Chapter 162: A Nagging Suspicion: Could It Be Her?

“You did the right thing. When something like this happens, you should report it to the leadership immediately and let them investigate.”

Sheng Zexi certainly didn’t suspect Gu Jianing just because of some rumors. His anger was directed entirely at the person spreading them.

“Honey, I’m sorry you had to go through this.” Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing’s hand in his.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that ever since Ningning followed him into the military life, she’d faced one crisis after another and suffered a lot of grievances. Sheng Zexi felt deeply guilty about this.

Gu Jianing hugged him. “What silly things are you saying? It’s just rumors. Once the truth comes out, it’ll be fine. It’s not like I lost a piece of flesh.”

Honestly, being slandered—Gu Jianing cared, but at the same time, she didn’t.

She cared, because no one likes to be falsely accused.

But she also didn’t, because she truly hadn’t let it get to her.

After all, she had a clear conscience.

“I’m going to talk to the leadership,” Sheng Zexi insisted. He felt it needed to be handled seriously and thoroughly investigated.

—

Meanwhile, Bai Lanhua was returning to the family housing building with Shuanzi after shopping.

The moment she walked in, she sensed something was off.

When she found out what had happened, her face instantly turned pale.

She hurriedly dragged Shuanzi home.

As soon as she got in and saw Qi Yuancheng, she immediately confronted him: “Why did you go to the leadership? How could you go to them?”

Qi Yuancheng was washing vegetables, and at first, he was confused by his mother’s questioning.

Once he realized she was talking about the rumors, he replied coldly, “Since rumors are being spread, what’s wrong with me going to the leadership?”

“Or do you think I shouldn’t have gone? That I should just let myself be slandered?”

Qi Yuancheng’s clear gaze landed on Bai Lanhua, making her freeze and her face stiffen. She quickly forced a smile. “That’s not what I meant. I just mean, people will say what they want to say. We can’t control other people’s mouths.”

“But, as they say, flies don’t bite an uncracked egg. As long as you don’t go see that Dr. Gu, people will naturally stop talking.”

Qi Yuancheng let out a short, mocking laugh. “I don’t care if I’m slandered, but Dr. Gu shouldn’t be.”

“Can’t you just ask the leadership not to investigate? It’s just a few words—why get the leadership involved?” Bai Lanhua never imagined that just a couple of rumors would escalate to this level.

Did the leadership have nothing better to do?

At that moment, Qin Rou, who had been listening in the kitchen, poked her head out. “Mother, do you realize that if these rumors aren’t stopped and clarified, it could affect Acheng’s future promotions? If it gets any worse, he might even lose his position as company commander.”

Bai Lanhua’s face went white. “It—it can’t be that serious.”

“It absolutely is. Have you forgotten? Back in the village, some people lost their jobs or even hanged themselves over ruined reputations. Words can kill. The person spreading these rumors is wielding a knife—not just stabbing Dr. Gu, but also Acheng. How can we not find out who it is? How can we let them get away with it?”

Bai Lanhua’s lips trembled.

Qin Rou narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Bai Lanhua. “Acheng is your son. Are you really not on his side? Are you siding with the rumor-monger?”

“No, of course not!” Bai Lanhua immediately retorted loudly. “Fine, I’m staying out of this. I’m going to my room.”

With that, she ignored Shuanzi, stormed into her room, and slammed the door shut.

Qin Rou watched her mother-in-law’s retreating back, deep in thought.

A suspicion crept into her heart: Could it be her?

No, impossible!

Just like she said, Acheng is her own son.

Doesn’t she realize what could happen if these rumors spread?

If she really was the one who started them… then Bai Lanhua was truly vicious, and Acheng was terribly unlucky to have her as a mother.

Even though Qin Rou and her mother-in-law didn’t get along, she still hoped it wasn’t her.

Otherwise…

Qin Rou glanced at her husband from the corner of her eye. Otherwise, if your own mother stabs you in the back, how much would that hurt Acheng?

Unfortunately, Qin Rou was disappointed.

The next day, Bai Lanhua, who had been hiding at home, was taken away by two soldiers in front of everyone in the family compound.

The residents immediately started gossiping.

Soon after, Qi Yuancheng, who had been at training, returned with a grim face and took Qin Rou to the leadership office.

When they arrived, they saw not only Bai Lanhua, but also Sheng Zexi and Gu Jianing, who had been called in as well.

When the leader announced that Bai Lanhua was the one who had spread the rumors, the last bit of hope in Qin Rou’s heart was extinguished.

She looked at her husband…

She just felt sorry for Acheng.

At that moment, Bai Lanhua rushed over, grabbing Qi Yuancheng’s arm and shaking him desperately.

“Son, you have to save your mother! I really didn’t mean to do it.”

“Tell the leader, I didn’t mean any harm.”

Bai Lanhua pleaded with Qi Yuancheng, hoping he’d speak up for her.

Qi Yuancheng clenched his fists tightly. He slowly raised his head, his eyes red, and asked bitterly, “Why?”

Bai Lanhua was stunned.

Qi Yuancheng stared at her stubbornly. “Why did you spread such rumors? Do you really not want me to be happy?”

“It’s not like that, it’s not!” Bai Lanhua tried to explain.

“You just don’t want me to have children, do you?” Qi Yuancheng’s tone was questioning, but his words were full of certainty.

“You spread those rumors because you didn’t want me to see Dr. Gu for treatment. You don’t want me and Arou to have children. You want us to adopt Shuanzi, isn’t that right?”

Qi Yuancheng pressed her step by step, and Bai Lanhua backed away in fear.

“If that’s the case, then let me tell you—even if Arou and I never have children in this life, even if we’re both gone, not a single thing of ours, not even a scrap, will go to my brother’s family. I’d rather give it to someone else. So you can give up on that idea.”

For the first time, Qi Yuancheng laid everything out so bluntly, stabbing right at Bai Lanhua’s heart.

Bai Lanhua, who had been acting timid and pitiful, suddenly exploded with anger.

“Qi Yuancheng, you ungrateful son!”

“Now that you’ve made something of yourself, you’ve forgotten your mother and your brother back home.”

“You’ve been bewitched by that vixen Qin Rou!”

“That’s your own flesh and blood brother. What’s wrong with asking you to help him?”

“You won’t help your own brother, but you’d rather give your things to outsiders. I should have realized sooner—you’re heartless and unfilial. I regret ever giving birth to you!”"