Five years ago, Qiao Nian was schemed against by her sister, Qiao Xin. After spending a night with a stranger, Qiao Nian got pregnant. She did not know who the father of the child was, and eventually gave birth to a stillborn. Under the machinations of her mother and sister, Qiao Nian was stripped off of her shares in Qiao Group and sent to a mental hospital.

Five years later, her younger sister, Qiao Xin, was going to be married off to the Second Young Master of the Gu family. He was rumored to be extremely ugly. On the day he was born, the doctor predicted that he would not live past twenty years old. Her mother could not bear to see Qiao Xin marry such a person and thought of Qiao Nian, who was still locked in the mental hospital. Overnight, Qiao Nian was taken out of the hospital to replace Qiao Xin in her marriage into the Gu family.

Her mother said, "It's a good thing that Qiao Nian, this good-for-nothing, can replace Xin'er to be a living widow in the Gu family. If Xin'er were to marry into that family, I would be heartbroken.

Qiao Xin said, "Mom, don't say that about Sister. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't know what to do. I'm just worried that Sister wouldn't agree.

Her father said, "Xin'er, you're too kind. Have you forgotten how Qiao Nian slandered you five years ago? She has no self-restraint. She got pregnant before marriage and even gave birth to a stillborn child. We're treating her well enough by letting her marry someone from the prestigious Gu family! What right does she have to be picky?

Qiao Nian sneered. Back then, the scheme against her had only succeeded due to a freak combination of factors, causing her to suffer. She was going to get back at all of them! Everyone thought that her actions were borne from a combination of a loser's mentality and mental illness, but little did they know that this marriage would be a strong union as impactful as Mars crashing into Earth! Taking advantage of her brilliant skills in medicine, Qian Nian made various trashy people and scumbags eat their words. In the blink of an eye, her multiple identities shocked the world as each of them got exposed. It turned out that she was rich enough to rival a country!

Later on, Second Young Master Gu placed a pair of Qiao Nian's miniature clones in front of her. Faced with these two children who resembled her and Gu Zhou, Qiao Nian blinked in shock. "When did I give birth to your children?

Chapter 1: Replacement Bride

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

"No, stop—"

In the darkness, a strong masculine scent wafted toward her. The man pressed Qiao Nian forcefully against the bed. With tears in her eyes, she tried to push the man away, but there was no strength in her body.

The sound of tearing fabric could be heard. Qiao Nian's tears fell uncontrollably.

"Lass, what's your name?" The man's hoarse voice was like a demonic spell. His breath, filled with lust, lingered by her ear.

"It's fine if you don't want to tell me. My name is…"

An intense pain pierced through her entire body. Qiao Nian's breathing hitched, and her eyes flew open. She stared straight ahead. Only then did she realize that she was in the car.

So it was just a dream!

Once again, she had dreamed about what had happened five years ago.

Qiao Nian sat up and breathed heavily, her pale face etched with unease.

The events from that night five years ago constantly haunted her.

After that night, she got pregnant. She didn't know who the father of the child was, but after ten months, she suffered a stillbirth.

After her mother and sister seized her shares in the Qiao Corporation, they sent her to a mental hospital.

The Qiao family butler, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, sensed a movement in the backseat. Seeing that Qiao Nian had awoken, he reminded her with an indifferent expression, "Miss Qiao Nian, we're reaching the Qiao family's house soon. Please get ready!"

Qiao Nian ignored Butler Qiao's words. She tilted her head and looked out of the car window at the dimming lights outside. An City had grown more prosperous since she last saw it—she had been in the mental hospital for more than four years. The Qiao family had sent someone to pick her up tonight, and she was well aware of their intentions.

Her younger sister, Qiao Xin, was going to marry the Second Young Master of the Gu family, Gu Zhou, who was rumored to be ugly beyond belief, not to mention only have a lifespan of twenty years. But how could her "good mother" bear to let Qiao Xin marry such a man? Hence, the Qiao family planned to let Qiao Nian marry into the Gu family on behalf of Qiao Xin.

Qiao Nian's eyes turned cold, as if covered by frost. There was no warmth in her expression.

They stopped at the entrance of the Qiao family's villa.

Qiao Nian walked in alone, shrouded in a grim aura. The moment she entered the living room, she saw her mother, Su Xue, sitting on the sofa combing Qiao Xin's hair.

"It's a good thing that Qiao Nian, this good-for-nothing, can replace Xin Er to be a living widow in the Gu family. If Xin Er were to marry into that family, I would be heartbroken."

Qiao Xin sat there obediently, her long eyelashes drooping down. Looking uneasy, she said gently, "Mom, don't say that about Sister. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't know what to do. I'm just worried that Sister won't agree."

The father, Qiao Shan, who was sitting by the side and reading the contract, frowned in disapproval. Thinking of Qiao Nian, he said angrily, "Xin'er, you're too kind. Have you forgotten how Qiao Nian slandered you five years ago? She has no self-restraint. She got pregnant before marriage and even gave birth to a stillborn child. She should be grateful for the chance to marry into the Gu family! What right does she have to be picky?"

"Who said I wouldn't refuse?" A cold voice suddenly rang from the door.

The three people sitting on the sofa were startled. They glanced towards the door.

Qiao Nian was still wearing her hospital gown and slippers. She stood in a dark corner, looking like a devil from hell.

"Ah!" Qiao Xin screamed and threw herself into Su Xue's arms, shivering in fear.

Su Xue patted Qiao Xin's back and comforted her in a low voice. Then she glared at Qiao Xin and said angrily, "Qiao Nian, who exactly are you trying to scare? You're acting like a ghost!"

Qiao Nian stepped into the house.

Qiao Xin came back to her senses and looked up from Su Xue's arms. She tilted her head and looked towards the door. Seeing Qiao Nian standing there, a bright smile appeared on her face. "Sister, you're back!"

Qiao Shan put down the contract in his hand. He strode towards Qiao Nian with anger written all over his face. "If you dare to refuse, I will beat you to death!"

"You should return the shares to me right now!" Qiao Nian looked fearlessly at Qiao Shan, her expression cool. "If you return them to me, I will consider marrying him!"

Qiao Shan raised his hand in anger, but Qiao Nian dodged the incoming slap. Frenzied with rage, he bellowed, "How dare you dodge?"

Qiao Nian stepped over to the sofa and sat down. Under the shocked gazes of Su Xue and Qiao Xin, she leaned lazily against the sofa. Seeing Qiao Shan take off his shoes in preparation to hit her, she looked at him indifferently and said, "If you dare to hit me, even the shares won't help. Any discussion of marriage is off the table!"

The sole of Qiao Shan's slipper was only a centimeter away from Qiao Nian's face, but at her words, he stopped abruptly. It had been more than four years since he had last seen her. Qiao Nian, this wretched girl, had grown up and now even dared to threaten him!

At the beginning, he had wanted to marry Qiao Nian off to someone who was about the same age as him, and use the opportunity to ask for tens of millions of dollars for the betrothal gift. Who would have thought that after Qiao Nian lost her virginity, the man was no longer willing to marry her.

Five years ago, Qiao Nian caused him to lose tens of millions of dollars in betrothal money. Because of her, his company nearly went bankrupt.

Now, Qiao Nian was showing off in front of him and she even wanted to harm Xin Er. This was simply a heinous crime!

Qiao Shan's expression darkened, and his grip on the slippers tightened.

"Hit me! If you hit me, I refuse to be married off!" Qiao Nian looked up at Qiao Shan with a challenge in her eyes.

Seeing that Qiao Shan was about to hit her again, Qiao Xin immediately ran over and entreated her father. "Dad, don't!"

Qiao Xin met Qiao Shan's gaze and shook her head lightly. She turned back to glance at Qiao Nian. For some reason, she felt that Qiao Nian seemed to be telling the truth. She was a little afraid that Qiao Nian would not marry into the Gu family for her.

If Qiao Nian didn't marry into the Gu family, she would have to marry that short-lived wretch!

When she thought of this, Qiao Xin could not help but shudder. She was the precious daughter of the Qiao family. Even if she were to marry, she had to marry a man with power and influence. She could never marry a short-lived wretch!

Qiao Shan retracted his hand angrily and threw his slipper onto the floor. He glared at Qiao Nian, put on his slippers and walked over to the sofa to sit down. Indignantly, he spoke. "Look at your sister. She cares so much about you. Is there anything wrong with you helping her marry someone else?!"

"Is that so?" A faint smile appeared on Qiao Nian's face as she continued, "Xinxin, since you're so good, you can just marry him yourself. Why do you need me to do it for you?"

A trace of panic flashed across Qiao Xin's face. She lowered her head and didn't speak.

Su Xue, who was sitting at the side, could no longer stand it. She stepped in front of Qiao Xin and shielded her daughter behind her, saying coldly, "Qiao Nian, we asked you to marry in place of Xin Er so that your marriage would be settled. Otherwise, who else in An City would dare to ask for your hand in marriage?"

"Oh, that's interesting.. Did I beg you to find me a husband?" Qiao Nian casually tucked her hair behind her ear. Her phoenix-like eyes flashed with ice as she spoke, "Oh, right, I wonder who sent me to a man's bed five years ago, causing my reputation to be ruined? I wonder who sent me to a mental hospital?"

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Chapter 2: This is what it means to hit someone!

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Qiao Xin staggered back. If it weren't for Su Xue, she would have fallen.

She had known that Qiao Nian would not be married off obediently. She was about to be sent to the Gu family; there was not enough time. At the thought, Qiao Xin could not help but tremble in fear. She could not marry a short-lived wretch, absolutely not!

Looking at Qiao Xin's frustrated expression, Su Xue said in a low voice, "Qiao Nian, the past is in the past. You are the elder sister. Can't you give way to Qiao Xin? She is your little sister!"

"If you give me the shares, I'll marry in place of you. Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite!" Qiao Nian smiled like a cunning fox. Those shares had been left to her by her grandmother and she would never give them to an outsider.

"You beast! You should have been grateful for even being allowed to come home, yet you keep asking for shares!" Breathing heavily, Qiao Shan glared at Qiao Nian with a dark expression. Had he known how despicable this daughter would become, he would have just thrown her away back then so that he wouldn't have cause for vexation. "Are you, or are you not, still a member of the Qiao family?"

"Didn't you say long ago that I'm no longer a member of the Qiao family?" Qiao Nian glanced at the clock in the living room. It was already three in the morning. "I remember that the Gu family will pick someone up at six in the morning. There's not much time left for you!"

"Sister." Qiao Xin quickly walked to Qiao Nian's side and tried to hold her hand, but Qiao Nian shook her off, hard. The back of Qiao Xin's tender hand momentarily turned red, and she held back her tears.

"Qiao Nian, how dare you hit the back of Qiao Xin's hand? Are you tired of living?!" Su Xue cried. The sight of Qiao Xin's red hand made her heart ache, and her eyes grew red-rimmed.

"Are you sure that counts as hitting?" Qiao Nian raised her eyebrows slightly. Under the astonished gaze of Su Xue, Qiao Nian turned and gave Qiao Xin a hard slap.

"Pa!"

The crisp sound of the slap resounded throughout the entire room.

On Qiao Xin's face, a clear palm print had appeared. It was so painful that tears welled up in her eyes. She covered her face and sat there, not understanding what she had done wrong.

"Qiao Nian!" Su Xue cried out. She stared at Qiao Nian in disbelief. All these years, she couldn't bear to let Qiao Xin suffer even a little. Now, she couldn't believe that Qiao Nian had gone so far as to slap Qiao Xin.

"What do you want me to do? Didn't you say that I hit her? Isn't this a demonstration? Let me show you what it means to hit her!" Qiao Nian's lip curved slightly and she looked coldly at Su Xue, who had raised her hand to slap her. "Go on, hit me!"

"Mom, don't do this!" Afraid that she would hit Qiao Nian, Qiao Xin hurriedly stopped Su Xue. She knew that Qiao Nian was being serious. Looking at Qiao Nian, she sobbed pitifully. "Sister, I'm willing to give you the shares!"

"Pa!"

Without hesitation, Qiao Nian slapped the other half of Qiao Xin's face. Just like that, there were two palm prints on either side of Qiao Xin's face. The palm prints were extraordinarily symmetrical.

"What are you doing!" Su Xue hurriedly pulled Qiao Xin behind her. She tried to hit Qiao Nian, but was stopped again by Qiao Xin. She could only glare at Qiao Nian angrily. "You beast!"

"The shares were mine to begin with. You're just returning them to their original owner. Don't make yourself seem so wronged. People who don't know the circumstances might think that I've stolen something from you." Qiao Nian stood up slowly and smiled at Qiao Xin. Calmly, she said, "Transfer the shares to my name now. Otherwise, even if you send me to the Gu family, I'll tell the Gu family about the replacement marriage in full detail!"

"How dare you!" Qiao Shan had been suppressing his anger all this while. When he saw Qiao Nian acting so brazenly, he was so furious that he slammed the table and stood up. He stepped in front of Qiao Nian, livid. His hand shook by his side, ready to hit her at any moment.

"Why don't you give it a try?" Qiao Nian narrowed her eyes. Turning to look at Qiao Xin's face, her lips curved into a bright smile.

"Fine. I'll transfer the shares to you right now!" Qiao Shan took out his phone and logged into the company's administration. He immediately transferred the shares, which rightfully belonged to Qiao Nian, to her account.

Qiao Nian received the confirmation text and immediately clicked 'Agree'. She smiled at Qiao Shan and nodded in satisfaction. Then her gaze fell on Qiao Xin's face and she said absently, "Qiao Xin, don't you still owe me something?"

Qiao Xin was crying her eyes out. When she heard Qiao Nian's voice, she wiped her tears and looked up at Qiao Nian, asking pitifully, "Sister, what are you saying?"

Qiao Nian walked up to Qiao Xin. The corner of her eye twitched, and coldness flashed in her eyes. She met Qiao Xin's guilty gaze and asked meaningfully, "Where's the jade pendant I brought back five years ago?"

That jade pendant was a token given to her by the man. It was the only thing she could use to find him!

Qiao Xin looked at Qiao Nian in shock, tears still running down her face.

That jade pendant was of such high quality, and it was so rare. It was even better than the million-yuan jade pendant she had bought. Qiao Xin felt that the owner of that jade pendant was definitely someone rich.

"I… I don't know!" How could Qiao Xin return the jade pendant to Qiao Nian? She felt that the jade pendant held even greater value.

"Pa!"

"Pa!"

Cleanly and skillfully, Qiao Nian gave Qiao Xin two more slaps. Seeing that the corner of Qiao Xin's mouth was bleeding, she raised her eyebrow and said, "If you don't return it to me in two days, you may no longer be as able-bodied as you are now!"

Qiao Xin looked at Qiao Nian in disbelief.

What did she mean by that?

Was Qiao Nian going to cripple her?

Qiao Xin trembled. She lowered her gaze, let her eyes roll back, and simply pretended to faint.

Qiao Nian didn't bother responding. Instead, she walked upstairs.

The door of her original bedroom had already disappeared. Qiao Nian walked to Qiao Xin's room, which was adjacent to hers, and opened the door. Only then did she realize that the Qiao family had knocked down the wall between the two rooms. Qiao Nian's room was now a walk-in wardrobe for Qiao Xin.

Qiao Nian looked at the dazzling array of jewelry and accessories in the wardrobe. The light in her eyes dimmed.

Stepping out of the room, she saw Su Xue running over anxiously.

Su Xue glared at Qiao Nian fiercely and said, "The makeup artist is here. Go downstairs and get your makeup done!"

Again, Qiao Nian didn't say anything and simply walked downstairs.

Seeing Qiao Nian's clothes, Su Xue frowned and said, "Change!"

Su Xue walked to Qiao Xin's room and threw a piece of clothing, whose tag had yet to be removed, to Qiao Nian. She said coldly, "Change into this!"

Qiao Nian didn't want to continue wearing her hospital gown either. After changing into the clothes, she walked downstairs and let the makeup artist help her with her makeup. When everything was ready, the Gu family's wedding car arrived.

Stepping on the red carpet, Qiao Nian was about to get into the wedding car when she saw a child in the boisterous crowd faint to the ground, his face terribly pale.

"How inauspicious!" Su Xue, who was standing to the side, frowned and said unhappily, "It's obvious that he's trying to scam us. Let's stay away!"

With that, Su Xue pulled Qiao Shan away.

Looking over, Qiao Nian saw that the child's clothes were made with fabric of a decent quality. The clothes were well tailored and looked like they were custom-made. She walked over in her wedding dress.

At this moment, there was no one around the child.. No one was willing to go forward to help, for they were afraid that they would get into trouble.

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Qiao Nian walked over to the little boy, squatted down and felt his pulse.

When the onlookers saw Qiao Nian checking up on the little boy, they couldn't help but make comments.

"Young lady, you'd better get into the wedding car. It's really inauspicious for you to encounter such a thing on your wedding day!"

"Yeah, this little boy is really unlucky. I wonder whose child he is!"

"If this child's parents decide to extort money, we'll be in big trouble!"

Qiao Nian could tell that there was nothing wrong with the little boy's pulse. Seeing that his face was pale and that he was still covered in cold sweat, she had an idea.

Su Xue saw that Qiao Nian was refusing to leave. Thinking that Qiao Nian wanted to run away from the marriage, she immediately walked up to Qiao Nian and said in a low voice, "Hurry up and get in the wedding car. Let me tell you, don't you dare try any tricks!"

"Get me a bowl of sugar solution!" Qiao Nian held her hand out towards Su Xue.

Su Xue glared daggers at Qiao Nian, then turned her head to signal the servant next to her.

Soon, the maid brought over the sugar solution. Qiao Nian made the little boy drink it, then got someone to call the ambulance.

Su Xue gritted her teeth in anger, but she had no choice but to call an ambulance. She even asked the servant to bring out a chair for the little boy to sit on. When she was done, she walked over to Qiao Nian.

"Stop playing tricks. Hurry and get into the Gu family's car!" Su Xue was really worried that Qiao Nian would use this opportunity to escape. She didn't want her darling daughter Qiao Xin to marry a short-lived wretch.

Qiao Nian gave Su Xue one last cold glance, before getting into the Gu family's car.

The Gu family's castle was in the forest nearby. Along the borders of the city, one could already see the castle's tall spires reaching up towards the sky.

It was a spectacular sight to behold. There was even an appealing air of mystery surrounding the castle.

However, it was said that no one was willing to come to this place. Once they stepped into the Gu family's territory, the Gu family's bodyguards would convince them to leave.

In her wedding dress, Qiao Nian walked alone into the Gu residence. The Gu family servants were momentarily surprised to see her wearing that, but still politely brought her to the drawing room.

The Gu family's drawing room was lavishly furnished, in a style that resembled European architecture. Sunlight filtered through the glass, bathing the entire living room in golden light.

"Miss Qiao, please wait for a moment. I'll go get Second Young Master Gu!"

Qiao Nian nodded. After the servant left, she sat on the sofa and leaned back elegantly, her chin resting on her left hand.

Why would the Gu family want a marriage with the Qiao family?

Was it really to get rid of bad luck, as others had said?

Qiao Nian thought to herself. If Qiao Xin knew that she came to the Gu family in a wedding dress, but it turned out that the Gu family had no intention of holding a wedding, Qiao Xin might just burst into tears.

QIao Nian was the only daughter in the Qiao family who could remain calm and composed in any situation.

At this moment, Qiao Nian suddenly sensed something strange behind her. Instinctively, she moved aside, and almost immediately after, she glimpsed a blue creature flying past her.

It was a blue-green python. Although it was small, it was extremely fast.

The python flicked out its bright red tongue and stared coldly at Qiao Nian. Its body swayed continually, as if it was considering how it should attack and devour her.

In a flash, the python shot towards Qiao Nian like an arrow leaving its bow.

Qiao Nian sat there calmly. Her right hand reached out and casually took hold of the seven-inch python. Her lips curved up slightly. Smiling, she said, "You're quite capable, aren't you? Perfect for medicinal use!"

"Let go of it!"

A man's voice rang out behind her, cold as ice.

Qiao Nian turned her head to glance at the man. He was wearing a spotlessly white shirt that accentuated his tall figure. The top two buttons of his shirt were unbuttoned, and right above it was a handsome face—so handsome it was nearly suffocating to look at.

His facial features were well-defined, with a pair of sharp eyebrows. His eyes were like stars, but they were cold.

"Who are you?" Qiao Nian raised her eyebrow slightly. She could just about guess his identity. To be able to play with snakes so brazenly in the Gu residence, this man had to be the ugly and short-lived Second Young Master, Gu Zhou!

Gu Zhou looked at Qiao Nian and raised his eyebrow as well, exuding a strong sense of oppressiveness. "You're not Qiao Xin!"

His words clearly hinted at danger. Qiao Nian smiled and said, "I'm her elder sister, Qiao Nian!"

Seeing Gu Zhou's displeased face, Qiao Nian shook the snake in her hand and said, "It was lucky that you spoke fast. Otherwise, I would have turned it into medicine!"

As Qiao Nian spoke, she let go of the snake in her hand. The blue-green python seemed to nurse a grievance as it silently slithered onto Gu Zhou's shoulder. It lowered its little head, looking pitiful.

Gu Zhou sized Qiao Nian up. She wasn't tall, but she had rather exquisite features and had a good figure. His gaze finally landed on Qiao Nian's hands.

Her hands weren't big, and her slender fingers looked like they could be broken just by the wind.. He would never have expected such a pair of delicate hands to be able to grab his python.

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Chapter 4: Exposed

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Not only that, she even wanted to use his pet to make Chinese medicine!

Gu Zhou still found it hard to believe that someone who looked so gentle and harmless could actually be so capable.

Gu Zhou sensed that the little snake was unwilling to submit, and was still rearing for a fight. He frowned. In a low voice, he commanded,?"Lan1!"

The blue-green python rubbed its head against Gu Zhou's chin in a charming manner, attempting to please its master. It seemed extremely obedient. Those who didn't know better would think that it was a puppet!

Gu Zhou reached out and touched the snake's head. The snake swiftly wrapped around Gu Zhou's wrist like a bracelet. He walked over to the sofa and looked at Qiao Nian's wedding dress, his expression indifferent. "The Qiao family has got some nerve. They actually dared to send over a replacement bride."

Although it was just a casual sentence, Qiao Nian could feel a strong sense of oppressiveness radiating from Gu Zhou. He was constantly giving off a cold aura.

If she wasn't wrong, the snake must have been ordered by Gu Zhou to attack her in the first place. At this thought, Qiao Nian smiled.

"Snake soup is very nutritious. Mr Gu, would you like any?" Qiao Nian looked at Gu Zhou fearlessly. She could tell from his cool gaze that he was displeased with her.

Qiao Nian watched as Gu Zhou walked over and glared at her. For some reason, she suddenly recalled that night five years ago. That strange man looked somewhat similar to the man in front of her.

While Qiao Nian was still in a daze, Gu Zhou grabbed Qiao Nian's chin with one hand and forced her to look at him. In a deep and magnetic voice, he mocked her, "The Qiao family forced their own daughter to be a living widow just for that little betrothal gift?"

"My apologies, I'm not going to be a widow." Although Qiao Nian's mind was in a mess, she still projected a calm facade. Fearlessly, she met Gu Zhou's unfathomable eyes and said, "Mr Gu, you don't have to curse yourself. You won't die, and I won't be a widow!"

You won't die!

These words left Gu Zhou stunned for a moment. For as long as he could remember, everyone in his life had been telling him that he wouldn't live past the age of twenty. While he had relied on various medicinal ingredients to live for five more years, he could feel his life-force constantly trickling away. He was already nearing the end of his life.

This young lass actually had the guts to say that he wouldn't die!

She was indeed a naive and bold young woman.

Gu Zhou's lips curved slightly and his eyes lit up. He gently tucked Qiao Nian's hair behind her ear and asked with interest, "Why, do you think you can save me?"

The Gu family was well-known all over the world. Everyone in the Gu family had searched for famous doctors but none of them could save him. All the doctors concluded with certainty that he would not live past twenty years old.

Qiao Nian could tell that the man no longer bore hostility towards her. She said with a serious expression, "Your face has already shown me your health condition."

Observing, listening, questioning, and feeling the patient's pulse were the four basic methods used in traditional Chinese medicine to diagnose illnesses.

Gu Zhou's eyes darkened. The snake around his hand wound itself around Qiao Nian's neck. He retracted his hand, looking at her like he would a corpse.

Once again, Qiao Nian calmly grabbed the seven-inch snake, which went weak under her grasp. Turning her head to glance at Lan, she brought Lan to eye level and said softly, "Lan, isn't staying alive a good thing? Do you really want to force me to turn you into a medicinal ingredient? You might be worth five to six million yuan if you live. After you die, you won't be worth so much anymore. Do you really want to die?"

With that, Qiao Nian casually flicked Lan onto the sofa at the side. She leaned forward slightly and stepped closer to Gu Zhou, smiling. "I can help you!"

"You're going to help me?" Gu Zhou looked at Qiao Nian with an indecipherable smile on his face. Gazing into her clear eyes, he found himself oddly touched for some reason. If he could live on, he would definitely be willing to do so. But this young woman was clearly too naive.

Doctors were not gods. They could not save everyone.

Moreover, there existed countless rare illnesses around the world that were simply incurable. Gu Zhou had been ill for a long time, and he knew in his heart that there was no hope left for him. "Are you helping me in order to help the Qiao family?"

"No." Qiao Nian shook her head and grabbed Gu Zhou's hand. His hand was extraordinarily cool to the touch. Seeing that he was about to retract his hand, she immediately held on tight and said, "If I can't stay here, I'll be sent back to the hospital by my family and stay in confinement."

Her hands were very warm, as if they had been basking in the winter sun. It was an intoxicating warmth.

This warmth gradually spread from his hands to his entire body. Gu Zhou found himself yearning for more of this warmth. He made sure his expression was cool before he looked up at Qiao Nian and teased, "This patient from the mental hospital is turning out to be quite interesting!"

Qiao Nian was startled for a moment—she had not been expecting this man to know who she was. She lifted her gaze to look at Gu Zhou, but he was already looking off to the side coldly.

She lowered her gaze and smiled to herself. It seemed that the Second Young Master Gu, rumored to be ruthless, was actually quite kind.

However, his body seemed to have really run out of fuel…

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Chapter 5: A Relapse!

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Qiao Nian released Gu Zhou's wrist. She didn't see how Gu Zhou was slightly reluctant to part from her fingers. With a serious expression, she said, "The toxins in your body were absorbed from your mother's womb. It's already in its late stages."

In its late stages?

A murderous glint flashed in Gu Zhou's eyes. He retracted his gaze and stood up to leave.

"Mr Gu." Qiao Nian didn't know what Gu Zhou was doing. She immediately stood up. Faced with Gu Zhou's back, she spoke. "But your illness…"

Before Qiao Nian could finish her sentence, Gu Zhou fell like a puppet with its strings cut, collapsing onto the sofa.

His eyelids fell, and his breathing quickened. He could no longer control his body.

"Gu Zhou!" Qiao Nian hurried over and flipped his body over. His face was pale, and it was as if his entire body was covered in a layer of frost.

Zhao Qian ran into the room. She had initially wanted to tell Gu Zhou about Little Qi fainting and being sent to the hospital, but she hadn't expected Gu Zhou's illness to flare up.

"Get away!" Seeing that the woman was still refusing to leave Gu Zhou's side, Zhao Qian ran over and reached out to pull Qiao Nian away. When she saw that Qiao Nian was holding a silver needle, she trembled in fear and said in a panic, "What are you doing? Get up! Brother Gu Zhou doesn't like it when other people touch him!"

Other than Little Qi and his snake, Lan, Brother Gu Zhou didn't allow anyone else to touch him. Zhao Qian had grown up with Brother Gu Zhou and they had been friends since childhood, but not even she was allowed to touch Brother Gu Zhou.

At the thought of this, Zhao Qian stepped forward and continued trying to pull Qiao Nian away, saying, "Brother Gu Zhou is having a relapse. I'll call the doctor over in a while. Get out of the way!"

Qiao Nian was just about to insert the needle. Upon hearing Zhao Qian's words, annoyance flashed across her face. Angrily, she spoke. "Stop holding me back! I'm trying to save him!"

It was very dangerous for a patient whenever their illness flared up. If she could help the patient resolve this danger in time, the patient would recover from his illness very quickly.

"Get up! Now!" Zhao Qian kept on trying to drag Qiao Nian away. However, Qiao Nian shook off her grip.

Glancing at Lan, who was resting on the sofa not far away, Qiao Nian commanded, "Lan, keep an eye on her!"

Just as Zhao Qian was about to step forward again to drag Qiao Nian out of the way, the python shot in front of her, its tongue flickering. She was so shocked that she took two steps back.

Lan only obeyed Brother Gu Zhou. Zhao Qian had never thought that Lan would obey this woman's commands as well.

She tried to step forward, but Lan opened its jaws, ready to bite.

"Ah!" Petrified, Zhao Qian stumbled back. She just wanted to test Lan. She hadn't expected Lan to really attack her. She often prepared food for Lan!

Lan's tongue flickered out. Casually, it moved in front of Zhao Qian, preventing her from getting close to the sofa.

Zhao Qian did not dare to move. She could only see the woman holding a silver needle and inserting it into Brother Gu Zhou's head.

Gu Zhou was still conscious. He glanced at the needle on his head. He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but the pain actually seemed to lessen.

Zhao Qian watched in disbelief as Gu Zhou held on to the woman's clothes. One had to know that Brother Gu Zhou had never been willing to touch other people.

Qiao Nian swiftly removed Gu Zhou's clothes, revealing his muscular chest. She guessed he had been exercising regularly for a long time, for there was a distinct eight-pack below his chest.

Gu Zhou's breathing was very erratic, and his forehead was drenched in cold sweat. It was as if he was in a freezing cellar, so cold that he was chilled to the bone. His life-force seemed to be draining away bit by bit.

Yet, the places where Qiao Nian's silver needles had been inserted seemed to bring some warmth. That slight warmth seemed to inject vitality into him, filling up his cold body, giving him the illusion that he could survive.

Qiao Nian lowered her hands slightly. Her hair had fallen to the side of her face, and her long, curly eyelashes half-covered her beautiful eyes. With a serious expression, she inserted the last needle and looked up at Gu Zhou, saying in a low voice, "Blink once if you're conscious."

Gu Zhou blinked.

Qiao Nian heaved a sigh of relief. She grabbed Gu Zhou's hand and inserted the last needle skillfully.

That would do.

Qiao Nian's forehead was now also covered in cold sweat. Just as she was about to stand up to get a tissue, she found that her left hand was trapped. She looked down and saw that Gu Zhou had grabbed her left hand.

Qiao Nian couldn't push Gu Zhou's hand away, so she could only sit by the sofa and wait.

Gu Zhou's eyes were closed. Warmth flowed through his veins, warming his entire body…

A trace of joy flashed in Zhao Qian's eyes. Could it be that Gu Zhou was now amenable to touching other people?

Glancing at the time, Qiao Nian began to remove the silver needles from Gu Zhou's body. When she removed the last needle, she saw that Gu Zhou had regained consciousness.

Qiao Nian swiftly retracted her left hand and sat down on the other side of the sofa. She took out a tissue and wiped the sweat off her forehead.

"Brother Gu Zhou!" Zhao Qian immediately stood up and ran over to the sofa. She reached out to grab Gu Zhou's hand, but Gu Zhou dodged her grasp.

"Lan!"

Gu Zhou called out coldly.

At that moment, a phantom figure glided through the air. With its tongue flickering, Lan moved to sit next to Gu Zhou.. It glared threateningly at Zhao Qian, intent on forcing her to leave.

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"B-Brother Gu Zhou, how are you?" With tears swirling in her eyes, Zhao Qian looked pitifully at Gu Zhou. She didn't understand why Brother Gu Zhou didn't reject that woman's touch, but avoided her instead.

The more Zhao Qian thought about it, the more she wondered if something was wrong. But with Lan acting as a barrier, she could only stand aside reluctantly.

Gu Zhou sat up elegantly, his back straight. He gave Qiao Nian a complicated look, then stood up and walked upstairs. Lan nimbly climbed onto Gu Zhou's wrist and quietly looped itself around his wrist, forming a bracelet.

Gu Zhou returned to his room and looked at himself in the mirror. His shirt was half open. Swiftly, he took off his shirt and walked towards the bathroom.

In the past, it would take him more than two hours to recover from his relapses. He had never thought it possible that he could recover within ten minutes.

Qiao Nian.

Her medical skills were not bad.

"You won't die!"

He suddenly recalled Qiao Nian's words. Gu Zhou's eyes dimmed. Pursing his lips, he walked out of the bathroom while drying his hair.

The ringing of the phone interrupted Gu Zhou's thoughts. He picked up the phone and glanced at the caller ID, then held the phone to his ear.

"I've already called you more than ten times. Why did you only pick up now?"

Matriarch Gu's dissatisfied voice rang from the other end of the line. Gu Zhou moved his phone slightly aside and waited for her to finish her sentence before he placed the phone to his ear again. "What's the matter?" He asked nonchalantly.

"Little Qi's had an accident. We're at the Gu hospital now…"

"I'll head there right now!" Gu Zhou dried his hair with a towel, changed his clothes, and immediately headed out.

Lan was lying lazily on the bed. Seeing that Gu Zhou was about to leave, it immediately tried to tag along.

"Stay in the house. You are not to go anywhere else!"

Under Gu Zhou's cold glare, Lan shrank back in fear. It sat obediently on the bed, its little tail hitting the bed in dissatisfaction. In the end, it lay down unwillingly on the bed.

Gu Zhou walked back to the living room and saw Qiao Nian sitting on the sofa, tapping on her mobile phone. Seeing that the butler had just brought tea over for her, he ordered, "Prepare a guest room for Miss Qiao!"

The butler quickly agreed, and politely saw Gu Zhou out.

Gu Zhou stepped out of the house. Zhao Qian, who had been treated as invisible thus far, quickly chased after him. She turned to look at Gu Zhou and, in a low voice, tried to comfort him. "Brother Gu Zhou, don't worry. It's just low blood sugar. Little Qi will be fine."

Gu Zhou slowed down and turned to look at Zhao Qian, who was smiling at him. His brow furrowed imperceptibly, and he said coldly, "Just low blood sugar?"

Zhao Qian noticed Gu Zhou's irritation. She could sense a cold aura emanating from Gu Zhou, and she felt a strange sensation. Looking up at Gu Zhou, she said tearfully, "Brother Gu Zhou, I'm in the wrong. I just didn't want you to worry about him."

"Is that so?" Gu Zhou raised his eyebrows and narrowed his eyes dangerously. His voice was chilling; it made one want to shiver.

Zhao Qian's face had turned pale in fright. By the time she came back to her senses, Gu Zhou had already walked to the entrance of the courtyard. A gust of wind blew past, and she felt a chill run down her spine. Only then did she realize that she was covered in cold sweat.

Gu Zhou arrived at the VIP ward of the hospital. At this moment, Matriarch Gu was sitting by the bed. A four-year-old child was lying on the bed.

"Grandmother." Gu Zhou strode over to the bed and studied the child, who looked extraordinarily like him. Worry flashed in his eyes and he lowered his voice to ask, "What did the doctor say?"

Matriarch Gu looked at the little boy lying on the bed with a complicated expression. She glanced up at Gu Zhou and said in a low voice, "This child knew that you were getting married today and wanted to go with you, so he hid in the back seat of the car. As a result, he fainted from hypoglycemia."

"The servants are so useless. They actually let Little Qi run off!" Gu Zhou sat down by the bed. Stiffly, he began to straighten the bedding. "Looks like we won't need them at the Gu residence anymore."

"You can't blame them for this." Quickly, Matriarch Gu began to explain. "The servants were all busy today, and I was the one who wanted to take care of him. He told me that he wanted to go to the bathroom, then he ran away without me knowing."

Gu Zhou nodded his head, acknowledging her words.

"By the way, this is Little Qi's life savior. You have to thank her properly later!" Matriarch Gu said. She switched on her phone and showed Gu Zhou a video.

The woman in the video was wearing a wedding dress, and was slowly feeding little Qi some sugar solution. Looking at the woman, Gu Zhou froze for a moment, then nodded. "I understand."

He had never expected Little Qi's savior to be Qiao Nian.

This woman clearly possessed medical skills. Why exactly had she come to the Gu residence?

The light in Gu Zhou's eyes gradually dimmed. The only reason she could help him suppress the toxins in his body was either because of her superb medical skills, or because she was somehow connected with the person who had poisoned him!

Gu Zhou was more willing to believe the latter.

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Chapter 7: The New Mommy

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

"Daddy!"

A soft voice interrupted Gu Zhou's thoughts.

"Little Qi." Matriarch Gu looked at him with a face full of emotion. She reached out to touch Little Qi's chubby little face and said happily, "You're finally awake. Great-grandma was so anxious!"

With that, Matriarch Gu even pretended to squeeze out two drops of tears.

"Great-grandma, don't cry!"

Little Qi said in a childish voice as he struggled to sit up. Seeing this, Old Madam Gu hurriedly pressed down on Little Qi's shoulders and said with a smile, "Good child, Great-grandma won't cry anymore!"

"Why did you go out on your own?" Gu Zhou's eyes were filled with warmth as he asked softly.

Every time Little Qi did something wrong, Gu Zhou always wanted to be strict with him, but he simply couldn't!

Upon hearing Gu Zhou's words, Little Qi shrank back a little. He said softly, "I wanted to see what my new mommy looks like."

Gu Zhou looked blankly at Gu Qi.

Gu Qi shrank back more and said shyly, "My new mommy is so warm, like an angel. I-I quite like her."

He had still been conscious when he fell. In a daze, he saw his new mommy wearing a white wedding gown. Bathed in a holy light, she descended to his side like an angel and even fed him sugar solution.

Gu Zhou made an indifferent noise in response. Standing up, he took Matriarch Gu outside and said in a low voice, "Grandma, don't let Little Qi go home yet."

Matriarch Gu blinked her eyes in confusion. Puzzled, she looked at Gu Zhou and asked softly, "Why not?"

Gu Zhou still wasn't sure of Qiao Nian's motives for coming to the Gu residence. He didn't want Little Qi to be hurt. If Qiao Nian came to the Gu residence with ill intentions, Little Qi wouldn't be able to put up a fight.

"Grandma, I want to see what kind of person she is and whether she's suitable to be Little Qi's mommy," Gu Zhou said impassively, his gaze slightly lowered. He was still thinking about the woman who had climbed into his bed five years ago!

"That's true. You're really considerate." Matriarch Gu nodded in agreement. Little Qi was a child. If the Qiao family's second daughter did not treat Little Qi well, or if she hurt him, that would be a problem. "Then you should observe the Qiao family's second daughter carefully."

"Yes," Gu Zhou answered calmly.

Gu Zhou stayed with Little Qi in the hospital for a while before leaving. On the way back to the Gu residence, he spoke to his secretary Lin Nan, who was sitting in the front passenger seat. "Investigate Qiao Nian's background."

"Yes, sir," Lin Nan answered. He made preparations immediately.

Gu Zhou sat in the back seat and tilted his head to look out of the window. As he watched the scenery gradually recede, he recalled Qiao Nian's innocent and exquisite features, and couldn't help but frown.

When he returned home, Gu Zhou saw Zhao Qian standing in the courtyard in a daze. He didn't even glance at Zhao Qian as he walked into the house.

Zhao Qian watched as Brother Gu Zhou walked away from her expressionlessly. She couldn't help but frown. She had thought that Brother Gu Zhou would be worried about her, and that he would check up on her with a few questions, but he left without a word.

Zhao Qian started to panic. She had always thought that she would marry Brother Gu Zhou, but she had never expected him to marry someone else.

No, this wouldn't do. She could not watch Brother Gu Zhou be with another woman, right in front of her.

She had to get Brother Gu Zhou back.

Zhao Qian's eyes were filled with panic. Suddenly, Little Qi's face appeared in her mind. Her lips curved up slightly and she quickly walked out.

Little Qi was the most important person to Brother Gu Zhou. If Matriarch Gu was on her side, she believed that the position of Second Young Madam Gu would definitely be hers.

With this thought in mind, Zhao Qian quickened her pace.

Gu Zhou walked back to the drawing room. Seeing that there was no one there, he turned to the butler standing to the side and asked, "Where is she?"

"Second Young Madam Gu is resting in the guest room next to yours," the butler said. He hurriedly led the way to Qiao Nian's room and knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" An impatient voice rang from the room. Almost immediately, the door opened and Qiao Nian appeared in front of Gu Zhou in a short-sleeved shirt and denim shorts.

Her hair was still dripping with water and there were still drops of hot water between her collarbones. She was enshrouded in steam.

Aware that this was not his place, the butler left.

Gu Zhou gave Qiao Nian a glance-over and walked into the house calmly. He sat down on the sofa by the window and looked out at the garden, his gaze lowered. "How confident are you of removing the toxins in my body?"

While listening to Gu Zhou's words, Qiao Nian let her long hair down, inadvertently wetting her shirt. The traces of her underclothes could be seen faintly.

Qiao Nian lowered her gaze thoughtfully. After a moment, she said, "You've been poisoned too deeply. I'm only 70% sure I can cure you."

Only 70%?

Gu Zhou's thin lips curved up in a mocking smile.

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Chapter 8: Investigate Qiao Nian!

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Gu Zhou still remembered the words of the doctors who had treated his illness in the past. They said that his chances of recovery were less than ten percent. Many people asserted that he would not live past twenty, but he had managed to live for five more years through tremendous effort.

This woman clearly overestimated her own abilities. She actually said that she had a 70% chance of curing him.

In the field of medicine, a 70% chance was already very high!

Gu Zhou's gaze landed on Qiao Nian's face and a trace of ice flashed in his eyes. Taking his time, he asked, "Seventy percent?"

Seeing that Gu Zhou didn't believe her, Qiao Nian crossed her legs and leaned forward slightly. She said, "Did the doctors you sought say that your chances were less than 10%? They're not exactly wrong. I'm guessing that most of them are doctors of Western medicine!"

Gu Zhou glanced coldly at Qiao Nian and rubbed the jade ring on his finger in a habitual motion, looking as if he was mulling over her words.

Qiao Nian was right. Most of the doctors he sought were doctors of Western medicine, and he had never thought of Chinese medicine.

After all, modern medical science was advanced. Western medicine could treat his symptoms directly, according to his condition.

Qiao Nian's gaze fell on Gu Zhou's jade ring. The quality of this jade was similar to the jade pendant that the man had given her five years ago. She had to get it back when she returned home.

"Actually, even if you found a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, there aren't many who can treat your illness." Qiao Nian tucked her hair behind her ear and said seriously, "The main focus of my research is toxins."

A bright smile appeared on Gu Zhou's face, concealing the murderous intent in his eyes.

It seemed that Qiao Nian was really here to target the Gu family.

Gu Zhou left after receiving a call. Qiao Nian walked back to the bathroom and used a hairdryer to dry her hair. When she returned to her room, she saw that she had received a text from Old A.

Qiao Nian immediately dialed Old A's number. The call went through, but before she could speak, Old A's anxious voice came through the phone.

"Nian Nian, what did you do? Why is someone investigating you?"

Qiao Nian looked out of the window at the garden, basking in the sun. Puzzled, she asked, "Who wants to investigate me?"

"Someone from the Gu family. H-his name is Gu Zhou!" Old A seemed helpless. Letting out a long sigh, he said, "The Gu family has power and influence. But don't worry, I have ways to help you block their advances!"

"There's no need for that. Just give him the information you found." With that, Qiao Nian hung up on Old A. She was about to leave her room when her phone rang again.

"Nian Nian, how have you been?"

A flirtatious male voice came through the phone. Hearing the man's voice, Qiao Nian couldn't help but smile. Her red lips moved slightly as she spoke. "I'm investigating what happened five years ago!"

At the other end of the call, a man was leaning lazily on a chair, one hand supporting his chin. One could tell with just a single look that his casual suit was very expensive.

Beneath his light brown short hair was a fair face. His facial features had a sort of feminine beauty, with a straight and defined nose. He looked up, and those beautiful black eyes were like glittering bright stars.

"Nian Nian, I heard that you're out of the mental hospital. When are you free? Let's get our marriage certificate!"

When Qiao Nian heard Mu Cheng's words, she couldn't help but laugh out loud. Mu Cheng hadn't changed, and he evidently still loved to joke around. She replied, "I don't have the time to register our marriage, but I could treat you to a meal."

Mu Cheng lowered his gaze, hiding the loneliness in his eyes. He couldn't help but doubt himself. Was it because he wasn't sincere enough? Why did Qiao Nian always treat his words as a joke?

"Sure, I'm free always. Call me when you're free." Mu Cheng's lips curved into a bitter smile. He looked at the information sent over by his subordinate on the computer and said, "You're not the only one investigating the incident at the Star Hotel five years ago. Gu Zhou is too!"

Confusion rose in Qiao Nian's eyes. She frowned slightly and thanked Mu Cheng. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she hung up.

Gu Zhou was investigating the same incident?

Qiao Nian thought of the jade ring in Gu Zhou's hand. She had a vague notion that the man from five years ago was very likely to be someone Gu Zhou knew.

The next time Qiao Nian saw Gu Zhou was when the time came for her to visit her family. He still looked impassive.

When they arrived at the Qiao family villa, Qiao Nian and Gu Zhou got out of the car together.

When Butler Zhang of the Qiao family saw the couple, he was shocked by the cold aura that enshrouded Gu Zhou. He could not figure out who this man was.

"Second Young Madam, shall I go in and inform the family?" Butler Zhang said shakily, his legs trembling non-stop.

At Butler Zhang's words, Qiao Nian quickly stopped him and said, "There's no need; you can leave. We'll go in directly."

Hearing that, Butler Zhang privately heaved a sigh of relief and left quickly.

Gu Zhou's gaze fell on the entire Qiao residence. Although he and Qiao Nian did not hold a wedding, the Gu villa was decorated with lanterns and colored banners and looked very festive.. However, there was nothing like that in the Qiao villa.

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Chapter 9: Wild Man?

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Gu Zhou's expression darkened and the light in his eyes dimmed. The cold aura around him gradually intensified. The Qiao villa looked as if there was no cause for celebration in their family—as if their daughter had not been married.

Qiao Nian saw Gu Zhou's expression darken. She looked at him in confusion, but said nothing. She had realized that Gu Zhou seemed to be wary of her, although she didn't know what he was thinking.

As the two of them passed by the garden, the servants who saw them all hid away, whispering to each other. They were all very curious about the identity of the man beside Qiao Nian.

When they reached the door of the drawing room, Qiao Nian could hear Su Xue's sarcastic voice from afar.

"Fortunately, that little b*tch has been married off. Our family will be peaceful from now on."

"Mommy, it can't be easy for Sister either." Qiao Xin put on an innocent facade again, looking as pure as a white lotus.

"Xin Xin, I told you not to be so kind. Have you forgotten how she treated you?"

Su Xue's words were full of heartache for her daughter. "She doesn't treat you as her younger sister at all. You don't have to think of her as your elder sister either."

"That's right." Qiao Shan, who had been silent all this while, put down the contract in his hand. He looked up at Qiao Xin and said meaningfully, "She has nothing to do with our family. I just hope that the Gu family doesn't find out about her dirty deeds in the past. Otherwise, our family won't have a good life!"

"What dirty deeds? What would have made you hate your daughter so much?"

The sudden cold voice startled the three people in the room. They turned around and were stunned when they saw Gu Zhou.

Su Xue looked at the man standing beside Qiao Nian. That man was tall, broad, and handsome, not at all like someone ill.

Did Qiao Nian run away from the marriage?

Su Xue jumped to her feet and pointed a finger in Qiao Nian's face, scolding angrily, "B*tch, how dare you run away from the marriage? Even worse, how dare you find a wild man? Let me tell you, if you don't hurry back to the Gu family, the entire Qiao family will be single-handedly ruined by you!"

Wild man?

Qiao Nian sneered and turned to look at Gu Zhou, who was standing beside her. She was curious how Gu Zhou would react upon being called a wild man.

Qiao Xin, who had been sitting next to Su Xue, looked at the man at the door. This man seemed to have royalty in his blood and nobility in his bones. He was 1.85 meters tall, strapping, and handsome—practically perfect.

Whether in terms of temperament or looks, he was clearly a dragon among men.

Qiao Xin's heart slowly blossomed and her lips curved up slightly. She stood up elegantly and looked toward Qiao Nian, who was standing by the door. In a gentle voice, she said, "Sister, you're already married. How can you still be with other men like you were in the past? Brother-in-law will definitely be unhappy if he finds out!"

Qiao Nian's eyes turned cold.

Look at how good the white lotus was with her words. With those few casual words, she told everyone that her sister was a loose woman.

Qiao Nian turned to look at Gu Zhou. Seeing the dangerous—bordering on destructive—look in his eyes, her lips curved up slightly.

"Second Young Master Gu has accompanied me to visit you today. How has he become the wild man whom you are all speculating about?" Qiao Nian said lightly. She was enjoying the show, and didn't mind fanning the flames.

Qiao Xin's pretty face suddenly changed and she looked at the man in shock.

Su Xue looked as if she was suffocating. She was so shocked that she couldn't speak!

Qiao Xin and Su Xue had both imagined Second Young Master Gu to be extremely ugly. Even the doctors predicted that he would not live past twenty years old. How could he possibly look like this?

Gu Zhou glanced at the mother and daughter impassively. His eyes were filled with contempt and coldness, as if he was a god in the skies looking at ants on the ground.

Su Xue felt her scalp go numb under his glare. She didn't believe for one moment that this man was Second Young Master Gu. Second Young Master Gu definitely didn't look like this. Second Young Master Gu was surely paralyzed in bed, relying on others for help every second of the day. Second Young Master Gu was surely a useless person!

Qiao Xin bit her lip. This man should have been her husband!

Qiao Shan, who had been sitting at the side, did not have much of a reaction. In his view, Second Young Master Gu would have a short life. There was no difference whether he was good-looking or ugly.

Glancing at Su Xue and Qiao Xin's shocked faces, he remembered what they had said to Gu Zhou. Qiao Shan snapped, "The two of you just can't keep your mouths shut! Hurry up and apologize!"

Even if Second Young Master Gu had a short life, they could not afford to spout nonsense in front of him. It should be known that the Gu family had the power to destroy the Qiao family in mere seconds.

Su Xue came back to her senses. A bright smile appeared on her face. She hurriedly ushered Gu Zhou and Qiao Nian in. "Oh my, look at my broken mouth. I simply don't know how to speak. Don't mind me, dear son-in-law. Come in and sit!"

"You're much better at speaking than my wife," Gu Zhou said leisurely, his voice cold. Su Xue almost vomited blood.

Wife?

This man called Qiao Nian his wife with such ease.

Although Qiao Nian didn't like him calling her that, she was still very happy to hear Gu Zhou make a jab at Su Xue.

"No, no, I was just…" Su Xue's face grew red.

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Chapter 10: Too Noisy!

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

"Yes, I'm a 'wild man'. Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, don't call me 'son-in-law' in the future." Gu Zhou's thin lips parted as he spoke, his voice cold. He walked towards the sofa, unconcerned.

Qiao Xin looked at Su Xue worriedly. A trace of cunning appeared in her eyes. She stood up and said, "Second Young Master, Mom didn't mean that. She just…"

"You're all too noisy." Gu Zhou shot a glance at Chen Qing, who was standing behind him.

Chen Qing nodded slightly and stepped towards Qiao Xin. Ignoring the shock on Qiao Xin's face, he gave her a vicious slap across the face.

The crisp sound of the slap reverberated throughout the drawing room.

Qiao Shan and Su Xue were both stunned. They looked worriedly at Qiao Xin, but didn't dare to move, nor show any dissatisfaction with Gu Zhou's actions.

Qiao Xin stood there blankly, blood rushing to her face. This was the first time in her life that she had been hit by a man!

Tears rolled down her cheeks, and Qiao Xin began to feel more and more aggrieved. Her eyes were filled with hatred for Qiao Nian, for she simply didn't dare to hate Gu Zhou.

Qiao Nian, who was standing beside Gu Zhou, was also stunned. She had never expected that Gu Zhou would directly instruct his subordinate to hit her.

However, this slap was really satisfying!

Gu Zhou didn't even bother granting Qiao Xin a glance. He walked to the sofa and sat down without invitation, pulling Qiao Nian to do so as well. He said lightly, "I won't allow my wife to be criticized by others."

Just by sitting there, Gu Zhou exuded such a strong oppressive aura that Qiao Shan and Su Xue did not dare to move one bit.

Qiao Nian obediently sat down beside Gu Zhou. She was here as a spectator anyway.

Qiao Shan and Su Xue exchanged a look. Although their hearts ached for Qiao Xin, they knew with certainty that if they angered Gu Zhou, the entire Qiao family would be ruined. Thus, neither of them dared to speak up.

With eyes like bottomless pools, Gu Zhou glanced at the coffee table. A hint of disdain flashed in his eyes as he said, "We've arrived quite some time ago, yet not even a cup of tea has been prepared. Do Father-in-law and Mother-in-law object so greatly to our marriage?"

"We – we – we don't object!" Qiao Shan stammered out. This was the first time he had seen someone with such a powerful presence, and he found himself practically suffocating merely from his aura.

Qiao Xin glanced at Qiao Shan with teary eyes. Softly, she spoke, trying to ease the predicament. "Brother-in-law, it's a misunderstanding. Mom and Dad…"

"Chen Qing!" Gu Zhou called out casually, interrupting Qiao Xin.

"Pa!" Without hesitation, Chen Qing flung another slap at Qiao Xin. There were now two identical hand-prints on each side of Qiao Xin's face.

The corner of Qiao Xin's mouth had begun to bleed. She tried to seem pitiful, but her swollen face just reminded one of a pig's head.

Seeing that Qiao Xin had been slapped again, Su Xue pulled Qiao Xin behind her and gave her a look.

Qiao Xin turned pale. She lowered her head, not daring to say another word.

Hastily, Qiao Shan ordered the servants to serve tea. He stood beside Gu Zhou and began to fawn over him. "Second Young Master, do stay for lunch before taking your leave!"

"There's no need. It's too noisy here." Gu Zhou glanced at Qiao Xin who was standing not far away, then retracted his gaze. Holding onto Qiao Nian's hand, he began to play with her fingers, his expression indifferent. "About the bride you sent me. Was she sent to the mental hospital five years ago because of the chaos in her private life?"

Actually, Gu Zhou didn't like to touch other people, but Qiao Nian seemed to be an exception. Whenever he touched her, she was always warm and the warmth would flow through his entire body.

Gu Zhou looked down at the delicate hand in his and his expression darkened. He just hoped that she wasn't sent by those people!

Qiao Nian wanted to retract her hand, but Gu Zhou was holding on too tightly. She could only resign herself to fate.

Hearing his words, Qiao Nian looked up slightly and caught Qiao Shan and Su Xue's guilty expressions.

Qiao Shan rubbed his hands together uneasily. Seeing how intimate Gu Zhou was with Qiao Nian, he knew that Gu Zhou didn't dislike Qiao Nian.

But when he thought of what Gu Zhou had said about the "chaos in her private life", he panicked. What if news of Qiao Nian's pregnancy got out?

When Qiao Shan thought of how Gu Zhou had treated Qiao Xin, he could not help but shiver, his scalp going momentarily numb. He broke out in a cold sweat and swallowed nervously.

Meanwhile, Qiao Xin's eyes glinted. If Second Young Master Gu was aware that Qiao Nian was a loose woman, would he dislike Qiao Nian? Then, would Qiao Xin be the one sitting next to Gu Zhou instead?

Qiao Xin pictured herself sitting next to Second Young Master Gu in an expensive dress. The Gu family was so rich, and Second Young Master Gu was neither ugly nor short-lived, unlike what the rumors said. Then she would be the Second Young Madam of the Gu family.

Qiao Xin began to say something, but her gaze accidentally fell on Chen Qing's face, and she was forcibly reminded of how Chen Qing had slapped her. Quickly, she lowered her gaze to hide the hatred in her eyes.

She could not speak without thinking.. It would be bad if she provoked Second Young Master Gu again.

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