Chapter 11: Scheming

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Qiao Xin stepped behind Su Xue, gently tugged on Su Xue's sleeve and gave her a look.

Su Xue naturally understood what her daughter meant, but she didn't expect that her daughter would want to be with Second Young Master Gu. But on second thought, she supposed that it was normal.

Second Young Master Gu was very handsome and did not seem to have a short life. This kind of man was very popular with women.

Su Xue thought for a while, then said with a smile, "Actually, it was Qiao Nian herself who wanted to replace…"

At Su Xue's words, Qiao Shan's expression suddenly changed. He hurriedly interrupted Su Xue and said, "How is that possible? Our Qiao Nian has been chaste and pure since she was young. Second Young Master, don't think too much."

After Qiao Shan spoke, he met Gu Zhou's half-smiling eyes and quickly added, "There must be a lot of socialites who are jealous of our Qiao Nian, so they want to slander her!"

Gu Zhou narrowed his phoenix-like eyes and looked significantly at Qiao Shan, who clearly had a guilty conscience. His gaze finally fell on Su Xue's face and he asked lightly, "Is that so?"

Although it was just a simple question, his tone was full of disbelief.

Qiao Nian turned to look at Gu Zhou. She really wanted to remind him not to grip her hand so tightly. Her hand wasn't a toy for him to play with; what was he trying to do?!

Qiao Shan was not worried about Qiao Nian's situation at all. The only thing he cared about was the Qiao family. If Second Young Master Gu was dissatisfied with the Qiao family and decided to attack them directly, the Qiao family's legacy would instantly disappear.

"Second Young Master, our Qiao Nian is really a good child. She has remained pure all her life, and has never been in a relationship!" Qiao Shan said with sweat all over his face.

"If that's the case, then you guys sent her to the mental hospital on purpose?" Gu Zhou raised his eyebrows slightly and crossed his legs, exuding a bone-chilling coldness.

In an instant, the temperature of the entire drawing room dropped by several degrees. It was frighteningly, dangerously silent.

Cold sweat dripped from Qiao Shan's forehead onto the ground. He could tell that no matter what he said, Gu Zhou would always have something to say in rebuke.

Qiao Shan's gaze fell on Su Xue and Qiao Xin, who were standing at the side, and displeasure flashed in his eyes. It was all the fault of these two women for not shutting up. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been so publicly despised by Gu Zhou.

Su Xue's eyes were fixed on Gu Zhou's hand, which was holding Qiao Nian's. She suddenly had a realization.

Gu Zhou definitely liked Qiao Nian, that wretched girl. If not, Gu Zhou wouldn't have come to the Qiao family villa to make things difficult for them.

At this realization, Su Xue was so frightened that she broke out in a cold sweat. It was a stroke of luck that she didn't suggest for Qiao Xin to marry Gu Zhou instead, just now. If she said that, Gu Zhou would definitely target the Qiao family.

Su Xue pursed her lips. Hurriedly, she explained, "Second Young Master, you misunderstood. We had no choice but to send Qiao Nian there. She had been plagued by nightmares and her health was deteriorating by the day. We sought many doctors, but none of them could help her. Later on, I had no choice but to visit the temple to pray to the deities. An eminent monk in the temple told me that Qiao Nian's spirit was unstable and she needed to recuperate in a mental hospital."

"As her parents, we had no choice but to send her there." Su Xue tried hard to squeeze out a tear and said, "Every year, I have to go to the temple to pray to the deities. I would willingly lose decades of my life if it meant that Qiao Nian could recover sooner. When the time came, we took her out of the mental hospital immediately."

"Mm?" Gu Zhou raised an eyebrow, his face full of suspicion.

Qiao Shan's eyes lit up. He felt that his wife was finally being smart for once. He hurriedly nodded his head and said, "Yes, yes, that's right. The monk even said that her spirit was vulnerable. Even if it's a joyous occasion, we can't have a grand ceremony. The more low-profile it is, the better. Only then can she live longer!"

Hearing Su Xue and Qiao Shan singing the same tune, Qiao Nian felt a wave of disdain for her parents, but she didn't let it show on her face.

"You don't have good health. Come with me to see the doctor later." Gu Zhou turned to look at Qiao Nian and spoke seriously.

As their gazes met, Qiao Nian looked into his eyes, which held a complicated expression. She had a bad feeling about this, but she nodded in agreement.

On the surface, Gu Zhou was reproaching the Qiao family, but in reality, he was also wary of her.

Qiao Nian wanted to retract her hand, but she didn't. In a voice so low that only the two of them would hear, she said, "Let go of me!"

However, Gu Zhou tightened his grip. This little kitten sure got riled up a lot.

There was a hint of a smile in his gaze. It was as if there was a sea of stars in those glittering eyes. For a moment, Qiao Nian lost herself in them.

Qiao Xin, who was standing not far away, saw Gu Zhou gazing lovingly at Qiao Nian, and turned green with envy. Her gaze inadvertently fell on the jade ring adorning Gu Zhou's hand and a bold thought appeared in her mind.

Could that jade pendant be Gu Zhou's?

If the jade pendant really belonged to Gu Zhou, Gu Zhou might think that Qiao Xin was the girl from five years ago. Then, wouldn't she become the Second Young Madam of the Gu family instead?

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter

Chapter 12: Violence

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

At the thought, Qiao Xin silently ran up the stairs to her room. She walked to the safe beside the desk, entered the password, and took out a sandalwood box.

She hurriedly opened the box. Inside it lay a jade pendant. The color and texture of this jade pendant were identical to the one in Gu Zhou's hand.

"Oh my god!" Qiao Xin covered her mouth in shock. If this jade pendant did not belong to Gu Zhou, then it was very likely to belong to the other young masters of the Gu family.

The young masters of the Gu family were all of the same parentage. Since Gu Zhou was so good-looking, the other young masters of the Gu family definitely wouldn't be too ugly!

As she thought, Qiao Xin's eyes shone with a peculiar joy. She hurriedly put the jade pendant around her neck.

Downstairs.

When the servant brought the tea over, Qiao Shan immediately brought a teacup to Gu Zhou and said with a smile, "This tea is from this year's new harvest. It tastes pretty good. Second Young Master, do try it!"

For a long time, Gu Zhou did not take the cup from Qiao Shan. Qiao Shan's hand, which was cradling the teacup, had already turned red from the heat. Still, he did not dare to put the cup down, and could only hope that Gu Zhou would take the cup of tea soon.

Gu Zhou reluctantly moved his right hand away from Qiao Nian's hand and took the teacup. He put it to his nose and sniffed it. It did smell good.

Qiao Nian was thinking about when she could find time to ask Qiao Xin for the jade pendant. Now that Qiao Xin had disappeared, she turned to Su Xue and asked, "Mom, where's Qiao Xin?"

"You…" When Su Xue heard Qiao Nian's voice, her reply instinctively took on a berating tone. As her voice raised in volume, she instantly sensed the coldness in the air. She didn't even need to look at Gu Zhou to know he was glaring at her with a dark expression.

Su Xue couldn't help but shiver. She smiled awkwardly and backtracked, saying, "Qiao Nian, your sister has just gone upstairs. I'll go get her…"

As soon as Su Xue's words fell, footsteps came from afar. She looked up and saw Qiao Xin coming downstairs.

"Oh, here she is!" Su Xue gestured to Qiao Xin, secretly heaving a sigh of relief.

Qiao Xin walked down the stairs step by step with the jade pendant hanging around her neck. There was a smug glint in her eyes. No matter whom in the Gu family the jade pendant belonged to, she would benefit from it.

Qiao Nian, who was sitting on the sofa, saw the jade pendant around Qiao Xin's neck. Her expression instantly turned cold.

Her eyes were like ice as she glared at Qiao Xin, clenching her fists tightly.

Five years ago, she fell into the evil scheme concocted by her mother and sister. That stranger had ignored her pleas and tortured her relentlessly for a night. Four years ago, she was even forced to give birth to a dead child…

Those horrible scenes, which she could not bring herself to speak about, began to surface bit by bit, occupying her entire mind.

Qiao Nian's breathing grew heavy and she gritted her teeth, hatred filling her entire body. She began to tremble.

Being observant, Gu Zhou sensed that something was wrong with Qiao Nian's expression. He followed her gaze and saw Qiao Xin coming down the stairs.

At the same time, he glimpsed the jade pendant around Qiao Xin's neck.

If Gu Zhou had remembered correctly, Qiao Xin didn't have a jade pendant on her neck just now. Qiao Nian's reaction upon seeing her was normal at that time, but now, when Qiao Nian saw the jade pendant, her reaction was a little strange.

Qiao Nian stood up coldlyand pulled her hand out of Gu Zhou's. Seeing Qiao Xin approach, she used all her strength to slap Qiao Xin!

"Pa!"

Qiao Nian was so strong that Qiao Xin staggered back and fell onto the sofa.

In shock, Qiao Xin could only look at Qiao Nian. She didn't expect Qiao Nian to hit her in front of outsiders.

"Sister…" Qiao Xin said pitifully.

The hatred in Qiao Nian's heart surged. She stepped quickly over to Qiao Xin and grabbed her hair, forcing Qiao Xin to look at her.

"You like this jade pendant, don't you? Since you like it so much, swallow it!" Qiao Nian pulled the jade pendant off Qiao Xin's neck in one swift motion and forced it down her throat!

Qiao Nian knew very well that Qiao Xin was wearing the jade pendant to remind Qiao Nian of how Qiao Nian had been forced to follow her parents' intentions; how she had been forced to carry the pregnancy to term. Worst of all, how she had suffered a stillbirth in the end.

"What are you doing!" Su Xue didn't want to lower herself to Qiao Nian's level, but seeing Qiao Nian abuse Qiao Xin so viciously, she quickly walked up to pull Qiao Nian away.

"Go away!" Qiao Nian shook Su Xue off. She glared at Qiao Xin and gave her two more slaps. Only then did she let go of Qiao Xin.

Just like that, Qiao Xin's thick and beautiful hair thinned considerably. Pieces of her long hair were scattered everywhere on the floor. She fell to the ground and coughed hard twice, dislodging the jade pendant in her throat and spitting it out.

Qiao Nian had initially thought that she would be able to maintain her composure, but the moment those humiliating memories were brought to the surface, pain still flooded her heart.

She simply could not stay a moment longer. Qiao Nian walked out of the room.

Gu Zhou looked at Qiao Nian's back as she left. He stood up elegantly and walked over to Qiao Xin in two long strides, asking condescendingly, "Whose is this?"

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 13: The Jade Pendant Appears!

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Qiao Xin heard the voice coming from above her, and looked up. What remained of her light brown hair fell on her shoulders in charming waves. She stared blankly at the man standing in front of her.

Gu Zhou stared unblinkingly at the jade pendant in front of Qiao Xin. His expression was complicated and his voice was frighteningly cold. "Who gave you the jade pendant?"

Qiao Xin was stunned. She followed Gu Zhou's line of sight. Could the jade pendant be his?

Was the man who had been with Qiao Nian years ago Gu Zhou?

What a stroke of luck!

If she were to marry Gu Zhou, she would enjoy a life of luxury.

She felt that Gu Zhou would definitely look down on Qiao Nian!

Qiao Xin looked up at the man in front of her. He was as handsome as an otherworldly spirit. Her lips curved up slightly. She had to make this man become hers.

Gradually, Gu Zhou began to lose his patience. His eyes seemed to be filled with ice. He looked at Qiao Xin with a dark expression. "Who gave you the jade pendant?"

Qiao Xin picked up the jade pendant. Supporting herself on the sofa, she stood up awkwardly, a bright smile appearing on her face. She cradled the jade pendant in her hand and held it out to Gu Zhou, saying, "This was given to me by a very important person!"

Gu Zhou looked at the jade pendant in her hand. His eyes were filled with rage. This jade pendant had belonged to him. It was the token he had given to that woman!

But that girl had never looked for him, and all videos from that night had been deleted.

However, he later got someone to investigate and only found out that the girl had died in childbirth.

Gu Zhou stared hard at Qiao Xin. He demanded, "Who is that person?"

Qiao Xin's hand retreated slightly. She really didn't expect Gu Zhou to realize that this jade pendant wasn't hers. She thought for a while and then said, "That person instructed me to personally hand this to that man!"

Gu Zhou looked significantly at Qiao Xin. No one's thoughts could escape his eyes. He could tell that Qiao Xin was deliberately hiding something. Could it be that the petite cat-like girl was still alive?

She had to be!

"Brother-in-law, do you know who this jade pendant belongs to?" Qiao Xin carefully probed.

"It belongs to my friend." Seeing Qiao Xin's disappointed face, Gu Zhou walked out. Before he found that woman, he would never let anyone know about what happened five years ago, lest someone with ill intentions made use of that information.

With those parting words, Gu Zhou made to leave without hesitation. When he thought about how Qiao Xin had swallowed the jade pendant, he felt a wave of disgust.

Seeing Gu Zhou turn around and leave, Qiao Xin quickly asked with an innocent air, "Brother-in-law, can you take me to see your friend?"

Gu Zhou's footsteps didn't stop at all. He didn't even glance at Qiao Xin and continued heading towards the doorway.

The oppressive aura in the room did not dissipate for a long time.

Gu Zhou walked outside. From afar, he saw Qiao Nian standing in front of the rockery.

She had a petite figure, and was wearing a white knee-length skirt. When the wind blew, the scattered sunlight reflected off her long hair and skirt, creating a beautiful picture.

"Let's go!" Gu Zhou walked up to Qiao Nian and said in a low voice.

Qiao Nian took a deep breath and turned to look at Gu Zhou. There was a hint of a smile in her eyes, as if she had not engaged in physical violence mere moments ago. "Okay!"

On the way back, Gu Zhou stole a glance at Qiao Nian. Thinking of Qiao Nian's huge reaction upon seeing the jade pendant, he had a vague notion that Qiao Nian might be acquainted with the girl from five years ago.

When they arrived at the Gu residence, Gu Zhou remained in the car, unmoving. He said to Qiao Nian, "Head back first. I have other errands to run."

"Okay." Qiao Nian didn't say anything else, and got out of the carriage swiftly.

After Qiao Nian left, Chen Qing, who had been driving, said excitedly, "Second Master, we've finally found…"

"It's not her," Gu Zhou said with certainty. His voice was still as cold as ever.

"Didn't she have the token?" Chen Qing asked, somewhat unsure. Even though he felt that this woman was a little pretentious, she was still…

Gu Zhou adjusted his sleeves and glanced at Lin Nan, who was in the passenger seat. He ordered, "Investigate everyone in the Qiao family, especially those who are close to Qiao Nian and Qiao Xin."

"Yes, sir," Lin Nan answered and began to contact the hacker.

At the Gu residence.

Qiao Nian sat lazily on the swing in the garden. She was still a little unsure of Gu Zhou's attitude. Gu Zhou seemed to react oddly when he saw the jade pendant. Moreover, she had eavesdropped on the conversation between Gu Zhou and Qiao Xin at the living room entrance.

Who exactly did that jade pendant belong to?

Qiao Nian lowered her gaze. She wanted to see what Qiao Xin was going to do next.

The next day.

Qiao Nian woke up. Standing in the bedroom, she could see Butler Zhao leading Qiao Xin towards the castle.

She froze for a moment, then frowned slightly. Why was Qiao Xin here? Did Gu Zhou ask for her to be brought here?

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 14: Taking Advantage

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Qiao Nian tidied up and walked towards the stairs. Just as she reached the stairs, she saw Lan flying towards Qiao Xin from Gu Zhou's feet.

Qiao Nian stopped in her tracks and looked at Gu Zhou with interest. She was curious as to what Gu Zhou was going to do.

"Ah!"

The moment Lan got close to Qiao Xin, Qiao Xin's face turned pale and she screamed.

"Lan, come back!"

At Gu Zhou's command, Lan slithered towards Gu Zhou smugly.

Qiao Nian gave Gu Zhou a significant look. So Gu Zhou was testing her and Qiao Xin on purpose. Qiao Nian was curious as to why Gu Zhou was testing them.

"Honey, did I disturb you?" Gu Zhou stood by the stairs and looked up at Qiao Nian, asking softly.

Qiao Nian had a sweet smile on her face. She walked slowly down the stairs in a beige dress, step by step. When she reached Gu Zhou, she said, "Good morning!"

"I got the servants to prepare breakfast." Gu Zhou raised his arm slightly.

Qiao Nian gave Gu Zhou's arm a strange look. She looked up and met his smiling eyes, then took his arm hesitantly.

What exactly did this man mean to do?

Was he putting on a show for Qiao Xin?

Gu Zhou ignored Qiao Xin altogether and walked towards the dining room with Qiao Nian on his arm.

Qiao Nian had never been on good terms with Qiao Xin to begin with, so she didn't even think about inviting Qiao Xin to have breakfast with them.

Qiao Xin looked at the coiled snake resting on Gu Zhou's leg and couldn't help but tremble. However, remembering that she intended to get closer to Gu Zhou, she stood up and mustered her courage to follow the couple into the dining room.

In the dining hall, Qiao Xin sat down next to Qiao Nian. Looking at the snake from across the table, she quivered in fear. She turned to Qiao Nian and asked in a low voice, "Sister, aren't you afraid?"

"Afraid of what?" Qiao Nian asked nonchalantly.

"That snake!" Qiao Xin found herself trembling uncontrollably. This morning, when she heard from her mother that someone from the Gu family had arrived to pick her up, she had been overjoyed. If she had known that there would be a python in the Gu family home, she would have refused to come.

"What's there to be afraid of?" Qiao Nian stared unblinkingly at Qiao Xin, her expression calm. She spoke unhurriedly. "It's just a snake. Don't you think it's cute?"

Qiao Xin: …

Qiao Nian added, "Lan's net worth is much higher than yours. How dare you look down on it!"

Qiao Xin's entire face darkened.

She was a human! How could she be put on par with a beast?

No.

Qiao Nian seemed to imply that she was worth even less than a beast!

Qiao Xin looked down. Right now, she couldn't wait to meet the owner of the jade pendant. If it was an old man, she would simply out Qiao Nian as the girl from years ago. If it was Gu Zhou, or a young, handsome and rich friend of Gu Zhou, she would just pretend to be the true owner of the jade pendant!

Qiao Xin was getting excited just thinking about it. No matter who the man turned out to be, she would benefit from the situation. If Qiao Nian wanted to step forward when Qiao Xin claimed that the pendant was hers, then Gu Zhou would definitely realize that Qiao Nian was not as pure or chaste as she seemed!

When that happened, Qiao Nian might even be fed to that snake!

Suppressing her laughter, Qiao Xin lowered her head further.

Gu Zhou, who was sitting directly across from Qiao Nian, had already glimpsed the smug look on Qiao Xin's face. He frowned.

After breakfast, Qiao Xin wiped her mouth with a tissue. She looked up at Gu Zhou, putting on a gentle facade. "Brother-in-law, when will that person be arriving?"

Qiao Nian had been wiping her mouth as well. At Qiao Xin's words, she paused slightly, then continued wiping her mouth as if nothing were the matter.

"He'd just arrived this morning by plane," Gu Zhou said indifferently. Seeing a flash of disappointment in Qiao Xin's eyes, he continued, "Wait here for a while!"

With that, Gu Zhou stood up and left. However, Lan didn't leave. Instead, it slithered to Qiao Nian's side and clung charmingly onto her wrist, acting like a spoiled child.

"Okay, Brother-in-law!" Qiao Xin answered obediently, looking as pure as a white lotus.

Qiao Nian rolled her eyes silently.

"Sister! Ah!" Just now, Qiao Xin's attention had all been on Gu Zhou. She completely didn't notice the snake climbing onto Qiao Nian's wrist. Utterly terrified, she quickly stood up and took two steps back, but she tripped over the chair and fell to the ground.

"Ouch." Qiao Nian stood up too, her gaze falling on Qiao Xin's face. With an unconcerned expression, she asked, "Have you become paralyzed?"

Qiao Xin's eyes were filled with tears because of the pain from the fall, but at Qiao Nian's words, her expression turned to shock. She looked disbelievingly at her sister.

Her sister seemed to have become a different person altogether, compared to who she was in the past. Looking into Qiao Nian's impassive eyes, Qiao Xin forcibly held back her resentment. She stood up and said coldly, "Sorry to disappoint you, sister. Unfortunately, I'm fine."

"I'm indeed a little disappointed," Qiao Nian said indifferently. Her gaze fell on the jade pendant around Qiao Xin's neck.. "Since you're willing to help me find that man from five years ago, I'll give you some satisfaction. Want to guess what your life will become if I expose your disgusting acts to the public?"

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter

Chapter 15: Taking Advantage

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Hearing Qiao Nian's words, Qiao Xin looked at her in disbelief. Her voice shook as she said, "You… you would actually take advantage of me?"

"I haven't done anything." Qiao Nian gently caressed Lan's head, her voice cold. "You set yourself up to be used by me!"

"Sister, there may have been a misunderstanding…"

"Misunderstanding?" Qiao Nian smiled coldly, her eyes flashing with disgust. "If you want to marry into a rich family, you have to pay the price. I just don't know if you'll be able to bear it!"

With that, Qiao Nian left, taking Lan with her.

Qiao Xin's gaze fell on Qiao Nian's exquisite clothes, and the diamond-encrusted hair clip in Qiao Nian's hair. The envy in Qiao Xin's eyes could not be more obvious.

All of this was supposed to belong to her. Qiao Nian stole everything from her!

But Qiao Nian's last sentence haunted her like a nightmare, lingering by her ear. Qiao Xin began to perspire, beads of cold sweat dripping onto the floor.

When had Qiao Nian become so formidable? How dare she scheme against Qiao Xin!

Qiao Xin's mind was in a mess as she followed the butler to the guest room.

When Butler Zhao came out of the house, she could hear the servants gossiping from afar.

"There's more to Qiao Nian than meets the eye. She bullied her little sister until she cried!"

"She's definitely not as straightforward as she seems. I heard that the Qiao family's Third Young Mistress was supposed to marry into the Gu family, but Qiao Nian snatched the marriage away from Third Young Mistress Qiao. There's no doubt—she's not simple at all!"

"She racked her brains to figure out how to betray her blood relatives, just to marry into a rich family. There's no way someone who did that could still have a good heart!"

Butler Zhao frowned. She snapped, "All of you are spouting nonsense! Do you want me to tell Second Young Master everything you said?"

Frightened, the servants immediately dispersed. They did not dare to go head-to-head with Second Young Master. He was so fierce!

After reprimanding the servants, Butler Zhao turned around and left.

At this moment, on the top floor of the Gu family's hotel…

Matriarch Gu sat idly on a chair. Wearing a pair of spectacles, she looked at the photograph on her phone. Her lips curved up involuntarily.

"Madam, Miss Zhao has arrived!" A servant stepped into the room, saying respectfully.

"Invite her in, quickly!" Matriarch Gu said with a smile, her gaze never leaving her phone screen. When she heard footsteps, she looked up and hurriedly called Zhao Qian over. "Qian Qian, look! This is your Second Sister-in-law!"

There was a flash of surprise in Zhao Qian's eyes, but she didn't let it show in her expression. Instead, she smiled and sat down next to Matriarch Gu. Glancing at the photograph of Qiao Nian on Matriarch Gu's phone screen, she said agreeably, "Grandma, I've met Second Sister-in-law before. She's very good-looking!"

"Indeed! I've never seen such a pretty young lass in my life." Matriarch Gu's eyes were tinged with laughter, and there were more lines on her face than usual. "I'm telling you, when I first saw her, I thought she was an angel!"

An angel?

How could that woman be an angel?

That woman was clearly evil, through and through—she was a demon.

However, Zhao Qian did not voice these thoughts. Instead she smiled and nodded in agreement. After some hesitation, she said, "But I heard that the one who was meant to marry Brother Gu Zhou was actually the third daughter of the Qiao family. Second Sister-in-law was the one who snatched this marriage from Third Young Mistress Qiao!"

Zhao Qian just wanted Grandma to hate that woman!

When Matriarch Gu heard Zhao Qian's words, an expression of disbelief appeared on her face.

Zhao Qian thought to herself: Looks like Grandma won't like that woman anymore!

Just as Zhao Qian was feeling smug about herself, Matriarch Gu continued, "Oh my god! This clearly means that they are a match made in heaven. She was destined to marry Gu Zhou right from the start!"

Zhao Qian could have vomited blood. Astonished, she looked toward Matriarch Gu, her throat working slightly. Before she could finish her sentence, Matriarch Gu continued, "From now on, Nian Nian will be the head of the family. When you get married in the future, she will also support you. You must get along well with her!"

Zhao Qian's heart sank to the bottom. She frowned slightly. After hearing Matriarch Gu's words, she finally understood that Grandma had already affirmed Qiao Nian's place in the Gu family. If she wanted to have a status among her in-laws in the future, she would have to rely on Qiao Nian.

"Grandma, I don't want to get married. I want to stay by your side for the rest of my life!" Zhao Qian held onto Matriarch Gu's arm affectionately. In a fawning manner, she said, "I will take good care of Grandma."

Matriarch Gu gave Zhao Qian a significant look. With a smile that did not reach her eyes, she said, "All grown men should find a wife, and all grown women should find a husband. Don't spout nonsense. Go on now, I know you're busy!"

Zhao Qian could tell that Matriarch Gu was commanding her to take her leave. After some hesitation, she stood up and walked out unwillingly.

Auntie Li, who was sitting by Matriarch Gu, frowned as she watched Zhao Qian leave. She stayed silent and placed a cup of tea on Matriarch Gu's table.

"She still hasn't given up on Gu Zhou!" Matriarch Gu sighed and said helplessly.

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter

Chapter 16: Darling Child

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Matriarch Gu was well aware that Zhao Qian was romantically interested in Gu Zhou. However, Matriarch Gu had never approved of it. Furthermore, she felt that Zhao Qian was a little immature, and was not a suitable match for Gu Zhou.

Matriarch Gu never expected Zhao Qian to badmouth Qiao Nian behind her back just so she could have a higher chance with Gu Zhou.

Qiao Nian was her granddaughter-in-law—she wasn't someone to be trifled with.

Hearing Matriarch Gu sigh, Auntie Li spoke up in a consoling tone, her head lowered slightly. "Miss Zhao will think it through."

"Let's hope so!" Matriarch Gu took a deep breath and picked up her teacup, sipping slowly. She seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and asked, "Have they slept together yet?"

Auntie Li looked at Matriarch Gu and remained quiet. Suddenly, she recalled what Butler Zhao had told her. Awkwardly, Auntie Li shook her head and began to explain on behalf of Gu Zhou. "Second Young Master seems to be very busy lately. He hasn't returned to the villa much!"

Matriarch Gu stopped sipping her tea and gave a helpless sigh. "How can that be? How can they have a child if they're not sleeping together? I'll go back to the villa now to keep an eye on them!"

Auntie Li lowered her head and remained quiet. After all, Matriarch Gu could do whatever she wanted. It was better for her to keep a low profile.

Matriarch Gu glanced at Little Qi and said to Auntie Li, "You stay here and take care of Little Qi. I'll go back to the villa!"

"Yes, madam." Auntie Li was well aware of Matriarch Gu's temperament, and said nothing more.

Matriarch Gu swiftly instructed the other servants to pack up their luggage. In a flurry of excitement, she rushed to the Gu family villa.

When Matriarch Gu arrived at the villa, she saw an unfamiliar girl sitting in a pavilion in the garden. She turned to look at Butler Zhao, who was standing next to her. "Who is she?"

"That lady is Second Young Madam's younger sister. She was specially invited over to the villa by the Second Young Master," Butler Zhao replied.

"What?" When Matriarch Gu heard this, her expression momentarily turned ugly. She frowned and said, "What is this nonsense? What about Second Young Madam?"

"Second Young Madam seems to be resting in her room!" After Butler Zhao spoke, he seemed to remember something and added, "Second Young Madam seems to dislike Third Young Mistress Qiao greatly!"

Matriarch Gu gave Third Young Mistress Qiao a disdainful look and pursed her lips. "That girl looks so delicate and helpless. I don't like her much either!"

Butler Zhao: "…"

However, Matriarch Gu would still treat guests with politeness and grace. She stepped towards the pavilion. Seeing Qiao Xin stand up, Matriarch Gu said with a smile, "Third Young Mistress Qiao, I'm Gu Zhou's grandmother. If you have no urgent matters to handle in the Gu residence, could I offer you a ride home?"

"How do you do, Madam Gu," Qiao Xin greeted politely. Hearing Matriarch Gu's thinly veiled invitation to leave, she lowered her head uncomfortably and said in a low voice, "Brother-in-law said he would help me find someone. I'll leave immediately after I meet that person!"

Upon hearing Qiao Xin's words, Matriarch Gu felt a little uncomfortable. The Third Young Mistress Qiao was indeed an ignorant young lady. It simply wouldn't do for someone of the younger generation to reject their elders so directly. Indeed, it was fortunate that Third Young Mistress Qiao had not married into the Gu family. Otherwise, Matriarch Gu would have gone to great lengths to convince Gu Zhou to get a divorce.

Matriarch Gu turned to smile at the butler standing next to her. She said, "Ask the servants to take good care of Third Young Mistress Qiao. Don't neglect her. Otherwise, outsiders will blame our Gu family for being ungracious."

Qiao Xin stood rooted to the ground in shock. She could tell that Matriarch Gu was displeased with her, but she couldn't understand why.

Before Qiao Xin could react, Matriarch Gu had already left, taking Butler Zhao with her. Qiao Xin was left standing alone in the pavilion, still gaping.

Butler Zhao followed behind Matriarch Gu. She found herself worrying that Matriarch Gu would directly seek trouble with the Second Young Madam.

However, Butler Zhao had been over-thinking.

When Matriarch Gu glimpsed Qiao Nian, who was holding a book on medicine, she smiled brightly and tugged at Qiao Nian's arm affectionately, looking at her with a loving expression.

Qiao Nian was stunned. A faint smile appeared on her face as she glanced toward Butler Zhao in confusion.

Butler Zhao explained dutifully, "Second Young Madam, this is Madam Gu!"

Madam Gu. Wasn't this lady Gu Zhou's grandmother?

"Grandmother."

As soon as Qiao Nian's words fell, she saw Matriarch Gu's face move even closer to hers.

"Oh, my darling child!" Matriarch Gu looked at Qiao Nian, full of affection and warmth. With Qiao Nian standing in front of her in the flesh, Matriarch Gu thought privately that Qiao Nian looked even prettier than she had in the video. She grasped Qiao Nian's delicate hand and said worriedly, "Why are you so thin? Butler Zhao, you must prepare more delicious food for my darling child!"

With confusion written all over her face, Butler Zhao gave assent. This was the first time she had seen the matriarch of the Gu family treat an outsider with such warmth.

That's right. Previously, in Butler Zhao's eyes, Qiao Nian had always been an outsider.

But now, Butler Zhao felt that she should take good care of Qiao Nian. After all, she was clearly in favor with Matriarch Gu.. It seemed that Qiao Nian had secured her position as the Second Young Madam of the Gu family.

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter

Chapter 17: What a Pervert

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Qiao Nian was not used to being treated with such enthusiasm, and found herself quite overwhelmed.

Holding onto Qiao Nian's hand, Matriarch Gu began walking into the house. Her gaze landed on Qiao Nian's face and she spoke gently, as if she was afraid of scaring Qiao Nian. "My darling child, how old are you this year?"

"Twenty-four."

"Good, good!" The smile on Matriarch Gu's face grew even brighter. "You're a good girl!"

Qiao Nian grew even more confused. All she had done was answer Matriarch Gu's question about her age. Just for that, she was called a "good girl"?

"Oh!" Matriarch Gu suddenly exclaimed.

Startled, Qiao Nian froze.

"Lan is on your arm! This little pet is extremely intelligent. It likes those who are kind-hearted." Matriarch Gu's smile was so wide, it seemed as if her face was about to split in half. She looked at Qiao Nian lovingly. "It seems that my darling granddaughter must be a very kind angel. That's why Lan is following you around!"

Qiao Nian smiled awkwardly. What should she say? Thank you?

Matriarch Gu did not sense the awkwardness at all. She felt that her dear granddaughter must have sent by the heavens to rescue her grandson. Her eyes sparkled as she asked, "I heard that your younger sister bullied you?"

Qiao Nian lowered her head and smiled faintly, remaining quiet.

"Good girl. If anyone bullies you in the future, you have to tell me. Grandma will stand up for you!" At this point, Matriarch Gu finally remembered her purpose of coming here. She said to Butler Zhao, "Don't just stand there. Quickly move Nian Nian's things to Second Young Master's room!"

Butler Zhao was stunned.

Second Young Master was a clean freak. If Second Young Master found out that Second Young Madam's things were in his room, would he lose his temper and order them to renovate his entire bedroom?

"Why aren't you going?" Matriarch Gu narrowed her eyes, displeased.

Butler Zhao could only brace herself and carry out the command. Privately, she prayed that Second Young Master would not fly into a rage that night.

When night fell, Qiao Nian was still reading in the guest room.

Matriarch Gu was sitting by her side, so sleepy that her eyelids kept sliding shut. She didn't want to disrupt Qiao Nian's reading, so she got up and walked outside. Once outside, she took out her phone to call Gu Zhou, urging him to return home early.

When Gu Zhou returned, Matriarch Gu was already so tired that she was practically in tears. Seeing his grandmother in that state, Gu Zhou frowned slightly and gave Butler Zhao a cold glance, as if blaming her for not taking good care of Matriarch Gu.

Butler Zhao hurriedly lowered her head in fear, not daring to speak.

"Don't blame her." Matriarch Gu spoke up first. She walked up to Gu Zhou and asked in a low voice, "My darling child has been married into our family for quite a few days. Why haven't you been taking good care of her? Why haven't you consummated your marriage?"

Startled, Gu Zhou stood there with confusion written all over his face.

Could it be that Grandma was referring to Qiao Nian?

Since when did Grandma become so close with Qiao Nian?

However, Gu Zhou chose to continue pretending to be in the dark. He asked, "Who is your 'darling child'?"

"Your wife, of course!" Matriarch Gu glared daggers at Gu Zhou, saying resentfully, "I've already asked someone to move my darling child's things into your room. You're a man, so you have to take the initiative. Otherwise, your wife will run away!"

Gu Zhou's expression darkened.

"I'm talking to you. Are you listening to me?" Matriarch Gu spoke without a trace of humor. She was only satisfied when she saw Gu Zhou turn to look at her. "Alright, I'll say no more. You youngsters have fun at night!"

With that, Matriarch Gu left with Butler Zhao.

Seeing that the lights in Qiao Nian's room were still on, Gu Zhou walked over.

The moment Gu Zhou entered the room, his eyes met Qiao Nian's glittering ones. He narrowed his eyes and commanded, "Sleep in my room!"

Qiao Nian closed the book on medicine in her hands and replied, "No, I'm fine here. Ah…"

Qiao Nian had never expected for Gu Zhou to walk over and pick her up in his arms in a bridal carry. Caught off-balance, she looked toward Gu Zhou in shock and unintentionally met those soul-stirring eyes. She pursed her lips slightly and said, "Put me down!"

"Sleep in my room tonight!"

With those words, Gu Zhou carried Qiao Nian back to his room.

Not far away, Matriarch Gu poked her head out sneakily. She watched as Qiao Nian was carried into the room by Gu Zhou and couldn't help but smile. Carefully, she tiptoed to Gu Zhou's bedroom door.

The door to Gu Zhou's room was tightly shut. Matriarch Gu pressed her ear against the door.

"You…"

Before Qiao Nian could finish speaking, Gu Zhou placed a hand over her mouth.

"Shh!" Gu Zhou pressed Qiao Nian under him and gazed into her eyes. His eyes dimmed. With a low voice, he asked hoarsely, "Do you know how to scream?"

Qiao Nian looked at Gu Zhou in confusion and blinked.

Gu Zhou reached out pinched Qiao Nian's arm hard.

"Ah!"

Gu Zhou let go and Qiao Nian gave a shout of pain. He immediately placed a hand over her mouth.

"Oh…" Qiao Nian glared daggers at Gu Zhou.. She had never expected this man to be a sadomasochist. What a pervert!

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter

Chapter 18: Marriage Contract

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

The more Qiao Nian thought about it, the more she felt that he was a pervert. Humiliated tears welled up in her eyes and she glared daggers at Gu Zhou, unblinking.

Gu Zhou, meanwhile, was laser-focused on what was happening outside the room.

"Madam, maybe we should leave!"

Judging from the voice, it was Butler Zhao who had spoken.

"Stop that nonsense. Let me listen carefully. Has the deed been done?"

This voice belonged to Matriarch Gu.

Slowly, Qiao Nian began to stop struggling. So Gu Zhou was putting on an act. She looked at Gu Zhou carefully and saw that his eyes were clear and emotionless. She realized that she had been over-thinking.

After a while, Qiao Nian heard the sound of footsteps leaving. When Gu Zhou removed his hand from her mouth, she let out a sigh of relief.

Gu Zhou tugged at his tie and glanced at Qiao Nian coldly, asking, "Did you tell tales?"

The man's hoarse voice held a trace of sexiness. There was a hint of ridicule in his words, and it was hard to tell if he was questioning or mocking her.

Qiao Nian gave Gu Zhou an expressionless glance-over. She said casually, "I'm not so free. If you don't have any evidence, don't spout nonsense."

With that, Qiao Nian picked up her book and walked towards the door.

Hearing Qiao Nian's words, Gu Zhou's brow furrowed slightly. He said, "Sleep here tonight."

Qiao Nian stood dumbfounded for a moment. She recalled the servant saying that Gu Zhou didn't like other people entering his room. Could it be that Gu Zhou was planning to sleep somewhere else himself?

Qiao Nian thought she understood. She was about to get into bed when she saw Gu Zhou walking over.

"Second Young Master, if nothing else is the matter, you should rest early!" Qiao Nian said as she glanced toward the door. It was obvious that she was inviting him to leave.

Gu Zhou calmly loosened his tie and lowered his gaze. Qiao Nian couldn't see the look in his eyes, but she could sense his displeasure.

Glancing at the bed, Qiao Nian instantly understood. Gu Zhou must have wanted to sleep in his own bed. She said, "Why don't I get the servants to move your bed to another room?"

Before Gu Zhou could reply, Qiao Nian added, "I haven't touched your bed, so you don't have to worry!"

Gu Zhou was silent for a moment, his eyes darkening. The expression on his face was intriguing. After a bit, he said, "There's nothing to worry about."

In other words, he didn't mind if she touched his bed.

Qiao Nian was stunned for a brief moment before she came back to her senses. It was true that they appeared in this room at the same time. Gu Zhou must had seen that she didn't touch the bed. She spoke, "Oh, that's right, you were the one who brought me here. Alright, I'll get someone to move the bed out and bring a new bed in!"

As Qiao Nian spoke, she walked towards the door, preparing to call for the servants.

"Do you want Grandma to know that we're sleeping in separate rooms?" Sitting by the bed, Gu Zhou looked up at Qiao Nian calmly.

Qiao Nian's steps came to a halt. She turned back to look at Gu Zhou. Ignoring the impassiveness in his eyes, she continued speaking. "You don't like me, do you? My departure should suit you just fine."

After a pause, Qiao Nian glanced at Gu Zhou with a strange expression. Thinking about how Gu Zhou had pretended to consummate their marriage just now, she asked, "Why did you let Grandmother misunderstand what we were doing in the room?"

Gu Zhou narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression indecipherable. He stood up and stepped towards Qiao Nian, looking down at her with a commanding air. "Can you cure my illness?"

Qiao Nian looked up, her long hair falling naturally onto her shoulders. She looked at the man in front of her and said, "I'm only 70% certain."

As she spoke, Qiao Nian finally understood what Gu Zhou meant. Her eyes lit up, and she gave a sly smile. "Second Young Master, let's sign a contract!"

Gu Zhou raised his eyebrows slightly, looking at Qiao Nian in confusion.

Qiao Nian quickly walked to the side and took out the contract that she had prepared beforehand. She handed it to Gu Zhou and said, "We'll have a marriage by contract. For one year."

Gu Zhou looked at Qiao Nian, his expression unpleasant. In spite of himself, his hands clenched into fists. He stared at Qiao Nian coldly and did not speak for a long time.

"For this one year, we won't interfere with each other's private lives, and I'll treat your illness. After a year, we'll get a divorce and let each other go." Qiao Nian spoke slowly, a bright smile in her eyes.

Gu Zhou looked straight into Qiao Nian's eyes. The sparkle in those eyes irritated him.

Qiao Nian held the contract in one hand and a pen in the other. She handed both items to Gu Zhou. "Sign it!"

Upon hearing Qiao Nian's words, Gu Zhou took the contract from her, taking his time. With a calm expression, he ripped the contract in half, then tossed both pieces of paper away with an arrogant air.

The two halves of the contract fell to the ground gently, almost like snowflakes.

Qiao Nian looked at Gu Zhou in disbelief. She frowned slightly, puzzled. "What do you mean by this?"

Qiao Nian continued to stare at Gu Zhou enquiringly.. She didn't understand what kind of tantrum Gu Zhou was throwing. Why did he tear up the contract? Shouldn't he have signed the contract without hesitation?

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter

Chapter 19: Doesn't He Despise Her?

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Gu Zhou said coldly, "Woman, did you think that doing that would attract my attention? You're too naive!" Then, he turned around to leave.

Qiao Nian had never expected Gu Zhou to tear the contract in half.

However, this was not an obstacle. Out of habit, she had prepared two copies beforehand. She handed the other copy to Gu Zhou and said, "There's one more!"

Gu Zhou looked at her with contempt. His voice was cold as he said impassively, "From now on, don't mention this again. Treat your role as Second Young Madam with respect!"

Qiao Nian was even more confused.

Gu Zhou couldn't be bothered to say another word to Qiao Nian. He turned around and walked into the bathroom, leaving Qiao Nian alone.

Qiao Nian gazed at Gu Zhou's retreating back. The expression in her eyes grew more and more tense. She felt that there must be something wrong with Gu Zhou. He clearly didn't like her. Was he forcing her to stay in the Gu family solely because of her medical skills?

But that wasn't right either. Gu Zhou didn't seem to be willing to let her treat his illness.

Qiao Nian couldn't figure it out, and could no longer be bothered to think about it. Instead, she found herself in a dilemma over where she should sleep tonight.

When Gu Zhou came out of the bathroom, he saw Qiao Nian sitting on the sofa. He raised his eyebrows slightly. With smiling eyes, he said unhurriedly, "Aren't you going to go to bed?"

"I think Grandma should already be asleep by now. I'll sleep next door!" Qiao Nian replied with a smile, her gaze landing on Gu Zhou's face.

"Just sleep on my bed. I have an errand to run tonight, so I'll be heading out." With that, Gu Zhou turned around and stepped into the coatroom.

Qiao Nian was stunned. He didn't despise her?

Suppressing her astonishment, Qiao Nian spoke. "My sister asked me when the owner of the jade pendant would return. She'll also be staying the night."

Upon hearing Qiao Nian's words, Gu Zhou's expression froze for a moment. After a brief pause, he replied, "He's back, but something cropped up with a project he's handling. He'll come by once the matter is settled."

"Okay, got it." Qiao Nian saw Gu Zhou to the door. She was about to shut the door when she heard Gu Zhou speak.

"You seem to be very concerned about this matter." Gu Zhou stared hard at Qiao Nian, scrutinizing her expression. He was hoping to see something from her reaction.

Qiao Nian pursed her lips, giving a faint smile. Her expression remained calm as she replied, "I just want her to leave as soon as possible. I get irritated whenever I see her."

"Is that all?" Gu Zhou's eyes turned cold as he continued, "When she appeared with the jade pendant, your reaction was abnormal. I even thought the jade pendant was yours!"

As Gu Zhou finished speaking, he saw that Qiao Nian's hands were tightly clenched into fists. A faint smile appeared on his face as he looked calmly at Qiao Nian. Indeed, Qiao Nian must have had something to do with the jade pendant.

"I just don't like her. It's nothing more than that." Qiao Nian looked up at Gu Zhou and continued, "She forced me to marry into this family for her. I just wanted to humiliate her, that's all!"

Gu Zhou gave Qiao Nian a meaningful look and said nothing more.

Qiao Nian swiftly closed the door. Her heart, which had been in her throat, gradually settled back down. She still wasn't entirely clear on what had happened five years ago. She couldn't alert the enemy unnecessarily.

What surprised Qiao Nian was that Gu Zhou was willing to let her sleep on his bed.

However, Qiao Nian still decided to return to her guest room. She was a sensible person.

Qiao Nian waited in the room for a while, then walked to the guest room next door.

At this moment, her phone suddenly began to ring. Old A had sent her a text.

"Someone wants to investigate you. As per your instructions, I've already prepared a copy of your information!"

"Thank you." Qiao Nian sent a text in reply.

"However, that person asked a really specific question."

"What question?" Qiao Nian frowned.

"He asked if you've ever given birth, and if you did, where the baby had gone."

Looking at the message from Old A, Qiao Nian's hand began to tremble slightly. Her gaze lowered, a tinge of heartache appearing in her eyes.

Four years ago, she was forced to give birth, but the child had died the moment it was born.

Old A sent another text, perhaps because Qiao Nian had not replied for a long time. "That person offered a high price."

"How high?" Qiao Nian asked.

"A hundred million."

Reading Old A's reply, Qiao Nian narrowed her eyes. She couldn't help but feel tempted. "Who's the one investigating?"

"Gu Zhou!"

Qiao Nian pushed open the door to the guest room and walked in, then sat down dejectedly. She could still remember the pain and sorrow from the night she gave birth, with utmost clarity. The only thing she couldn't recall was the child she gave birth to.

"Okay, I'll send you the information later." After Qiao Nian replied, she threw her phone aside. She lowered her gaze slightly, her lips curving up.

Since Gu Zhou suspected her, she would give him the truth. That way, Gu Zhou would likely get a divorce with her very soon.

Qiao Nian wrote down the birth date of her child, and sent it to Old A.

After receiving a reply from Old A, Qiao Nian quietly deleted all the chat records. Then, she turned off her phone to get ready for bed.

The next morning, Qiao Nian was woken up by a knock on the door. She went to open the door with a sullen expression and her gaze landed on that woman's face.. Before she could say anything, the woman began to scream as if she were a pig being slaughtered.

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapterChapter 20: Favoritism

Translator:Atlas StudiosEditor:Atlas Studios

Qiao Nian gave Qiao Xin a displeased look. Silently, she brought up her hands to cover her ears, her expression filled with disdain. "Can you stop screaming? You sound like a pig!"

Qiao Xin covered her mouth in panic. Horrified, she looked at the snake on Qiao Nian's shoulder. She staggered two steps back, attempting to distance herself from Qiao Nian. Her voice trembled as she said, "Sister, why are you sleeping with the snake?"

"If not the snake, then who? Would you rather I slept with you?" Qiao Nian gave Qiao Xin a look of dislike. She had always had a bad temper upon waking up, and now she was getting more and more irritated. She said angrily, "Get lost, I want to continue sleeping!"

Seeing that Qiao Nian was about to shut the door, Qiao Xin hurriedly moved forward to stop the door from closing. She said anxiously, "Sister, Madam Gu and Brother-in-law are waiting for you downstairs!"

Qiao Nian rolled her eyes at Qiao Xin and went into the room to wash up. When she came out again, she was already wearing a white t-shirt and denim skirt.

When Qiao Nian appeared in the dining room, she saw Matriarch Gu talking to Gu Zhou.

"You usually know how to take care of people, don't you? Your wife is younger than you. Why don't you take care of her? You've been using so much strength. Those who don't know might think that you're abusive!"

Gu Zhou was looking at his phone impassively. Evidently, he didn't take Matriarch Gu's words to heart at all.

Qiao Xin listened to Matriarch Gu speaking, and her face turned pale. She looked toward Qiao Nian with jealousy.

Qiao Nian lowered her gaze silently. So Matriarch Gu had fallen for their act. She had even been pinched by Gu Zhou yesterday night.

"Oh, my darling girl, you're up. Come and sit down!" Matriarch Gu gazed dotingly at Qiao Nian and waved her over. She said happily, "If you're not feeling well, sleep more. You don't have to be up so early!"

Qiao Nian obediently greeted, "Grandma." She took a seat next to Matriarch Gu.

As for Qiao Xin, she looked at Matriarch Gu in disbelief. It should be known that she had gotten up at six o'clock. When Matriarch Gu saw her in the morning, she said with disdain that she had woken up late.

It was already half past nine and Qiao Nian had just gotten up. Not only did Matriarch Gu not blame her sister for waking up late, she even told her sister to rest more.

Qiao Xin frowned as she looked at Qiao Nian, her expression brimming with jealousy. Vaguely, she sensed a dangerous gaze on her. She looked up and saw Gu Zhou looking at her.

Qiao Xin's heart flew into in her mouth. She quickly looked down to hide her anger.

Gu Zhou's weighty gaze lingered on Qiao Xin. Looking up, he saw that Lin Nan had arrived. He gave Lin Nan a look, then followed Lin Nan to the study on the second floor.

In the study.

Lin Nan handed the information he had found to Gu Zhou and said with a serious expression, "This is the information I've gathered on Second Young Madam and her younger sister, from the past five years. It's all written here clearly. Take a look!"

The documents stated that Qiao Nian had been sent to live in the countryside when she was one year old. She was only brought back to the city when she was nineteen, and became a top student in S University's medical field. Four years ago, she gave birth to a baby and was sent to a mental hospital soon after. She was now Second Young Master Gu's wife.

Qiao Xin was the beloved and pampered daughter of the Qiao family. She had never liked her sister and her biggest wish was to marry into a rich family. She was a student from a third-tier university.

Gu Zhou lowered his gaze and said impassively, "She really did have a child."

"Yes." Lin Nan nodded. He could feel the coldness radiating from Second Young Master Gu. Sensing that misfortune was about to befall Qiao Nian, Lin Nan silently lit a row of prayer candles for Qiao Nian in his heart.

"The Qiao family must be really bold!" Gu Zhou frowned slightly. He wasn't angry at Qiao Nian, but he felt that Qiao Nian's parents were truly eccentric.

If Qiao Nian had the ability to resist, Gu Zhou guessed that she would not have been forcibly sent to the mental hospital by the Qiao family.

It seemed that Qiao Nian being sent to the mental hospital had a lot to do with her having a child.

Qiao Nian, having a child?

Four years ago, giving birth?

A trace of surprise flashed in Gu Zhou's eyes. At this moment, there came a knock on the study door.

Before Gu Zhou could say anything, the door opened and he saw Qiao Nian standing at the door with a cup of tea.

The sunlight from the corridor scattered over her, painting her in a layer of gold. She looked like an otherworldly fairy.

Qiao Nian gave a small smile. "Did I come at the wrong time?"

"No." Casually, Gu Zhou placed a file of papers on the pile of documents he had been reading. He looked at Qiao Nian intently and said, "Let the servants do this kind of work in the future."

Smiling, Qiao Nian brought the tea in and placed it on the desk. She pursed her lips slightly and said, "Grandma asked me to send it over."

Gu Zhou looked at Qiao Nian's small face, barely bigger than his palm. For a brief moment, a trace of heartache appeared in his eyes.

He finally understood why Qiao Nian was no longer afraid of snakes. He guessed that living under the Qiao family, she had no choice but to evolve from a docile little rabbit to a poisonous beast.

Qiao Nian put down the tea and turned to leave, not forgetting to close the door.

In a low voice, Lin Nan spoke. "Second Young Master, should we send Second Young Madam back to the Qiao family?"

"There's no need.." Gu Zhou frowned and took out the documents again. "Help me find someone!"

Prev ChapterNext ChapterReport chapter