Chapter 138: Chapter 138: Comfort, and the Ways of the World

She only stopped after scrubbing her arms raw and washing her hands countless times.

Curled up tightly under the covers, she wrapped herself up as if trying to hide from the world.

“Luoning-jie, don’t be afraid. You still have Youran, and you have us. From now on, your days will be filled with happiness—no one will ever hurt you again,” Gu Qinghuan comforted her gently.

A long silence followed—so long that Gu Qinghuan thought Zhong Luoning might never speak.

Finally, Zhong Luoning’s voice came, quiet and heavy. “Huanhuan, do you know? Over these past few years, there have been countless times when I wanted to end my own life, to take Youran with me.

The crushing weight of life made it hard to breathe. My child’s illness made me hate myself, hate life. My husband’s betrayal and humiliation left me heartbroken and hopeless. The gossip and insults from my in-laws and outsiders pushed me to the brink again and again, leaving me a mess.

The saddest thing is, people like me—even breaking down isn’t a luxury we can afford. We have to consider the consequences.

Whenever I wanted to give up, I would take out the letters from my parents and grandparents and read them.

I’d tell myself, your family has suffered a thousand times, ten thousand times more than you, and they never gave up. You can’t be the last straw that breaks them.

And I can’t bear for Youran, at such a young age… She hasn’t even seen what the world is like yet.

So I told myself, just hold on. One day, things will get better.

But all my forbearance and compromise never brought out anyone’s conscience—only more torment and humiliation.

Was everything I was taught growing up wrong? Should I not be kind to others, not be tolerant and generous? Should I never have let the tiger return to the mountain?

After trying so hard to live, am I really not worthy of love? Am I only meant to be betrayed, deceived, and abandoned?”

She could no longer understand the world, or human nature.

Gu Qinghuan realized that Zhong Luoning’s depression hadn’t formed in just a few days—it had built up over years.

Her life had been turned upside down in recent years, and the pressure and pain she’d endured must have been enormous.

For the sake of her child, and for her family who were still struggling, she could only grit her teeth and keep going.

Gu Qinghuan gently patted her back.

“When a mirror is dirty, you don’t think your face is dirty. So when others treat you badly, why do you think you’re the problem?

If things don’t go the way you want, maybe fate has other plans.

If you’re heading in the wrong direction, stopping is the biggest progress you can make.

We’re taught from childhood to treat everyone sincerely, but experience tells us—not everyone is worthy of your sincerity.

Even if you misjudge someone, even if you’re let down, even if you hit a wall, at least it proves one thing: you’re a good person.

You just gave your heart to the wrong person.

Whether it’s a lover, family, or friends—love and being loved have to go both ways. It’s never a one-person show.

Save your true feelings for those who truly love and cherish you. As for those who are fake or insincere, the sooner you cut them off, the better.

The world is big—no one is indispensable. For the rest of your life, love those who love you, and cherish those who cherish you.

You’ll find that life is actually beautiful. Everything will get better—believe me!”

Zhong Luoning listened to her words, feeling as if a veil had been lifted from her mind.

Yes, giving your heart to the wrong person is a disaster. Why force yourself into an unequal relationship, letting yourself be trampled just to please others?

If he doesn’t care, then let it go. If only she’d understood this sooner, she wouldn’t have spent so many years tormenting herself.

She wouldn’t let it happen again.

The two sisters talked late into the night, only falling asleep together when the sky in the east began to lighten.

Gu Qinghuan, with her eloquence and the unique perspective of a modern woman, left Zhong Luoning a little dazed by the end.

Somehow, their conversation took a sharp turn, and they ended up talking about careers and ambitions.

They chatted about everything under the sun, and finally, Zhong Luoning was comforted.

Gu Qinghuan and Zhong Luoning slept in late. The three little ones tried to open the door to find their mom, but Xu Huaian unceremoniously scooped them up and took them outside to look after the rabbits.

He was a light sleeper, and had noticed the commotion last night. He guessed the sisters had talked for a long time.

Breakfast was Xu Huaian’s responsibility today—he made red date millet porridge, good for the stomach, with leftover meat buns from last night and Gu Qinghuan’s homemade pickled radishes.

Lanting School was on break, so he was home with the kids.

Xu Huaian handed over the honorable but challenging task of teaching the children calligraphy to himself.

Gu Qinghuan only got up when the sun was high. Remembering all the things she had to do today, she rushed to get herself ready and went downstairs for breakfast.

While eating, she asked Xu Huaian to prepare some gifts.

She needed to visit Uncle Zhang Zheng first, then go to the police station to find Xu Lei.

From her memories, Zhang Zheng was a kind uncle who had helped her many times without asking for anything in return.

This time, she had to bring a proper gift to show her sincerity and thank him for his past help. After all, helping you is a favor, not helping is just his duty.

Of course, there had to be two sets of gifts: one for Zhang Zheng, one for Xu Lei.

She hadn’t properly thanked Xu Lei for his help before, either.

Gu Qinghuan quickly finished breakfast and tidied herself up.

Today was all about meeting elders and asking for favors—the lower profile, the better.

She put on a purple floral jacket she’d bought earlier, with black cotton trousers.

Her hair was tied in a single thick braid down her back, and she just dabbed on a little face cream.

She looked much plainer than usual.

Xu Huaian prepared the gifts in their “space.”

By the time Gu Qinghuan was ready, he’d finished packing.

First, some Northeast specialties:

Hazelnuts, pine nuts, hickory nuts, red dates, and other dried fruits.

Wild mushrooms, schisandra berries, black fungus.

A dried wild pheasant, a dried wild rabbit.

And, to suit their tastes, Xu Huaian found two boxes of tea in Gu Qinghuan’s warehouse—Junshan Silver Needle, which looked pretty good.

He removed the fancy packaging and just used the boxes, so nothing would look suspicious.

Gu Qinghuan rarely organized the warehouse—she just looked for things as she needed them. She was surprised to find so many good things: 35-head fish maw, morel mushrooms, seaweed, dried scallops, dried shrimp, shrimp meat, and more.

Xu Huaian picked out a bit of everything and packed them up.

By the time Gu Qinghuan came in, he’d already prepared two parcels.

From the outside, they looked ordinary, but inside, they were packed with all sorts of good food and drink.

Gu Qinghuan checked them over—Xu Huaian was indeed reliable.

She’d thought about bringing a couple bottles of liquor, but the modern stuff wasn’t as good as what they had in this era, so she decided against it. What they had was already impressive enough.

It was best to start building relationships now—there would be plenty of chances to give gifts in the future. Going overboard the first time might scare people off.

Once everything was ready, the two of them set off with the gifts. With someone to watch the kids, Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huaian could go together.

They arrived at the Revolutionary Committee building. The four-story structure was quite imposing. After explaining their business and identities to the guard, they waited at the entrance for a while before being allowed in.

Security was tight. The guard wanted to check their bags, but Xu Huaian quickly pulled out a pack of cigarettes and handed it over, hinting for a little leniency. The guard smiled and waved them through.

They soon found Zhang Zheng’s office.

Zhang Zheng was a properly trained cadre, always diligent and cautious in his work, smooth and alert in his dealings, which was how he’d gotten to where he was today.

The Revolutionary Committee, to put it simply, was a “three-in-one” committee made up of military cadres, veteran cadres, and representatives of revolutionary masses.

Most of the directors of such committees across the country were military cadres.

Even after years of hard work, Zhang Zheng was only a deputy director—there was still a director above him.

When they knocked, Zhang Zheng was busy writing something.

*Knock, knock…*

“Come in,” he said, capping his pen after finishing his last stroke.

Gu Qinghuan put on a bright, enthusiastic smile and walked in first. “Uncle Zhang, long time no see!”

Zhang Zheng looked up. Wasn’t this… the girl from Teacher Zhong’s family? She looked completely different.

He remembered her coming to him last year, crying and stammering, barely able to speak. Today, she was poised and confident.

“Oh, little girl, and you’ve brought someone with you—gotten married, have you?”

Gu Qinghuan smiled shyly on purpose. “You saw right through me. This is my husband, Xu Huaian. Huaian, this is Uncle Zhang.”

Xu Huaian followed her lead, greeting Uncle Zhang and lowering himself respectfully.

“Congratulations! Wishing you both a long and happy marriage,” Zhang Zheng said, shaking Xu Huaian’s hand warmly.

The young couple looked well matched—talented man, beautiful woman.

“Haha, and I have to thank you for your help. If you hadn’t helped me transfer, I wouldn’t have met Huaian. We brought you some local specialties from the Northeast—not worth much, but I hope you won’t mind.”

Gu Qinghuan steered the conversation to the gifts, deliberately downplaying their value so he’d feel comfortable accepting them.

Xu Huaian promptly handed over the parcel, with some dried fruits on top. Zhang Zheng glanced at it and saw it was indeed local specialties, so he didn’t refuse.

“Well, thank you, niece! You came all this way to bring me these treats—much appreciated. Have a seat!

So, what brings you here this time? Go ahead, tell me,” Zhang Zheng said, half-joking, half-resigned.

In these times, everyone was walking on eggshells. He lived in constant anxiety, afraid of making a misstep.

But when it came to the Zhong family, he had no choice but to get involved.

Old Master Zhong was not only his academic mentor, but also a guide in life. Without Old Zhong, he wouldn’t be where he was today. So, within his abilities, he had to help—if only to answer to his own conscience."

"Chapter 139: Xu Jianguo’s Backer, An Encounter with the Old Commander

Gu Qinghuan saw that he was being straightforward, so she didn’t beat around the bush either.

“Uncle Zhang, I do have something to ask you about this time. I want to get some information about someone.”

She didn’t hide anything and told him all about Xu Jianguo.

Zhang Zheng immediately flew into a rage. He knew Xu Jianguo all too well. Zhong Luoning was Old Zhong’s legitimate granddaughter, and because Xu Jianguo was her man, Zhang had always looked after him.

He never expected he’d been helping a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

From Zhang Zheng, Gu Qinghuan learned that Xu Jianguo had entered the Revolutionary Committee as a representative of the revolutionary masses.

Xu Jianguo was as slippery as an eel, always playing both sides. He didn’t get in through Zhang Zheng’s connections—after all, Xu Jianguo didn’t know about Zhang’s relationship with the Zhong family.

Once he joined the Revolutionary Committee, he immediately cozied up to the director, secretly helping him handle all sorts of dirty business. Now, he was highly valued by the director.

Although Zhang Zheng didn’t like Xu Jianguo personally, he treated him decently because of the Zhong family.

With both the director and deputy director backing him, Xu Jianguo could basically do whatever he wanted. No wonder he’d changed so much—power amplifies desire.

Xu Jianguo’s situation could be big or small, depending on the Revolutionary Committee’s attitude. If they decided to protect him, the police station would likely go easy on him too.

What Zhang Zheng feared most was that the director would insist on shielding Xu Jianguo. After all, a useful pawn like him wasn’t easy to find.

Gu Qinghuan’s heart sank to rock bottom.

The thing she feared most had come to pass.

No wonder Xu Jianguo dared to be so arrogant—openly cheating, and even when caught, acting self-righteous.

As they spoke, a few police officers arrived outside, asking to see the director for more information.

Zhang Zheng told them to wait inside while he went to check on things.

About half an hour later, Zhang Zheng returned, his face dark.

“The situation doesn’t look good. You’d better prepare yourselves.”

The director was determined to protect Xu Jianguo, even declaring that Xu Jianguo was his man and no one was allowed to touch him.

The Revolutionary Committee held a lot of power now. With the director saying that, the police would have to show some respect.

To put it bluntly, Xu Jianguo’s case was really a family matter. In the end, it might just get swept under the rug.

Just like Xu Jianguo said—he had people backing him. Even if he got caught cheating, someone would cover for him.

Gu Qinghuan’s heart was heavy.

Could the Xu family really get away with bullying Zhong Luoning like this?

Thinking about how Youran had nearly died in front of her, how Zhong Luoning was tormented and sleepless, falling into depression, Gu Qinghuan just couldn’t accept this outcome.

Though Zhang Zheng was angry too, he couldn’t go against his superior just for the Zhong family.

He’d walked on thin ice for years to get where he was. Gu Qinghuan couldn’t expect him to risk his career for her.

It looked like she’d have to find another way.

Zhang Zheng gently advised them not to push too hard. Just like when they’d been sent down before—where there’s life, there’s hope. At least Zhong Luoning and her daughter were still alive and well.

They might not be able to bring Xu Jianguo down, but he’d put pressure on him, try to get the Xu family to let go and stop clinging to Zhong Luoning and her daughter. If both sides took a step back, that would be the best outcome.

Gu Qinghuan knew he’d done all he could, so she forced a smile and thanked him.

After leaving the Revolutionary Committee, she was gloomy and silent, walking ahead by herself.

Xu Huaian followed quietly behind, a sense of defeat gnawing at him like never before.

In the face of politics and power, individual strength was just too insignificant. He couldn’t help Gu Qinghuan, and that made him feel helpless.

His upbringing as a soldier’s son made him unwilling to do anything that would disgrace the military, but this time, he really couldn’t stand by.

He thought to himself, if certain people really insisted on protecting Xu Jianguo despite the law, then he wouldn’t care about appearances—he’d take matters into his own hands.

If the law couldn’t protect them, he would! Xu Jianguo had to pay for what he’d done.

A sharp car horn shattered the silence between them.

Xu Huaian instinctively pulled Gu Qinghuan into his arms. Turning his head, he saw a military vehicle stop beside them.

The rear window rolled down, revealing a stern yet kindly face.

Xu Huaian immediately let go of Gu Qinghuan and snapped to attention, giving a crisp military salute toward the car.

“Good afternoon, Commander!”

Gu Qinghuan was startled. What was going on?

The man in the car got out, returned the salute seriously, then patted Xu Huaian on the shoulder with a warm smile. “Good kid, long time no see. You look well. What brings you to Beijing?”

The man’s name was Tang Zhenye, Xu Huaian’s former commander from his old military district. He’d come to Beijing for an important meeting.

He’d just arrived and was picked up by his orderly. Unexpectedly, he spotted a familiar figure on the road. At first, he thought he was just imagining things because he missed the kid.

But as they got closer, he realized it really was Xu Huaian, so he had the driver stop.

Xu Huaian was the most outstanding soldier he’d ever trained—bar none.

He still regretted sending him on that mission all those years ago.

If Xu Huaian hadn’t fallen ill, his future would have been limitless. What a shame.

Facing his old commander, Xu Huaian couldn’t help but smile shyly, scratching his head like a big kid. “Commander, my wife brought me to Beijing for treatment. Oh, let me introduce you—this is my wife, Gu Qinghuan.

Huanhuan, this is my old commander.”

Well, well, he couldn’t just say he was here for treatment—he had to make sure the commander knew he was married.

Gu Qinghuan wanted to give him a couple of punches, but on the surface, she smiled warmly. “Hello, Commander. I’m Gu Qinghuan.”

Tang Zhenye couldn’t help but laugh.

Back then, he’d introduced Xu Huaian to so many good girls, but he’d never agree to settle down. Now, he was afraid people wouldn’t know he was married.

Thinking back, it was all fate. Luckily, he hadn’t forced those matches, or who knows where things would be now.

His gaze fell on Gu Qinghuan. What a lovely girl—delicate features, gentle demeanor, a perfect match for this kid.

Who would’ve thought that falling ill would turn out to be a blessing in disguise? This girl had stuck by him through thick and thin. Xu Huaian would never let her down—a perfect match indeed!

“Hello. Congratulations on your recent marriage! By the way, Huaian, how’s your health? You look much better than before.”

This was what Tang Zhenye cared about most. He knew it was wishful thinking, but he still hoped Xu Huaian could make a miracle recovery. If he did, Tang Zhenye would have him back in a heartbeat.

Xu Huaian’s expression dimmed. “Thank you for your concern, Commander. It’s still the same as before.

But I’m actively working with a psychologist now, so I’m hopeful things will improve soon.”

Tang Zhenye encouraged him, “You’re the most determined soldier I’ve ever known. I believe you can beat this and return to your peak. When you’re well, your old position will still be waiting for you. I’ll be waiting for you in the army!”

Xu Huaian didn’t answer right away.

Did he want to go back? The answer was right there in his heart.

He’d wished countless times to wake up healthy, to be able to fight alongside his comrades again.

But now, with Gu Qinghuan in his life, he hesitated. Life is full of hard choices—being a hero and having a family are both part of it.

If he really got better, could he leave Gu Qinghuan behind to raise their child and manage the household alone? Could he bear to let her shoulder all the burdens while he was away?

Probably not. He couldn’t bear to leave her alone.

But if he really recovered…

“We’ll see,” he replied vaguely.

Tang Zhenye saw his hesitation but didn’t press. He glanced at his watch.

“I have to rush to a meeting now. After it’s over, let’s sit down and catch up properly.

It’s not often I come to Beijing. I hear Quanjude’s roast duck is famous—let me treat you both tonight?” Though he phrased it as a question, it was clear there was no refusing.

Xu Huaian agreed readily.

“Alright, six o’clock tonight at Quanjude. See you there.”

After Tang Zhenye left, Gu Qinghuan realized he was actually the top commander of the military district—a true big shot. She hoped she hadn’t embarrassed herself in front of him.

But he was so approachable for someone so powerful.

Xu Huaian was really something, to be valued so highly by such a big shot. She had to help him recover quickly—his old position was still waiting for him.

This little interlude made Gu Qinghuan forget the bad news for a while.

The two of them took a tricycle to find Xu Lei.

They were stopped by the gatekeeper for routine checks—after all, it was the police station. Gu Qinghuan was about to hand over her bag when Xu Lei, hearing she’d come to see him, rushed out to greet her.

“Xiao Huanhuan, I was just about to look for you. The verdict on that previous case is out.” Xu Lei led them away from the entrance to avoid the inspection.

“Uncle Xu, what’s the verdict?”

“The main culprits, Wu and Cai, were sentenced to five years of reform through labor. They were sent away yesterday.

The rest of the family were considered accomplices. They weren’t sentenced to labor, but they’re jointly liable for compensation.

Over the years, they made over four thousand yuan in profit from your family’s two Western-style houses, plus they lived in one themselves. Altogether, the compensation is nearly ten thousand yuan.

Including damages to the house, the total compensation is ten thousand yuan. Of course, they can’t pay it all at once.

So far, we’ve only recovered two thousand yuan—the cash they had on them when arrested.

The rest will have to be collected gradually from the Cai family. The enforcement department will go after them for payments every so often.

You can pick up the money every two months, or if you trust me, I can collect it and send it to Lanting for you.”

Gu Qinghuan was satisfied with this outcome. She never expected Wu Ma and the others to pay much—she just wanted them to pay the price.

That family of vampires had lived off others for five years. It was time they got what they deserved.

Five years of comfort, five years of labor—fair enough.

“Thank you, Uncle Xu. I’ll be heading back to the Northeast soon, so please give the money to Lanting for me as his living expenses. That’s just fine.”"

"Chapter 140: Gu Yunchuan’s Sentence, A High-Stakes Plan

“Alright, as long as you trust your Uncle Xu.” Xu Lei was very pleased with her trust.

As usual, Gu Qinghuan introduced Xu Lei to Xu Huai’an and had Xu Huai’an bring out the gifts he’d prepared.

“These are some local specialties we brought back from the Northeast. They’re not worth much, just a small token. I hope you don’t mind, Uncle Xu.”

Xu Lei accepted them without the slightest hesitation, hugging them to his chest. “Not at all, not at all! Thank you, that’s very thoughtful of you. My wife loves these snacks. I’ll shamelessly accept them.”

Who would have thought that tough Uncle Xu was actually a softie at heart, treating his wife so well.

Gu Qinghuan’s impression of him improved even more.

“By the way, I heard your father’s case has been decided. Did you know?”

Xu Lei knew how much Gu Qinghuan hated Gu Yunchuan, so he didn’t avoid the topic.

“It’s been sentenced? So soon?” Gu Qinghuan was surprised. It hadn’t been that long—shouldn’t cases like this drag on for a while?

“Yeah, apparently he confessed everything right away. On the day he was arrested, he came clean about all his crimes and the amounts involved.

So the process went quickly.

It was an economic crime, and the amount was substantial. Besides having to repay all the embezzled funds to his former work unit, the court sentenced him to ten years of hard labor.

Five years ago, he might’ve even been shot for this. Times have changed.” Xu Lei sighed.

Gu Qinghuan didn’t know how to feel. After all, he was her biological father. Gu Yunchuan had let the Zhong family down, but he did raise his son and daughter. Even at the end, he tried to leave them some money.

This outcome, she supposed, was fair.

“What about Xia Shuhua?”

“That woman? I heard she was acquitted. Gu Yunchuan still cared that she gave him a son, so he made sure she wasn’t implicated.

But legally, as his wife, she’s jointly responsible for repaying the embezzled money. Life won’t be easy for her from now on.”

Gu Qinghuan was very satisfied with this result.

For someone like Xia Shuhua, this was the cruelest punishment—falling from grace, losing everything: reputation, dignity, money.

From now on, she’d have to live like a dog, barely scraping by. That was satisfying.

Gu Yunchuan was hateful, but Xia Shuhua was the real villain behind it all. Most of the original tragedy was her doing.

With things like this, Chen Zhaodi probably wouldn’t have an easy time after marrying into the Yun family either. That was gratifying.

“Oh, and I heard…” Xu Lei hesitated, glancing at Gu Qinghuan.

“What is it, Uncle Xu? Please, go ahead.”

Xu Lei sighed. “I heard Gu Yunchuan will be sent to a labor camp in the far northwest in a couple of days.

He’s still being held at the detention center. If you have time, maybe go see him one last time. Once he leaves, who knows if you’ll ever meet again in this life.”

Gu Yunchuan wasn’t a good father, but he did raise her and her brother.

Gu Qinghuan nodded, saying she understood.

She’d have to discuss it with Lanting and see what he thought.

Before leaving, Gu Qinghuan asked Xu Lei to keep an eye on Xu Jianguo and let her know if anything happened.

Xu Lei only now learned about Xu Jianguo’s situation. He recalled that, centuries ago, their families were related, sharing the same surname.

He never expected Xu Jianguo to do something so shameless.

Xu Jianguo’s case was being handled by the main bureau, so Xu Lei could only try to get information—he couldn’t intervene. There was only so much he could do.

Gu Qinghuan didn’t want to make things difficult for him, so she just asked him to keep an eye out.

After taking care of these matters, it was nearly lunchtime. There was still time before the dinner gathering, so the two of them headed home.

Because of the news about Xu Jianguo having powerful backers, both Gu Qinghuan and Xu Huai’an felt heavy-hearted.

Back home, they forced themselves to perk up, tidied up, and made a pot of noodles to fill everyone’s stomachs.

Zhong Luoning could tell from their demeanor that things weren’t going well.

Gu Qinghuan couldn’t bring herself to say it, so Xu Huai’an did.

“When Qinghuan and I went to the Revolutionary Committee this morning, we happened to see the police looking for the committee director. Xu Jianguo is highly valued by that director, so I’m afraid things don’t look good for us right now.

I expect Xu Jianguo will be acquitted soon.”

The air seemed to freeze.

“How can this be! Officials protecting each other—it’s outrageous.” Lanting was still too idealistic.

“Qinghuan, you don’t have to worry about me. Don’t get yourselves involved—it’s not worth it.

I’ve thought it through. Xu Jianguo just wants me to admit to having an affair and leave the Xu family in disgrace, making room for his new woman.

I’ll give him what he wants. No matter what, he was never going to let me leave unscathed. Reputation? Who cares? Money? Easy come, easy go.

As long as I can live peacefully with Youran from now on, and no one bullies us anymore, I’m not afraid of anything.”

Of course, Zhong Luoning was unwilling—unwilling to be forced out when she’d done nothing wrong; unwilling to see a heartless man thrive; unwilling to give up her home and leave with nothing.

But she couldn’t let her siblings ruin their own lives for her sake.

Since there was no hope of winning, she could only accept it.

Lanting immediately objected.

“Luoning, you can’t give up! You did nothing wrong—why should you back down? Xu Jianguo betrayed you. He’s the one who should be apologizing.

We’ll find a way to get justice for you.”

Gu Qinghuan also reassured her, “Luoning, we’re not at a dead end yet. Don’t give up.”

“What else can we do? We can’t make the committee director change his mind! Qinghuan, don’t risk yourselves for me. Xu Jianguo is vindictive and ruthless. If anything happens to you, how could I face Auntie?” Zhong Luoning tried to stop them.

“Luoning, actually, I have a desperate plan—one that might really sway the committee’s decision and force Xu Jianguo to pay the price.

But I don’t know if you’d accept it, because it might mean facing a lot of gossip and finger-pointing in the future.” Gu Qinghuan steeled herself and spoke bluntly.

Xu Huai’an knew what she meant, and privately agreed it was the best option left.

“What plan? If it really has a good chance and can make Xu Jianguo pay, I’ll accept any consequences.

It’s not like I’m not already the subject of gossip. I’m not afraid anymore. Let the world say what it will—I’ll stand firm.

Qinghuan, tell me—what’s the plan?” Zhong Luoning seemed to see hope, her whole demeanor brightening.

“Actually, yesterday morning I took photos at the scene—nude photos of Xu Jianguo and that woman.

If we make these public, it’s irrefutable evidence. Xu Jianguo’s reputation will be ruined.

If we use public opinion and spin a story for everyone, people will be outraged. Even the committee director wouldn’t dare go against everyone to protect him.”

“That sounds promising, but how do we guide public opinion?” Zhong Luoning was willing to try anything, as long as Xu Jianguo got what he deserved.

“Sis, you’re not thinking of putting up big-character posters, are you?” Lanting asked, puzzled.

Gu Qinghuan was from the information explosion era—guiding public opinion was child’s play for her.

“No posters, no flyers—that’s too slow! Think: what’s the fastest way to spread information in our lives?”

Xu Huai’an raised his hand like an eager student. “I know—newspapers!”

Zhong Luoning and Lanting suddenly understood. Of course—newspapers spread news the fastest.

“But would any newspaper print something like this for us?” Lanting wondered.

“Money makes the world go round. With a story this juicy, newspapers can only profit. I don’t believe none would print it. If not, we’ll go from one to the next—someone will.

But Luoning, think carefully. If we go this route, your story will become public knowledge. You’ll have to endure a lot of gossip and pressure.

Are you sure you want to do this?

It’s not too late to back out. If the law won’t punish him, we’ll do it ourselves. Your brother-in-law can take on five or six guys at once—if all else fails, we’ll beat him up every day.” Gu Qinghuan joked to lighten the mood.

Zhong Luoning knew she was trying to comfort her.

Honestly, the thought of everyone knowing her private affairs, being looked at with ridicule or pity, terrified her.

But she couldn’t selfishly burden her siblings, making them suffer for her sake. This time, she’d carry it herself.

“Qinghuan, I’ve already decided. I’m not afraid. As long as that bastard pays, it’s worth it. Go ahead—I trust you!” Zhong Luoning said firmly.

“Alright, sis. Leave everything to me.”

After that, Gu Qinghuan called Lanting out to the yard alone.

“Lanting, Gu Yunchuan’s sentence is out.”

“So soon? What’s the verdict?” Gu Lanting trembled almost imperceptibly.

“Uncle Xu said he’s been sent to a labor camp in the northwest—ten years of hard labor.”

Hearing this, Gu Lanting quietly breathed a sigh of relief. At least he wasn’t shot.

Even though he hated Gu Yunchuan now, they’d had good times as father and son. When he was little, Gu Yunchuan had lifted him high above his head; there had been laughter and closeness.

He didn’t hate him enough to want him dead. This outcome was good.

“Uncle Xu also said labor camps in the northwest are harsh. An accident could be fatal. He hopes we’ll visit him—maybe it’ll be the last time we see him.

Do you want to go?” Gu Qinghuan asked.

Gu Lanting thought for a long time, then looked up, eyes slightly red. “Do you want to go, sis?”

Seeing his reddened eyes, Gu Qinghuan knew his answer."

"Chapter 141: Visiting Gu Yunchuan, Xia Shuhua’s Current Situation