Chapter 11: Going to Pick Up Qiao Yunzhou

Chapter 10

Hearing Qiao Zhuxin’s words, everyone present was stunned. No one had expected her to say such things within the Qiao family. Until now, nearly everyone had assumed the family legacy would pass to Qiao Yanxin.

The Qiao family had never held to the outdated preference for sons; the position of head of the family had always been given to the most capable. Within Qiao Yanxin’s generation, there was little remarkable about anyone. Despite her somewhat reckless behavior, Qiao Yanxin’s abilities were still among the best. So, even after so many misdeeds, the old patriarch had never once suggested stripping her of her authority.

Before others could speak, Qiao’s father broke the silence. His face darkened as he looked at the woman who resembled a foreigner standing before him.

“When did you get to have a say in the Qiao family? You want to take over—do you even have the ability?”

Qiao Zhuxin glanced at him coolly. “It seems the Qiao family isn’t yours to command either, is it?”

“You—!”

Stung by her words, Qiao’s father was momentarily at a loss for a reply. She was right: the Qiao family was not his to dictate. Yet, to be called out so bluntly by this young woman was deeply embarrassing.

What shocked everyone even more was that Qiao Zhuxin, who had once hated the Qiao family the most, had quietly returned without a word—and immediately declared her intent to take over.

I too was puzzled, unable to fathom what her true intentions might be. There was something heavy in her thoughts that made it impossible to read her mind.

Upon hearing her declaration, the old patriarch said nothing. He glanced at Qiao Zhuxin, then waved for the steward to prepare a room for her.

“You will stay at the Qiao residence this time.”

“Yes,” Qiao Zhuxin answered respectfully.

The assembly was stunned again. After all, the old patriarch forbade any younger family members from visiting him, yet he now insisted that Qiao Zhuxin stay by his side.

Such an attitude seemed to confirm his support for Qiao Zhuxin’s bid for power.

Qiao’s father, displeased, stepped forward and whispered in his ear, “Father, you are still ill; the doctor advised rest. Having Qiao Zhuxin live here may not be appropriate.”

The old patriarch cast a cold glance at him. “Are you cursing me?”

“Of course not.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with it. She is your sister. While you all have been wasting your time here, she has already built her own empire abroad. I’m happy to have her near me.”

Suddenly, the patriarch seemed to remember something and looked at Qiao Yanxin—still kneeling on the floor—with bitter disappointment.

“And what about those trending rumors? That Yunzou is a fraud, with people even leaving abusive comments under the Qiao family’s official website. You don’t care at all? Isn’t Yunzou supposed to be your husband or brother? Is this how you handle things?”

Qiao Yanxin’s face turned pale. She could not help but defend herself.

“Grandfather, it’s because Qiao Yunzou threw a tantrum and went off to travel, so he didn’t attend the wedding. If he ends up trending and getting scolded, maybe it will teach him a lesson!”

The old patriarch scoffed. “You don’t even know why he didn’t come? You were looking for others right before the ceremony started, yet you expect Yunzou to be the scapegoat?”

“Go fetch him immediately. Don’t make me say it twice.”

After delivering his final order, the old patriarch, supported by the steward, returned to his room.

Once he left, Qiao’s parents hurriedly helped Qiao Yanxin to her feet. The old patriarch, despite his harshness, had been merciful with the strength of that lash.

Still, Qiao Yanxin’s delicate skin bore cruel marks, flesh torn and raw. Seeing such a brutal wound, I felt an inexplicable dull ache in my heart.

Realizing I actually pitied Qiao Yanxin, I wanted to slap myself. How could I be so forgetful? Haven’t I seen what happens to those who feel sorry for her?

Qiao’s father hurriedly ordered, “Quick, call the family doctor.”

Qiao Yanxin was carried to a guest room and laid on the bed. Since her injury was on her back, everyone left to give her privacy during treatment.

After the wound was dressed, she lay on the bed, bored, scrolling through her phone. Watching her so leisurely, I was nearly driven mad with anxiety.

“Qiao Yanxin! Hurry and rescue my body. I don’t want to be turned into amber!”

The thought of being made into amber was chilling beyond words.

Perhaps they intended to preserve me that way, because I have yet to be buried and my soul lingers still.

I long to rest in peace and not wander as a restless spirit.

Qiao’s mother entered, bringing a bowl of medicine. After Qiao Yanxin drank it, she earnestly advised her once more.

“Yanxin, I won’t say anything about your liking others’ mothers, but now that you’re married, it’s time to settle down.”

Qiao Yanxin muttered softly, “The wedding wasn’t even completed…”

After delivering the medicine, Qiao’s mother left. Qiao Yanxin pulled out her phone again, staring at the last message in her chat with Qiao Yunzou, pouting in displeasure.

“Tingchu is so much better than Qiao Yunzou. What’s wrong with me treating him well? Qiao Yunzou isn’t worth even one finger of Tingchu’s.”

Hearing this, I no longer knew whether to be angry or to laugh.

Qiao Yanxin, oh Qiao Yanxin, when will you realize that I am already dead?

Having died, I naturally cannot reply to your messages anymore.

Opening her phone, Qiao Yanxin frowned at the trending searches pinned at the top. She called Secretary Zhang.

“Take down the trending topics.”

Secretary Zhang hesitated before cautiously asking, “If we remove Mr. Qiao’s trending topics, what about Mr. Gu’s? Shouldn’t they be removed together?”

Qiao Yanxin looked puzzled. “Of course, remove them together. What’s there to ask?”

She truly treated Gu Tingchu well, but she wasn’t so blind as to lose sight of important matters.

That was what I liked about her.

And also what I hated.

But none of that mattered anymore.

After a while, the phone rang again. Qiao Yanxin answered and heard Secretary Zhang’s surprised voice.

“Madam Qiao, the trending topics have already been taken down!”