16: 16.
Grand Scheme!
Sister-in-law’s Conscience Feels Guilty 16: 16.
Grand Scheme!
Sister-in-law’s Conscience Feels Guilty At the dining table, Leng Ling’er ate without the slightest appetite.
The source of her misery sat right across from her.
Gu Yan had pulled his chair up directly next to Leng Qingqiu and was currently feeding her spoonful by spoonful, his mouth constantly whispering sweet nothings.
“Qingqiu, is it delicious?” Hearing his doting question, Leng Qingqiu replied with seriousness, “It’s just so-so.” In reality, it was incredibly delicious, but her pride fiercely forbade her from admitting it out loud.
Gu Yan merely nodded with a tender smile.
“Alright.
Then I’ll refine the recipe and make it for you again next time.” Seeing him take her at face value, Leng Qingqiu grew subtly displeased.
Knowing that he was fully aware of her preference, she doubled down to save face.
“You should know that ‘so-so’ can also mean it’s not good at all.” “But I can clearly see that you love it.” “Huh.
What absurd delusion makes you think I like it very much?” Gu Yan thought about it for a brief moment, then let out a delighted chuckle.
“Perhaps it’s because you instinctively lick your lips every single time you swallow a bite?” “?” Leng Qingqiu froze solid.
What?
Was she actually doing that?!
Damn it!
A delicate crimson flush rushed up to her ears.
Reaching beneath the table, she delivered a sharp punch to Gu Yan’s thigh.
“You’re awful!” Gu Yan didn’t flinch.
Instead, he smoothly reached down and caught the very hand that had punched his leg, wrapping it within his warm palm.
“Haha.
Qingqiu, I love you so much.” “You!
Cease spouting such mushy nonsense while we are eating!” Witnessing this display of domestic affection, Leng Ling’er gritted her teeth so hard she nearly bit through her ceramic spoon.
Damn it, damn it…
that scoundrel Gu!
He’s actually doing all this mushy stuff with my older sister right in front of my face!
Infuriating bastard!
Leng Ling’er simply couldn’t accept the heartbreaking scene unfolding before her eyes.
However, after their conversation last night, she finally understood the grim reality behind why her sister was pretending to be so close with him.
It was all a master plan for the survival of the Leng family.
Her brilliant older sister was deliberately enduring this immense humiliation, playing the part of an affectionate fiancée just waiting for the perfect opportunity to seize the Gu family’s entire corporate empire.
It was the only way to launch the Leng family back to its historical peak!
My big sister is simply too pitiful!
To force herself to make such a horrific sacrifice for our family!
Leng Ling’er felt like an monster.
She knew exactly how much her sister must internally despise Gu Yan’s touch.
She knew she was forcing herself to compromise and tolerate his presence for their future.
Yet, she was completely powerless to intervene, forced to sit by and watch her sister be subjected to his constant affection.
Just thinking about it made her heart bleed for her sister.
If I could take her place and bear all of this instead, I would do it in a heartbeat!
“I’m full!
I’m going to school!” Unable to endure the agonizing display for another second, Leng Ling’er violently pushed her chair back, choking down her immense grief as she stormed away from the table.
Hearing her declaration, Gu Yan turned his head, watching her hurry toward the door with her empty bowl and chopsticks.
“Hold on, Ling’er.
Wait a few minutes and I’ll drive you to school.” “!?” Both Leng Ling’er and Leng Qingqiu froze in unison.
Leng Ling’er’s defenses went up immediately.
She whipped around, delivery a haughty, icy snort.
“I don’t need you to drive me anywhere!
This young lady will be riding her Dominator to the academy.” The Dominator?
“You mean that gaudy little electric scooter?” Gu Yan asked, recalling the wildly modified bike he had noticed parked near the estate gates.
“What do you mean ‘little scooter’?!
It is named the Dominator!” Ling’er declared proudly, puffing out her chest.
“Let me enlighten you—the Dominator can easily clock speeds up to 140 km/h!” “Oh.
Well, unauthorized modification of electric vehicles is strictly illegal, carrying steep fines and immediate confiscation of the vehicle,” Gu Yan noted calmly.
“Furthermore, if my memory serves me correctly, the traffic police are executing a strict enforcement checkpoint at the main intersection on your school route today.
If you ride that bike out there, you’ll run straight into their dragnet.” He offered a relaxed shrug.
“If you don’t want your precious Dominator to be towed away and permanently dismantled for scrap metal, I highly suggest you obediently ride in my car today.” Leng Qingqiu’s face darkened as she heard this.
She turned her blind gaze toward her younger sister, her voice turning flat and dangerous.
“Ling’er.
Didn’t I arrange a private chauffeur to handle your daily commute?” “Why am I suddenly hearing that you have been riding an illegal, modified electric vehicle to travel to school?” The moment that chilly, authoritative tone hit her ears, Leng Ling’er instantly panicked.
Oh no, oh no!
My big mouth accidentally let the secret slip!
Stranded without an escape route, she lowered her head, her voice dropping into an aggrieved, quiet murmur.
“Sister…
I just wanted to cut down on our residential overhead and save some cash for the family…
so I dismissed the chauffeur a few weeks ago.” Gu Yan, leaning closer to Leng Qingqiu, whispered a quiet amendment into her ear.
“The money saved from the chauffeur’s salary was used to fund the custom parts for the Dominator.” Leng Ling’er’s eyes flared with pure rage as she glared at him.
“You snitch!!!” Before she could throw a full tantrum, Leng Qingqiu struck the table lightly, her voice freezing the room.
“Do you have even know how lethal modified vehicles are?
I am placing an permanent ban on you riding that bike ever again.” She then turned her head slightly toward Gu Yan, her tone softening but remaining firm.
“From this moment forward, you will allow your brother-in-law to drive you to and from the school daily.” Leng Qingqiu was truly being driven to the brink of insanity by her younger sister’s antics.
This child…
how could she be this disobedient?
She had gone out of her way to hire a driver and transit for her, only for Ling’er to secretly fire the driver and build a death-trap scooter.
How could she be so reckless with her own safety?
It was clear she had been far too lenient with her discipline in recent years, allowing Ling’er to grow too unruly.
What if she fell in with a dangerous crowd outside?
What if she started acting out—dyeing her hair wild colors, piercing her ears, and wearing bizarre clothes?
What if she completely ruined her future?
The mere thought of Ling’er going down a dark path caused a wave of panic to grip her chest.
Unconsciously, her fingers reached out under the table, tightly gripping Gu Yan’s hand.
Right…
I can have Gu Yan keep an eye on her.
Before she could verbally articulate the request, Gu Yan gently patted the back of her hand.
Glancing over at Leng Ling’er—who already possessed brightly dyed yellow hair, multiple ear piercings, and distinctly rebellious street clothes—he offered his fiancée a reassuring smile.
“Don’t worry, Qingqiu.
I will personally handle her discipline and keep a strict eye on her movement.” Sensing that he had perfectly read her underlying anxiety, a wave of relief washed over Leng Qingqiu’s heart.
She turned back to her sister with a stern, unyielding expression.
“This matter is settled, you’re not allowed to refuse.” Seeing that her older sister was genuinely furious, Leng Ling’er abandoned all resistance.
She slumped her shoulders, looking like a defeated puppy as she mumbled, “Oh.
Fine.” Gu Yan found the entire thing very interesting.
Indeed: to successfully manage a rebellious teenager, you truly required an authority figure who could spike their blood pressure at a moment’s notice.
— Outside the grand estate, the morning sun was just beginning to burn through the fog.
Leng Ling’er swung her yellow hair, her designer backpack slung loosely over one shoulder as she trudged unhappily behind Gu Yan.
A pristine, stealth-black Rolls-Royce was idling quietly by the curb.
Old Gao stood by the rear passenger door, holding it open with practiced elegance.
He offered a respectful bow as they approached.
“Young Master.
Young Miss.” “Morning, Old Gao,” Gu Yan nodded easily.
Turning around, he gently tapped the crown of Ling’er’s head as she kept her gaze locked onto the pavement.
“Alright, clear that gloomy look off your face.
Your brother-in-law is doing this entirely for your own safety.
Modified bikes are a hazard.” “Do you honestly wish to see your older sister drown in tears every single day because you got yourself into a unexpected accident?” Hearing his reasoning, Ling’er bit her lip.
Deep down, she knew hiding the scooter from her sister was wrong.
But her pride barred her from admitting her mistakes in front of Gu Yan.
She let out a sharp snort.
“Mind your own business, scoundrel!” Thrusting her heavy backpack forcefully into his stomach, she tried to put on a fierce expression.
“Carry this for me, scoundrel Gu!” Gu Yan merely let out a helpless, amused laugh, effortlessly catching the straps.
Her dramatic display carried zero intimidating power.
“Right, right.
Whatever our precious Ling’er commands.” “Pah!
Who on earth is your Ling’er?!” Her cheeks flared with sudden, embarrassed heat, and she hurriedly scrambled into the plush leather interior of the luxury car to hide her face.
This annoying man…
he always says the most embarrassing things so effortlessly!
Settling into the adjacent seat, Gu Yan looked up at the driver’s partition.
“Old Gao, To Jianghai High School.” “Right away, Young Master.” The powerful engine purred to life, and the fortress-like sedan glided smoothly into the morning traffic.
Gu Yan leaned his head back against the fine leather upholstery, closing his eyes as his mind rapidly began to dissect the upcoming narrative checkpoints.
First, he needed to cement a critical baseline.
According to the author’s original web-novel script, he, Leng Qingqiu, and Leng Ling’er were all belonged to the antagonist camp.
Perhaps due to the system’s recent neural downloads, every minor sub-plot and timeline marker from the original text was rendered in his mind with crystal clarity.
And right on cue, according to the progressing plot, they were rapidly approaching a specific high-school arc that involved Leng Ling’er and the Male Lead’s outer circle.
In the author’s original blueprint, this specific segment was initially written as a minor, comedic filler plot meant to introduce the character of Shen Wan’er’s arrogant younger brother, Shen Tian.
But in reality, the author had utilized that exact high-school conflict to organically introduce the younger sister of the ultimate, hidden mastermind of the entire novel!
And because of the ripples triggered during that specific high-school arc, Leng Ling’er had eventually been steered directly toward her tragic, bloody canonical epilogue.
I will dismantle that plot before it even has a chance to breathe, Gu Yan resolved, a cold determination anchoring his thoughts.
— On the other side of the spacious passenger cabin, Leng Ling’er sat with her right elbow resting against the door frame, her chin propped in her palm as she stared intently out the tinted glass window.
But in reality, her peripheral vision was locked entirely onto Gu Yan’s profile.
Hmph.
Look at this scoundrel, actually falling asleep at the crack of dawn, she thought, her eyes tracking his relaxed expression.
Then again…
seeing him arrive at our gate before 7:00 AM with bags of fresh market groceries means he must have dragged himself out of bed at an ungodly hour.
Looking around at the bespoke, million-dollar interior of the Rolls-Royce, a sudden wave of reality check hit her.
She had almost forgotten that this man cooking breakfast for them was the young master to one of the most powerful billionaire empires in the province.
She truly couldn’t comprehend his psychological motivation.
Why would a young master of his status willingly lower himself to perform manual domestic labor and run errands for a ruined family?
Could it be…
that…
he genuinely, unconditionally loves my older sister?
Ling’er pursed her lips, her eyes flickering with deep, uncertainty.
If Gu Yan truly harbored an genuine, pure devotion for her sister, then according to her sister’s grand scheme, their ultimate goal was to execute a hostile corporate takeover and drain the Gu family’s empire dry.
When that fateful day arrived, how would Gu Yan react and survive the fallout?
How broken would he be when he finally learned the calculating, transactional truth behind their compliance?
She couldn’t even begin to fathom the depth of the devastation he would experience.
No, no, no!
Ling’er shook her head frantically, trying to purge the rising empathy.
A-Anyway, it’s entirely his own fault for forcing his affection on my sister!
Yes, exactly!
He brought this fate upon himself, so he deserves to lose his family fortune down the line!
She desperately tried to hypnotize her conscience into alignment with the plan.
However, the very next second, Gu Yan’s voice broke her train of thought.
“By the way, Ling’er, aren’t you passionate about high-performance sport motorcycles?” “If you successfully passed the entrance exams and get accepted into a tier-one university this term, how about your future brother-in-law gifts you a premium bike as a graduation reward?” “My only condition is for you to get an university admission.
From that point onward, I will personally take care of every single variable—from fast-tracking your licensing qualifications to purchasing the model you want.
Consider it an all-inclusive, premium service from your brother-in-law.” Gu Yan opened his eyes, offering a warm smile.
He knew he urgently needed to upgrade his little sister-in-law’s personal evaluation of his character.
If he failed to build an ironclad bridge of trust with her now, she would continue to hide her external social activities from him, rendering him incapable of protecting her when the Male Lead’s side eventually targets her.
That would be a catastrophic failure.
Hearing his casual, generous offer, Leng Ling’er sat paralyzed, her jaw slightly dropping.
How on earth did he find out about my hidden obsession with sport motorcycles?
“What’s the matter?
Are you missing the enthusiasm for this reward?” Gu Yan teased, noting her dazed, wide-eyed stare.
“Or do you believe you are incapable of passing the university entrance exams?” Ling’er snapped back to reality, her head whipping away toward the window to conceal her panic.
“Who!
Who says I can’t pass?!” “I am simply skeptical!
I’m just worried that when the time comes, a wealthy young master like you will fail to maintain your promise!” Gu Yan casually waved his hand dismissively.
“Do I look like the kind of individual who can’t spend a few pennies for a minor gift?
Even if you are not content with the options available on the mass market and demand a custom-designed, bespoke track bike, I can have the unit fabricated and delivered straight to your garage within twenty-four hours.” As those golden words resonated through the cabin, Leng Ling’er’s internal moral conscious collapsed into chaotic ruins.
Waaah!
Oh my god!
Nooo!
Sister!!!
Can’t we find any other corporate target to destroy to revive our family?!
Do we really have to rob the Gu family?!
This plan!
Your grand scheme is making my conscience feel so guilty I can barely breathe!
Ling’er buried her face in her hands, on the verge of shedding tears of panic.
— Time slowly slipped by.
Shortly after, the luxury car arrived at the gates of Jianghai High School.
The unexpected appearance of a sleek, midnight-black Rolls-Royce instantly attracted countless eyes.
In a bustling but otherwise ordinary high school campus, a multi-million-dollar vehicle was an anomaly.
“Wow!
Look over there!
Which rich kid just transferred to our academy?” “Oh my god, does our old, shabby school actually harbor someone that wealthy?” “What’s the situation?
Is it a famous transfer student, or some billionaire’s heir?” Numerous students ground to a halt along the pavement to watch, whispering excitedly among themselves as a crowd formed.
Then—Click.
The heavy passenger door swung open, and Gu Yan stepped out into the morning sun.
His elegant, gentle demeanor and strikingly handsome features instantly sent a wave of shock and frantic excitement through the gathering crowd.
“Whoa!
He’s incredibly handsome!
It’s actually a real-life rich and handsome guy!” “Wow!
Since when do we have a male celebrity walking around our campus?” “What’s going on?
Are they filming a blockbuster movie right outside the gates?” “I have no idea, but look—that handsome guy is holding a schoolbag!
Could he actually be a student from our school?!” Under everyone’s stunned, wide-eyed gazes, Gu Yan calmly walked around to the rear side door.
Bowing his head slightly, he opened the door and exchanged a quiet word to the occupant inside.
After a brief pause, Leng Ling’er stepped out of the plush interior, putting on a classic, haughty tsundere expression as she snatched her backpack from his hands.
Glaring up at him with mock ferocity, she hissed under her breath, “Can you please refrain from being so showy next time?!” Without waiting for his response, she spun around and quickly marched toward the school gates, her heart hammering against her ribs.
Gu Yan helplessly watched her retreating back, a fond, amused smile playing on his lips as he shrugged.
Clearly thrilled to bits, yet she still forces herself to act so tough.
Truly a child.
Turning back to the gathered crowd of students, he offered a relaxed, charming wave.
Amidst a wave of cheers and giggles from the onlookers, he smoothly slid back into the vehicle.
The very millisecond the heavy car door sealed shut, the playful smile melted from his face.
His expression shifted instantly, replaced by a sharp, calculating coldness.
It was time to take the initiative, step into the shadows, and nip the future tragedy in the bud.
With his gaze fixed forward, he spoke to the front partition.
“Old Gao, alter our coordinates.
Let’s head straight to Starlight KTV.” “Right away, Young Master,” Old Gao replied, his voice steady as the powerful engine purred, smoothly guiding the Rolls-Royce away from the school gates.
— Meanwhile, inside the campus courtyard.
The moment she was entirely clear of Gu Yan’s field of vision, Leng Ling’er’s fierce scowl vanished, morphing into a look of pure, unadulterated elation.
Hehe~ Hehe~~ Hahaha!!
Did you see that?!
Every single person at the gate was staring directly at me!
That felt so incredibly awesome!!
Hehe!!
Haha!!
Leng Ling’er felt as though she had never experienced such a massive thrill in her entire life!
Even though people would occasionally turn their heads to look at her whenever she rode her custom modified electric scooter—the Dominator—those glances were always filled with confusion or annoyance.
There was never an ounce of genuine envy!
But just now?
At the school gate?
There were hundreds of people!
And every single one of them wore an expression of unbridled jealousy!
Haha!
Brilliant!
Right as she was basking in the glory, a group of fashionably dressed high school girls carrying matching schoolbags came sprinting up to her.
They immediately surrounded her, all of them chirping at once: “Sister Ling’er!
Sister Ling’er!
Was that stunning guy your secret boyfriend?
Since when did you start dating someone of that caliber?!” “Yeah, seriously!
He is so incredibly handsome, and he seems like an perfect gentleman!
He out classes every single boy in our class!” One girl clutched her face, exclaiming with dramatic intensity, “He is like a literal prince of dreams!
Coming to pick you up in a luxury car…
it’s like you’re a real-life princess!” Hearing their relentless praise, Leng Ling’er felt a surge of satisfaction, but she also felt a wave of intense embarrassment.
After all, despite his doting behavior, Gu Yan wasn’t her boyfriend in the slightest.
Forcing out a light, polite cough, she adjusted her backpack straps and feigned cool composure.
“Calm down, everyone.
He’s not my boyfriend.
He simply insisted on dropping me off at the school this morning.” As that clarification left her lips, the girls’ eyes filled with even more intense eagerness and envy.
“Wait…
Sister Ling’er, are you saying that wealthy handsome guy is currently single and unattached?” “Then…
then does that mean the rest of us actually have a shot?!” “Sister Ling’er, do you personally just not like his type?” “What about me?
Do you think I’d be a suitable match for him?” “?” Leng Ling’er slowly drew a massive, invisible question mark in her mind.
Granted, Gu Yan wasn’t her boyfriend…
but since when did his romantic future become a free-for-all for the girls in her social circle?
Moreover, watching her classmates instantly start scheming of ways to insert themselves into Gu Yan’s orbit made her feel uncomfortable and strangely protective.
Releasing a sharp, icy snort, she crossed her arms and shut down the conversation completely.
“Don’t even waste your energy thinking about it.
He is my brother-in-law!
He is already legally and completely bound to my older sister!” Hearing the definitive shutdown, the surrounding girls instantly deflated, their eyes clouding with profound disappointment.
“What…
so he’s just your brother-in-law.
What a tragic waste.” “Exactly.
And let me enlighten you all right now—my brother-in-law and my big sister are deeply in love with each other!” Ling’er warned fiercely, leveling a stern look at them.
“So don’t even dream of pinning for him!” These girls were useless when it came to advanced mathematics or daily lectures, but the moment a high-value man appeared on the horizon, their strategic brains got all excited!
Still, as she walked toward the main building, she couldn’t help but feel a bit surprised.
She hadn’t expected that scoundrel Gu to possess such an overwhelming amount of natural charm in public.
It looks like I am going to have to keep a super close eye on his behavior moving forward, she resolved inwardly.
I need to make sure he doesn’t mess around or get distracted by loose flirts outside the house!
My sister is counting on me!
Leng Ling’er suddenly felt a profound, heavy weight of marital surveillance resting squarely on her shoulders!
“Oh right, Sister Ling’er!
I heard that Xiaowei’s new boyfriend is actually the owner of a major commercial KTV lounge,” one of the girls suggested excitedly, shifting the topic.
“Shall we all head over there to sing and hang out after the final bell today?” “Yeah!
Xiaowei explicitly stated that since we are her inner circle, we can use the private rooms entirely for free!” “She even took a day off from school today just to head over early, be with her boyfriend, and set up the VIP room for us!” “Count me in!
Sister Ling’er, are you coming with us?” “Let’s go, let’s go sing!
I heard they’re even providing complimentary fruit platters for the table!” The surrounding classmates agreed enthusiastically, their eyes shining.
As the undisputed big sister of their high school clique, Leng Ling’er naturally couldn’t just shoot down a unanimous group plan and look like a total killjoy.
But…
a sudden, worrying variable occurred to her.
Just before she had stepped out of the Rolls-Royce, Gu Yan had firmly instructed her that he would be returning to pick her up the minute her afternoon classes concluded.
What should she do about her brother-in-law’s pickup schedule?
Ahh, whatever!
Forget it!
Ling’er shook her head to clear the stress.
We’ll cross that bridge when we actually run into it!
Plastering a bright, confident smile back on her face, she gave a decisive nod.
“Alright, let’s do it.
Let’s go sing!”