Chapter 62 - 61: The Two Options Given by Lin Qinghuan

Chapter 62: Chapter 61: The Two Options Given by Lin Qinghuan

It always felt like Lin Qinghuan was a bit different today than usual.

Hopefully, it’s not another Bai Yun.

But that should be unlikely. Before she went abroad, I had asked her if she was interested in Ah Ze, and at that time, the girl had firmly denied it and did not hesitate to go overseas.

Moreover, it never seemed apparent normally.

Perhaps it was all in my head.

With this thought, the great grandfather shifted his attention and started chatting with Qin Yize and Chu Chengfeng.

...

Qin Yize, watching Lin Qinghuan’s retreating figure, a trace of darkness flitted across his eyes.

This is the great grandfather’s home. Lin Qinghuan wouldn’t dare to pull any tricks here.

With that thought, he quickly shifted his gaze away.

In the kitchen, Gu Qiaoqiao looked at the pile of ingredients and quickly planned what to make.

It seems like Chu Chengfeng and Lin Qinghuan won’t be leaving. They will definitely stay for lunch.

Chu Chengfeng is fine, but for Lin Qinghuan, Gu Qiaoqiao still felt somewhat uneasy. She soon thought to herself, just treat it as feeding Big Yellow.

Gu Qiaoqiao, composed, said to Xiao Yuan, “We’re out of white sugar. Go buy some white sugar or rock sugar will do too.”

Xiao Yuan happily went off.

The great grandfather had mentioned that Qin Yize’s new wife was an excellent cook, and compared to her, what they usually ate was nothing but pig feed.

Xiao Yuan was not upset, instead, he thought his cooking skills were quite impressive already.

Of course, it couldn’t compare to those with high culinary skills.

So, he had been looking forward to it ever since the great grandfather mentioned a few days earlier about Qin Yize bringing his wife over on the sixth.

Xiao Yuan’s figure soon vanished outside the door.

Just as Gu Qiaoqiao was about to sort the ingredients, she saw Lin Qinghuan walking towards her.

Her face bore a smile.

But the smile did not reach her eyes.

Gu Qiaoqiao bowed her head, seemingly not noticing Lin Qinghuan approaching, and began categorizing the ingredients.

“Sister-in-law, I’m not good at cooking, but I can help out,” said Lin Qinghuan cheerfully.

Gu Qiaoqiao glanced at her and after a few moments, pointed at the potatoes and celery, “You can peel the potatoes and pluck the celery.”

Lin Qinghuan showed no surprise, having sensed in the brief exchange Gu Qiaoqiao’s straightforwardness.

Hiding a trace of disdain in her eyes, Lin Qinghuan indeed sat on the stool and started peeling the potatoes.

Gu Qiaoqiao began chopping vegetables.

It was clear Lin Qinghuan had something to say, otherwise, she wouldn’t be so obedient in helping out.

All she had to do was wait.

Indeed, soon Lin Qinghuan’s voice came from behind, “Sister-in-law, I heard about you and Bai Yun. I’m quite curious, how did you dodge that glass of orange juice back then?”

Gu Qiaoqiao paused, put down the knife, turned around to look at Lin Qinghuan, “You should ask Bai Yun about that, she was the one who gave me the juice to drink.”

“She picked the wrong glass in a hurry?”

“Possibly…” Gu Qiaoqiao’s clear eyes shifted slightly as she spoke softly, “That must be the best interpretation of shooting oneself in the foot.”

Lin Qinghuan lifted her head, still smiling, “Bai Yun, although quite scheming, is not cruel enough…”

Not cruel enough?

Gu Qiaoqiao knitted her brows and laughed, “Lin Qinghuan, should I be grateful for Bai Yun’s mercy in sparing my life?”

Lin Qinghuan paused momentarily as she was holding something and then giggled, “Sister-in-law, what you’re saying sounds really fresh. Killing is illegal, of course, but I meant no other implication. I just think Bai Yun just wants to embarrass you to vent her spleen. She’s liked Qin Yize since they were young, and Aunt Shen’s ambiguous attitude gave her undue hope, so she became bold…”

“Being bold gives you the right to harm and embarrass others, Lin Qinghuan, do you know what happens after one is humiliated?” Gu Qiaoqiao asked indifferently.

“That depends on individual psychological quality. You saw how Bai Yun was disgraced that night in junior high, but the next day, she was bouncing about as if nothing happened. This time, coming out of the station, I can guarantee she will act as if it never happened. That woman has really thick skin.”

Only then did Gu Qiaoqiao seriously start to examine Lin Qinghuan, finding her quite surprising.

Seeing her usual demeanor, she knew, however, there was some truth in her words.

“Sister-in-law, actually, it’s not entirely Qin Yize’s fault for attracting the bees and butterflies. Do you know why so many girls in this circle like him?”

Gu Qiaoqiao curled her lips, scorn flashing in her eyes, “Why?”

“Everyone is clear about his obvious traits, so I won’t mention those, but I just want to say, if Ah Ze were as flirtatious as Chengfeng, he probably wouldn’t attract so much attention. The key is, he’s too cold. Going by old sayings, he’s indifferent to women. I’ve grown up with him since we were kids and never saw him talk to girls. Regarding their affection, he’s either annoyed or indifferent, but do you know?”

Lin Qinghuan paused here, noticing that Gu Qiaoqiao was not embarrassed but listening very intently.

So she continued, “Actually, human nature is really cheap. What’s easily obtained is never cherished. But the harder to get, the better they seem to think it is. Just like Qin Yize, to Bai Yun, he’s irreplaceable.

However, if nobody could have him, it wouldn’t matter.

But when he is gotten by someone who doesn’t match him at all, you can imagine how imbalanced some people felt.

They would think, what right does she have? Why did she marry Qin Yize?

She’s almost like a rural housemaid at home, worlds apart from Ah Ze.

To let such a person possess Qin Yize is an insult and provocation to them.

Therefore, troubles follow one after another. Even if the Qin family protects you, the cattiness and exclusion amongst girls are endless.

Like now, I quarrel with you a few words. Even if Great Grandfather is on your side, he can’t possibly lock me up. At most, he’ll scold me a few times. So unless you forever leave the Imperial Capital, leave the crowd, leave the sight of certain people, there will always be many Bai Yuns waiting for you…”

Lin Qinghuan’s long speech indeed shocked Gu Qiaoqiao. This person, a classmate of Qin Yize, was also in her early twenties, yet she felt inscrutable.

And her words left Gu Qiaoqiao unable to discern whether they were meant kindly or maliciously.

But she had to admit within her heart that her words made sense.

“According to you, it sounds like I have nowhere to go…” Gu Qiaoqiao masked her surprise with a joking tone.

“Of course, there are ways out, but only two…”

“Oh?” Gu Qiaoqiao seemed genuinely curious, “I’m keen to hear more.”

“It’s simple, the first way is to make yourself strong. So strong that others can only look up to you. Not to mention squeezing in, they have to be very careful even when speaking to you…”

Gu Qiaoqiao was shocked internally, compelled to see Lin Qinghuan in a new light.

But in a flash of insight, she suddenly realized.

This definition of strength was not realistic.

These people were already superior to others.

How could she possibly surpass them?

Let alone her, even Lin Qinghuan present here couldn’t do it.