hands trembling? Oh dear, be careful, ah¡­¡± The final ¡°ah¡± was perhaps meant to create the image that she was inadvertently involved in the mishap. Then, as desired, the pot of yam and pork rib stew would shatter into pieces with a crash. Further confirming that Gu Qiaoqiao was good for nothing, she was just a waste. To kill a thousand enemies at the cost of eight hundred of one¡¯s own troops wasn¡¯t exactly a loss. But today, Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t want to play her game. She raised an eyebrow, ¡°Qin Yize, I can¡¯t hold this any longer, help me with it.¡± Her voice was not loud, but it was clear and pleasant. Being a native of the North, her Mandarin was impeccable, and the young girl¡¯s voice at this moment was like the ringing of silver bells, drawing the attention of everyone around her. They all felt that something was different. The girl with the gentle smile, holding the clay pot, was obviously struggling, her cheeks a bit flushed, her lips bitten, her eyes seeking help from Qin Yize. Bai Yun had no choice but to stop in her tracks. There was no point in getting any closer now. Because Qin Yize had already calmly taken the clay pot from her, walking elegantly to the dining table. Just as he was about to put it down, Gu Qiaoqiao also followed, ¡°Put it in the middle.¡± As she said this, her nimble little hands quickly cleared the dishes from the center of the table. Qin Yize¡¯s expression was indifferent. He pursed his lips and placed the clay pot in the center. He watched those small hands covertly, noting how with just a few movements she arranged the dishes of meat and vegetables before finally stepping back with satisfaction. Qin Yize caught her expression in its entirety, she must have found his arrangement unsatisfactory. He pursed his lips tighter, his star-like gaze swept over like flowing water, observing his still dazed parents, he spoke, ¡°I am going to set off the firecrackers.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Mr. Qin finally came back to his senses. New Year¡¯s Eve, a happy household prospers in all things. His daughter-in-law was behaving for once, not causing trouble. So there was no point in stirring up more issues. Bai Yun felt awkward. This was the first time Gu Qiaoqiao had been so cold to her. She glared at Gu Qiaoqiao fiercely, and without realizing it, she sat down. Qin Xiaoyu, who hadn¡¯t noticed all these subtleties, was holding a carved radish flower and said to Bai Yun as she sat down, ¡°This was carved by that woman. How about it, you couldn¡¯t have imagined it, right?¡± Bai Yun stared blankly at the radish flower in front of her. What on earth was going on today? She had an unsettling feeling that the foolish woman had slipped beyond her control. And this foolish woman could carve? Her hands were clumsier than a pig¡¯s trotters. ¡°What a joke?¡± snorted Bai Yun, incredulous. ¡°I saw it with my own eyes,¡± Qin Xiaoyu said in a low voice, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t seen it, I would never believe it.¡± Bai Yun then looked seriously at the still-blooming flower, when suddenly her beautiful eyes shifted, she dodged to the side, covering her nose, ¡°Disgusting! It has a putrid smell of radish.¡± Grandma Qin¡¯s face turned pale. ¡°It smells bad to you?¡± Qin Xiaoyu frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a real one some other day. To mistake a stinky radish for a rose, people will laugh at you, calling you a naive country bumpkin if they find out,¡± Bai Yun taunted. ¡°Hmph!¡± Qin Xiaoyu got angry. Her classmates already ridiculed her for having a naive sister-in-law and a bumpkin brother-in-law. Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: Chapter 07 A Flavorful and Aromatic New Years Meal! Chapter 7: Chapter 07 A Flavorful and Aromatic New Year¡¯s Meal! Today, after hearing such words, she was a mix of embarrassment and anger. She threw the radish carving onto the ground and trampled it with her leather shoes a few times, but as she was about to glare fiercely at Gu Qiaoqiao, her heart trembled. Bai Yun turned her head too but ended up meeting Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s gaze unexpectedly. That gaze, deep and inscrutable, was black as if without boundaries. And devoid of any warmth. Bai Yun¡¯s heart startled, yet as she frowned, Gu Qiaoqiao smiled. It was as if a full tree of pear blossoms had burst into bloom in an instant. Bai Yun shook her head. That feeling just now must have been an illusion. How could that wretched woman, so riddled with inferiority, dare to look at her like that? Grandma Qin looked at the radish mush under Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s feet and sighed. She glanced at Bai Yun, whose seemingly kind face harbored thoughtful expressions. Aunt Shen couldn¡¯t help but scrutinize Gu Qiaoqiao, this daughter-in-law who usually only nodded in agreement, was incompetent at doing good but could always spoil matters. Today, however, she seemed like a different person. Standing there quietly, she actually looked serene and lovely. Shen Manru thought, why she would have such an idea? She must be mad. Gu Qiaoqiao spoke unhurriedly, ¡°Our country¡¯s food carving has a long history, dating back to the Spring and Autumn period. It¡¯s not just about beautifying the banquet or setting the atmosphere; it¡¯s an art form that can also complement the dish and showcase its unique charm, not only adding splendor but also constituting an artistic treasure.¡± Bai Yun was stunned. Grandma Qin smiled and said, ¡°Qiaoqiao is right, that¡¯s the point. This food carving is a treasure in our nation¡¯s five thousand years of culinary culture¡­¡± ¡°So, in your mouth, it becomes a stinking radish?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t wait for Bai Yun to retort and continued, ¡°You¡¯re well read and knowledgeable. Xiao Yu is still young and doesn¡¯t understand many things. You should have been the one to tell her this, but instead, you misled her.¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you¡­¡± Bai Yun was a mix of embarrassment and anger in the moment. That stupid woman spoke too quickly; she hadn¡¯t even had time to react. Suddenly, the sound of firecrackers burst from the courtyard. At this time, during the Spring Festival in the Imperial Capital, setting off fireworks and firecrackers was not yet banned. Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t spoken so freely in a long time. Seeing Bai Yun¡¯s shocked and angry expression, a sense of satisfaction rose in her heart. It must be said that Bai Yun was quick to react, grabbing Aunt Shen¡¯s arm and suddenly said coquettishly, ¡°Aunt Shen, the Qin Family is a scholarly family, not a culinary one. So, I spoke without thinking. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine, why are you apologizing?¡± Shen Manru, who never had much interest in cooking, laughed. ¡°Besides, you¡¯re right. We¡¯re not running a restaurant; it¡¯s good enough to have some understanding of these things.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯m relieved. I was worried that you¡¯d be angry at me, Aunt Shen, and not dote on me anymore.¡± Bai Yun acted spoiled. Then she took Xiao Yu¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to watch the fireworks tonight.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Qin Xiaoyu was naturally happy. Though, her heart felt a bit of regret. She didn¡¯t understand culinary culture, but the carved flowers were truly beautiful. Gu Qiaoqiao averted her gaze. This girl, despite being the same age as herself, was really not an ordinary child. Her past self, naive and foolish, timid and weak, how could she have not been played in the palm of the hand by such a girl? She scoffed self-deprecatingly and curved her lips slightly. The door opened. Qin Yize and Qin Xuan, who had been setting off firecrackers, entered the room. The originally elegant and noble living room immediately felt dull when Qin Yize stood there. Bai Yun stood up, her gaze involuntarily falling on Qin Yize. With each look, her heart fluttered. She hid the love in her eyes, forced herself to shift her gaze away, and glanced at the dishes on the dining table that looked both appetizing and flavorful, her fingers clenched and then released. She walked quickly to Gu Qiaoqiao, smiling mischievously, ¡°Sister-in-law, you scolded correctly just now. It was my mistake; I shouldn¡¯t have spoken that way. Let¡¯s not be formal on New Year¡¯s, okay?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao fixed her eyes on her, and after a few moments, she smiled, ¡°Alright.¡± Bai Yun was taken aback, a twisted shadow of darkness flashing through her eyes. This cheap bitch really thinks she¡¯s something special. She forced a smile and asked, ¡°Can I talk to you after I finish the New Year¡¯s dinner?¡± What is it to talk about? She should be teaching her how to kneel in front of Old Grand Master Qin the next day, crying and complaining bitterly. She was indeed a good gun, hitting wherever directed. Old Grand Master Qin, the head of the Qin family, valued the family¡¯s reputation and traditions most. And Qin Yize was the successor he had designated, his pride. On the first day of the New Year, speaking such foolish, unfounded words, how could Old Grand Master Qin not fly into a rage? What status did she, Gu Qiaoqiao, have in the Qin family? Probably not even as much as the big black dog in the yard. Gu Qiaoqiao still stood in place, staring fixedly at Bai Yun, and slowly nodded, ¡°Okay.¡± ¡°I knew my sister-in-law was the best,¡± Bai Yun said softly, her tone resembling that of someone pleased, before she gathered her long hair, ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving first; my family is starting dinner.¡± ¡°Yes, Bai Yun, come over to play after eating,¡± Shen Manru said with a smile. ¡°Sure.¡± No one kept her; today was for the family reunion dinner, which everyone had in their own home. As Bai Yun passed by Qin Yize, she stole a glance at the tall and graceful man before she gracefully pushed the door open and left the Qin residence. ¡°Alright, there are no outsiders now, and the firecrackers have been set off. Let¡¯s start eating,¡± Grandma Qin spoke. ¡°Ah Ze, go bring the Maotai,¡± Qin Xuan said, in a much better mood after setting off the firecrackers. He was in high spirits, instructing his son to get the alcohol. Then he took his place at the seat next to his elderly mother. The Qin family¡¯s dining table was rectangular. Grandma Qin sat at the head of the table. Shen Manru sat across from Qin Xuan, and everyone else took their usual places. Gu Qiaoqiao slowly took her seat next to Qin Yize, opposite her was Qin Xiaoyu, who had glanced at her with a scowl. ¡°Although Qiaoqiao is cooking for the first time, by the looks and smells of it, it¡¯s definitely not wrong¡­¡± Grandma Qin sat at the head of the table; although her line of the family was not prolific, they were all outstanding. The old lady looked at her family members sitting beside her with contentment, aware that with each passing year, she had fewer years left. She cherished these days of family reunions dearly. The old lady followed with a few opening remarks, all auspicious blessings, before she happily picked up her chopsticks. The others, looking at the dishes on the table that could be described as visually and olfactorily appealing, were unsure about the taste. No one started eating. It was somewhat awkward. Although the Qin family was a scholarly one, there were still some age-old traditions passed down from the ancestors. The New Year¡¯s dinner required the eldest in the family to take the first bite. Professor Qin, fearful that the taste wouldn¡¯t be good and might upset his elderly mother, didn¡¯t want to try it first either. He sighed softly in his heart. Ever since this daughter-in-law entered the family, peace and refinement were no more. Grandma Qin looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, who was slightly bowing her head, and reached out with her chopsticks to pick up a piece of eggplant with minced meat in front of her. With age, her teeth weren¡¯t good. After just one bite, Grandma Qin froze. Qin Xuan, startled, quickly said, ¡°Mom, if it¡¯s not tasty, don¡¯t swallow it; your stomach is weak.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s mouth curved into a small smile, her expression indifferent. Qin Yize¡¯s deep gaze fell upon her face and, after a few moments, shifted away indifferently. Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Chapter 08: Longing and Guilt Chapter 8: Chapter 08: Longing and Guilt Grandma Qin had eaten a bite of minced meat with eggplant and her brows immediately relaxed, as if she hadn¡¯t tasted such delicious food since she herself could no longer cook. ¡°Delicious, delicious,¡± Grandma Qin urged, her voice eager, ¡°Come on, taste it, don¡¯t just stand there.¡± And she naturally reached for another dish. Gu Qiaoqiao wasn¡¯t worried at all; she knew her own cooking skills. She had once been an assistant to the head chef at a star-rated hotel, and her cooking skills, as well as her masterful carving techniques, were universally praised. And since time immemorial, good food has always been something that brings people joy. No matter whether you are a commoner or a noble, no one can resist the allure of delicious food. The Qin family, although a distinguished household with abundant wealth, adhered to a family rule set by Old Grand Master Qin: they were not to hire a maid. Thus, under the bland and unappetizing meals cooked by Shen Manru over these past years, this dinner table undoubtedly became a rare treat. No one would fight against tasty food. With the delicious dishes, Qin Xuan¡¯s drinking also became more enjoyable. Qin Yize simply smiled and accompanied his father. Shen Manru had complex feelings, for the first time unsure of how to evaluate her daughter-in-law. Ignorant, foolish, yet possessing exceptional culinary skills. Gu Qiaoqiao, that evening, didn¡¯t eat much, but she ate slowly. She was still processing the fact that she had been reborn. The television was also turned on. It was on a big imported screen set atop the TV cabinet. The volume wasn¡¯t loud, but the music was very festive. Outside, firecrackers burst forth one after another. The Imperial Capital hadn¡¯t started its ban on fireworks yet, so the spirit of the New Year was especially strong. The Qin family¡¯s New Year¡¯s dinner was exceptionally harmonious. Gu Qiaoqiao stood up, deftly picking up the bones from the table, then smilingly looked toward Grandma Qin, ¡°Grandma, you eat first, I¡¯ll go feed Da Hei (the dog).¡± ¡°Qiaoqiao, there¡¯s no rush, you can go after you¡¯ve eaten,¡± Grandma Qin was genuinely happy today. The atmosphere in the Qin household had been awkward for the last half year, despite her many attempts to improve it. Today, however, was clearly a good start. Naturally, she was very pleased. ¡°I¡¯ve finished eating,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said and, taking her bowl, left the dining table. After a moment¡¯s thought, she went to the kitchen, picked up two pork bones with chopsticks, and placed them in her bowl. She went back to her room, put on her down jacket, and left the Qin family¡¯s living room. After Gu Qiaoqiao had left, a brief silence fell over the dining table. Grandma Qin glanced around and sighed, ¡°A harmonious family leads to prosperity in everything. Qiaoqiao is young and bound to make mistakes; you two are university professors, cultured people. You shouldn¡¯t stoop to the level of a child.¡± ¡°Grandma, it¡¯s just your favoritism. She¡¯s young, so she¡¯s always right? She¡¯s two years older than I am,¡± Qin Xiaoyu protested with dissatisfaction. ¡°Our Xiao Yu is the most sensible,¡± the grandmother said. ¡°So, for the sake of your grandmother, try to get along with your sister-in-law. She has come all this way alone to marry into our family; it¡¯s quite pitiable.¡± ¡°Mom, children will have their own fortune, so don¡¯t worry. And honestly, the kid¡¯s cooking is delicious,¡± said Professor Qin, scooping a bowl of yam soup for his mother while sitting next to the old lady. ¡°Mom, this soup tastes really good; you can have some more.¡± Across the table, Shen Manru gave a nearly imperceptible snort but didn¡¯t make any further comment. ¡°I¡¯m planning to take her to the experimental base in Border City when my holiday ends.¡± Qin Yize, who had been silent until then, suddenly spoke up. Everyone paused for a moment. Shen Manru thought of her son, whom she took pride in for his excellence¡ªentangled for a lifetime with this country girl¡ªsuddenly lost her appetite. Gu Qiaoqiao squatted on the blue brick floor, watching the two dogs¡ªone big, one small, one black, one white¡ªdepositing the meaty bones from the bowl into the dog food basin. The big black dog was quick and snatched the largest bone with a howl, while Gu Qiaoqiao placed a smaller bone in front of the little dog Mao Mao. Unexpectedly, Mao Mao didn¡¯t eat it but ran towards the big bone. After just a few bites, it was swept aside by the big black dog¡¯s paw. The big black dog held down two large bones and looked triumphantly at Mao Mao. Mao Mao whimpered in distress. Gu Qiaoqiao placed the small bone into Mao Mao¡¯s bowl, glared at the big black dog, and while petting Mao Mao¡¯s head, sighed, ¡°You see, the big bone is nice, but there are other dogs coveting it. What¡¯s the point of fighting over it, provoking the big black and inevitably getting bullied again? Better to just quietly eat the bone I handpicked for you. Don¡¯t look down on its size; it¡¯s all meat¡­¡± As she spoke, Gu Qiaoqiao felt a piercing gaze lock onto her, alertly lifting her head to find Qin Yize¡¯s slim, tall figure concealed in the dim light. He watched Gu Qiaoqiao unabashedly, with an inscrutable expression and inky dark eyes that revealed nothing of his thoughts. Gu Qiaoqiao stood up, pursing her lips while suppressing the still somewhat panicked heartbeat, and calmly walked past him into the living room. The dining table on one side of the living room had already been cleared. Gu Qiaoqiao stood at the doorway, looking at the several people sitting on the couch, and spoke slowly, ¡°I want to call my parents.¡± ¡°Go ahead, go ahead, use the study, it¡¯s quiet¡­¡± Grandma Qin hurriedly interjected, ¡°Qiaoqiao, don¡¯t forget to say hello to your parents for us.¡± ¡°I will, Grandma.¡± Professor Qin, out of politeness, seemed to want to say something but remained silent. Gu Qiaoqiao pushed open the door to the study. Standing in front of the telephone, her hand trembled slightly on the receiver. Her hometown was in a small town in the Northeast, where her father was a teacher and her mother a housewife, with a younger pair of twins, brother and sister. The number she knew by heart but no longer had the opportunity to dial caused Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand to tremble. She took a deep breath and placed it on the telephone¡¯s number buttons. In a few seconds, a crisp voice came through, ¡°Hello, who is this?¡± The speech was rapid, like popping beans in a pot. It was her sister, Gu Qianqian. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s body stiffened, her hand clutching the handset tightly, opening her mouth but unable to utter a single word. Was this a dream where she was a mute? ¡°Hello, hello, who is this, why aren¡¯t you speaking?¡± the voice on the other end came again, ¡°Speak up or I¡¯m hanging up¡­¡± ¡°Qianqian¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao blurted out anxiously. ¡°Big sister?¡± Gu Qianqian exclaimed in surprise, ¡°Is that you, big sister?¡± Before Gu Qiaoqiao could speak again, Gu Qianqian shouted loudly, ¡°Mom, Dad, big sister is on the phone¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s body froze in place, waiting to hear the familiar voices on the other end, then choked up, ¡°Mom, Dad, I miss you¡­¡± It was a longing and guilt spanning lifetimes, accompanied by the fireworks outside, that made Gu Qiaoqiao cry uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face. Twenty minutes later, Gu Qiaoqiao and her parents agreed upon a time for her to come home, and she hung up the phone. At that moment, the heart that had been hanging finally settled down completely. Heaven had eyes; she had truly returned to the past! Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Chapter 09: After Divorcing Her, Qin Yize Seemed to Have Never Remarried Chapter 9: Chapter 09: After Divorcing Her, Qin Yize Seemed to Have Never Remarried Gu Qiaoqiao gently wiped the tears from her face, took a deep breath once more, and pushed open the door to the study. In the spacious living room of the Qin Family, Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s laughter was endless. She was watching some program and was even laughing so hard that she had fallen into Mother Qin¡¯s arms. The other members of the Qin Family also wore smiles on their faces. Even the usually indifferent Qin Yize was showing some affection as he gently patted his sister¡¯s head. What a picture of family harmony. Yet Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s appearance seemed to make everyone¡¯s expression pause for a moment. She raised an eyebrow. Indeed, she was an intruder from outside. If it had been her from the past, she would likely have been upset again. Gu Qiaoqiao acted as if she hadn¡¯t seen their reactions and walked past the living room towards the kitchen. However, she didn¡¯t expect to be stopped by Grandma Qin, ¡°Qiaoqiao, come watch the gala with us. We can make dumplings later, no rush. With everyone helping, it¡¯ll be quick.¡± After a moment of thought, Gu Qiaoqiao happily took a seat next to Grandma Qin. The text{1986} gala, watched more than a decade later, was indeed monotonous, but at the time, it had taken the nation by storm. Even with the usually disliked Gu Qiaoqiao sitting down, it didn¡¯t dampen anyone else¡¯s enthusiasm. The room was still filled with laughter. An hour later, the sound of a door opening was heard, and without guessing, it was known to be Bai Yun. Gu Qiaoqiao got up and went to the kitchen. Bai Yun¡¯s charming smile endeared her to both Shen Manru and Grandma Qin; there was no denying that such a sweet-talking, smiling girl was well-liked in the Qin Family. Gu Qiaoqiao thought to herself, if it hadn¡¯t been for her intervention, would Qin Yize and Bai Yun have ended up together? She remembered that in her past life, after their divorce, Qin Yize seemed to have never remarried. A cold smirk formed at the corner of her mouth; she lowered her head and quickly prepared the dough, seasoned the meat filling, and washed her hands. Soon after, Bai Yun entered the kitchen with a cheerful smile. Coming close to Gu Qiaoqiao, Bai Yun hid the disdain in her eyes and said gently, ¡°Qiaoqiao, do you have to prepare dumplings for the whole family by yourself? It¡¯s too much work¡­¡± ¡°The fillings were prepared in advance. Just mix them together,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said while washing her hands. Bai Yun always carried a gentle facade, quietly sowing discord between her and the Qin Family. At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao felt that Bai Yun¡¯s lotus-like demeanor was utterly nauseating. ¡°Surely you¡¯re not going to wrap them all by yourself, are you?¡± Bai Yun asked with feigned concern. ¡°Your Brother Ze is very good at making dumplings,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao finally finished washing her hands, looked up with a smile in her bright eyes, watching Bai Yun¡¯s face change abruptly, ¡°With him around, making dumplings is just like playing.¡± Bai Yun¡¯s hand, hanging by her side, tightened, and discomfort spread from the bottom of her heart. Looking at the smiling Gu Qiaoqiao, jealousy gnawed at her insides like a venomous snake. This despicable woman, just mentioning Qin Yize brought her such joy that it made Bai Yun furious. If it hadn¡¯t been for her grandfather, how could a country girl like her have married Brother Ze, who was like a Heavenly God? She wouldn¡¯t let things go Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s way. She swore, this was just the beginning! ¡°Bai Yun, you look so pale. What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked with concern, ¡°Are you sick? You should take medicine quickly if that¡¯s the case.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Bai Yun, upon hearing her voice, clenched her fists and concealed the discomfort in her heart with a smile, then said in a low and seemingly affectionate tone, ¡°Qiaoqiao, you asked me to help you figure out a way to win Brother Ze¡¯s heart yesterday, and I¡¯ve finally thought of a way.¡± Think of a way to win Qin Yize¡¯s heart, yesterday? Gu Qiaoqiao reflected carefully, and that was like the yesterday of a previous life. Gu Qiaoqiao curved her lips slightly and spoke slowly, ¡°Thank you, but I don¡¯t need it anymore.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°No reason, just that you¡¯re about the same age as me, you¡¯re not married or in a relationship, so what good idea could you possibly come up with?¡± Bai Yun was stunned on the spot. Her probing gaze swept over Gu Qiaoqiao. Gu Qiaoqiao looked indifferent, but then suddenly continued, ¡°However¡­ considering how enthusiastic you are, let me hear it.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Bai Yun opened her mouth, but why did she feel like Gu Qiaoqiao in front of her was toying with her? ¡°Go on, if it¡¯s a good idea, I¡¯ll definitely take your advice,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao urged further. ¡°Do you really mean that?¡± Bai Yun asked, seemingly incredulous. ¡°If it¡¯s a good one, I definitely will,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said with meaningful emphasis, ¡°You¡¯re so clever, and my best friend of all, who else would I listen to if not you?¡± Bai Yun¡¯s eyes shifted as her innate sensitivity made her frown slightly; she was reluctant to keep silent because, after tomorrow, she might no longer have the perfect opportunity to sully Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s reputation. After all, only tomorrow will all the members of the Qin Family be gathered together. Moreover, from what Gu Qiaoqiao suggested, she seemed to rely on her. Gu Qiaoqiao, encouragingly looking at her, finally heard the same plan as the one from her previous life. After Bai Yun finished speaking, she looked at Gu Qiaoqiao and whispered, ¡°If you take my advice, I guarantee that the old master will speak up for Brother Ze to come home and keep you company, and will also break off his relationships with other women outside. He already dislikes Brother Ze being on the move with the medical team; he has left a big company for Brother Ze. By then, you can live alone in the city, and when you have children, you can even bring your parents and siblings over; they must have never been to the Imperial Capital¡­¡± There¡¯s no denying, the idea of moving out, having another child, and bringing her own family to live in the Imperial Capital was indeed very tempting to the Gu Qiaoqiao of her previous life. Therefore, she took Bai Yun¡¯s words as if they were the imperial edict itself. She indeed made mistakes, but Bai Yun was determined to push her into hell. Pity that, for all her scheming, she never got her wish in the end. Gu Qiaoqiao pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, ¡°If I do this, will the old master really help me?¡± Seeing Gu Qiaoqiao taking the bait, Bai Yun quickly nodded, ¡°Really, I understand the old master¡¯s character; he likes a woman like you, simple and plain. Your words will definitely appeal to his thoughts. He will help you a hundred percent.¡± Only then did Gu Qiaoqiao nod, her eyes sincerely looking at Bai Yun, ¡°Bai Yun, you really are a good person!¡± The corners of Bai Yun¡¯s mouth twitched imperceptibly. She had thought that Gu Qiaoqiao had become smarter, but it seemed she was still just as foolish. Just at that moment, Qin Xiaoyu called out for Bai Yun from outside, ¡°Sister Bai Yun, let¡¯s go watch the fireworks.¡± ¡°Qiaoqiao, don¡¯t be busy, go watch the fireworks with Xiao Yu and the others; we¡¯ll handle the dumplings,¡± Grandma Qin said from the entrance of the dining room in her kind voice. Gu Qiaoqiao, seeing the fleeting impatience on Bai Yun¡¯s face and Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s clearly displeased pouting, was quite tempted to join them and irritate them a bit. But upon reflection, recalling she had something else to do, she replied with a smile, ¡°Grandma, I won¡¯t go. I still have something to take care of.¡± Before Grandma Qin could say anything, Qin Xiaoyu had already pulled Bai Yun out the door. Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Exceptionally Dexterous Hands Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Exceptionally Dexterous Hands Gu Qiaoqiao checked the time. In the North, the custom was to start eating dumplings at 11 p.m. during the New Year, and after eating, those who wanted to stay up would continue, while the elderly usually went to rest early. It was only half past eight now; there was enough time. She pushed Grandma Qin to the living room. The celebration party was still underway. Grandma Qin, who had been fussed over by her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law all day, was already tired. After asking her in a low voice, Gu Qiaoqiao pushed her into her bedroom to rest for a while. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Grandma Qin and thought about her past life; she owed this elderly woman. Even when she was sold to the mountains, seen as too filthy by others, she still held her hand and said she didn¡¯t blame her. She promised to take her back to the Qin Family once she was discharged from the hospital. Regrettably, she had died three days after making that statement. Tears started blurring her vision as she placed Grandma Qin¡¯s feet in a basin made of red willow wood and, remembering the methods, began to massage her. She planned to leave the Imperial Capital after the twelfth day of the first lunar month. Whether she returned or not, she would no longer be related to the Qin Family. With Grandma Qin, it was likely just a matter of days now. ¡°Qiaoqiao, that¡¯s enough, you¡¯ve been tired all day too, no need to keep massaging,¡± Grandma Qin said as she grasped Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand, urging her to get up. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at her fingers, somewhat puzzled. Why did they seem so effortlessly nimble? She thought for a moment and then slowly lowered her head, ¡°It¡¯s okay, Grandma. I read a book in the bookstore a few days ago. It had this massage technique. This is a very basic method, and it¡¯s all benefits without any harm.¡± As she spoke, her hands naturally continued to press towards Grandma Qin¡¯s calves. Grandma Qin was wheelchair-bound because of rheumatism. She could walk slowly in spring and summer, but winter often brought flare-ups, and there was still no cure for rheumatism. The treatment plan Qin Yize arranged for Grandma Qin was the most advanced, and because of that, she wasn¡¯t completely bedridden. But to maintain her current condition was already quite challenging. She closed her eyes slightly. With a thought, her fingers began to press down gently, hardly using any strength, and yet it seemed as if the pads of her fingers were warm. Grandma Qin exclaimed, ¡°Qiaoqiao, why do my calves feel warm?¡± ¡°That¡¯s because I just rubbed my palms together,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao replied, suppressing her heartbeat, making up an excuse. She quickly became one with her fingers. The sense of fluency, like flowing clouds and water, was indescribably delightful. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t focus on it, though. In her past life, her hands had been extremely nimble, carving dragons and phoenixes so exquisitely that they were displayed in a restaurant lobby as art pieces for people to admire. Who would have thought, reborn in this life, her fingers had become even more dexterous. Joy surged within Gu Qiaoqiao as she helped Grandma Qin onto the bed to rest, then returned to her room. She and Qin Yize¡¯s matrimonial room was on the western side of the courtyard house, comprising a bedroom and a small living room connected to a study, with a bathroom on the other side of the living room. Even decades later, the Qin family home still radiated elegance and luxury. The wallpaper and chandeliers, all imported from abroad, and the few but exquisitely placed decorations in the room, all declared the deep cultural richness of a learned family. Gu Qiaoqiao stood under the light in the living room, slightly tilting her head up to look at her fingers. She kept playing with them, liking them more and more. It seemed that in this lifetime, her skills would only improve, not diminish. Suddenly feeling a chilling presence behind her, she swiftly turned around, only to see Qin Yize with his hands in his pockets, his gaze deep, steadily watching her. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart skipped a beat. How long had he been standing at the door? Qin Yize was not only highly intelligent but also unusually perceptive to the unexpected. However, Gu Qiaoqiao wouldn¡¯t live this life by following the script of her previous one. Let him suspect. Rebirth, such a bizarre ponderance, even if spoken aloud, nobody would believe it. Especially being a medical doctor, he would not believe in such things either. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart steadied, yet Qin Yize spoke indifferently, ¡°Grandma is calling you.¡± ¡°¡­Yes.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao responded and lifted her legs to walk towards the door. Qin Yize¡¯s tall figure blocked half of the doorway. But to get out, there was only this door; as Gu Qiaoqiao approached, Qin Yize still showed no sign of moving aside. Gu Qiaoqiao stopped. At this moment, she had to admit that even having lived another lifetime, the subtle, yet undeniable pressure still made Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart pound. Her hand clenched slightly, and just as she was about to sidestep through, she heard a barely audible light chuckle. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s body instantly stiffened. Qin Yize turned around and took big strides out of the small living room¡¯s door. Gu Qiaoqiao paused there for a moment before hurrying towards Grandma Qin¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Grandma, did you call me?¡± Grandma Qin was surprisingly sitting up in her wheelchair, her gaze intensely fixed on Gu Qiaoqiao. ¡°Qiaoqiao, my leg feels somewhat warm; I tried getting out of bed myself. I think your massage technique just now was very good.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was also surprised, ¡°Grandma, how about I massage you every evening starting tomorrow?¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± Grandma Qin had intended to refuse, but realizing that the child would be following her grandson to the Northern Border after the New Year, she nodded, ¡°Alright, but it will be tough on you, Qiaoqiao.¡± Grandma Qin said sincerely. ¡°It¡¯s not tough.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head and changed the subject, ¡°Let¡¯s go make dumplings.¡± The Qin family originally thought that the heavily clouded New Year¡¯s Eve would pass joyously and peacefully. Especially the dumpling fillings and dipping sauce prepared by Gu Qiaoqiao were indeed delicious. A few hot dishes and some dumplings made the New Year¡¯s Eve dinner even more harmonious than the afternoon meal. Apart from Shen Manru¡¯s slightly furrowed brows and her subtle disdain, Gu Qiaoqiao felt that today had been quite perfect. After eating well and having chatted for a while, they all retired to rest. After all, they needed to receive Old Master Qin and several uncles and their families in the morning. That would be a busy time. When Gu Qiaoqiao washed up and returned to the bedroom, she paused; under the dim yellow lamp, Qin Yize¡¯s figure languidly leaned against the headboard, looking down and holding a book. His hair had just been washed and was only casually wiped, it gleamed softly under the light. Curling eyelashes cast a half crescent shadow against his eyelids. The straight bridge of his nose and his lightly pursed lips formed a beautiful arc. His eyes seemed to hold a hoard of stars in the dark night. Just one glance would make you involuntarily sink deep into them. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart was pounding, having resolved to divorce him, she really didn¡¯t want to share a bed with him anymore. Yet, this was the only room she could stay in. And although Qin Yize clearly knew Gu Qiaoqiao was watching him, he still calmly continued to read his book. That subtle aloofness set a barrier between him and her. Though close at hand, they were worlds apart. Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Caring Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Caring Gu Qiaoqiao gave a self-mocking smile. Qin Yize had long been accustomed to such gazes and naturally didn¡¯t care. She didn¡¯t have to worry too much either, for in the memories of her past life, though they weren¡¯t together much during those three years, Qin Yize truly never laid a hand on her. Only indifference could make a man ignore the woman lying beside him. Qiaoqiao walked confidently toward the large bed. The bed was spacious, and she pulled back the covers and lay down. Then, she turned her back to Qin Yize and gently closed her eyes. Tomorrow, she would have to face the scrutinizing gaze of the old patriarch and the sneering ridicule of the aunties. How could she do that without energy? In this life, she would settle all her debts and reclaim everything she was owed. Moreover, the most important thing was that she couldn¡¯t let down her grandfather and father. Ever since waking up at noon, Gu Qiaoqiao had been in a dream-like state, and coupled with physical and mental exhaustion, she quickly fell into a deep sleep. On the other side, Qin Yize methodically closed his book, placing it on the nightstand. As he reached to turn off the bedside lamp, he hesitated. He turned his head, his gaze slightly narrowed. The girl beside him was buried in the thick duvet, distancing herself from him and curling up slightly. Her breathing was light and shallow. If not for the small mound on the duvet, Qin Yize would have thought he was alone in the bed. The day before, she was tossing and turning with eagerness towards him. Fortunately, over the years, he had developed a sense of calm that allowed him to sleep soundly unless there was a catastrophe. But today¡¯s Gu Qiaoqiao seemed much more docile. Qin Yize¡¯s gaze was cool and detached as he switched off the light without agreement or opposition. Gu Qiaoqiao thought she wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep, but to her surprise, she slept dreamlessly until daylight. The bed next to her was empty. Qin Yize must have gone for his morning run. Gu Qiaoqiao washed up at the fastest speed and started to get busy with Shen Manru. Today was an important day, and Shen Manru had no time to pick on Qiaoqiao¡¯s faults. Moreover, she noticed that Qiaoqiao was indeed very skillful. Her chopping and food preparation were extremely proficient. Her heart couldn¡¯t help but seethe with resentment. It seemed she had been slacking off before. She knew how to do everything but deliberately did a sloppy job to disgust others. Now that her son had returned, she rushed to show off, never expecting a village girl to have such cunning to deceive even a college professor like her. If it weren¡¯t for the old patriarch¡¯s visit today, she would have definitely thrown this despicable woman out. Thus, under Mother Qin¡¯s stony-faced presence, the atmospheric pressure in the kitchen was particularly oppressive. Gu Qiaoqiao had already anticipated this, but she didn¡¯t mind. As this woman would soon become a stranger to her. There was no need to get angry over someone who didn¡¯t matter. Gu Qiaoqiao, unconcerned, skillfully carved tomatoes into roses and carrots into plum blossoms. These would be used for the garnishes later. No matter how dissatisfied Shen Manru was, she could only bear it. Because such craftsmanship from Qiaoqiao could certainly hold its own in front of her two younger siblings. Just then, the usually quiet living room suddenly became noisy. Shen Manru¡¯s hand paused, and she spoke her second sentence of the day to Gu Qiaoqiao, her tone clearly impatient, ¡°The Old Master has arrived, as well as your Second Uncle and Third Uncle¡¯s families, remember to come out to meet them, don¡¯t shrink back, and be careful when you light a cigarette for the Old Master¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t say anything, she just nodded faintly. There wasn¡¯t even a hint of nervousness in her heart. In her previous life, she cared about everyone in the Qin Family, hoped for Great Grandfather¡¯s help and approval¡ªher hands shook with nerves to the point where she almost burnt his clothes. Not this time, because she didn¡¯t care about them at all anymore. Maybe the saying ¡°The less you desire, the stronger you are¡± was true for this reason. Shen Manru walked out of the kitchen. Gu Qiaoqiao was still busy. After a while, Qin Xiaoyu came over, first glaring fiercely at Gu Qiaoqiao, then saying, ¡°My Great Grandfather wants you to come over.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao wiped her hands and brought the prepared cigarette-lighting items to the living room. An elderly man with white hair and beard sat on the sofa in the main seat, holding a Red Sandalwood cane, his face gaunt and his eyes sharp. The Old Master was the eldest young master of the Qin Family, a prestigious family from the southern Haicheng City, who later moved to the Imperial Capital for some reasons. The Old Master turned exactly eighty this year and lived alone in another old residence of the Qin Family. He had only one son and one daughter in his lifetime. His eldest son was Qin Yize¡¯s grandfather, who had died five years earlier. And Qin Yize¡¯s grandfather had three sons; the eldest son was Qin Xuan, the second son Qin Lang was a businessman, and the youngest son Qin Song held an important position in the Imperial Capital. The Old Master¡¯s daughter had married abroad, and Gu Qiaoqiao had only seen her once. That was during her wedding to Qin Yize. In fact, everyone felt sorry for Qin Yize, including Mr. Qin¡¯s aunt. Since Qin Yize was the eldest grandson of the main branch, and with the only son having passed away, Great Grandfather had mourned the death of a younger generation firsthand, he naturally favored Qin Yize immensely. He designated him as the heir to the Qin Family. But he also demanded strictness. At this moment, his gaze, filled with scrutiny, rested on his great-granddaughter-in-law holding a tray in front of him. Today, Gu Qiaoqiao wore a light red high-neck sweater, black trousers, and semi-high-heeled black leather shoes. Her hair was pulled up high on her head. A few strands of hair dangled by her ears. Gu Qiaoqiao may not possess a stunning beauty, but she had fair skin and eyes like two clear springs. With her eighteen-year-old youthfulness, paired with her long, straight legs, she appeared gracefully elegant, gentle as an orchid. The room wasn¡¯t crowded, and though everyone appeared joyous, a subtle disdain lingered in the spacious living room. Grandma Qin sat in a wheelchair, smilingly beckoning, ¡°Qiaoqiao, come over here, light a cigarette for your Great Grandfather.¡± This was a ritual that every new bride in the Qin Family had to undergo. Even though society had changed and so many years had passed, nobody knew why the Great Grandfather insisted on this tradition. Fortunately, it was just lighting a cigarette. People from the sixties and seventies, in fact, greatly enjoyed smoking from tobacco pipes. They crushed the tobacco leaves, took a small pinch to press into the bowl of the pipe, then compacted it carefully, as the degree of compression was crucial¡ªtoo light, and it would burn out after a few puffs; too heavy, and it would not draw well, leaving one¡¯s cheeks aching. When pressed just right, smoking it was quite delightful. Gu Qiaoqiao often packed and lit cigarettes for her late grandfather, so there was nothing she couldn¡¯t handle now. She approached the Old Master with the tray, and unsurprisingly, he had never been stingy in showing his affection for his eldest great-grandson. Naturally, Qin Yize sat beside the Old Master. She felt Qin Yize¡¯s gaze upon her. She chose to ignore it, first greeting the Great Grandfather for the New Year, and then with a smile, said, ¡°Great Grandfather, I¡¯ve learned a tobacco blending method from my grandfather, would you like to try it?¡± Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Really Lowering the Qin Familys Standards Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Really Lowering the Qin Family¡¯s Standards Old Grand Master Qin¡¯s eyebrows raised, and before he could make a sound, he heard Qin Yize¡¯s second aunt burst into laughter, ¡°Oh my, everyone listen, this is really typical of someone from the countryside, surprisingly knowledgeable. I¡¯ve heard from colleagues that the Northeast is very backward, and it even has four famous oddities nationally.¡± ¡°What are they, second aunt? Tell us about them,¡± Xiao Na, from the third uncle¡¯s family, asked eagerly. Shen Manru and Qin Xuan¡¯s faces changed simultaneously. Shen Manru cursed Gu Qiaoqiao a thousand times in her heart. Just for lighting a cigarette, she had to create trouble. She thought that this uneducated village girl was not presentable, and it really seemed to be the case now. Second aunt, triumphantly glancing at Shen Manru, thought to herself, ¡®You always act so aloof in front of me, watch how I slap your face today.¡¯ She then said cheerily, ¡°Do you really want to hear?¡± ¡°Yes, second aunt, I want to hear too,¡± Qin Yifeng, the eldest son from the third uncle¡¯s home, joined the excitement. Second aunt¡¯s gaze shifted slightly, ¡°Then I will tell.¡± ¡°Go ahead, tell us,¡± the others urged. ¡°A young woman smoking a pipe, window paper pasted outside, wearing a fur coat inside out, hanging up a child to raise¡­ Haha¡­ What do you think, funny isn¡¯t it?¡­ Haha¡­¡± The living room was filled with second aunt¡¯s piercing laughter. At this moment, Wang Manyun and Qin Xuan felt utterly embarrassed, wishing they could dig a hole and bury themselves. Qin Xiaoyu saw Xiao Na and the others laughing uproariously, feeling more humiliated than the day before. Tears welled up in her eyes. She stomped her foot and ran to Shen Manru¡¯s side, whispering urgently, ¡°Mom, quickly get that idiot away, it¡¯s too embarrassing.¡± Shen Manru was so angry she wished she could slap Gu Qiaoqiao a few times, but she couldn¡¯t lay a hand on her. Her face was a mix of red and white, wishing she could pass out right then and there. Qin Xuan felt the same, feeling that since yesterday, Gu Qiaoqiao had totally disgraced the Qin family. Gu Qiaoqiao, holding a tray, looked calmly at the Qin family, some mocking, some taking pleasure in her misfortune, and some wishing they could kill her. Is it really that funny? Just because she could mix tobacco, she was looked down upon by these self-righteous Qin family members. Was it just because she had no fortune or background? If it were the daughter-in-law from the second uncle¡¯s family who had said this, they might have looked at her with amazement and praised her with admiring tones. Because that daughter-in-law came from a distinguished family. As for her, in their eyes, she significantly lowered the status of the Qin family, so no matter what she did, all she received was mockery. ¡°Sister-in-law, do you smoke a pipe? Did you start smoking from a young age?¡± Nana asked curiously. ¡°Is that even a question? If she didn¡¯t smoke, how would she pack tobacco, haha. You see, Old Shen, marrying such a capable wife, you¡¯re really lucky,¡± Qin Yize¡¯s second aunt said sarcastically. While the third uncle¡¯s family didn¡¯t speak at the moment, they were winking at each other, covering their mouths, clearly laughing happily. Qin Yize¡¯s gaze was deep and cold as he swept it toward Xiao Na, just a glance, and the air pressure around him dropped instantly. Xiao Na was so frightened that she hid behind the second aunt. Grandma Qin¡¯s expression darkened. She glanced around but did not feel it appropriate to scold her second daughter-in-law and grandchildren in front of Old Grand Master Qin, especially since today was New Year¡¯s Day. She turned to Gu Qiaoqiao soothingly and said, ¡°Alright, Qiaoqiao, come light a cigarette for Great Grandfather.¡± Old Grand Master Qin tapped his cane on the floor, not too lightly or heavily, and hummed softly through his nose, then his sharp gaze fell on Gu Qiaoqiao as he slowly nodded, ¡°Good, come over.¡± And inside his heart, he was silently approving. He hadn¡¯t expected that, despite her young age, his great-granddaughter-in-law was very composed. Facing the mockery of the Qin family, she was calm, neither rash nor humble, nor arrogant. She was serene like orchids in a deep valley, resilient like bamboo on a mountain, and compared to her, the other Qin family members seemed rather fickle. Gu Qiaoqiao bent halfway down and placed the tray on the coffee table, took Old Grand Master Qin¡¯s ivory smoking pipe, and then put cut tobacco leaves on it, added osmanthus honey, dropped three drops of old wine, added dry straw mint, and also added a few drops of fragrant oil. Suddenly, the room quieted down. All eyes were on her. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s slender fingers moved, smooth as flowing water, indescribably elegant and gentle. In their eyes, an action as coarse as loading a smoking pipe was performed with an elegance akin to a tea ceremony. Moreover, was this smoking? It felt more like preparing a delicious meal. Old Master Qin had genuinely become interested this time. He also started looking forward to this cigarette. Shen Manru¡¯s face still looked displeased, but Qin Xuan quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Although he disliked Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s antics, he had to endure them for the time being. Today was the first day of the Lunar New Year, after all. Gu Qiaoqiao packed the prepared tobacco into the ivory smoking pipe, didn¡¯t use a ready lighter, but instead used a particularly large match to light the tobacco, then handed it to Old Grand Master Qin with both hands, gently saying, ¡°Great Grandfather, please try this¡­¡± Old Grand Master Qin took the smoking pipe, placed it to his lips, and gently inhaled. A cool sensation carrying a mellow fragrance went straight down his throat. Unlike the usual harshness, this cigarette was as if it had been enhanced with an Immortal Pill, making Old Master Qin¡¯s body feel warm all over. His throat, originally somewhat thirsty and set for tea, became moist with the refreshing coolness of mint. His sharp gaze gradually softened as he looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Young lady, is there anything special about this cigarette?¡± ¡°It cools and quenches thirst, reducing the irritation of the tobacco leaves, which is beneficial for your body.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t mention that smoking was bad, as many elderly people from this era smoked, and quitting was simply unrealistic. ¡°Young lady, did your grandfather teach you this?¡± Old Grand Master Qin took another couple of puffs, his expression growing even more gentle. ¡°Mhm, Grandfather said this was the most popular style a hundred years ago in the Old Imperial Capital City. It even had a name.¡± ¡°What was it called?¡± Old Grand Master Qin asked curiously. ¡°Grandfather said, it¡¯s called Drunken Lustrous Fragrance.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Old Grand Master Qin¡¯s expression paused, slowly putting down the smoking pipe, and asked Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°How does your grandfather know so much about it?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head, cleaned up the tray, and smiled, ¡°Grandfather didn¡¯t say.¡± Old Grand Master Qin took a few more joyful puffs, suddenly laughed heartily twice, and exclaimed, ¡°Good, good, good.¡± Then, he put down the smoking pipe, looked at Gu Qiaoqiao contentedly, reached into the pocket of his Tang suit, and took out a jade pendant, kindly beginning, ¡°Your name is Gu Qiaoqiao, right?¡± ¡°Mhm.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao nodded. ¡°Good child, this is a gift from Great Grandfather to you.¡± Everyone was astonished. The jade pendant, with its red knotted cord, emitted a greenish gleam under the afternoon sun. This was a relic of Great Grandma, and Old Grand Master Qin had always cherished and kept it close to him. Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Chapter 13 A Thought Chapter 13: Chapter 13 A Thought It was the best Imperial Green, which he had gone to great lengths to acquire. Later, he commissioned the Old Patriarch of the Gu Family from the Imperial Capital to carve it by hand as a token of engagement, and Great Grandma wore it for decades. Until she passed away, and then Old Grand Master Qin kept it. He never expected it to be given to Gu Qiaoqiao. At this moment, Qin Xuan and Shen Manru finally relaxed, with Shen Manru¡¯s eyes shining bright. No matter what, this gesture by Old Master Qin thoroughly embarrassed his second brother-in-law¡¯s wife, and she felt extremely relieved. Qin Xuan felt the same. He hadn¡¯t expected Gu Qiaoqiao to gain Old Master Qin¡¯s approval, but he was pleased to see it happen. He immediately straightened his back, which had been somewhat bent. Gu Qiaoqiao was surprised and hastily declined, ¡°Great Grandfather, this jade pendant is too precious, and it holds extraordinary significance for you. It serves as a keepsake for you as well.¡± Old Master Qin was even more pleased. Although she was from a small place, she had depth and knew how to speak without offending the elders. He laughed heartily, but intentionally said aloud, ¡°If it¡¯s given to you, just take it. What, do you despise the jade pendant?¡± ¡°Of course not.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao quickly denied. She certainly didn¡¯t dare take on such blame. Hadn¡¯t she seen how the people from his second uncle¡¯s and third uncle¡¯s families were covetously watching? Gu Qiaoqiao also happened to know the origin of the jade pendant, and naturally understood what it meant for her to receive it. Grandma Qin smiled sweetly, ¡°Qiaoqiao, this is your great grandfather¡¯s intention, accept it.¡± For the sake of the Qin family¡¯s main branch¡¯s reputation, Gu Qiaoqiao then looked towards Qin Xuan for confirmation. Satisfied, he simply smiled and nodded. Only then did Gu Qiaoqiao take the jade pendant, thanked Old Master Qin again, and carried the tray out of the living room. The others exchanged glances. It had been a long time since they had heard the Old Master laugh so heartily. The Qin family members who mocked Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t look very pleased. Shen Manru finally felt at ease. She followed Gu Qiaoqiao into the kitchen. Soon after, Qin Yize¡¯s second aunt, under the stern gaze of the Old Master, also sullenly came to help in the kitchen. Initially wanting to say some harsh words, Gu Qiaoqiao instead picked up a tomato and began to carve. One had to admit, the new daughter-in-law in the main branch of the Qin family had truly skillful hands. The second aunt¡¯s plan to mock her fell through. When the dishes were successively placed on the specially made large dining table, everyone couldn¡¯t help but look at Gu Qiaoqiao with complex gazes. Even Qin Lang and Qin Song, who frequently frequented high-end hotels, were somewhat dumbfounded. Old Master Qin sat contentedly in the main seat, waiting for Qin Yize to bring up the last dish. It was a clear soup with chicken chunks made from watermelon. Qin Yize came with a watermelon, and the Qin family¡¯s dining room was also very spacious; as he came from the kitchen, Qin Xiaona couldn¡¯t help but snort disdainfully, pulling the Old Master¡¯s hand and cooing, ¡°Great Grandfather, who brings a whole watermelon to entertain family? It¡¯s too lazy, at least cut it and present it on a plate.¡± Shen Manru glanced at Qin Xiaona, wondering why she had never found the child so annoying before. However, she knew the brilliance behind it, so she stayed silent, only helping Xiao Yu set up the bowls and chopsticks. Seeing that no one paid her any mind, Qin Xiaona unhappily continued to coax the Old Master, ¡°Great Grandfather, let sister-in-law work a little harder, cut the watermelon into slices. As it is, it looks too unsightly and embarrassing.¡± As she spoke, Qin Yize, holding the watermelon, stood next to the dining table. The Qin family members, who had by then sat down, finally saw clearly that the watermelon¡¯s exterior was carved into a landscape painting: lush green mountains, gently flowing waters, a solitary boat, and bamboo clusters by the lake. In the white sky above, soared a magnificent eagle. Everyone was astonished. They had heard of master carvers who could sculpt various designs on watermelons, but although they had heard about it, they had never seen it in person. Qin Xiaona was embarrassed. She stood up, pointed at the watermelon, and said angrily, ¡°A perfectly good watermelon is carved up into a mess. Is it even edible anymore? It¡¯s really a waste.¡± Qin Xiaoyu was displeased. ¡°Qin Xiaona, speak politely. Are you shortsighted? Can¡¯t you see that this is a landscape painting? If you don¡¯t know how to appreciate it, then don¡¯t talk nonsense. Be careful not to make a fool of yourself.¡± She and Xiaona had always been at odds. Today, this annoying girl had been whining and complaining, and she had tolerated it for a long time. Then she thought, why should she tolerate it at all? They were just kids. If she could speak without thinking, why couldn¡¯t she fight back? ¡°Qin Xiaoyu, who exactly are you saying is making a fool of themselves?¡± Qin Xiaona asked loudly, pointing at Qin Xiaoyu. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± As soon as Old Master Qin spoke, the room instantly fell silent for a moment, and neither Qin Xiaona nor Qin Xiaoyu dared to argue further. Qin Yize then raised his hand and suddenly removed the lid from the watermelon. A faint scent of watermelon mixed with the aroma of chicken washed over everyone. Old Master Qin nodded in satisfaction, raising his eyes to ask Qin Yize, ¡°Where is my great-granddaughter-in-law?¡± ¡°She¡¯ll be here shortly,¡± Shen Manru said with a beaming smile. Qin Yize headed towards the kitchen, saw Gu Qiaoqiao washing her hands, and said leisurely, ¡°We¡¯re just waiting for you.¡± The Qin family¡¯s meal on the first day of the new year was perfect without a single fault. Gu Qiaoqiao also breathed a sigh of relief. When Old Master Qin left, he had taught him how to make Drunken Lustrous Fragrance, and he left satisfied. When Bai Yun arrived at the Qin family¡¯s residence, Old Master Qin had already left. The dramatic upheaval she had imagined did not happen, and Shen Manru and Qin Xuan¡¯s faces were smiling. Even Qin Xiaoyu was smiling. Qin Yize was not at home. Grandma Qin was even more overjoyed. Bai Yun couldn¡¯t understand what had happened. She had come prepared to enjoy a debacle and to trample on Gu Qiaoqiao fiercely. But who could tell her what was going on? Could it be that Old Master Qin had actually tolerated Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s absurd accusations? She pulled Qin Xiaoyu aside and asked, ¡°Xiao Yu, did your sister-in-law cry a lot today?¡± ¡°Why would she cry?¡± Qin Xiaoyu looked at Bai Yun in surprise. ¡°No.¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t end up kneeling on the ground, crying, and complaining to Old Master Qin?¡± ¡°I¡¯m kneeling on the ground?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao crossed her arms and leaned against the hall door, looking at Bai Yun amusingly, her voice tinged with light sarcasm, ¡°Complaining to Old Master Qin?¡± Just as Bai Yun was about to speak, the door outside was opened. Qin Yize¡¯s tall figure stood at the doorway, frowning as he looked at the three women in the hall. Bai Yun paused. Qin Xiaoyu was perplexed. Gu Qiaoqiao wore a half-smile. Qin Yize only paused for a moment before continuing into the living room. As he passed by Gu Qiaoqiao, his voice, cold and detached, rang out, ¡°Come to the room with me.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was startled. Bai Yun¡¯s face turned pale as she clenched her fists tightly, staring intensely at Gu Qiaoqiao, Brother Ze was speaking to Gu Qiaoqiao with such intimacy. Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: Chapter 14 Lets Get Divorced Chapter 14: Chapter 14 Let¡¯s Get Divorced At that moment, Bai Yun realized in despair that Qin Yize had gotten married, and his wife was Gu Qiaoqiao. The one who was utterly worthless, an extremely foolish country girl. She loosened her grip, her eyes brimming with tears, her lips devoid of any color. Gu Qiaoqiao had intended to visit Grandma Qin¡¯s room, but upon seeing Bai Yun¡¯s expression, she smiled, turned around, and followed Qin Yize to their room. Bai Yun was infuriated, and she liked that very much. Bai Yun, without uttering a single word, turned and ran towards the courtyard¡¯s main gate. Although Qin Xiaoyu was young, she suddenly understood why Bai Yun was upset. She wanted to glare at Gu Qiaoqiao, but discovered she had already vanished. Gu Qiaoqiao entered the room devoted to them as newlyweds. Qin Yize was sitting leisurely in the small living room, methodically brewing tea. His head bowed, the gentle fragrance of the tea filled the slightly cold room. The aroma of the tea wafted across, lightly concealing the mist, revealing Qin Yize sitting there. His white shirt was covered with a black wool vest, black trousers encasing his straight, slender legs, his features as if painted, resembling an ¡°immortal¡± amidst orchids and jade. At that moment, a surreal feeling washed over her. His dark gaze fixed on Gu Qiaoqiao, who was staring at him. Although he looked displeased, he slowly began to speak, ¡°Come here and sit¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t move and quietly took a breath before softly asking, ¡°Did you need something from me?¡± ¡°I am taking you to the Northern Border research base, we leave after the fourteenth day of the first lunar month,¡± Qin Yize¡¯s tone was indifferent, void of emotion. Gu Qiaoqiao was taken aback, a research base? Such distant words. Her eyes held a trace of coolness, and after thinking, she nonetheless sat down beside him. Two lifetimes combined, it seemed this was the first time they had a face-to-face conversation like this. On the first day of her previous life, her behavior had caused turmoil, and Qin Yize had accompanied the old master to the old house, leaving Gu Qiaoqiao alone to endure the Qin family¡¯s cold violence. Now that she had come to terms with it, she bore no resentment, it was her own fault after all. It turned out, according to the course of history, this day was meant to inform her that she could accompany Qin Yize to the Northern Border research base, not like in her previous life when she was unprepared and left the Qin Family like a bereaved dog. ¡°Qin Yize, I have something I want to discuss with you,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao decided to cut to the chase and bring up the matter of divorce with Qin Yize. Qin Yize placed a cup of tea in front of Gu Qiaoqiao, his gaze, although cold, relaxed significantly. Although he didn¡¯t want to listen, he nodded anyway, ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s get a divorce,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao took a sip of tea and finally said outright. After saying it, she felt a wave of relief. Facing Qin Yize¡¯s gaze, as deep as the ocean, she continued, ¡°Although today is the first day of the new year, I think, to you, this news should be good news.¡± Qin Yize put down his teacup, slowly leaned back against the sofa, his long legs crossed, his right hand resting on the wooden arm of the sofa, lightly tapping it. His scrutinizing gaze fell on Gu Qiaoqiao, as if weighing the truth of her words. His brows furrowed again, showing some displeasure. He spoke slightly mockingly, ¡°When you married me, didn¡¯t you say you wanted to spend your life with me, that no one else would do?¡± ¡°Everyone has their youthful follies; I was wrong.¡± ¡°Youthful follies?¡± Qin Yize laughed quietly, but the laughter didn¡¯t reach his eyes. The atmosphere was slightly tense, Gu Qiaoqiao, steeling herself, said, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, I overestimated myself, so today I officially propose to you. I¡¯ve already inquired, if we both agree, the procedures can be completed very swiftly.¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Qin Yize¡¯s dark eyes grew even colder. ¡°About going to the research base, you and your supervisor should cancel it and give the spot to someone else. After the tenth, I¡¯ll go straight back to my home.¡± ¡°Why wait until after the tenth?¡± Qin Yize suddenly asked. Gu Qiaoqiao was taken aback. Qin Yize seemed casual as he spoke, but his eyes became sharp, ¡°Was it the collision yesterday that changed your mind? But since you had already thought about divorce, shouldn¡¯t you leave now? Why wait until after the tenth, and have you spoken to both sets of parents yet?¡± ¡°This¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was choked up, feeling somewhat embarrassed as she lowered her head, ¡°I haven¡¯t told them yet.¡± Could she say she still had something important to do after the fifth? Currently, she was almost penniless and didn¡¯t even have enough money to buy a train ticket; she certainly couldn¡¯t just walk back, or ask Qin Yize for it. And today, her talk of divorce with Qin Yize was not a spur of the moment decision. Divorce was set in stone, and if she allowed Grandma Qin to prepare so many supplies for her like last time, she would feel uneasy about it. Moreover, she felt that proposing divorce would be good news for Mr. Qin and Mother Qin of the Qin family. After all, without the bonds of obligation, there would be no constraints. A moment later, Qin Yize spoke indifferently, ¡°Do you really want to get a divorce?¡± ¡°Yes, I really do.¡± ¡°The marriage you secured using your grandfather¡¯s illness, are you willing to let it go?¡± Qin Yize asked mockingly. Gu Qiaoqiao looked up at Qin Yize steadily, ¡°It proves that I was wrong.¡± ¡°So, you want to start when you begin, and end when you wish to end?¡± His handsome eyebrows slightly raised, seeming somewhat displeased. ¡°Otherwise, Qin Yize, do you really want to continue living with me?¡± Qin Yize was taken aback. Gu Qiaoqiao then said, ¡°Bai Yun¡¯s intentions are written all over her face, and many other women are waiting for you as well; I¡¯m very clear on that, so an early divorce is only beneficial to you, with no drawbacks.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Qin Yize fell silent. Suddenly, he stood up, his gaze fixed on Gu Qiaoqiao, a commanding aura swiftly spreading out, word by word, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, whether it¡¯s Bai Yun or any other woman, before or after our marriage, there has been nothing between us, please remember that!¡± Gu Qiaoqiao froze, also standing up, looking at the angered Qin Yize. Was it because she mentioned Bai Yun? Was it because he felt Bai Yun was being insulted? Gu Qiaoqiao bit her lip, ¡°I know of your character, I didn¡¯t mean anything else.¡± ¡°I thought you had come to your senses these past few days, but it seems you are still stubborn¡­¡± Qin Yize, with his hands in his pockets, walked step by step toward Gu Qiaoqiao. Gu Qiaoqiao hurriedly backed away. But there was a wall behind her, she had nowhere to go, her hands pressed against the wall, her face slightly flushed, she quickly explained, ¡°I also know divorce isn¡¯t a trivial matter, isn¡¯t this why I¡¯m discussing it with you?¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Qin Yize closed in on Gu Qiaoqiao, slightly leaning in, his thin lips parting lightly, ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re just informing me?¡± At that moment, the two were very close. Their unfamiliar breaths silently mingling. Even their heartbeats could be clearly heard. Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Chapter 15 This Topic Ends Here Chapter 15: Chapter 15 This Topic Ends Here The first time he saw Gu Qiaoqiao up close, Qin Yize discovered that her skin was smooth as jade, and in her clear eyes, he could see his own reflection. Her long eyelashes fluttered like the wings of a butterfly. Being so near, he could smell that gentle fragrance, as elusive and fresh as orchids in a mist. Due to his approach, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s face uncontrollably flushed red, resembling peach blossom petals inebriated by the spring light of April. For the first time, Qin Yize realized that his little wife was quite attractive. And she seemed to be quite timid too, startled to the point where fine beads of sweat formed on the tip of her nose. Her eyes misted over, becoming foggy with specks of moisture twinkling within them. At this moment, Qin Yize was engulfed in an indescribable emotion, and he suddenly didn¡¯t know what to do next. So, he could only stare steadily at Gu Qiaoqiao, his lips tightly pressed together. Gu Qiaoqiao suppressed the immense panic at the bottom of her heart. Because of her experiences in the mountains in her previous life, she had an instinctual fear of men. She had never thought of marrying again, and thus there were no men close to her. And now, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s petite body was enveloped by Qin Yize¡¯s tall frame, forcing her to feign composure and say with difficulty, ¡°I¡¯m really discussing this with you, to give you a heads-up in advance.¡± ¡°No need,¡± Qin Yize¡¯s lips curled into a hint of a smile, as he casually warned, ¡°Put aside your little schemes. Divorce isn¡¯t as simple as you think. That¡¯s the end of this discussion.¡± ¡°But, I don¡¯t want to go to the Northern Border with you,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao furrowed her brows. ¡°In life, one can¡¯t always do as they please. People must pay a price for their selfish actions,¡± Qin Yize¡¯s voice flowed above her like a clear spring, but to Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s ears, it made her breath feel constricted. She looked up slightly, ¡°But don¡¯t you hate me very much?¡± ¡°Did I ever tell you I hated you?¡± Qin Yize countered, unperturbed. ¡°But you never pay attention to me. Isn¡¯t that the same as hating me?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao blurted out those words. After she spoke, both of them were taken aback. It was as if the air in the room briefly stagnated. In that instant, time itself seemed to pause. Gu Qiaoqiao felt utterly mortified, her face so red it seemed as if it might bleed. How could she speak such words? Qin Yize, however, let out a light chuckle, his handsome brows slightly raised and his dark eyes glinting with a trace of shining light, he said meaningfully, ¡°Do you want a divorce because I¡¯ve been ignoring you?¡± Unable to hold back any longer, Gu Qiaoqiao pushed forward forcefully, using so much strength that Qin Yize¡¯s body tilted slightly. She then glared fiercely at Qin Yize and stamped into the bathroom, slamming the door shut with a bang. Leaning against the door, she listened to the footsteps approaching and her heart uncontrollably pounded in response. It seemed she should leave this man sooner rather than later, otherwise, who knows if he would see through her. How could she not know that Qin Yize had such a shameless side? Then, suddenly, Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s loud voice came from outside, ¡°Brother, it¡¯s Great Grandfather¡¯s call.¡± After hearing Qin Yize¡¯s indifferent acknowledgement, he left. And he was gone for two days. Bai Yun hadn¡¯t appeared for several days after being rattled on the first day of the month. This gave Gu Qiaoqiao a sigh of relief. She intended to return the Jade Pendant to the Qin Family, but Qin Xuan and Grandma Qin refused to take it. Indeed, it was a meeting gift from the Great Grandfather to his great-granddaughter-in-law; it wouldn¡¯t be proper for them to accept it. His Qin Family wasn¡¯t so desperate as to covet their daughter-in-law¡¯s belongings. After dinner on the third day of the Lunar New Year, Qin Yize came back. His gaze towards Gu Qiaoqiao was as indifferent as usual, as if nothing had happened. Gu Qiaoqiao found an excuse to slip away. Meanwhile, Qin Yize was talking softly with his parents in the living room. Just as Gu Qiaoqiao approached the entrance of the living room, Bai Yun and Qin Xiaoyu walked in hand in hand. Upon entering, Qin Xiaoyu excitedly exclaimed, ¡°Brother, you¡¯re back, that¡¯s great! Our friends in this area are having a party tonight, and you must come.¡± But Bai Yun was looking at Gu Qiaoqiao, her face lifting into a smile, ¡°Qiaoqiao, you were the first one we invited. You must come. Our friends are all curious about you and want to get to know you and become friends with you¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao felt a tightness in her chest. In her previous life, on the evening of the fifth day, Bai Yun had dragged her to the party, and she was humiliated like a clown by those people. She was slapped twice, splashed with a glass of red wine, and forced to bow her head in a disheveled and disgraceful apology. Back then, she was helpless, feeling as if the world was coming to an end. By the time Qin Yize appeared later, her mind was already blank. Her consciousness was somewhat unclear. For a long time, she lived in shame and remorse, blaming herself for everything, thinking it was all her fault for her lack of sophistication, for being jealous without reason, for mistaking the person, for losing face for the Qin family. Only after experiencing more did she finally understand that it was all just a trap set by Bai Yun. The gentle light in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes suddenly became icy cold, and the warmth of the room seemed to silently fill with frost. Qin Yize¡¯s probing gaze fell on Gu Qiaoqiao, wondering what made the little woman become like a frozen, icy pool at that moment. But in his eyes, she looked more like a little hedgehog covered in sharp spines. After a few moments, the penetrating coldness disappeared quietly before Qin Yize could figure it out. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the delicate girl in front of her and spoke slowly, ¡°Alright.¡± She had wanted to refuse, but then, why should she? A man would not harm a tiger for no reason, but a tiger would always have the intent to harm a man. She felt she had already let go of the grievances of her past life, retreating step by step, but Bai Yun kept pressing forward. So, let¡¯s have a good time tonight! ¡­ As night fell, the city¡¯s neon lights shone brilliantly, like stars falling to the mortal world. Although the first day of the Lunar New Year was over, the national sentiment was that the New Year isn¡¯t truly over until the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Thus, the festive atmosphere was still intense. Children were playing with fireworks, and naughty boys were throwing rockets into the sky. The sound of firecrackers was incessant. Many other children were running around with sparklers, waving them through the air. Seeing all this, Gu Qiaoqiao, who was leaving home for the first time since being reborn, squinted her eyes. In the Northeast, these small fireworks called sparklers were the favorite playthings of her sister Gu Qianqian. Once lit and waved around, they truly resembled a fairy casting spells. She didn¡¯t dress up as Bai Yun had instructed, so Bai Yun¡¯s face was somewhat gloomy. Like in her previous life, Qin Yize had matters to attend to and couldn¡¯t come with them at that time, he would be joining later, so the three girls walked into the upscale KTV. Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Chapter 16 Natural Luminous Bodies Chapter 16: Chapter 16 Natural Luminous Bodies ¡°` This upscale KTV, even after more than a decade, catered only to a specific clientele. At this moment, the men and women coming and going all carried an air of nobility, living in a superior environment with a good family background, which made them seem superior without even doing anything. And the room they occupied was naturally the largest. Since there were many guests, most of them were Qin Yize¡¯s classmates, with the others being young men from the western district. Most had grown up together, and by the time they could remember, the turbulent times had passed. Their parents, who had restored their former glory, could not wait to give their children the best of everything. Therefore, this generation of children was not only exclusionary but also exceptionally arrogant. When Qin Yize was young, he was the king of the children in the western district. He was good-looking and studious, and almost unbeatable in fights; as he grew up, he naturally became the core figure among these people. Wherever he went, there was always a group of people revolving around him. He was like a natural luminary. So, their feelings towards Gu Qiaoqiao, Qin Yize¡¯s wife who came from a small rural town, were a mix of curiosity, disdain, aloofness, and the rest was filled with pure malice. Gu Qiaoqiao stood at the door of the room, looking inside. The room was quite large, about two hundred square meters, and though the lighting was somewhat yellowish, it was still clear enough to make out the faces of the people present. Some were blurry, giving off a hazy effect like old photographs. The people inside were also sizing up Gu Qiaoqiao. Some who had seen Gu Qiaoqiao before felt that she seemed different from the first time they met her. Before everyone had finished assessing her, Bai Yun began with a beaming smile, ¡°This is the woman you¡¯ve all been curious about, Qin Yize¡¯s love, named Gu Qiaoqiao. Although born in the countryside, has she not changed completely in this half year?¡± Transformed completely? Was that a compliment or a criticism? Gu Qiaoqiao slowly curled her red lips into a slight smile but said nothing. Some laughed with a titter, and a girl sitting on the sofa wearing a blue down jacket seemed to say carelessly, ¡°How could Imperial Capital compare to the poor and bad lands of the countryside, Bai Yun? Your analogy is quite apt.¡± ¡°It¡¯s always said that troubled waters produce the wiliest folk,¡± someone chimed in. ¡°But my grandma says, a cow lead to the Imperial Capital is still a cow¡­¡± a girl expressed her disagreement with the phrase transformed completely. ¡°Haha¡­¡± The comment from this girl provoked laughter from everyone. By this time, three individuals had already seated themselves on the sofas to the left, almost all of them girls, some twenty-one or two, others eighteen or nineteen. They wore the most fashionable clothes of the era, and their very expressions, from the bottoms of their eyes to the tips of their eyebrows, were filled with pride and scorn for Gu Qiaoqiao. As Gu Qiaoqiao sat down, Bai Yun spoke cheerfully to the girl in the blue down jacket, ¡°Ning Yuli, you have no idea, the first time Gu Qiaoqiao came and took the elevator she was so scared she shivered and could barely stand, haha¡­¡± While speaking, she grabbed Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s arm affectionately, saying, ¡°Sister-in-law, am I right?¡± About a dozen girls sitting there burst into giggles as if on cue. Such mocking laughter made Qin Xiaoyu awkwardly turn her face away. It seemed she was trying to use this attitude to assert her stance. But she did not understand the principle that glory and loss are shared by all. Meanwhile, Ning Yuli across from her was full of condescension, mocking as she said, ¡°It¡¯s just like Grandma Liu entering Grand View Garden, isn¡¯t it.¡± A girl with her mouth agape feigned surprise, ¡°Grandma Liu entering the Grand View Garden should be Grandma Gu entering the Grand View Garden, right¡­¡± ¡°` Pfft¡­ A girl beside her laughed so hard that she spat out her juice, and the others were jostling each other, laughing uproariously. Qin Xiaoyu glared fiercely at Gu Qiaoqiao and, pointing at the girls, said angrily, ¡°Stop laughing.¡± ¡°Oh my, Xiao Yu, everyone¡¯s just joking around.¡± Bai Yun patted Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s shoulder affectionately, ¡°Don¡¯t take it seriously, everyone just finds it funny.¡± ¡°Yeah, Qin Xiaoyu, we all just think it¡¯s funny.¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, have you never seen a skyscraper from the time you were a child?¡± someone asked with feigned innocence. ¡°Yeah, yeah, have you never even seen a car before?¡± ¡°Have you ever watched television?¡± ¡°I heard from our maid that she didn¡¯t know what bread and hamburgers were until she was eighteen¡­¡± ¡°They say your dialect has a real country bumpkin flavor to it, say something in it for me to hear.¡± ¡°Just say this sentence: ¡®The bumpkin¡¯s dumpling has blossomed beyond cure!''¡± ¡°¡­¡± Once someone took the lead, the other girls started bombarding her with questions, all talking at once. Guys on the other side were also drawn by the commotion, looking at Gu Qiaoqiao with various expressions¡ªsome with contempt, some with curiosity, some with sarcasm. It was as if a group of white poodles had suddenly been invaded by a yellow mongrel. Though the analogy was a bit cruel, these people indeed had not a shred of kindness, all blatantly ostracizing her. A glint of coldness swept through Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes; everything was exactly the same as in her past life, even the mocking expressions hadn¡¯t changed. In her previous life, Gu Qiaoqiao was born in the late sixties and had never traveled far from home. Yet in this world, in this year 1986, there were still many who had never seen an elevator or eaten a hamburger, but these things had become the pretexts for today¡¯s mockery. The comments that followed were even more unpleasant, some veiled, some blunt, making the already insecure Gu Qiaoqiao from her previous life want to hide herself away. She felt aggrieved, ashamed, and so embarrassed that she wanted to cry, wishing she could retort, but she was no match for over a dozen mouths. And back then, not a single person spoke up for her. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s gaze landed on Ning Yuli, who was laughing the hardest and would soon say the nastiest thing. Being reborn wasn¡¯t about reliving the pains of her previous life. She curled her lips into a smile and her clear, cold voice drifted up, ¡°Who was it that just said ¡®wretched mountains and rivers¡¯?¡± Her voice was not loud, but loud enough for everyone to hear. And this crisp voice, as melodious as the music of silk and bamboo, carrying a soft murmur that bespoke of a young girl, filled the room. Perhaps it was the first time they heard Gu Qiaoqiao speak, so clear and well-articulated that everyone was momentarily stunned. So, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s voice was actually this pleasant to the ear. The mockery of everyone was an invitation for Gu Qiaoqiao to speak. Thus, the room fell into a brief stillness. Ning Yuli was also startled for a moment, then, regaining her composure, she sneered arrogantly and retorted, ¡°I said it.¡± ¡°What ¡®wretched mountains and rivers¡¯ are you referring to?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked crisply. ¡°Of course, I mean your hometown. Don¡¯t emerge from a ravine and suddenly think you¡¯re a phoenix.¡± Ning Yuli¡¯s complexion was not good. ¡°Do you know where my hometown is?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked calmly. Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Beautiful Counterattack Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Beautiful Counterattack ¡°Isn¡¯t it just a village in the Northeast?¡± ¡°Have you studied geography?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Ning Yuli became angry. How dared a bumpkin, a village girl, question her like this? She disdainfully retorted, ¡°Whether I study geography or not, what¡¯s it to you?¡± ¡°Of course, it matters. If you haven¡¯t studied it, I can teach you; if you have, I can offer you a free review.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao seemed quite serious, her clear eyes, however, appeared as if they were smiling. Chu Chengfeng, who had been lazily looking at jokes, slowly sat up, and the smile at the corner of his mouth gradually faded. This Gu Qiaoqiao, why is she different from how others described her? Ning Yuli suddenly stood up, pointing at Gu Qiaoqiao and said harshly, ¡°Bad lands breed tricky people; that is exactly what you are. Don¡¯t think that marrying Brother Ze means you can rise above your station, you¡¯ll never be a city person in this lifetime!¡± Why should a village girl become the wife of Brother Ze? She had liked Qin Yize for almost ten years, someone she revered like a Heavenly God. How could he marry someone else? And to marry a woman who was inferior to her in so many ways. She was filled with resentment. Bai Yun¡¯s eyes shifted, hiding the joy in them. She stood up too, pulling Ning Yuli while softly persuading, ¡°Ning Yuli, your sister-in-law is a bit confused today, don¡¯t lower yourself to her level, I¡¯ll ask her to apologize to you.¡± Then she turned to Gu Qiaoqiao and feigned blame, ¡°Sister-in-law, quickly apologize to Ning Yuli.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao smiled bitterly in her extreme anger, leaned against the back of the sofa, crossed her legs, and slightly raised her head to look at Ning Yuli. Even in such a posture, there was not a trace of timidity. She pondered for a moment and then said indifferently, ¡°Pinching the black earth to see oil blossom, even inserting chopsticks makes them sprout, rich in resources, mountains clear and water showy. Not only is it a key base for timber and mineral production in our country, but it is also known as the ¡®Eldest Son of the Republic¡¯, the cradle of our country¡¯s industry¡ªthe black earth. When did it become poor mountains and bad waters?¡± Her voice was not loud; the corners of her mouth even had a light smile, while Ning Yuli above her had a face turning green, mostly in disbelief. Clearly, she had never expected Gu Qiaoqiao to say such things. Neither humble nor arrogant, yet every word struck home! Suddenly, the room fell silent for a moment. Almost everyone¡¯s gaze fell upon Gu Qiaoqiao. Scrutiny, suspicion, surprise¡ªvarious looks intertwined, carrying a scent of swords and shadows. And Ning Yuli was furious with embarrassment, for it was the first time in her life someone had questioned her like this, and she could feel her ears and face burning. Her breathing became more rapid. She stared fixedly at Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s face, which seemed to be smiling but not really smiling. Bai Yun¡¯s heart was ambiguous, unclear whether she felt joy or anger, or maybe it was shock. This version of Gu Qiaoqiao made her feel very unfamiliar. At this moment, she wished Ning Yuli would rush forward and slap Gu Qiaoqiao. However, clearly, the provocation was insufficient, so she quickly blamed, ¡°Sister-in-law, don¡¯t get worked up, it was just a metaphor that Yuli used, did you misunderstand?¡± ¡°Bai Yun, the ancients always said one should read thousands of books and travel thousands of miles. If you¡¯ve read fewer books, then go out more and see the world. The magnificent and broad landscape of our motherland, with its vastness and wealth, definitely won¡¯t let one become a frog in a well.¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, who are you calling?¡± Ning Yuli asked loudly. Because of such a sharp voice, everyone else was somewhat unsure. Was there going to be a fight? Some were excited. ¡°It¡¯s not terrible to be uneducated.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao stood up, glanced around, taking in everyone¡¯s expressions, and said with a faint smile, ¡°What¡¯s terrible is pretending to know when you don¡¯t!¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, how many days have you been out of the countryside? Acting like a cultured person here with me, when you¡¯re just a country bumpkin, what are you bragging about?¡± Ning Yuli sneered, gritting her teeth. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being a bumpkin? If you count back three generations, how many families didn¡¯t start as bumpkins? Without the grain planted by these bumpkins, what would you eat?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Ning Yuli with disdain as she spoke. She never thought today would end well, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that food is the most important thing to people?¡± ¡°All right then, let me ask you, who told you that the Northeast is the eldest son of the republic? That¡¯s complete nonsense. Do you think you, grubbing around in the soil, deserve such a title?¡± Ning Yuli was enraged and ashamed, her face flushed red, her voice became even shriller. Gu Qiaoqiao just gave a faint smile. She leisurely took a seat. But she didn¡¯t plan on continuing the discussion. ¡°Enough, Ning Yuli, just shut up if you don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Chu Chengfeng didn¡¯t want to get involved in other people¡¯s affairs, yet he couldn¡¯t help but to speak up. This wasn¡¯t a matter to be questioned lightly. Even though times had changed with reform and opening up, Chu Chengfeng knew that not everyone in this private room came from families that were friends. Without Qin Yize present, Chu Chengfeng, who was of a distinguished and proper family background, now had the right to speak. And clearly, Ning Yuli was no match for Gu Qiaoqiao. Ning Yuli wanted to say more, but Bai Yun pulled her down to sit because Chu Chenfeng had spoken, they couldn¡¯t continue to quarrel. Otherwise, given Chu Chengfeng¡¯s temperament, he would definitely turn hostile. Bai Yun whispered softly, ¡°Ning Yuli, don¡¯t be impatient¡­¡± The situation was stronger than the person, Ning Yuli also knew she couldn¡¯t outtalk Gu Qiaoqiao, and the incontrovertible truths from Gu Qiaoqiao left her without a rebuttal. She glared at Gu Qiaoqiao fiercely; this detestable village girl, how could she be so sharp-tongued. Chu Chengfeng¡¯s gaze was inscrutable as he looked briefly at Gu Qiaoqiao, not expecting the girl to fight back so beautifully. He drained the beer in his cup and with a grand gesture said, ¡°Let¡¯s continue singing¡­¡± After a brief silence, a round-faced young man walked up to the small stage of the private room. To the left of the stage was a three-tiered white TV cabinet. Above was a large-screen TV, below was a VCR, and stacks of videotapes, like books, were placed at the bottom of the cabinet. Almost all of them were karaoke accompaniment tapes. A moment later, the room filled with the melodious sound of music. Young people always love to sing and dance. There were two microphones above. Having sung a round each, the people in the room started singing again lively and enthusiastically. Both Bai Yun and Qin Xiaoyu enjoyed singing. And naturally, they did not fall behind. Gu Qiaoqiao sat on the sofa, bored, her lips curled up at the corners, her eyes slightly squinted, no one knew what she was thinking. But when several people finished singing together, the stage was empty. Bai Yun and Ning Yuli exchanged glances, got up together, and walked towards the small stage. Seeing the two of them, Gu Qiaoqiao put away her previously idle thoughts, her eyebrows twitched imperceptibly, but her lips curled up subtly. Because of the earlier altercation, while no one came up to humiliate her further, no one spoke to her either. They had formed their own little circle, completely isolating her. And it seemed Qin Xiaoyu was pretending not to know her at all. Gu Qiaoqiao smiled indifferently. Then she heard Bai Yun¡¯s gentle voice coming from the stage, ¡°¡­Today, everyone is having a great time, your singing is very beautiful, enchanting. But there¡¯s one person who hasn¡¯t come up to sing yet. Does everyone know who it is?¡± Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Humiliating Her Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Humiliating Her So once again, all eyes were on Gu Qiaoqiao, but this time, their gazes held a different quality. They were tinged with scrutiny and appraisal. It seemed as though they had all plotted in advance, for dozens of girls spoke in unison, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao hasn¡¯t sung yet.¡± Ning Yuli¡¯s eyes gleamed with a sinister light as she spoke loudly, ¡°Do you all want to hear Gu Qiaoqiao sing?¡± ¡°We do.¡± Again, the response was unanimous. To the unaware, they might even seem enthusiastic. But Chu Chengfeng¡¯s handsome brows slightly furrowed. He simply watched with cold eyes. He knew that Gu Qiaoqiao was definitely not the fool that Ning Yuli and the others claimed her to be. ¡°Sister-in-law, come over here,¡± Bai Yun beckoned warmly. Gu Qiaoqiao did not move but politely replied, ¡°I don¡¯t sing very well, and besides, my throat is a bit uncomfortable today.¡± ¡°Sister-in-law, don¡¯t be shy. Just the other day you told me that you wanted to sing a duet for everyone at the party,¡± Bai Yun said with a smile. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes darkened, for in neither her past life nor this one had she ever said such a thing. Bai Yun had obviously calculated that she would have no way to refute. ¡°A duet? Good heavens!¡± Ning Yuli feigned surprise, ¡°Is that the thing where you dress up in bright colors, with a face painted like a clown, jumping and prancing on stage?¡± ¡°Haha, I¡¯ve heard it on the tape recorder. It might only involve two people, but it¡¯s really lively,¡± a girl on the sofa chimed in. ¡°She¡¯s from that place, she surely knows how to perform it. Gu Qiaoqiao, do you need to put on makeup?¡± Ning Yuli seemed very excited, turning to Bai Yun she said, ¡°I heard you need a fan to perform that act, I¡¯ll go get one from Brother Hao.¡± With that, she gave Bai Yun a knowing glance. She quickly made her way out of the private room. At that moment, Bai Yun approached Gu Qiaoqiao, took her arm without a word, and said to a few other girls on the other side, ¡°It¡¯s Sister-in-law¡¯s first time at a KTV, she must be shy, let¡¯s accompany her, shall we?¡± Of course, they were agreeable. To see Gu Qiaoqiao, who had just been speaking with confidence, make a fool of herself on stage was something they were only too happy to witness. After all, they were out to have fun, and who wouldn¡¯t enjoy ready-made entertainment? Bai Yun knew Gu Qiaoqiao was the type to get stage fright and start trembling. The nerves would make her stutter. The embarrassment couldn¡¯t be more pronounced. Yet at the same time, she felt a bit uncertain in her heart. The Gu Qiaoqiao of today was becoming more and more of a stranger to her. Back then, she had almost refused to believe that those words had come from Gu Qiaoqiao¡ªdid she even have the courage? But ever since New Year¡¯s Eve, this Gu Qiaoqiao had become increasingly difficult to control. Like now, where she was somewhat afraid to meet Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes. How could this be? Bai Yun quelled the unease in her heart, clenched her teeth, and with renewed spirit, half coerced and half dragged, surrounded by a group of girls, she brought Gu Qiaoqiao to the small stage. The boys below started whistling. The girls were clamoring like ducks, belying the chaotic atmosphere of the KTV. Only Qin Xiaoyu sat on the sofa, the sixteen-year-old girl feeling conflicted at the moment. She had never heard Gu Qiaoqiao sing. If Gu Qiaoqiao were to embarrass herself again, what should she do? Yet for some reason, recalling Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s earlier remarks, she felt there might not be an issue. The room was in an uproar, but Qin Xiaoyu thought, with Sister Bai Yun around, everything should be fine, especially since they got along quite well. Gu Qiaoqiao did not attempt to struggle or resist, for wriggling free from around ten girls would have looked unseemly. But internally, she scoffed. There had been no such drama in her previous life. Yes, because she had fought back. The humiliation and awkwardness naturally ceased. How could Bai Yun and Ning Yuli accept this willingly? As she stood on the stage, Bai Yun gently spoke into another microphone, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s comedic duet is so pleasant to the ear. She can sing and dance, and today we are in for a real treat. Please, let¡¯s welcome Gu Qiaoqiao with the warmest round of applause¡­¡± The men and women in the private room immediately began to applaud, and several wealthy young heirs were quite intrigued by the comedic duet. They clapped their hands and whistled. The room was buzzing with excitement. Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s face turned sour. Only now did she realize that the so-called comedic duet was not exactly a refined art form. She stood up, stamping her foot in anger, deeply regretting having brought Gu Qiaoqiao with her. Gu Qiaoqiao was too unsophisticated, never able to fit into this circle. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t move. Her expression was calm, with a mocking smile on her lips. She noticed that aside from Qin Xiaoyu, there was a handsome boy with starry eyes who hadn¡¯t spoken. It was he who had just stopped Ning Yuli¡¯s words in time. At this moment, he was seated arrogantly on the sofa, watching her as if ready to enjoy a good show. Gu Qiaoqiao indifferently withdrew her gaze. She pondered what would happen if she forcefully left the stage. Looking at the excited girls not far away, she thought that they wouldn¡¯t rest until they had made her look foolish. She didn¡¯t want to get into a tussle with them. Bai Yun approached, a smile playing on her lips, and began to affectionately address her as ¡°sister-in-law,¡± ¡°Sister-in-law, I just found a karaoke tape. I¡¯ll put it on for you now¡­¡± Swiftly, she inserted the tape into the VCR and pressed play, and a vibrant sound of suona music filled the air. The crowd was first stunned, then burst into uproarious laughter. This was because the screen showed two people dressed in red tops and green pants, twisting on stage. Gu Qiaoqiao also looked over. Was this prepared in advance? Otherwise, how could this New Year¡¯s greeting tape appear in this KTV? She then remembered that Bai Yun seemed to have left the room for a moment. Maybe that was when she had found the tape. Bai Yun was extremely pleased, yet spoke gently, ¡°Do you see? Sister-in-law also likes dressing this way. Isn¡¯t it beautiful? Doesn¡¯t it look pretty?¡± Her voice was loud enough to overpower the music. ¡°It¡¯s so pretty, just like a clown, haha¡­¡± ¡°Then why didn¡¯t she dress like that today?¡± ¡°If she had worn that while singing this¡­ what¡¯s that called again?¡± ¡°Comedic duet!¡± ¡°Right, too bad. You¡¯re wearing a red sweater under your down jacket, right? Give us a little dance.¡± The girls started chattering again. Interspersed with the whistles of the boys. Bai Yun, with a grin, said, ¡°Sister-in-law, give us a twist. Look how good they look twirling around. Oh right, in a bit Yuli will bring you a fan¡­¡± Then, those standing below started to chant, ¡°Do a dance, do a dance¡­¡± The noise rose and fell, the excitement reaching a fever pitch. Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s cheeks flushed crimson as, infuriated, she ran towards the exit, only to be caught by a girl she had argued with in the past. With malice, the girl said, ¡°Don¡¯t leave. We¡¯re all waiting to see your sister-in-law perform the comedic duet for us. Look, the two on the TV, twisting and singing, just like clowns making everyone laugh.¡± Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Want to be Qin Yizes happy wife? Maybe in the next life! Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Want to be Qin Yize¡¯s happy wife? Maybe in the next life! ¡°Lu Xiaohua, shut up,¡± Qin Xiaoyu snapped angrily. ¡°Did I say something wrong? Isn¡¯t your sister-in-law from that place?¡± The two girls standing nearby saw they were about to argue and quickly pulled back, but simultaneously moved Qin Xiaoyu back, fearing that she would go forward to pull Gu Qiaoqiao away. It was so lively, even livelier than a comic dialogue show. Gu Qiaoqiao furrowed her brows, turned around, and reached out to turn off the video camera. The sound and image abruptly disappeared. The people below were all taken aback. Gu Qiaoqiao then spoke up, ¡°Bai Yun was just joking with you all. Er Ren Zhuan is a folk art from the Northeast, with a history of over three hundred years. I really like it, but I can¡¯t sing it.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t joking,¡± Bai Yun said. ¡°Sister-in-law, you¡­¡± But Gu Qiaoqiao quickly interrupted Bai Yun, ¡°Would you like to sing with me?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Bai Yun hesitated. She was set up to be embarrassed, how could she possibly sing with her? Bai Yun took a step back and chuckled dryly, ¡°Sister-in-law is kidding, I certainly can¡¯t sing that.¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t sing, then please step down,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said lightly. Bai Yun was stunned. ¡°Or do you actually want to sing, but are too embarrassed to, using me as an excuse?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyebrows slightly raised, her eyes sharp. ¡°If you want to sing, I¡¯ll step down right now.¡± As she spoke, she started walking towards the stage. ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± Bai Yun¡¯s heart skipped, and she hurriedly shook her head, watching Gu Qiaoqiao about to leave. In desperation, she put down the microphone and stepped off the small stage. Staring at Gu Qiaoqiao with an expression of mixed alarm, but smilingly said, ¡°Sister-in-law, what you can sing, I can¡¯t. We are all ears.¡± ¡°Since everyone is so enthusiastic, I¡¯ll reluctantly sing a song for you all. But I just looked, and there isn¡¯t an accompaniment tape for the song I want to sing, so I¡¯ll sing acapella¡­¡± As she spoke, her finger pushed upward, turning on the microphone switch. Earlier, when Ning Yuli left, she had actually turned off the switch. Then Bai Yun specifically pushed her towards this microphone, always eager to embarrass her. Just because of a man, she went to such lengths to frame me, who gave them the right? A chill spread through Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart, her clear gaze sweeping over those poised to mock her. She coughed lightly into the microphone and slowly opened her moist red lips, ¡°Are you going to Scarborough Fair, Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme, Remember me to one who lives there, She once was a true love of mine¡­¡± Her soft, dreamlike melody began to fill the somewhat noisy private room, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s voice already pleasing like the music of strings, slightly husky from recent hoarseness. This husky voice seemed to gently pluck at everyone¡¯s heartstrings like a feather. The room fell silent instantly. This song is called ¡°Scarborough Fair.¡± As a hit from the 1960s and a soundtrack in the popular movie ¡°The Graduate¡±, it was particularly beloved by that generation, especially college students of that era. Although Gu Qiaoqiao married after high school, her English was very good. In her past life, when she first heard this song, it immediately evoked a deep sadness within her. Back then, because of her overconfidence, recklessness, and foolishness, she lost her parents, her sister, and her only brother was in prison. She worked tirelessly during the day and at night when alone, she repetitively listened to this song while weeping. The song, like the desolate, dusky sky of autumn, quietly narrates the death and hardship war brings to people. Just like her troubled life. It made her constantly remember her lost loved ones, torturing her soul almost masochistically. And at this moment, the noisy room suddenly fell silent. Everyone looked at Gu Qiaoqiao in disbelief. Gu Qiaoqiao stood on the small stage, a pale yellow slim-fit down jacket adorning her, her straight, slender legs encased in little leather boots, the jacket without a hood, a pale red scarf wrapped around her fair neck. In the somewhat cold light, it highlighted Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s skin as fair as jade, her eyes moist. A beautiful lady across the water. The verse floated in Chu Chengfeng¡¯s heart for no reason. Yet she seemed estranged from those around her, as if distanced from everyone. So close, yet so unreachable. These people seemed unable to believe that Gu Qiaoqiao would sing this song, let alone its English version. Wasn¡¯t she said to be a country girl? Supposedly illiterate as a basket? What now? The song they couldn¡¯t sing, Gu Qiaoqiao the country girl could? Wasn¡¯t this a slap in their faces? Chu Chengfeng¡¯s eyes narrowed, he reached out and picked up the guitar that lay on the sofa. He quickly stepped onto the small stage and stood by the microphone on the other side, glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao, closed his eyes to listen to the melody, and then began to play the guitar to accompany her. The onlookers stepped back toward the direction of the sofa while Ning Yuli, holding a red fan in her hand, had an excited expression that had solidified, staring fixedly at Gu Qiaoqiao. Was that her singing? Must be a trick, right? And her fan, wasn¡¯t it bought in vain? In such a scenario, could she go up and hand the fan to Gu Qiaoqiao? Bai Yun stood among the crowd, her face somewhat pale, hands tightly clenched. How did she not know Gu Qiaoqiao could sing this song? She had been deceiving her all along. Yet, that didn¡¯t seem right, she clearly remembered how on New Year¡¯s Eve she heeded her words and ran into a wall. The entire neighborhood knew about the commotion it caused. But how should today¡¯s Gu Qiaoqiao be explained? This vile person still had this trick up her sleeve. If she had known she could sing English songs, she wouldn¡¯t have let her take the stage. A hideous look crossed her face. Gu Qiaoqiao, you want to turn the tables, want everyone to look at you with new eyes, want to enter this circle? In your dreams! There¡¯s still a New Year¡¯s gift waiting for her. Wanting to happily be Qin Yize¡¯s wife? Maybe in her next life! She would make her remember today forever. Bai Yun quietly slipped out. As she left, she took Ning Yuli with her. Perhaps too absorbed in listening, no one noticed. Still, Gu Qiaoqiao caught it all in one glance, unbothered, she shifted her focus back. Music knows no borders, nor does it distinguish between high and low, noble and humble. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s voice was no celestial talent, but it struck at their hearts profoundly. Everyone shut their mouths and listened quietly. Gu Qiaoqiao simply sang a part, then stopped, turned to Chu Chengfeng at her side, and slowly said, ¡°Not bad on the guitar, thank you.¡± ¡°Your pronunciation is a bit off in places¡­¡± Chu Chengfeng said lazily as he put down the guitar. ¡°Yeah, I always struggle with the pronunciation of ¡®sage¡¯,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s fine, many people here wouldn¡¯t notice¡­¡± Chu Chengfeng said meaningfully, then picked up his guitar and returned to his seat. Simultaneously, genuine applause erupted. This time, it wasn¡¯t mockery, but filled with sincerity. Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: Chapter 20: The Benefits of Rebirth Chapter 20: Chapter 20: The Benefits of Rebirth Gu Qiaoqiao smiled, stepped off the stage and walked over to where the girls sat. Qin Xiaoyu didn¡¯t even know how to express her feelings. She actually shifted to the side, making room for Gu Qiaoqiao to sit beside her. The girls¡¯ hesitant gazes examined Gu Qiaoqiao anew, feeling that she was not at all like how Bai Yun had described. Could it be that Bai Yun had deceived them? Indeed, someone directly asked, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, how come you can sing this song?¡± ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I be able to sing this song?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao replied indifferently. Yet irritation welled up inside her. Had it not been for the forthcoming opportunity for Bai Yun to reap her own bitter fruits and taste the humiliation she herself had suffered in a previous life, she would not be sitting here, enduring the faces of these pampered young women and men. There were so many other things waiting for her to do, and dealing with these people felt like a true waste of time. ¡°Bai Yun said you¡­¡± The girl began, then inexplicably grew short of breath, shrank back, and closed her mouth. ¡°Bai Yun said what about me?¡± ¡°Nothing, nothing¡­¡± The girl quickly shook her head, losing the arrogance and contempt she had shown earlier. Bai Yun and Ning Yuli were not in the private room. Gu Qiaoqiao smiled and did not press further. Qin Xiaoyu, fuming yet in a lowered voice, said to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°When did you learn to sing English songs? I had no idea.¡± ¡°Is being able to sing English songs that big of a deal?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked, puzzled. ¡°You¡­¡± Qin Xiaoyu, angered, turned away. At this moment, Bai Yun and Ning Yuli walked in. Following them were several waiters, carrying large trays filled with orange juice. Served in transparent glass cups, it looked tempting. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s pupils constricted, and her hand clenched slightly. She had thought too kindly of human nature. She had even hoped that Bai Yun and Ning Yuli would come in empty-handed, so that she might let go of the resentment from her past life and let everything be. Unfortunately, just like in her previous life, Bai Yun and Ning Yuli brought everyone orange juice, everyone else¡¯s were normal. Only hers had something added to it. Gu Qiaoqiao looked on calmly as Bai Yun approached her with a smile, bent down and placed a glass of orange juice on the coffee table in front of Gu Qiaoqiao. Then she sat next to her, feigning amazement, ¡°Sister-in-law, I only learned today that not only can you sing Er Ren Zhuan, but you can also sing English songs. You¡¯re so amazing, you must have practiced for a long time, was it just to surprise everyone today?¡± But no one knew the hatred in Bai Yun¡¯s heart. If it weren¡¯t for her, Qin Yize would still be single, and although he might not be with her, he wouldn¡¯t be with anyone else, either, which would be slightly more comforting to her. ¡°Surprise everyone?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao turned and stared at Bai Yun, confused, ¡°Did I scare you?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Bai Yun was stunned for a moment before hurriedly shaking her head, ¡°No, not at all.¡± ¡°You have never heard me sing, much less Er Ren Zhuan, so why are you lying and so confidently at that?¡± Bai Yun froze, not expecting Gu Qiaoqiao to be so direct. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not lying, I¡¯ve heard you hum it softly, you must have forgotten?¡± Bai Yun quickly explained. However, Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly looked across toward where the boy was sitting, asking Bai Yun, ¡°The guy who played the accompaniment for me earlier, who is he?¡± The accompanist? Bai Yun instinctively looked ahead; the person was Chu Chengfeng, who was currently drinking beer with a few guys. Just as Bai Yun looked up, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand flickered, swapping the two glasses of orange juice in front of her and Bai Yun. In the instant of the swap, she doubled the potency of the drug in the orange juice with her thoughts. Gu Qiaoqiao knew what the perk of her rebirth was. It was her hand. With a single thought, her hand would become one with her heart and mind. In textbooks, there was Magic Brush Ma Liang; she thought, her hands must also be magical now. Quick as lightning, at her beck and call, in a flash¡ªthat was the best portrayal of her at the moment. And Gu Qiaoqiao had chosen the moment when no one was paying attention to them. Bai Yun was unaware of all this; she glanced at Chu Chengfeng, barely concealing her impatience, and said softly, ¡°That person is Chu Chengfeng, a friend who has been playing with Brother Ze since childhood¡­¡± Without waiting for Gu Qiaoqiao to reply, she picked up the glass in front of Gu Qiaoqiao, handed it to her, and said gently, ¡°Sister-in-law, you must be thirsty from singing just now, this is freshly squeezed orange juice, it¡¯s really good, give it a try.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the glass in her hand, raising an eyebrow at Bai Yun, ¡°But I¡¯m not thirsty.¡± As she spoke, she was about to set it down. Bai Yun¡¯s face changed, and she quickly pressed down on Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand, also picking up the glass in front of her, and said urgently, ¡°Sister-in-law, let¡¯s do a toast like the guys.¡± After saying that, she clinked her glass against the one in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand, looking at her expectantly, ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯ll drink to you first.¡± Then she really did drink all of the orange juice, and after finishing, she signaled to Gu Qiaoqiao with her empty glass. Gu Qiaoqiao curled the corners of her mouth, glanced at the glass, then at Bai Yun¡¯s eager and slightly sinister gaze, and slowly drank all the orange juice in the glass. Bai Yun quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Then she turned her head and made eye contact with Ning Yuli on the other side. Ning Yuli walked out of the private room. The girls were still chattering non-stop. About ten minutes later, Bai Yun felt as if the accumulated snow in her mind was melting bit by bit, and her body was mysteriously heating up. She was extremely thirsty. Bai Yun took a deep breath, thinking she was just hot, so she unzipped her down jacket, and looked at Gu Qiaoqiao earnestly, ¡°Sister-in-law, are you hot too?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao nodded, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m very hot.¡± ¡°Then take off your down jacket,¡± Bai Yun was overjoyed, clearly, it was taking effect; the stuff from abroad surely was potent. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t hesitate, taking off her down jacket, as indeed the heat was rising and it felt somewhat stuffy. Moreover, she was still wearing a woolen scarf around her neck. It was knitted for her by her mother. At that moment, Ning Yuli came in. She approached the two and said cheerfully, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, I think I just saw Qin Yize, in a private room not far from here.¡± ¡°Qin Yize?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked curiously, ¡°If he¡¯s here, why did he go to another private room?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go have a look¡­¡± Bai Yun suppressed the excitement in her heart, pulling Gu Qiaoqiao to stand up, ¡°Sister-in-law, Brother Ze must have remembered wrong, let¡¯s call him over.¡± Without further ado, she and Ning Yuli walked Gu Qiaoqiao out of the private room, one on each side. The direction was naturally the one in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s memory. There, a figure resembling Qin Yize; in her previous life, after drinking the orange juice that had been spiked, everything was off, and she was bolder than ever. Thinking the man was Qin Yize, love in her heart surged like the raging river water, seemingly forgetting everything around her as she rushed forward, embraced the man, and then began frantically tearing at him¡­ Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Chapter 21 They Know Each Other Chapter 21: Chapter 21 They Know Each Other Among them, what was clear to Gu Qiaoqiao after she sobered up were only fragments. The clearest memory she had was of grabbing that man when a group of people entered through the door. A girl with willow-browed phoenix eyes abruptly grabbed Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hair and without a word, slapped her twice. Then, seemingly not satisfied, she picked up a wine bottle and poured it over Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s head. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s head and face were covered in red wine. At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was dazed, and Bai Yun and Ning Yuli quickly brought over two basins of cold water, hurriedly telling everyone she was drunk and splashed them on Gu Qiaoqiao. Gu Qiaoqiao indeed woke up. She also saw clearly that the man she was attacking was a stranger. Later, Qin Yize arrived, took off his coat, wrapped Gu Qiaoqiao in it, and they left the private room and the KTV. As Gu Qiaoqiao thought about this, her expression was grim. In her past life, in the days that followed, she¡¯d quietly thought about it countless times, but there were still some things she couldn¡¯t understand. How did Bai Yun and Ning Yuli set her up? At the time, because the drug had taken effect, her consciousness was blurry, and naturally, her memories were fragmented. She thought the man must have had a female companion, which was the girl with the willow-browed phoenix eyes who came in later. But why didn¡¯t he struggle at all? Was it the man¡¯s inherent weakness, or was there a trick to it? Gu Qiaoqiao couldn¡¯t figure it out. Meanwhile, they had reached the door of the private room. The light spilling from the crack of the door was messily divided by the shadows inside. Bai Yun felt as if she had fallen into a furnace and was somewhat confused. Gu Qiaoqiao pushed open the door of the private room. Sure enough, a man who resembled Qin Yize was standing in the center of the room, his back to the three of them. Ning Yuli, holding onto Bai Yun, said to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you go in and call him. We¡¯ll wait for you at the door.¡± Then she reached out to push Gu Qiaoqiao inside. Gu Qiaoqiao dodged, and Ning Yuli missed, causing Bai Yun to stumble, but Gu Qiaoqiao pulled her inside. Gu Qiaoqiao tightly held Bai Yun¡¯s hand and said to Ning Yuli, ¡°Bai Yun is not an outsider. Let her accompany me while you wait outside.¡± Ning Yuli looked suspiciously at Bai Yun, who tried to pull her hand away but was gripped tightly by Gu Qiaoqiao, who reluctantly gave Ning Yuli a meaningful look. Ning Yuli left, reassured. Gu Qiaoqiao left the door ajar. The man in the room turned around. An ordinary-looking man, around his twenties, with no particularly appealing features aside from his tall stature. His gaze was somewhat lecherous. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes held a trace of gloom: could this man really be in a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship with that beautiful woman? At that moment, the man and Bai Yun glanced at each other and, as if they understood each other, both paused for a moment. It seemed they nodded to each other in unspoken agreement. Gu Qiaoqiao realized that they knew each other. A chill spread through her heart¡ªthe hearts of these girls around twenty years old, how could they be so malicious? Gu Qiaoqiao, holding Bai Yun¡¯s hand, approached the man and said to Bai Yun, ¡°Bai Yun, this isn¡¯t Qin Yize. You¡¯ve mistaken him for someone else. Let¡¯s go.¡± As she said this, she turned to leave but stumbled. Her hand exerted a slight force, and she accurately pushed Bai Yun into the man¡¯s arms. In her past life, Gu Qiaoqiao had accidentally learned about a terrifying thing. It could make a person lose all sense of reason and do unimaginable things. At that moment, Bai Yun was just like that. She became frantic, starting to violently tear at the man. The man was stunned. He tried to back away, but Bai Yun suddenly tackled him to the floor. Then she moved to kiss him. The man finally realized what was happening and exclaimed in a frantic rage, ¡°Bai Yun, are you crazy?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s expression darkened, yet she covered her mouth and stood to the side, seemingly petrified. As if transformed into another person, Bai Yun kept muttering under her breath, ¡°Brother Ze¡­ Brother Ze¡­¡± The man¡¯s face alternated between pale and flush, yet he still grabbed Bai Yun¡¯s hands and pushed her down. Bai Yun could no longer control her emotions¡­ Looking at Gu Qiaoqiao, who seemed terrified, the man yelled loudly, ¡°What the hell is going on? You wretched girl, what did you do to her?¡± ¡°Do you know her?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao stepped back and finally spoke. ¡°I¡­¡± the man faltered. He couldn¡¯t admit to knowing Bai Yun, but now the situation was obviously amiss. The man rushed forward to hold Bai Yun¡¯s hands and shouted at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Come and help.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao blinked and said to the man, ¡°Bai Yun seems to have drunk too much. Hold her down, I¡¯ll help her sober up.¡± At that moment, the man didn¡¯t have the luxury to think further; he simply had to hold her down. If his uncle found out about this, it would certainly be the death of him. Gu Qiaoqiao took the wine bottle from the coffee table, which indeed was open. She took a couple of steps forward and poured it over Bai Yun. At that moment, Bai Yun seemed completely unresponsive. She was just immersed in her own world. Because the two were scrambling, half of the red wine also spilled on the man. Gu Qiaoqiao put down the empty bottle and said hastily, ¡°It¡¯s not working, you still need to hold her down, I¡¯m going to get some cold water.¡± The man felt utterly panicked by now. He hadn¡¯t expected the situation to turn out like this. Wasn¡¯t it supposed to be Qin Yize¡¯s wife who had a bout of drunken madness? But Gu Qiaoqiao seemed very sober. Gu Qiaoqiao headed toward the side room filled with drinks. As expected, she saw two buckets of tap water all set. She dipped her hand into it; it was ice cold. Gu Qiaoqiao combined the two buckets of water. Gu Qiaoqiao, carrying the bucket, quickly reached the two people writhing on the floor and seized the opportunity to splash the water onto Bai Yun. Bai Yun let out a miserable scream. The cold water indeed worked; she momentarily ceased moving and stared blankly at everything around her. Yet her gaze still seemed somewhat hazy. The man dared not let go and shouted at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Quick, bring the sweater over.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao grabbed the sweater and threw it to the man, while Bai Yun was covered in stains of red wine and water. She truly looked a mess. Gu Qiaoqiao, chilled to the bone, remembered herself in her past life being even more pitiable than Bai Yun. ¡°Help me put this on her,¡± the man shouted angrily. Gu Qiaoqiao seemed stunned, then suddenly said to the man, ¡°It¡¯s bad, someone¡¯s coming. You quickly fix her clothes, I¡¯m going to lock the door.¡± Saying this without waiting for a response, Gu Qiaoqiao ran toward the entrance. The timing was indeed just right, as the slightly ajar door was pushed open forcefully. Gu Qiaoqiao swiftly moved to stand behind the door. Then a woman with striking features and Ning Yuli exchanged a glance before rushing to the two people on the floor. At that moment, Bai Yun had her back to them. The woman instantly grabbed Bai Yun and, without hesitation, swung at her face. Slap¡­ The sound was sharp, but as she was about to deliver a second slap, she abruptly stopped. Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Shooting Oneself in the Foot Chapter 22: Chapter 22 Shooting Oneself in the Foot The man stepped forward and pushed her away, chiding, ¡°Sun Yingke, are you blind? How dare you hit Xiao Yu?¡± Sun Yingke fell to the ground, dumbfounded, watching the scene unfold before her. Ning Yuli¡¯s eyes widened as she screamed, ¡°Why is it Bai Yun? Where¡¯s Gu Qiaoqiao?¡± ¡°I¡¯m right here,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao stood at the door, smiling wryly, ¡°Since you all know each other, get her dressed quickly. It wouldn¡¯t be good if she caught a cold.¡± At this moment, Qin Xiaoyu, the girls from the private room, and some of the boys had already reached the door. The door was wide open. They all instantly saw the scene inside the room, and everyone¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Bai Yun in a tank top, the disheveled man with his clothes in disarray, and Ning Yuli and Sun Yingke. Someone curiously asked, ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°No idea,¡± came the response. ¡°Isn¡¯t that man Bai Yun¡¯s second cousin Zhu Jianguo?¡± A chill ran through Gu Qiaoqiao as she cast a sinister gaze at the people inside the room. The second cousin, huh. Not only did she know him, he was a relative as well. In her past as well as her present life, the person Gu Qiaoqiao hated the most was Bai Yun, a woman cloaked in the guise of a white lotus, but inside, her heart was pitch black. So, no matter how Bai Yun lived her life now, she would never forgive her! At this moment, Bai Yun seemed to have somewhat regained her senses. She glanced around at the onlookers by the door and saw herself half-naked. Her cheeks, originally flushed, turned stark white in an instant. Her lips trembling, and with shaky hands and the aid of Ning Yuli, she managed to get her sweater on. Ning Yuli helped her stand up, and Sun Yingke was also lost. The slap earlier had been so forceful, her palms still hurt. She was frightened. Bai Yun seemed gentle and kind on the surface, but deep down, she was wicked. She needed Bai Yun¡¯s family¡¯s help with her father¡¯s matters, how could she dare to offend her? Inquiring glances turned towards the man, who looked incredibly dejected. Sun Yingke was quick to react, now that she was already working, pointing at Gu Qiaoqiao and speaking harshly, ¡°Was it you who bullied Bai Yun?¡± ¡°I am a woman, how could I bully Bai Yun?¡± asked Gu Qiaoqiao calmly. ¡°Did you splash the water and wine on Bai Yun?¡± demanded Ning Yuli fiercely. Bai Yun¡¯s mind was in turmoil, staring intently at Gu Qiaoqiao, biting her lip, forcing herself to calm down. And upon calming down, Bai Yun remembered everything that happened just before. Some things were blurry, but others she remembered very clearly. The glass of orange juice? Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t drink it? Was it she who drank it? Before Bai Yun could figure it out, Gu Qiaoqiao acknowledged with a nod, ¡°It was I who splashed it¡­¡± The crowd looked at Gu Qiaoqiao in shock. She continued, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t made her sober up, she would have stripped off all her clothes. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask her second cousin.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was ready for the potential backlash. And the expressions on the faces of the crowd became even more ambiguous. Qin Xiaoyu made her way to the front, glanced at the now cold-faced Gu Qiaoqiao, then at Bai Yun. Bai Yun quickly grabbed Qin Xiaoyu, tears streaming down her face, ¡°Xiao Yu, your sister-in-law¡­she¡­¡± She stopped mid-sentence, which ignited a flame of anger in Qin Xiaoyu. She pointed at Gu Qiaoqiao and demanded, ¡°Sister-in-law, you came out with Sister Bai Yun, so why is she like this? Did you do something to her?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao thought her heart was as sturdy as iron, yet even now, it felt somewhat sour. How much of a failure could she be? Qin Xiaoyu, in such a situation, was accusing her in return. In her past and current life, whether she was framed or had wisely drawn back, she was always the one who was blamed for being in the wrong. In her last life, she was even more wretched than Bai Yun, having been forced to kneel on the ground and apologize. What was Qin Xiaoyu doing at that time? Standing alongside Bai Yun, looking at her as if she were a clown. Not speaking a word in her defense, not even a single word, nor offering a kind look. If Qin Xiaoyu had treated her back then the way she was treating Bai Yun now, she thought, she would have repaid her in this life as if she were her benefactor. But sadly¡­ However, Qin Xiaoyu was being an idiot, and she couldn¡¯t afford to argue with her here because Bai Yun aimed to divert everyone¡¯s attention. How could she let Bai Yun have her way? Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Bai Yun with icy eyes, ¡°Bai Yun, just now you and Ning Yuli were pulling me, saying¡­ that my husband Qin Yize was in this private room. When you and I entered, it turned out you mistook someone else for him. How could you have mistaken your second cousin for Qin Yize?¡± This statement carried a heavy load of information, and some people looked at Bai Yun and Zhu Jianguo with doubtful eyes. What were these two up to? ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you¡­¡± Bai Yun¡¯s face was a mix of paleness and rage, her vicious gaze firmly fixed on Gu Qiaoqiao. She wanted to stop Gu Qiaoqiao, but Gu Qiaoqiao spoke too quickly. ¡°I was pulling you out, but you suddenly threw yourself into your second cousin¡¯s arms, started tearing at his clothes, and touching all over him. I was frozen in shock back then. Then, when I heard your second cousin call you Xiao Yun, I realized that you knew each other. But unexpectedly, you went on to strip off your clothes. If I hadn¡¯t splashed you with cold water to wake you, I dread to think what you might have done next¡­¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you¡¯re slandering me, I didn¡¯t, I didn¡¯t¡­¡± Bai Yun let out a piercing scream, ¡°It was you, you must have caused this to happen to me.¡± How could this happen? Her brain felt like it was about to explode. ¡°I caused this to you? How did I cause this? Did I join your second cousin in stripping off your clothes?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked calmly. People started whispering among themselves, ¡°Bai Yun is so close to her second cousin, how could she help Gu Qiaoqiao strip her own cousin? Isn¡¯t he afraid of being killed by Bai Yun¡¯s parents for this?¡± ¡°Yeah, but why would Bai Yun suddenly act like this?¡± ¡°Did she have a drink?¡± ¡°Not sure.¡± ¡°Maybe she drank too much and got rowdy after drinking.¡± Although Bai Yun was well-liked, she couldn¡¯t get along with everyone. Some people didn¡¯t look upon her favorably. Of course, there were also plenty of unkind words. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s gaze shifted, and she said with an appearance of distress, ¡°Bai Yun, everyone knows we have a good relationship. It¡¯s only right for me to help you. I don¡¯t expect your gratitude, but you can¡¯t turn around and accuse me of causing you harm.¡± As Bai Yun met everyone¡¯s gaze, her mind finally exploded. She screamed recklessly, ¡°It was you who harmed me. It should be you standing here, you throwing yourself into a man¡¯s arms. It was you who switched our orange juices. Gu Qiaoqiao, you will not die a good death¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly stood up straight, her sharp eyes fixed on Bai Yun, ¡°What about the orange juice you gave me? Explain yourself clearly¡­¡± The room instantly fell silent. Those around looked at one another, wondering what was wrong with the orange juice¡ªthey all had some just now. ¡°Bai Yun, stop talking¡­¡± Ning Yuli was terrified. Brother Hao had mentioned before administering the drug that if they dared to leak this out, he would certainly not let the two of them off easily. Chapter 23 - Chapter 23: Chapter 23 I Want to Go Home Chapter 23: Chapter 23 I Want to Go Home Because this medicine was obtained from abroad, very few people knew about it. If outsiders found out, the consequences would be absolutely dire. She quickly covered Bai Yun¡¯s mouth with her hand. Bai Yun began to sob softly. Gu Qiaoqiao did not press further, as the background of this KTV was very deep, and its owner, Brother Hao, was a ruthless character. It wasn¡¯t that she was timid and weak, but here, only she, Gu Qiaoqiao, was alone and powerless; she couldn¡¯t afford the conflict. If things escalated, these people would easily vent their anger on her, someone without money or backing. After all, she had achieved the effect she wanted, and that was enough. Qin Xiaoyu was somewhat confused, but seeing Bai Yun¡¯s tragic crying, she quickly began to soothe her, yet she did not forget to blame Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°You went out with Bai Yun, why didn¡¯t you take good care of her? You¡­¡± ¡°Qin Xiaoyu!¡± A clear, cold, and indifferent voice rose from outside the crowd, causing everyone to turn their heads, interrupting Qin Xiaoyu. It was Qin Yize. He was obviously just coming in from outside, his coat still not taken off, his clear and picturesque features seemed to carry a layer of frost. His presence was detached, yet he carried an authoritative air without even being angry. Qin Xiaoyu closed her mouth. She was somewhat unclear about her older brother¡¯s thinking. By Qin Yize¡¯s side was Chu Chengfeng, wearing an unruly smile. He placed a hand on Qin Yize¡¯s shoulder, half-smiling, ¡°Qin Yize, your little wife isn¡¯t quite like what they described, is she?¡± Qin Yize indifferently glanced at the hand on his shoulder. Chu Chengfeng, finding it dull, curled his lips, flicking Qin Yize¡¯s shoulder and chuckling, ¡°Hehe, it¡¯s snowing outside, there are snowflakes on your shoulder¡­¡± Having said that, he casually let go of his hand. This guy, since going to the experimental base in Northern Border City, seemed to have grown even colder. Qin Yize frowned, ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Chu Chengfeng briefly explained, as Qin Yize gave him a penetrating look, ¡°So you just watched the spectacle?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with Bai Yun,¡± Chu Chengfeng said matter-of-factly, ¡°Besides, how could I intervene in a girl¡¯s affairs.¡± Qin Yize was silent. But his gaze fell on Gu Qiaoqiao. Gu Qiaoqiao also happened to look up; their gazes met somewhere in the air. Qin Yize was startled. He never imagined that a person¡¯s gaze could contain so many things. Hatred, satisfaction, mockery, sadness, but also desolation¡­ And strangely, he understood it. He walked towards the private room. Having been accustomed to being the boss, he coldly surveyed the crowd, asking indifferently, ¡°Have you all seen enough?¡± The crowd exchanged glances and obediently dispersed. Qin Yize frowned as he looked at the disheveled Bai Yun and asked Zhu Jianguo, ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Ever since Qin Yize had entered, Zhu Jianguo had been somewhat uneasy. He had experienced Qin Yize¡¯s ruthlessness before. If Qin Yize found out that he and his cousin had conspired against his wife, would he be beaten to death by Qin Yize? He wasn¡¯t very impressive, but he was not stupid either, hurriedly saying, ¡°Nothing, nothing, just now Xiao Yu had a glass of brandy here, and she accidentally drank too much, it¡¯s okay now, I¡¯ll take Xiao Yu back.¡± Ning Yuli and Sun Yingke also hurriedly nodded, pulling Bai Yun towards the exit urgently. The plan had now failed. So the best outcome was to make sure no one knew there had ever been a plan. Bai Yun naturally knew this truth even better, and she had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill in silence. She pretended to be in distress, covering her forehead with both hands, but as she passed by Gu Qiaoqiao, her gaze, sharp and venomous like a cold poisonous snake, seemed to want to bite Gu Qiaoqiao to death. Gu Qiaoqiao smiled lightly, ¡°It¡¯s good that you know you drank too much, and I have cleared my suspicion; otherwise, you go around saying that I harmed you, and I would be even more wronged than Dou E.¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao¡­¡± Bai Yun gritted her teeth, but then she saw Qin Yize¡¯s indifferent expression. She shifted her gaze and, appearing almost on the verge of tears, said, ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯ve already embarrassed myself enough, please don¡¯t kick me while I¡¯m down.¡± It must be said that Bai Yun was indeed more formidable than she had been in her past life. In the blink of an eye, she could free herself from a predicament. Gu Qiaoqiao smiled nonchalantly, ¡°You really are cunning. You just told everyone that I harmed you and even cursed me to a bad end. I merely spoke a word of justice for myself, and how does that become kicking you while you¡¯re down?¡± Listened to what seemed like an indifferent remark, Ning Yuli and Sun Yingke dared not open their mouths to help. They could only assault Gu Qiaoqiao with their gazes. Qin Yize stood with his hands in his coat pockets, a glint of dark light passing through his starry eyes. It seemed his little wife truly was different from before. He remained silent. And Bai Yun was left speechless. Her hands clenched tightly together until pain started emanating from her palms, and then she slowly loosened her grip. She hung her head, looking pitiful, and said, ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯m sorry, I drank too much just now. Those were all drunken words. Please don¡¯t hold it against me, I beg you¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao fixed her gaze on Bai Yun, ¡°You better head back, catching a cold during New Year¡¯s is no good.¡± Bai Yun watched the serene Gu Qiaoqiao, hiding the hatred and malice in her eyes. Looking at Qin Yize a few steps away, tears already falling, she choked up, ¡°Brother Ze, may I ask you for a favor?¡± Qin Yize was silent for a moment before he spoke, ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve embarrassed myself too much today. If my parents ask about it when I get home, I beg Brother Ze to help me out,¡± Bai Yun said, her arms wrapped around herself, looking utterly helpless and pitiable. Especially with her tear-red eyes and disheveled appearance, Qin Yize¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Since childhood, this was indeed the first time he had seen Bai Yun so disheveled. After a few breaths, he nodded, ¡°Okay.¡± Bai Yun¡¯s lips curved into a smile, her wet eyes deeply gazing at Qin Yize once more before she hurriedly left with Ning Yuli and Sun Yingke. Qin Xiaoyu also worriedly followed. Watching the young girl¡¯s retreating figure, Gu Qiaoqiao felt not triumph but an incomparable loneliness and solitude at that moment. When one person likes another, everything they do seems right, and vice versa, it¡¯s all wrong. She missed home even more now. She longed for her loving parents, her adorable younger siblings, her grandmother, and the house nestled against the mountain, roofed with red tiles by the water. She yearned for the hawthorn tree in the courtyard, the resplendent azaleas that bloomed in spring behind the yard. Gu Qiaoqiao lifted her leg to walk outside, but Qin Yize stopped her, ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°I want to go home,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao murmured. But Qin Yize did not know that this home was not that home. A peculiar feeling rose in his heart, his eyes and brows softening slightly, ¡°Where¡¯s your down jacket?¡± Down jacket? In the private room. Gu Qiaoqiao came back to her senses and walked toward the direction of the private room. She had not wanted to see those people today, thinking there would never be a chance to meet again after today. She had initially planned to have Qin Yize fetch the clothes for her so that she would not have to go in. But then she thought, why should she avoid them? Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, what was there to fear? Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Lin Qinghuan Chapter 24: Chapter 24 Lin Qinghuan Gu Qiaoqiao entered the private room at a leisurely pace, Bai Yun and Ning Yuli had already left. Some of the people in the room found it dull and followed suit, while others were still drinking and singing. Though only a bit more than half remained, the atmosphere was still lively. Plots and schemes, drugging and setting traps, these ideas seemed too far-fetched for these people. No one would bother to think too much about it. They all just saw it as a bit of fun. Gu Qiaoqiao picked up her down jacket when a girl with thick eyebrows and big eyes, looking about seventeen, suddenly leaned in, smiling, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you are nothing like what Bai Yun and the others said about you.¡± Another girl pulled her back, winking, ¡°Shang Qing, stop it.¡± Shang Qing shook off her hand and glared at the girl, ¡°Bai Yun and Ning Yuli are full of malice, you should hang out with them less.¡± The girl was at a loss for words. Shang Qing looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°It seems what my dad said was right, ¡®Hearing is false, seeing is believing.¡¯ Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand paused on the zipper of her down jacket, the girl opposite her had a goodwill in her eyes that she had never seen before, and she smiled, ¡°Sometimes, what the eyes see, may not necessarily be true.¡± Shang Qing blinked, scratching her head, feeling as if what she heard was quite profound. It was very much like talking to her second brother. She decided to let it go and grabbed Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s arm, ¡°Anyway, that Bai Yun loves to put on airs and pretend, I got a beating from my dad last month because of her lies, but nobody believed me. If I had done what you did today, I wouldn¡¯t have suffered. I¡¯ve made up my mind; you¡¯re my friend now. My name is Shang Qing, with ¡°Shang¡± from ¡®dynasty¡¯ and ¡°Qing¡± from ¡®clear sky¡¯.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao understood, this girl had a grudge against Bai Yun. No wonder they say, ¡®The enemy of my enemy is my friend.¡¯ However, she thought she wouldn¡¯t have much to do with these people in the future, so she smiled, ¡°You guys have fun, I¡¯m going to leave.¡± ¡°Stay and play for a while,¡± urged Shang Qing, who was clearly very outgoing. She clung to Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s arm, saying admiringly, ¡°You sing so well, when you opened your mouth, I was completely stunned, I was mesmerized¡­¡± ¡°You flatterer,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao wouldn¡¯t turn down the kindness, ¡°But I really do have to go. Qin Yize is waiting for me outside.¡± As soon as she said this, a few people¡¯s gazes became quite peculiar. However, Shang Qing laughed loudly, ¡°Haha, then you should go quickly, I¡¯ll come find you in a few days to hang out.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t say anything. She just nodded, wrapped her scarf, and left with grace. When she stepped out, Qin Yize was nowhere to be seen, and Gu Qiaoqiao felt an inexplicable sense of relief as she walked towards the KTV¡¯s main entrance. Standing at the entrance, Gu Qiaoqiao was stunned. It was actually snowing outside. Under the blurred yellow light of a streetlamp not far away, Qin Yize and a strange woman were standing face to face. With a distance of two steps between them. At that moment, the woman slightly tilted her head up, and even from dozens of meters away, Gu Qiaoqiao thought she could see the affection in the woman¡¯s eyes. The tall and handsome man, the petite and beautiful girl, the fluttering white snowflakes, the dim yellow light, the sparse passersby, all frozen in time to create a stunning tableau. Gu Qiaoqiao found the scene particularly jarring. And Qin Yize, his lips tightly closed, his expression still indifferent, but his eyes locked with the woman¡¯s. Gu Qiaoqiao felt she had never seen Qin Yize¡¯s gaze linger on a woman¡¯s face for so long. She stopped in her tracks. Her past life¡¯s misfortunes, a large part of them came from this Qin Yize. Having lived once more, Gu Qiaoqiao found these rotten peach blossoms around him unbearably laughable and annoying. She adjusted her scarf and turned indifferently to walk in the opposite direction. Qin Yize suddenly turned his head and saw Gu Qiaoqiao; he called out, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao stopped in her tracks. And turned around. Only to see Qin Yize walking over unhurriedly, glanced at the woman who followed him, remained silent for a moment, and then said, ¡°This is my wife, Gu Qiaoqiao.¡± Then to Gu Qiaoqiao he said, ¡°She is my classmate, Lin Qinghuan, who studied abroad.¡± The woman was taken aback and looked up. Gu Qiaoqiao also got a clear look at Lin Qinghuan¡¯s appearance. She had to admit, she was truly beautiful. Her brows were like distant hills, her eyes like autumn water, her small face the size of a palm glowing under the dim yellow streetlights. She wore a simple and stylish beige coat, wrapped in a red plaid scarf. Every move she made exuded nobility and elegance. Gu Qiaoqiao thought this must be the most beautiful of the women who liked Qin Yize. Only, she had no recollection of her from her former life. She did not know what kind of presence this person was. But, it had nothing to do with her. Gu Qiaoqiao, seeing the fleeting tears in Lin Qinghuan¡¯s eyes, understood, yet softly said, ¡°Hello.¡± ¡°Miss Gu, hello.¡± She evidently had also reacted. And displayed an impeccable smile. Lin Qinghuan was very smart; she knew that talking to Qin Yize today was impossible. She looked at Qin Yize intently and flashed a playful smile, ¡°Ah Ze, it¡¯s getting late today; I won¡¯t disturb you any longer. I¡¯ll invite you and Miss Gu for a meal another day.¡± Still not calling her ¡®sister-in-law,¡¯ still addressing her only as Miss Gu. Gu Qiaoqiao scoffed inwardly, but her expression did not betray her thoughts. ¡°No need to be polite,¡± Qin Yize said, unconcerned with the form of address. He glanced at Lin Qinghuan and then asked, ¡°Do you have a companion?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao cast a surprised glance at Qin Yize; indeed, this woman was special to him. ¡°I have a companion; he went to get the car. Then I¡¯ll be leaving first.¡± Lin Qinghuan concealed the reluctance in her eyes and with a complicated look at the gracefully standing Gu Qiaoqiao, turned and left. A very elegant woman, as she turned, her waist-length hair traced a beautiful arc in the air, the scent of perfume wafting out. Qin Yize frowned. Lin Qinghuan had started using perfume as well. He absentmindedly withdrew his gaze, quietly looking at Gu Qiaoqiao. At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao had wrapped her scarf around her mouth and nose, leaving only a pair of eyes as clear as mountain springs and a delicate set of brows exposed. Yet her demeanor was as calm as still water. It seemed that she no longer had the curiosity she once had about him and the people and things around him. He seemed to be finding it increasingly difficult to see through his wife in name only. His eyes darkened, he put his hands in the pockets of his coat, and took the lead toward the direction of home. This place was only a ten-minute walk from the Qin Family, which felt much more comfortable than taking a bus in winter. Gu Qiaoqiao silently followed behind. The heavy snow was still falling. Near and far, everything was covered in a vast expanse of white, making the world seem a lot cleaner. And Qin Yize¡¯s tall shadow cast on the snow was inadvertently stepped on by Gu Qiaoqiao, stirring an indescribable emotion inside her. She took a couple of steps back, distancing herself from him. Chapter 25 - Chapter 25: Chapter 25 Rescue Chapter 25: Chapter 25 Rescue At that moment, Qin Yize halted in his tracks. Gu Qiaoqiao instinctively stopped as well. Qin Yize turned his ear to listen and his aura changed suddenly, his handsome brows furrowed, and his eyes were as sharp as a cheetah poised to strike on a snowy night, filled with strength and danger. ¡°You wait for me at the entrance of the KTV,¡± he said. They had only walked for a few minutes; the dazzling lights of the KTV sign were still visible. Without waiting for Gu Qiaoqiao to respond, Qin Yize¡¯s nimble figure shot toward the alley ahead like a swift gust of wind. The air of lethality that had been in Qin Yize¡¯s eyes seemed to linger still. Gu Qiaoqiao felt a tightness in her chest and froze. What had happened? In her past life, nothing untoward had occurred at this time. It was just a chaotic journey back home. Could it be, from the moment she was reborn, destiny had begun to change? Gu Qiaoqiao fixed her gaze on the alley, which was somewhat dim despite the streetlights. Once she focused, she could faintly hear cries of alarm. Perhaps Qin Yize had gone off to perform a heroic deed. At this moment, only a few passersby hurried past. But indeed, no one paid attention to the situation in the alley. Gu Qiaoqiao stood there, weighing her options, and decided she should go check, just in case Qin Yize was injured. If so, her divorce might not go through. With that thought, Gu Qiaoqiao dashed toward the alley. She stopped midway, stood on tiptoes, and snapped off a tree branch with a crack, then continued running into the alley. Reaching the entrance of the alley, she saw the scene inside. Despite being prepared, Gu Qiaoqiao was startled. Three men lay on the ground, and two others were fighting with Qin Yize. Qin Yize moved with agility, his eyes sharp as he threw a ferocious punch at the man approaching him, hitting him squarely in the face. The man screamed in agony and fell rigidly into the snow. Another man with fierce eyes raised a dagger and viciously stabbed it toward Qin Yize¡¯s back. Gu Qiaoqiao shouted, ¡°Someone¡¯s behind you!¡± Qin Yize didn¡¯t turn his head but instead dodged and delivered a spinning kick. The man with the dagger was sent flying against the wall by Qin Yize¡¯s kick. Then he fell heavily to the ground. In her previous life, Gu Qiaoqiao had seen Qin Yize¡¯s ruthlessness. She ran over, but Qin Yize quickly moved to the people on the ground, gently lifting an old man and calling out urgently, ¡°Old man, old man¡­¡± Only then did Gu Qiaoqiao see that it was an elderly man with graying hair, his face pale as death, his breath faint. It was only when Qin Yize moved him that Gu Qiaoqiao noticed the snow beneath him was stained red with blood. With no hesitation, Qin Yize bent down, picked up the old man, and ran wildly out of the alley. He didn¡¯t forget to tell Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Quick, keep up.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao threw away the tree branch and followed Qin Yize. Even though Qin Yize carried someone, he was faster than Gu Qiaoqiao. When they reached the roadside, Qin Yize had no choice but to put down the injured old man. At this moment, the stretch of road, which was already sparsely populated, had neither vehicles nor pedestrians. Although Qin Yize was involved in medical research, he was also a highly skilled doctor. He began to check and address the old man¡¯s wounds quickly, but without any supplies on hand, he knew the old man needed to be taken to the hospital for surgery immediately. If they were too late, the man¡¯s life would be in danger. Qin Yize took a deep breath and fixed his gaze on Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Stay here and watch him, I¡¯m going to make a call. Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he said. Unsure if Gu Qiaoqiao could find a public phone booth, and with no time to waste, he quickly ran toward the nearest one. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the old man lying on the ground, her mind growing cold. The man was wearing a black woolen coat, which made it hard to see the bloodstains, but the snow beneath him was stained red. Without hesitation, Gu Qiaoqiao squatted down and began to undo the old man¡¯s coat. Clearly, his abdomen was wounded, as the area beneath his sweater was soaked with blood. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand reached out, and even though she knew nothing about medicine, she oddly knew that the old man was going to die soon. He wouldn¡¯t last until the ambulance Qin Yize would call arrived. Biting her lip, she took out a handkerchief from her down jacket pocket, lifted the sweater, and placed the handkerchief on the profusely bleeding wound. She focused intently, holding her breath, directing all her attention to her hands. The intent to stop the bleeding traveled from her mind to her fingertips. A warmth seeped through the handkerchief and into the wound, and the blood stopped flowing. The old man, whose consciousness had been fading, felt his icy body slowly warming back up. With great effort, he opened his eyes, only to see a young girl wrapped in a thick scarf, her eyes clear as water, anxiously looking down at him. Relieved to see him awake, Gu Qiaoqiao let out a breath, but she didn¡¯t dare move her hand. She knew there was something exceptional about her touch; the old man¡¯s bleeding had halted and his lucidity restored, all thanks to her hands. She couldn¡¯t let her guard down until the ambulance and Qin Yize returned. The old man raised his hand, struggling to look around, and when he realized that only Gu Qiaoqiao was with him, his breathing quickened, ¡°That¡­ that¡­ young man who saved me¡­ Is he alright?¡± he gasped. He seemed to want to say more, but Gu Qiaoqiao stopped him, ¡°The young man who saved you is fine, the bad guys have been defeated. He¡¯s gone to call the ambulance. Please don¡¯t talk anymore.¡± No sooner had she spoken than the sound of someone hurrying through the snow reached them. Qin Yize had indeed returned quickly, followed by Chu Chengfeng. By now, Gu Qiaoqiao was still pressing down on the wound. Qin Yize squatted to check, and upon seeing that the bleeding from the old man¡¯s abdominal wound had stopped and that he was conscious¡ªthough still pale¡ªbut not as gray as before, he looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, pursed his lips tightly, and concealed the astonishment in his eyes. He was about to say something when the ambulance arrived. Only then did Gu Qiaoqiao release her hand. With professional doctors present, Qin Yize didn¡¯t intervene. After the emergency treatment, they quickly loaded the old man into the ambulance. Qin Yize looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, at her hands and the bloodstains on her sleeves, and said softly, ¡°Let Chengfeng take you home first. I¡¯m going to the hospital.¡± Without looking back, he boarded the ambulance. The ambulance left, and the police car arrived. The police rushed to the scene of the incident. Chu Chengfeng, meanwhile, walked with Gu Qiaoqiao in the direction of the Qin family home. Silent all the way, Chu Chengfeng thought Gu Qiaoqiao might have been scared. Upon reaching the gates of the Qin family house, he said with rare gentleness, ¡°You were very brave.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao looked up, puzzled. Chu Chengfeng patiently explained, ¡°It¡¯s rare for a girl to be as calm as you were. If it had been any other girl, she wouldn¡¯t have helped to stop the bleeding¡ªshe might have fainted from shock.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao curved her mouth into a smile, ¡°I was just forcing myself to stay calm.¡± Chu Chengfeng¡¯s brows rose slightly, but he said nothing more and knocked on the Qin family¡¯s door. Shen Manru didn¡¯t know what had happened, but she saw the bloodstains on Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s clothes and was momentarily stunned. After Chu Chengfeng briefly explained the situation, Gu Qiaoqiao pointed to her clothes and told Shen Manru, ¡°I¡¯m going to clean up.¡± Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Thrilling Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Thrilling Shen Manru frowned imperceptibly. What was going on tonight? Xiao Yu had come home and greeted her, only to rush off to the Bai family again. And her complexion looked rather poor. Her son hadn¡¯t come back with Qiaoqiao¡ªwhat exactly had happened? Then there was the matter of her son¡¯s heroic act. Though such conduct was commendable, as it concerned her own son, even knowing he was skilled, Shen Manru still felt afraid. Gu Qiaoqiao obviously had no intention to spare a thought for Shen Manru¡¯s feelings. She nodded to Chu Chengfeng and then retreated to her room. As for Chu Chengfeng, he was acquainted with both Mr. Qin and Mother Qin, so there was no need for her to play hostess. Gu Qiaoqiao entered the bathroom, treated the bloodstains on her down jacket, wiped it again with clean water, and then hung it on the balcony of the small living room. The night had been chilling and harrowing. After washing up, Gu Qiaoqiao sat on the sofa and began to dry her hair, thinking that Bai Yun next door must be cursing her with the most venomous words at this moment. She might even be pondering some scheme to deal with her. Meanwhile, next door at the Bai family, Bai Yun hid in the bathroom, recalling everything from the evening, her pretended indifference now turned to hatred. ¡°That bitch, it must have been her sabotage, she¡¯s become so scheming these days; surely she switched the orange juice tonight,¡± Bai Yun muttered fiercely, clenching her fists. ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, I¡¯ll make you wish you were dead, at any cost!¡± Outside, after hearing Qin Xiaoyu and Zhu Jianguo¡¯s account, Mrs. Bai¡¯s face turned dark with anger. She sent Zhu Jianguo away and, simmering with rage, told Qin Xiaoyu to go home immediately. She glanced at the closed bathroom door, grinding her teeth in fury. Her beautiful and gentle daughter had never been so humiliated all her life. How dare that country bumpkin, brought home by the Qin family, have the gall to splash her daughter with cold water? And to use so many shameless excuses to justify it. She was determined to make Shen Manru explain herself. Her daughter¡¯s setback couldn¡¯t just be overlooked! With these thoughts, she felt exasperated again and spoke sternly towards the bathroom, ¡°How many times have I told you, that daughter-in-law of the Qin family is uneducated and uncultured. Being always around her, you were bound to get dragged down eventually¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Bai Yun didn¡¯t respond. ¡°Xiao Yun, tomorrow mother will go to the Qin family to seek justice for you. I¡¯ll make sure that Gu Qiaoqiao apologizes to you, or else, she won¡¯t get away with it.¡± ¡°Mom, let me be alone for a while¡­¡± Bai Yun choked out in a low growl. Mrs. Bai paused, hearing her daughter¡¯s sobs decided to hold her peace. She angrily took a seat on the sofa. Father Bai glanced at his wife and said discontentedly, ¡°How can you say it¡¯s Gu Qiaoqiao who led Xiao Yun astray? Didn¡¯t Jianguo say that Xiao Yun got drunk because she mistook brandy for water? I¡¯m telling you, we have to consider the owner before beating the dog. Even if the Qin family doesn¡¯t like this daughter-in-law, she¡¯s still part of their family. You are forbidden to go there tomorrow, don¡¯t ruin the festive mood over the New Year.¡± ¡°But they can¡¯t just drench my daughter in red wine and water! I can¡¯t swallow this anger. Let me tell you, Father Bai, if you dare to stop me, this isn¡¯t over,¡± she retorted. ¡°You¡­¡± Father Bai was left speechless. Yet deep down, he too felt that Gu Qiaoqiao had gone too far. There were many other ways to sober someone up; it shouldn¡¯t have involved red wine and cold water. He frowned but said no more. This night was destined to be restless. In the hospital, Qin Yize was sitting in a chair in the corridor, looking down at the bloodstains on his clothes, his distant brows slightly knit together. The Gu Qiaoqiao of today had been full of surprises. Upon reflection, the current Gu Qiaoqiao seemed completely different from the one he had met after returning from the research base. Could just a week¡¯s time lead to such a drastic change in a person? It was somewhat inconceivable. However, Qin Yize had a sharp intuition that ever since the collision on New Year¡¯s Eve, this Gu Qiaoqiao seemed as if she had come to a profound realization. If that was indeed the case, he thought, it might not be a bad thing. Qin Yize stood up, looking at the emergency room door, but his mind couldn¡¯t help recalling the words Chu Chengfeng had said to him. Although not comprehensive, there were too many doubts. He knew what Bai Yun was thinking, but he had no feelings for her, so he seldom talked to her. But, after all, they were neighbors, even more familiar with him than his classmates. So, how could Bai Yun have mistaken Zhu Jianguo for him? Therefore, the question arose. Obviously, the brandy Zhu Jianguo spoke of must have been drunk before the mistake was made¡ªshe clearly knew it was Zhu Jianguo, so why did she tell Gu Qiaoqiao that it was him, Qin Yize? Qin Yize¡¯s handsome features gradually took on a layer of frost. His good-looking, thin lips formed a cold curve. Meanwhile, the snow outside the window grew heavier. Gu Qiaoqiao finished drying her hair, feeling refreshed, yet she also knew that tonight¡¯s incident was something Bai Yun might not be willing to suffer in silence. She could imagine the crazy revenge Bai Yun would take, and Bai Yun¡¯s mother would also come to the Qin Family to settle the score with her. Gu Qiaoqiao smiled indifferently, even feeling somewhat eager to try. If in this new life she still let Bai Yun bully and frame her, then she really was beyond help. Gu Qiaoqiao stood up and went to her wardrobe. She opened the innermost drawer. Looking at the familiar little leather case, her eyes inevitably misted over. She opened the secret latch of the case, inside which lay a neat row of carving knives. Under the dim yellow desk lamp, they emitted a chilling glint. But to Gu Qiaoqiao, they felt exceedingly warm. These were the carving tools left to her by her grandfather, said to be over two hundred years old. In her past life, she had lost them, and by the time she remembered, she couldn¡¯t even enter the Qin Family¡¯s door, nor was it possible for her to meet the Qin Family members. On the third day after her rebirth, while organizing her clothing, she discovered this leather case. Looking at the familiar yet strange carving knives, Gu Qiaoqiao took a deep breath and closed the case. She carefully placed it back in the drawer. This was something her grandfather left her, and also the capital for her future livelihood. In this life, she would never lose it again. Gu Qiaoqiao stood up, looking at those unbearable clothes, truly wanting to drag Bai Yun over and give her a good beating. All these clothes were ones Bai Yun had persuaded her to buy. A lot of money had been spent, but few items were wearable. Yet, they had used up all her dowry money. In just half a year. During the engagement, the Qin Family had given her five thousand yuan as a betrothal gift. Then her parents added another thousand yuan, totaling six thousand yuan, all for her dowry. And that one thousand yuan was all of the Gu Family¡¯s savings, just so she wouldn¡¯t be mistreated by the Qin Family. In 1986, her father¡¯s salary was only seventy-five yuan, and a steamed bun cost just three cents¡­ Gu Qiaoqiao slapped herself. Angry at herself, and at Bai Yun. After a trip to the foreign trade store, she had spent two thousand yuan. She bought a white imported coat that was a size too large, yet Bai Yun couldn¡¯t stop praising it. Later, when she went out with Bai Yun, the coat got splashed with red paint, and Bai Yun ended up laughing and saying, ¡°Out with the old, in with the new,¡± then persuaded her to throw it away. Chapter 27 - Chapter 27: Chapter 27: The Breakfast He Made Chapter 27: Chapter 27: The Breakfast He Made ¡°` Now, looking back, the paint issue was probably arranged by Bai Yun. As for the other expenses, she didn¡¯t want to think about them anymore. In the end, it was all because of her foolishness. In half a year¡¯s time, she had actually managed to spend all six thousand yuan. In a way, the Qin Family hadn¡¯t used a penny of it. Gu Qiaoqiao closed the large doors of the wardrobe. The Qin Family didn¡¯t care about her, so naturally, they didn¡¯t pay attention to her. So, how the six thousand yuan was spent wasn¡¯t a concern to anyone. However, eight hundred yuan of it had actually been borrowed by Bai Yun. Gu Qiaoqiao frowned, fearing that it wouldn¡¯t be easy to get the money back because there were no witnesses and no IOU. How could Bai Yun possibly admit to it? Looking at the twelve yuan and fifty cents in her wallet, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s face grew cool. This amount of money wouldn¡¯t even buy a train ticket. Gu Qiaoqiao stood on the balcony, watching the heavy snow fluttering outside the window, but she had to admit that even if she had lived another lifetime, she was not as cunning as Bai Yun, nor as ruthless. When she first came to the Imperial Capital, she was as clean as a blank sheet of paper. The glitter and bustle of the big city made her feel both inferior and proud, and the simple her was easily hooked by Bai Yun. One was unaware she was standing on the edge of hell, the other extended a hand ruthlessly. And she, who had experienced more hardship in her past life than most people do in a lifetime, was still kind-hearted in this rebirth, always passive. When Bai Yun reached out, she would try to block, and when Bai Yun retracted, she would also quickly fall back. In fact, there were far too many accounts to be settled between her and Bai Yun. Gu Qiaoqiao thought that today¡¯s Bai Yun would certainly not be content with suffering in silence. If she remained passive, she might not even know how she died. It¡¯s a good idea to take the initiative. Gu Qiaoqiao returned to the bedroom. It was already past eleven o¡¯clock, and Qin Yize probably wouldn¡¯t be back tonight. She got into bed, and after her tense nerves relaxed, she felt extremely exhausted. Gu Qiaoqiao soon fell into a deep sleep. In a daze, a fresh and cold breath lingered over her head, as if she was smelling the fragrance of bamboo leaves in a bamboo forest. It seemed as though a thoughtful gaze was watching her, making her feel a bit chilly, so she shrank back into the blankets. By the time she opened her eyes, it was already the next morning. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains and cast into the room, bringing with it threads of warmth. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the other half of the bed, clean and neat, the air carrying a familiar yet unfamiliar crisp fragrance. Last night was not a dream, it turned out Qin Yize had actually come back. Gu Qiaoqiao checked the time and hurriedly got out of bed. After washing up, she left the room. Breakfast was surprisingly set on the dining table. Not far away, she smelled the rich aroma of millet porridge. And by the window, Grandma Qin wasn¡¯t sitting in a wheelchair. Instead, she was leaning on a red sandalwood cane, talking to Qin Yize with a cheerful smile. Gu Qiaoqiao stealthily glanced at her hand, then clenched it quietly. However, the corners of her mouth curved into a smile. She felt more confident about the future. Qin Yize turned around and saw the girl with the delightful smile. Her black hair was tied into a ponytail, a red knitted sweater accentuating her slender, fair neck. Elegant as an orchid, she stood tall and graceful. ¡°` Grandma Qin saw Gu Qiaoqiao and smiled so broadly her eyes became mere slits. As Gu Qiaoqiao approached, she waved her off, saying, ¡°Qiaoqiao, you don¡¯t need to come over, I¡¯ll walk to you.¡± Leaning on her cane, she took steps towards Gu Qiaoqiao. A glint of amusement flashed through Qin Yize¡¯s eyes; his grandma was especially happy today because she hadn¡¯t used her wheelchair. She also seemed to have a lot more energy. He knew that Gu Qiaoqiao had been giving his grandma massages every night, even yesterday, she only left after ensuring the massage was done. Everyone, including himself, simply thought it was Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s way of showing filial piety and didn¡¯t take it to heart. Even Mother Qin was quite dismissive of it. But he was well aware of his grandma¡¯s chronic condition; a simple course of medication was not very effective. His goal now was to keep her condition manageable until he could find a better treatment method to eradicate it completely. However, he didn¡¯t expect that upon waking up and finishing his run this morning, he would find his grandma walking with the aid of a cane. It wasn¡¯t an energetic strut, but she genuinely could walk without any sign of struggle or pain. He had checked carefully and confirmed it was just as his grandma had described. This made Qin Yize¡¯s usually stoic facial features soften a great deal. At the same time, a hint of inquiry lay in his eyes. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t look at Qin Yize; when she saw Grandma Qin proudly walk up to her, she nodded and smiled, saying, ¡°Grandma, that method really worked. Give it another week, and you might be able to throw away the cane.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yeah, really.¡± ¡°That¡¯s wonderful. Qiaoqiao, once I can walk, I¡¯ll take you out for fun,¡± Grandma Qin said with joy in her voice. ¡°But Grandma, it¡¯s okay to walk around for exercise these next few days, just don¡¯t do it for more than ten minutes at a time,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao cautioned, still concerned. This was the first time Gu Qiaoqiao had used the ¡°Spiritual Energy¡± of her hands to treat someone, and while she knew the effects were definitely good, she still preferred to be cautious. ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll do as you say,¡± Grandma Qin hurriedly agreed. Gu Qiaoqiao smiled. Pointing at the dining table, Grandma Qin spoke with some pride, ¡°Qiaoqiao, this is the breakfast Ah Ze and I made together.¡± All these mornings, it had been Gu Qiaoqiao who got up to make breakfast, but this morning she found Qin Yize, who had returned from running, entering the kitchen. A man who knows how to cherish his wife is always a good man. She was pleased inwardly and naturally, she wanted Gu Qiaoqiao to know it. Gu Qiaoqiao wasn¡¯t surprised at all; she remembered that during the three years at the base, whenever Qin Yize had time, he always cooked for himself. Though simple, the dishes were always tasty. At the very least, they were much better than what Gu Qiaoqiao could manage back then. This man never liked to wrong himself, as evident from how he never made affectionate gestures towards her since he disliked her. In the days that followed, Gu Qiaoqiao thought that perhaps the only unfair thing he had done was marrying her. At that moment, Qin Yize discovered that Gu Qiaoqiao tended to space out or daydream, lost in thought, as if reminiscing about something. And when she did, she seemed to exist in a different world from theirs. Dispelling the strange and absurd thoughts from his mind, Qin Yize helped his grandma sit down, while Gu Qiaoqiao headed to the kitchen to serve the rice porridge she had cooked. Qin Xiaoyu came out of the room and her first action was to glare fiercely at Gu Qiaoqiao. But to her surprise, as Gu Qiaoqiao set down the porridge pot, her clear eyes, misty with the morning dew, she asked, puzzled, ¡°Xiao Yu, why are you glaring at me so fiercely?¡± Qin Xiaoyu never expected Gu Qiaoqiao to be so direct, leaving her no room to maneuver. Her mouth opened to deny it, but she didn¡¯t want to lose face. She finally remembered that Gu Qiaoqiao seemed different from before. ¡°Hmph, it¡¯s all your fault for what happened to Sister Bai Yun yesterday, making her look so embarrassed,¡± Qin Xiaoyu accused angrily. ¡°Xiao Yu.¡± Qin Yize suddenly interjected, his features shifting from gentle to cold. He did not want Xiao Yu involved without understanding last night¡¯s events. His sister had been too sheltered by the family, somewhat naively innocent of the ways of the world. Chapter 28 - Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Prosper Together, Lose Together Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Prosper Together, Lose Together Qin Yize approached unhurriedly, patted his sister¡¯s head, and softened his voice, ¡°Don¡¯t bring up last night¡¯s matter anymore, be obedient, go call mom and dad over for dinner.¡± Injustice pouted Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s lips, she felt like her big brother seemed to be taking Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s side. Gu Qiaoqiao placed a bowl of porridge on the dining table and said with a half-smile, ¡°Being used as a pawn and still so merry, if not you Qin Xiaoyu, then who else could it be?¡± ¡°Who are you talking about?¡± Qin Xiaoyu raised her voice. ¡°I¡¯ve named names, whom do you think I¡¯m talking about?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao leisurely retorted. ¡°You¡­¡± Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s eyes widened with anger, ¡°You bumpkin, stop spouting nonsense.¡± ¡°I¡¯m the bumpkin you are the qiang.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao curled her lip, mocking, ¡°Not bad, it¡¯s quite rhyming.¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you¡¯re going too far, it was your fault yesterday.¡± ¡°Qin Xiaoyu, you better shut up when you know nothing about the situation!¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, how dare you raise your voice at me?¡± ¡°I am your sister-in-law, please do not address me by my name directly, you are a city person, mind your manners and upbringing.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Qin Xiaoyu was so angry that tears started swirling in her eyes. She wanted to say that someone like you is not worthy to be my sister-in-law, but seeing her older brother¡¯s slightly darkened gaze, she swallowed the words back. But Grandma Qin spoke up. ¡°How come you two started quarreling again, Xiao Yu, go call your parents to come out for the meal.¡± She then turned with a smile towards Gu Qiaoqiao and said, ¡°Qiaoqiao, don¡¯t mind Xiao Yu, but what exactly happened last night?¡± Grandma Qin continued to ask with surprise. Gu Qiaoqiao glanced at Qin Yize and said slowly to Grandma Qin, ¡°Last night, Bai Yun drank too much.¡± ¡°Oh, she drank too much¡­¡± Grandma Qin clutched her walking stick but curiously asked, ¡°Did you make her drink too much?¡± ¡°Not me.¡± ¡°Then it has nothing to do with you. Later I¡¯ll talk to Xiao Yu, this child is obstinately twisted like a pretzel every day, her speech is also thoughtless. Come on, Qiaoqiao, let¡¯s have our meal.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao nodded noncommittally. Just now, when she heard Qin Yize stop Xiao Yu, she felt a fire ignite in her heart. He could be indifferent, but what right did he have to defend Bai Yun¡¯s reputation? Both were people, so why, when Bai Yun was wronged, did everyone protect her? Yet in her past life when she suffered even more, no one defended her. Unable to control the resentment boiling inside her, that¡¯s why she started arguing with Xiao Yu, and although it was pointless, it still made her feel much more comfortable. The Qin family had always prided themselves on being a scholarly family; even if she and Xiao Yu got into a fight, she believed they would still hypocritically reprimand Xiao Yu. Qin Yize¡¯s gaze deepened, in his memory, Gu Qiaoqiao seldom quarreled with Xiao Yu. And he noticed, Xiao Yu¡¯s hostility towards Gu Qiaoqiao was significant. The serene Qin Yize suddenly became curious about how his little wife and his sister had gotten along over the past six months. Meanwhile, his parents, having finished washing up, came out, obviously not having heard the earlier argument in the dining room. One reason being that the voices weren¡¯t loud, the other being the distance was quite far. After breakfast, Gu Qiaoqiao cleaned up the kitchen and returned to her room. But Qin Yize called Xiao Yu to his study and looked at his dissatisfied sister. After thinking it over, he softened his voice, ¡°Xiao Yu, why did you accuse your¡­ sister-in-law¡­in front of everyone last night?¡± He was about to say the name Gu Qiaoqiao, but it spun on the tip of his tongue, and instead, he said the words ¡®sister-in-law.¡¯ ¡°Hmph, it was indeed her fault for drenching Sister Bai Yun with liquor and water,¡± Qin Xiaoyu still indignant. ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that for now, I want to ask you first, do you understand the principle that honor or disgrace is shared by all?¡± Qin Yize¡¯s expression was solemn as he asked seriously. ¡°I¡­,¡± Qin Xiaoyu was at a loss for words, stunned for a moment, but when she saw her elder brother¡¯s serene gaze, she lowered her head and said, ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°Xiao Yu, Gu Qiaoqiao and I are already husband and wife, and unless something major happens, we might stay together for life. Is it appropriate for you to keep referring to her by her full name day after day?¡± ¡°Big brother, do you really want to spend your life with her? She is not worthy of you¡­¡± Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s voice carried a tinge of anger. ¡°The moment I nodded in agreement, that question ceased to exist,¡± said Qin Yize as he looked at his sister, who was huffing with anger yet somewhat confused. He reached out and ruffled her hair gently, continuing, ¡°You¡¯re a smart kid. I just want to tell you my stance. If I didn¡¯t want to live with Gu Qiaoqiao, why would I have agreed in the first place?¡± ¡°But Brother, Sister Bai Yun she¡­¡± Qin Yize interrupted Qin Xiaoyu, while a touch of displeasure rose in his heart. This Bai Yun was a bit abnormal. Her actions were completely illogical. He knew Bai Yun liked him, but what was in her heart when she always came to see Gu Qiaoqiao? And yet, she had his sister so biased towards her? He remembered that two years ago, his sister and Bai Yun had even had a falling out. If the girl he liked got married, what would he do? Would he become brotherly with the girl¡¯s husband? At this point, Qin Yize realized he could not empathize. Because he did not have any girl that he liked. Nor could he find a hypothetical object for such a scenario. His brows furrowed imperceptibly as he cast aside this somewhat troubling thought and suddenly asked in a light tone, ¡°Xiao Yu, did Bai Yun really drink alcohol yesterday?¡± ¡°I find it odd too, Sister Bai Yun doesn¡¯t seem to drink¡­¡± ¡°You¡¯ve grown a year older after the New Year, and I know you¡¯re innocent at heart, but sometimes your words can be quite hurtful. If you ever have a clash with someone with a short temper, you will suffer,¡± Qin Yize reminded methodically. ¡°Hmph, with such a formidable big brother like you, who would dare to bully me?¡± Qin Yize felt amused and was about to speak when the phone on his desk rang. He picked up the call. Unexpectedly, the voice on the other end of the line was a stranger¡¯s. A moment later, Qin Yize hung up the phone and said to Qin Xiaoyu, ¡°Your sister-in-law and I are going to the hospital, go and take a walk with Grandma Qin in the backyard.¡± Having said that, Qin Yize left the study. And Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t expected that the old gentleman from last night would actually ask for her by name. ¡°You saved the person, and you drove away the hooligan. I didn¡¯t do anything, I won¡¯t go,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao bluntly refused. ¡°What, are you still angry with Xiao Yu?¡± Qin Yize¡¯s handsome eyebrows lifted slightly, and he asked in a rare, gentle manner. ¡°¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao gave Qin Yize a surprised glance and scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m about to become irrelevant to all of this, why should I be angry with her?¡± Qin Yize fell silent. His eyes, usually filled with starlight, became somewhat dim, and the atmosphere that was somewhat warm suddenly froze into a glacier. Gu Qiaoqiao felt a tightness in her chest. There was no denying that she did not want to face the cold version of Qin Yize at all. Qin Yize¡¯s gaze hardened as he looked at Gu Qiaoqiao. After a few moments, he began to speak slowly, his voice carrying a warning, ¡°Put away your inappropriate thoughts, I do not want to hear such words again.¡± Chapter 29 - Chapter 29: Chapter 29 She Was Actually Speechless Chapter 29: Chapter 29 She Was Actually Speechless Gu Qiaoqiao frowned as she looked at Qin Yize, apparently gauging the truth of his words. A moment later, Gu Qiaoqiao knew that Qin Yize really had no intention of divorcing her. But what did that mean? Tied together like this, wasn¡¯t he in pain? Or perhaps, he never considered marriage a significant matter in life. That¡¯s why he gave her the marriage, the title of wife, and maybe he thought that was sufficient. But what about his responsibilities as a husband? A cold annoyance tinted Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes as she seriously asked Qin Yize, ¡°Do you think we resemble a married couple at all? We¡¯re even less familiar than strangers. The future is so long, living like this would be painful. Ending it early is the best choice right now.¡± Qin Yize stood five steps away from Gu Qiaoqiao. The morning sunlight enveloped her entirely, creating a poetic and picturesque three-dimensionality. The young girl¡¯s fair skin glistened warmly in the sunlight. It actually made Qin Yize¡¯s eyes brighten a bit. When one¡¯s mood changes, the way they look at others changes as well. Qin Yize felt bewildered by his own thoughts and reflected on Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s words ¡ª strangers, pain? He felt displeased, thinking that Gu Qiaoqiao was being unreasonable. A moment later, just when Gu Qiaoqiao thought he would leave indifferently as usual, Qin Yize¡¯s clear voice resonated in the room. Like a droplet falling onto a stone in a stream, melodious but icy cold, without a hint of warmth, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, I remember when you pointed at me and said you wanted to marry me, it was our first meeting. Our second was the wedding, and I had to leave that day due to some matters. Now, this is our third time, and you¡¯re considering the issue of being strangers; isn¡¯t it a bit late?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was taken aback, then a feeling of embarrassed annoyance arose. She knit her brows, her lips parted, but found she seemed to have no right to speak on the matter of being strangers. Coldness tinged the corners of Qin Yize¡¯s mouth as he stared straight at Gu Qiaoqiao, who appeared to be at a loss for words, ¡°As for the pain, I have never felt that being married to you was painful, and until before New Year¡¯s Eve, you didn¡¯t feel it was painful either. One¡¯s thoughts only overturn overnight if they go through life¡¯s drastic ups and downs. Tell me the real reason, and I can consider it.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao stood frozen, with Qin Yize¡¯s words causing her heart to stir. She knew of Qin Yize¡¯s keenness and his doubts and confusion about her. Her hands, which hung by her sides, slowly clenched together. How could she tell him the real reason? That she had returned from a past life, that in her past life, there was nothing but pain between them, along with the hatred between their two families? Let alone whether he would believe her, she definitely would not tell him. This was her secret alone, one to take to the grave. And she also discovered that Qin Yize was not as silent as she had perceived him to be. When he wanted to earnestly discuss an issue with her, she almost had no power to rebut. This realization made the current Gu Qiaoqiao feel somewhat ashamed. And her shame was reflected on her face, her cheeks blushing like dawn breaking through clouds, yet suddenly imbued with a burst of life. Qin Yize unobtrusively withdrew his gaze, also calming the somewhat cold aura he had just now. Seeing Gu Qiaoqiao like this, he also felt that perhaps his words had been a bit too harsh. He lowered his gaze, softened his voice, ¡°Since there¡¯s no appropriate reason, why don¡¯t you come to the hospital with me first? Even if the elderly gentleman from last night didn¡¯t specifically ask you to come, it¡¯s normal for you to accompany me to see him.¡± While speaking, he went to the wardrobe, took out a woolen coat and put it on, then opened another wardrobe door. Upon seeing the colorful clothes inside, he imperceptibly frowned his handsome brows. Gu Qiaoqiao saw Qin Yize open her wardrobe door and looked at it with furrowed brows. She quickly walked over and closed the door with a huff, saying irritably, ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Qin Yize stepped back, donning his scarf, and said indifferently to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you in the living room.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious why the old gentleman insists on you coming?¡± ¡°One should repay kindness; the old gentleman is a conscientious person,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said meaningfully. Qin Yize, with his hands in his coat pockets, did not delve into the meaning behind Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s words. Instead, he effortlessly changed the topic, ¡°Bai Yun¡¯s mother is inherently unreasonable and likes to create a fuss. If I¡¯m not wrong, she¡¯s coming to settle accounts with you. Bai Yun will certainly stop her, and those two must be arguing right now. Even if you¡¯ve prepared yourself for battle, you¡¯ll probably end up disappointed in the end.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes widened suddenly. Prepared for battle? Was it that obvious? Yet, it was undeniable that she was indeed eagerly waiting for the Bai Family¡¯s people. But at the same time, her mind was a whirlpool of thoughts, and bitterness surged in her heart. If he was so smart, why didn¡¯t he realize she had been framed in her previous life? Moreover, he received a phone call at two in the morning and then disappeared for an entire day. How cold-hearted he must have been to turn a blind eye to everything about her. Gu Qiaoqiao snorted coldly. The matter of divorce, it would be good to let Shen Manru know at the right moment¡ªshe thought Shen Manru would be only too pleased. With that thought, she took out a down jacket. She had changed her mind. Why shouldn¡¯t she go? Why should Qin Yize gain from this favor for nothing? If it weren¡¯t for her hands imbued with spiritual energy, even if an ambulance was called or Qin Yize personally performed the surgery, it would still have been the elderly gentleman¡¯s cold corpse in the end. As she dressed, she scoffed, ¡°You sure know Bai Yun well. How do you know she will stop it? Maybe she can¡¯t wait for her mother to come to me to settle the score.¡± ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Qin Yize shook his head with certainty. ¡°Throwing water has consequences, but there¡¯s also a cause to consider. Pulling back and forth will only make things messier. Bai Yun is so cunning, she won¡¯t let herself end up in an awkward situation.¡± ¡°You know she¡¯s cunning?¡± ¡°Seems like more than you,¡± Qin Yize didn¡¯t mince his words. ¡°You¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao found herself at a loss for words. Qin Yize glanced at the time, no longer interested in bickering with Gu Qiaoqiao. A hint of unnoticed amusement flitted through his eyes as he took the lead and walked outside. Throughout the way, Gu Qiaoqiao pondered for a long time and eventually felt that Qin Yize was right. Bai Yun wouldn¡¯t let her apologize. She had a guilty conscience, after all, she feared retribution. If she were still the foolish and naive Gu Qiaoqiao of the past, Bai Yun would definitely not miss the chance to make her humble herself. But not now. Because Bai Yun knew that Gu Qiaoqiao was no longer the one who used to be at her beck and call. Without absolute certainty, she would certainly not take risks. She might even remain as affectionate as before, then wait for the right moment to bite her. Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Old Mr. Luos Test Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Old Mr. Luo¡¯s Test Enmity with Bai Yun wasn¡¯t something that could be erased simply by divorcing Qin Yize. In this life, she would make her understand what it meant to reap what one sows. They soon arrived at the hospital. Incredibly, someone from the old gentleman was waiting for them downstairs. Gu Qiaoqiao wondered¡ªcould the old man from last night be someone of status? Otherwise, why would he be staying in the most luxurious ward on the highest floor, and why were there bodyguards and police guarding the exit? If it weren¡¯t for this polite young man leading them, they may not have been able to enter. The young man gently opened the door to the hospital room. The old gentleman from last night was actually sitting up in bed. When he saw them enter, his somewhat sharp eyes instantly softened with affection and gratitude. Qin Yize placed the fruit basket he had bought on the way on the bedside table. The old gentleman¡¯s scrutinizing gaze glanced at Qin Yize, but he couldn¡¯t help but admire that this was a person of character. Handsome and distinguished in appearance, yet his eyes occasionally revealed a brilliance like a treasured sword waiting to be unsheathed, despite attempts to hide its luster, it was inevitably going to shine brightly. From the information he had received, the marriage between these two had come about in an interesting way, and he knew that Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s days in the Qin Family had been difficult. Before seeing Qin Yize, he had his own plans. But now, he couldn¡¯t help but feel regret for his own family. Qin Yize might appear cool and indifferent, but he wasn¡¯t someone who would easily compromise, not to mention, he was also his savior. After putting aside thoughts that shouldn¡¯t be there, he expressed his gratitude to Qin Yize most earnestly, while Qin Yize calmly and politely attributed his actions to the duty of a medical practitioner. In fact, Qin Yize had no intention of accepting the old gentleman¡¯s gratitude. When the old gentleman was out of danger last night, it was already two in the morning. There were no family or friends by his side. Even without that phone call, he would have gone to the hospital after finishing his talk with Xiao Yu. Now that he saw the old gentleman wasn¡¯t alone, he was relieved. As for the rest, no matter how prestigious the old gentleman¡¯s status was, he didn¡¯t take it to heart. Imperial Capital was a place full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, let alone for someone who grew up in an area where the wealthy congregated. The old gentleman took out his business card and handed it to Qin Yize. Qin Yize did not refuse but accepted it politely. The old gentleman¡¯s name was Luo, and his title was that of a chairman of some overseas conglomerate. Qin Yize¡¯s eyebrows knitted ever so slightly. Luo Zhenyu, a very familiar name. And at that moment, the door was pushed open. A man who appeared to be about twenty-four or twenty-five entered. He had a tall build, a clear-cut face, and under a pair of sword-like eyebrows were a pair of slender peach blossom eyes. When he looked at you, his gaze always seemed to carry a hazy smile and affection. Luo Zhenyu introduced the man to Qin Yize and Gu Qiaoqiao with a warm tone, ¡°Yize, Qiaoqiao, this is my eldest grandson, Luo Fan. Luo Fan, these two are my lifesavers, Qin Yize and Gu Qiaoqiao¡­¡± Luo Fan was a clever and naturally jovial person, offering a thousand thanks to Qin Yize and Gu Qiaoqiao. Then, catching his grandfather¡¯s eye, he smiled amicably at Qin Yize. ¡°Yize, I was wondering if you¡¯re available right now?¡± Qin Yize¡¯s starry eyes glimmered with a dark light, ¡°Of course it¡¯s convenient.¡± ¡°I have something that I¡¯d like to ask you. Can we step aside to talk?¡± Luo Fan¡¯s tone was earnest, and his expression was very serious. Qin Yize glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao, who quickly spoke up, ¡°I¡¯ll wait outside for you.¡± At this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao felt somewhat uneasy. The reason was that Old Mr. Luo, when he had walked into the room just earlier, had given her a look that was simply too complex. It was as if he saw a treasure, excited, yet mixed with a trace of respect. Mysterious and discordant. Naturally, Gu Qiaoqiao did not want to stay alone. Qin Yize nodded. However, Old Mr. Luo immediately spoke up, his voice gentle and filled with hope, ¡°Qiaoqiao, could you keep me company for a little talk?¡± Both Qin Yize and Gu Qiaoqiao were taken aback. Luo Fan glanced at his grandfather, and his tone suddenly deepened, ¡°I once had a younger sister, about the same age as you, Qiaoqiao, but alas¡­¡± Without needing to hear the rest, Gu Qiaoqiao understood. Seeing Old Mr. Luo¡¯s eyes brimming with tears, her heart unexpectedly softened, and after a moment, she nodded. Qin Yize¡¯s gaze fixed on Gu Qiaoqiao, and when he saw that she wasn¡¯t looking at him, he quietly curled the corners of his mouth, strode forward with his long legs, and followed Luo Fan outside. The hospital room door was closed securely. Luo Zhenyu said to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Qiaoqiao, come and sit over here.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao, unpretentious, sat in the chair next to the old man¡¯s hospital bed. ¡°Qiaoqiao, my surname is Luo. I wanted to keep you alone to express my gratitude for your life-saving grace.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s clear eyes shifted slightly, feeling that the elderly man was indeed a person of deep emotions. She politely said, ¡°Elder Luo, it was Qin Yize who saved you yesterday. I merely lent a hand, I really don¡¯t deserve your thanks.¡± ¡°Child, I¡¯m about the same age as your grandfather. If you don¡¯t mind, you can call me Grandpa Luo.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao had long seen through the coldness of the Mortal World, and she could tell at a glance those who harbored good intentions. She acquiesced smoothly, ¡°Grandpa Luo¡­¡± ¡°Yes, good child.¡± Luo Zhenyu was pleased. He took a deep breath, his face becoming solemn, ¡°Qiaoqiao, I know, if you hadn¡¯t been there last night, by the time the ambulance arrived, I would have been dead¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes widened in an instant. Her heart also started to race, she didn¡¯t know how the elderly man could say such a thing, yet she suppressed her emotions and smiled, ¡°Grandpa Luo, it was the doctor¡¯s effort, and also a matter of your good fortune.¡± Luo Zhenyu gazed deeply at Gu Qiaoqiao, then extended his right hand towards her and said, ¡°Fifty years ago, this wrist of mine was cut by bandits during a kidnapping. They severed an artery when I was fifteen, leaving only a tendon connected¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the wrist in shock. Besides some wrinkling of the skin due to age, she couldn¡¯t see even a scar. Could it be¡­ She clasped her hands together, her smile fading from her face as she looked seriously at Luo Zhenyu. Luo Zhenyu, seeing Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s expression, fell silent for a moment and then continued, ¡°At that time, after the bandits took the ransom silver, they were not willing to release me and planned to chop off my limbs and throw them into the mountains to feed the beasts. However, they didn¡¯t expect that right after they cut off one of my hands, a master appeared¡­¡± As he reached this part of the story, the old man¡¯s eyes shone brightly, his voice filled with reverence, ¡°It was a master, clad in plain white monk¡¯s robes. With a wave of his sleeve, he knocked the two bandits unconscious, then carried me out of the valley.¡± ¡°He moved very quickly, and within a few minutes, we were on level ground. He tore off a corner of his monk¡¯s robe, pressed it against my severed wrist, and I felt waves of warmth flowing from the fabric into my blood. About half an hour later, my severed hand was as good as new, moving freely.¡± Chapter 31 - Chapter 31: Chapter 31: The Unspeakable Secret Chapter 31: Chapter 31: The Unspeakable Secret Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s red lips were tightly pursed, and although her beautiful features were cast downward, there was a sense of understanding and a hint of caution in her expression. It didn¡¯t need much thought to realize that the master¡¯s hand also possessed Spiritual Energy, yet his was far superior to hers. He could mend bones and regenerate tendons. A severed hand could be restored as if nothing had happened. She, it seemed, couldn¡¯t possibly do that. ¡°At the time, although I was young, I knew I had encountered a remarkable person. Before I had the chance to thank him, the master had already drifted away, and since then, I¡¯ve never seen him again¡­¡± Luo Zhenyu¡¯s voice was filled with longing. He let out a long sigh and looked earnestly at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Qiaoqiao, don¡¯t be afraid or defensive around Grandpa Luo. I won¡¯t hurt you in the slightest, nor will I let anyone else know that you saved my life. I know what you want to say. I¡¯m telling you all this today just to let you know that Grandpa Luo understands¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao lifted her clear, water-like eyes to look at Grandpa Luo. The kindness in the old man¡¯s eyes and his reverence for her as a so-called ¡°remarkable person¡± quietly relieved her. However, she feigned confusion, ¡°Grandpa Luo, you must be overthinking it. Perhaps when I pressed the handkerchief to the wound, it indeed helped stop the bleeding. That could be called a fluke, remarkably different from the master you mentioned¡­¡± Luo Zhenyu knew that Gu Qiaoqiao was still somewhat defensive, but this child was only eighteen and hardly knew the extent of her own abilities. Ultimately, she was still in danger. He looked toward the doorway, aware that the astute Luo Fan must have gone to the reception room with Qin Yize. The old man shifted slightly, suddenly lifting his hospital uniform, and pointing to a spot for Gu Qiaoqiao to see, ¡°This is where the dagger stabbed me last night¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly stood up. Her eyes widened in shock. Her heart started thumping wildly once again. The spot was just below the heart, where one would expect to see a swath of bandages, yet now there was only a scar about an inch long, and it had already scabbed over. Though it wasn¡¯t as good as new, the color of the scar was almost the same as his other skin, almost negligible. Gu Qiaoqiao moved her hands behind her back. She stared intently at Luo Zhenyu and asked in a hoarse voice, ¡°Grandpa Luo, what are you trying to tell me?¡± Luo Zhenyu put down his hospital uniform, gestured for Gu Qiaoqiao to sit, and then began gently, ¡°Qiaoqiao, Grandpa Luo wants to explain the dangers of possessing a treasure.¡± ¡°The dangers of possessing a treasure?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao murmured. Wasn¡¯t that the truth? Perhaps the secret of being reborn could be kept forever, but these hands¡ªif known by the wrong people¡ªcould put her in extreme danger, and even bring trouble upon her family like in her previous life. Thinking this, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s face turned somewhat pale. But Luo Zhenyu continued, ¡°Qiaoqiao, from now on, you must be cautious. Until you have the ability to protect yourself, do not use your hands on other people¡¯s wounds.¡± ¡°Grandpa Luo, not to hide it from you, I¡¯m not one to meddle, but the situation last night was urgent, and I couldn¡¯t bear to see you lose your life, so I took the risk¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao divulged, putting her nervous heart away. She thought, if this old man wanted to harm her, he wouldn¡¯t have spoken to her alone and warned her. But, she had to let the old man know, she wasn¡¯t someone who would save just anybody. Having already died once, Gu Qiaoqiao was not actually afraid of death. What she feared was not being able to repay her family¡¯s debts during her lifetime and provide a better life for them. ¡°Qiaoqiao, Grandpa knows. This morning¡¯s care was all handled by my personal doctor. No one else will know, but about this hand, in this world, only you, Gu Qiaoqiao, know,¡± the elder stated meaningfully. Was this an exchange? Though it was somewhat direct, Gu Qiaoqiao felt more reassured. Luo Zhenyu raised his right hand and chuckled towards Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Qiaoqiao, this right hand of mine has also been touched by the master¡¯s grace.¡± ¡°What do you mean, can it turn Stone into Gold?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked curiously. ¡°Haha¡­¡± Luo Zhenyu laughed heartily and happily, glad to have closed the distance with Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°You think it¡¯s a myth, like turning stone into gold? It¡¯s not that spectacular, but things do get done more efficiently. It¡¯s hard to describe.¡± Luo Zhenyu didn¡¯t wait for Gu Qiaoqiao to speak, because it had been a while and Qin Yize would be back soon. That guy was too astute. Since she hadn¡¯t told the kid, he was happy to keep it that way. Thus, Luo Zhenyu took out a black and gold business card and handed it to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°My phone number and other contact information are on here. Grandpa initially wanted to check on things since he¡¯s back in the country, but now he¡¯s not leaving. Qiaoqiao, if you ever need anything, you must call Grandpa, okay?¡± Old Mr. Luo¡¯s eyes carried a sincere plea, and there was a hint of request, as if it would be his honor to receive a call from Gu Qiaoqiao. Gu Qiaoqiao accepted it naturally. Her eyes scanned the card, and the old man was actually the chairman of Huanyu Group, along with a string of impressive titles that were astonishing. Huanyu Group? Luo Zhenyu? That name sounds so familiar. But seeing the eager and hopeful look in the old man¡¯s eyes, she suddenly understood. She was currently alone and penniless; she couldn¡¯t possibly lead her family to an imaginary land of joy and plenty. To survive in this world, going it alone obviously wouldn¡¯t work. Connections were the most important in any era. Now that Old Mr. Luo had extended an olive branch, it was not unreasonable for her to accept it. At the very least, the old man truly cared about her. This world was too cold; no matter what the old man¡¯s intentions were, her heart still felt warm. If it weren¡¯t for Old Mr. Luo¡¯s reminder, she might have stumbled into trouble in the future. Gu Qiaoqiao put the business card into the pocket of her down jacket. She nodded slightly. It was then that Luo Zhenyu truly felt relieved, looking eagerly at Gu Qiaoqiao and asked, ¡°Qiaoqiao, do you need Grandpa¡¯s help with anything right now?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao thought for a moment, then shook her head, ¡°No.¡± At that moment, the door was pushed open. Qin Yize and Luo Fan came in. Clearly, their talk had gone well. After saying goodbye to Luo Zhenyu, Qin Yize accompanied Gu Qiaoqiao as they left the hospital. The weather after the heavy snow was actually extremely cold. But it was already the start of spring; the cold wouldn¡¯t last much longer. In some places, the snow hadn¡¯t been thoroughly cleared and made a crunching sound underfoot. The man next to her was tall and striking, occasionally attracting the gazes of the surrounding girls. However, this era was still somewhat conservative; at most, they would boldly glance a few times. At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao wasn¡¯t paying attention to this; she buried her face in her scarf and began to reflect on Luo Zhenyu¡¯s words, wondering why his name seemed so familiar. Chapter 32 - Chapter 32: Chapter 32 She Remembers Who Luo Zhenyu Is (Added Chapter) Chapter 32: Chapter 32 She Remembers Who Luo Zhenyu Is (Added Chapter) At this moment, the two of them had reached the bus stop. There weren¡¯t many people waiting, and in the biting cold, there was a definite shiver in the air. From a distance, a melodious song faintly drifted over, apparently the one sung at the Spring Festival Gala, {The Beauty of Spring}. It was a mystery which merchant was so swift to already have it playing on a tape recorder. Or perhaps it had already been there before. Gu Qiaoqiao shrank further into her scarf. This reminded Qin Yize of the dappled little squirrel he had seen in the snowy nest in the Northern Border City. It also seemed to shrink back into the snow drifts in the same way. Only a pair of shiny big eyes was visible. And now, with most of her face covered, it was hard to tell what Gu Qiaoqiao was thinking. But he knew that Gu Qiaoqiao was keeping many things from him. This realization brought a hint of displeasure to his heart. Yet, when he thought about what Gu Qiaoqiao had said about strangers, it wasn¡¯t entirely unreasonable. They truly didn¡¯t know each other well enough. Although they were husband and wife, they seemed even less familiar than strangers. His gaze grew profound. The bus arrived. The two of them boarded. It wasn¡¯t crowded, and Gu Qiaoqiao chose a seat by the window, not expecting Qin Yize to sit down beside her. Sitting up straight, not looking around, but carrying that uniquely cold and sharp scent of bamboo leaves that belonged only to him. Alien, yet invasive. Gu Qiaoqiao felt completely uncomfortable, but at that moment, the bus started moving. She furrowed her brows and looked indifferently out the window. It was only when she saw a patrol of Public Security officers that her mind exploded with a thunderous realization. Her body stiffened instantly; she finally remembered who Luo Zhenyu was. In her previous life, on the night of her junior year in high school, which was just yesterday, an elderly man who had made great contributions to the New Nation was stabbed to death by four hooligans in an alley. The body was discovered in the early hours of the next morning. It was already frozen stiff. The case shocked the entire Imperial Capital, and while the murderer was quickly identified, the area around that alley had been under martial law for a month. And a severe crackdown began throughout the Imperial Capital. In her previous life, Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t left the house since that day; she had learned about it from Mr. Qin. With this in mind, Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly turned her head. She looked directly at Qin Yize sitting beside her. She remembered now that in her previous life, around two o¡¯clock in the morning on the fourth day, he had received a phone call and left, not returning until the evening. He hadn¡¯t had dinner and had locked himself in the study. He didn¡¯t come out all night. It was unclear whether it was out of hate, or because of love. She remembered everything about Qin Yize very clearly. She recalled that Qin Yize, who was already as cold as snow, had turned into an icy, sealed deep pool after that day. At the time, she had thought it was because she had lost face, but looking back now, that wasn¡¯t it. No matter how embarrassing that day was, it was not as bad as the first day. Then the following events became easier to analyze. Although Qin Yize was a medical research doctor, he had also undergone special training. He also had an exceptional sensitivity to the scent of blood. And that day, because Qin Xiaoyu and Bai Yun chatted incessantly along the way, with Qin Xiaoyu¡¯s loud voice, and her own head feeling groggy, staggering as she walked, Bai Yun supported her on one side while talking to Qin Yize, who was also helping her. Added to that were her intermittent crying sounds, so when they passed the alley, they utterly failed to notice anything unusual happening there. In this life, the journey was quiet; naturally, he heard the faint cries for help from the elderly man right away. Or perhaps he first detected the scent of blood. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Qin Yize¡¯s profile, which resembled a perfect sculpture, and wondered to herself, had this man felt extreme self-blame and regret in his heart after the Public Security found out that they happened to be passing by at that time, in her previous life? Did it become the guilt of his lifetime? Though, in reality, without her, the old man from her past life could hardly have escaped death. Nevertheless, no matter what, he found out and he went to save him. Rather than finding out he missed the opportunity to save a life only after being questioned by the Public Security. There¡¯s even a possibility that he tried to save a life by going to the emergency room and stepping onto the operating table, but despite doing everything he could, he was still unable to bring the person back. Back then, Qin Yize was actually riding high, full of vigor, and outstanding among his peers. Gu Qiaoqiao thought, did he feel utterly ashamed in front of the Public Security in her past life? These things, she would never know. Yet she clearly remembered that when she later told him she wasn¡¯t drunk that day and something was off, he did not only avoid listening to her details but also indifferently walked away. At this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s thoughts were churning, but she had no idea how long she had been staring at Qin Yize. Qin Yize felt somewhat puzzled, slightly amused, and a bit baffled. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s gaze was strange, as if she was looking through him at someone else. This realization caused Qin Yize to furrow his brows, continuing to look straight ahead, he spoke softly, ¡°Have you looked enough?¡± The sound of a girl¡¯s giggle followed. Only then did Gu Qiaoqiao snap out of it, turning her head woodenly to look out the window. She seemed to understand the indifference and the faint impatience he had shown those days in her past life, but whether in her past or present life, she would never forgive! Bai Yun, Qin Xiaoyu, Ning Yuli, Zhu Jianguo¡­ If not for their plots, if the two of them, like any other couple, had walked home, how could they not have noticed what was happening in the alleyway? Or perhaps, he should have silenced Bai Yun and Qin Xiaoyu then. That way, he could have heard. Gu Qiaoqiao felt somewhat embarrassed, alright, in truth, she too cried all the way home. But still¡­ if¡­ So many assumptions brought a cold smile to the corners of Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s mouth. What difference did all these make against the terrifying nature of the human heart? She bit her lip, grateful that everything had started over again. Not only did Luo Zhenyu not die in this life, but he also turned misfortune into a blessing, ending up with a body much healthier than before. Finally, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s stiff body relaxed. Meanwhile, Qin Yize felt that Gu Qiaoqiao was embarrassed by what he said. He also wondered if his words just then had been too harsh? Lately, she had rarely looked him in the eye, and on the rare occasions she did, it lacked the previous shyness and affection. Most of the time, it seemed as though she was looking through him at something else. That unfamiliar expression and thoughtful appearance made him feel somewhat uncomfortable. Perhaps it was a flaw in human nature. When she looked at him with love, he felt it as a burden, but when she genuinely regarded him as a stranger, he wished that his shadow would be present in those clear, watery eyes. Qin Yize despised himself. If he didn¡¯t object to her sneaking glances, why did he expose her just now? It would have been better to pretend ignorance. From the corner of his eye, he glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao, only to find that she¡¯d almost completely turned away. The corners of Qin Yize¡¯s lips curved into a handsome arc, his eyes sparkling with a glimmering light as the sun rapidly passed by. At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s mind was on the old man Luo Zhenyu. She had said yesterday that for three generations up, they mostly came from humble beginnings. The statement made sense but was not applicable to Luo Zhenyu. He came from a truly prestigious and well-known family. Even if you counted ten generations back, they were illustrious. Just like the Qin Family! Chapter 33 - Chapter 33: Chapter 32: I Just Want the Result Chapter 33: Chapter 32: I Just Want the Result The Luo Family had once produced three top scholars. Some descendants became prime ministers, while others commanded armies and fought battles far and wide. It was a family with an extremely rich heritage. Even in the hands of Luo Zhenyu, this remained the case. Before the establishment of the New Nation, he had taken his family¡¯s young members to deliver medicine and food to the soldiers fighting at the front lines, and donated nearly half of his family¡¯s wealth in money and goods. Atop the city tower in the Imperial Capital, he had participated in the founding ceremony with the nation¡¯s founding fathers. She knew no more than that. However, from what she had just heard between him and Luo Fan, it was clear that the Luo family had businesses both domestically and internationally. They say that leaves fall back to their roots. The old man wanted to return home, which is why he had come back to visit. But he hadn¡¯t expected that, when he visited the alley where he once lived alone, an accident would occur. Gu Qiaoqiao couldn¡¯t help but sigh. In this world, every drink and peck is predestined! Looking at it now, this saying indeed seems to hold some truth. The bus slowly came to a stop. Qin Yize stood up and turned to look at Gu Qiaoqiao, who was still lost in thought, and gently reminded her, ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± He never knew what Gu Qiaoqiao was thinking about all day. Only then did Gu Qiaoqiao come to her senses and followed Qin Yize off the bus. The chilly air hit her face, but it cleared her mind considerably. The tangled entanglements of her past and present lives kept her silent as she walked towards the Qin family¡¯s place. Qin Yize frowned noncommittally. He strode forward, keeping pace beside Gu Qiaoqiao. They reached home without another word. Shen Manru had prepared the meal and asked about the situation at the hospital, but Qin Yize didn¡¯t tell her whom he had saved. Naturally, Gu Qiaoqiao wouldn¡¯t say much either. After lunch and cleaning up the kitchen, Gu Qiaoqiao returned to her room. Yet she hadn¡¯t noticed Qin Yize, who had seemingly left the house again. She cast a fleeting glance at Qin Yize and walked towards the balcony. She didn¡¯t expect Qin Yize to call out to her, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao halted her steps, then turned around and quietly looked at Qin Yize. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you touched the salary I gave you?¡± Qin Yize asked in a deep voice. Salary? Gu Qiaoqiao frowned, unable to recall anything about a salary. ¡°I remember giving it to you as soon as we got home, why did you leave it all in the drawer?¡± Qin Yize asked nonchalantly. Gu Qiaoqiao looked toward the study, feeling her memory should be intact, wondering how she could forget. Seeing her still looking puzzled, Qin Yize went to the study, opened the drawer, and placed a stack of money on the coffee table, ¡°The Border City Experimental Base is quite remote, and many things are inconvenient to buy. The malls open tomorrow, and if you have time, you can go buy some daily necessities you need.¡± His voice was very calm and indifferent, completely unaffected by Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s cold expression. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the stack of money and rejected it without thinking, ¡°There¡¯s no need to buy anything, I¡¯m not going to Border City with you.¡± Qin Yize¡¯s brows moved slightly, but he didn¡¯t dwell on the issue. Instead, he said to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°I have to go out for a bit.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao raised her eyebrows in surprise and found it amusing, so she smirked sarcastically and turned her head away. She didn¡¯t want to see him; the longer she stayed with him, the more suffocated she felt. Yet, she hadn¡¯t anticipated that the first barrier to proposing a divorce would be Qin Yize¡¯s disapproval. If he didn¡¯t agree, it would be very troublesome. Qin Yize saw Gu Qiaoqiao turn her head away, but he truly didn¡¯t understand what her action meant. Was it because she was upset that he was going out, or because she was upset that he wasn¡¯t taking her with him? He fastened the buttons of his coat, feeling it necessary to explain where he was going, and also to remind Gu Qiaoqiao. ¡°I¡¯m going to a KTV to meet Brother Hao. These few days¡ª¡± Qin Yize paused here before continuing, ¡°these few days don¡¯t get in touch with Bai Yun until I investigate what happened last night clearly.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly turned her head around. She stared hard at Qin Yize, and at that moment, it seemed as if all her blood was rushing to her head, ¡°Why are you meeting Brother Hao, why shouldn¡¯t I contact Bai Yun, and what are you investigating?¡± Qin Yize¡¯s hand, which was on the door, slowly lowered. After thinking, he took two steps closer to Gu Qiaoqiao and said, looking down, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, do you know something?¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking you, what are you investigating?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly raised her voice. Qin Yize frowned, but still spoke with patience. ¡°Chengfeng told me roughly, Xiao Yu also said that when you and Bai Yun, Ning Yuli went out, you were looking for me in the private room, claiming the person there was me. But that person was Zhu Jianguo, Bai Yun¡¯s cousin, who grew up with her. How confused does one have to be to mistake her own cousin for me, and Zhu Jianguo said Bai Yun had a glass of brandy in the private room. Xiao Yu said that when Bai Yun was sitting next to her, there were no signs of being drunk¡­¡± ¡°Then what do you want to investigate?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked hoarsely. ¡°Bai Yun¡¯s hysterical state is suspicious. Acting drunk to the point of undressing seems excessive, so, if it wasn¡¯t the brandy, then it must have been something wrong with the orange juice she drank.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao stared blankly at Qin Yize, her mind buzzing as if something was echoing. But Qin Yize thought that Gu Qiaoqiao was scared. He softened his voice, but his eyes were somewhat cold, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, the human heart is the most unpredictable. We don¡¯t harm others, but basic self-protection is still necessary.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hands slowly clenched together, and the hatred in her heart spread like wild grass rapidly growing across a prairie, instantly filling her heart. If Qin Yize in her past life had been so sharp in detecting her odd behavior, would the following days have had fewer tragedies? If he had been this patient in reminding her, would her life have been less difficult? It¡¯s a pity, in this life, she didn¡¯t need it anymore. Gu Qiaoqiao coldly looked at Qin Yize, the hatred in her eyes impossible to hide. She suddenly spoke sarcastically, ¡°Qin Yize, it turns out your eyes aren¡¯t blind after all.¡± Qin Yize¡¯s brows tightened, his gaze becoming sharp as he set aside his gentle demeanor. He wasn¡¯t angry, but asked Gu Qiaoqiao lightly, ¡°What exactly do you know about last night¡¯s incident?¡± The atmosphere in the room was somewhat oppressive, as if the air had cooled several degrees. ¡°It was my first time at KTV, what do you think I would know?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked back with a cold laugh. ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, don¡¯t you want to know the truth?¡± Qin Yize took a deep breath and asked softly. ¡°No!¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°I only want the outcome; the reasons and the truth are no longer important to me,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao spoke somberly. ¡°So the outcome you want is to make Bai Yun lose face publicly?¡± Qin Yize asked in an even tone. ¡°What, do you feel sorry for her?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked mockingly. ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao,¡± Qin Yize¡¯s frown deepened, his voice somewhat suppressed with anger, ¡°I¡¯ve told you before, there is nothing between me and Bai Yun. Don¡¯t mix me up with her!¡± Chapter 34 - Chapter 34: Chapter 33 The Feeling of Being Watched by a Wolf Chapter 34: Chapter 33 The Feeling of Being Watched by a Wolf ¡°` ¡°Then who were you investigating for?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked disdainfully. ¡°For¡­¡± That word ¡°you¡± that Qin Yize was about to say got swallowed back down under Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s angry gaze. Qin Yize, who had never thought his actions would be disdained and questioned, felt a surge of shame and annoyance that was completely new to him. ¡°Who you¡¯re investigating for has nothing to do with me, I only want the results I desire. As for anything else, I have no interest whatsoever,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said indifferently. Qin Yize¡¯s eyes darkened. Unmoved, Gu Qiaoqiao continued to look at Qin Yize with mocking eyes, ¡°Hurry up with your investigation then. In a few days, you¡¯ll be leaving. Wouldn¡¯t it be a waste if there isn¡¯t enough time and all the big talk becomes empty words?¡± Qin Yize stared fixedly at Gu Qiaoqiao, this little woman who seemed to have put up countless spikes around herself; she really didn¡¯t understand him at all. He walked toward Gu Qiaoqiao with even steps, each one powerful and seemingly carrying an overwhelming sense of pressure. He was like a wolf that had spotted its prey, a cold light flashing in his eyes as if calculating the best spot to bite. And such a Qin Yize made Gu Qiaoqiao want to turn around and run away. But she gritted her teeth and stood her ground. Qin Yize stopped just one step away from Gu Qiaoqiao. He looked intently at Gu Qiaoqiao, and for some reason, he had the urge to pluck out all the spines from this little woman¡¯s body. Although he did not like the her from before, he also did not like her now, filled with hatred towards him. Why was that? If she wished to love, she could love; if she didn¡¯t, she could just divorce. Was he, Qin Yize, some kind of object? His mouth slowly curved into a smile. At this moment, no one else existed in his eyes. He spoke to Gu Qiaoqiao word by word, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, I will clear up the matter within two days. You like results, don¡¯t you? So, just wait peacefully.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao opened her mouth, wanting to retort, but suddenly she had another thought. She knew the ins and outs of this place all too well. What Qin Yize¡¯s final investigation conclusion would be, whether true or false, no one could be clearer than her. She was looking forward to it. If Qin Yize really found out the truth, what would he do? ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll wait,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said, word for word. Qin Yize did not overlook the flicker of interest in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes. He reaffirmed once again that Gu Qiaoqiao knew the inside story. He gave Gu Qiaoqiao a deep look, his lips pressing into a cold, straight line, then turned around and strode out of the room. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s shoulders sagged after all. Even having lived two lives, she still felt very tense in the face of Qin Yize¡¯s imposing aura. It had nothing to do with experience. Because Qin Yize¡¯s presence was cultivated from a young age, it was intrinsic to him, and coupled with his habit of leading medical teams to the most dangerous of places, his personality carried both the compassion of a medic and the cold ruthlessness of human nature. Having lived together for three years in her past life, naturally, she knew him best. At this moment, a sense of apprehension and unease rose in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart¡ªshe felt as if she were being targeted by Qin Yize. Like a wolf, merely waiting for the right moment to pounce and snap her throat. Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head vehemently; if it came to it, she would rather he remained as indifferent as he had been in the past. Clang, clang, clang¡­ The sudden knocking scared Gu Qiaoqiao. Her face turned a bit pale. Besides Shen Manru, no one else would knock on her door. ¡°` Because Qin Xuan would never come. Gu Qiaoqiao frowned, but instinctively called out, ¡°Come in.¡± Shen Manru pushed the door open. Standing at the doorway, she looked at the graceful Gu Qiaoqiao inside the room, feeling a complex mix of emotions and a sense of unwillingness. But more than anything else, it was a feeling of helplessness. Her son, cold in nature, was taken by Old Grand Master Qin by his side when he was just five years old. Only after that did he return for school. However, during the summer and winter breaks, she rarely saw her son, who spent more time with Old Grand Master Qin. He had even spent a few years in the Special Preparation Team, and after coming out of it, he acquired good skills to protect himself, which she approved of, as her son was eventually to inherit the Qin family business. Despite the Qin family¡¯s vast enterprises, almost all were controlled by the old master and his second son. Her own son excelled in his studies, attended the best university, and then went abroad for further education, a path she also favored. But unexpectedly, after completing his Ph.D., her son organized a medical team and always rushed to the most dangerous places. Later, he went to a research base to work on scientific research, which she really didn¡¯t like. Old Grand Master Qin also was not in a hurry for him to take over and let him have his way. She was displeased. But she simply didn¡¯t dare to confront the old master head-on. Her son showed her nothing more than the respect due to a mother and was not close to her. Before she could resolve the frustrations within her, her son went on to marry a village girl who had not even completed high school. Timid, weak, and someone who approached others in a cringing way, spending money recklessly to the point of contempt¡­ This only added insult to injury for her bottled-up feelings. Not to mention the foolish accident on New Year¡¯s Eve, which landed her in the hospital. Now, when she went out, people were still eagerly asking about the incident that day. So, she really disliked her. She even harbored hatred towards Gu Qiaoqiao. However, these past few days, the Gu Qiaoqiao she saw could not be ignored; patiently massaging Grandma Qin every day. Whether it was to curry favor or not, this persistence even made Qin Xuan feel ashamed when he saw his mother walking with a cane instead of relying on a wheelchair. As Grandma Qin¡¯s son, he had not achieved this. He only thought that as long as Ah Ze was there, they wouldn¡¯t need to bother. Just now, Grandma Qin had handed her Five Hundred Yuan, asking her to deliver it to Gu Qiaoqiao. She initially did not want to come, but after hearing what Grandma Qin said, though she didn¡¯t want to admit it, she felt there was some truth to it. So she came, albeit reluctantly. In addition, these past few days, Gu Qiaoqiao had been well-behaved, a far cry from before, and she cooked delicious meals and kept the house tidy. Standing there, she even looked a bit like a daughter-in-law of the Qin family, which eased her resentment somewhat. But when she saw Gu Qiaoqiao, she still felt a blockage in her heart. Thus, her expression was rather indifferent. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t mind at all. A smiling face would have been truly startling. Still managing the necessary politeness, Gu Qiaoqiao asked, ¡°Is there something you need?¡± It was then that Shen Manru remembered her task. She seemed not to notice the money on the coffee table and instead handed Gu Qiaoqiao the envelope, saying faintly, ¡°You¡¯ll be working at the mall tomorrow, and you¡¯ll need quite a few things for your trip to Border City. Buy everything you can in advance so you¡¯re not at a loss when the time comes. I heard Ah Ze say that place is very remote.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao looked down at the envelope, her eyes flickering slightly, and handed the envelope back to Shen Manru, ¡°You take it back. I don¡¯t need it.¡± Shen Manru glanced at the money on the coffee table, her brows furrowed, ¡°That money is Ah Ze¡¯s salary, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°It should be,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said noncommittally. Time was still too stretched out, and she did not remember every single detail clearly. Chapter 35 - Chapter 35: Chapter 34 The Talks Failed (Added) Chapter 35: Chapter 34 The Talks Failed (Added) ¡°You won¡¯t know how many years it will be before you can come home again, and that money won¡¯t be enough. Besides, this is what we¡¯re giving you,¡± Shen Manru patiently explained, frowning. Gu Qiaoqiao curved her lips into a smile as she looked at the uncomfortable Shen Manru, but then suddenly asked, ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± ¡°What?¡± Shen Manru replied, displeased. ¡°I want to divorce Qin Yize, will you support me?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked bluntly. Shen Manru¡¯s eyes widened in shock, then she looked at Gu Qiaoqiao carefully and seriously. After seeing Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s equally serious expression, she clenched her teeth and asked, ¡°Are you serious?¡± ¡°Yes, absolutely true, I swear,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao even raised her hand. At this moment, Shen Manru¡¯s expression was extremely complex. It kept changing, and Gu Qiaoqiao found every emotion present, seemingly with the sole exception of joy. What¡¯s going on? Shouldn¡¯t she be overjoyed? Gu Qiaoqiao had thought about it in the morning; there was no need to keep the matter of the divorce a secret any longer. Firstly, telling Shen Manru directly would definitely gain her support. Although she knew that Qin Yize wasn¡¯t someone who just obeyed his parents, it was still better than nothing. But what did Shen Manru¡¯s expression signify? The usually graceful lady now looked somewhat ferocious due to anger, her breathing rapid and uneven. Her hands were even trembling slightly. Although Gu Qiaoqiao knew she shouldn¡¯t have any heart conditions, she shut her mouth upon seeing such anger. After a long while, Shen Manru bit her teeth and said with a voice both angry and full of hatred, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, this is not how it works. You marry if you want to marry, you leave if you want to leave; what do you take my son for? You want my outstanding son to become a divorced man, let me tell you first, I won¡¯t agree!¡± How could she let her precious son become a divorcee? It didn¡¯t matter for others, but for her perfect and flawless son, it was a blemish. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t understand, ¡°Your words are a bit extreme. Isn¡¯t divorce quite normal now? Whether it¡¯s the powerful and noble or the ordinary folks, it¡¯s not a shameful matter. You¡¯re a university professor, how can you be so old-fashioned?¡± Shen Manru laughed out of sheer rage, ¡°Don¡¯t try to press me with your grand talk. Other people are other people; they have nothing to do with me. Gu Qiaoqiao, since you¡¯ve decided to marry into this family, you need to learn how to be a daughter-in-law of the Qin Family. As for the rest, I consider you never mentioned it today.¡± Shen Manru turned and left. ¡°What if your son agrees too?¡± Shen Manru turned around once more, a smile on her lips Gu Qiaoqiao couldn¡¯t comprehend. She said with certainty, ¡°My son won¡¯t agree.¡± ¡°Are you so sure?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao frowned. ¡°I know my son!¡± she said, and left without looking back. When the door closed, it was louder than usual because of her anger. Gu Qiaoqiao thought this whole family was crazy! Of course, that excluded Grandma Qin. She never imagined that getting a divorce would be this difficult. In her mind, Shen Manru was supposed to be the most supportive, yet the reaction was unexpectedly intense. A blemish? Is divorce a blemish? Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t understand. How had she divorced in her previous life? Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s expression dimmed. In her previous life, her divorce went smoothly, was it because of the sentence she said to Qin Yize? ¡°Qin Yize, never let me see you again.¡± Back then, her family members died one after another, her brother was arrested for intentional homicide, almost leaving her with nothing. The Qin Family wasn¡¯t faring any better. Qin Xiaoyu was lying in the hospital, Grandma Qin had passed away, Mr. Qin¡¯s hair turned white overnight, the old master had a stroke out of anger and died within a year¡­ Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s face darkened as she thought that even without that sentence, their families had already become enemies. In such circumstances, divorce was inevitable. But what about this lifetime? These tragedies would absolutely never occur again in this lifetime. Not only did they not happen, but she even gained the Old Master¡¯s favor. Grandma Qin was getting stronger by the day, and it was expected that within three days, she could throw away her cane and walk on her own. And she would never suffer from leg pain in this lifetime. These past few days, Gu Qiaoqiao, like a pearl covered in dust, was quietly blooming with the radiance unique to her. Even when Gu Qiaoqiao caused quite a few incidents in her past life, Shen Manru never suggested her son divorce her. So, who would consider divorce in this lifetime? But who could have known she was reborn with her memories intact? The regret and pain carved into her heart, she simply couldn¡¯t shake them off. Gu Qiaoqiao angrily threw the envelope onto the ground and swept all the money from the coffee table onto the floor as well. They scattered about, covering the ground. At that moment, the door was pushed open again. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes glowed red as she stared intently at Qin Xiaoyu. Without waiting for her to speak, Gu Qiaoqiao scolded coldly, ¡°Get out!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Qin Xiaoyu, just as she stepped in, froze in place. The hairpin in her palm pricked her, infuriating her, but upon seeing Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s cold and reddened eyes, her heart skipped a beat in terror. Her eldest brother was someone she had admired since she was little, and she had always listened to him. Especially when accompanying Grandma Qin for walks, seeing the relaxed and joyful mood of her grandmother, she realized what Gu Qiaoqiao had done. If her brother said something was amiss last night, then it surely was. Therefore, she wouldn¡¯t mention it again, and upon Grandma¡¯s reminder, she took out her favorite hairpin to give to Gu Qiaoqiao. In Grandma¡¯s words, it was important to distinguish between those close and those distant. But she hadn¡¯t expected to be coldly turned away by Gu Qiaoqiao. Angry, she ran into her own room. Yet, with a start, she looked behind, worried that Gu Qiaoqiao would come after her to hit her. Qin Xiaoyu immediately shut her room door tightly. Gu Qiaoqiao crouched down and picked up all the money from the floor. She put Shen Manru¡¯s money into the envelope, and along with Qin Yize¡¯s salary, placed it in the study¡¯s drawer. She would not use their money. Moreover, she would return the five thousand yuan dowry to the Qin family after the divorce. To break it off, it had to be done thoroughly. But thinking of this, Gu Qiaoqiao felt there was still a lump of air trapped in her heart. Divorce, it turned out, was not as simple as she had imagined. Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head, took a deep breath, and felt as if some of the frustration bottled up inside was relieved. She stopped thinking about these matters; after all, where there¡¯s a will, there¡¯s a way. Gu Qiaoqiao took out the carving knife from the wardrobe. After washing her hands, she sat at the desk, which had several walnuts on it. She realized that what was most urgent was to have money in her own hands. Being penniless truly made things difficult. It was a pity there was no jade; she could only use the readily available material¡ªwalnuts. She could carve food, but she was most skilled at carving jade. Of course, her grandfather had also taught her nucleus carving. In both her past life and this one, she had an extremely high talent for carving. When her grandfather discovered her gift when she was young, his face bore an indistinguishable mix of sorrow and joy. Chapter 36 - Chapter 36: Chapter 35 Nucleus Carving Chapter 36: Chapter 35 Nucleus Carving At that time, Grandma was still alive, watching her deft little hands, tears streaming down drop by drop. Time was too distant, and Gu Qiaoqiao couldn¡¯t remember what they had said. It seemed that Grandpa didn¡¯t teach her wholeheartedly, yet he also wanted her to learn everything. She could feel Grandpa¡¯s contradiction, as if he hoped she would inherit his mantle, yet he didn¡¯t want Gu Qiaoqiao to enter the industry. Her parents did not like their daughter learning anything about carving, so, under this on-and-off state, Gu Qiaoqiao miraculously learned to master everything. She also easily mastered Grandpa¡¯s unique nucleus carving skills. At this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was very grateful for this kind of teaching from Grandpa, whether it was accidental success or following his own whims, in any case, this was the foundation for her future livelihood. Especially in the days that followed, these things became increasingly valuable. However, her skills were not enough yet. No matter how skilled, without fame, the value would be greatly diminished. But, exchanging them for a little money was still good. Gu Qiaoqiao finally selected a walnut suitable for nucleus carving. She slightly closed her eyes, meditated for a while, and then slowly opened her eyes. A brilliant light streaked across her clear eyes at that moment; she moved her fingers to let her mind go blank. Then, holding the walnut in her left hand, she took up the carving knife with her right, and on the walnut, made the first cut. With this first cut, Gu Qiaoqiao was surprised to find that her fingers, imbued with Spiritual Energy, seemed to be touched by Divine Power, which then passed through her fingers to the carving knife. The strength and flexibility were perfect, just as she had imagined. Gu Qiaoqiao began to carve the outline. She remembered studying about nucleus boat during high school, which after learning, her interest in nucleus carving increased even more, and she also tried to carve one. Grandpa was very happy, though the piece was somewhat immature and rough, full of flaws, but he had to admit, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s nucleus carving was full of Spiritual Energy. Then Grandpa cherished the nucleus carving and kept it safe. Only later did she have to go to school, and she also found that holding the carving knife made her hands callous, so she began to like it less. What truly captivated her was what came after¡­ It was also during those years that her skills improved by leaps and bounds, finally reaching the state Grandpa had hoped for. Gu Qiaoqiao pulled back from her somewhat melancholic thoughts; initially, it was about carving the outline, now she needed to be fully focused. She was also surprised to find that, due to the continuous flow of Spiritual Energy in her fingers, her carving speed was more than ten times faster than before. After a few cuts, Gu Qiaoqiao entered the zone. After making several phone calls in the study, Qin Yize left the Qin Family¡¯s grand courtyard. After closing the heavy iron gate, he walked towards the KTV. His pace seemed unhurried, but his speed was actually quite fast. At the corner, Qin Yize stopped. His sword-like eyebrows slightly knitted together as he looked at the woman in front of him. The weather was cold, she was not dressed warmly, and, for the sake of beauty, only wrapped a silk scarf around her neck, her cheeks and nose were red from the cold. It was Lin Qinghuan. ¡°Ah Ze,¡± Lin Qinghuan called out softly. But upon seeing that handsome face that captivated souls, her heart already ached as if pricked by a needle. Last night, she had just greeted Qin Yize and they had stood together for less than a minute when that woman came out. Even though she had a thousand words she wanted to say to him, the moment she saw that woman emerge, Qin Yize timely turned his head and called out to her. She had only been abroad for a year, so why had Qin Yize already gotten married by the time she returned? When she first heard the news, it struck her like a bolt from the blue, and she was completely dumbfounded. At that moment, it felt as if her world had collapsed. She cried for three days and nights, until her voice went hoarse. She had once thought that maybe she was that special someone because of the Old Grand Master of the Qin Family, and also because of the days she spent at the Qin Family¡¯s Courtyard. Qin Yize¡¯s coldness and indifference were well-known to everyone. His disregard for girls¡¯ advances was blatant, and sometimes he would coldly tell someone to scram. Although that was his youthful arrogance, it didn¡¯t get much better later on, seeming to emanate a bone-chilling coldness and aloofness. She wisely never confessed her feelings, nor did she entangle herself with him. She desperately hid her feelings, cut her long hair, and acted like one of the guys alongside him and Chu Chengfeng. So, Qin Yize occasionally speaking to her kindly was rare. But what she never expected was that he, who seemingly had no interest in women, had actually gotten married. And his partner was a village girl. She didn¡¯t know the reasons behind this, but none of it overcame the fact that he was already married. The dream of growing her hair long and undergoing a stunning transformation to dazzle him and confess her love was shattered. She couldn¡¯t accept it. So, after lunch, she found herself lingering outside the Qin family¡¯s gate. Just as she hesitated whether to go in or not, to her surprise, Qin Yize actually came out. Seeing Lin Qinghuan¡¯s face, reddened from the cold, Qin Yize was suddenly reminded of Gu Qiaoqiao who liked to bury her little face in her scarf. Only those clear eyes would be visible, truly resembling a little squirrel. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Qin Yize saw Lin Qinghuan just staring at him without speaking, and he grew somewhat impatient. ¡°Ah Ze, I want to talk to you,¡± Lin Qinghuan said gently. ¡°About what?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Lin Qinghuan hesitated. She thought, if she told him that she liked him, that she loved him, would he accept her and then get a divorce? If not, would they even be able to remain friends afterwards? Qin Yize lifted his wrist to check his watch, lowered his head, and said, ¡°You have five minutes, speak.¡± Lin Qinghuan opened her mouth, glanced around, and said, ¡°Ah Ze, can we find a place to talk?¡± Qin Yize¡¯s gaze darkened, ¡°You have four minutes left.¡± Lin Qinghuan didn¡¯t dare to press any further and looked up at the face that made her heart flutter, ¡°Ah Ze, I was only abroad for a year of study, why did you get married so quickly?¡± ¡°Does your studying abroad have anything to do with my marriage?¡± Qin Yize responded indifferently. ¡°I don¡¯t understand, why would you marry her? There are so many good girls in the Imperial Capital, why would you marry a village girl?¡± Lin Qinghuan blurted out without a care. A trace of severity passed through Qin Yize¡¯s eyes, and his usually serene brows and eyes suddenly frosted over, his voice carrying a chill that seemed to freeze the heart, ¡°Lin Qinghuan, the ¡®village girl¡¯ you¡¯re talking about is my wife. Since I married her, she is the best girl. I¡¯m giving you face today for the sake of my Great Grandfather, but remember, you have no right to meddle in my affairs.¡± After speaking, he glanced at his watch and said coldly, ¡°Time¡¯s up.¡± He had a lot to do today, and since he had promised in front of Gu Qiaoqiao to solve everything within two days, it was as good as making a military pledge. That little woman clearly wanted to see him make a fool of himself. How could he possibly let her have her way? Qin Yize finished speaking and walked away without looking back. Chapter 37 - Chapter 37: Chapter 36 Lin Qinghuan Chapter 37: Chapter 36 Lin Qinghuan Lin Qinghuan froze. Tears escaped uncontrollably. She suddenly spoke in a low voice, her voice somewhat hoarse, ¡°Qin Yize, stop!¡± Qin Yize continued to stride forward. Yet, annoyance was rising inside him. Because of his face, because of his family background, because of his excellence, he was always hounded by bold girls. From childhood, it was simply exasperating. It made him want to avoid girls at all costs! For a while, Chu Chengfeng even thought he was gay, which quite alarmed him for some time. He had thought Lin Qinghuan was somewhat different, but last night when he saw her, he knew that everything before had been a pretense. If Lin Qinghuan had not sought him out today, it might have ended like that, and he would not have had to embarrass her to make her give up. But she had come anyway. This woman really liked to masquerade one thing as another. Bai Yun was like this, Lin Qinghuan was also like this, they were far behind Gu Qiaoqiao in this aspect. Gu Qiaoqiao, that little woman, when she liked you, she would marry you no matter what; when she didn¡¯t like you, she would insist on divorce no matter what. Even looking at him seemed tiresome! Thinking about this, a cold glint passed through Qin Yize¡¯s eyes, Gu Qiaoqiao made it too simple to think of him. By this time, Lin Qinghuan had already run up in front of Qin Yize, blocking him, and said hurriedly, ¡°Ah Ze, I¡¯m sorry, I misspoke just now, I really didn¡¯t mean anything else, can you not be angry with me?¡± Qin Yize¡¯s brows showed impatience, ¡°Misspoke?¡± ¡°Mm, I really misspoke,¡± said Lin Qinghuan, swallowing her broken teeth and blood, forcing a smile and said, ¡°Ah Ze, you aren¡¯t really mad at me, are you?¡± ¡°What do you think?¡± Qin Yize retorted. ¡°I promise I won¡¯t talk recklessly anymore,¡± said Lin Qinghuan playfully raising her right hand. Her eyes nervously focused on Qin Yize, terrified he would truly turn hostile. Qin Yize raised his eyebrows unemotionally and then said nonchalantly, ¡°We¡¯ve both grown up, it¡¯s not appropriate for you to call me Ah Ze, I have to go, there¡¯s something else I need to attend to.¡± With that, he didn¡¯t wait for Lin Qinghuan to respond, and strode towards the direction of the KTV. His silhouette was straight, tall, and distinguished, walking through this snowy landscape as if he was a solitary god traversing the mortal world. Lin Qinghuan didn¡¯t chase after him, merely staring blankly as the tall, slim figure disappeared around the corner. It took a long while before she felt the icy sting on her face. Her hand slowly clenched, and only then did she feel the howling wind, her body shivering with cold. But all these could not outweigh the coldness in her heart. She had seen him behave this way with others before, and had felt a little thrill and pride, but when it was directed at her, she found it to be despairingly unbearable. She didn¡¯t think she was stubborn because even after a year abroad, she hadn¡¯t seen anyone more outstanding than Qin Yize; there might have been some, but when your heart and eyes were filled with him alone, no one else could fit in. What was that woman¡¯s name, Gu Qiaoqiao? A simple village girl from the countryside, uneducated, without family background, plain¡ªwhy did she become Ah Ze¡¯s wife? What secrets lay behind all this? Hiding the fierce glint in her eyes, Lin Qinghuan took a deep breath and walked in the other direction. When Qin Yize arrived at the KTV, Brother Hao wasn¡¯t there, and without thinking, he knew he had dodged out. He sat on the sofa in Brother Hao¡¯s office, his posture relaxed, and said indifferently to Brother Hao¡¯s underlings, ¡°Tell your Brother Hao I will only wait for him one hour.¡± The voice wasn¡¯t loud, but the terrifying invisible pressure still made the underling swallow his saliva. This man was someone he couldn¡¯t afford to provoke. Didn¡¯t you see Brother Hao was so scared that he ducked out? After Qin Yize finished speaking, he started to make tea for himself and didn¡¯t look at the somewhat doubtful young brother again. The young brother hesitated for a long time but eventually agreed with a smile plastered on his face. He then hurriedly left Brother Hao¡¯s office. More than half an hour later, Brother Hao, with his face covered in sweat, pushed the office door open. Then, feeling guilty, he quickly shut the door again. Brother Hao¡¯s two underlings, both big and burly men, didn¡¯t follow him in, but stood at the door like two iron towers. After a long while, a muffled grunt came from inside the room, followed by a sound like a heavy object hitting the floor. The two men exchanged glances. Though they wanted to go in, they recalled Brother Hao¡¯s earlier instructions and reluctantly stayed at the door. No one was allowed to disturb them. About an hour later, the door pushed open. Qin Yize appeared at the doorway, as if illuminated by a splendid moonlight. His handsome face, though seemingly calm, harbored a brewing storm in his eyes. His lips tightly pressed, he was as cold as Satan from Hell. He glanced back coldly, then straightened his coat and walked leisurely down the stairs with his long strides. A young brother quickly escorted Qin Yize out. While the other one hurried into the room. Upon entering, he saw their boss, Brother Hao, sitting on the sofa, bent over, pressing a handkerchief to his mouth. The young brother was shocked. There indeed had been a fight. Despite being a refined gentleman, Qin Yize was even more ruthless than they were. Brother Hao looked up and saw the young brother, his face stoic. ¡°Go tell Xiao Zheng to shut down for a month.¡± ¡°Big brother, shut down, but why?¡± the young brother asked doubtfully, knowing it was the peak time for business. ¡°Damn it, why all the nonsense, just go!¡± Brother Hao roared angrily. Frightened, the young brother hurried out to find the hotel¡¯s assistant manager, Xiao Zheng. Brother Hao clutched his stomach and grimaced. Qin Yize had been too brutal, targeting the weak spots. It was excruciatingly painful. Yet his eyes could not contain the sinister threat; Bai Yun and Ning Yuli, those two vile women, dared to deceive him. Turns out, the person they intended to harm was Qin Yize¡¯s wife. He may be seeking death, but they shouldn¡¯t drag him down too. This was a grudge he could not swallow. Meanwhile, Qin Yize, who had left, reached the newsstand. The old man, smiling, put down the newspaper and handed Qin Yize the phone. Qin Yize made a call to Chu Chengfeng, got Zhu Jianguo¡¯s home number, had no time to respond to Chu Chengfeng¡¯s incessant chatter, hung up, and then called Zhu¡¯s house. But he was told Zhu Jianguo had left early in the morning. Even Zhu¡¯s family didn¡¯t know where he went. After hanging up, a cold smile appeared on Qin Yize¡¯s lips. Had the thief, struck by guilt, run away early? He made a few more calls, then stood in front of the newsstand window, waiting for a reply. The old man was delighted. The young man looked even better than a movie star; simply by standing there, he attracted several young girls to buy newspapers and magazines. Only, his expression was a bit colder. The old man wanted to strike up a conversation, but seeing the young man¡¯s furrowed brow and thoughtful face, he did not disturb him. Instead, he picked up his tea pot and continued to read his newspaper. Chapter 38 - Chapter 38: Chapter 37: The Light Boat Has Passed Ten Thousand Heavy Mountains Chapter 38: Chapter 37: The Light Boat Has Passed Ten Thousand Heavy Mountains About half an hour later, the phone rang, and the old man picked it up, then happily handed it to Qin Yize. After listening to the other party, Qin Yize said in a deep voice, ¡°Okay, I got it, I¡¯ll treat you to hot pot at Lao Liu Square another day.¡± A rough voice faintly transmitted through the phone, ¡°Young Master Qin, you are too polite, it should be me treating you.¡± ¡°I have other matters, we¡¯ll talk another day.¡± ¡°Young Master Qin,¡± the other party said urgently, ¡°Do you need me to send some people to help you?¡± ¡°No need.¡± After saying that, Qin Yize hung up the phone. He gave the old man ten yuan and strode toward the roadside. ¡°Young man, wait a moment, I haven¡¯t given you your change yet¡­¡± the old man called out as he poked his head out. Unfortunately, before he had finished speaking, Qin Yize had already got into a taxi and then disappeared in the traffic. About an hour later, a military jeep sped toward the northern suburbs of the Imperial Capital. Qin Yize was driving, with Chu Chengfeng sitting next to him. With the speed too fast, Chu Chengfeng yelled, ¡°Where are you going driving so fast? Don¡¯t you know I get car sick?¡± Qin Yize frowned, looked at Chu Chengfeng beside him, ¡°Going to Lihe Village to find Zhu Jianguo.¡± He then slowed down slightly, slightly displeased he said, ¡°Really should throw you in the Special Preparation Team to toughen up, fix all those bad habits.¡± Chu Chengfeng waved his hand lazily, ¡°I won¡¯t go, I like my life of luxury and splendor. By the way, you aren¡¯t looking for Zhu Jianguo because of last night¡¯s issue, are you?¡± ¡°Yes, Bai Yun and Ning Yuli got a kind of drug from Brother Hao, and the effects were the same as Bai Yun¡¯s reaction. Zhu Jianguo must be one of the instigators, otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have left so early in the morning.¡± ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you go directly to Bai Yun and Ning Yuli?¡± ¡°What do you think?¡± Qin Yize looked at Chu Chengfeng as if he were looking at an idiot. Chu Chengfeng slapped his forehead as if he suddenly understood, but felt he still hadn¡¯t grasped the whole picture, ¡°Is it because you¡¯re worried about tipping them off or because you fear those two women will cry and make a fuss, refusing to admit anything?¡± ¡°Guess it¡¯s both¡­¡± After saying that, Qin Yize fell silent, gripped the steering wheel tighter, his eyebrows showed a trace of severity, and he stepped on the gas, turning onto a mountain road on the right. The swiftly passing wheels kicked up the snow on the ground, and a cold wind blew, scattering it around, as if it were snowing again. At that moment, a slanting sunset hung in the Qin family¡¯s courtyard on the tip of a crabapple tree, the remaining glow of the sun painted the tree and the large courtyard a magnificent pale golden color. Though it was the deep of winter, one could seemingly see the hope of spring. Gu Qiaoqiao looked extremely satisfied with her creation, an exquisitely beautiful and ingeniously crafted nucleus carving. In one corner of the boat, she engraved seven characters ¡ª ¡°The light boat has passed through thousand mountains.¡± This was an ancient small boat. The bow and the stern slightly curved upward. In the middle was the cabin, with a roof patterned with clear bamboo leaves. A gentleman in a long gown stood facing the wind at the bow, his facial features clear, his eyebrows and eyes graceful. On both sides of the cabin were four windows, two of which could be opened and closed freely. The window patterns were intricately cloud-shaped, and the cabin interior was also unique, featuring a tiny tea table the size of a green pea, beside which sat a woman, her hair lightly twisted into a bun, skewered with a wooden hairpin, her arched eyebrows and the corners of her mouth bearing a hint of a smile. Her left hand held a book, seemingly reading to a pair of children sitting across the tea table. At the stern, an old man was merrily holding the oar, his head slightly tilted back, as if checking whether the weather would bring rain. Though Gu Qiaoqiao did not want to be proud, she was indeed very pleased. Her nucleus carving¡¯s figures were lifelike, each sitting or standing with their own posture. It seemed even better than those in the textbooks. However, Gu Qiaoqiao was not confident because she really wasn¡¯t clear about whether nucleus carving had a place in the antique market of 1986. But she would know by tomorrow. Gu Qiaoqiao glanced at the time; it was time to cook. However, there were still some details that needed fine tuning, and she needed to decide on a name for herself. She stood up, placing the engraving tools and the nucleus carving in the closet. She didn¡¯t want Qin Yize to see them. After tidying up, Gu Qiaoqiao went to cook. Since the thirtieth, when she first entered the kitchen, Gu Qiaoqiao had generally taken over all three meals a day for the Qin family. She didn¡¯t mind, and she neither enjoyed nor wanted to eat the meals prepared by Shen Manru. In the kitchen, Shen Manru was washing vegetables. Usually, she and Shen Manru each did their own thing. They occasionally exchanged a few words, merely inquiring about something. When Shen Manru saw Gu Qiaoqiao come in, her expression momentarily froze, but quickly returned to normal. Gu Qiaoqiao tied her apron; the Qin family¡¯s kitchen was spacious, and she went about her work as if she hadn¡¯t seen Shen Manru at all. Shen Manru glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao, her coldness over the past six months expressing her dissatisfaction. She felt that only by acting this way could she find some emotional balance. Yet, she still couldn¡¯t deny that this girl from the countryside had become her daughter-in-law. Like a fishbone stuck in her throat, it could neither be swallowed nor spat out. She had no choice but to slowly digest it. Yet her feelings remained difficult to settle. Sometimes, seeing her distressed, aggrieved appearance and the unease in her eyes made her feel guilty, but every time she thought about her son¡¯s future tied with her, she felt it was self-inflicted. The blisters on one¡¯s feet are from the paths one chooses themselves. People are selfish, and she was no exception. She had no say over her son¡¯s future and marriage, so at least her attitude and thoughts were hers to control, right? She had thought Gu Qiaoqiao would cling to her son for a lifetime. But when Gu Qiaoqiao stated the word ¡°divorce¡± indifferently, without a hint of emotion, there was no joy, only fury. Why bother in the first place! She was a person extremely concerned with face. Marrying Gu Qiaoqiao had already been humiliating, and then getting a divorce less than half a year later, how could she hold her head up in front of her colleagues? Moreover, those gossipy people would say she was being pretentiously virtuous, despising poverty and loving wealth. Shen Manru harbored hatred in her heart, but what could she do now? She put two plates on the dining table, suppressing the churning thoughts in her heart, and said lightly, ¡°Let¡¯s make minced meat with eggplant tonight. I¡¯ve already prepared the eggplant and minced meat; your grandmother loves it.¡± ¡°Okay, just leave it there, I¡¯ll get to it in a bit,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said without looking up. Shen Manru remained silent. Gu Qiaoqiao glanced dismissively at the sullen-faced Shen Manru and asked, ¡°Is there anything else?¡± Shen Manru paused for a moment, a hint of coldness touching the corners of her mouth, before finally voicing her question, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you are clearly capable and a good cook, so why was everything a mess before this?¡± Chapter 39 - Chapter 39: Chapter 38 Rose Chapter 39: Chapter 38 Rose Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand holding the kitchen knife paused. Then she lifted her eyes and seriously scrutinized Shen Manru. Slightly curly medium-length hair, an oval face, and a few wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, which not only did not make her look old but added a bit more charm. The pampered lady looked much younger than the mother in her memory. Yet, the superiority exuding from her heart made Gu Qiaoqiao smirk with a hint of sarcasm. She looked out the window, where under the sunset¡¯s afterglow, the garden behind the kitchen appeared somewhat hazy. It seemed like the wind had picked up outside. The branches of the rosebush shivered in the cold wind. In both her past and present lives, before she turned eighteen, she, too, was a treasured child of her parents; although not wealthy, her mother never allowed her to do kitchen chores. The two daughters of the Gu Family were both raised delicately. Very happily! But once they lost their mother¡¯s protection, they were like the rosebush in the cold wind, with no one to shield them from the elements, relying only on their own strength to survive the harsh winter. Therefore, she later endured hardships, while her younger sister¡­ Gu Qiaoqiao stopped thinking about it, took a deep breath, hid the moisture in her eyes, and asked Shen Manru, ¡°Do you really want to know?¡± Shen Manru nodded. ¡°Remember when I first came here, although I didn¡¯t cook, I wanted to help you wash the dishes, but do you remember what you said to me in this kitchen?¡± Shen Manru was stunned. When she first arrived, Shen Manru was not at all satisfied with Gu Qiaoqiao, even disgusted, and she was very harsh when alone with Gu Qiaoqiao. The harsh her, when not facing Gu Qiaoqiao, felt like a villain inside and regretted it, but upon seeing Gu Qiaoqiao, the demon inside her was unleashed again. Her face changed. Her brow furrowed, as if she was truly recalling the words she had spoken. ¡°The rules and taboos you told me about made me feel as if I had entered the Imperial Palace, so naturally, I was timid and messed everything up.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s tone was mocking, yet her brows carried a hint of an elusive smile. In the past, she really was clumsy and unable to do anything right, but who would know what was real and what was fabricated? Shen Manru indeed really remembered the words she had once said, most frequently saying: ¡°Are your hands washed¡­ This isn¡¯t your countryside¡­ Don¡¯t bring those dirty rural habits to the Qin Family¡­¡± Of course, there was more. The tone naturally was contemptuous and disdainful. Shen Manru grit her teeth, but her face clearly turned a bit red; she angrily asked, ¡°And now?¡± ¡°Now?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly, ¡°I suddenly realized that your Qin Family isn¡¯t the Imperial Palace, so naturally, I relaxed¡­¡± Sharp-tongued. Shen Manru turned and left angrily. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t bother to look and started chopping vegetables again. Qin Xuan was watching a rerun of Journey to the West with Grandma Qin, laughing heartily as they did. At this moment, although Grandma Qin had a walking stick by her side, it was almost for show. Shen Manru had not expected that the country girl had some real skills. But when she thought about how she had just mocked the Qin Family as being like a royal palace, she couldn¡¯t calm her rage. She sat on the sofa with a dark expression. Grandma Qin didn¡¯t seem to notice and still focused on the television with a smile on her face. Qin Xuan glanced at his wife and then looked toward the kitchen before quietly asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°¡­It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± Shen Manru thought for a moment that she should tell Qin Xuan about Gu Qiaoqiao wanting a divorce, but not now, better to wait until evening. Qin Xuan¡¯s impression of Gu Qiaoqiao had increasingly improved. The TV drama was extremely interesting, and the neighbors were all discussing this ¡°Journey to the West,¡± but at that moment, Shen Manru couldn¡¯t get into it. She stood up and went to the dining room. Meanwhile, Grandma Qin, watching her daughter-in-law¡¯s retreating figure, said to Qin Xuan sitting next to her, ¡°A harmonious family makes everything prosperous. Qiaoqiao is becoming more sensible and more lovable by the day. Even if you don¡¯t like her, she is still a bride who entered the Qin Family through a proper marriage. If there¡¯s nothing serious, try to care more about her; despite her young age, she has her own views.¡± ¡°I understand, Mom, don¡¯t worry,¡± Qin Xuan earnestly promised. ¡°Besides, she¡¯s leaving with Ah Ze in a few days and won¡¯t be back until after New Year¡¯s,¡± Grandma Qin¡¯s voice sounded somewhat low. ¡°That¡¯s about right, the base is not only busy with work but also has rules. It¡¯s not like you can return whenever you want.¡± ¡°To be honest, I really don¡¯t want Qiaoqiao to leave¡­¡± Grandma Qin sincerely expressed. Qin Xuan chuckled and joked, ¡°Mom, are you saying that you¡¯re willing to part with your eldest grandson then?¡± ¡°He¡¯s almost always been with his Great Grandfather since he was little. He hasn¡¯t spent much time at home, coming and going, so I¡¯m used to it,¡± Grandma Qin honestly stated. ¡°I actually really want him to leave everything behind and come back to take over the Qin Family¡¯s business. I don¡¯t have the capabilities, and although Ah Ze is a Doctor of Medicine, he also earned PhD degrees in Economics and Business. The Qin Family¡¯s future would be safest in his hands. But I really don¡¯t understand Grandpa and Ah Ze¡¯s thoughts¡­¡± Qin Xuan¡¯s voice carried a hint of sorrow. Grandma Qin sighed and waved her hand at Qin Xuan, ¡°Ah Ze has been decisive from a young age. You shouldn¡¯t worry too much. It¡¯s good that Qiaoqiao is going; perhaps I can hold a great-grandson next year.¡± As she spoke, a look of joy spread across Grandma Qin¡¯s face. That would be five generations under one roof. By this time, Gu Qiaoqiao had finished cooking the meal. Qin Yize hadn¡¯t come home, and Qin Xiaoyu had been unusually quiet that evening. She kept glancing at Gu Qiaoqiao, clearly intimidated by the fierce, red-eyed Gu Qiaoqiao from the afternoon. Gu Qiaoqiao found it both funny and somewhat contemptuous; bullies always picked on the softest targets. This sixteen-year-old little girl, who used to bully her, was now subdued. It seemed her courage wasn¡¯t that great after all, especially compared to her older brother. She abruptly remembered the scene she had once seen in a previous life: Qin Xiaoyu on the street. Unconsciously bending at the waist, hiding behind Shen Manru, her eyes brimming with fear and unease. Clearly, her brother¡¯s knife had become her nightmare. Her impulsive, easily angered only brother ¨C this time, she would do well, and then help her brother grow into an upright and honorable man. Gu Qiaoqiao lowered her head to hide the thoughts in her eyes. The night deepened, and Qin Yize still hadn¡¯t returned. Gu Qiaoqiao placed the last finished nucleus carving into a small paper box, planning to explore the market tomorrow. Regardless of the price, it was just a matter of time for her. And all plans had to wait until after selling the nucleus carvings. Gu Qiaoqiao wasn¡¯t worried, as she fell into a peaceful sleep. Chapter 40 - Chapter 40: Chapter 39: Inviting You into the Urn Chapter 40: Chapter 39: Inviting You into the Urn The fifth day of the New Year arrived. From afar and near, the sounds of firecrackers rose and fell in succession. The fifth day is also known as ¡°Breaking the Fifth,¡± signifying ¡°sending off the New Year.¡± After this day, the New Year was essentially considered over, and everything would return to its normal state. Businesses opened, and some workplaces resumed work. Qin Yize had not returned home all night, and the Qin family was somewhat displeased early in the morning. Nevertheless, firecrackers had to be set off, and dumplings had to be eaten. Moreover, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s dumpling fillings were so deliciously fresh and aromatic that, along with the dipping sauce, they almost made one want to swallow their tongue. Qin Xuan had heard from his wife last night about Gu Qiaoqiao wanting a divorce, but he didn¡¯t take it to heart. Though slightly displeased, he didn¡¯t show it. They were leaving in a few days anyway, so why stir up unpleasantness? Besides, this matter absolutely couldn¡¯t be let known to the old mother. However, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s culinary skills were indeed remarkable. His son would be fortunate in the future. Shen Manru, seeing Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s demeanor, felt slightly more at ease. She was also considering that her mother-in-law, husband, and daughter all loved the dumpling fillings made by Gu Qiaoqiao. She should buy some fillings before Gu Qiaoqiao left and have Gu Qiaoqiao help prepare them. That way, they could enjoy them for a longer period. However, she had no intention of learning herself. Having to learn from Gu Qiaoqiao, whom she had once looked down upon, would be humiliating. The breakfast on the fifth morning ended under these varying thoughts. After cleaning up, Gu Qiaoqiao placed a walnut in her pocket. At this time, the people of the Qin family were busy with their own affairs. Gu Qiaoqiao stood by the side of Duobao Pavilion, quietly looking through the window toward the direction of the main gate. If the trajectory of events in this life did not go awry, Bai Yun would come to ask her out to play. In her previous life, after an embarrassing night, she had locked herself in her room, with only Grandma Qin bringing in her meals. New Year¡¯s Eve, the first day of the New Year, and the third day¡ªshe had caused trouble consecutively during these three days, and Shen Manru wished she could kill her. The Qin family¡¯s New Year was indescribably difficult. And her already insecure heart had become somewhat confused after successive setbacks. After the dramas of New Year¡¯s Eve and the first day, the incident on the night of the third day was seen by the Qin family as Gu Qiaoqiao getting what she deserved. No one asked what exactly had happened, so Bai Yun appeared again, becoming her only savior. She then took her out, and they encountered Sun Yingke and Ning Yuli¡¯s group at the mall, where Gu Qiaoqiao was ridiculed once more. That time, Gu Qiaoqiao truly became furious. She rushed forward and began fighting with Sun Yingke and Ning Yuli. Gu Qiaoqiao had never known she had such fierceness in her, and she almost strangled Ning Yuli to death. Of course, she ended up the worst off. It was so bad that Gu Qiaoqiao forcefully suppressed the memories, avoiding self-torment. Sun Yingke and Ning Yuli were mere accomplices. The most deserving of death was Bai Yun. However, that scene would never happen again in this life. And Bai Yun was someone she could not let go. If she did not come, she would have to take the initiative. As it turned out, Bai Yun did not disappoint her expectations and pushed open the gate of the Qin residence. At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was the only person in the vast living room. Bai Yun immediately saw Gu Qiaoqiao standing by Duobao Pavilion. A surge of hatred emerged, ¡°This bitch, why didn¡¯t she just die.¡± She masked the maliciousness in her eyes and slowly broke into a smile. Just as she was about to speak, she keenly noticed that Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s expression was somewhat panicked. When Gu Qiaoqiao saw Bai Yun, her hand clutching the walnut hastily shoved it into her trouser pocket. Then, looking at Bai Yun in a flustered panic, she even stuttered, ¡°Bai¡­ Yun, you¡¯ve¡­ arrived, I¡¯ll go back to my room first.¡± Saying this, she hurried towards her room as if chased by ghosts. Completely unlike her usual self. In that instant, Bai Yun¡¯s eyes caught sight of something resembling a walnut that Gu Qiaoqiao stuffed into her trouser pocket. Bai Yun looked suspiciously at the spot where Gu Qiaoqiao had just been standing, her eyes suddenly widening. She often visited the Qin Family, and though she dared not touch the items on Duobao Pavilion, she knew what they all were. On the third layer of the grid, there should have been a nucleus carving. A rather ordinary shape of a cicada, but since it was an artefact from the Qianlong era, it was also a significant antique. At this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao, now dressed in a down jacket, hurried out again. With evasive eyes, she seemed very flustered as she said, ¡°Bai Yun, go hang out with Xiao Yu. I need to step out for a bit.¡± ¡°Sister-in-law, where are you going? Can you take me with you?¡± Bai Yun seemed to have forgotten her purpose of coming and also overlooked the embarrassment from the day before. ¡°No,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao raised her voice in refusal and then frantically explained, ¡°I¡¯m going out to buy some daily necessities, also need to pick up some things for my family¡­¡± ¡°Buying things¡­¡± ¡°No, no, not buying things for my family, you heard wrong, okay, I need to go¡­¡± Saying this, Gu Qiaoqiao stopped looking at Bai Yun, pushed the door, and hurriedly walked towards the yard. Bai Yun immediately realized, looking in the direction of Duobao Pavilion, she knew Gu Qiaoqiao had no money on her. What would she use to buy things for her family? Could it be that she had stolen the nucleus carving? It must be so. Bai Yun¡¯s eyes suddenly became intensely determined. What a perfect opportunity. She was determined to make Gu Qiaoqiao unable to stay in the Qin Family any longer. Decisively, she ran out and upon seeing Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s retreating figure, she quietly followed her. From the corner of her eye, Gu Qiaoqiao caught a glimpse of that sneaky, secretive figure and her lips curled into a cold smirk. Thus, Gu Qiaoqiao boarded the bus, and Bai Yun squeezed through the crowd to follow her aboard. The fifth day of the Lunar New Year was crowded; blending into the crowd she was not easily noticed. They then arrived at the famous Antique Street in the Imperial Capital. Gu Qiaoqiao took out a box, looked around pretentiously guilty, and then entered the largest antique shop in the Imperial Capital¡ªYubao Square. Once she entered, she instantly became composed and calm. At this moment, Bai Yun must be waiting outside. She would only leave after confirming that Gu Qiaoqiao had indeed sold the nucleus carving. At this time, there weren¡¯t many people inside Yubao Square, but those present were indeed well-dressed, either rich or noble. Though it was the 1980s, and China had opened up, there were still many poor people; having a good New Year was already a blessing; who would have spare money to come here? Even if they were just window shopping, they lacked the confidence. Gu Qiaoqiao looked around and headed towards a wooden counter that was both wide and large. In her eyes, the counter seemed to be made of red sandalwood. Behind the counter was a middle-aged man wearing glasses, about forty years old. Frequently mingling in this line, his eyes could be called discerning. Thus, cheerfully greeting, ¡°Miss, do you have any treasures to sell?¡± Chapter 41 - Chapter 41: Chapter 40: A Master Among the Common Folk? Chapter 41: Chapter 40: A Master Among the Common Folk? Gu Qiaoqiao was startled and looked toward the person behind the counter, asking in surprise, ¡°How do you know? Shouldn¡¯t you be asking me what caught my interest?¡± The middle-aged man chuckled maliciously, pushing up his glasses on the bridge of his nose, his smile deepening, but he did not contradict Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s statement and seriously asked instead, ¡°Young comrade, could you please tell me what caught your eye?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s suppressed emotions began to improve bit by bit amid the middle-aged man¡¯s teasing yet relaxed questioning. At the same time, she also despised her own stupidity for regarding Bai Yun as her only friend, then being led by the nose by her. Although the world might be overcast, there was sunshine everywhere as well. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s clear eyes turned slightly, thinking that since the middle-aged man had already asked what treasure she wanted to sell, there was no need for further questions. So, she took out a box from her down jacket pocket, opened it, and casually handed over the nucleus carving to the middle-aged man with a smile that bent her eyes and eyebrows, ¡°Boss, would you consider buying this item?¡± The middle-aged man¡¯s previously amused gaze became abruptly fixed when he saw the nucleus carving in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s palm. Even the air around them seemed to stop for a moment. He was the deputy manager here, who had helped the Old Patriarch manage Yubao Square for thirty years. And during those turbulent years, he had been a constant companion by the Old Patriarch¡¯s side¡ªhis eye for detail was not ¡°fire-eyed golden vision,¡± but it was certainly refined to perfection. He was familiar with and understood many things within this line of work. At first glance, he could tell that the nucleus carving had been freshly carved, no more than three days ago. What shook him was not something else, but the realization upon his first glance at the nucleus carving that its exquisite craftsmanship was like nothing he had ever seen before. The middle-aged man carefully took the nucleus carving and noticed the paper box Gu Qiaoqiao had used to carry it, his eyebrows slightly furrowed, feeling that it was disrespectful to such a fine craftsmanship. In the many decades he had been in this trade, he had handled countless treasures. Speaking of nucleus carvings, he had seen innumerable ones. He had seen carvings of small bridges and flowing rivers beneath sweet osmanthus trees, and he had even seen depictions of the one hundred and eight warriors of Liangshan carved onto a walnut. Logically, he should not be so shocked, and moreover, such expressions are a big taboo for a shop keeper. But he had truly never seen such a perfectly exquisite and spiritually energized nucleus carving. The young master standing at the bow of the boat wore a leisurely expression with a hint of a smile at his lips, and even his gaze carried a languid air. The woman in the cabin was gentle and beautiful, with a wooden hairpin in her hair beneath which hung five small pearls that lightly swayed with her movements. The two children sitting opposite the woman¡ªa boy and a girl¡ªthe boy looked somewhat mischievous, his eyes seemingly sneaking peeks at the scenery outside the boat, while the girl appeared to be listening intently, holding a cup of tea in her small hand as if forgetting to drink. The middle-aged man had all but forgotten to attend to the other customers, as he picked up the magnifying glass and looked carefully once again. For a master of nucleus carving, carving a person onto a walnut was simple. However, what was not simple was making those characters come alive, and the people on this carving seemed as if they might step off the boat at any moment. The texture of their clothing was clearly visible, with the woman¡¯s skirt spread out on the floor, resembling an osmanthus flower. The clouds on the eight window panels were of the same size and perfectly symmetrical to each other. Below the ¡°light boat past ten thousand mountains,¡± there lay a signature with ¡°Qiao Sheng¡± inscribed on it. An epitome of exquisite beauty, a breathtaking work of art! ¡°Boss, boss¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao, seeing that the middle-aged man seemed to be spellbound, felt assured and therefore quietly reminded him. The middle-aged man then came back to his senses. He did not attempt to conceal his reaction; in their line of work, integrity and transparency were paramount¡ªeven if they didn¡¯t open shop for a year, when they did, it would sustain them for a decade. He didn¡¯t know when a master of such caliber had appeared in the country. Could this be what they say about the ¡°true masters dwelling among the folk¡±? The middle-aged man introduced himself to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°I¡¯m the second boss here, my name is Zhang Yi.¡± ¡°Boss Zhang¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao amiably agreed. ¡°May I ask what the young comrade¡¯s name is?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao thought that today she was just testing the waters and did not have a perfect plan for the future yet. She pointed at the nucleus carving, ¡°Qiao Sheng¡­¡± ¡°Is that a family member¡¯s name?¡± Zhang Yi¡¯s probing gaze shifted to Gu Qiaoqiao. ¡°It¡¯s mine, I carved it. I want to exchange it for some money, would you be willing to buy it, Boss Zhang?¡± ¡°You carved it?¡± Zhang Yi raised his voice involuntarily, which drew the attention of others around them. ¡°Yes, I carved it.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao still answered obediently. Zhang Yi hesitated no longer, leading Gu Qiaoqiao into a side living room and instructing a young attendant to make tea. He looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, still seemingly disbelieving, ¡°Miss Qiao, may I ask who your master is¡­¡± ¡°My grandfather taught me.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes dimmed, and she spoke softly, ¡°But he has already passed away¡­¡± ¡°Ah, my apologies, I didn¡¯t mean to upset you¡­¡± Zhang Yi quickly apologized. In his mind, he wondered who Miss Xiao Qiao¡¯s grandfather was? He almost knew all the masters in the country. It seemed there was none with the Qiao surname. ¡°Boss Zhang, do you take this nucleus carving? If not, I need to take it to look elsewhere¡­¡± ¡°Of course, we take it¡­¡± Boss Zhang saw that Gu Qiaoqiao looked like she would go elsewhere if his place was not an option. Although it wasn¡¯t the work of a famous artist, the exquisitely superb nucleus carving would definitely sell well. ¡°How much?¡± ¡°A fixed price, six hundred yuan!¡± Zhang Yi was very straightforward too. Buying and collecting were different. Both involved getting it for a low price and selling it high. Gu Qiaoqiao thought to herself, this six hundred yuan was nearly the same as her father¡¯s annual salary. Yet this was the first piece she had carved since she had been reborn, although it hadn¡¯t cost her much effort. But it still held a meaning unknown to others. However, this was 1986. Six hundred yuan was already quite a sum. It was equivalent to the living expenses of a normal rural family for two years. Actually, Gu Qiaoqiao had not planned to haggle; she had agreed to it in her heart. But still, she picked up the nucleus carving, held it in her palm, and reluctantly scanned it with her gaze. However, this gesture, when seen by Zhang Yi, took on a different flavor. Even though it was not carved by a famous artist, the highest realm of carving was to create something so fine that it seemed divinely inspired. And this nucleus carving fitted that description perfectly. Therefore, this experienced old-timer from the Itinerant World who had taken a liking to the nucleus carving at first glance once again spoke up, ¡°Miss Xiao Qiao, eight hundred yuan, that¡¯s the limit I can offer.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was taken aback, but without a change in her expression, she handed the nucleus carving to Zhang Yi, ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a deal!¡± Zhang Yi laughed heartily and said to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Miss Xiao Qiao does business straightforwardly. In the future, if you have any good items, come directly to me, or I can come to you instead.¡± He also wanted to have a chance to meet the real master carver of the nucleus carving. He actually didn¡¯t believe that it was carved by Gu Qiaoqiao. Chapter 42 - Chapter 42: Chapter 41 The Real Reason for Choosing Yubao Square Chapter 42: Chapter 41 The Real Reason for Choosing Yubao Square When he spoke those words, he had already considered that maybe the girl would not agree. Sure enough, Gu Qiaoqiao rejected him, her voice crisp as she said, ¡°No need to look for me, I can come to you.¡± ¡°Alright, then it¡¯s settled,¡± Zhang Yi did not hesitate, but instead instructed his assistant to get the money. The money was thoughtfully prepared in two denominations, with fifty-one five hundred yuan bills and the remainder in ten yuan bills. Gu Qiaoqiao put the money in her down jacket¡¯s pocket, the first money she had ever earned in her life; she was very happy, and thus generously handed the cardboard box to Zhang Yi, ¡°Boss Zhang, the box is for you.¡± Boss Zhang¡¯s mouth twitched; such exquisite nucleus carving in this battered box was truly a waste of its beauty. However, he would never let Gu Qiaoqiao know that her nucleus carving was currently the foremost piece in Yubao Square¡¯s collection. If there were any regrets, it was that the piece wasn¡¯t carved by a famous artist, nor did it have any historical provenance or backstory. But a flaw does not hide the jade. Good things never lack people who truly appreciate them. Seeing Boss Zhang¡¯s face smile like a sly fox, Gu Qiaoqiao also curved her lips upward. The reason she had come straight to Yubao Square on Antique Street was something she had heard about in her past life. Especially about Boss Zhang Er from here, who started following the Old Patriarch at ten and became the second manager by fifteen. It wasn¡¯t because of the Old Patriarch¡¯s deep affection, but because this person had a discerning eye and an open nature, giving a fair price whether buying or selling. He wouldn¡¯t depress the price just because the other party was anxious to sell, nor would he inflate the price just because the other party genuinely loved the item. In the end, it was always a win-win situation. Therefore, the people who came here never had to worry about being cheated or deceived. Yubao Square was originally in Jinling City and had withstood several hundred years, including multiple wars, but rather than declining, it had continued to grow and develop. But no one knew why, eighty years ago, it closed all its shops in Jinling City and moved to the Imperial Capital. Even so, Yubao Square still maintained an unshakable status as a leader in the Imperial Capital. Zhang Yi murmured in his heart, but did not neglect his tasks, smiling warmly as he said, ¡°Thank you then, Miss Xiao Qiao.¡± He took the box and carefully placed it on the table. ¡°Boss Zhang, goodbye.¡± ¡°Miss Qiao, take care on your way.¡± As Gu Qiaoqiao walked out of the main entrance of Yubao Square, sure enough, she saw Bai Yun¡¯s dodging figure in the corner of the wall. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes, clear as spring water, flickered with a dark light. She carefully looked around, then took out several ten yuan bills from her pocket, her eyes shining joyously as she stared at them for a long time before reluctantly putting them back. Then she walked towards Bai Yun. Bai Yun was startled and hastily turned and mingled into the crowd. When she turned her head back, she could no longer see Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s figure. Bai Yun¡¯s eyes were fierce, and she let out a cold laugh, then quickly walked toward the bus station. She wanted to go to the Qin Family immediately to expose Gu Qiaoqiao when she returned, and then Gu Qiaoqiao would not only be driven out of the Qin Family, but might even be sent to detention, which would really be satisfying. After Bai Yun had gone, Gu Qiaoqiao came out from behind a sign. She was just about to turn the corner when she saw a young man a few steps away, his eyes smiling as he looked at her. Gu Qiaoqiao was startled and before she could react, the man quickly walked over, greeting her with a smile, ¡°It really is Qiaoqiao. I thought I had recognized the wrong person for a moment.¡± It was Luo Fan, Luo Zhenyu¡¯s grandson. Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t expected to run into him, so had he seen her holding the money earlier? Gu Qiaoqiao chuckled, ¡°Hello, Mr. Luo.¡± ¡°What Mr. Luo, call me Big Brother Luo¡­¡± Luo Fan clearly wasn¡¯t pleased with Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s distant form of address. Luo Fan, unlike Qin Yize¡¯s cool demeanor, liked to smile a lot, his peach blossom eyes also brimming with mirth. He seemed very warm and affable. She wasn¡¯t pretentious, ¡°Big Brother Luo¡­¡± Then she continued to ask, ¡°How is Grandpa Luo¡¯s health?¡± ¡°Much better, he¡¯ll be able to leave the hospital in half a month,¡± Luo Fan was very happy to hear this address of Big Brother Luo. He didn¡¯t know why his grandfather had instructed him to treat Gu Qiaoqiao with such high regard, but as the designated heir, he knew his grandfather had his reasons. However, his grandfather had also instructed him not to disturb her unilaterally. ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t have a watch and wasn¡¯t sure of the time, she looked at the sun and said to Luo Fan, ¡°Big Brother Luo, I have other matters, I need to leave now.¡± Luo Fan knew she was married and had many inconveniences. He didn¡¯t try to hold her back, but instead said cheerfully, ¡°I came by car, how about I drive you back?¡± ¡°No need.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao politely declined, ¡°I still need to look around the store.¡± Having said that, Gu Qiaoqiao smiled at Luo Fan, turned, and walked towards the store. The smile remained on Luo Fan¡¯s face, but his gaze deepened significantly. He turned his head towards the grand door of Yubao Square, recalling the scene he had just witnessed, and walked towards Yubao Square. Zhang Yi found a beautiful stand made of Bai Yu, then carefully took out a nucleus carving, his eyes reflecting his admiration. Once this nucleus carving entered Yubao Square, its value was no longer just eight hundred yuan. However, he hadn¡¯t planned to sell it just yet. After nurturing it here for a year or so, its value would definitely multiply several times over. At that moment, Luo Fan strode in. Smiling before he spoke, he greeted, ¡°Uncle Zhang, happy New Year.¡± Zhang Yi saw Luo Fan, who had grown into a handsome young man since they last met. The two naturally exchanged pleasantries. Then Luo Fan didn¡¯t beat around the bush and directly asked, ¡°That girl in the beige down jacket who came here earlier, what was she here for?¡± Hearing this, Zhang Yi sized up Luo Fan, picked up his teacup, smiled, and said, ¡°With customers coming and going here, I can¡¯t really tell who you¡¯re referring to.¡± Luo Fan weighed his words, knowing this was the store¡¯s rule, and then shared with Zhang Yi the incident that had occurred on the night of the third day of the New Year involving his grandfather. Zhang Yi was very surprised, and it was only when he heard that Elder Luo had turned from danger to safety that he relaxed, ¡°I will visit Elder Luo in the hospital in a bit.¡± Then he asked Luo Fan, ¡°Are you sure that girl is the wife of Elder Luo¡¯s life-saver?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure, we greeted each other outside earlier, but I didn¡¯t have the heart to ask what she was doing here.¡± After pondering for a moment, Zhang Yi narrowed his eyes and took out the nucleus carving, ¡°This girl came here to sell this.¡± To his surprise, Luo Fan, seeing such a beautifully exquisite nucleus carving, asked, ¡°Is this a family heirloom?¡± Zhang Yi shook his head, ¡°No, it¡¯s newly carved, not even three days old.¡± Chapter 43 - Chapter 43: Chapter 42 Silent Night Cicada Chapter 43: Chapter 42 Silent Night Cicada ¡°`¡±Who did she say carved it?¡± Luo Fan asked in surprise. ¡°The girl said it was her own work, wanting to exchange it for some cash,¡± he replied. Luo Fan frowned at the exquisitely carved nucleus, took out a check from his pocket, and without asking how much Zhang Yi had bought it for, he wrote a number on it directly. He then handed it to Zhang Yi and said earnestly, ¡°Uncle Zhang, those two are my Luo Family¡¯s great benefactors. Such a heaven-sent nucleus carving would not have been sold unless something pressing had come up. We had originally prepared a thank-you gift, but her husband declined it. He is a very upright man, and both my grandfather and I didn¡¯t feel it right to persist. I ask you, Uncle Zhang, to part with this nucleus carving and let me complete this gesture of gratitude, would that be all right?¡± Zhang Yi concentrated for a moment and glanced at the number on the check. He had no choice but to applaud Luo Fan¡¯s forthrightness. Thirty thousand yuan¡ªthe price was one he could not refuse. Moreover, he respected Luo Fan¡¯s wish to repay his benefactors. Privately and publicly, he felt compelled to make it happen. And so, the nucleus carving was taken away by Luo Fan. At this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was completely unaware that her nucleus carving, which she thought was sold at a high price, had changed hands for thirty thousand yuan in a blink. As Gu Qiaoqiao walked toward Jinghua Department Store, she pondered. By now, Bai Yun must be nearly home. Yet such an incident had never occurred in her past life, it was a trap she had entirely devised. She wasn¡¯t even sure Bai Yun would fall for it. After all, to some extent, Bai Yun was much more shrewd than her. However, there¡¯s a saying that cleverness can lead to one¡¯s own downfall. If she dared to follow herself, how could she let go of such a rare opportunity? Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t rush but leisurely entered Jinghua Department Store. She hadn¡¯t yet decided what to do about the divorce, and her parents, not knowing the truth, might not even agree to it. So, judging by the situation, she might still have to leave the Imperial Capital with Qin Yize after all. With only a week left, she needed to start buying gifts for her family. It wouldn¡¯t be practical to carry large items, but she could buy some things not available back home. She had calculated that she could sell one nucleus carving for eight hundred yuan. Before departing, she could carve at least seven. And none of them would be duplicates. Even if they sold for six hundred yuan each, the total for seven would be four thousand two hundred. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. With this money, her family could cover their expenses for two years. Although how they spend might differ, back home the area was still quite remote, and sometimes, there really was nowhere to spend money even if you had it. And most importantly, the raw materials were extremely cheap. She planned to buy some olives and then go buy woolen sweaters for her family. They were light and easy to carry, and in the North, they could be worn for three seasons a year. As noon approached, Gu Qiaoqiao, carrying her bags, returned to the Qin Family home. The front gate of the Qin Family house was half open, with Dahei on one side of the entrance. On seeing Gu Qiaoqiao come in, the dog joyously pounced forward, spinning around in front of and behind her. It was at this moment that the main room¡¯s door opened. Shen Manru¡¯s face was stern as she stared fixedly at Gu Qiaoqiao and the bags in her hands. Behind her was Bai Yun, with a smug smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Gu Qiaoqiao seemed somewhat baffled, yet she entered the house unhurriedly. Inside the house, Qin Xuan paced back and forth with his hands behind his back, visibly anxious. The Silent Night Cicada from Duobao Pavilion was missing. Though small, it was the most meaningful item in the Pavilion. It was left behind by his father, a work from the Qianlong era by the master Shan Shan. These things, in truth, were not worth his agitation. He was born to a scholarly family that had been exposed to countless antiques and calligraphy from a young age, and with guidance from his maternal grandfather, he did not much care for these treasures that others coveted.¡°` But this Silent Night Cicada was different. This Silent Night Cicada had always been a beloved toy of my father¡¯s. After he passed away, I put it away. However, a few days ago, I took it out and placed it on the shelf at Duobao Pavilion to care for it. But I never expected¡­ Qin Xuan¡¯s suspicious gaze fell on Gu Qiaoqiao who had just walked in, and the bag she was carrying in her hand. Could it be that Gu Qiaoqiao had stolen and sold it? Deep down, I didn¡¯t quite believe it. Everything in the Duobao Pavilion is very valuable. My wife had already explained this to her when she first came. But then again, did she take it because it was valuable? But why take the Silent Night Cicada, my father¡¯s favorite of all things? Grandma Qin wasn¡¯t home, Qin Xiaoyu was sitting quietly on the sofa, occasionally sneaking glances at Gu Qiaoqiao with obvious disdain in her eyes. Before Gu Qiaoqiao could set down her bag, Shen Manru repressed her anger and asked in a low voice, ¡°Where have you been?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao glanced at the few people in the room, frowned, but still responded, ¡°I went to Yubao Square.¡± ¡°What did you go to Yubao Square for?¡± Shen Manru¡¯s voice suddenly rose. ¡°I¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao began, then seemed to hesitate. She looked down at her own bag and didn¡¯t speak. ¡°Did you go to Yubao Square to sell something?¡± Shen Manru asked through clenched teeth. Gu Qiaoqiao fell silent for a moment, then nodded, ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°What did you sell?¡± Mr. Qin asked, starting to lose his composure. ¡°It was my own stuff.¡± ¡°Your own?¡± Shen Manru laughed angrily. ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, why don¡¯t you tell us what ¡®your own stuff¡¯ is?¡± ¡°Nucleus carving,¡± she said. Nucleus carving? Isn¡¯t that exactly right? Bai Yun wasn¡¯t going to play the good sister to Gu Qiaoqiao this time. She looked at Gu Qiaoqiao and said painfully, ¡°Sister-in-law, you¡¯ve gone too far. The Qin Family has been so good to you, how could you be so heartless and steal from them to sell?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes suddenly turned cold. She glared at Bai Yun and demanded loudly, ¡°Bai Yun, don¡¯t falsely accuse me. Which eye of yours saw me taking the Qin Family¡¯s belongings?¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, did you or did you not take the Silent Night Cicada from the Duobao Pavilion?¡± Shen Manru asked with a dark expression. ¡°I did not,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao denied flatly. ¡°Then what did you sell?¡± Qin Xiaoyu challenged, standing next to Mr. Qin. ¡°Why should I tell you? Is there a law that says I have to?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao replied sarcastically. Qin Xiaoyu was taken aback. And her face began to turn red. Humph, even if she had done something wrong, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s mouth was still so annoying. Bai Yun¡¯s eyes darted around, and she coaxed softly, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, just tell the truth. The Silent Night Cicada is a relic from Grandpa Qin. No matter how much you sell it for, it will be a loss. There¡¯s still time now. My father knows the owner of Yubao Square, and we can redeem it. If we wait any longer and someone else buys it, it will be too late¡­¡± Bai Yun¡¯s words were like adding fuel to the fire. Shen Manru walked up to Gu Qiaoqiao, her eyes blazing. She stared intensely at Gu Qiaoqiao, holding back the urge to reach out. Her words seemed to be squeezed out through her teeth, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, tell us how much you sold it for and how much you spent. I¡¯ll cover the difference, and we¡¯ll go buy back that item.¡± Chapter 44 - Chapter 44: Chapter 43 The Harlequin Jumps Chapter 44: Chapter 43 The Harlequin Jumps Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Shen Manru, this woman didn¡¯t ask anything but directly convicted her. In her eyes, Shen Manru and Bai Yun were like two clowns jumping on the beam. Thinking about the face slapping that would come later, a trace of pleasure welled up in her heart. Gu Qiaoqiao stared fixedly at Shen Manru and emphasized again, ¡°I did not sell your Qin Family¡¯s Silent Night Cicada. Would you rather believe Bai Yun and not believe me?¡± Bai Yun suddenly opened the bag that Gu Qiaoqiao had placed on the floor. Qin Xiaoyu also stepped forward, exclaiming, ¡°So many wool sweaters, and cosmetics¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao coldly watched Shen Manru and Qin Xiaoyu in front of her, a mockingly cold smile curling at the corner of her mouth. In this family, she would always be an outsider. Whenever something happened, these people immediately turned her into an enemy. Shen Manru, with trembling fingers, pointed at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°The salary that Ah Ze gives you, and the money I give you, isn¡¯t it enough for you? You actually dare to sell the family¡¯s belongings, Gu Qiaoqiao, you are too arrogant.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t use the money from Qin Yize and you, nor did I sell the possessions of your Qin Family.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said word by word. Qin Xuan frowned, sizing up Gu Qiaoqiao, and began to feel uncertain in his heart. Looking at her demeanor, without a trace of panic or guilt, could Bai Yun have been mistaken? However, he had searched all around Duobao Pavilion for that Silent Night Cicada and hadn¡¯t seen it. ¡°Sister-in-law, for the sake of Grandma Qin, please quickly tell Uncle Qin how much you sold it for. If you wait any longer and someone else buys it, there really will be no hope,¡± Bai Yun seemed very anxious. Indeed, once the item entered Yubao Square and was sold by them, there would be no way to know who the new owner was. ¡°Bai Yun, by what right do you frame me?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao questioned loudly. ¡°I¡¯m not framing you, this morning when I came in, I saw you standing beside Duobao Pavilion, looking flustered. I didn¡¯t think much of it at the time, but later when I was out shopping, I happened to see you coming out of Yubao Square, counting money in your hand, looking very happy. Sister-in-law, I¡¯m truly doing this for your own good. You hurry up and say how much you sold it for. After all, once the item is gone, it can¡¯t be bought back for the original price. You sold it for a hundred, Aunt Shen might have to pay one hundred thousand yuan to perhaps not even get it back,¡± Bai Yun seemed to be considerate of the Qin Family. Qin Xuan¡¯s brows knotted into an irritated ¡®Sichuan¡¯ character as he looked at Bai Yun, feeling that something was off. This child from the Bai Family, wasn¡¯t she very close to Gu Qiaoqiao? Why today¡­ At that moment, the shopping bag of Gu Qiaoqiao had already been torn open by Bai Yun and Qin Xiaoyu. Gu Qiaoqiao forcefully pushed Bai Yun and Qin Xiaoyu away, her clear eyes filled with icy light, as her whole being seemed to be ignited by anger, ¡°What right do you have to rummage through my things?¡± ¡°This is not your stuff; it¡¯s bought with the money from selling the Silent Night Cicada. Of course we have the right to look,¡± Qin Xiaoyu said excitedly. ¡°Qin Xiaoyu, shut your mouth.¡± Just as Gu Qiaoqiao was about to retort, she unexpectedly heard Mr. Qin¡¯s voice. Qin Xuan¡¯s face turned grim. Bai Yun could say whatever she wanted, but Qin Xiaoyu should not. This matter had no evidence, although he was not very satisfied with Gu Qiaoqiao, he couldn¡¯t wrong her. He gave Shen Manru a warning glare and rubbed his forehead, ¡°Bai Yun, you go back first, you shouldn¡¯t get involved in this matter.¡± ¡°Uncle Qin, if the Silent Night Cicada really entered Yubao Square, you might not be able to buy it back even with one hundred thousand yuan, and you also know the rules of Yubao Square,¡± Bai Yun gently reminded. The Deputy Manager of Yubao Square, Zhang Yi, is Bai Yun¡¯s maternal cousin once removed. Old Grand Master Qin and the Old Patriarch of Yubao Square used to have a very good relationship, could be called sworn brothers. But because of an incident over thirty years ago, the two families broke off contact. If the Silent Night Cicada really was at Yubao Square, then, if it was said to be a belonging of the Qin Family, it might not really be possible to buy it back. Qin Xuan hesitated. But Shen Manru could no longer wait, containing her anger, she asked Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°How much did you sell the Silent Night Cicada for? We need to prepare ourselves mentally. If it¡¯s any later, the bank will be closed.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve said it, I didn¡¯t sell the Silent Night Cicada,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said angrily. ¡°Sister-in-law, just admit it. The Qin family is generous, and they won¡¯t blame you. As long as you return the item, it will be fine,¡± Bai Yun pleaded earnestly. ¡°I haven¡¯t sold the Silent Night Cicada, please believe me,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Mr. Qin and Shen Manru. Mr. Qin and Shen Manru were startled, and just as Mr. Qin was about to speak, Bai Yun hastily interjected, ¡°Sister-in-law, I saw everything, there¡¯s no use denying it. Who else could it be but you?¡± ¡°Besides me, there are all of you! Everyone in this room is a suspect, especially you Bai Yun, you¡¯re not above suspicion. Why would you suspect only me?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao retorted as she stared at Bai Yun. ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, don¡¯t make baseless accusations,¡± Shen Manru said, her embarrassment turning to anger. ¡°Yes, sister-in-law, those are serious allegations. If you¡¯re framing me, I will report this to the police,¡± Bai Yun threatened. ¡°Bai Yun, say that again,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao demanded sharply. ¡°You¡¯re framing me, and I¡¯m going to report this to the police.¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you cannot throw dirt on Bai Yun. If this continues, we really will have to report this to the police,¡± Shen Manru¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t loud, but it carried a thinly veiled threat, aimed at intimidating Gu Qiaoqiao. After all, the price of the Silent Night Cicada had already reached six digits, and Station C could certainly open a case about it. She was convinced it was Gu Qiaoqiao, so she hoped that Gu Qiaoqiao would confess on her own. Qin Xuan addressed Shen Manru sternly, ¡°Shen Manru, what nonsense are you and Bai Yun talking about?¡± Then he dismissed Bai Yun, ¡°Bai Yun, don¡¯t make unfounded statements in the future. You¡¯re not suited to meddle in the Qin family¡¯s affairs.¡± ¡°Uncle Qin, I saw with my own eyes Gu Qiaoqiao putting something into her trouser pocket. I¡¯m not making this up,¡± Bai Yun said, somewhat desperately. For all her intelligence, she was only eighteen years old this year. ¡°What if it wasn¡¯t Gu Qiaoqiao?¡± Qin Xuan suddenly asked Bai Yun. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t her, who could it be?¡± Shen Manru, her heated brain cooling slightly, regained some sense. ¡°If it¡¯s not me, it could very well be Bai Yun. When I left today, she was the only one in the living room,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said. ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, don¡¯t cry ¡®thief¡¯ when you¡¯re the thief. If you keep making these false accusations, I¡¯ll report you to the police right away,¡± Bai Yun¡¯s voice was shrill. ¡°Fine, Bai Yun, you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll report to the police for you!¡± Having said that, Gu Qiaoqiao quickly made her way to the living room phone. She had been waiting for Bai Yun to say just that. Her hand was incredibly fast, and before anyone could react, she had already connected with the police station. It was too late for Qin Xuan to stop her. Bai Yun, on the other hand, had a triumphant smile on her face. After Gu Qiaoqiao gave the address, she hung up the phone, her gaze clear as water as she looked toward the differently expressive faces in the living room. A silent, cold smile spread quietly across her lips. Chapter 45 - Chapter 45: Chapter 44: Have You Been Reading to the Dogs? Chapter 45: Chapter 44: Have You Been Reading to the Dogs? Qin Xuan finally realized that the situation might have gotten out of hand. And it seemed like today, he was being led around by two girls. He looked at Bai Yun, then turned to Gu Qiaoqiao, his face as grim as still water. Shen Manru¡¯s complexion wasn¡¯t great either; it was embarrassing to have involved the police. But items worth over a hundred thousand had indeed been lost. However, due to the missing Silent Night Cicada, Bai Yun¡¯s accusation, and even more so because of Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s forceful denial, the house was filled with noise and chaos, and these two highly educated university professors had lost their usual calm and reason. No one even thought to stop it. Soon, two officers arrived. Upon entering the living room and recognizing familiar faces, they first politely greeted Qin Xuan and Shen Manru, then asked seriously, ¡°Teacher Qin, could you please tell us the details of what happened?¡± Before Qin Xuan could speak, Gu Qiaoqiao pointed at Bai Yun, her voice filled with anger, ¡°Officer, our family¡¯s Silent Night Cicada worth over a hundred thousand is missing, Bai Yun is framing me for the theft, I definitely didn¡¯t take it, so I suspect that Bai Yun is playing the thief who cries ¡®catch the thief,¡¯ fabricating evidence and framing me!¡± ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you are despicable and shameless for spouting such slander. It was clearly you who took it, how dare you pin it on me. You are utterly shameless¡­¡± Bai Yun said as tears began to fall, she then turned to Shen Manru, heartbroken, ¡°Aunt Shen, how could I possibly take Uncle Qin¡¯s most treasured item?¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s possible. You kill two birds with one stone. First, you make sure that I¡¯m labeled as a thief, then have your father step in, the Qin Family spends a huge sum to buy back the Silent Night Cicada from you, you gain favor, get the money, and eliminate a thorn in your side. Bai Yun, you¡¯re killing three birds with one stone.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao spoke very quickly, so fast that the officers with their notebooks could not get a word in. ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you¡¯ve gone mad, how dare you falsely accuse me, you will face legal responsibility.¡± Bai Yun shouted angrily. ¡°Stop arguing, both of you. Teacher Qin, can you tell us what exactly happened?¡± One of the officers quickly interjected. At this moment, Grandma Qin, who had been out for a walk, hurried back home because someone told her that two officers had come to her house. She was unaware of what had happened. She smiled at the two officers, ¡°Children, please excuse me for a moment. Xiao Yu, go make some tea.¡± After being scolded by her father, Qin Xiaoyu didn¡¯t dare to interject anymore. Her mind was a mess, and at the mention of her grandmother¡¯s orders, she swiftly went off to make the tea. Grandma Qin stared intently at Qin Xuan and asked in a deep voice, ¡°What exactly is going on?¡± Qin Xuan opened his mouth but suddenly felt it was difficult to speak up. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Grandma Qin, ¡°Grandma, our Silent Night Cicada is missing, Bai Yun is accusing me of stealing it, I can¡¯t admit to something I haven¡¯t done, and since Bai Yun is also a suspect, she insisted on reporting it to the police, so I made the call for her.¡± Grandma Qin looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, and after a moment, her eyes were filled with trust and warmth that made Gu Qiaoqiao want to cry. She felt weak, a glance made her so heart-wrenched, showing just what the Qin Family had brought to her. ¡°Qiaoqiao, Grandma believes you.¡± After Grandma Qin spoke with extra seriousness, she suddenly raised her walking stick and struck toward Qin Xuan, cursing angrily, ¡°You¡¯ve gone and put all your learning into the belly of a dog. Besides me, you are the eldest in this house, with the highest education, but do you have the demeanor of an elder?¡± Only then did Shen Manru come back to her senses, feeling that the words were also criticizing her; she was embarrassed and lowered her head. ¡°I¡¯m asking you, do you have any evidence?¡± Grandma Qin asked sternly. ¡°¡­No,¡± Qin Xuan replied quietly. Grandma Qin struck down with her cane again, and Qin Xuan winced in pain, feeling humiliated. Just as he was about to refute, Grandma Qin asked sharply, ¡°Without any evidence, how could you make such a fuss and report this to the authorities, Qin Xuan? You really are a good son of mine!¡± At this moment, Qin Xuan¡¯s face was tinged with a hint of purple. Here he was, the eldest and most educated, yet how had he stooped to filing a report? He looked towards Gu Qiaoqiao. At that time, her eyes seemed to be brimming with tears, a look of grievance on her face, yet even so, her spine remained straight as an arrow. Next to her lay a torn bag with its contents messily spilled out. He regretted it immensely. How had he been so foolish as to blow a minor issue out of proportion? What was meant to be a problem solved behind closed doors had escalated to involving the Public Security. The face he had just managed to save was lost again. Grandma Qin sat down on the sofa, not even glancing at Shen Manru, but instead staring at Bai Yun, and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Bai Yun, what is going on here? Why did you insist on reporting this matter to the authorities?¡± ¡°It was Gu Qiaoqiao who stole things to sell, yet she managed to shift the blame onto me. Silent Night Cicada is worth a lot, and I dare not take the fall for this, so I had to suggest reporting it. It¡¯s the fairest approach,¡± Bai Yun said as she wiped away her tears, her voice laced with an air of grievance. ¡°Bai Yun, since you claim I took something, what evidence do you have?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly asked. ¡°You were skulking around near Duobao Pavilion, and after you left, the item was gone. If not you, then who?¡± ¡°After I left, there was still you,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao replied lightly, a smile on her face but her eyes carried a hint of chill, ¡°I notice something in your pants pocket. Could it be that you hid Silent Night Cicada, planning to frame me with it? Otherwise, how come you happened to see me on the street? Imperial Capital is so big, isn¡¯t it too much of a coincidence that you ran into me?¡± Bai Yun was taken aback by this, aware that there were loopholes in how she had handled things later on, but her eyes shifted quickly, and she burst into tears, looking pitifully at Shen Manru. She knew that Shen Manru was likely the only one who would listen to her. She sobbed, ¡°Aunt Shen, I had good intentions. Silent Night Cicada is so precious, it would be such a shame if it fell into someone else¡¯s hands. I was thinking of Aunt Shen and your family¡¯s best interest. If I knew it would end up like this, I would have kept silent no matter what I saw.¡± It must be said that Bai Yun¡¯s tears really did come on cue. Furthermore, with her gentle features, her weeping naturally evoked pity. But at that time, Gu Qiaoqiao seemed like an unsheathed sword, exuding a bone-chilling coldness all around her. Therefore, the atmosphere inside the room was somewhat strange. Gu Qiaoqiao couldn¡¯t cry; in her past life, she had shed too many tears. ¡°Bai Yun, take out whatever is in your pants pocket. It looks so much like the shape of Silent Night Cicada,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said, not wishing to beat around the bush and pointed straight to the matter. Everyone turned their gaze towards Bai Yun. At the time, Bai Yun was wearing a knitted coat, and her trousers were coffee-colored. At the pocket area, there indeed seemed to be something the size of a nut. Feeling everyone¡¯s eyes on her, she became flustered and angrily responded, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, are you suggesting a body search, what a joke! Do you have the right to do that?¡± ¡°Of course, I don¡¯t have the right to search you, but if you have nothing to hide, you would naturally take it out and let everyone see for themselves,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said, purposely looking down at Bai Yun from a position of superiority. Bai Yun was furious. Her hand reached into her pants pocket and when she touched the object, her whole body froze, her face turning pale with horror. Chapter 46 - Chapter 46: Chapter 45: The Battlefield of Two Girls Chapter 46: Chapter 45: The Battlefield of Two Girls Bai Yun¡¯s hand, touching that object, actually started trembling slightly. Grandma Qin¡¯s eyes flashed a sharp gleam, and she spoke lightly, ¡°Bai Yun, take it out and let¡¯s have a look. If it isn¡¯t what we think, Grandma will personally apologize to you. Otherwise, if you leave like this, you will never clear your name.¡± Bai Yun¡¯s heart thudded loudly, as if it would jump out of her chest at any moment. She bit her teeth tightly, looking at Grandma Qin¡¯s incisive gaze, then turned her pleading eyes towards Shen Manru. Unfortunately, Shen Manru was also staring at her, eyes filled with suspicion. ¡°Bai Yun, Grandma is right. Since you¡¯ve already filed a report, if you walk out like this, it will always be unclear. Let everyone have a look,¡± Qin Xuan said in a low voice, which carried barely restrained anger and a sense of oppression. Bai Yun, holding onto her last hope, slowly took out the object from her pocket. Qin Xuan¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he exclaimed in shock, ¡°Silent Night Cicada.¡± He quickly walked up to Bai Yun and, facing the stunned Bai Yun, reached out his hand. Bai Yun, in a daze, handed the Silent Night Cicada to Qin Xuan. Qin Xuan took it, saw that it wasn¡¯t damaged, and looked at Bai Yun with an ashen face and tightly knitted brows. ¡°Bai Yun, can you tell me why this Silent Night Cicada is in your pocket?¡± Indeed, why was it in her pocket? Bai Yun¡¯s mind buzzed loudly, and for a moment, it even went blank. She stood in the center of the living room, looking around. Shen Manru appeared utterly incredulous, Qin Xiaoyu was covering her mouth in shock, Grandma Qin¡¯s gaze was as sharp as a sword, and the two police officers were looking at her keenly. At this moment, Bai Yun felt both humiliated and helpless. Her last glance fell on Gu Qiaoqiao. Gu Qiaoqiao still stood beside the scattered items, with an erect stature, a chilly gleam in her eyes, and a mocking smile on her lips. All of a sudden, as if coming back to her senses, Bai Yun yelled at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°It must be Gu Qiaoqiao, she definitely sneaked the Silent Night Cicada into my pocket, she stole it, not me!¡± ¡°Bai Yun, our country¡¯s law values physical evidence and testimony, and you have both,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said with a meaningful glance at Qin Xuan and Shen Manru. ¡°Even if some want to blatantly lie, the two officers are still here.¡± Qin Xuan and Shen Manru turned pale, obviously understanding her point. They used to find Gu Qiaoqiao embarrassing, but today they felt utterly disgraced in front of her. They didn¡¯t even dare meet Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s gaze and hastily averted their eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not me, really not me. If it were me, how could I expose you to Aunt Shen and the others? If it were me, I wouldn¡¯t brazenly keep the item in my pocket. I would have hidden it long ago so you couldn¡¯t find it. Aunt Shen, this doesn¡¯t make sense at all,¡± Bai Yun desperately explained to everyone in the room. Gu Qiaoqiao truly admired Bai Yun¡¯s ability to remain composed in crisis, coming up with so many explanations in the blink of an eye. If it were some other girl, she would have been scared stiff by now. ¡°Bai Yun, this matter is very simple. If I were still as timid and weak as before, your scheme today would have truly succeeded.¡± ¡°They say that a fall into the pit, a gain in your wit. After all these years, I¡¯ve gained a year, and I¡¯ve suffered so much from you; it¡¯s time I learned something.¡± ¡°So, not only did I vehemently deny it, but I also helped you report it, and I saw the abnormality in your pocket,¡± ¡°If I hadn¡¯t mentioned it, who would have known about the Silent Night Cicada in your pocket? You were confident, thinking no one would notice. Once you framed me, you¡¯d just walk out of the Qin Family¡¯s front door with the Silent Night Cicada.¡± ¡°After making a round outside, you¡¯d then appear as a hero to the Qin Family. At that time, not only would the Qin Family give you a large sum of money, but they would also regard you as a benefactor, so you¡¯ve extorted money and sold favors, Bai Yun, does that seem reasonable to you?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s voice was clear and forceful, logical and coherent, her eyes shimmering with a different kind of gleam, even causing a brief pause in the room. Bai Yun¡¯s face turned pale, her eyes wide with fury, she barked in a frenzied low growl, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you are slandering me. I have never thought like that, nor would I ever do so. Although the Bai Family isn¡¯t wealthy, we lack nothing. Being neighbors with the Qin Family for decades, how could I extort money from them? Your accusation is absurd.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re so affluent, why haven¡¯t you returned my eight hundred yuan?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao pressed fiercely. At this moment, the Qin Family¡¯s living room had become a battlefield between the two girls. Grandma Qin used her stern gaze to signal Qin Xuan and Shen Manru not to interject. Now that the police had entered the Qin residence, the fig leaf had already been torn away. Whether or not it was embarrassing had long ceased to matter. When Shen Manru heard Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s words, she hesitated. Hadn¡¯t Bai Yun said that Gu Qiaoqiao had squandered all her own money? How could she have lent eight hundred to Bai Yun? ¡°When did I ever borrow money from you?¡± Bai Yun exclaimed in shock, vehemently denying it. She wouldn¡¯t admit it without a written agreement and no witnesses. ¡°It was last October, you and I went to the bank together to withdraw it, the withdrawal date is on the passbook. Though there¡¯s no written agreement, you won¡¯t admit it, but I dare swear on the lives of my family members, do you dare to swear on the lives of your family members?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked coldly. Bai Yun looked at Gu Qiaoqiao with a new perspective, and in that moment, she had to admit that Gu Qiaoqiao was no longer the foolish, timid farm girl. Would she dare to swear? Even though she didn¡¯t believe in spirits, could she risk her family members¡¯ lives with an oath? Even if she did take an oath, there was another significant issue waiting for her. It was as if thousands of venomous snakes were gnawing at Bai Yun¡¯s heart, her malign gaze like the flicker of a snake¡¯s tongue. As if ready to tear Gu Qiaoqiao to shreds. Though her mind was a mess, she was still trying to figure out how that thing got into her pocket. If she took it or not, she knew best herself. Seeing the slight smile on Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s lips, she seemed to have an epiphany and screamed, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, it was you, it was definitely you, wasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°What have I done?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked with a laugh. ¡°It was you who stuffed the Silent Night Cicada into my pocket, right?¡± Bai Yun¡¯s expression turned fierce, gone was her usual gentleness. ¡°Bai Yun, you really are stubborn as a dying duck. If I stuffed something into your pocket, would you not know? Besides, today I wasn¡¯t even close enough to touch you¡ªI was at least five or six steps away from you. Everyone present saw that, right¡­¡± Everyone¡¯s eyes then turned to Bai Yun¡¯s jeans; girls love to look sharp, and their pants are usually tight-fitting. To stuff something into the pocket of tight jeans would require some effort, let alone from five steps away by Gu Qiaoqiao. Chapter 47 - Chapter 47: Chapter 46 Qin Yize is Back Chapter 47: Chapter 46 Qin Yize is Back Qin Xuan¡¯s expression grew increasingly ashen, he used to think that Gu Qiaoqiao was a bit foolish, but today he felt that he was even more foolish than Gu Qiaoqiao. He had actually been fooled by a young girl. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s words were right; the child used to be timid and weak, barely daring to speak. It was just that over the past few days she had grown bolder and had also become smart and generous. If it had been her in the past, facing such a situation, she would not have been able to defend herself with such clear logic. Most likely she wouldn¡¯t have been able to say a word, only knowing how to wail and cry. The final outcome goes without saying, she definitely wouldn¡¯t have been able to explain anything clearly, while Bai Yun would¡¯ve walked out of the Qin family¡¯s door with Silent Night Cicada¡¯s swagger. When coming back in, he and Shen Manru would not only have to hand over a huge sum of money but would also have to be grateful to this child. Having realized all this, Qin Xuan¡¯s gaze became complicated. But at the same time, he hesitated, did he really have to send Bai Yun to the police station today? Send her, he must send her! He gritted his teeth, he had to teach Bai Yun a lesson; if she could calculate him, in the future she might just reach for the sky. Moreover, it was she who had suggested filing the case. She really was convinced that Gu Qiaoqiao wouldn¡¯t dare to confront her. Suddenly, Bai Yun began to cry softly. Just as she was about to continue her sobbing, she heard Grandma Qin¡¯s cane thump on the floor as she said indifferently, ¡°Bai Yun, today is the fifth day of the New Year; there¡¯s no reason to be crying and sniffling in someone else¡¯s home. Haven¡¯t your parents taught you this?¡± Her voice, neither too heavy nor too light, made Bai Yun¡¯s crying come to a sudden halt. Her face also turned exceedingly awkward as her confused brain tried to sort out a clear line of thought to extricate herself from the current predicament. And just at that moment, the door of the Qin family was pushed open, a gust of biting cold wind ushered in a tall and slender figure into the living room. Following him, several other people entered. Gu Qiaoqiao was taken aback. It was Zhu Jianguo with a swollen face, Ning Yuli with a deathly pale complexion, Chu Chengfeng who looked triumphant, and Father Bai and Mrs. Bai, who seemed unaware of what had happened. As if sensing something in her heart. Qin Yize¡¯s gaze from afar settled on Gu Qiaoqiao, his eyes sparkling with a chilly light under the sun, conveying a determined expression. It was telling Gu Qiaoqiao that he had investigated the events of the night of the third day of the New Year and had brought the people involved. Gu Qiaoqiao pursed her red lips tightly. She had never doubted this man¡¯s capabilities. In both her past and present life, this young man, only twenty-two years old, possessed terrifying powers of action unknown to others. In her last life, she was knocked unconscious and abducted, then sold to a remote village in the Southwest Great Mountain, more than two thousand kilometers away from the Imperial Capital. Yet Qin Yize found her in just five days. He traversed Desperate Cliff and entered the village alone. That day, the villagers of the mountain village, who had always been barbaric, ignorant, and lawless, finally learned what a nightmare was¡­ He rescued her from the Great Mountain. The last glimpse she caught before she fell unconscious was her final sight of Qin Yize in her past life. It was only later that she learned that, after taking her to the hospital, Qin Yize was taken away by the Special Preparation Team of the Imperial Capital. When he came out, he was faced with the cataclysmic disaster that had turned the Gu Family and Qin Family upside down. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hands clenched together, gripping tightly before slowly releasing. Suppressing the stormy thoughts rolling in her eyes, she indifferently shifted her gaze away. When Bai Yun saw Zhu Jianguo and Ning Yuli, panic set in, and her legs gave out, causing her to collapse to the ground. The following events naturally went smoothly. Zhu Jianguo, perhaps frightened by Qin Yize or maybe because he was caught with leverage against him, disregarded the murderous glares from Father Bai, Mrs. Bai, and Bai Yun, and recounted what had happened. In the end, he said apologetically to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was confused at the time and didn¡¯t stop their nonsense. Blame me, please forgive me just this once.¡± When Qin Yize heard the word ¡°nonsense,¡± he abruptly kicked out, sending Zhu Jianguo flying to the ground, and coldly asked, ¡°Is it nonsense?¡± Zhu Jianguo dared not make another sound. The way things unfolded completely surpassed Qin Xuan¡¯s and Shen Manru¡¯s expectations. Grandma Qin¡¯s face was as still as water, her teeth clenched, but she did not speak, for it wasn¡¯t her turn yet. Indeed, the Bai Family had gone too far! Ning Yuli, with her head bowed, was also terrified. She hated Zhu Jianguo¡¯s betrayal, despised Bai Yun¡¯s incompetence, and hated Gu Qiaoqiao even more. But she dared not raise her head. This matter would certainly come to Grandpa¡¯s knowledge, and she couldn¡¯t bear to imagine the consequences. Father Bai and Mrs. Bai had not expected the true facts to be such. Mrs. Bai stepped forward to help her daughter up and slapped her on the back, hissing with a tone of disappointment, ¡°You silly girl, how could you be so foolish, you and Qiaoqiao are so close on normal days, how dare you cause such a commotion, go quickly, apologize to your sister-in-law¡­¡± Mrs. Bai was a clever woman; upon hearing Zhu Jianguo¡¯s words, she knew that the situation could be big or small. And the key lay with Gu Qiaoqiao, as long as Gu Qiaoqiao said she forgave, then all would be well. In the end, she¡¯d attribute it all to a minor squabble between sisters. So while she pretended to scold Bai Yun with a show of anger, she secretly gestured to her daughter. Bai Yun was naturally not foolish, or else how could she have manipulated the former Qiaoqiao so perfectly. She didn¡¯t dare look at Qin Yize¡¯s frosty face, knowing what she must now mean in his eyes. Since there was no hope from Qin Yize, minimizing the major issue and dissolving the small one was the wisest course of action for today. She quickly grasped her mother¡¯s intentions, and Bai Yun changed her face swiftly, came before Gu Qiaoqiao, and with a thump, knelt down to her. Gu Qiaoqiao blanked for a moment, looking at Bai Yun kneeling before her, reminiscent of her own past humiliation when she knelt before Sun Yingke. A flicker of satisfaction inevitably rose in her heart. A moment later, as if waking from a reverie, she shifted aside, and looking at the various expressions in the room, she frowned and said, ¡°What are you doing? With so many elders in the room, you kneel before me, trying to force me to agree to something?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s words added to Bai Yun¡¯s humiliation. Her kneeling had been in vain. Gu Qiaoqiao had preemptively blocked her excuses. Neither kneeling nor standing would do, Father Bai sharply rebuked, ¡°Bai Yun, stand and speak, what kind of behavior is this?¡± Bai Yun stood up and, bowing deeply to Gu Qiaoqiao, lifted her head earnestly and said, ¡°Sister-in-law, it was a moment of confusion. Remembering our past closeness like sisters, please forgive me this once. In fact, I regretted it at the time, so I drank the orange juice with medicine myself. Please let me off this time for my timely repentance.¡± Timely repentance? Truly a joke. Gu Qiaoqiao stared at Bai Yun. ¡°If you regretted it, you should have poured out the juice. Why drink it? Are you that foolish? Moreover, you knew the person in that private room was your cousin, yet you insisted it was Qin Yize, tricking me to go in, because you thought I had drunk the juice with something added, right?¡± Chapter 48 - Chapter 48: Chapter 47 She Had to Bow Her Head Chapter 48: Chapter 47 She Had to Bow Her Head ¡°I¡­¡± Bai Yun opened her mouth, unable to find words to respond, but she couldn¡¯t give up. She masked the malice in her eyes and pleaded bitterly, ¡°I know, no matter what I say you won¡¯t believe me, but I truly realize my mistake. Please, for the sake of me being your only good friend in the Imperial Capital, forgive me this once. I will definitely treat you better in the future.¡± This Bai Yun, who could bend and stretch so adaptably, truly chilled Gu Qiaoqiao to the bone. It wasn¡¯t that she was spineless; it was because Bai Yun was only eighteen years old this year. And yet, she could read the room better than those in their thirties or forties. Such a woman was a character to be reckoned with. What was she like in her past life? Gu Qiaoqiao frowned and thought hard, seeming to remember that ever since her accident, she had never heard any news of Bai Yun. It seemed that even news of the Bai Family was scarce. But such a person, coupled with an illustrious family background, surely lived a good life. She stared intently at Bai Yun and suddenly laughed scornfully, ¡°Bai Yun, I dare not keep you as a friend anymore. First, I have no money now; I can¡¯t treat you to meals when we go out, nor lend you money to spend. And you¡¯re too scheming; we can no longer be friends.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao did not mention the words Bai Yun had used to egg her on and the things she had done. Though it could have proven once again Bai Yun¡¯s malicious intentions. It would have also provided others with evidence of her own foolishness. Some people wouldn¡¯t just lack sympathy for her, they¡¯d turn around and ridicule her: If you¡¯re told to do something, you just do it, and if you¡¯re told to die, you¡¯ll die too? So, being foolish once in a lifetime was enough; she wouldn¡¯t give anyone a handle on her this time around. Bai Yun¡¯s complexion turned from green to white. When had she ever endured such challenge and humiliation? But the circumstances were stronger than her will, forcing her to lower her head. She clenched her teeth and continued to beg, ¡°Sister-in-law, in the end you didn¡¯t suffer much, whereas I brought consequences upon myself. It¡¯s God teaching me a lesson. I¡¯ll never dare again. Please, let me off this time for your great kindness.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao snorted with laughter, ¡°Bai Yun, when you commit murder, if you don¡¯t kill your victim, does that mean you are not guilty?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± However, Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t want to continue talking with her. She looked at Bai Yun¡¯s pale face, and suddenly spoke up, ¡°Just do one thing for me, and I won¡¯t pursue the matter.¡± Bai Yun looked at Gu Qiaoqiao suspiciously and murmured, ¡°Do what?¡± ¡°I know you like Qin Yize, and your heart is set on marrying him. You framed me because you couldn¡¯t bear it. So, if you can convince your Brother Ze to divorce me, I promise I won¡¯t pursue these two matters!¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s words were like a huge stone thrown into a lake, causing a massive surge of waves. For a moment, the room was terrifyingly quiet, as if even the sound of a needle falling to the ground could be heard. Everyone looked at Gu Qiaoqiao and Qin Yize. Before Grandma Qin could speak, Qin Yize¡¯s handsome face grew cold, as frost layered over his features, cold as ice, chilling to the bone, causing even Father Bai beside him to shiver uncontrollably. Qin Yize¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously. He stepped toward Gu Qiaoqiao within a few strides. Before coming here, he had already alerted the police in the west district, estimating they would arrive within a few minutes. Seeing Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s glib tongue, he also intended for her to recognize Bai Yun¡¯s true colors and learn from this, so he had been observing from the sidelines. But then Gu Qiaoqiao said such a thing to Bai Yun. Wouldn¡¯t his entire night¡¯s efforts become a joke? Qin Yize could not tolerate this. He grabbed Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand abruptly, and said in a cold voice to the two policemen in the living room, who hadn¡¯t found a chance to interject, ¡°The officers from your station will be arriving soon. Take these three away. Whether it¡¯s illegal or criminal, I trust you will handle it well.¡± Then he quickly turned to Chu Chengfeng and commanded, ¡°Leave the rest to you.¡± Without even glancing at the others, Qin Yize pulled Gu Qiaoqiao, whose complexion had drastically changed, and strode towards their room. With a bang, the door closed. Hearing Qin Yize¡¯s words, Bai Yun could no longer hold back and burst into loud sobs. He was truly ruthless, not caring the slightest bit for the relationship between the two families, blatantly saying she should be put in jail just like that. She threw herself at Shen Manru, about to plead earnestly, but was interrupted by Grandma Qin¡¯s sharp voice, ¡°Shut up.¡± Turning to Father Bai and Mrs. Bai, she said sternly, ¡°There are state laws and family rules. Knowing full well that Gu Qiaoqiao is the granddaughter-in-law of the Qin Family, you still dared to drug and frame her, and even dared to steal from the Qin Family to slander Qiaoqiao; do you think the Qin Family is without support?¡± Each word from the old lady was sharp, filled with anger, and also with regret; she had been careless. How could she have allowed Qiaoqiao to play with such a viper-hearted woman? Bai Yun looked at Shen Manru, crying heart-wrenchingly, ¡°Aunt Shen, save me, you¡¯ve always been the kindest to me. Let me off this time, I won¡¯t dare to do it again.¡± Grandma Qin let out a cold snort at Shen Manru. Shen Manru finally came to her senses at this moment, looking at Bai Yun in front of her who was crying her eyes out, with shock and disbelief in her eyes. This child just turned eighteen at the New Year, how could her heart be so venomous, so calculating? All these events had become a series of scheming plots. It was truly terrifying. She must not allow Xiao Yu to be with her anymore. Her daughter was naive, even easier to deceive than Gu Qiaoqiao. She might even help count the money for someone else after being sold in the future. Although Shen Manru was haughty and proud, and still looked down upon Gu Qiaoqiao, she knew whose side she ought to stand on at this moment. She coldly pushed Bai Yun¡¯s hands away, ¡°Bai Yun, your thoughts are too deep and too horrifying. Don¡¯t call me Aunt Shen anymore and don¡¯t come to my house again.¡± Mrs. Bai came in front of Grandma Qin, pleading, ¡°Old madam, for the many years our families have been neighbors, please let Xiao Yun off this time. She¡¯s just started her first year of university. If she goes in, whatever will she do afterwards?¡± ¡°You only think about what your daughter will do, but did you ever consider what would have happened to my granddaughter-in-law if she actually suffered at the hands of your daughter? Mrs. Bai, one cannot be so selfish!¡± Grandma Qin¡¯s voice was not loud, yet it carried a chill. This was something Mrs. Bai had never seen before. At that moment, the people from the police substation arrived. Bai Yun, Zhu Jianguo, and Ning Yuli were taken away. Father Bai and Mrs. Bai also followed them to the substation. The living room of the Qin Family returned to silence, Grandma Qin¡¯s face was cold, and without looking at Qin Xuan and Shen Manru, she spoke to Qin Xiaoyu, who was a bit bewildered, ¡°Who messed up the things your sister-in-law bought back?¡± ¡°Grandma, it was¡­¡± ¡°Who was it?¡± Grandma Qin suddenly raised her voice. ¡°It was Bai Yun and me,¡± Qin Xiaoyu hurriedly answered, frightened. ¡°Tidy it up.¡± ¡°Yes, Grandma.¡± Qin Xiaoyu hurriedly went to pick up the woolen sweaters and cosmetics scattered on the floor, carefully placing them in the bag. Chapter 49 - Chapter 49: Chapter 48: Do you take marriage as a childs play in your eyes? Chapter 49: Chapter 48: Do you take marriage as a child¡¯s play in your eyes? Qin Xuan held the Silent Night Cicada in his hand. Today¡¯s events happened one after another, leaving his mind still somewhat in chaos. Grandma Qin looked at her son and daughter-in-law, who were bowing their heads in silence, and let out a long sigh, her eyes filled with disappointment. The air in the room was tense and oppressive. It was as if a heavy stone weighed on the hearts of Qin Xuan and Shen Manru, leaving them breathless. They had never dreamed something like this would happen. It was just a girl, yet she had stirred up such a storm. Grandma Qin looked at her son and daughter-in-law and thought about Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s words earlier, feeling a sense of powerlessness and concern swell in her heart. ¡°Qin Xuan, I am very disappointed in you.¡± Grandma Qin tapped the floor with her cane as she spoke, her voice not loud but carrying a hint of mockery, ¡°Qin Xuan, I always thought you were full of wisdom and stability, but I never expected that you and your wife, together nearly a hundred years in age, would be so easily duped by an eighteen-year-old girl.¡± The couple¡¯s faces flushed red, as if they had been slapped. Especially coming from their usually gentle mother, it made them feel utterly disgraced. ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao is young and inexperienced. I can understand her being deceived by Bai Yun, but I can¡¯t fathom how you two got conned like this.¡± Qin Xuan bowed his head, indeed not daring to look at his mother. Truth be told, in the eyes of others, he had really played the fool today. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry, I was confused today.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not confusion, it¡¯s because you already had biases against Qiaoqiao. Aside from her rural background, what is wrong with that child that you would join outsiders in falsely accusing her as soon as trouble arises?¡± Grandma Qin suddenly raised her voice, ¡°And even if she weren¡¯t flawless, she is still a member of the Qin Family, Ah Ze¡¯s wife. Even if she did take that thing, it should have been dealt with behind closed doors, but you¡­¡± As she spoke, Grandma Qin stood up, pointing her cane at her son and daughter-in-law who also stood up, scolding them for not having faith, ¡°You don¡¯t believe your own daughter-in-law but believe Bai Yun¡¯s words instead, and then you join outsiders in framing her, even going so far as to involve the police. Thank goodness Gu Qiaoqiao was clever enough to find out the item was with Bai Yun. Otherwise, would she have been sent to the police station by you?¡± ¡°Mom, things were a bit chaotic at that time, no matter what, I never thought of filing a report, I¡­¡± Qin Xuan stumbled over his words. ¡°What¡¯s with ¡®I¡¯? In the end, the police still came. Now, the Bai Family is losing face, but you are even more disgraceful than the Bai Family. Two university professors joining outsiders to target your own daughter-in-law¡ªit¡¯s laughable. It¡¯s not Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s face that you¡¯ve lost; it¡¯s your own!¡± ¡°Mom, it¡¯s all my fault. I will go and apologize to Qiaoqiao in a minute. Please, don¡¯t be angry. If it harms your health, your son will be even more without a place to hide his face.¡± Qin Xuan looked at his mother¡¯s excited expression and trembling hands; he was truly frightened. Grandma Qin¡¯s piercing gaze turned to Shen Manru, speaking firmly yet evenly, ¡°Shen Manru, I know you favor Bai Yun and want her to be your daughter-in-law. Today, I am telling you seriously that even if Gu Qiaoqiao does divorce Ah Ze, Bai Yun will not be stepping foot into the Qin Family¡¯s door in this lifetime!¡± ¡°Mom, I¡­¡± Shen Manru was extremely uncomfortable, as she had never been reprimanded by Grandma Qin like this before¡ªand after such an incident, how silly she would be to still favor Bai Yun, yet she couldn¡¯t refute. Qin Xuan felt a sinking feeling. If this incident caused his son and daughter-in-law to divorce, Old Grand Master Qin would not let him off lightly. Moreover, with his foolishness, he wouldn¡¯t be able to lift his head in front of his brothers. ¡°Mom, they won¡¯t get divorced,¡± Qin Xuan said hastily. It hadn¡¯t reached an irreparable point. Qiaoqiao was soft-hearted, and if he humbly apologized to her, everything would clear up after the storm. Grandma Qin looked at the two people with disappointment, these two, because of their prejudice against Qiaoqiao, simply failed to see how the child had changed. She had become completely different from before. And today¡¯s talk of divorce wasn¡¯t just said in anger. She knew Qiaoqiao was serious. She sighed deeply, seeming to age several years in an instant, and murmured, ¡°I really regret it, I shouldn¡¯t have given you time to get along slowly, nor should I have indulged your mistreatment of Qiaoqiao. Ah Ze is naturally cold by temperament, and with in-laws like you, Qiaoqiao can only grow increasingly disappointed with this family. I can¡¯t even imagine how you treated her when I wasn¡¯t looking. I am also to blame, I am an elder of this family, yet I let Brother Gu¡¯s granddaughter suffer endless grievances here. It¡¯s all my fault¡­¡± Grandma Qin, leaning on her cane, pushed past Qin Xuan, walking towards her own room with a staggering step. Qin Xuan collapsed onto the couch, drained of strength. Shen Manru stood there, watching her daughter timidly standing in a corner, her heart also in utter turmoil. But Grandma Qin was right about one thing; they had been foolish to be used by Bai Yun to frame their own daughter-in-law. She still had that much sense. Even if apologizing to Gu Qiaoqiao was what she ought to do. But then again, if Gu Qiaoqiao had not married into the Qin Family, would all these things have happened in the first place? She knew this line of thought was wrong, but she couldn¡¯t control her emotions. Meanwhile, in the room of Qin Yize and Gu Qiaoqiao. Qin Yize¡¯s hand gripped Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s all this time, causing a slight pain in her wrist. She struggled for a long time but couldn¡¯t break free from his grasp, which felt like iron tongs. Heat seemed to radiate from the palm of his hand, while hers was cooler, the contrast making her skin shiver. ¡°Let go of me¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao growled angrily, ¡°It hurts.¡± Upon hearing this, Qin Yize abruptly released her hand. But as he let go, he moved closer, his tall frame cornering Gu Qiaoqiao against the door, making her feel almost suffocated. Qin Yize¡¯s thin lips formed a cold, straight line, the frosty gleam in the corner of his eyes flickered for a mere moment but still made Gu Qiaoqiao tremble. She tried to remain composed, raising her eyes to glare fiercely at Qin Yize, biting her red lip. A few breaths later, she still ended up pathetically diverting her gaze. Qin Yize¡¯s chest heaved as if he were breathing deeply, his voice even raised, ¡°Marriage can be a condition, divorce can also be a condition, Gu Qiaoqiao, do you take marriage so lightly in your eyes?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly looked up, as if struck by lightning. Marriage is a joke? How dare he say that? What right does he have to say that! She fell in love with him in the most beautiful years of her life, a love so deep and yet so humble. Her love began with Qin Yize but ended with their marriage and also with the most splendid time of her life. And her heart, nowhere to settle, riddled with a thousand holes! Chapter 50 - Chapter 50: Chapter 49 Shes Not Worth It for Herself! Chapter 50: Chapter 49 She¡¯s Not Worth It for Herself! ¡°Qin Yize, in your eyes, is marriage not a matter of seriousness? If you didn¡¯t treat this as child¡¯s play, why did you disregard me? In this marriage, how did you act as a husband? What right do you have to say that I treat marriage as child¡¯s play? If you think marriage is sacred, why didn¡¯t you firmly refuse from the start? With your abilities, Qin Yize, you had a thousand ways to refuse, yet you did not. You married me, then treated me with indifference, leaving me anxious and restless day by day. Now that I have finally seen things clearly and initiated a divorce, this decision is the most solemn one for me and a respect for this unequal marriage. How can you say that I treat marriage as child¡¯s play?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes brimmed with mist and hatred as she roared softly. Qin Yize was stunned. He looked at Gu Qiaoqiao intently, his dark eyes seemingly shadowed like ink. He finally realized that Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s divorce proposal was not a whim nor a tactic to garner his attention. She was serious, so serious that she publicly proposed it in front of everyone. Not giving herself any room to retreat. It was indeed resolute and unwavering. He also saw the hatred in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes. Why did she hate him? Was it because of today¡¯s events? He wasn¡¯t sure and didn¡¯t have time to ask, as Gu Qiaoqiao and Bai Yun hardly gave anyone a chance to respond. However, if Gu Qiaoqiao insisted on divorcing, he would not cling stubbornly. He would willingly let go and give her freedom. All this time, he had never experienced falling in love or youthful infatuation. To date, at twenty-two years old, no girl had made his heart flutter. He had also never imagined like other boys what his future wife, with whom he would have children, would be like. In front of these girls, including Gu Qiaoqiao, his heart remained utterly still. Just like an ancient well for thousands of years. Chu Chengfeng mocked him for being heartless, but he knew it wasn¡¯t a sickness, just that there was no girl worthy of stirring his heart. Thus, he viewed romantic attachments with extreme indifference. Thinking that this would be his life, he agreed to marry her. She wanted to marry him, so he provided her with marriage; she longed for the glamour of the Imperial Capital, so he quickly brought her into the Qin Family. But now, she told him she had thought it through, and she wanted a divorce. A divorce? Fine! But some things need to be made clear. Qin Yize slowly began to speak, but his voice was somewhat hoarse, ¡°I understand now; you are indeed not acting on a whim or impulsively, but after careful consideration.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve thought about it for a long time.¡± A lifetime, which is indeed a long time. ¡°However, I need to clarify some things with you.¡± Qin Yize slightly distanced himself from Gu Qiaoqiao, but the chilly fragrance of bamboo leaves still lingered between them. It seemed mingled with a hint of a young girl¡¯s delicate scent. Gu Qiaoqiao cast her eyes downward. ¡°First, I want to tell you that agreeing to marry you is no child¡¯s play. If nothing major happens, we¡¯ll spend our lifetime together.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao slowly clenched her hands, a hint of coldness spreading across her lips. ¡°Of course, the accident refers to the end of my life.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly looked up at him. Those eyes, brilliant as stars, held emotions she couldn¡¯t understand. A few moments later, Gu Qiaoqiao indifferently lowered her head as a voice gently began overhead. ¡°On the day of our wedding, due to special circumstances, I went to Diannan overnight. The nature of the job was confidential, and I couldn¡¯t call you, nor leave even a single word. By the time I had completed the task and returned, it was January. I went to the Northern Border City to continue setting up a research base, where only military phone lines were available, which were quite inconvenient. Moreover, there was a holiday a month later, so I didn¡¯t write a letter. The day I returned, I handed over all my allowance and the bonus from the mission to you. I thought, this was an obligation must be fulfilled as your husband¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was stunned. In both her past and present lives, she had thought that Qin Yize had gone to the experimental base in Northern Border City, which indeed was inconvenient, but letters could still be sent. Yet it turned out, he had only returned from Diannan last month. A bitter smile tugged at her lips, her thoughts churning like tumultuous waves. She felt unworthy of herself! Why didn¡¯t he say so? If he had told her, would she still be so tormented and pained that he didn¡¯t call or write to her? If she weren¡¯t so fixated, would she have been deceived by Bai Yun? However, there would never be an answer to this question. ¡°So, I wasn¡¯t ignoring you.¡± From Qin Yize¡¯s perspective, he could only see the top of Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s soft, black hair, not the expression on her face. He could barely catch a whiff of a faint fragrance. He suddenly recalled their first meeting; Gu Qiaoqiao, carrying tea, had trembled surprisingly when she saw him. The tray holding four cups of tea nearly tilted to spill everything on the floor. This girl, quick in reaction, flipped and steadied the tray in her hands. And his hand, awkwardly hanging in mid-air, stopped moving. Thinking of this, Qin Yize¡¯s gaze softened, his voice lightened, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, do you remember the talk we had at your home before I agreed to the marriage?¡± Talk? When was that? Without the icy chill from Qin Yize, she felt a trace of warmth and calmed down significantly. She remembered that Qin Yize indeed had a conversation with her, but at that time, she was so blissfully elated, like walking on clouds, floating about with only his pleasant male voice in her ears. But she hadn¡¯t really heard what he had said. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s head hung even lower. Qin Yize seemed to understand, for back then Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t been listening attentively, but the radiance of her smiling face was so brilliant it was hard for him to bear looking directly. ¡°Since you¡¯ve forgotten, let me repeat it to you, I am a cold person by nature, sometimes harsh and unsympathetic¡­¡± He paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°I told you, I couldn¡¯t guarantee being a qualified husband, couldn¡¯t provide the dream marriage you wished for, and you said you didn¡¯t mind.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao bit her lip, vaguely remembering these words. ¡°I also told you, we had only met once, I had no feelings for you, not even liking, let alone love, yet you still said you didn¡¯t mind, as long as you loved me. You said the future was long, and you would desperately make me fall in love with you, as long as you could marry me, you didn¡¯t care about anything else¡­¡± These words from Qin Yize were like needles piercing her heart, shaking her soul, her complexion changed drastically, and she shouted, ¡°Stop talking.¡± Chapter 51 - Chapter 51: Chapter 50 I Agree! Chapter 51: Chapter 50 I Agree! Gu Qiaoqiao frantically covered her face, sliding down against the corner of the wall as she remembered. She recalled the suppressed memories tormenting her for the remaining eight years of her past life. She once promised Qin Yize with fiery passion. In the days that followed, she indeed desperately tried to make Qin Yize fall in love with her, but in the end, she failed. She loved with all her might, only to drag her loved ones into losing their lives one by one, and in the end, she didn¡¯t survive either. How could she be so foolish! How can one love someone else so desperately? What kind of person is worth loving so desperately! Life isn¡¯t just about love! And her so-called laughable love for just one person was no match for death! She of her previous life, deserved her death! Qin Yize¡¯s handsome brows furrowed slightly, yet suddenly, he envisioned Gu Qiaoqiao uttering these words¡ªthat year, she was only seventeen, wasn¡¯t she? Her young face, still unshed of naivety, was filled with a bright and sunny smile, those clear eyes were dazzlingly brilliant and startling. Afterward, he didn¡¯t try to persuade her anymore, but nodded in agreement. In less than two years, had these words driven her to such pain and unbearable recollection? Was it really the recklessness of youth? Qin Yize didn¡¯t know. He only remembered that when he first came back, the way Gu Qiaoqiao looked at him was full of love. And then in the evening, she tried to throw herself at him. But all of this vanished without a trace on the afternoon of New Year¡¯s Eve. In those clear eyes, there was no longer a shadow of him. It wasn¡¯t about feeling disappointed, just somewhat perplexed. Could that one collision have enlightened her? From his superior vantage point, he looked down at the Gu Qiaoqiao covering her face, sighed so faintly it was almost inaudible, then squatted down, reaching out his hand only for it to halt mid-air. Then, without a sound, he slowly withdrew it. A cool and indifferent voice echoed in the room, ¡°If divorce can get rid of some of the hatred in your eyes, I agree!¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly released the hands covering her face, her reddened eyes moist as if in disbelief, she murmured, ¡°You agree?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Qin Yize was silent for a moment, his expression returning to its usual cold detachment, seemingly relaxed all of a sudden, yet also as if his chest was a bit stifled. In his remote voice he began, ¡°I¡¯m currently in charge of the research base, so the divorce procedures are a bit complicated, I have to file a report beforehand, my immediate superior might want to talk to you, it¡¯s better if you can avoid it, but if not, just tell the truth, but let¡¯s not tell our families for the time being.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao slowly stood up, took a deep breath, blinked hard, pushing the tears back, and said with a hint of relief, ¡°I won¡¯t tell anyone until I get the divorce certificate.¡± Qin Yize looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, who obviously seemed happier now, a dark shadow passing over his deep black eyes. So agreeing to the divorce actually made her this happy, huh? He straightened his coat, having stayed awake all night, and now he still needed to go out and ask what exactly had happened today. He didn¡¯t ask Gu Qiaoqiao because what puzzled him was how the report had been filed in the first place. He wanted to know the roles his father and mother had played in it. His hand rested on the door handle when Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly asked, ¡°Qin Yize, may I ask you something?¡± ¡°Ask.¡± ¡°If I had drunk that glass of orange juice with the drug in it and had made a fool of myself, what would you have done? Would you have believed that I was set up? Would you have investigated?¡± Qin Yize fixed his gaze on Gu Qiaoqiao standing before him, noting her eyes still misty with determination, and asked in a deep voice, ¡°Is this question very important to you?¡± ¡°Yes, very important.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao nodded. Even though she knew it was meaningless now, she still wanted to know what Qin Yize would have done if it had actually happened. Qin Yize¡¯s expression grew solemn as he thought for a moment, ¡°I arrived late, and if no one had alerted me, I wouldn¡¯t have known it was because of the orange juice. I might have thought you really drank alcohol, especially since Bai Yun and her group had already prepared their story. And Brother Hao, upon knowing the person Bai Yun wanted to harm was you, would have immediately aligned stories with Bai Yun and Zhu Jianguo, denying everything even until death. Xiao Yu is naive and can¡¯t see through these tricks. If you knew the problem lay with the orange juice, that¡¯s good. But if you didn¡¯t, then Bai Yun and Ning Yuli might really have gotten their way.¡± Hmph, just as I thought! Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes showed a hint of coldness as she looked at Qin Yize with a mocking gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that; I¡¯m not a clairvoyant. The reason I felt something was wrong was because of Zhu Jianguo and Bai Yun¡¯s relationship, which has nothing to do with brandy or orange juice.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao let out a cold snort and looked away. Seeing the expression on her face, Qin Yize knew what she was thinking. His thin lips parted slightly as he spoke with an aloof, icy voice, as if laced with frost, ¡°Are you thinking that I¡¯m the root cause of the trouble? That if Bai Yun hadn¡¯t coveted me, none of this would have happened? I admit, there may be a connection, but I have to tell you that I did everything I could to distance myself and reject her¡­¡± As he reached this point, Qin Yize glanced at his right hand, ¡°You might not believe it, but I¡¯ve lived up to now and this is the first time I¡¯ve held a girl¡¯s hand, and that girl is you.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and she suddenly hid that hand behind her back. Qin Yize saw the small movement without a change of expression but slightly curled up the corner of his mouth, realizing he had said quite a bit today. Yet, he remembered something else that he felt he should explain to Gu Qiaoqiao. However, it was difficult to say. Yet, since they had already agreed to divorce, he couldn¡¯t let her leave with hatred in her heart. But as the words reached his lips, he found he could not speak them. Watching Qin Yize¡¯s expression, Gu Qiaoqiao was unsure of his thoughts, but she felt good nonetheless, now that he had finally agreed to the divorce. So she took the initiative to ask, ¡°Is there anything else you want to tell me?¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Qin Yize looked into her eyes, clear as spring water, and was reminded of the last time they discussed this topic, remembering Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s shyness and frustration. He felt it might be good to speak up, else that smile on her face was indeed a bit irritating. As Qin Yize who had once made his way through the fierce undercurrents appeared naive on the surface in these matters, he was in truth seasoned and scheming. His eyes dimmed as he studied Gu Qiaoqiao intently, his voice slightly hoarse yet meaningful, ¡°I haven¡¯t touched you for a few reasons; first, you¡¯re too young, second, I was afraid of scaring you, third, neither of us were ready to become parents. I was thinking we could wait another two years, it might be better. But luckily we did not. Otherwise, getting a divorce wouldn¡¯t have been so easy for you.¡± Having finished, he opened the door and closed it behind him with a slight squeeze of his hand, masking the wave of emotion in his eyes as he headed coldly towards the couch where his parents sat in a daze. Chapter 52 - Chapter 52: Chapter 51 Apology Chapter 52: Chapter 51 Apology Gu Qiaoqiao finally reacted when she heard the sound of the door closing. For some reason, her face suddenly flushed red. Her eyes, filled with embarrassment and annoyance, were fixed on the wooden door, yet she didn¡¯t have the courage to open it. She instinctively looked down at her chest. Although her clothes were loose, she knew that the curves underneath were still gracefully outlined. Just like two ripe peaches. Small, huh? Worried about scaring her? What on earth could scare her? However, Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly froze, then she bit her lip in mortification. If she wasn¡¯t mistaken, did it mean that? In her previous life, although she hadn¡¯t reached thirty before her life ended, in that back kitchen dominated by middle-aged women, those ladies were always blunt, sparing no details. Gu Qiaoqiao took a deep breath, feeling a twinge of embarrassment. She thought she might be overthinking it. Qin Yize in this life was just in his early twenties, how could he possibly think that deeply? Calling her ¡®small¡¯, must¡¯ve referred to her age, right? Gu Qiaoqiao suppressed her wandering thoughts. Yet, she still felt surprised. It turns out that aside from being cold, Qin Yize had such expressions too. But whatever he meant, it no longer had anything to do with her. Meanwhile, a sense of happiness spread within her. That¡¯s great. She was about to divorce him soon. From then on, all these nightmares would forever stay away from her. Gu Qiaoqiao cheerfully took off her down jacket. It was noon in the collective heated west district, and the indoor temperature was at its highest. She started to plan seriously in her mind. The urgent task was to carve more items to sell at Yubao Square. Then to dispose of the useless clothes here. Everything that could be mailed would be taken to the post office, and those truly bothersome would be thrown away altogether. She would clear her traces here and leave the Qin family¡¯s dreaded place forever. However, she would still need to come to Imperial Capital. After all, the items she carved could only realize their value here. Gu Qiaoqiao, holding several olives and walnuts in her hand, was full of anticipation. Just then, the door quietly opened, a bag was handed through the crack, and then the petite hand swiftly retracted. It was Qin Xiaoyu, who didn¡¯t dare to come in. Because she noticed that her sister-in-law had a defiant stance like ¡®one man holding the pass, ten thousand unable to get through¡¯ when facing their family just now. Maybe this comparison wasn¡¯t right, but she couldn¡¯t think of a better adjective. But she didn¡¯t dare to provoke trouble. After all, they had all helped Bai Yun to wrong her. Yet she never expected Bai Yun to be so terrifying. Gu Qiaoqiao casually glanced at the door, soon they would be no more than strangers. She couldn¡¯t care less about her. However. Before she could finalize her plans and express her joyful emotions, there was a knock on the door again. Was it Grandma Qin? Thinking of the old woman, Gu Qiaoqiao felt a bit guilty, as Grandma Qin had always genuinely considered her a granddaughter-in-law, both in her past and present life. However, this time she was truly leaving and would never return. But the thought of Grandma Qin¡¯s healthy legs significantly eased her guilt. She quickly walked to the door and opened it. Then, the smile on her face froze. Qin Xuan and Shen Manru. She did not want to see these two at all. What were they here for? To continue blaming her or to lash out at her for taking advantage of the situation to file a report? However, this was, after all, the Qin Family¡¯s house, and she, Gu Qiaoqiao, was also somebody with manners. She thought for a moment and then took out a piece of paper from her trouser pocket and handed it to Qin Xuan, ¡°Last night I carved a nucleus carving with a walnut, a small boat, and sold it to Yubao Square. Here¡¯s the receipt, please take a look.¡± Qin Xuan accepted the receipt in a daze. It was printed with the three large characters of Yubao Square. Below it was the name: ¡°A Light Boat has Cleared Ten Thousand Heavy Mountains.¡± Price: Eight hundred yuan. Qin Xuan¡¯s face turned red as if the receipt was burning his hands. He handed it back to Gu Qiaoqiao, glanced at his wife beside him, and said with determination, ¡°Qiaoqiao, we are here to apologize to you.¡± Apologize? That really was rare. Gu Qiaoqiao raised her eyebrows slightly and then stepped aside from the door. Qin Xuan and Shen Manru walked in. Gu Qiaoqiao closely looked and noticed that Qin Xuan indeed seemed sincere; there was also regret in his eyes. It was just like the year her father misunderstood her because of her exam results and scolded her. She had hidden in the backyard until her father had searched the entire village for her. When he finally saw her, his eyes had the same look. But Shen Manru¡¯s eyes clearly showed reluctance. Even a bit of transferred anger. However, perhaps because of Grandma Qin and because today she had been the most vociferous, she managed to suppress it. Even avoiding Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s gaze. This really was rare. A flicker of interest crossed Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes. She put away the receipt and quietly watched Qin Xuan and Shen Manru. The she slightly lowered her head. Inside, disdain mingled with anticipation. Shen Manru, high and proud, apologizing to her¡­ She must have been inwardly cursing a storm. But still had to maintain elegance on the surface. Did she think that she, Gu Qiaoqiao, would not let them apologize and generously forgive them? What a joke? A brief silence filled the room, and Qin Xuan was the first to break the quiet with heartfelt words, ¡°Qiaoqiao, I¡¯m sorry, the fault was mine today. I not only doubted you but also wronged you, even preferring to believe strangers over my own daughter-in-law. I was very foolish today, unworthy of being an elder, and I am ashamed and have no place to hide, so I sincerely apologize to you¡­¡± Undoubtedly, Qin Xuan¡¯s apology was very sincere. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s previously disdainful and cold heart felt a slight warmth. She despised her own softening heart, yet couldn¡¯t control the mist in her eyes. Across two lifetimes, she truly had been very aggrieved and sad. All she had done was to marry Qin Yize, but why was it as if she had committed some unforgivable, atrocious crime? One by one, as if they wished to trample her into the mud so she could never rise again. Qin Xuan and Shen Manru, speaking honestly, had they been even partially as kind to her as they were to Bai Yun, had they shown even a little bit of goodwill, she wouldn¡¯t have transformed from an upbeat, cheerful girl into a humble, resentful woman in less than a year. She too was the treasured daughter of a good family, the jewel in her parents¡¯ hands. Why did she seem less than a blade of grass in their eyes? At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was full of sorrow, yet didn¡¯t know how to ease it. When her tears began dropping on the floor, Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly realized it. She turned her head and wiped away the tears. She didn¡¯t deliberately hide them. After all, it also counted as hitting the mark. The immensely wronged Gu Qiaoqiao, only nineteen after the New Year, crying was too normal. Not crying would be abnormal. As expected, Qin Xuan felt even more ashamed, ¡°Qiaoqiao, your mother-in-law and I don¡¯t dare ask for your immediate forgiveness, but please give us a chance. From now on, this will never happen again.¡± Chapter 53 - Chapter 53: Chapter 52: Do not let this matter affect your marriage Chapter 53: Chapter 52: Do not let this matter affect your marriage Gu Qiaoqiao looked toward Qin Xuan and said softly, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault about today¡¯s incident. Bai Yun had a deep relationship with you and even though I¡¯ve been married into the Qin family for less than a year, I simply can¡¯t compare. Besides, it¡¯s easy to know people¡¯s faces but not their hearts. I was utterly deceived by her, not to mention you two who treated her like a daughter.¡± Her voice was not loud, but it was very clear, carrying a hint of grievance. However, to Qin Xuan and Shen Manru¡¯s ears, it sounded awkward no matter how they listened. The entire Qin family had been deceived by a young girl, and now Gu Qiaoqiao mentioned it in such a manner. They felt ashamed to the core. Shen Manru¡¯s face fell. She did truly care for Bai Yun, loved her deeply, and even wanted her to become her daughter-in-law. Her treatment of Bai Yun wasn¡¯t quite the same as treating her own daughter, but it was dozens of times more affectionate than how she treated Gu Qiaoqiao. Yet today, Bai Yun had publicly slapped her in the face in such a manner. Her face felt burning hot. Shen Manru had always felt superior in front of Gu Qiaoqiao, but now she found herself in the same deceived position. This made Shen Manru want to flee in desperation. But, she couldn¡¯t leave. It was a matter of attitude, not only for her mother-in-law to see but also to be used as a reason for the future. So, she must sincerely apologize to Gu Qiaoqiao. ¡°Qiaoqiao, today I failed to discern right from wrong, and I was utterly confused, causing you to suffer this grievance. I¡¯m truly sorry. This is also a fault in my thinking. I admit I¡¯ve been biased against you, but today¡¯s incident taught me a lesson I will never forget. I will never do it again. I will care for you as dearly as I care for Xiao Yu. Please believe me.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao examined Shen Manru¡¯s expression, just as she was about to weigh the sincerity of these words. But suddenly, she felt she thought too much. For someone like Shen Manru, sincerity didn¡¯t really matter. What mattered was that she had lowered her head and apologized, something unimaginable in her previous life before she was reborn. But why wasn¡¯t she as pleased as when she saw Bai Yun kneeling before her earlier? Yes, besides having a satisfying moment verbally, what else could she do to Shen Manru? Suddenly, she felt incredibly hollow inside. She kept her head down and remained silent. ¡°Qiaoqiao, it¡¯s all mine and your mother-in-law¡¯s fault. I only hope that what you said about divorce earlier was said in anger and that this incident won¡¯t affect your marriage.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was just about to say it wasn¡¯t said in anger when a second thought stopped her. It was better they didn¡¯t know, as they would definitely try to stop it. Moreover, because of the incident with the Silent Night Cicada, Mr. Qin and Mother Qin would spare no effort to prevent it. Bringing in Grandma Qin, they would be the first to call her parents. Then Old Grand Master Qin would inevitably get involved. With the divorce over the Silent Night Cicada incident, the Qin family would be at fault. One could imagine how much resistance there would be. However, her goal was achieved. The once insignificant Gu Qiaoqiao could finally walk out of the Qin family with her head held high. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the two in front of her and took a deep breath, said without forgiveness but softly, ¡°I believe.¡± Qin Xuan and Shen Manru felt an immense relief. However, at that moment, Qin Xuan¡¯s mind suddenly lit up. He realized that recently, Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t called them ¡®dad¡¯ and ¡®mom¡¯ at all. His heart sank. He then gave Shen Manru a meaningful glance, spoke a few caring words, and then pulled Shen Manru out of the room. Qin Xuan stood in the living room, watching his son busy in the kitchen, and felt a pang of guilt arise. At this moment, Qin Xuan clearly knew that if it wasn¡¯t for his and Shen Manru¡¯s attitude towards Gu Qiaoqiao, Bai Yun wouldn¡¯t have dared to scheme against Qin Family¡¯s daughter-in-law. It was all because Gu Qiaoqiao had no status in this family. And at the beginning of the year, the public ridicule from his younger brother¡¯s wife, if it hadn¡¯t been for their own prejudices against Gu Qiaoqiao. Would that woman have dared to laugh at Gu Qiaoqiao like that? And he, he had even secretly resented it. An ice layer three feet thick does not form overnight. They were also one of the sources. He just hoped that Gu Qiaoqiao would give them a chance to make amends. He saw his mother coming out of the room and she had actually discarded her crutches. Qin Xuan was shocked and hurried forward to lend a hand but was deterred by a cold glare from Grandma Qin. ¡°Mom, you shouldn¡¯t recklessly throw away your crutches, in case¡­¡± ¡°Although I¡¯m old and a bit muddled, I still know my own body.¡± After saying this with underlying meaning, Grandma Qin pushed open Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s room door. Gu Qiaoqiao heard the door sound, looked up, and saw an extremely remorseful Grandma Qin. And indeed, she had discarded her crutches. Gu Qiaoqiao hurried forward, ¡°Grandma, are you all right without the crutches?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. I know my own legs.¡± Saying this, Grandma Qin actually started walking back and forth in the room. Gu Qiaoqiao immediately understood that Grandma Qin was too guilty and almost too ashamed to face her. So, she used discarding her crutches as a pretext to talk to her. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart softened, and supporting Grandma Qin, she reproached, ¡°Grandma, didn¡¯t I tell you that you should at least wait a week before you can throw away the crutches? Please sit down. Let me check for you.¡± As Grandma Qin looked at Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s expression, the guilt on her face deepened. She held Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand and with a choked voice, she said, ¡°Qiaoqiao, Grandma is so sorry.¡± ¡°Grandma, this isn¡¯t your fault at all. Please don¡¯t blame yourself. I haven¡¯t even thanked you for your unconditional trust in me.¡± ¡°Good child, Qiaoqiao is a good child. Rest assured, such an incident will never happen again.¡± ¡°Yes, Grandma, I¡¯ve also grown wiser and won¡¯t be deceived again.¡± Grandma Qin sighed deeply, ¡°How did Bai Yun turn out to be so ugly? It¡¯s completely unforeseen.¡± ¡°Hehe, Grandma, let¡¯s not talk about her anymore. It¡¯s disheartening. Please sit down, and let me check your leg.¡± Saying this, Gu Qiaoqiao pulled Grandma Qin to sit down, her fingers pressing on Grandma Qin¡¯s leg, carefully sensing its condition. Then, pretending to give a massage for a while, she finally said to Grandma Qin, ¡°It looks a lot better, but it¡¯s still best not to put all your weight on your legs so soon. It¡¯s better to use the crutches for a few more days; there¡¯s only benefit in it.¡± ¡°Okay, okay, I¡¯ll listen to Qiaoqiao.¡± Grandma Qin nodded happily, then seemingly proudly whispered, ¡°I think Ah Ze should learn from you.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was taken aback but didn¡¯t respond, and Grandma Qin didn¡¯t mind but looked on with eyes full of affection. This child, her heart is too soft. So soft that it pains her. Thus, Gu Qiaoqiao helped Grandma Qin out of the room and fetched her crutches, and by that time, it was already four o¡¯clock in the afternoon. Shen Manru and Qin Yize were cooking in the kitchen. Gu Qiaoqiao did not go inside again. Instead, she began to set the table. Qin Xuan thought for a moment and finally made up his mind. He called Gu Qiaoqiao over, as improving his relationship with Gu Qiaoqiao wasn¡¯t just talk; he truly wanted to make it happen. Chapter 54 - Chapter 54: Chapter 53 Various Parties Plea for Mercy Chapter 54: Chapter 53 Various Parties Plea for Mercy Although there was still some embarrassment about meeting Gu Qiaoqiao, he knew he had to take the first step. Moreover, Qin Xuan still had something on his mind he couldn¡¯t let go of. He hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°Qiaoqiao, is the nucleus carving you did of a small boat?¡± As he said this, he took out a nucleus carving. It was also a small boat, but compared to Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s, there was still a significant gap. Gu Qiaoqiao took the small boat and observed it closely. The cultivation technique was somewhat rough, the pattern on the door of the cabin was asymmetrical, the expression on the boatman¡¯s face was lifeless, and the proportions were slightly off. It¡¯s true what they say, you don¡¯t know how good something is until you compare it. Gu Qiaoqiao became more confident in her own work. She put down the nucleus carving, ¡°Mine is also a small boat, but both the shape of the boat and the figures are different.¡± ¡°Did Yubao Square give you eight hundred yuan directly?¡± Qin Xuan curiously asked. ¡°No, they initially offered six hundred. I hesitated for a moment, and to my surprise, when Boss Zhang saw my hesitation, he added another two hundred, and then I agreed,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said nonchalantly. ¡°Is it Boss Zhang, the second manager of Yubao Square?¡± Qin Xuan asked in disbelief. ¡°That¡¯s how he introduced himself to me.¡± At this moment, Qin Xuan¡¯s heart was as itchy as if it had been scratched by a cat. What a pity, he hadn¡¯t even seen the thing Gu Qiaoqiao carved. Items that can prompt Zhang Yi to increase the price twice are truly rare in the Imperial Capital. It is said that Zhang Yi¡¯s offers are always fixed, whether he¡¯s buying or selling. Because his pricing eerily matches the other party¡¯s psychological threshold. That¡¯s why in the antique circle, he has another name called ¡°Zhang One-Price.¡± Qin Xuan seemed to have forgotten the Qin family¡¯s unpleasantness with Gu Qiaoqiao. Perhaps he also wanted to use this opportunity to ease their relationship. He looked at Gu Qiaoqiao with a voice full of pain and urgency, ¡°Qiaoqiao, your nucleus carving, you might have sold it for too little¡­¡± Sold it for too little? How could that be? Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Qin Xuan, puzzled, ¡°Doesn¡¯t everyone say that Yubao Square is fair to both old and young? How could I have lost out?¡± She actually felt that the eight hundred yuan was quite a lot, especially in 1986. At that time, money was very valuable! Qin Xuan felt that he couldn¡¯t explain things clearly to Gu Qiaoqiao just yet. Since he hadn¡¯t seen the actual object, he couldn¡¯t be sure if Zhang Yi had taken advantage of Gu Qiaoqiao. What a pity, given the relationship between the Qin family and Yubao Square, it seemed unlikely they would even be able to see it. And the fact that Zhang Yi bought Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s item probably meant he didn¡¯t know about her relationship with the Qin family. Gu Qiaoqiao glanced at Qin Xuan¡¯s expression and knew he was very curious about her nucleus carving. But she didn¡¯t mind. If she had lost out, then so be it. Besides, she carved quickly. She could just carve a few more pieces, and it would make up for the loss. Moreover, she intended to collaborate with Yubao Square for the long term. Before Qin Xuan had time to regret, the meal was ready. Grandma Qin had been sitting quietly next to Gu Qiaoqiao, listening to her son and Gu Qiaoqiao talk, and finally felt a bit better. No matter what happened in the future, this was a good start. The atmosphere at the dining table was very quiet. Shen Manru ate her food listlessly. It had only been a few days, but how had her taste become so discerning? She always felt like the dishes she made lacked either oil or salt. She looked up stealthily at Gu Qiaoqiao and was surprised to find that the child looked quite appealing while eating. Modest and restrained, neither fast nor slow, graceful and content. No wonder they say that when one removes their prejudiced lenses to look at a person, the difference is like night and day. Yi Shu once wrote, when a man no longer loves his woman, her crying is wrong, her silence is wrong, her very breathing is wrong, even in death she is wrong. Similarly, when a person hates someone, whether she smiles or doesn¡¯t smile, it¡¯s wrong, even the way she walks and eats is wrong¡­ However, at this time, Shen Manru couldn¡¯t help but think, how did she even compromise? In her heart, this Gu Qiaoqiao would not be presentable even after ten years of training. But now¡­ She refused to think any further. The dinner had only just reached the halfway point when the ring of a telephone interrupted them. The few of them exchanged glances, and Qin Xuan gestured for Qin Yize not to move as he walked to the living room to answer the phone. It was the Old Master of the Bai Family calling. He pleaded with Qin Xuan to be generous and let go of his foolish granddaughter. And he claimed he would personally come to apologize. Of course, that was a lie. The Old Master Bai occupied a high position; how could he possibly come knocking on their door. It was merely an excuse. Qin Xuan had actually anticipated that today would not be peaceful the moment before. He quietly listened to everything the Old Master Bai had to say, then spoke in a gentle yet firm voice, ¡°This matter is no longer simply an issue between our Qin Family and the Bai Family. Whether it is unlawful or criminal, there are designated institutions to pass judgment on them, and I have faith in the law as well as in Public Security.¡± The caller hung up with a click. After that, several more calls came, all asking for favors, but Qin Xuan responded to them with the same reasoning as he did with Old Master Bai. However, Qin Xuan was very clear-headed when dealing with these external affairs, speaking softly and detailing the ins and outs of the situation clearly. He showed great respect for the facts. And, as expected, the callers were left speechless after hearing Qin Xuan¡¯s words. Qin Xuan had no choice but to do this, otherwise, the Bai Family could easily distort the facts, making it sound like a minor dispute between children. And he, of course, had long been prepared for this. Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t expected the situation to blow up so big. Those who usually only appeared in newspapers and on television had all stepped in to play peacemaker. But after hearing Qin Xuan¡¯s tactful refusal, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s opinion of him somewhat improved. However, all of these, everything about the Qin Family, would soon have nothing to do with her. With this in mind, Gu Qiaoqiao found her appetite surprisingly good. Even though the flavor of the meal was quite ordinary. And it was a phone call from Old Grand Master of the Qin Family that abruptly ended the dinner. First, it was Qin Xuan being scolded, then Qin Yize; when Gu Qiaoqiao heard the old master¡¯s strong voice berating Qin Yize for stirring up trouble, she deeply empathized, yet Qin Yize listened quietly, his expression as calm as water. Only after the old master had finished scolding did he tell Qin Yize to bring his wife to the Qin Family¡¯s Courtyard the next day. And he informed Qin Yize that he was not in a position to deal with the aftermath, as it was his turn to battle it out with the old head of the Bai Family. Then, with a huff, he hung up the phone. The Spring Festival of 1986 was destined not to be peaceful. In the North City District of the Imperial Capital. Here lies a courtyard that is even larger than the Qin Family¡¯s Courtyard. The main building is a two-story house adorned with carved balustrades and columns on the eaves, surrounded by high walls constructed of green bricks. If one were to look down from above, they would realize that this area was actually a whole, yet it was forcibly partitioned by four tall walls. And inside one of the courtyards within these tall walls and large compound, surprisingly, there was a greenhouse. A strong scent of spring greeted those who entered. The greenhouse covered an area of about two hundred square meters, rectangular in shape, with the side facing the sun made up mostly of large glass panels. Chapter 56 - Chapter 56: Chapter 55 Qiaoqiaos Hand Problem Chapter 56: Chapter 55 Qiaoqiao¡¯s Hand Problem At the same moment, in a hospital in the Imperial Capital, Elder Luo gripped the nucleus carving in his right hand with excitement. After closing his eyes and meditating for a while, he reluctantly placed the nucleus carving back into the jade box and said to Luo Fan, ¡°I believe Qiaoqiao carved this, she must have encountered some difficulties. Zhang Yi only saw the exquisite craftsmanship of this nucleus carving, but he doesn¡¯t know that this carving has other treasures within it too. We¡¯ll keep it safe for Qiaoqiao until there¡¯s an opportunity to discuss it¡­¡± ¡°Grandfather, I did hear something today¡­¡± ¡°What is it, let¡¯s hear it,¡± Luo Zhenyu said kindly, gazing at his beloved grandson. Luo Fan then shared what he had heard that afternoon about the Bai Family and Qin Family with Luo Zhenyu. After all, they were all part of the same circle. It was normal to get the news first-hand. After hearing this, Luo Zhenyu¡¯s expression darkened with anger as he bitterly said, ¡°The Qin Family people are foolish, to collude with outsiders to trap their own daughter-in-law.¡± ¡°Yes, I heard it¡¯s because Gu Qiaoqiao comes from the countryside; Shen Manru doesn¡¯t respect her at all. It seems Qiaoqiao¡¯s days have not been easy.¡± ¡°What about it if she is from the countryside? Our Luo Family is not much different in status from the Qin Family, and your third aunt also comes from the countryside, yet our Luo Family treats her very well¡­¡± Luo Fan hurriedly advised, ¡°Grandfather, please don¡¯t be angry. Grandma Qin is sensible, and her husband is very decisive, which is why they even sent several people to the police station.¡± Since being saved by the master, Luo Zhenyu felt grateful toward the people and events around him, so hearing about this matter, especially because Gu Qiaoqiao was the family¡¯s lifesaver, naturally upset him greatly. He gave Luo Fan a few more instructions, to which Luo Fan nodded repeatedly. Luo Zhenyu stared at the jade box, his gaze revealing deep thought. All this was unknown to Gu Qiaoqiao. After sorting everything out, she returned to her room. Usually at this time, Qin Yize would not stay with her. He preferred to quietly watch TV with Grandma Qin. Yet, inside Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart, the excitement was hard to conceal. She was genuinely happy. Bai Yun was the thorn in her heart; now watching her rendered speechless and taken to the police station, Gu Qiaoqiao felt as if the thorn in her heart was finally removed. The way the Qin Family handled the situation left her speechless, and she was also at fault. Falling in love with the wrong person, entering a family she shouldn¡¯t have, it was her own fault. They say awareness of your own situation is precious, but being spoiled by her grandfather, she indeed was somewhat out of touch with reality. And she hardly understood the consequences of such disparate social statuses. That¡¯s why after less than a year of entering the Qin Family, upon seeing the clear distinctions, she became increasingly timid, weak, and even felt inferior. Perhaps because she cared too much, she had shackled herself. Actually, she hadn¡¯t always been like this. It was her love that cost her herself. However, all these were issues of the past now. The Qin Family, without her, would not face those disasters forthcoming. Grandma Qin remained healthy, and Qin Xiaoyu was still lively and bouncing around. And she would soon return to her parents¡¯ side. This was a situation where parting ways was best for both parties, for each to be content. After washing up, Qin Yize had still not returned to the room, so Gu Qiaoqiao decided to take out an olive kernel and, holding her carving knife, went to the study. Sitting in a chair, she flexed her fingers just like she had done the day before, then closed her eyes in thought for a moment. Only then did she slowly open her eyes. She planned to carve the Eighteen Arhats on this olive kernel, then drill holes and thread it to make a pendant. Any Buddhist seeing it would naturally like it. She extended her hand and set the knife down. But the next moment, she suddenly startled; Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes widened as she stared unbelievably at her seemingly frozen fingers. Then she drew the knife down again, but her fingers remained completely still. The smooth olive pit bore no mark at all. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart thudded wildly; why couldn¡¯t her hand move suddenly? Her face turned ghostly pale; was there something wrong with her hand? Could she be becoming paralyzed? Doubting, Gu Qiaoqiao held the carving knife and tried to cut deeply again, yet it remained right where it started, immobile. Could she no longer use her hand? Then, had she become disabled? Forget about providing a good life for her family, she might have become a burden to her parents. Gu Qiaoqiao was on the verge of tears, her back breaking out in a cold sweat. Suddenly, she put down the carving knife and hurriedly started moving. Then she was shocked to discover that her fingers could move again. They were still flexible and moved freely. Gu Qiaoqiao experimented many more times. She ultimately found that as long as she didn¡¯t use the carving knife on walnuts or olive kernels, everything was normal. But when she placed the carving knife on the object to be carved, time seemed to eerily freeze. However, the spiritual energy in her fingers was still there. Touching her own chest, she felt a warm sensation. What exactly was going on? Was Heaven playing with her? This was too unfair. Why destroy her carving skills that she relied on to survive? Suddenly, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s mind sharpened, and she quickly dismissed the idea. Heaven is fair. Otherwise, how could she have been given a second chance at life! Anyone could say Heaven was unfair, but she, Gu Qiaoqiao, could not. But, what exactly was going on? Gu Qiaoqiao wanted to cry but had no tears. She paced back and forth anxiously in the study. Her mind was in a complete mess. What exactly had happened? Why did such an inconceivable event occur? Gu Qiaoqiao, upset, grabbed her hair, regretting everything. If from now on she could no longer hold a carving knife, then she had really lost a fortune by selling the nucleus carving to Yubao Square. You see, that nucleus carving still retained spiritual energy; it was very beneficial for the body to hold and play with it. She had even planned to carve one for each, Old Master Qin and Grandma Qin. Because she was fast, she could almost carve one in a few hours. She had even calculated how much money she would bring home. Now, it was all gone, forget about speed, she couldn¡¯t even make a single cut. Gu Qiaoqiao pondered bitterly. From time to time, she moved her wrist. And just in that moment, a sudden insight flashed in her mind, and then her body stiffened. Could it be¡­ She raised her right hand, and indeed, if she successfully threw Bai Yun to the ground, it was because of her hand. Bai Yun wouldn¡¯t be foolish enough to steal Qin Family¡¯s belongings and blatantly keep them in her pocket. Even if she did, she would have hidden them early on. Exactly! The Silent Night Cicada was taken by Gu Qiaoqiao that morning. She wanted to give Bai Yun, Qin Xuan, and Shen Manru a chance to let them go, and let herself go too, because once she left the Qin Family, there would be no further involvement. She would let it all blow away with the wind. If upon her return from Yubao Square to Qin Family, Bai Yun had kept quiet about this matter, or perhaps Qin Xuan and Shen Manru had shown unconditioned trust in her like Grandma Qin, she wouldn¡¯t have planted the Silent Night Cicada in Bai Yun¡¯s pants. And she wouldn¡¯t have taken the opportunity to report the matter. Chapter 56 - Chapter 56: Chapter 55 Qiaoqiaos Hand Problem Chapter 56: Chapter 55 Qiaoqiao¡¯s Hand Problem At the same moment, in a hospital in the Imperial Capital, Elder Luo gripped the nucleus carving in his right hand with excitement. After closing his eyes and meditating for a while, he reluctantly placed the nucleus carving back into the jade box and said to Luo Fan, ¡°I believe Qiaoqiao carved this, she must have encountered some difficulties. Zhang Yi only saw the exquisite craftsmanship of this nucleus carving, but he doesn¡¯t know that this carving has other treasures within it too. We¡¯ll keep it safe for Qiaoqiao until there¡¯s an opportunity to discuss it¡­¡± ¡°Grandfather, I did hear something today¡­¡± ¡°What is it, let¡¯s hear it,¡± Luo Zhenyu said kindly, gazing at his beloved grandson. Luo Fan then shared what he had heard that afternoon about the Bai Family and Qin Family with Luo Zhenyu. After all, they were all part of the same circle. It was normal to get the news first-hand. After hearing this, Luo Zhenyu¡¯s expression darkened with anger as he bitterly said, ¡°The Qin Family people are foolish, to collude with outsiders to trap their own daughter-in-law.¡± ¡°Yes, I heard it¡¯s because Gu Qiaoqiao comes from the countryside; Shen Manru doesn¡¯t respect her at all. It seems Qiaoqiao¡¯s days have not been easy.¡± ¡°What about it if she is from the countryside? Our Luo Family is not much different in status from the Qin Family, and your third aunt also comes from the countryside, yet our Luo Family treats her very well¡­¡± Luo Fan hurriedly advised, ¡°Grandfather, please don¡¯t be angry. Grandma Qin is sensible, and her husband is very decisive, which is why they even sent several people to the police station.¡± Since being saved by the master, Luo Zhenyu felt grateful toward the people and events around him, so hearing about this matter, especially because Gu Qiaoqiao was the family¡¯s lifesaver, naturally upset him greatly. He gave Luo Fan a few more instructions, to which Luo Fan nodded repeatedly. Luo Zhenyu stared at the jade box, his gaze revealing deep thought. All this was unknown to Gu Qiaoqiao. After sorting everything out, she returned to her room. Usually at this time, Qin Yize would not stay with her. He preferred to quietly watch TV with Grandma Qin. Yet, inside Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart, the excitement was hard to conceal. She was genuinely happy. Bai Yun was the thorn in her heart; now watching her rendered speechless and taken to the police station, Gu Qiaoqiao felt as if the thorn in her heart was finally removed. The way the Qin Family handled the situation left her speechless, and she was also at fault. Falling in love with the wrong person, entering a family she shouldn¡¯t have, it was her own fault. They say awareness of your own situation is precious, but being spoiled by her grandfather, she indeed was somewhat out of touch with reality. And she hardly understood the consequences of such disparate social statuses. That¡¯s why after less than a year of entering the Qin Family, upon seeing the clear distinctions, she became increasingly timid, weak, and even felt inferior. Perhaps because she cared too much, she had shackled herself. Actually, she hadn¡¯t always been like this. It was her love that cost her herself. However, all these were issues of the past now. The Qin Family, without her, would not face those disasters forthcoming. Grandma Qin remained healthy, and Qin Xiaoyu was still lively and bouncing around. And she would soon return to her parents¡¯ side. This was a situation where parting ways was best for both parties, for each to be content. After washing up, Qin Yize had still not returned to the room, so Gu Qiaoqiao decided to take out an olive kernel and, holding her carving knife, went to the study. Sitting in a chair, she flexed her fingers just like she had done the day before, then closed her eyes in thought for a moment. Only then did she slowly open her eyes. She planned to carve the Eighteen Arhats on this olive kernel, then drill holes and thread it to make a pendant. Any Buddhist seeing it would naturally like it. She extended her hand and set the knife down. But the next moment, she suddenly startled; Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes widened as she stared unbelievably at her seemingly frozen fingers. Then she drew the knife down again, but her fingers remained completely still. The smooth olive pit bore no mark at all. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart thudded wildly; why couldn¡¯t her hand move suddenly? Her face turned ghostly pale; was there something wrong with her hand? Could she be becoming paralyzed? Doubting, Gu Qiaoqiao held the carving knife and tried to cut deeply again, yet it remained right where it started, immobile. Could she no longer use her hand? Then, had she become disabled? Forget about providing a good life for her family, she might have become a burden to her parents. Gu Qiaoqiao was on the verge of tears, her back breaking out in a cold sweat. Suddenly, she put down the carving knife and hurriedly started moving. Then she was shocked to discover that her fingers could move again. They were still flexible and moved freely. Gu Qiaoqiao experimented many more times. She ultimately found that as long as she didn¡¯t use the carving knife on walnuts or olive kernels, everything was normal. But when she placed the carving knife on the object to be carved, time seemed to eerily freeze. However, the spiritual energy in her fingers was still there. Touching her own chest, she felt a warm sensation. What exactly was going on? Was Heaven playing with her? This was too unfair. Why destroy her carving skills that she relied on to survive? Suddenly, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s mind sharpened, and she quickly dismissed the idea. Heaven is fair. Otherwise, how could she have been given a second chance at life! Anyone could say Heaven was unfair, but she, Gu Qiaoqiao, could not. But, what exactly was going on? Gu Qiaoqiao wanted to cry but had no tears. She paced back and forth anxiously in the study. Her mind was in a complete mess. What exactly had happened? Why did such an inconceivable event occur? Gu Qiaoqiao, upset, grabbed her hair, regretting everything. If from now on she could no longer hold a carving knife, then she had really lost a fortune by selling the nucleus carving to Yubao Square. You see, that nucleus carving still retained spiritual energy; it was very beneficial for the body to hold and play with it. She had even planned to carve one for each, Old Master Qin and Grandma Qin. Because she was fast, she could almost carve one in a few hours. She had even calculated how much money she would bring home. Now, it was all gone, forget about speed, she couldn¡¯t even make a single cut. Gu Qiaoqiao pondered bitterly. From time to time, she moved her wrist. And just in that moment, a sudden insight flashed in her mind, and then her body stiffened. Could it be¡­ She raised her right hand, and indeed, if she successfully threw Bai Yun to the ground, it was because of her hand. Bai Yun wouldn¡¯t be foolish enough to steal Qin Family¡¯s belongings and blatantly keep them in her pocket. Even if she did, she would have hidden them early on. Exactly! The Silent Night Cicada was taken by Gu Qiaoqiao that morning. She wanted to give Bai Yun, Qin Xuan, and Shen Manru a chance to let them go, and let herself go too, because once she left the Qin Family, there would be no further involvement. She would let it all blow away with the wind. If upon her return from Yubao Square to Qin Family, Bai Yun had kept quiet about this matter, or perhaps Qin Xuan and Shen Manru had shown unconditioned trust in her like Grandma Qin, she wouldn¡¯t have planted the Silent Night Cicada in Bai Yun¡¯s pants. And she wouldn¡¯t have taken the opportunity to report the matter. Chapter 57 - Chapter 57: Chapter 56: The Engraving Knife Made by the Pouring Steel Method Chapter 57: Chapter 56: The Engraving Knife Made by the Pouring Steel Method She would silently place the Silent Night Cicada into a crevice beneath the Duobao Pavilion, and then help them find it. Although doing so was somewhat unscrupulous. Yet, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to return white with black when it came to Bai Yun. In her past life, she had been foolish, doing things that shamed the Qin Family, and they didn¡¯t believe she had any excuse. But since New Year¡¯s Eve, she had devoted herself to preparing three meals a day, and on the first day of the lunar year, she even showcased her special talent. She helped Qin Yize save people and also cured Grandma¡¯s rheumatism by massaging her every evening. Aren¡¯t these enough? Enough for them to trust her, to treat her kindly just once? Just once, she wasn¡¯t asking much. Unfortunately, there wasn¡¯t! It was all right when nothing happened, but once there was an issue, they would immediately turn against her as if she were an enemy. Therefore, she had to teach them a lesson. Otherwise, even after the divorce, they might still slander her. Especially with people like Bai Yun who reveled in chaos. So, in a flash of brilliance, she acted on impulse. While Bai Yun and Qin Xiaoyu were rummaging through her bag, she angrily pushed Qin Xiaoyu away and slipped the Silent Night Cicada into Bai Yun¡¯s pants pocket. In the end, Bai Yun got a taste of her own medicine. Gu Qiaoqiao stared blankly at her hand. How nimble her fingers were at that moment, just like a magician performing a wondrous trick. That feeling of having everything under her fingertip¡¯s control. As smooth and beautiful as flowing water in the clouds. Yet now, she could only give a bitter smile. Was this divine punishment for her unjust actions? Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s face grew solemn as she gradually calmed down, telling herself that the heavens always watch over us. She was a prime example. Her fingers possessed spiritual energy and naturally did not approve of her actions. So they punished her! Was that it? Gu Qiaoqiao wondered aimlessly. If that were true, it would be good, but she didn¡¯t know how long the punishment would last. Would it be one day or two days, or perhaps one month or two? Moreover, whether this was the actual reason, Gu Qiaoqiao had no way of knowing. What worried her was that she had spent over five hundred today shopping. If she continued to be unable to carve, all her plans would fall through. Gu Qiaoqiao stood in front of the desk, slightly raising her head and lifting her hand, stubbornly wanting to examine it again under the light. But then she froze. Through the gaps between her fingers, she saw Qin Yize, arms crossed, leaning casually against the door frame, watching her with an almost amused expression. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She hadn¡¯t been talking to herself just now, had she? The man in the gaps seemed curious about her raising her hands towards the light. He seemed to wonder what she was trying to do. Thus, those typically deep eyes were unexpectedly clear tonight. Gu Qiaoqiao quickly lowered her hands. But Qin Yize didn¡¯t give her a chance to react, walking slowly into the study. He looked down at the carving knife on the desk and glanced over the walnuts and olives scattered around, seeming to understand. His father had said that the nucleus carvings Gu Qiaoqiao made looked expensive, but she might have been swindled by Zhang Yi. However, it was a pity that he hadn¡¯t seen what they actually looked like. Therefore, he couldn¡¯t make a judgment. But then again, if she really was swindled, she would just have to bear it. He glanced back at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°If you ever want to let go of your nucleus carving, I can introduce you to an antique shop run by a classmate of mine. They offer very fair prices.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao lifted her eyes in surprise. What did he mean by that? She opened her mouth but didn¡¯t know what to say. After Qin Yize finished speaking, he stopped looking at her and lowered his head to the array of carving knives laid out in the small box. The more he looked, the more solemn his expression became. Finally, without lifting his head, he asked Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°May I take them out for a closer look?¡± Could he? Or could he not? This polite Qin Yize, dressed in a white turtleneck sweater, had his long and straight legs encased in black trousers. His stance was as rigid and upright as a pine tree. But under the lights, he was like a piece of exquisite jade, warm and noble. And he truly was a gentleman. Although he looked closely, he didn¡¯t reach out to touch them until Gu Qiaoqiao agreed. Gu Qiaoqiao couldn¡¯t describe the feeling inside her heart; politeness actually signified distance. Still, she nodded, ¡°You may.¡± Qin Yize slowly picked up the biggest carving knife and examined it carefully. Perhaps men innately liked things related to knives and swords. In any case, Qin Yize¡¯s demeanor was mild, but there was still a hint of interest in the depths of his eyes. It took a while before he put down the knife and, unusually for him, he expressed his admiration, ¡°This isn¡¯t the white steel knife commonly used by carvers. This blade must have been made using a special ironstone with the pouring steel method. Its edge glimmers with a cold light. It must be at least three hundred years old, and to say it cuts through iron like mud is no exaggeration¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao certainly knew that her grandfather¡¯s set of carving knives had some history, perhaps even a significant one. However, her grandfather had not told her much about it. And today, she didn¡¯t understand any of the things Qin Yize mentioned. She never expected him to know so much or even know about the pouring steel method. How had he figured it out? Yet Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. Where had her set of carving knives gone in her previous life? If Qin Yize had gotten them, she believed that according to his character, he would try his best to return them to her hands. After all, according to what he had just said, he knew the value of the carving set. He certainly wouldn¡¯t covet what wasn¡¯t his. But she hadn¡¯t seen them up until her death. Thinking of this, she spoke lightly, ¡°Grandfather didn¡¯t say so much when he gave them to me.¡± Qin Yize wasn¡¯t surprised. He glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao and, recalling today¡¯s incidents, he slowly said, ¡°Although my parents have already apologized, I still want to say sorry to you.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao curved the corners of her mouth slightly. Today might be the day she had received the most apologies in her life. Was it funny? Honestly, it really was funny. In her previous life, she had been truly bullied by those people, with no one ever apologizing to her. But in this life, with just a bit of cunning, she had garnered so much guilt from others. She was somewhat confused. Yet it seemed she also knew that being human was the hardest part. This world might just be like this, a mix of truth and deception. In the end, who can really tell? Suddenly, she remembered someone telling her that only when a person is independent and strong will others respect you. Now she was no longer living in a fog; her mind was clear. She knew what she wanted and what she didn¡¯t. Was this what it meant to be independent and strong? And then, to receive people¡¯s respect. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Qin Yize, her eyes cool and clear, ¡°It¡¯s all in the past. I won¡¯t take it to heart.¡± ¡°Tomorrow, Great Grandfather will ask you about these two matters. The old man hates evil as if it were his personal enemy, he is extremely protective, but he also makes a clear distinction between gratitude and grudges. You don¡¯t need to whitewash the situation for my parents; just tell the truth.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao inwardly disagreed. Chapter 58 - Chapter 58: Chapter 57 Jade Pendant Chapter 58: Chapter 57 Jade Pendant She was, after all, an outsider, and even if Old Grand Master Qin was bias, it was Qin Xuan he was biased toward, not her. She hummed noncommittally without expressing agreement or disagreement. Qin Yize frowned, but he didn¡¯t offer any further explanations. Just as he was about to step away, Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly remembered the Jade Pendant and hastily opened the drawer below, pointing to the Jade Pendant while speaking to Qin Yize, ¡°I put the Jade Pendant Great Grandfather gave me here¡­¡± The rest of her words went unsaid; she thought Qin Yize would understand. Qin Yize halted in his tracks, glanced at the Jade Pendant, then his gaze fell on Gu Qiaoqiao. The desperation in her expression to assert her innocence made Qin Yize¡¯s brow furrow slightly. After a few moments, he said indifferently, ¡°You still don¡¯t understand Great Grandfather¡¯s character.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao nodded, she had to admit, ¡°Yes, I truly don¡¯t understand him.¡± In this life and the last, she had only seen Old Grand Master Qin three times; where was she to understand such a temperamental old man? ¡°Great Grandfather wouldn¡¯t easily approve of someone; him giving you the Jade Pendant has nothing to do with me, it was purely for you, and once he gives something, he won¡¯t take it back. You should keep it,¡± explained Qin Yize lightly. ¡°How could that be okay?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao instinctively raised her voice, then quickly quieted down, ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving the Qin Family soon, so holding onto Great Grandfather¡¯s Jade Pendant wouldn¡¯t be right. I certainly won¡¯t take it with me.¡± Qin Yize looked seriously at that little face full of determination and thought to himself, this little girl, Gu Qiaoqiao, has always been a person of perseverance. Once she sets her mind on something, she won¡¯t give up until she¡¯s battered and bloodied. She might seem timid, but in reality, she¡¯s braver than most, as evidenced by her marrying him without any second thoughts. However, such people are the ones who tend to suffer the most losses. Hopefully, she will learn from her mistakes and be better off in the future. Qin Yize didn¡¯t try to persuade her further, his gaze landing on the Jade Pendant before he suddenly said, ¡°Alright.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°But¡­¡± ¡°But what now¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s clear eyes swept over him, interrupting irritably. ¡°Wear it for one day tomorrow, otherwise, if Great Grandfather finds out about our divorce, believe me, the outcome will be something you don¡¯t want to see,¡± Qin Yize said unhurriedly. He was trying to scare her. She wasn¡¯t one to be frightened so easily. Nevertheless, she nodded her head, knowing that if the elders found out about the divorce now, they would definitely connect it with the two incidents involving Bai Yun. Especially Grandma Qin, who was still not fully recovered; Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t want her to worry or feel guilty. Seeing that Gu Qiaoqiao agreed, Qin Yize¡¯s mouth curved into a discreet smile, his dark eyes shimmering with an entrancing glow under the light before the glow faded and he left the study as if nothing had happened. Gu Qiaoqiao saw that Qin Yize had finally left and unconsciously exhaled in relief. It appeared that no matter what, she felt a certain amount of mental pressure coming from Qin Yize. Being with him, she could never completely relax. Gu Qiaoqiao glanced at the items on the desk, furrowing her brows in worry again, then fidgeted with her fingers. Her mind became cluttered once more. She thought and thought, but couldn¡¯t definitively determine if it was because of the plot against Bai Yun. If that were the case, fate was being too harsh. But if not, she really couldn¡¯t find a good reason. Yet deep down, she felt that her initial intuition was correct. Gu Qiaoqiao lingered in the study for a while longer, but eventually tired from her exertions, she sighed, resigned to her fate, and packed up her carving tools and walnut olives, then left the study with her things in hand. Since she could not carve for the next few days, she would put everything away for now. Just as Gu Qiaoqiao stepped out of the study, she caught sight of Qin Yize, his back to her, walking and drying his hair with a towel. She was so startled she almost stumbled over the threshold and fell. In a panic, she grabbed onto the doorframe, clutching the items in her hands tightly and finally managed to steady herself. At this moment, Qin Yize seemed unaware of her presence behind him as he casually stopped in front of the sofa and wiped his hair a few more times. He was only wearing pajama pants, and with each movement, his fair but muscular body rippled with power, provocative and breathtaking. He had just taken a shower, and water droplets cascaded down the contours of his back muscles, exuding an irresistible sensuality. For a moment, Gu Qiaoqiao felt as if her breath was taken away. She was stunned for several seconds, right when Qin Yize seemed to sense her presence and was about to turn around, Gu Qiaoqiao darted back into the study like a startled rabbit. And she closed the door behind her. She leaned against the wall, her heart pounding. In both her lives combined, it was truly the first time she had seen Qin Yize half-naked so clearly. She felt a mix of embarrassment, anger, surprise, and annoyance. Embarrassment because he dared to walk around the house so boldly undressed. Didn¡¯t he know that they were about to no longer be husband and wife? Anger because in the past, before New Year¡¯s Eve, he was so guarded against her as if afraid of her seeing even an inch of his flesh. Surprise at the multitude of scars, big and small, that covered Qin Yize¡¯s back. Annoyance because her vision was very sharp, and given the proximity, she could clearly see that on Qin Yize¡¯s waist, there were three new scars. They stood out distinctly because of the fresh pink flesh that had formed over them. She didn¡¯t understand why he was injured. Or perhaps, there were secrets involved. At this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s feelings were complicated. She really didn¡¯t understand why Qin Yize, a young master from the wealthy family, would persistently head to dangerous places with an international medical team. And every time, it was shrouded in secrecy. It was just a medical team formed by doctors, was there a need for such confidentiality in their operations? He had a prestigious family background, diplomas from well-known universities, study abroad experience, and even dual doctorates. Not only did he have striking looks, but he also had a brilliant mind. A person like that didn¡¯t need to live life this way. What was he after? If he hadn¡¯t chosen this path, there would be so many other paths available to him. Whether in politics or business, his future would¡¯ve been bright and splendid. He wouldn¡¯t have had to bear a body full of scars. In her previous life, she truly did not understand, nor did she like it, and so after hearing the persuasion from Bai Yun, she did not hesitate to run to Old Grand Master Qin, begging him to order Qin Yize to give up these ventures and return home¡­ And in this life, after enduring some of the most bitter experiences in the world, she truly felt that someone like Qin Yize might hold beliefs that ordinary people can¡¯t understand. And these beliefs were beyond her reach, but she had to admire and respect them! Gu Qiaoqiao had to admit that Qin Yize was an exceptionally outstanding man. After their divorce in her previous life, she didn¡¯t want to know anything about him, but his news was always on the TV and newspapers, making it hard not to know. Gu Qiaoqiao lowered her head and stared blankly at the box in her hand for a while before finally letting out an almost inaudible sigh. Chapter 59 - Chapter 59: Chapter 58 Aloof Chapter 59: Chapter 58 Aloof ¡°` She had no right to comment on anything about him anymore. Nor was she interested in knowing. Gu Qiaoqiao turned around, quietly pushing the study door open a crack, and within her line of sight, Qin Yize¡¯s figure was no longer present. She pushed the door open. She saw that Qin Yize had already put on his pajamas and was laying out a blanket and pillow on the sofa. Before they agreed on the divorce, it didn¡¯t matter if they lay in the same bed, but since they had both agreed to divorce, lying together even without interfering with each other, still felt awkward. So, Gu Qiaoqiao had planned to sleep on the sofa herself. But she had not expected that Qin Yize would think the same. Gu Qiaoqiao bit her lip, first placing her things down, and then, feeling somewhat embarrassed, she moved in front of him. Seeing Qin Yize¡¯s long legs somewhat awkwardly bent, Gu Qiaoqiao spoke softly, ¡°I should sleep on the sofa, I¡¯m shorter¡­¡± Qin Yize turned on the lamp beside the sofa, casually leaning against the armrest with an air of ease, and with a flick of his eyelid, he teased Gu Qiaoqiao, who dared not look him in the eye, finding the situation somewhat amusing. His actions just now weren¡¯t intentional. He had thought that Gu Qiaoqiao was carving something in the study, so he didn¡¯t put on his pajamas directly. It seemed that the scar on his back might have scared her just now. Qin Yize did not wish to explain further and spoke indifferently, ¡°Since you don¡¯t feel like carving, you should rest early.¡± With that, he resumed his usual distant and indifferent mode, bowing his head and beginning to read a book. The room quieted down. Only the rustling sound of Qin Yize turning pages could be heard. He was evidently searching for something in the book¡­ His attractive eyebrows knit together almost imperceptibly, seemingly displeased with Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s disturbance. Gu Qiaoqiao quickly picked up on this vibe, scoffed in her heart, and twirled away. Surprisingly, she slept through the night without dreaming. And when she entered the kitchen in the morning, Shen Manru actually flashed her a grin, and Gu Qiaoqiao was so startled she almost overturned the plate in her hand. She really wanted to say, you might as well not smile and keep your usual aloofness, which is just fine. But Gu Qiaoqiao still politely returned the smile, and Shen Manru quietly sighed with relief. She thought to herself that country people have their advantages, at least they don¡¯t put on airs and are straightforward. She began, ¡°I¡¯ve made some porridge, just make a few side dishes, the vegetables are all washed.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao glanced over and nodded, ¡°Alright, leave this to me.¡± Shen Manru also felt a bit awkward, knowing that trying to ease the relationship within a day or two wasn¡¯t that easy. She quickly left the kitchen. No sooner had Shen Manru left than Qin Xiaoyu came in. She circled around behind Gu Qiaoqiao, trying to get her attention and start a conversation, so she could take the opportunity to tell her something. Gu Qiaoqiao couldn¡¯t be bothered with her. This Qin Xiaoyu was actually a paper tiger, a typical person who bullies the weak and fears the strong. She had been naive before, not to have seen such behavior, thinking that kind words would probably never move her, but if you shouted at her a few times, she would definitely behave herself. This must be what they call a ¡°shameless thick-skinned person.¡± ¡°` Qin Xiaoyu waited for a long time, but Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t respond to her. Watching Gu Qiaoqiao skillfully stir-frying the greens and smelling the wafting delicious scent, she couldn¡¯t help but speak up, ¡°Your cooking really smells good.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyelids didn¡¯t even flutter, she just flipped her spatula a few times, then plated the vegetables. Once the first sentence was out, the second followed. Qin Xiaoyu swallowed a mouthful of saliva and naturally said, ¡°Shang Qing called you last night, Grandma didn¡¯t let me knock on your door.¡± Shang Qing? Who was that? Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly remembered, that was the outspoken girl she had met at KYV on the same day they finished junior high. From what she said, it seemed like she held a grudge against Bai Yun. It wasn¡¯t surprising that Shang Qing found out so quickly since every social circle has its own channels of information, and the Qin Family hadn¡¯t made an effort to conceal anything. Finally, Gu Qiaoqiao spoke up, ¡°What did she say on the phone?¡± Qin Xiaoyu was excited, feeling as if the sunlight had become much brighter at that moment just because Gu Qiaoqiao was talking to her, ¡°Shang Qing said that Bai Yun is no good, she got what she deserved, and also, she wants to go disco dancing with you on the night of the tenth.¡± Disco dancing? She didn¡¯t know how. Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t have Shang Qing¡¯s phone number, you decline for me, I don¡¯t know how to dance any disco.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not going to call her. I¡¯ll give you the number, you call her yourself,¡± Qin Xiaoyu immediately refused. ¡°Why?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked in surprise. ¡°Shang Qing mocked me on the phone last night for siding with Bai Yun, called me stupid. I don¡¯t want to talk to her at all.¡± ¡°Oh¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao paused, glancing sideways at Qin Xiaoyu, ¡°What Shang Qing said wasn¡¯t wrong.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Qin Xiaoyu choked, her face flushed red in an instant as she pointed at Gu Qiaoqiao and said, ¡°Then how are you any better than me? Didn¡¯t Bai Yun fool you completely in the past too? You¡¯ve only become a bit smarter these past few days.¡± After she said that, Qin Xiaoyu looked at Gu Qiaoqiao somewhat fearfully, worried that she would take a knife and chop her. Just as she was scared enough to think about fleeing, Gu Qiaoqiao laughed, ¡°Xiao Yu is right, I am actually even more foolish than you. At the very least, she didn¡¯t trick you into spending money nor did she borrow money from you.¡± Qin Xiaoyu looked at Gu Qiaoqiao suspiciously, noting that there was no chill in her eyes like before, and finally she quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Yet it also seemed like she had found an ally as she began to share her grievances. ¡°Actually, I used to always fight with her, and every time I ended up on the losing side. But these past few years she¡¯s been really nice to me, and I quite like hanging out with her, but I never expected her to be almost like those bad women on TV¡­¡± Conscientiously speaking, Bai Yun treated Qin Xiaoyu very well out of love for the whole family. And as long as Qin Xiaoyu didn¡¯t encroach on her interests, Bai Yun wouldn¡¯t scheme against her. But well, once bitten, twice shy. After these incidents, the Qin Xiaoyu in the future would not be swayed by a few instigating words to instantaneously become an eager pawn. Gu Qiaoqiao pointed to the plate, ¡°Take the dishes away. We¡¯ll talk about Shang Qing¡¯s matter later.¡± Qin Xiaoyu glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao and hurriedly carried the plate out of the kitchen. After that, Gu Qiaoqiao finished cooking three small dishes and mixed a plate of sour radish, then carried a small pot of steamed buns into the dining room. The steamed buns Gu Qiaoqiao made contained milk and egg, and with their white, soft, and round appearance, they were truly irresistible. Perhaps seeing that Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t have much of a reaction and didn¡¯t dwell on the issue any longer, everyone seemed to quickly forget about yesterday¡¯s unpleasantness. At the breakfast table, the atmosphere was as harmonious as ever. Especially since good food has a way of bringing joy to the heart. Although Grandma Qin still felt very guilty, people always look forward, and since Gu Qiaoqiao had generously chosen not to mention it anymore, she too wouldn¡¯t be hard on herself. After all, what had happened had happened. The best thing she could do was to be extra kind to Gu Qiaoqiao. Chapter 60 - Chapter 60: Chapter 59 Breaking out of the Cocoon? Chapter 60: Chapter 59 Breaking out of the Cocoon? ¡°` Today, she had to visit Old Grand Master of the Qin Family, and Shen Manru had told her to leave early with Qin Yize so as not to waste time. So when the two of them came out, it wasn¡¯t even eight o¡¯clock yet. No one knew that last night, unexpectedly, it had snowed. At this moment, the land was a sheet of silvery white. Many homes hadn¡¯t had the chance to sweep the snow from their doorsteps. When the wind blew through the snow-laden pines and cypresses, it was as if another light snowfall had begun. The sun was exceptionally bright today, shining on the vast expanse of snow, somewhat dazzling. Gu Qiaoqiao blinked happily, her lips curving into a smile unconsciously. The Qin Family¡¯s home was only a few minutes away from the bus station, and the two of them walked forward, stepping on the accumulated snow on the road. Their long and short silhouettes on the snowy ground seemed a bit ethereal. Qin Yize¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of danger in his gaze. He watched Gu Qiaoqiao without a trace of emotion. The contrast in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s behavior from before and after was too great. Especially around Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve. She was practically a different person. No, it should be said, three different people. In his memory, Gu Qiaoqiao, before marrying him, was very cheerful, loved to laugh, and had a pleasant laugh. The kind of silvery laugh described in books, he had thought only existed in novels, but later, he came to know that some people truly have such delightful laughter. Her gaze when looking at people was also bold and direct. It seemed as if all her emotions were displayed within those bright and lively eyes. And because of his good looks, girls liked him easily. So he was very calm in the face of Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s undisguised love. Despite talking it through with her, she still insisted on marrying no one but him. Perhaps he couldn¡¯t bear to shatter that radiant smile on her face, coupled with Grandpa Gu¡¯s helpless yet firm persuasion. Eventually, he nodded in agreement. Unexpectedly, Grandpa Gu, who had recovered from his illness, passed away quietly in his sleep, and a year later, on Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eighteenth birthday, they registered their marriage, followed by a wedding ceremony a month later. On the day of the wedding, he had to leave in a rush, not even having the time to say goodbye to his family or to her. Months later, he assisted the military in destroying a deeply hidden foreign biochemical research facility at the border, cleaning up the surrounding environment, and only then returning to Northern Border City with his team after ensuring everything was safe. After that, he returned to the Imperial Capital once more. Having been out of touch for months, his family had grown accustomed to it, but he didn¡¯t expect Gu Qiaoqiao to react so strongly. Perhaps it was because it was her first experience with this. He didn¡¯t explain, because this was the life Gu Qiaoqiao had chosen for herself, and he wanted her to get used to it, even to accept it. Call him heartless or cold, he felt that everyone had to take responsibility for their choices. But what he hadn¡¯t expected was that after a few months apart, Gu Qiaoqiao had changed so much, barely daring to look people in the eye, always looking troubled, often standing dazedly in one spot, seemingly oblivious to the busy figures of her grandmother and mother. Her face no longer bore a smile, appearing somewhat suppressed. The only constant was the fullness of love in her eyes when she saw him. Although he was on leave, he had many matters to attend to, leaving early and returning late, which meant he seldom saw Gu Qiaoqiao. And then there was Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve. In truth, he wasn¡¯t going to meet classmates; he had to go to the experimental base command center to report to his superiors. But on that day, she tried to stop him from leaving as if she were mad. It was meant to be a joyous New Year¡¯s Eve, yet Gu Qiaoqiao ended up crying hysterically and threatened him with death. He turned away indifferently, not expecting that Gu Qiaoqiao would actually throw herself fiercely against the wall. He had never thought Gu Qiaoqiao had such courage and strength. If it weren¡¯t for his quick response, catching her just in time, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s forehead would have been more than just bruised. Afterward, his mother, overwhelmed by anger, fainted. ¡°` And Gu Qiaoqiao was also in a coma. After which, she was taken to the Qin Family¡¯s hospital. Her mother woke up quickly, but Gu Qiaoqiao still remained in a coma. The examination results showed everything was normal; there wasn¡¯t even a slight concussion. But she just couldn¡¯t wake up from the coma. The attending physician¡¯s final words were that this was the patient¡¯s self-protection in response to stimulation, a sort of hibernation. He reviewed the report and basically agreed. So, he took her and her mother, who had already woken up, back home. By the time he finished reporting back at work and came home, he saw a transformed Gu Qiaoqiao, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. Her eyes no longer held a trace of affection; they looked at him with a certain distance and desolation, and with hatred. She no longer stammered when she spoke; she was neither humble nor overbearing, standing there, like plum blossoms blooming in the cold winter, or like bamboo after the rain, fresh and carrying that unique fortitude of Gu Qiaoqiao. She no longer sought to please him or his family members, except for grandma; it seemed she hardly gave anyone else a proper glance. He hadn¡¯t even heard her call his parents ¡°Dad¡± and ¡°Mom,¡± as she had a few days earlier. Up to today, that bright smile that was hard to look at directly had never returned. Her smile was very shallow, very faint. It seemed that a gust of wind could scatter that smile completely. After that, she had secrets. Her secrets seemed to form a world of her own, the doors of which she had tightly shut, allowing no one a glimpse inside. The entire person appeared to have undergone a complete transformation. In her struggles with Bai Yun, she pressed Bai Yun down firmly. But she cleverly placed herself at the moral high ground. And chose such a time to bring up divorce again. When he realized that Gu Qiaoqiao was serious, he agreed promptly. A marriage without love, when the other half of the marriage scarcely even had time to stay by her side, it was better to let go. That way, he would have one less concern. And he, in turn, would compensate her during the divorce. After all, it was he who had married her. Thinking of this, Qin Yize watched the light-footed Gu Qiaoqiao walking ahead of him, his dark eyes shadowed. At this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was unaware that Qin Yize was pondering over her; she was in excellent spirits, like a bird that had flown out of its cage. Therefore, she found Qin Yize quite more to her liking. After getting off the bus, she obediently followed behind him, heading towards the entrance of the Qin Family Courtyard. This was a scattered estate, covering a large area; it was the family business of the Qin Family. Although it was called the courtyard, it was much larger than the Qin Family Old Residence. Here there was a garden and a natural lake, not big, but with clear water that sparkled in the sunlight during the summer. It was built by the father of the Old Grand Master of the Qin Family in his early years. The old grand master liked it here, but for some reason, he didn¡¯t want to live with his family. He had prepared separate houses for them while he lived here alone. Only a young male secretary was at his side, responsible for his everyday living; of course, the secretary was a boy. The routine affairs of the residence were handled by the descendants of the Qin Family¡¯s old household. They lived in the back court. This was actually her first visit here. There were security guards standing at the entrance. After routine registration, she walked with Qin Yize toward the three-story building at the end of the road. The open space on the right should be a lawn, the snow from last night had already been swept clean. The same was true for the road. Chapter 61 - Chapter 61: Chapter 60: A Slap Followed by a Sweet Date? Chapter 61: Chapter 60: A Slap Followed by a Sweet Date? The snow was not transported away but was neatly piled up into a snow wall. The rectangular lines were straight and distinct. Gu Qiaoqiao could barely hide her curiosity. She had grown up in the North and was familiar with snow from her childhood. Yet, she had never thought that snow could be used to form a snow wall. In the Imperial Capital, the snow on the roads, once swept up, was always carted away. However, such heavy snowfalls were becoming less and less frequent. Along the way, they encountered a few people, and Qin Yize greeted them politely. But he did not stop walking. Gu Qiaoqiao was only responsible for smiling. Soon, they arrived at Old Grand Master Qin¡¯s small building. The interior was simple and austere, very different from the Qin family¡¯s old mansion. But it was very warm inside. There was only one secretary responsible for shopping and cooking, named Xiao Yuan. After all, only the old master lived here; it really couldn¡¯t be more spartan. This was something Gu Qiaoqiao had not expected. People often say that the elderly love lively atmospheres and enjoying family joy, but the old master was clearly not like that. He preferred peace and quiet. That¡¯s why he lived alone in the Qin Family¡¯s Courtyard. However, seeing Qin Yize and Gu Qiaoqiao coming in, the old grand master was still very happy. Xiao Yuan, about seventeen years old with a smiling face, curiously glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao and swiftly placed the tea on the coffee table. Old Grand Master Qin instructed, ¡°Take out the fish and large shrimp from the refrigerator.¡± Then he unapologetically said to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Qiaoqiao, you cook lunch today. Great Grandfather wants to eat your braised prawns in chili sauce and sweet and sour fish.¡± This caught Gu Qiaoqiao off guard, and she instantly smiled, ¡°All right, Great Grandfather.¡± As she was about to get up and follow Xiao Yuan, Old Grand Master Qin stopped her with a wave of his hand, ¡°Xiao Yuan will assist you, no rush. Come, tell Great Grandfather about the third day of the new year and yesterday¡¯s events¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao glanced at Qin Yize, who slowly started, ¡°Just tell the truth.¡± Thus Gu Qiaoqiao calmly recounted the events to the old master. She did not embellish nor display much personal emotion, as if she was narrating something that had nothing to do with her. Actually, this was because Gu Qiaoqiao had indeed let go. She had just begun her hard-earned new life and would not allow herself to be ensnared in pain and hatred. Old Grand Master Qin¡¯s eyes, shining with wisdom, surveyed Gu Qiaoqiao, and he nodded silently in approval. Yet he was still somewhat puzzled. But these doubts were not enough to make him overly concerned, and he did not scold Qin Xuan and Shen Manru further. He then addressed Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Qiaoqiao, your in-laws are certainly hateful, but your misjudgment of people, mistaking a jackal for a sheep, is also a big taboo. Even if you¡¯re not in the Qin family, you will always have to face this society, where no one will teach you how to behave in great detail, so the only one you can rely on is yourself. Being naive in the past can be excused as youthful ignorance, but going forward, you must analyze situations more and be more discerning. People only grow after experiencing life, and you are a good child¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao sat on the sofa, expecting the old master to scold Qin Xuan and Shen Manru to show his stance. Since many elderly people do just that. But it seemed that the old grand master was rather teaching her a lesson, albeit in a very gentle tone, ending with a compliment. Was this a case of offering a slap followed by a sweet date? However, in comparison, she still preferred listening to the old master¡¯s admonitions. Life is just as the old master said; no one will always hold your hand to walk you through life, nor teach you how to conduct yourself step by step. The only one you can rely on is yourself. One must always keep their eyes peeled and stay alert to reduce the twists in their own life. ¡°Great Grandfather is right, I remember that,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said sincerely. Qin Yize glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao with a hint of surprise, not expecting her to be so open-minded. Old Grand Master Qin was just about to say something with a smile when a brash voice came from the entrance, ¡°Great Grandfather, I¡¯m here¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was startled. She then looked toward the door. That¡¯s when she saw the girl she had met on the night of the third, smiling coyly as she walked in. Her name seemed to be Lin Qinghuan. The person following her, whom she had just met yesterday, was Chu Chengfeng. Lin Qinghuan evidently visited often, and the old man seemed even more affectionate towards her than towards Qin Xiaoyu. He even allowed Lin Qinghuan to playfully cling to his arm. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s expression was indifferent, too lazy to watch Lin Qinghuan¡¯s affected behavior, a hint of scorn crossing her eyes. This old man was also naive; didn¡¯t he realize Lin Qinghuan¡¯s intentions weren¡¯t pure? But, that had nothing to do with her. As for Qin Yize, that tough nut to crack, let whoever wants to chew on it do so, as long as they don¡¯t mind breaking a tooth. Lin Qinghuan sat next to Old Grand Master Qin, looking at Gu Qiaoqiao. She addressed her as ¡®sister-in-law¡¯ just like Bai Yun would, smiling as brightly as spring blossoms, ¡°Sister-in-law, we met on the night of the third, I¡¯m Lin Qinghuan, do you remember?¡± She expected Gu Qiaoqiao to go along and say she remembered, but instead Gu Qiaoqiao shook her head directly, ¡°I generally don¡¯t remember people I¡¯ve only met once, so I truly forgot.¡± Chu Chengfeng looked at Gu Qiaoqiao in surprise, apparently not expecting her to be so direct. Lin Qinghuan¡¯s smile froze on her face for a moment before she playfully blinked, ¡°Familiarity comes with seeing each other more than once; now you must remember, right?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Lin Qinghuan seemed to glance at Qin Yize nonchalantly, her eyes briefly twinkling, ¡°Ah Ze, there¡¯s a gathering tomorrow. You should come with your sister-in-law.¡± Qin Yize, who had been quietly sipping his tea with his eyes downcast, slightly lifted his gaze, a hint of impatience and annoyance flickering in his eyes. Had Lin Qinghuan grown a thicker skin, or had she really seen the light? He really couldn¡¯t tell. But one thing was certain, the little bit of a good impression he had of her had vanished like smoke after her confession that day. His gaze swept over everyone and then out the window; it was time to play ball with Chu Chengfeng. But as for Gu Qiaoqiao¡­ Never mind, he would leave that for another day. Qin Yize leaned lazily back against the couch, ¡°I¡¯m busy tomorrow.¡± ¡°Are you for real?¡± Chu Chengfeng exclaimed, ¡°You¡¯re leaving again in a few days, and it¡¯s so hard just to hang out with us?¡± Qin Yize gave Chu Chengfeng a sidelong glance, ¡°I really am busy.¡± Lin Qinghuan concealed the disappointment in her heart, looking affectionately at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Sister-in-law, please come, Chu Chengfeng says you sing beautifully. Many of us really want to hear your voice¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao felt irritated. It used to be okay not to understand all this scheming and backdoor plotting, but now that she understood, she felt truly sick of it. It was as disgusting as greasy fat. Gu Qiaoqiao stood up, ¡°If Qin Yize isn¡¯t going, I¡¯m also busy. Besides, there are plenty of people who can sing; it really shouldn¡¯t be such a big deal.¡± Turning to the old man, she said, ¡°Great Grandfather, I¡¯m going to check the kitchen; Xiao Yuan is not sure how to handle some things.¡± With that, Gu Qiaoqiao stood up and walked straight towards the kitchen without looking sideways. Lin Qinghuan stiffened slightly, silently clenched her hand, and while Qin Yize and Chu Chengfeng talked to the old man, she smiled, ¡°Great Grandfather, I¡¯ll go help sister-in-law in the kitchen.¡± ¡°Go ahead, go ahead,¡± Old Lady Qin waved his hand, but his eyebrows furrowed slightly. Chapter 62 - Chapter 62: Chapter 61: The Two Options Given by Lin Qinghuan Chapter 62: Chapter 61: The Two Options Given by Lin Qinghuan It always felt like Lin Qinghuan was a bit different today than usual. Hopefully, it¡¯s not another Bai Yun. But that should be unlikely. Before she went abroad, I had asked her if she was interested in Ah Ze, and at that time, the girl had firmly denied it and did not hesitate to go overseas. Moreover, it never seemed apparent normally. Perhaps it was all in my head. With this thought, the great grandfather shifted his attention and started chatting with Qin Yize and Chu Chengfeng. Qin Yize, watching Lin Qinghuan¡¯s retreating figure, a trace of darkness flitted across his eyes. This is the great grandfather¡¯s home. Lin Qinghuan wouldn¡¯t dare to pull any tricks here. With that thought, he quickly shifted his gaze away. In the kitchen, Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the pile of ingredients and quickly planned what to make. It seems like Chu Chengfeng and Lin Qinghuan won¡¯t be leaving. They will definitely stay for lunch. Chu Chengfeng is fine, but for Lin Qinghuan, Gu Qiaoqiao still felt somewhat uneasy. She soon thought to herself, just treat it as feeding Big Yellow. Gu Qiaoqiao, composed, said to Xiao Yuan, ¡°We¡¯re out of white sugar. Go buy some white sugar or rock sugar will do too.¡± Xiao Yuan happily went off. The great grandfather had mentioned that Qin Yize¡¯s new wife was an excellent cook, and compared to her, what they usually ate was nothing but pig feed. Xiao Yuan was not upset, instead, he thought his cooking skills were quite impressive already. Of course, it couldn¡¯t compare to those with high culinary skills. So, he had been looking forward to it ever since the great grandfather mentioned a few days earlier about Qin Yize bringing his wife over on the sixth. Xiao Yuan¡¯s figure soon vanished outside the door. Just as Gu Qiaoqiao was about to sort the ingredients, she saw Lin Qinghuan walking towards her. Her face bore a smile. But the smile did not reach her eyes. Gu Qiaoqiao bowed her head, seemingly not noticing Lin Qinghuan approaching, and began categorizing the ingredients. ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯m not good at cooking, but I can help out,¡± said Lin Qinghuan cheerfully. Gu Qiaoqiao glanced at her and after a few moments, pointed at the potatoes and celery, ¡°You can peel the potatoes and pluck the celery.¡± Lin Qinghuan showed no surprise, having sensed in the brief exchange Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s straightforwardness. Hiding a trace of disdain in her eyes, Lin Qinghuan indeed sat on the stool and started peeling the potatoes. Gu Qiaoqiao began chopping vegetables. It was clear Lin Qinghuan had something to say, otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be so obedient in helping out. All she had to do was wait. Indeed, soon Lin Qinghuan¡¯s voice came from behind, ¡°Sister-in-law, I heard about you and Bai Yun. I¡¯m quite curious, how did you dodge that glass of orange juice back then?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao paused, put down the knife, turned around to look at Lin Qinghuan, ¡°You should ask Bai Yun about that, she was the one who gave me the juice to drink.¡± ¡°She picked the wrong glass in a hurry?¡± ¡°Possibly¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s clear eyes shifted slightly as she spoke softly, ¡°That must be the best interpretation of shooting oneself in the foot.¡± Lin Qinghuan lifted her head, still smiling, ¡°Bai Yun, although quite scheming, is not cruel enough¡­¡± Not cruel enough? Gu Qiaoqiao knitted her brows and laughed, ¡°Lin Qinghuan, should I be grateful for Bai Yun¡¯s mercy in sparing my life?¡± Lin Qinghuan paused momentarily as she was holding something and then giggled, ¡°Sister-in-law, what you¡¯re saying sounds really fresh. Killing is illegal, of course, but I meant no other implication. I just think Bai Yun just wants to embarrass you to vent her spleen. She¡¯s liked Qin Yize since they were young, and Aunt Shen¡¯s ambiguous attitude gave her undue hope, so she became bold¡­¡± ¡°Being bold gives you the right to harm and embarrass others, Lin Qinghuan, do you know what happens after one is humiliated?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao asked indifferently. ¡°That depends on individual psychological quality. You saw how Bai Yun was disgraced that night in junior high, but the next day, she was bouncing about as if nothing happened. This time, coming out of the station, I can guarantee she will act as if it never happened. That woman has really thick skin.¡± Only then did Gu Qiaoqiao seriously start to examine Lin Qinghuan, finding her quite surprising. Seeing her usual demeanor, she knew, however, there was some truth in her words. ¡°Sister-in-law, actually, it¡¯s not entirely Qin Yize¡¯s fault for attracting the bees and butterflies. Do you know why so many girls in this circle like him?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao curled her lips, scorn flashing in her eyes, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Everyone is clear about his obvious traits, so I won¡¯t mention those, but I just want to say, if Ah Ze were as flirtatious as Chengfeng, he probably wouldn¡¯t attract so much attention. The key is, he¡¯s too cold. Going by old sayings, he¡¯s indifferent to women. I¡¯ve grown up with him since we were kids and never saw him talk to girls. Regarding their affection, he¡¯s either annoyed or indifferent, but do you know?¡± Lin Qinghuan paused here, noticing that Gu Qiaoqiao was not embarrassed but listening very intently. So she continued, ¡°Actually, human nature is really cheap. What¡¯s easily obtained is never cherished. But the harder to get, the better they seem to think it is. Just like Qin Yize, to Bai Yun, he¡¯s irreplaceable. However, if nobody could have him, it wouldn¡¯t matter. But when he is gotten by someone who doesn¡¯t match him at all, you can imagine how imbalanced some people felt. They would think, what right does she have? Why did she marry Qin Yize? She¡¯s almost like a rural housemaid at home, worlds apart from Ah Ze. To let such a person possess Qin Yize is an insult and provocation to them. Therefore, troubles follow one after another. Even if the Qin family protects you, the cattiness and exclusion amongst girls are endless. Like now, I quarrel with you a few words. Even if Great Grandfather is on your side, he can¡¯t possibly lock me up. At most, he¡¯ll scold me a few times. So unless you forever leave the Imperial Capital, leave the crowd, leave the sight of certain people, there will always be many Bai Yuns waiting for you¡­¡± Lin Qinghuan¡¯s long speech indeed shocked Gu Qiaoqiao. This person, a classmate of Qin Yize, was also in her early twenties, yet she felt inscrutable. And her words left Gu Qiaoqiao unable to discern whether they were meant kindly or maliciously. But she had to admit within her heart that her words made sense. ¡°According to you, it sounds like I have nowhere to go¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao masked her surprise with a joking tone. ¡°Of course, there are ways out, but only two¡­¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao seemed genuinely curious, ¡°I¡¯m keen to hear more.¡± ¡°It¡¯s simple, the first way is to make yourself strong. So strong that others can only look up to you. Not to mention squeezing in, they have to be very careful even when speaking to you¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was shocked internally, compelled to see Lin Qinghuan in a new light. But in a flash of insight, she suddenly realized. This definition of strength was not realistic. These people were already superior to others. How could she possibly surpass them? Let alone her, even Lin Qinghuan present here couldn¡¯t do it. Chapter 63 - Chapter 63: Chapter 62 Carving Can Also Be Slow Motion Chapter 63: Chapter 62 Carving Can Also Be Slow Motion ¡°` So, Lin Qinghuan must have been certain that a country bumpkin like me could never make it, huh. She asked slowly, ¡°And the second option?¡± ¡°The second option is less troubling, just leave Qin Yize and be free from all the hassles¡­¡± Finished speaking, Lin Qinghuan playfully stuck out her tongue, ¡°Sister-in-law, I¡¯m a straightforward person, having said so much, you better not tell Ah Ze.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t tell him. But you¡¯ve mentioned quite a lot, and it does seem to make sense. However, there¡¯s a saying, ¡®Where you marry is where you¡¯ll live.¡¯ I¡¯m destined to follow Qin Yize, and it¡¯s not likely that I¡¯ll return these few years. So, it¡¯s a pity that I won¡¯t be able to verify what you¡¯ve said for now¡­¡± Lin Qinghuan¡¯s hand holding the potato peeler tightened, pulling up the corners of her mouth into a smile. However, that smile was very profound. ¡°Isn¡¯t it said in martial arts novels that where there are people, there is an itinerant world? Trust me, sister-in-law, I¡¯m not trying to scare you.¡± Lin Qinghuan¡¯s words were deeply meaningful. Gu Qiaoqiao picked up a fruit knife and weighed it in her hand, suddenly feeling as if her mind power and the knife had become one. There was something resembling a target on one wall of the kitchen, presumably for Xiao Yuan to play with while cooking. Without thinking, she threw the fruit knife at the target and discovered with surprise that the knife hit the bullseye perfectly, without the slightest miss. Lin Qinghuan¡¯s eyes suddenly widened. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at her with a smile that curved her eyes, ¡°I¡¯m not someone who gets scared easily. You better not mess with me, or I definitely won¡¯t let you get away with it, no matter who you are!¡± After a long moment, Lin Qinghuan seemed to find her voice, which was somewhat dry, ¡°Sister-in-law, have you trained before?¡± ¡°Mm, Qin Yize personally taught me. How about that, pretty impressive, right¡­¡± Saying this, Gu Qiaoqiao walked forward, pulled out the fruit knife with a bit of force, wiped it off, and without giving Lin Qinghuan another thought, picked up a carrot. She wanted to see if she could carve the ingredient. Lin Qinghuan was silent for a moment before she slowly spoke up, ¡°Sister-in-law, you¡¯re truly impressive¡­¡± ¡°Hehe¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao blinked, ¡°I was just teasing you. This is a society governed by law, after all. We all have to abide by the rules and laws, and fighting and killing are not good.¡± After that, Gu Qiaoqiao made the first cut into the carrot. Immediately, boundless joy surged in her heart. It seemed she could carve, although she wasn¡¯t sure if she could use a carving knife. At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was eager, wishing she could fly back home and try it right away. What followed could be described as harmony and joy. And Lin Qinghuan was someone even more astute and scheming than Bai Yun. How could she possibly court her own demise. Especially under Qin Yize¡¯s icy gaze. Therefore, the meal was a peaceful one, with Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s culinary skills leaving Chu Chengfeng and Xiao Yuan sprawled in their chairs, not wanting to move. And Chu Chengfeng¡¯s gaze became incredibly eager; he even suggested that Gu Qiaoqiao open a restaurant in the Imperial Capital, assuring her that the business would flourish and make a fortune. However, this idea was promptly shot down by a few scolding words from Old Grand Master Qin. After finishing the meal, just as Gu Qiaoqiao was about to clean up, Xiao Yuan stopped her. And in this regard, his actions were extremely quick and meticulously neat and tidy. Gu Qiaoqiao was happy to have the free time. When she got home, she couldn¡¯t wait to take out the carving knife, sat in front of the desk, and with a nervous heart, made her cut. A surge of ecstasy suddenly filled her heart. It moved, she could carve! She then hurriedly started carving the Eighteen Arhats according to her previous plan. But as she carved, she realized something was amiss. That was the speed was slow. Very slow, extremely slow, although with Heart and Mind as One and full of Spiritual Energy, each cut seemed as slow as the slow-motion scenes in movies. At this rate, it would be ages before she finished the carving. So, Gu Qiaoqiao kept comforting herself, this was better than not being able to move at all. In the following days, Gu Qiaoqiao was pleasantly surprised to find the speed of her carving was gradually increasing. ¡°` Although the progress was painfully slow. In the blink of an eye, it was the twelfth day of the first lunar month. These past few days, Qin Yize had been quite mysterious, rarely seen during the day, and returning late at night. Meanwhile, Gu Qiaoqiao had mailed off the items that needed to be sent, and also prepared the gifts for her family. However, she had less than one hundred yuan left in her hand. Thankfully, after almost working tirelessly, the Eighteen Arhats were finally carved. Just like the first piece, they were exquisitely crafted and breathtakingly ingenious. The Eighteen Arhats were so lifelike they could make your heart tremble. Moreover, a spiritual energy that only Gu Qiaoqiao could see lingered on the surface. Wearing this thing could prolong one¡¯s life. Gu Qiaoqiao pondered over how exactly to sell it. With her skills in tow, Gu Qiaoqiao knew she had plenty of time ahead of her, and she would carve an amulet for every family member to wear. But now that she was short on money, she reluctantly had to sell it. Gu Qiaoqiao calculated the time; it took her six days, almost eighteen hours each day. By this calculation, selling it for eight hundred yuan would definitely be a loss. However, she still needed to test the waters. By now it was already past eight in the evening, so Gu Qiaoqiao simply carved two simple amulets out of olive pits to give to Grandma Qin and Old Lady Qin as a way of repaying their kindness. The next day, Gu Qiaoqiao once again visited Yubao Square. Seeing her enter, Zhang Yi was momentarily stunned, then smiled and asked Gu Qiaoqiao what brought her there. ¡°Boss Zhang, I¡¯ve carved an Eighteen Arhats pendant, please give me a price¡­¡± she said as she was about to take out the small box containing the olive pendant. Unexpectedly, Zhang Yi¡¯s expression changed, and through gritted teeth he said, ¡°Don¡¯t take it out, I won¡¯t look.¡± Huh? He won¡¯t look? What does that mean? Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand holding the box froze, ¡°Boss Zhang, what do you mean? I don¡¯t quite understand.¡± A flurry of emotions ¡ª hesitation, struggle, reluctance ¡ª flashed across Zhang Yi¡¯s face, ending in helplessness, ¡°Miss Xiao Qiao, what I mean is I¡¯m not buying it anymore.¡± ¡°Not buying anymore?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡± ¡°Is it that no one here will buy it?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s face grew cold as she took a meaningful look around. At that moment, some people were bargaining with the staff of Yubao Square over a piece of blue and white porcelain. Zhang Yi felt a pang of guilt, and looking at Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s pocket, his heart felt as if it was being scratched by a cat. An Eighteen Arhats pendant, which means that he had carved Eighteen Arhats onto an olive pit. How did he do it? What would it look like? But he didn¡¯t dare to look, for fear that if he saw it and fell in love with it, what should he do then? Zhang Yi steeled his heart, ¡°I¡¯m not buying it, Yubao Square will not take your items anymore.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit angry. ¡°Child, don¡¯t ask anymore, leave, go elsewhere, your things will sell,¡± he urged. ¡°But you should at least give me a clear reason,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t leave but pressed her emotions and asked calmly. Chapter 64 - Chapter 64: Chapter 63: The Olive Seed Chapter 64: Chapter 63: The Olive Seed ¡°` ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I just won¡¯t take it,¡± Zhang Yi quickly said with a serious tone. ¡°Won¡¯t you even take a look?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly brought out the box, ready to open it. Zhang Yi, however, turned away in fright, ¡°You mustn¡¯t open it, please don¡¯t let me see it¡­¡± Then he was waving his hands as if he found it very distasteful. Gu Qiaoqiao slightly furrowed her eyebrows, seeing that Zhang Yi seemed eager to see yet couldn¡¯t look, she found it very inexplicable. As if he harbored an unspeakable secret. Gu Qiaoqiao was not someone to make things difficult for others, but she couldn¡¯t help feeling puzzled about the whole situation. The Qin Family? Unlikely! In recent days, the atmosphere in the Qin Family had been exceptionally good; whether it was sincere or not, Shen Manru had become much closer to Gu Qiaoqiao. Gu Qiaoqiao went with the flow and gave Shen Manru face. So, they wouldn¡¯t stop her, especially since Qin Xuan had looked ecstatic when he saw it this morning. Go to ????????????????????.co Once he got hold of it, he wouldn¡¯t let go. He put on glasses, examined it with a magnifying glass for a long time, and Gu Qiaoqiao was becoming somewhat impatient before he unwillingly put it down. But the eagerness in his eyes was so evident that it couldn¡¯t be hidden, and there was even a look of admiration. Making Gu Qiaoqiao feel somewhat embarrassed. Though reluctant, Qin Xuan had said nothing, nor mentioned keeping it to sell to him. She thought that must be what he was thinking. After all, Gu Qiaoqiao was his future daughter-in-law; there would be plenty of time and opportunities later, so after gritting his teeth, the olive pendant finally returned to Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hands. Gu Qiaoqiao quickly placed it back in the box. In the end, Qin Xuan told her the minimum price was three thousand eight hundred yuan, not a penny less. So Qin Xuan could not possibly have called Zhang Yi to stop him from accepting her item. On this point, she still trusted Qin Xuan. But what exactly was the reason that Zhang Yi wouldn¡¯t even take a look? Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Zhang Yi¡¯s behavior and grew angry. She had thought Shopkeeper Zhang was something special, but he turned out to be a petty man who did not keep his word. Hmph! In the Imperial Capital, Yubao Square wasn¡¯t the only antique store; there were plenty of others to choose from. Even if Zhang Yi wanted to buy it, it was too late; she wouldn¡¯t sell it to him no matter how much he offered. Gu Qiaoqiao also felt a little temperamental. However, her sparkling, large eyes shifted as she suddenly opened the box and took out the olive pendant. The shop of Yubao Square wasn¡¯t very tall, and with a stretch, Gu Qiaoqiao raised the olive pendant in front of Zhang Yi, shaking it. Zhang Yi never expected Gu Qiaoqiao to pull such a move. Hence, completely unprepared, he caught sight of the olive pendant dangling before his eyes. The olive seed wasn¡¯t very big, but through the lens, he could see it was carved full of Arhats. Each one with a unique expression, much simpler than the ones you¡¯d find in temples, yet they appeared so lifelike, especially the one he was intently focusing on, those eyes almost made his heart tremble. This was a good charm against evil spirits. Zhang Yi unwittingly followed the olive pendant with his eyes, and he unconsciously took out his magnifying glass from his Zhongshan suit pocket. Seeing her objective achieved, Gu Qiaoqiao quickly withdrew the pendant and, lifting one arched, delicate eyebrow, she sneered, ¡°So much for Yubao Square. I won¡¯t come again even if you beg me, hmph!¡± Zhang Yi looked at Gu Qiaoqiao regretfully, thinking to himself that this girl was too cunning. But at the same time, his eyes gleamed. If he wasn¡¯t mistaken, the master behind this girl must be a Mount Tai Level sculptor. To carve eighteen Arhats onto a small olive seed. And this was different from micro-carving. It was done under normal circumstances. If he missed it, would he ever come across it again? ¡°` ¡°` But when he thought of the Old Patriarch¡¯s warning, he could only clench his fist with regret. Gu Qiaoqiao turned to leave. She didn¡¯t expect to be stopped by a man in his sixties. Gu Qiaoqiao was truly startled. The old man¡¯s gaze was terrifying. Sharp, as if it could pierce through one¡¯s soul. His expression was stern, perhaps because of constantly keeping a straight face, the corners of his mouth drooped slightly, and under his hat was greying hair. Clothed in a black thick wool coat, he appeared somewhat gaunt, his complexion sallow¡­ But his posture was straight, exuding a fierce aura. It was as if¡­ He was the head of a great family from a TV show! Before Gu Qiaoqiao could clear her thoughts, the old man started coughing violently, and a young man hurriedly unscrewed a thermos and handed it to him. After drinking a few sips, the old man managed to calm down a bit. But his chest heaved with continuous gasps for air. It seemed like the old man was quite annoyed, but even though he once commanded great influence, in front of disease, he was still helpless. Zhang Yi¡¯s expression suddenly turned serious. He naturally recognized the elderly man, the current family head of the Shen Family, Shen Yu, known as Elder Shen. This was a legendary figure. He had once donated most of his wealth to New Nation to support construction and now served as a special economic advisor to New Nation. Although he held no official title, he was deeply respected. However, in recent years, he had been reclusive and seldom appeared in public. Such a person should definitely not be here. Unless there was a significant event. But since Elder Shen had come so discreetly, he dared not publicize it and instead quickly came out from behind the counter to greet him, but he was stopped by Elder Shen¡¯s gesture. Looking at Gu Qiaoqiao, the old man seemed to want to soften his expression, but the old man was so used to being stern that even his smile seemed somewhat chilling. At the feet of the emperor, in the capital city¡¯s root, what¡¯s not lacking are nobles. Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t want the old man to exert effort to smile, so she simply asked, ¡°Old sir, may I help you with something?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao did not recognize him, but she saw Zhang Yi giving her a meaningful look. Although Gu Qiaoqiao didn¡¯t quite understand what that look meant. Elder Shen took one look at Gu Qiaoqiao and thought, this child is not at all afraid upon seeing him. She was not a fearless ignoramus, but rather someone with a steady disposition. He coughed twice, his voice hoarse, ¡°Miss, could you let me have a look at the pendant you¡¯re holding?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was stunned. Her hand reached into her pocket and clenched the box, while at this moment, the people of Yubao Square had almost entirely cleared out. Only Zhang Yi was left by himself, and all the staff had gone to the back courtyard. Two bodyguards stood at the entrance of Yubao Square, looking straight ahead without a glance elsewhere. After all, it was Elder Shen, in case of an accident or even the spread of unfavorable news about Elder Shen, it could cause a negative impact. After all, imperialism¡¯s intent to destroy us has never ceased. The room was eerily quiet. Zhang Yi¡¯s eyes brightened; he might not buy it, but he could help Gu Qiaoqiao find a buyer. That way, there wouldn¡¯t be any fallout. The so-called ¡°leave some leeway in life, for one day you¡¯ll meet again.¡± ¡°Miss Xiao Qiao, don¡¯t be afraid. Take it out and show Elder Shen. If Elder Shen takes a fancy to it, you won¡¯t have to go to another shop, right?¡± Zhang Yi¡¯s voice had a trace of amusement in it, breaking the somewhat chilly atmosphere in the room. Since the matter had reached this point, it really wasn¡¯t easy for Gu Qiaoqiao to just walk away. Moreover, she was actually quite exhausted. These days she had overtaxed much of her energy and Spiritual Energy, making her feel somewhat uncomfortable, and she had stayed up late last night to rush two pendants, truly worn out. ¡°` C Chapter 67 - Chapter 67: Chapter 66: She Can Finally Go Home! Chapter 67: Chapter 66: She Can Finally Go Home! Then, Gu Qiaoqiao stood up and whispered, ¡°Last night, I carved two pendants for Great Grandfather and Grandma, let me go get them.¡± As she said this, Gu Qiaoqiao returned to her room, leaving the Qin Family members exchanging glances, as this was unexpected to them. Gu Qiaoqiao quickly came back out and handed two pendants etched with peace Buddha pendants to Grandma Qin, ¡°Grandma, wearing this peace Buddha on your body is very beneficial to your health, you have to believe me ¡­¡± ¡°I trust Qiaoqiao the most, I¡¯ll wear it right away.¡± As she said it, Grandma Qin immediately put it around her neck, smiling at Gu Qiaoqiao with extreme tenderness. After all, we are family, so too many thanks might rather make things awkward. While eating, the TV news was broadcasting a report stating that through the combined efforts of the military and police, a major criminal gang colluding with foreign forces had been completely wiped out ¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao instinctively glanced at Qin Yize, who was eating silently with a bowed head and a measured pace, thinking to herself, he must have been involved in this. Normally, when she sneaked glances at Qin Yize, he pretended not to notice, but she hadn¡¯t expected that he would suddenly lock eyes with Gu Qiaoqiao, a flicker of cold light in his starry eyes as if he knew she had guessed it, but also as if he didn¡¯t want her to speak of it. His look was a warning. Gu Qiaoqiao glared back at him hard, thinking how carefree she must be to meddle in his business. His affairs had nothing to do with her at all. Overthinking! Go to ????????????????????.co After a brief exchange of glances, Qin Yize slowly averted his gaze, acting as though nothing had happened, and continued eating his meal. Grandma Qin, unaware of this, prattled on, telling Gu Qiaoqiao that when she goes to the North, if there¡¯s anything she lacks, she must call home. The weather there is cold, so you must be sure to keep warm, and some necessities had already been sent ahead. When leaving, there¡¯s no need to take too many things. And so on ¡­ and so on ¡­ Listening to her made Gu Qiaoqiao feel a warm fuzziness inside. As Grandma Qin, in dealing with Gu Qiaoqiao, whether in the past life or this one, she had done very well indeed. Gu Qiaoqiao felt gratitude, and if possible, even if they were to divorce, she didn¡¯t want to become strangers with Grandma Qin. Meanwhile, Shen Manru was sitting beside Qin Yize, speaking softly. Her earnestness made Qin Yize¡¯s expression soften as he listened intently. But Qin Xuan was unconcerned with such matters, a true man¡¯s ambition lies far and wide. Since he chose this path, and since he felt his deeds were meaningful, he had to stand tall and keep going. So, at that moment, Qin Xuan was holding a magnifying glass, admiring the peace charm that Gu Qiaoqiao had given to Great Grandfather, his eyes filled with wonder. When he returned to his room, Qin Yize looked at Gu Qiaoqiao with a hint of apology and said, ¡°I switched our sleeping berth tickets with a classmate¡¯s elderly parents. They¡¯re of advanced age and in poor health, and I worried they wouldn¡¯t be able to endure a day and a night in a hard seat.¡± At that time, sleeping berth tickets were hard to come by. And they were from the starting station at the Imperial Capital. Gu Qiaoqiao thought, going back in time, many things still changed. She saved Luo Zhenyu, Bai Yun and Ning Yuli were still detained and hadn¡¯t been released, Brother Hao¡¯s KTV was shut down, and a major criminal gang was captured ¡­ In her previous life, they had taken a sleeper directly to the North, and even with transfers, they had still been in sleepers. There were no classmates¡¯ parents involved. Gu Qiaoqiao, while drying her hair, said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s alright, anyway, I have to take a coach after getting off the train ¡­¡± Because it had been arranged in advance, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s ticket was to the final destination. And Qin Yize naturally had to take another train to the frontier. The conditions there were harsh, with winters seeing temperatures below forty degrees Celsius, a very short frost-free period, and throughout the year, apart from cabbage and potatoes, there was nothing but pickled cabbage and potatoes. It was the North of the North, a land of extreme cold used in ancient times to exile prisoners. In her last life, because of Qin Yize, she had accepted her fate sweetly. However, this life, she certainly wouldn¡¯t go there again. Qin Yize¡¯s gaze swept towards the two travel bags that had already been packed, raised his eyebrows imperceptibly, and stopped talking. Instead, he moved to the already prepared sofa. A night without words. ¡­ The train station of the Imperial Capital was overcrowded with bustling people. Departures always bring a sense of melancholy. Qin Xiaoyu held her older brother and cried, Shen Manru¡¯s tears also circled in her eyes, but Qin Xuan was somewhat impatient, waving his hand, signaling Xiao Yu and his wife not to delay the ticket check. In the hard-seat carriage, Qin Yize put the three travel bags on the overhead rack. Then, glancing around the carriage with a frown, he took his seat as well. Gu Qiaoqiao felt like she hadn¡¯t taken a train in many years. At this time, most were green trains, slow, stopping at every station. Plus, the heating was bad¡ªthe carriage was not only cold but also filled with all kinds of smells. Pungent enough to make one feel faint. Gu Qiaoqiao buried both her mouth and nose into her large scarf. Their seats were benches; Gu Qiaoqiao sat in the middle, next to a middle-aged woman, while the person across was a woman wearing an old, slightly faded military coat and a mask, seeming to be asleep; beside her was a middle-aged man and an elderly lady. Qin Yize, wearing a black woolen coat, stood with a straight silhouette and picturesque features, like a dashing young noble, seemingly out of place in this carriage. Many people stole glances at him. But Qin Yize looked indifferent, as if he was already accustomed to such attention. In the year 1986 in New Nation, a portion of the population had started to get rich; many cities saw the emergence of ten-thousand-yuan households and private entrepreneurs. However, on the streets of the Imperial Capital, especially in the West District, the living conditions of people were quite good, so it looked prosperous and harmonious. But when you were on a train, looking at the many ordinary folks from all corners of the land, you would realize that there were still many who led austere lives. And there were also many people who didn¡¯t even know what a train was. This was the inevitable law of the times¡¯ development, and in the future, it would get better and better. With the train whistle¡¯s long blare, the train slowly began to move. Watching the Imperial Capital¡¯s buildings streak past the window, a layer of moisture hazed Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes. She could finally go home! It was already one in the afternoon. Having boarded the train after lunch, Gu Qiaoqiao, after the initial rush of emotions, felt sleepy. Unconsciously, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes slowly closed. Then, amidst a drowsy haze, she found her head leaning against Qin Yize¡¯s shoulder. Qin Yize¡¯s body stiffened for a moment. He put down the book in his hand and glanced sideways at the little woman resting on his shoulder. Her eyelashes were very long, with a slight curve, as if touched by a speck of water light. They resembled dew on grass blades in the early morning. Being close, a faint fragrance wafted next to him. The atmosphere at this moment was cozier than it had ever been since the two had met. The two hadn¡¯t spoken since they got on the train, but Qin Yize still noticed her excited and delighted expression. Going home naturally made one happy. Chapter 66 - Chapter 66: Chapter 65: How Could His Wife Be As Young As a Little Girl? Chapter 66: Chapter 65: How Could His Wife Be As Young As a Little Girl? Then, spinning around, she strode out the door. After placing the IOU into the bankbook, Gu Qiaoqiao directly slipped it into the pocket of her down jacket. ¡°Girl, congratulations,¡± Zhang Yi said smilingly from behind Gu Qiaoqiao. ¡°Shared joy is double joy.¡± Zhang Yi chuckled, yet there was still a sense of regret. Seeing the way Gu Qiaoqiao just said her piece and left, he knew she would never come here to sell her goods again. Alas¡­ Zhang Yi clutched his chest, feeling heartbroken. As Gu Qiaoqiao hastily walked out of Yubao Square, from a black sedan emerged an old man with white hair and beard. Leaning on a cane, he looked toward the grand entrance of Yubao Square with a commanding expression. It was Elder Gu of Yubao Square. His eyes scanned the main entrance for a moment, and suddenly his whole body stiffened, as if the blood in his veins had frozen. He stared in shock at a young girl in a beige down jacket walking out of the grand entrance of Yubao Square. Go to ????????????????????.co That face, strikingly similar to that of his wife. For a moment, it seemed as though all sounds had faded away. His heartbeat quickened, his breathing became erratic, and he tasted a salty iron flavor in his mouth. A mouthful of blood spurted out, and Elder Gu fell backwards. What little reasoning remained told him that it wasn¡¯t his wife; how could his wife look as young as a young girl? But¡­ Before he could figure it out, he plunged into boundless darkness, with Lady Yu¡¯s hate-filled eyes flashing before him. After that, he knew nothing. Intent on her mission, Gu Qiaoqiao headed for the nearby savings bank, unaware of the chaos unfolding at the entrance of Yubao Square. She successfully withdrew Five Hundred Yuan, delightedly placed the bankbook carefully back into her pocket, and then took the bus back to the Qin Family. Although today had some discrepancies from her expectations, according to what her grandfather once said, it was fate that Elder Shen and the peace Buddha pendant came together. There are rules to their line of work, and if Elder Shen really was that Elder Shen, then considering his broad-mindedness, it was only right to sell it to him. She just didn¡¯t understand why the Shen Family wasn¡¯t supposedly very wealthy. Quickly dismissing the thought, she decided it had nothing to do with her; Elder Shen was definitely a man of his word. Thus, she fell onto her bed without any burdens and slept deeply. In the hospital, Zhang Yi watched the emergency room door with a grave expression on his face. Inside, his thoughts were in complete turmoil. Seeing Gu Cheng¡¯s evasive eyes and his two sons, Zhang Yi knew that if Elder Gu passed away before finding his biological son, the Gu Family would likely end up in the hands of Gu Cheng and his sons. The so-called Second Lady was not a good sort. Then, the Gu Family, which had been passed down for hundreds of years, would completely dissipate like smoke. And he, having no standing, couldn¡¯t protect Yubao Square or the Gu Family. Thinking of this, Zhang Yi felt very sad. That great young master, whom he had never met, was already over sixty. He must have a house full of children and grandchildren. But why can¡¯t he be found? At this thought, Zhang Yi¡¯s expression hardened. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t consider this, but at the critical moment of Elder Gu¡¯s life and death, Zhang Yi suddenly wondered whether the Second Lady, living on North Mountain, really allowed Elder Patriarch to seek out the First Lady and the great young master without interference? What had she done here? Zhang Yi¡¯s thoughts roiled within him, yet his face remained expressionless. The corner of his eye suddenly caught Gu Cheng¡¯s two sons exchanging a glance and smirking at each other before nonchalantly looking away. Zhang Yi inwardly cursed these ingrates, basking in everything the Gu Family provided yet always hoping for the Old Patriarch¡¯s death. And then they would take over the Old Patriarch¡¯s estate. Once Zhang Yi had brought this up, but after being warned by the Old Patriarch, he never mentioned it again. Later, he realized that the Old Patriarch and Gu Cheng shared more than fifty years of a father-son relationship; indeed, he had spoken out of turn. Yet, seeing Gu Cheng¡¯s indistinguishable expression of grief, he only felt a wave of despondency and helplessness. If only the Old Master could turn danger into safety and escape this calamity. By evening, Gu Qiaoqiao finally woke up, stretched lazily, feeling reinvigorated as if reborn. As she stretched, she noticed her stomach grumbling with hunger and saw it was already seven in the evening. She quickly got up, washed her face, and walked out of her room. Grandma Qin had already abandoned her walking stick and was sitting on the couch chatting with Qin Yize. Qin Yize looked somewhat exhausted, a rare sight as he usually brimmed with vitality. Despite that, he patiently conversed with Grandma. Gu Qiaoqiao noticed that in this family, Qin Yize was closest to Grandma, then Xiao Yu, and finally Mr. and Mother Qin. When Grandma Qin saw Qiaoqiao come out, she promptly said, ¡°We¡¯ve already finished eating, just you and Ah Ze left, you can eat together.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao nodded and was headed to the kitchen when Qin Xiaoyu cheerfully came out with two plates, ¡°Big brother, sister-in-law, come eat.¡± The way she called them was so smooth that Gu Qiaoqiao was left speechless. Xiaoyu was bold, Bai Yun was thick-skinned; no wonder they got along so well. However, Gu Qiaoqiao wouldn¡¯t spoil the mood; returning this time, her wish was to leave the Gu Family happily and honorably. Not like in her previous life, like a house dog stripped of its home. Gu Qiaoqiao looked at Xiao Yu, ¡°Thank you, Xiao Yu.¡± She herself didn¡¯t expect to be able to speak so calmly with Qin Xiaoyu. Xiao Yu stood close to her, admiringly looking at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°You¡¯re so skilled. Right, when you got back you went to sleep, and I didn¡¯t get to ask if you sold the Eighteen Arhats?¡± Qin Xuan also followed up with a question. He clearly cared a lot. Gu Qiaoqiao knew that Qin Xuan wasn¡¯t concerned about the money but about the value of the pendant. A pendant he valued, if it didn¡¯t fetch a corresponding price, would certainly make him feel slighted, likely stirring up indignant feelings in him. Thus, Gu Qiaoqiao nodded, ¡°I got nearly one hundred yuan more than what you mentioned.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s good.¡± ¡°Sister-in-law, you¡¯re amazing!¡± Qin Xuan smiled and adjusted his glasses, ¡°It looks like Yubao Square knows quality.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t sell it to Yubao Square, I sold it to someone else. Today I don¡¯t know what got into Boss Zhang, he didn¡¯t even dare to look. He just told me he wouldn¡¯t buy my items anymore.¡± Qin Xuan¡¯s mouth dropped open, staring blankly at Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Did he really say that?¡± Gu Qiaoqiao nodded indifferently, ¡°Even if he wants to buy in the future, I wouldn¡¯t sell to him, that untrustworthy scoundrel.¡± Qin Xuan¡¯s gaze flickered, he made eye contact with his mother, but didn¡¯t know how to respond. Usually silent, Qin Yize suddenly spoke, ¡°If you¡¯re looking for a reliable place, I can take you there later.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was taken aback and fixed her gaze on Qin Yize. After a few moments, she shook her head, ¡°No need, I¡¯ve been too tired lately. I can¡¯t carve anymore, my hands are unsteady, and the work wouldn¡¯t look good.¡± Chapter 67 - Chapter 67: Chapter 66: She Can Finally Go Home! Chapter 67: Chapter 66: She Can Finally Go Home! Then, Gu Qiaoqiao stood up and whispered, ¡°Last night, I carved two pendants for Great Grandfather and Grandma, let me go get them.¡± As she said this, Gu Qiaoqiao returned to her room, leaving the Qin Family members exchanging glances, as this was unexpected to them. Gu Qiaoqiao quickly came back out and handed two pendants etched with peace Buddha pendants to Grandma Qin, ¡°Grandma, wearing this peace Buddha on your body is very beneficial to your health, you have to believe me ¡­¡± ¡°I trust Qiaoqiao the most, I¡¯ll wear it right away.¡± As she said it, Grandma Qin immediately put it around her neck, smiling at Gu Qiaoqiao with extreme tenderness. After all, we are family, so too many thanks might rather make things awkward. While eating, the TV news was broadcasting a report stating that through the combined efforts of the military and police, a major criminal gang colluding with foreign forces had been completely wiped out ¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao instinctively glanced at Qin Yize, who was eating silently with a bowed head and a measured pace, thinking to herself, he must have been involved in this. Normally, when she sneaked glances at Qin Yize, he pretended not to notice, but she hadn¡¯t expected that he would suddenly lock eyes with Gu Qiaoqiao, a flicker of cold light in his starry eyes as if he knew she had guessed it, but also as if he didn¡¯t want her to speak of it. His look was a warning. Gu Qiaoqiao glared back at him hard, thinking how carefree she must be to meddle in his business. His affairs had nothing to do with her at all. Overthinking! Go to ????????????????????.co After a brief exchange of glances, Qin Yize slowly averted his gaze, acting as though nothing had happened, and continued eating his meal. Grandma Qin, unaware of this, prattled on, telling Gu Qiaoqiao that when she goes to the North, if there¡¯s anything she lacks, she must call home. The weather there is cold, so you must be sure to keep warm, and some necessities had already been sent ahead. When leaving, there¡¯s no need to take too many things. And so on ¡­ and so on ¡­ Listening to her made Gu Qiaoqiao feel a warm fuzziness inside. As Grandma Qin, in dealing with Gu Qiaoqiao, whether in the past life or this one, she had done very well indeed. Gu Qiaoqiao felt gratitude, and if possible, even if they were to divorce, she didn¡¯t want to become strangers with Grandma Qin. Meanwhile, Shen Manru was sitting beside Qin Yize, speaking softly. Her earnestness made Qin Yize¡¯s expression soften as he listened intently. But Qin Xuan was unconcerned with such matters, a true man¡¯s ambition lies far and wide. Since he chose this path, and since he felt his deeds were meaningful, he had to stand tall and keep going. So, at that moment, Qin Xuan was holding a magnifying glass, admiring the peace charm that Gu Qiaoqiao had given to Great Grandfather, his eyes filled with wonder. When he returned to his room, Qin Yize looked at Gu Qiaoqiao with a hint of apology and said, ¡°I switched our sleeping berth tickets with a classmate¡¯s elderly parents. They¡¯re of advanced age and in poor health, and I worried they wouldn¡¯t be able to endure a day and a night in a hard seat.¡± At that time, sleeping berth tickets were hard to come by. And they were from the starting station at the Imperial Capital. Gu Qiaoqiao thought, going back in time, many things still changed. She saved Luo Zhenyu, Bai Yun and Ning Yuli were still detained and hadn¡¯t been released, Brother Hao¡¯s KTV was shut down, and a major criminal gang was captured ¡­ In her previous life, they had taken a sleeper directly to the North, and even with transfers, they had still been in sleepers. There were no classmates¡¯ parents involved. Gu Qiaoqiao, while drying her hair, said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s alright, anyway, I have to take a coach after getting off the train ¡­¡± Because it had been arranged in advance, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s ticket was to the final destination. And Qin Yize naturally had to take another train to the frontier. The conditions there were harsh, with winters seeing temperatures below forty degrees Celsius, a very short frost-free period, and throughout the year, apart from cabbage and potatoes, there was nothing but pickled cabbage and potatoes. It was the North of the North, a land of extreme cold used in ancient times to exile prisoners. In her last life, because of Qin Yize, she had accepted her fate sweetly. However, this life, she certainly wouldn¡¯t go there again. Qin Yize¡¯s gaze swept towards the two travel bags that had already been packed, raised his eyebrows imperceptibly, and stopped talking. Instead, he moved to the already prepared sofa. A night without words. ¡­ The train station of the Imperial Capital was overcrowded with bustling people. Departures always bring a sense of melancholy. Qin Xiaoyu held her older brother and cried, Shen Manru¡¯s tears also circled in her eyes, but Qin Xuan was somewhat impatient, waving his hand, signaling Xiao Yu and his wife not to delay the ticket check. In the hard-seat carriage, Qin Yize put the three travel bags on the overhead rack. Then, glancing around the carriage with a frown, he took his seat as well. Gu Qiaoqiao felt like she hadn¡¯t taken a train in many years. At this time, most were green trains, slow, stopping at every station. Plus, the heating was bad¡ªthe carriage was not only cold but also filled with all kinds of smells. Pungent enough to make one feel faint. Gu Qiaoqiao buried both her mouth and nose into her large scarf. Their seats were benches; Gu Qiaoqiao sat in the middle, next to a middle-aged woman, while the person across was a woman wearing an old, slightly faded military coat and a mask, seeming to be asleep; beside her was a middle-aged man and an elderly lady. Qin Yize, wearing a black woolen coat, stood with a straight silhouette and picturesque features, like a dashing young noble, seemingly out of place in this carriage. Many people stole glances at him. But Qin Yize looked indifferent, as if he was already accustomed to such attention. In the year 1986 in New Nation, a portion of the population had started to get rich; many cities saw the emergence of ten-thousand-yuan households and private entrepreneurs. However, on the streets of the Imperial Capital, especially in the West District, the living conditions of people were quite good, so it looked prosperous and harmonious. But when you were on a train, looking at the many ordinary folks from all corners of the land, you would realize that there were still many who led austere lives. And there were also many people who didn¡¯t even know what a train was. This was the inevitable law of the times¡¯ development, and in the future, it would get better and better. With the train whistle¡¯s long blare, the train slowly began to move. Watching the Imperial Capital¡¯s buildings streak past the window, a layer of moisture hazed Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes. She could finally go home! It was already one in the afternoon. Having boarded the train after lunch, Gu Qiaoqiao, after the initial rush of emotions, felt sleepy. Unconsciously, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes slowly closed. Then, amidst a drowsy haze, she found her head leaning against Qin Yize¡¯s shoulder. Qin Yize¡¯s body stiffened for a moment. He put down the book in his hand and glanced sideways at the little woman resting on his shoulder. Her eyelashes were very long, with a slight curve, as if touched by a speck of water light. They resembled dew on grass blades in the early morning. Being close, a faint fragrance wafted next to him. The atmosphere at this moment was cozier than it had ever been since the two had met. The two hadn¡¯t spoken since they got on the train, but Qin Yize still noticed her excited and delighted expression. Going home naturally made one happy. Chapter 68 - Chapter 68: Chapter 67: The Voice of the Demon Chapter 68: Chapter 67: The Voice of the Demon He did not like being touched this way, but his body did not move and he still looked sideways at Gu Qiaoqiao with the teardrop on her eyelashes. Then, her eyelashes trembled slightly, and the teardrop fell. The man gazing sideways, the charming girl sleeping on his shoulder¡ªthis scene was universally beautiful. Thus, the middle-aged man sitting opposite them flashed a look in his eyes and spoke in a pleasing tone, ¡°Young comrade, are you heading home or out for fun?¡± The Mandarin was alright, just heavily accented with the Central Plains dialect. Gu Qiaoqiao, who was half-asleep at this time, felt a chill run through her body and her heartbeat sped up immediately upon hearing this voice, as if all the blood in her body had clotted in one place. Her entire body stiffened, and she could not move. It was a suffocating fear, like hearing the voice of a demon. She didn¡¯t even dare to open her eyes because it was a nightmare she detested and dared not recall. In this world, is there a voice that has made you live in fear and hatred for a lifetime? Even if ten years, twenty years had passed¡­ could you still instantly capture it among thousands of voices? At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s expression was vacant, her body trembling. Qin Yize, however, sensed something was wrong with Gu Qiaoqiao right away. Her eyes shut tight, her body trembling, and one could even hear the chattering of her teeth in the cold. Go to ?????????????????.co What was happening to Gu Qiaoqiao? Was she having a nightmare? Qin Yize no longer hesitated, he called out softly, ¡°Wake up, are you having a nightmare?¡± This voice, usually so cool and devoid of warmth, now sounded like heavenly music or a life-saving straw, instinctively, Gu Qiaoqiao grabbed Qin Yize¡¯s arm. The man opposite continued in a pleasing tone, ¡°Is your little wife having a nightmare?¡± Qin Yize glanced at him, then turned his gaze back to Gu Qiaoqiao, watching her trembling hand clutching his arm so tight that the veins on the back of her hand were clearly visible. Her eyes still tightly shut, her forehead covered in cold sweat, as if she was drowning in a nightmare, unable to wake up. Qin Yize no longer hesitated, reached out to grasp Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hand, the other hand gently patting her face, he whispered into her ear, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, you¡¯re having a nightmare, just open your eyes and it will be all right.¡± The slight warmth from his hand, the familiar, melodious voice now seemed to have some magical power, gradually warming Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s cold, fearful heart. And her heart, strangely, settled down bit by bit. Yes, it was just a nightmare. What was there to fear? Gu Qiaoqiao obediently opened her eyes wide. This was a train. Still clattering forward. Warmth spread through her body; she was actually leaning tightly against Qin Yize. Gu Qiaoqiao quickly straightened her body. Her chest still heaving slightly. Qin Yize took a neatly folded, fuchsia-lined handkerchief from the pocket of his coat and handed it to Gu Qiaoqiao, saying lightly, ¡°There¡¯s cold sweat on your forehead, wipe it off¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao took the handkerchief, took a deep breath, her complexion still pale, the usually rosy lips devoid of any color. She suppressed the trembling in her heart, took another deep breath, and then slowly wiped the sweat from her forehead. Her eyes still seemed a bit hollow. Qin Yize unscrewed the thermos and handed it to her. Gu Qiaoqiao took it blankly, steam fogging up like a white mist from the spout. She took a sip, it was hot but not scalding to the mouth, sliding down her throat to her stomach, feeling warm, and it seemed she also revived a bit. The middle-aged man across didn¡¯t mind Qin Yize¡¯s aloofness, as he had instantly recognized that this young man was either rich or noble. In these times, having more friends meant more paths, and getting familiar now might prove useful later. Thus, he smiled broadly and said, ¡°Young comrade, I wasn¡¯t wrong, was I? Look, your wife was just possessed, and now that she¡¯s awake, she¡¯ll be fine¡­¡± This time, Qin Yize responded with a soft ¡°Hmm.¡± However, the thermos cup in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s hands clattered to the floor of the carriage. Fortunately, there wasn¡¯t much water in it, but it still splashed around. Qin Yize was quick to pick up the thermos and then said to the others, ¡°Don¡¯t move, be careful of slipping. I¡¯ll go get a mop.¡± He then quickly got a mop from the train attendant. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s body stiffened again, she bit her lip, gripping her handkerchief tightly to suppress her trembling, staring intently at the middle-aged man who had just spoken. He wasn¡¯t tall and was wearing a black down jacket, but his feet were encased in black cotton shoes. He appeared to be around forty, with an ordinary face and shifty eyes, yet he wore a smile resembling sycophancy. He didn¡¯t look at Gu Qiaoqiao but tried to take the mop from Qin Yize, saying, ¡°Young comrade, give it to me. Watch out, don¡¯t dirty your coat.¡± Qin Yize dodged away and quickly wiped the spill, eyeing Gu Qiaoqiao who was tightly fixated on the man, her eyes showing confusion. He strode towards the train attendant¡¯s room of the carriage. Seeing that Qin Yize ignored him, the middle-aged man straightened his back embarrassedly; in that instant, his gaze met Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s, and he split his lips in a placating smile towards her. Gu Qiaoqiao clearly saw a half-inch-long scar on the right side of his eyebrow. It struck her like lightning. She suddenly stood up, as if a hammer was pounding on her heart. Then she saw Qin Yize walking towards her. The train jolted suddenly, and Gu Qiaoqiao, already distraught, nearly fell into the aisle. Qin Yize quickly supported her, frowning as he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± After a while, Gu Qiaoqiao found her voice, ¡°I need to go to the restroom.¡± Without waiting for Qin Yize to respond, Gu Qiaoqiao hurried towards the end of the carriage. The restroom was occupied. Gu Qiaoqiao stood at the train door, her complexion deathly pale as she stared out the window. She clenched her hand tightly until the bone-deep pain arrived, calming her eventually. And in her calm, her eyes were filled with profound hatred. She hadn¡¯t mistaken the voice; it belonged to the human trafficker who had drugged and taken her out of Imperial Capital in her previous life. She had been semi-conscious at the time, unable to even open her eyes, so she was particularly sensitive to sounds. She had firmly memorized that voice. By the time she could open her eyes, the trafficker had handed her over to another trafficker. She had just managed to see the half-inch-long scar on the right eyebrow. Then she was silenced by a cloth saturated with hallucinogen drug, thrown onto a tractor. When she came to, she was in an ox cart and had been handed over to another trafficker. Thus, she was sold into the deep mountains of Southwest. If marrying Qin Yize marked the start of her errant life, then being repeatedly passed between traffickers and sold into the mountains was the origin of all her suffering. Chapter 69 - Chapter 69: Chapter 68 Competition Chapter 69: Chapter 68 Competition It was those human traffickers who pushed her into an abyss from which she could never return. The subsequent series of disasters and pain turned her world into Hell. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes blazed with towering rage and hatred. That voice, those scars, she would never forget them, not even if she lived several lifetimes. In her previous life, those traffickers had long since vanished into the vast sea of people. She hadn¡¯t seen their faces clearly, but she remembered that scar. Later, she only found one of them; the others were still at large, still trafficking human lives and committing heinous evils that deserved no forgiveness. Gu Qiaoqiao slowly raised her head, taking deep breaths until she completely concealed the hatred in her eyes, and then calmly walked towards the carriage. She slowly took her seat, turned to meet Qin Yize¡¯s inquiring gaze, and Gu Qiaoqiao softly shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m fine now¡­¡± ¡°You rest for a bit, I¡¯ll go get you some water,¡± Qin Yize said, noticing Gu Qiaoqiao was still pale and her lips lacked color. After speaking, he picked up the thermos and walked towards the end of the carriage. The middle-aged man sitting opposite seemed very proud and not fond of talking, so he quieted down as well. The train continued clattering forward. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s peripheral vision kept watch over him, that scar. She really wanted to kill him! Go to ?????????????????.co The middle-aged man, who wandered throughout Da Jiang all year round and was crafty, immediately felt an unusual gaze upon him. He hurriedly scanned the area. Gu Qiaoqiao quickly turned her head, feigning nonchalance as she looked at the poplars flashing by outside the window. But her hand clutched Qin Yize¡¯s handkerchief in her pocket tight. Soon, Qin Yize returned, calmly handing the thermos to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°Drink some hot water if you feel uncomfortable.¡± ¡°Mm¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao murmured softly, compliantly holding the thermos in her hands. At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao was immensely grateful for Qin Yize¡¯s presence at her side. If she were alone, she really didn¡¯t know how she would face the nightmares and enemies of her past life. Gu Qiaoqiao leaned back, her gaze involuntarily falling on the woman sitting next to the human trafficker. A strange feeling suddenly arose. She had been asleep since boarding, and by now, three hours had passed and she still hadn¡¯t woken up. Something was off! Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart pounded fiercely, as a thought firmly took hold in her mind. She scrutinized the woman slumped against the window seat. Wearing a military overcoat. Somewhat tattered, glossed with grease. The woman wore a thick cotton mask, her hair was very black, looking extremely healthy. But her complexion was pale. Her eyes were tightly shut, and if not for the occasional furrowing of her brows, one might mistake her for a dead person. Gu Qiaoqiao placed the thermos on the train¡¯s table, bent down, pretending to adjust the laces on her leather shoes, then quickly looked at the woman¡¯s pants and shoes. The woolen pants were of excellent quality with sharp creases; the leather shoes were the same, brown genuine leather flat cotton boots. Both the pants and shoes were expensive and clean. But they were cloaked in a filthy, worn-out cotton military overcoat. Gu Qiaoqiao straightened up. Then, she nudged the legs of the woman sitting across from her and crisply asked, ¡°Comrade, your pants were splashed with water earlier, I¡¯ve just noticed. Can I wipe them for you?¡± As she spoke, Gu Qiaoqiao stood up and reached for Qin Yize¡¯s handkerchief from her pocket, intending to approach the woman. The trafficker who had been sitting quietly by her side suddenly sprang up, instinctively reaching out to push Gu Qiaoqiao away. This was a test by Gu Qiaoqiao; if it were not for her suspicion, the trafficker would not have jumped. The fact proved her hypothesis was one hundred percent accurate. Gu Qiaoqiao had no intention of dodging. The trafficker pushed her away, but she had a countermeasure ready. Yet, she hadn¡¯t expected another figure to move faster. A hand firmly grasped the trafficker¡¯s wrist, and Qin Yize frowned and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°I¡­I¡­it hurts, it hurts¡­¡± The trafficker howled in pain. How could this young man¡¯s hand be as strong as a pair of pliers? And the chill in his eyes made the trafficker shiver with guilt. Qin Yize released his grip, then pulled Gu Qiaoqiao over, his starry eyes turning towards the still-sleeping woman, with a hint of surprise also flashing in his eyes. Gu Qiaoqiao turned around from behind Qin Yize, furiously pointing at the trafficker, her voice suddenly raised, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? This sister¡¯s pants got wet, I was just helping to wipe off the water, why did you push me?¡± ¡°Heavens bear witness, young comrade, I had no intention to push you,¡± the trafficker hurriedly explained. ¡°You didn¡¯t intend to push me?¡± ¡°Yes, yes, it¡¯s all a misunderstanding¡­all a misunderstanding,¡± the trafficker replied, putting on a forced smile. ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao stood up once more, leaning over the sleeping woman, and cheerfully asked, ¡°How come you are still sleeping. Where do you need to get off? Come on, wake up and move around, let¡¯s have a chat¡­¡± ¡°No!¡± The trafficker, frightened out of his wits as if his heart was about to leap out, suddenly showed a ruthless glint in his otherwise simple and honest eyes. He reached out again to intercept Gu Qiaoqiao, but he dared not touch her; instead, he pressed down on the military coat. Looking up, he said pleasantly, ¡°This is my daughter. I¡¯m taking her to see a doctor. She¡¯s finally fallen asleep; please don¡¯t wake her. I beg you, young comrade. Let¡¯s talk when she wakes up, shall we?¡± His daughter? This time Gu Qiaoqiao was close enough to distinctly smell the strange scent of the Hallucinogen Drug she had encountered in her previous life. Outside, the sky was turning dark, and the next stop was probably fast approaching. If they disembarked, it would be impossible to find the trafficker and the unconscious girl again. In such a case, the world would see yet another woman in suffering. ¡°It¡¯s not good to sleep all the time, wake up and talk, it will be all right,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao said, smiling. However, Qin Yize¡¯s mind became sharp and wary, his piercing gaze fixing on the still unconscious woman. Could she really not wake up amidst such commotion? The trafficker immediately put on a pitiable face, pleading desperately, ¡°I¡¯m begging you, young comrade, spare my miserable daughter. You wealthy people might want to chat for fun, I get it, but you can¡¯t do this to my sick child. She¡¯s been in pain and unable to sleep for more than half a month. Please have mercy, please don¡¯t wake her up¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao hesitated, then clenched her teeth fiercely. At this moment, the looks from the people around were somewhat hostile when they glanced at Gu Qiaoqiao. The girl¡¯s father has already spoken, yet she still insists on disturbing his sick daughter. That¡¯s really very thoughtless. People have always resented the wealthy, especially when they saw how bright and shiny Gu Qiaoqiao and Qin Yize were, envy was natural among many onlookers. Therefore, they quietly began to talk among themselves. Some were even advising, ¡°Young comrade, stop making a fuss. The girl is sick; just let her be.¡± Deep down, Gu Qiaoqiao was seething with anger. The trafficker was too cunning. Chapter 70 - Chapter 70: Chapter 69 But was this all just a dream of hers? Chapter 70: Chapter 69 But was this all just a dream of hers? At that moment, Qin Yize reached out to pull her back, pressing her into the seat, then said to the trafficker, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so tense, I won¡¯t let her disturb your daughter.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao was desperate. But on this train, apart from her, who would suspect this man was a human trafficker, and that this woman was not his daughter but someone he was about to sell? Gu Qiaoqiao hesitated no longer, suddenly pulling Qin Yize close and whispering in his ear, ¡°That man must be a trafficker, the girl has a strange smell on her, it¡¯s probably a hallucinogen drug.¡± Qin Yize had no time to avoid the itch at his ear, startled by Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s words, he also lowered his voice, ¡°Do you have any evidence?¡± ¡°No,¡± Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes flashed with a cold light, ¡°If he gets off at the next station, it¡¯ll be too late.¡± The two of them looked somewhat like a couple whispering secrets to each other. The man handsome, the woman pretty, it was a pleasing sight no matter how one looked at it. The trafficker quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Qin Yize¡¯s posture remained unchanged, but his mind was spinning rapidly. If this was true, it would be troublesome, the next station was approaching quickly, and if the woman didn¡¯t wake up, it would be impossible to prove their relationship. But he too sensed something amiss here. Therefore, he wouldn¡¯t let them get off the train. Go to ????????????????????.co Yet, Gu Qiaoqiao suddenly leaned in close to his ear again, ¡°I¡¯ll go take off the woman¡¯s mask, you block the trafficker.¡± As she spoke, she stood up again and seemed to lose her balance for a moment, lunging towards the still unconscious woman. The trafficker was on high alert at all times, his movements quick, as he bent down to hold the woman and was about to shout out loud. A sharp gust of wind struck, and Qin Yize firmly choked the trafficker¡¯s throat, exerting force, he threw the trafficker into the aisle. Gu Qiaoqiao ripped off the woman¡¯s mask in one go, her eyes suddenly widening, the woman¡¯s mouth was sealed with layers of tape. Just like her in her previous life. Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s trembling hand pointed at the fallen trafficker, shouting loudly, ¡°He¡¯s a human trafficker, this woman is not his daughter.¡± The carriage suddenly erupted as if a pot had exploded. Unwilling to give in, the trafficker cried out, ¡°That is my daughter, you¡¯re the traffickers, if you dare to touch my daughter, I¡¯ll lay down my old life and will never let you harm my daughter.¡± Gu Qiaoqiao slowly peeled off the tape from the woman¡¯s mouth, then shook her, urgently saying, ¡°Quick, wake up, there¡¯s a bad person trying to harm you, wake up¡­¡± Regrettably, just like in her past life, the woman¡¯s eyes remained tightly closed, showing no signs of waking up. And at this time, the train¡¯s announcement sounded, there were ten minutes until the station. Gu Qiaoqiao pointed at the trafficker, scolding harshly, ¡°Shut up, you heartless trafficker, what kind of father seals his daughter¡¯s mouth with tape?¡± Then Gu Qiaoqiao shouted, ¡°Is there a doctor in the carriage, come and help check, see if this lady has been drugged with a hallucinogen¡­¡± Although Qin Yize could confirm whether she was drugged, now was not the time, she needed everyone¡¯s support and attention. Unfortunately, the carriage was in disarray, yet no one stood up. Qin Yize was almost certain something was wrong, he stepped on the trafficker¡¯s chest, ¡°Tell me, is that woman your daughter?¡± ¡°Yes, she¡¯s my daughter¡­¡± ¡°Where are you getting off?¡± ¡°This station, I¡¯m getting off right away.¡± ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll get off the train with you, and we¡¯ll go to the police station in front of the station. If it¡¯s your daughter, my wife and I will definitely apologize to you and compensate you for all your losses,¡± Qin Yize said, then also lifted his foot. The trafficker¡¯s chest felt some dull pain from being stepped on, but he rolled over and got up shakily, standing next to the seat. His gloomy gaze was fixed on Gu Qiaoqiao with dead certainty¡ªit was this damned woman, this stinking bitch, who had ruined his big opportunity. Getting off the train together was definitely not an option. Now, the only choice left was to run away. When he got the chance, he would certainly capture her, play with her to his heart¡¯s content, and then sell her off to the remote mountains of the Southwest. To ensure she never came out for the rest of her life. As long as the green mountains stand, one need not fear running out of firewood. The trafficker suddenly turned and ran crazily towards one end of the train car. Gu Qiaoqiao called out anxiously, ¡°Quick, catch that trafficker, don¡¯t let him get away!¡± Before her words even landed, an agile figure charged at the running trafficker like a gust of wind, a kick flew out, and with a scream, the trafficker fell to the ground. No one had ever escaped from his grasp before now. Qin Yize stepped on the trafficker¡¯s back and, seeing the train attendant finally come out, furrowed his brows, ¡°Call the train police over, this person is suspected of being a trafficker¡­¡± But at that moment, an old woman who had been sitting quietly nearby suddenly pounced on Gu Qiaoqiao, and then a knife rested against Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s throat as she shouted at Qin Yize, ¡°Let go of my son¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao and Qin Yize had calculated everything, but they hadn¡¯t anticipated that the old woman, who seemed to suffer from fading vision, would turn out to be the trafficker¡¯s accomplice. And this old woman¡ªindeed an old woman¡ªhad hands like chicken claws, yet they were very strong. She held Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s neck in a death grip, the tip of the knife pressing against her throat. Gu Qiaoqiao knew all too well that many traffickers had blood on their hands. She gritted her teeth and cursed, ¡°You lowlife slut, ridden by thousands, used by thousands, a rotten whore, daring to ruin my son¡¯s good deeds, I won¡¯t let you off today¡­¡± Gu Qiaoqiao instantly felt chilled to the bone, her vision beginning to blur as if she were seeing an old woman much like her in appearance, her face twisted with malice, cursing while forcing burning coals into her mouth. Such memories had tormented her all her life and still tore at her heart like venomous snakes. Her previous calm and rationality seemed to have abandoned her, and the sounds around her became inaudible. It was as if her soul had been stripped away. Her whole body stiffened, unable to move. Was everything before her real or fake; was she still trapped in the mountains, still being whipped? Or was this all just a dream? Qin Yize froze. What was wrong with Gu Qiaoqiao? Her gaze was so vacant, and she looked as though she had gone mad. Holding onto the trafficker, he quickly approached the old woman, who was clearly a hardened offender. Because she had positioned herself in the blind spot of the train seat, using Gu Qiaoqiao as a shield in front of her, she looked triumphantly at Qin Yize, ¡°I¡¯m an old woman nearing sixty, dying wouldn¡¯t be a loss. If you dare touch my son, I will slit this woman¡¯s throat immediately. Now, let my son go.¡± Qin Yize quickly assessed the situation; the top priority was not to provoke this desperately wicked old creature. If Gu Qiaoqiao hadn¡¯t been frightened, it would be a different story, but now that Gu Qiaoqiao was in such a state, Qin Yize dared not take any risks. It was at this moment that the train came to a stop. The old woman shouted at Qin Yize, ¡°If you don¡¯t release my son, I¡¯ll surely kill her!¡± Chapter 71 - Chapter 71: Chapter 70: It was His Negligence Chapter 71: Chapter 70: It was His Negligence ¡°` Qin Yize released the trafficker. His eyes were dark and his body emanated a cold aura, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll let go of your son.¡± With that, he let go of his hand. Clearly, these two were well-coordinated, as soon as Qin Yize released his hand, the trafficker dashed forward and stood in front of Gu Qiaoqiao. ¡°Mother, let¡¯s take her off the train.¡± Saying this with a vicious shout, ¡°Anyone dares to come up, I¡¯ll kill them.¡± The surrounding passengers, scared, moved back again. The carriage was in chaos. The mother and son, holding the dazed Gu Qiaoqiao, hurriedly walked towards the door of the carriage. Qin Yize¡¯s expression was dark as he stood still inside the carriage. The trafficker forced the conductor to open the door, then, clutching Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s arm tightly, got off the train. The knife was still pressed against Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s neck. Meanwhile, a shadow flashed in the carriage, and Qin Yize quickly opened the window, leaped out. Go to ????????????????????.co It took less than three seconds for him to disappear from the carriage. Like a leopard in the mountains, he pounced on the old woman holding Gu Qiaoqiao, as a gust of wind hit her from behind. The hand of the old woman holding the knife bent with a snap, the knife fell to the ground, Qin Yize pulled Gu Qiaoqiao away, and with a flying kick, toppled the trafficker. The entire action took no more than five seconds. The old woman, clutching her hand, fell to the ground screaming, while the trafficker, hands on his chest, struggled in pain, his eyes fixed viciously on Gu Qiaoqiao, his voice sinister, ¡°You filthy bitch, slut, as long as I¡¯m alive, I¡¯ll definitely catch you, sell you off and make your life worse than death¡­¡± Human traffickers, void of humanity. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t commit such heinous acts. Three words suddenly drifted into Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s ears, ¡®Sell you off, sell you off¡­¡¯ She abruptly looked up, if this was a dream, would she still have to suffer this humiliation even in it? No, she had to kill him! If she killed him, he wouldn¡¯t dare to sell her into the mountains, nor would he harm those innocent girls anymore. Yes, she had to kill him! Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes were fierce, she charged at the trafficker, grabbed his hair, and smashed it hard against the concrete floor. Her voice was filled with hatred, her expression was like an evil spirit crawling out from Hell, ¡°I¡¯ll kill you right now, see how you¡¯ll harm others!¡± The trafficker¡¯s words abruptly stopped, stars in his eyes, and he looked at the manic Gu Qiaoqiao in horror. They say that the soft are afraid of the hard, the hard are afraid of the tough, the tough are afraid of those who are fearless. Facing Gu Qiaoqiao ready to kill him, he was scared. And Gu Qiaoqiao was about to smash his head against the concrete floor. The trafficker screamed in terror. The expected pain never came, as Qin Yize forcefully pulled Gu Qiaoqiao away. Gu Qiaoqiao yelled fiercely, ¡°I¡¯ll kill him, let go of me, I have to kill him¡­¡± Qin Yize pressed a spot on the back of Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s neck with his other hand, and she instantly blacked out, collapsing softly into his arms. By this time, the scene was already controlled by the train police and the Public Security officers who had rushed to the scene from the station. The still unconscious woman was carried off the train, and their luggage was also brought down. The shaken passengers looked through the train windows at the scene. The train slowly continued on. It soon disappeared from view. Qin Yize showed the Public Security a special identification card, and the officer immediately saluted, then with an admiring look arranged a separate car for them and left the station. Another car, with the handcuffed mother and son inside, drove towards the nearby Public Security Bureau. Qin Yize carried Gu Qiaoqiao into the Public Security Bureau¡¯s guesthouse. He gently placed Gu Qiaoqiao on the bed, first checking to see if her neck had been injured. ¡°` ¡°` Fortunately, there was only a red mark. He then checked Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s pulse; her heartbeat was somewhat rapid. Her brows were tightly furrowed, her expression displaying both panic and unease. Unexpectedly, Gu Qiaoqiao had been scared to this extent. It was his negligence. It was also his dereliction of duty. A shade of guilt flashed through Qin Yize¡¯s eyes. A public security officer came in through the door, brought their luggage over, and then told Qin Yize that the doctor would be arriving soon. Qin Yize nodded his head, speaking in a deep voice to the young man with the round face, ¡°Tell them to interrogate carefully. With a mother and son working together, their technique is skilled, they must be part of a well-organized gang.¡± ¡°Doctor Qin, rest assured, we will interrogate them thoroughly,¡± the young public security officer quickly assured. After the young officer left, Qin Yize thought for a moment, then had another officer bring a thermos of hot water, while he went directly to the interrogation room. Qin Yize pondered for a while and then slowly sat down at the bedside, looking down at Gu Qiaoqiao, who still seemed uneasy as if immersed in a nightmare. A pair of starry eyes, deep as the night sea. They appeared calm, but who knew what emotions were churning beneath. And at this moment, Gu Qiaoqiao once again plunged into the nightmare of her previous life. The precipitous cliff, the vast forest, the only way into the village was a winding mountain road. She was carried into the mountains by a man in his thirties with a silly grin on his face. This was a Southwest mountain village of just over a hundred households, previously a bandit lair, now called Cliff Village. She had been sold to this simple-minded man by human traffickers. The man¡¯s family consisted of just a widowed mother. The old woman first beat Gu Qiaoqiao, who wouldn¡¯t stop crying and screaming, then threw her onto the kang, stripping off her clothes. Afterward, she pushed her son into the room. The beaten Gu Qiaoqiao, her inner ferocity provoked, fought the simple-minded man. She would rather die than let him take advantage of her. In the struggle, she kicked and damaged the simpleton¡¯s private parts, and afterward, the local people carried the screaming simpleton down the mountain. But Gu Qiaoqiao did not manage to escape; the villagers surrounded her. The old woman, like a madwoman, whipped her with a strap. And the others just watched, no one stepping in to stop it. In the end, while cursing, the old woman forced hot coals into her throat, then threw the naked and battered Gu Qiaoqiao into a pigsty and locked her in. By then, it was deep into the night, and the villagers, having had their fill of excitement, yawned and went back to their homes. And the simple-minded man, because of his severe injuries, was taken to a hospital down the mountain. The old woman beat her with the whip for another day. At that time, she had lost her voice, unable to speak any longer. Chained at the hands and feet, she, unable to die, was in utter despair. And then, the following day at noon, Qin Yize arrived. The villagers had always stuck together, with a mindset that the law does not account for the multitude, also to protect their own interests, as most of their wives had been bought. So, they picked up their homemade muskets and hoes and clashed with Qin Yize. Gu Qiaoqiao only heard the noises but had no idea what was happening. An hour later, Qin Yize appeared. Covered in bloodstains, on his face and hands, he approached Gu Qiaoqiao, pulled out a military knife, cut the chains, quickly removed his own clothes, and wrapped up the bruised and mute Gu Qiaoqiao. His face was calm, his eyes as deep as the dark sea, as he spoke gently, ¡°Qiaoqiao, don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯m here to take you home.¡± ¡°` Chapter 72 - Chapter 72: Chapter 71: Divorce Report Chapter 72: Chapter 71: Divorce Report At that moment, Gu Qiaoqiao had already lost her senses. But she knew that Qin Yize had come to rescue her. Then Qin Yize took her out of the mountains. When Gu Qiaoqiao came to, she never saw Qin Yize again. Then a series of events occurred. In the end, they divorced. She was grateful to him, yet she also hated him. Not only did all the disheveled moments of her life lie between them, but also an irreparable hatred. Gu Qiaoqiao was immersed in her nightmares, unable to extricate herself. And after the doctor left, Qin Yize listened to her low, grief-stricken sobs, watching her painfully restless body tremble slightly. He slowly reached out his hand, gently wiping the sweat from Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s forehead, murmuring softly, ¡°Gu Qiaoqiao, what nightmare did you have, what pain did you endure, which one is truly you?¡± The next morning arrived. The sky was somewhat overcast. Go to ????????????????????.co Gu Qiaoqiao slowly opened her eyes. Her somewhat empty eyes still seemed unable to focus. Where was she? ¡°Are you awake?¡± A familiar voice suddenly came from beside her, seemingly with a slight, hard-to-detect delight. Following the direction of the voice, Gu Qiaoqiao turned her head and saw Qin Yize sitting on a chair by the bed. Then Qin Yize, seeing Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s dry lips, got up to pour a glass of water, placing it on the bedside table, ¡°Can you sit up, if so, come and have some water¡­¡± His voice was quiet, as if all his emotions were hidden once again. Gu Qiaoqiao stared blankly at his face, listening to his steady voice, her lifeless eyes focusing once again. But for the moment, she still couldn¡¯t tell whether this was a dream or not. ¡°You were restless last night, had a nightmare, right? I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t take good care of you.¡± Was he apologizing? If this were a dream, Qin Yize shouldn¡¯t be sitting here when she woke up. That¡¯s right, it was summer in the dream. It was early August. Yet he was wearing a sweater, with a coat draped over the chair back, his face free of any wounds, smooth as jade. She suddenly touched her throat, finding no pain there. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that woman didn¡¯t hurt you, is there anywhere else you feel uncomfortable?¡± he asked softly. Gu Qiaoqiao swallowed and suddenly the scenes from yesterday afternoon on the train flashed before her eyes. The culprit who had ruined her life had finally been caught. Unfortunately, she had only bumped into him once before Qin Yize stepped in. She should have used more force, smashing his head to pieces right then and there. The nightmare from last night had tormented her all night; had Qin Yize been with her the whole time? Gu Qiaoqiao coughed lightly, and upon hearing the sound from her throat, the nightmare from last night seemed to peel away. She was still very much alive. Alive in 1986, where none of the tragedies had occurred! ¡°Did I talk in my sleep last night?¡± Qin Yize was taken aback, then chuckled slightly, surprised by Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s question. But at the bottom of his heart, he was also relieved. ¡°You always sleep quite peacefully, last night was no exception.¡± That¡¯s good. ¡°Where is the human trafficker?¡± ¡°In the interrogation room.¡± Qin Yize stood up, his eyes downcast, ¡°You must be hungry; I¡¯ll get you some breakfast. The restroom is next door; go freshen up.¡± With that, he strode away with long steps and disappeared from the room. Gu Qiaoqiao sat up and took a sip of water from her cup. Reason was gradually returning to her. But the nightmare from the previous night still circled in her mind. It was like a venomous snake hidden deep within her heart, always biting her viciously whenever she seemed to forget about it. And such pain was something she had to endure alone, unable to share with anyone, buried deep inside her heart. She knew she was torturing herself. But she couldn¡¯t help it; she simply couldn¡¯t forget. Go home! Seeing her family safe and sound would make everything alright! A sense of urgency suddenly rose in Gu Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart, all because she had not yet seen her family. Gu Qiaoqiao got out of bed, put on her shoes, grabbed her bag, and went next door. By the time she returned, Qin Yize had also come in, holding a tray. The breakfast was simple. A plate of steamed buns, four eggs, sticky millet porridge, and two plates of crisp, appetizing pickles. The two of them ate silently. It seemed as though the conversation and cooperation on the train the day before were just a transient blossom; they had returned to their previous way of interacting. Soon after finishing breakfast, Gu Qiaoqiao was about to clean up, but Qin Yize stopped her with a hand, ¡°No need; I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± He then took out a piece of paper from his military canvas bag and handed it to Gu Qiaoqiao, ¡°I haven¡¯t had time these days, but last night I had a moment, so I drafted a divorce report. Take a look; if there¡¯s anything unsatisfactory, I¡¯ll make changes.¡± Although as he picked up his pen last night, for the first time, he felt the pen was extraordinarily heavy; so heavy that it took him fifteen minutes to finally write the first character. He didn¡¯t know what had come over him. That feeling was unfamiliar and it agitated him. But at the same time, his clear mind once again reminded him that since Gu Qiaoqiao was no longer clinging, he should let go immediately. He could never be a qualified husband. Gu Qiaoqiao was only nineteen, her beautiful and radiant life was just beginning. She was intelligent and kind, skilled with her hands, deserving of a better man to love and cherish her. And that man could never be him! Therefore, he should be happy for her timely realization. Under his non-stop mental struggle, he, usually eloquent, took two hours to write a mere five-hundred-word divorce application. Gu Qiaoqiao took the divorce application, a trace of surprise crossing her eyes; she had thought Qin Yize would write it only after returning to the research base, but he had acted so quickly. Qin Yize¡¯s handwriting was very pleasing to the eye, each stroke sharp as a sword¡¯s edge, even carrying a compelling force. Yet the content surprised Gu Qiaoqiao. In the divorce application, Qin Yize attributed all the problems to himself, his words earnest, filled with apologies. Gu Qiaoqiao then understood; Qin Yize, though cold, was a responsible man. He approached marriage and emotions with terrifying rationality. Such a man, unless truly in love with a woman, would respect her like ice¡ª the perfect descriptor. And if he truly fell for someone, he would place her on a pedestal equal to his career. He would be fiercely loyal and passionate towards her for life; she would be his responsibility, his life, even his faith! Gu Qiaoqiao handed back the divorce application to Qin Yize, smiling, ¡°Actually, I am at fault too in this marriage, but still, thank you¡­¡± Qin Yize expressionlessly took back the divorce application, casting a glance at Gu Qiaoqiao, and suddenly glimpsing that bright smile again. Good, as long as she was happy.