After getting in the car, Xu Qingqing immediately complained to Zhou Chenyu about Le Jiaojiao. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she passionately recounted to him how cleverly she had dealt a heavy blow to her arch-rival Le Jiaojiao at the critical moment.
Zhou Chenyu replied quickly. He sent a screenshot of a similar chat record where Le Jiaojiao was complaining to him about Xu Qingqing, and then proceeded to block both of these troublesome women.
One was his cousin, the other his childhood friend—he couldn't afford to offend either, so it was simpler to block them both.
And then get some sleep.
With no one paying her any attention, Xu Qingqing's excitement eventually faded. It was only then that she noticed a bouquet of tulips on the back seat. She turned around to grab them and said delightedly, "Senior Xie Lianqing, you bought me flowers! You're so sweet!"
Xie Lianqing was both amused and exasperated. "You only just noticed?"
He had specially prepared flowers and gifts to pick up Xu Qingqing, all for the sake of a romantic date today. Unfortunately, it had all been ruined by her earlier antics.
Steering the wheel, Xie Lianqing glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw Xu Qingqing taking photos of the flowers. Amidst his frustration, there was also a hint of helplessness. His voice remained gentle as he said, "So now you know I'm good?"
Xu Qingqing sniffed the flowers, sneezed, and said happily, "Of course! You're the best boyfriend in the whole world!"
Le Jiaojiao didn't have such a good boyfriend—she won this round!
Hearing his girlfriend's unreserved praise, Xie Lianqing's expression remained calm and composed, but the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curve upwards.
He let out a light laugh and deliberately asked, "Your mouth is so sweet now. You only know to hide behind me after causing trouble; I don't usually see you being so considerate." Having ended up with a girlfriend like Xu Qingqing, Xie Lianqing truly felt helpless.
Prompted by him, Xu Qingqing finally remembered what had happened earlier at the school gate. However, she didn't feel ashamed. Instead, she frowned in confusion and said, "Because you're my boyfriend! I believe you can protect me!"
When encountering danger, of course one should seek help from someone reliable. Did he expect her to jump out and protect Xie Lianqing instead? That would be utterly foolish.
If even a boyfriend wasn't someone to rely on, then why would she date him in the first place?
Xu Qingqing had her own unique logic. Hearing this, Xie Lianqing wasn't the least bit angry anymore; all the frustration in his heart melted into tenderness.
His voice laced with laughter, he softly retorted, "So according to you, I should thank you for your trust?"
Xu Qingqing said righteously, "Of course! You should thank me for entrusting you with the important position of 'boyfriend.' You should feel honored to have the privilege of protecting me."
After a moment, Xie Lianqing chuckled softly and said, "Alright. Thank you for your trust, Miss Xu."
I hope you will always entrust me with your trust, firmly believe that I can protect you, and turn to me for help the moment you encounter danger.
And I will never let you down.
Xu Qingqing, holding her flowers and carrying her bag, happily headed home. As she got out of the car, Xie Lianqing proactively asked, "Do you need me to accompany you inside?"
Since the elders were home, it would be a good opportunity for him to pay a visit. He could also discuss with Xu Qingqing's grandfather about his and his father's upcoming visit to talk about his and Xu Qingqing's engagement.
Xie Lianqing and Xu Qingqing had been dating for over half a year, and he was gradually taking over the family business. For families like theirs, if two people were serious about a future together, it was time for him to take the initiative to visit the other party's elders.
Xu Qingqing might not be in a hurry, but as the man, Xie Lianqing couldn't ignore this. Out of respect for the woman, this matter should be raised by him.
However, judging from what had happened not long ago, Xu Qingqing didn't seem to be done having fun yet. She was very resistant to things like engagement, let alone agreeing to let her boyfriend visit her parents.
So Xie Lianqing had been preparing for today for who knows how long. He had even been busy all morning, preparing flowers and gifts, hoping his girlfriend would be in a good mood and invite him herself.
Xie Lianqing's plan was perfect, but unfortunately, it seemed such a thought had never even crossed Xu Qingqing's mind.
She hopped out of the car, waved her hand breezily, and said, "Forget it, I'm going back to my own home. Why would I need you to accompany me?" With that, she walked off on her own without even looking back.
All the lines Xie Lianqing had prepared went unused. He had originally wanted to try a bit more, but he never expected Xu Qingqing to have already run off.
Only now did he believe what Zhou Chenyu had once said: Xu Qingqing really had practiced sprinting.
Xie Lianqing watched Xu Qingqing's retreating back disappear as quickly as a rabbit's. He tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel and slowly let out a sigh.
Forget it.
He wouldn't argue with a dummy who hadn't passed the CET-4.
Xu Qingqing was completely unaware of Xie Lianqing's inner turmoil. She happily went home, only to find unexpected people waiting for her.
Xu Changshan sat on the sofa with his hands clasped together, seemingly in the middle of saying something to her grandparents. Xu Tianbao stood nearby, fidgeting restlessly, trying to kick over the lamp post next to him with his leg.
Even Bai Youlan and Bai Yaxiu had all gathered inside. Xu Qingqing's grandparents had grim, livid expressions on their faces, looking absolutely furious.
Something big was about to go down!
Xu Qingqing immediately took several steps back, alertly called Xie Lianqing, and told him to come back quickly.
Xie Lianqing, who had just been sent away by his girlfriend...
What could he say? He could only sigh silently, turn the car around, and drive back towards the villa area. On the phone, Xu Qingqing was still urging him, chattering away, "Hurry up! Are you back yet?"
Xie Lianqing was almost amused by her impatience. "I'm coming, my lady." He was driving a car, not flying a plane; it couldn't be that fast.
"What exactly is going on?" Xie Lianqing didn't believe Xu Qingqing had suddenly had an epiphany, remembering his hard work in specially picking her up today and wanting to invite him to stay for lunch.
Sure enough, Xu Qingqing said, "Xu Changshan and the others are at my house."
Hearing this name, Xie Lianqing frowned. He immediately thought of their conversation in the car earlier and assumed Xu Qingqing was scared of Xu Changshan and the others, which was why she wanted him to return.
His expression darkened, but his voice remained gentle as he comforted her, "I'll be there soon. Don't be afraid."
Of course, Xu Qingqing wasn't afraid. In the past, she had gone to Xu Changshan's house alone, charging in and out seven times—no one in the Xu family was a match for her!
Xu Qingqing's reason for calling Xie Lianqing back was simple: she felt Xu Changshan and his family were definitely up to no good. Her grandparents were old, and while she herself had strong combat skills, she couldn't fight several people alone!
So she called Xie Lianqing back to bolster their numbers and, if needed, help with the fight.
When Xie Lianqing arrived, Xu Qingqing quickly ran over to meet him. She leaned close and whispered, "Do you know Taekwondo?"
Xie Lianqing, who had rushed over urgently because he was worried about his girlfriend...
Xu Qingqing, seeing he didn't answer, guessed he probably didn't. She then asked nervously, "How about Karate? Nunchaku? Praying Mantis Fist? Hiya! Haha!"
She clenched her fists and made a few messy gestures, probably copied from some TV drama.
Xie Lianqing looked at her and fell silent once more.
Xu Qingqing was shocked and deeply disappointed. "You don't know any martial arts?!"
She had always thought Xie Lianqing could do everything, that he was the legendary perfect boyfriend! Now she suddenly realized her illusion was shattered—Xie Lianqing didn't even know kung fu!
Xu Qingqing couldn't accept it. She was so frustrated she began to hesitate about whether to break up with Xie Lianqing.
If Xie Lianqing knew what was going on in her mind, he would probably tell her that there aren't many people in this world who actually know martial arts.
But at this moment, unaware of what his girlfriend's little brain was thinking, and seeing the disappointed look in her eyes, he had no choice but to go against his own low-key nature and explain modestly, "I know a little bit of combat."
In reality, it was far more than just a little bit. The Xie family was a top-tier wealthy dynasty, and Xie Lianqing, as the sole heir, was of course a major concern for security. Although he had bodyguards accompanying him whenever he went out, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
So, Xie Lianqing had been learning combat techniques from retired special forces mercenaries since childhood, and they were all practical moves for survival and fighting, not just for show.
However, Xie Lianqing's modesty came across as a lack of confidence to Xu Qingqing. Moreover, she scratched her head and asked curiously, "Combat? Is that like military boxing?"
Xie Lianqing fell silent for a moment, licked his lips, nodded, and said hesitantly with a frown, "More or less..."
After saying that, he immediately covered the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and gave a light cough, worried he might accidentally laugh out loud.
Xu Qingqing had a sudden realization. After thinking for a moment, she suggested, "Then, can you call your bodyguard over?" After what happened last time at the Xu family home, Xu Qingqing felt bodyguards were incredibly useful. If she hadn't been short on money lately, she would have wanted to hire a couple for herself.
With bodyguards, she could hit whoever she wanted when she went to Xu Changshan's house in the future. How satisfying would that be? She just didn't know if the employer would be held jointly liable and end up in jail if the bodyguards hit someone.
Xie Lianqing couldn't help but point out, "We're at your house." The villa community was equipped with a full set of high-level security. How could a fight possibly break out here? Did she think they were in a spy thriller?
Xu Qingqing was still very hesitant, but then Grandpa Xu called out from inside the room, "Qingqing, what secrets are you whispering about with Lianqing at the door? Hurry up and come in."
The two of them had been muttering at the doorway for quite a while, and no one else knew what they were talking about.
Grandma Xu came downstairs and, upon seeing Xu Qingqing, her dark, gloomy face immediately cleared up, beaming as she said, "Qingqing, oh my dear granddaughter, come let Grandma have a look!"
Xu Qingqing also ran over and hugged her, incredibly excited. "Grandma!"
Grandpa Xu, standing to the side, couldn't stand to watch anymore and pursed his lips. These two had just seen each other this morning, yet now they were putting on an exaggerated act as if they hadn't met for years.
Hmph, women.
Grandpa Xu would absolutely never admit he was jealous.
Xu Qingqing and Grandma Xu paid no attention to Grandpa Xu. The two of them huddled together, holding hands and chatting warmly and affectionately. Xu Qingqing asked Grandma if her trip was fun, and Grandma asked Xu Qingqing if she ate well this morning and if she had enough money at home.
While the grandmother and granddaughter were happily chatting, the Xu Changshan family on the sofa was completely and utterly ignored.
Bai Yaxiu was watching, her eyes practically shooting flames. That wretched old woman! When their family arrived, the old woman had pretended to be unwell, put on a stern face, and gone upstairs, unwilling to even see them.
Now that Xu Qingqing was back, the old woman's dizziness was instantly cured. The grandmother and granddaughter were harmonious, yet wouldn't even spare a glance for them. Clearly, Xu Changshan was this old woman's son, but now it felt like they were beggars coming to the door!
Since marrying into the Xu family, Bai Yaxiu had been the object of flattery in social circles for many years. Over time, having lived a pampered life for so long, she had long forgotten her own disgraceful past.
Her appetite had been whetted, growing larger and larger, and she had become increasingly self-important. Now, watching her whole family being ignored by Chairman Xu and his wife, she felt somewhat unbalanced.
Thinking of this, Bai Yaxiu secretly reached out and pinched her husband's arm. She raised her eyes to signal him, seemingly wanting him to speak up and say something.
In Bai Yaxiu's eyes, Xu Changshan was the son of Chairman Xu and his wife, and Xu Tianbao was the sole male heir of the third generation in the Xu family, even more remarkable. How could these two compare to Xu Qingqing, a granddaughter who was both troublesome and odd?
Bai Yaxiu thought her actions were discreet, but how could she have imagined that her every word and deed were under the watchful eyes of Chairman Xu and his wife?
Prodded by his wife, Xu Changshan awkwardly rubbed his nose but didn't speak. Over the years, he had long grown accustomed to his parents' differential treatment of him and Xu Qingqing.
Compared to a granddaughter like Xu Qingqing, what was a son like him worth? Even if you argued until you were blue in the face, he'd have to take a back seat.
Since Xu Changshan didn't speak up, Bai Yaxiu couldn't force him. With no other choice, she had to speak up herself. Forcing a smile, she said jokingly, "Qingqing really is the favorite. Once she arrives, Mom only has eyes for her. Changshan and I often say, no matter how many children there are in the Xu family, I'm afraid none can compare to Qingqing in our parents' hearts."
Grandma Xu ignored her. For people she disliked, she always ignored them. Xu Qingqing had actually learned this from her.
Instead, Xu Qingqing poked her head out and replied with a grin, "It's good that you know."
Bai Yaxiu: "..."
Everyone: "..."
Even Grandma Xu, who had initially put on a stern face upon hearing Bai Yaxiu's words, couldn't help but break character and laugh.
Just then, the housekeeper brought over freshly served bird's nest with donkey-hide gelatin. Grandma Xu handed it to Xu Qingqing beside her, tapped her granddaughter's nose, and chided, "You, eat your snack!"
Xu Changshan was very displeased with what Xu Qingqing had just said and had originally wanted to lecture her in his capacity as a father. But seeing his mother's attitude, well, he immediately obediently shut his mouth.
Watching the affectionate scene between the grandmother and granddaughter, Bai Yaxiu dug her nails into her palm. Suppressing her anger, she called out, "Mom, Tianbao is here too. Come on, Tianbao, say hello to Grandma. Tianbao is such a filial child; ever since he heard you and Dad were back from abroad, he's been clamoring to come see you."
Beside her, Xu Tianbao looked impatient. Only after being pinched by her did he reluctantly mutter, "Grandma."
It was so strange. Mom clearly cursed Grandma and Grandpa as old fogies who should die sooner every day at home, saying that then the family fortune would all belong to Dad and him. But now she was pulling him to call them Grandma and Grandpa. Xu Tianbao really didn't want to call them.
Children understand everything, yet understand nothing. He only knew that Bai Yaxiu was deliberately currying favor with people she hated, so he felt his mother was being bullied by Grandpa and Grandma Xu.
Under normal circumstances, Xu Tianbao would probably have thrown a tantrum long ago. But today, as soon as he looked up and saw Xu Qingqing sitting next to Grandma Xu, he instantly recalled all the hardships he had suffered at her hands over the years. After thinking it over, he timidly shrank back.
Forget it. Better not provoke her.
Grandma Xu was angry with Bai Yaxiu and Xu Changshan but wouldn't take it out on a child like Xu Tianbao. However, following Bai Yaxiu's words, she looked at the little boy and happened to catch the hatred and anger in his gaze as he looked over.
Grandma Xu immediately gave a cold laugh. "Please, don't bother. We're just a couple of old bones, no need for you to concern yourselves."
Like father, like son; like mother, like daughter. Some people are inherently mean-spirited and improper, their actions unrefined, and the children they raise are just as shrewd.
Did Bai Yaxiu think she and her husband were fools?
"Mom, what are you doing?" Hearing his mother's scornful snort, Xu Changshan couldn't help but frown. "Your daughter-in-law is calling you."
Who knows what kind of bewitching potion Xu Qingqing fed his parents, making them disapprove of Yaxiu, Tianbao, and Youlan every time. They are all so good, why can't Mom and Dad see it?
Grandma Xu snorted, "Calling me what? I only have one daughter-in-law, and she's long gone."
"Mom, didn't we agree not to bring this up anymore?" Xu Changshan's face instantly flushed crimson, while Bai Yaxiu paled with anger.
Grandma Xu looked coldly at the two of them and scoffed, "Who agreed with you? It's your own guilty conscience that makes you afraid to mention it!"
Grandma Xu felt guilty! Back then, she watched Xu Changshan and Lin Jiangxue grow up together as childhood sweethearts, saw them get married and have Qingqing. That young couple was so sweet and loving... Who could have thought that later, such a fine young woman would die in their own home?
She remembered when Xu Changshan and Lin Jiangxue's puppy love was discovered by their teacher, and Grandma Xu was called to the school. Back then, that young girl stood before her, blushing shyly, while her son patted his chest pleadingly, begging her to cover for them and put in a good word with the teacher.
Thinking of that scene, Grandma Xu still couldn't understand to this day how two perfectly good people could have ended up like this. She figured Lin Jiangxue probably couldn't believe it either back then, which is why she stubbornly refused to let go and divorce, hoping her husband would change his mind.
At this thought, Grandma Xu angrily grabbed a cup from the nearby table and hurled it at Xu Changshan. "Xu Changshan, how did I give birth to a son like you!"
She was truly so disappointed in him. The son she watched grow up, how did he become such a despicable, heartless scoundrel?
Xu Tianbao saw his father hanging his head being scolded and fearfully shrunk into Bai Yaxiu's arms.
He glared at Grandma Xu, thinking she was indeed just as Mom said—an old hag who wouldn't die. Once he inherited the family business, he would definitely kick all these people out.
Grandma Xu, wise with age and a veteran who helped the old master build the family empire decades ago, could easily see the thoughts in a child's eyes.
She shook her head. To say she wasn't disappointed would be a lie.
Back when Xu Qingqing's mother passed away, she and the old master blocked Bai Yaxiu from entering the family. Xu Changshan thought his parents were opposing him, but in reality, it was because Bai Yaxiu's character was flawed. She wasn't fit to be the matriarch of the Xu family. With a mother like that, the next generation of the Xu family would be utterly ruined.
Later, when Xu Changshan insisted on marrying Bai Yaxiu, she and the old master made a decisive move and took Xu Qingqing in to raise her themselves.
She sighed and took the initiative to speak. "You didn't come today just to visit us, did you?" Children are a lifetime of debt. Who knows what scheme they were up to with this visit.
Xu Changshan, still dejected from the scolding, immediately lifted his head upon hearing Grandma Xu's words, his tone firm. "Yes. Mom, we came today for another matter."
Bai Youlan, who had remained silent all along, hung her head and clenched her hands, nails digging into her palms; Bai Yaxiu looked excited, her eyes gleaming; Xu Tianbao, understanding nothing, kicked the sofa boredly.
Xu Changshan clenched his fist, couldn't help but glance at his wife beside him, and encouraged by her look, said seriously, "Youlan has been an adult for several years now, and Tianbao is in his teens. I was thinking, shouldn't we discuss their shares in the company?"
His words shocked everyone present. Even the onlooking Xie Lianqing raised an eyebrow.
Grandpa Xu, who had remained silent and observant until now, couldn't hold back. He narrowed his eyes, his voice low. "Xu Changshan, what are you scheming? Your mother and I aren't dead yet, and you're already eagerly eyeing our shares?"
Xu Changshan dared not offend Grandpa Xu. Even though Grandma Xu might hit and scold him when angry, she did carry him for ten months and give birth to him, so she wouldn't be utterly heartless towards him in the end.
But Grandpa Xu was different. He was the most ruthless person in the family. After the incident with Bai Yaxiu, he quietly banished Xu Changshan to a remote position and directly changed the successor of the Xu Group.
Having learned his lesson once, Xu Changshan knew his father's severity.
Under Grandpa Xu's sharp gaze, he explained, "Dad, that's not what I meant. Didn't you give Qingqing shares too? They're all children of the Xu family. Why does Xu Qingqing have them, but Youlan and Tianbao don't?"
Grandpa Xu gripped his cane, his tone growing even lower. "Aren't you Xu Qingqing's father? How dare you ask why?"
Seeing the situation turning sour, Xu Changshan said, "It's just not fair!"
"Fair? There's no 'fair' here!"
Grandpa Xu stood up and roared, "Get out! Take your family and get out right now!"
"Dad!"
As a huge confrontation seemed imminent, Xu Tianbao froze in fear, Bai Youlan didn't dare to breathe, Grandma Xu turned her face away from her son and husband, and even the usually most willful Xu Qingqing didn't dare to speak now.
Bai Yaxiu, her eyes gleaming with excitement, stepped forward and said softly, "Dad, don't be angry with Changshan. He's just anxious. After all, the rumors online are getting too ugly. Youlan's carefully built public image in the entertainment industry was almost ruined."
As the father-in-law, Grandpa Xu found it inappropriate to criticize or discipline his daughter-in-law's words and actions, so although he was disgusted with Bai Yaxiu, he ultimately said nothing.
Bai Yaxiu had long since figured out the Xu family's mindset. She continued slowly, "You might not know yet, but Qingqing has some misunderstandings about me and Youlan. Not long ago, she publicly spent money in the entertainment industry to cut off Youlan's resources."
Xu Qingqing, who had been staying obediently by her grandmother's side, couldn't help but frown upon hearing Bai Yaxiu's words. "Are you out of your mind?"
Bai Yaxiu's expression stiffened. She smiled gently at her and said, "Qingqing, don't blame me for saying this. I'm doing it for your own good."
"We are family. Youlan is magnanimous and doesn't hold a grudge. But this kind of thing is not good. If Qingqing gets used to throwing money around to have her way, ruining people's futures like this, what will she do in the future? So I thought I should tell Dad and Mom. After all, Qingqing is just starting out; it's not too late to correct her."
Bai Yaxiu carefully observed the expressions of the old couple, subtly poisoning their minds. Weren't these two old fogies just biased towards Xu Qingqing? Once they learned their precious granddaughter had done such things, they would surely be furious.
Sure enough, upon hearing Bai Yaxiu's words, Grandpa Xu's face darkened. He called out, "Xu Qingqing! Is what she said true?"
Xu Qingqing said righteously, "It's true. I've even run short of money because of it recently. I was just about to ask you for more allowance. Remember to have your secretary transfer me some money later."
Grandpa Xu immediately forgot his earlier displeasure and said urgently, "You child, why didn't you tell your elders if you ran out of money? What would you do normally if you had none? How much should I transfer?"
Xu Qingqing said nonchalantly, "You decide. The more, the better."
Then she looked at the stiff Bai Yaxiu and said mockingly, "Stunned now? Don't tell me... when you tattled on me in front of my grandparents, you actually expected them to scold me and uphold justice for you?"
Was Bai Yaxiu really that naive?
Hearing Xu Qingqing's blunt words, Bai Yaxiu trembled with anger.
Grandfather Xu coughed once, feigning anger as he said, "Drink your bird's nest soup." If you don't drink it now, it'll get cold and won't be good for your stomach.
"Oh," Xu Qingqing responded, then silently took a sip of the bird's nest soup to steady her nerves.
Even Xie Lianqing, who had been watching the scene, lowered his eyes, a faint smile curling at his lips. The blatant favoritism that Old Master Xu and the others showed towards Xu Qingqing was something even he found astonishing.
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