Lifting a rock only to drop it on one’s own foot
If she was asleep, there’d be no reaction; if she wasn’t…
Qin Mingzhu blushed and pushed his shoulder. “You really are a pervert.”
The two sat side by side on the sofa, having lunch together.
Although Qin Mingzhu hadn’t heard the full recording, she knew that for Qi Sheng to decisively make Lin Zhi apologize, Lin Zhi must have said something she shouldn’t have on the phone.
Lin Zhi probably never expected that Gu Jingchen would not only record the call but also use it to threaten her.
A chill crept over Qin Mingzhu for no reason. She probed, “Gu Jingchen, aren’t you afraid Lin Zhi will completely cut ties with you because of this?”
The atmosphere suddenly fell silent, leaving only the crisp clinking of tableware.
The porcelain spoon lightly tapped against the bowl with a soft “ding,” making Qin Mingzhu’s heart jump along with it.
Gu Jingchen elegantly wiped his mouth with a napkin. Even sitting on a sofa, his manners were no different from when he was in a Western restaurant.
Finally, he slowly lifted his eyelids. “Your phone has been vibrating for a long time. Didn’t you hear it?”
Sure enough, the phone wedged in the gap of the sofa was glowing.
Qin Mingzhu reached for it, but disappointment flickered in her heart. Was Gu Jingchen planning to avoid the topic?
What exactly was his attitude toward Lin Zhi?
Distracted, she picked up the phone. The moment she saw the caller ID, she instantly snapped to attention.
Grandma Gu!?
Why was she calling her?
Qin Mingzhu quickly turned the phone toward Gu Jingchen, her fox-like eyes widening as she silently mouthed, What should I do?
On the screen, the words “Incoming Call – Grandma” kept flashing.
Gu Jingchen tossed aside the napkin and raised an eyebrow. “Do you need me to teach you how to answer a call?”
Qin Mingzhu: “…”
She could tell this man was doing it on purpose!
She even went out of her way to bring him food, and this was how he treated her? Heartless ingrate!
“That’s three missed calls already.” Gu Jingchen tapped the screen with his slender fingers. “From my experience, her patience should run out within this call.”
As his cool voice faded, the phone hung up automatically.
Qin Mingzhu let out a short cry, clutching the phone as she hurried to call back.
Gu Jingchen curled his lips slightly, stood up, pressed Qin Mingzhu’s shoulder, and walked away.
As expected, Qin Mingzhu got scolded.
“You’ve really made a name for yourself. You’ve only been married into the Gu family for a few days, and you’re already causing a stir online. How come I never realized you were this capable before?
If you can’t find a decent job, then stay at home properly. I’ll have Xiao Wu transfer you some money later don’t go out and embarrass me!”
Qin Mingzhu instinctively wanted to argue since when was being an internet influencer not a respectable job?
She hadn’t stolen or robbed anyone, and she edited her videos frame by frame herself.
She earned her money through hard work, alright?
But when she heard the latter part, she swallowed her words.
Wasn’t the old lady basically telling her to stay home while the Gu family supported her?
And money was even being transferred to her!
Experience had taught her that when you’re on the receiving end, it’s better not to be too stubborn.
Qin Mingzhu obediently endured the scolding, planning to go shopping in the afternoon after the old lady had vented her anger.
However, the old lady changed the subject and sternly instructed, “The tea party is in three days. Among the Gu family’s women, only Xiaoman is free. You two should look after each other then.”
Three days later?
Qin Mingzhu quickly checked the calendar it really was!
Hearing no response, Grandma Gu grew suspicious. “Don’t tell me you forgot?”
“Hehe…” Qin Mingzhu gave a dry laugh. “Of course not.”
Grandma Gu clearly didn’t trust her at all.
“Fine. I’ll have someone send clothes over for you just pick a few. Make sure to bring at least one extra outfit for emergencies. Got it?”
The old lady painstakingly arranged everything, and Qin Mingzhu felt like something was wrong with her
She was actually a little touched.
But that bit of emotion was wiped away by the old lady’s final warning.
“Honestly, you’re hopeless! You don’t understand anything I don’t know what you’ve been doing all these years. Qin Mingzhu, if you dare disgrace the Gu family, don’t blame me for being harsh!”
And “harsh” really meant harsh.
Qin Mingzhu clutched her pounding heart and helplessly accepted her fate.
This tea party seemed unusually grand there was no way she could avoid it.
Three days later.
A black Cayenne pulled up outside an elegant courtyard.
The driver bent down to open the car door, holding an umbrella that perfectly concealed the face of the person inside.
First, a pair of fair, slender legs extended out, followed by a soft, delicate waist. The figure stepped out of the car, dressed in a simple, elegant qipao like a beauty from a painting.
The driver didn’t dare look too much, respectfully holding the umbrella over Qin Mingzhu.
Under the midday sun, Qin Mingzhu narrowed her eyes slightly, taking in the spacious courtyard.
The main gate alone was wide enough for several people to walk through side by side. A gray stone wall stretched endlessly around it, making it impossible to tell just how large the estate was.
Clusters of bamboo leaves peeked over the wall, appearing even greener under the sunlight.
She tilted her head back, her neck forming a graceful curve.
On the plaque above the main gate were three traditional Chinese characters: “Jinxiu Pavilion.”
“Why are you so slow? Are you doing this on purpose to make me wait?”
A girl’s annoyed yet haughty voice came from inside the courtyard. Only then did Qin Mingzhu realize that Gu Man had already arrived.
She was only thirteen this year. Her features were gradually maturing, and there was a slight resemblance to Gu Jingchen in her brows and eyes.
The resistance in Qin Mingzhu’s heart inexplicably faded a little.
She walked over leisurely and used her finger to wipe away the overly bright lipstick on Gu Man’s lips. “Little sister, next time don’t apply lipstick so heavily.”
“Don’t touch me! That’s disgusting! Who knows what your hands touched on the way here?” Gu Man angrily stepped back. “And also, even though Grandma told me to stay with you so you don’t make a fool of yourself, I’m not sticking with you later. I’m going to find Sister Xiao Zhi!”
Although the Lin family’s influence had declined, they still had some standing in their circle, so Lin Zhi would naturally attend.
Qin Mingzhu didn’t really want to hang around a kid either, but seeing how much Gu Man rejected her, she suddenly felt like teasing her.
“But little sister, it’s my first time attending a tea party. I only know you. I’m so scared…”
She hugged her arms pitifully, shrinking her shoulders as she looked around nervously.
To be fair, Jinxiu Pavilion’s scenery was truly beautiful surrounded by mountains, and if you listened closely, you could even hear the gentle trickling of a stream.
Leaning against a rockery, Qin Mingzhu pretended to wipe away tears. “If you don’t stay with me, I’ll definitely get bullied. Please, stay with me.”
If she hadn’t quickly covered half her face at the end, her wide grin would’ve been exposed to Gu Man.
Disgusted, huh? Angry, right?
Come on, storm off already!
Qin Mingzhu secretly peeked out, but what she saw instead was Gu Man staring at her with her mouth wide open in shock.
“Y-you’ve never been here before?” Gu Man stammered nervously. “Doesn’t Madam Qin bring you?”
Things seemed to be going a bit out of control.
Qin Mingzhu replied blankly, “Uh, she usually brings Qin Xuanjiao.”
“How biased!” Gu Man frowned, then spoke in a tone as if granting a favor, “Fine. Since you’re so pitiful, I’ll reluctantly keep you company.”