Zhu Qiulan, who had been calm just moments ago, suddenly panicked. When Shu Ning and Bai Zhiping had been arguing earlier, she thought Shu Ning wouldn’t take it to heart.
But she hadn’t forgotten.
Flustered, she stammered, “Shu Ning, I’m sorry. Zhiping really didn’t say he asked you out, but I saw him go over there, so I made the decision myself to say that he did. I just wanted you to be happy.”
“I just wanted you two to have more time alone together! Yes, that’s all.”
Shu Ning’s gaze turned cold. The corners of her lips curved slightly into a faint smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Zhu Qiulan, thank you.”
“With a friend like you, I’m indeed very happy.”
“…” A sense of foreboding rose in Zhu Qiulan’s heart.
She had never seen Shu Ning like this—smiling on the surface, yet her expression felt as cold as hell itself.
Impossible. Someone like her, whose mind revolved entirely around Bai Zhiping, couldn’t possibly think that deeply.
Even if she suspected the incident of falling into the river was related to her, she wouldn’t have any evidence.
Later, she would just coax her, say more good things about Bai Zhiping, distract her attention, and this matter would pass.
“But Qiulan, let me tell you—I didn’t jump into the river myself, nor did I accidentally fall in. I was pushed.” Shu Ning looked at Zhu Qiulan, her gaze blazing like a beam that could pierce straight into one’s heart.
Zhu Qiulan’s heart skipped a beat, her face turning pale. “What? That happened? Could it have been someone who accidentally bumped into you while passing by?”
“Who knows?” Shu Ning replied casually.
She took out a small packet of biscuits from her box, crushed them in her palm, and held them out in front of Xiao Huang. Smelling the fragrant scent, Xiao Huang wagged its tail and licked her palm.
“Did you see who it was?” Zhu Qiulan asked uneasily.
“I did. I’ll go settle things with him later.” Shu Ning rubbed Xiao Huang’s head. “You’re such a good one. No wonder you were raised by Gu Zhao. Unlike certain things—no matter how much you feed them, they’ll never be tamed. Always heartless, always vicious.”
“…” Zhu Qiulan barely heard the insult.
Her heart had already leapt into her throat.
Had Shu Ning really seen who pushed her?
Would Chen Daming betray her?
Zhu Qiulan grew increasingly uneasy.
But seeing Shu Ning’s indifferent attitude, she felt that Shu Ning was just bluffing.
Don’t panic. Don’t panic.
Shu Ning must have seen it wrong!
When no one was paying attention, she would go find Chen Daming.
They’d insist she hadn’t pushed Shu Ning.
They’d just say he twisted his ankle and accidentally bumped into her.
“Did you hear? Grandma Gu snatched Gu Zhao’s chicken, and Gu Zhao is heading to the old Gu house. Hurry and take a look—things are about to get lively again!”
Someone in the educated youth courtyard shouted, instantly stirring excitement.
Life for the educated youth was dull and monotonous. Arguments, fights, and mediations among villagers were rare entertainment.
Everyone rushed out in a swarm.
Shu Ning’s heart skipped a beat when she heard this. She stood up immediately. “Xiao Huang, let’s go!”
One person and one dog dashed forward.
“Shu Ning, wait for me!” Zhu Qiulan chased after her.
“Grandma! This chicken Gu Zhao raised is really fat.”
The old Gu family house was a courtyard. The main room housed the two elders, while the east and west side rooms belonged to the second and third sons.
Gu Qiang and Gu Fu were the sons of the second son, Gu Dajiang. The eldest son had passed away, and Gu Zhao had been driven out of the family by her; the third son only had daughters.
So the old lady doted heavily on the two grandsons she raised by her side.
Anything good went to them.
In the kitchen, Gu Qiang and Gu Fu sat by the stove, smelling the rich aroma of chicken and staring at the golden broth bubbling in the pot, swallowing their saliva repeatedly.
Chicken!
Firm, tender, and delicious chicken!
Although their family was considered relatively well-off in Hongqi Commune, the last time they ate chicken was during last year’s New Year.
“Isn’t it?” the old lady said proudly. “Didn’t expect that boy to be quite good at raising chickens.”
“But Grandma, if we just took Gu Zhao’s chicken like this, will he come cause trouble?” Gu Fu asked nervously.
The old lady snorted. “This isn’t stealing! He’s my grandson. What’s wrong with me eating one of his chickens? Shouldn’t he show me filial respect?”
“His parents made us worry for so long—this is what he owes us!”
Gu Fu rubbed his hands, saliva almost dripping from his mouth. “Right, right! Grandma, it smells so good. Can I eat a piece first?”
The old lady smiled kindly and scooped out a piece of chicken each for Gu Fu and Gu Qiang.
The meat was golden, firm, and fragrant.
Ignoring the heat from the boiling broth, they tossed the pieces straight into their mouths.
So hot!
But the taste was irresistible.
Even if it burned, they had to eat.
“Grandma, it’s so delicious! That brat Gu Zhao wants to keep it all to himself—next time we’ll just take all his chickens!” Gu Fu said, completely absorbed in eating.
“Right! Grandma, if you need help, call me,” Gu Qiang echoed.
“My good grandsons, as long as you like it. It’s just one Gu Zhao—do you think I can’t deal with him?” the old lady said coldly.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
“Open the door!”
A series of urgent, forceful knocks sounded at the courtyard gate, accompanied by a cold, furious male voice.
Gu Fu stiffened in fear, his voice trembling. “G-Grandma… that sounds like Gu Zhao. H-He’s here.”
The old lady froze for a moment, panic flashing across her face, but she quickly composed herself. “Don’t be afraid! Eat another piece. I don’t believe he’d dare kick down our gate. This door is sturdy—no one can break it—”
Boom!
Before she could finish, a loud crash rang out.
The courtyard gate was kicked open, the door panel slamming to the ground and sending dust flying.
The old lady hurried out of the kitchen. As soon as she reached under the eaves, she saw a tall man standing at the entrance, his gaze sharp, his expression cold—like a grim reaper come to claim a life.
Gu Zhao had arrived so quickly!
Her heart dropped, and all her earlier composure vanished.
Standing at the kitchen doorway, she didn’t dare take another step forward. “G-Gu Zhao, this won’t do! Kicking down the door like this—I’ll report you to the team leader! Y-You’ll have to pay for our door!”
Gu Zhao’s eyes flashed like sharpened blades, cold and piercing. Without even sparing her a glance, he asked the boy behind him,
“Was it Gu Fu and Gu Qiang who beat you?”