Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Collecting Interest—Four Hundred and Fifty-Five Yuan

Xia Shuhua soon came out again, holding a wad of cash in her hand—looked like several hundred yuan.

As Gu Yunchuan’s wife, she knew his character all too well. The only person he truly cared about was himself.

All that talk about feeling sorry for his daughter was just because he was afraid Gu Qinghuan would make a scene and embarrass him. That’s why Xia Shuhua was happy to play along.

After all, that little wretch would spend the rest of her life toiling away in the countryside, just like her mother. The thought alone made her happy.

“Yunchuan, this is the last five hundred yuan we have at home. You should at least keep some for the household. We can’t have nothing left.”

Gu Yunchuan took the money without even counting it. He pulled out a small stack to leave for household expenses and handed the rest to Gu Qinghuan. “Take it all.”

Gu Qinghuan accepted the money with a heavy expression, counting it as tears streamed down her face.

But inside, she was overjoyed. Not bad, not bad—she even got to collect a little interest up front.

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Xia Shuhua put on a charitable air and said to Gu Qinghuan, “Qingyue and Nianzhou are having their wedding this weekend. Why don’t you stay and join us for the banquet before heading back to the village? After all, this might be your last time coming back to the city in your life.”

Of course, what she really wanted was for Gu Qinghuan to show up and be laughed at by everyone.

Gu Yunchuan didn’t want any more trouble—he just wanted to get rid of this daughter as soon as possible. He shot Xia Shuhua an annoyed look. She was always making things more complicated!

Everything that happened today was her doing, and he hadn’t even settled the score with her yet.

Of course, Gu Qinghuan was going to attend—and she’d do it properly, making a grand appearance to offer her congratulations.

“Sure, Qingyue and I are sisters, after all. Of course I’ll be there to congratulate her,” Gu Qinghuan replied with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Xia Shuhua hadn’t expected her to agree so readily, and with such an unbothered attitude.

Didn’t this little wretch used to be head over heels for Yun Nianzhou?

Gu Qinghuan finished counting the money and stuffed it into her pocket. For once, the woman hadn’t played any tricks—she’d gotten a solid four hundred and fifty-five yuan.

A faint smile appeared on Gu Qinghuan’s face as she got ready to leave.

“It’s getting late, and with the house in this state, I won’t bother you any longer.”

She was about to slip away.

From behind her, Gu Yunchuan called out, “Qinghuan, you know what to say when you go out, right? I don’t want to hear any of that talk again!”

Gu Qinghuan played along. “Understood!”

Of course she understood. As for what she actually planned to do, that was none of his business.

Just as she finished speaking, the door was suddenly pushed open from outside.

“Mom, what happened? Did we get robbed?” Chen Zhaodi walked in and saw the living room in chaos, mahjong tiles scattered everywhere.

Then she noticed the oddly dressed Gu Qinghuan.

“Gu Qinghuan, what are you doing back here?”

Chen Zhaodi had come home today to talk to Xia Shuhua about seeing Gu Qinghuan at the train station.

She’d been busy these past couple of days setting up her new home with Yun Nianzhou and hadn’t had time to come back.

She hadn’t expected Gu Qinghuan to show up, and dressed like that, no less. Was she here to beg for money?

She’d hit the nail on the head.

“That’s a funny question. This is my home—I can come and go as I please. Do I need to report to you?” Gu Qinghuan retorted sarcastically.

This woman really had gotten used to acting like she owned the place.

Chen Zhaodi seemed to realize she’d overreacted and quickly changed her tone. “That’s not what I meant. Why did you suddenly come back? And those two kids you had with you the other day—whose are they?”

Gu Qinghuan had already gotten the money and settled her business. She couldn’t be bothered to argue and risk more trouble, so she was just about to leave.

Gu Yunchuan asked, confused, “Qinghuan, did your husband come with you too?”

“Mm, is there a problem?”

Before Gu Yunchuan could say anything, Xia Shuhua chimed in, “Since your whole family’s here, why don’t you all come over for dinner tomorrow? Let your dad meet them.”

That was what Gu Yunchuan had in mind, too. Since they were here, as her father, he ought to meet them.

Since Xia Shuhua had already suggested it, he didn’t say anything more.

Of course, Gu Qinghuan knew exactly what they were up to. They just wanted to laugh at her for marrying some country bumpkin with two kids in tow.

But this time, they might be disappointed.

“Sure, I’ll definitely bring them for you to meet.” Compared to that Yun Nianzhou, Xu Huaian was much more presentable. Who’d end up embarrassed was still up in the air.

Gu Qinghuan left so quickly that Gu Yunchuan had wanted to ask about Gu Lanting, but didn’t get the chance. He figured those two siblings were probably in cahoots anyway, so he decided not to bother.

With Lanting at home, things were never peaceful, but he’d just have to fend for himself.

The two kids raised by Zhong Zijun weren’t on his side either. From now on, he’d have to keep a closer eye on the youngest one at home.

With that thought, he simply went to his room to pick up his son.

—

Gu Qinghuan took her four hundred-plus yuan and headed home.

Gu Lanting had already arrived and was animatedly telling Xu Huaian about how he’d helped out today.

After spending the day together, he could tell his sister was truly committed to making a life with Xu Huaian, and she treated the two kids as her own. So he accepted Xu Huaian as family too.

No matter what, he wouldn’t make things difficult for his sister.

Xu Huaian actually didn’t know much about the old grudges between the original Gu Qinghuan and the Gu family.

He only learned about their past from Gu Lanting.

What a pitiful story. The original Gu Qinghuan must have finally found her peace.

Xu Huaian was clear about his feelings—he loved that soul from another world.

Though she was also called Gu Qinghuan, she was a completely different person.

Hearing about the original’s past, he only felt a bit of regret and pity—nothing more.

But when it came to the current Gu Qinghuan, he felt genuine heartache and wanted to shield her from all harm.

Maybe this was what the books called “falling in love before you even realize it, and loving deeply ever after.”

When Gu Qinghuan got home, she was carrying a roast duck she’d bought from the state-run restaurant on her way back.

She’d gotten over four hundred yuan for free today—time to celebrate.

Xu Huaian and Gu Lanting had already made a few dishes, so together they had a full table and a hearty meal as a family.

Their first victory was worth celebrating.

But things at the Gu house were far from peaceful.

As soon as Gu Qinghuan left, Chen Zhaodi got the full story from Xia Shuhua.

The mother and daughter hid in Chen Zhaodi’s room, whispering as they applied medicine to their wounds.

“Mom, that little bitch got you beaten up for nothing. We can’t just let this go. If you want, I can find someone…”

“Don’t act rashly. I feel like she’s changed a lot this time—she’s become a real troublemaker.”

“But we can’t just let it slide! I can’t swallow this!” Chen Zhaodi gritted her teeth, her hands moving a bit too roughly.

“Be gentle! You’ll poke a hole in me! You’re getting married in three days—don’t stir up more trouble. As long as you marry well, I’ll have someone to rely on for the rest of my life,” Xia Shuhua said, baring her teeth in pain.

“Mom, why did you let Dad give her the money? Didn’t you promise me five hundred yuan for my dowry?” Chen Zhaodi didn’t want to leave empty-handed.

“Silly girl, did you really think I only had that five hundred left? Your dowry is safe with me. Don’t worry, you’ll have everything you need to get married in style,” Xia Shuhua said smugly.

“That’s more like it!”"

"Chapter 104: Yun Nianzhou’s Origins