Chapter 1283: Old Man Fang, the Jinx

The two of them followed the young man into the courtyard. The young man entered the house and returned a moment later, politely offering them a platter of fruit, including one with sliced watermelon.

He then placed them on the table under the grape arbor and said to Gu Qiaoqiao and the other, "I just got a call. My uncle should be here in about ten minutes. I’ll go to the door to greet him."

He knew that his uncle had given that beautiful red Phoenix to the lovely girl called Xiao Wen, and it was clear that their relationship was special, so he was very courteous.

Afterward, the young man briskly walked out of the courtyard, and Gu Qiaoqiao watched Xiao Wen, whispering, "Sister Xiao Wen, it seems this stone has become inseparable from Uncle Fang."

"Yes, I didn’t expect this. If I had known, I wouldn’t have taken it back yesterday." Xiao Wen regretted a bit.

She wasn’t particularly good-tempered; not to mention the life-saving grace, even the now invaluable Red Phoenix had become hers and was placed in Gu Garden.

Compared to Fang Liang, she was still a bit narrow-minded.

She didn’t have Fang Liang’s boldness.

This made Xiao Wen feel ashamed.

"Then how will you explain this to Uncle Fang later?" Gu Qiaoqiao was a bit worried.

After giving something to someone and then taking it back, then giving it again, there has to be a reason with all the changes.

Xiao Wen chuckled cheekily and said, "It’s not that complicated. Some things are simple if you think of them as simple. No need to explain so much to him. When I go back, I’ll just give him the item, and he’ll understand."

Gu Qiaoqiao blinked her bright eyes, thinking to herself, okay, she was overthinking it.

Then, Xiao Wen sneered at Gu Qiaoqiao, "You’re always overthinking everything, no wonder you’re worn out..."

Gu Qiaoqiao felt so wronged.

She looked around and saw that it was indeed just her and Xiao Wen in the courtyard, and no sound came from outside. Still, she lowered her voice to argue, "Sister Xiao Wen, how can you say I’m overthinking? My mom always says I’m a silly girl with a mind like a sieve."

"Oh well, your mom is praising you..." Xiao Wen said enviously.

"Your family praises their children by calling them silly girls with sieve minds..." Gu Qiaoqiao protested, pretending to be angry.

Xiao Wen reached out and pinched Gu Qiaoqiao’s cheek, playfully scolding, "Don’t be ungrateful. Someone like me, who doesn’t know what having a mom means, don’t you feel you’re very lucky compared to me? And your mom scolding you or praising you, that’s something I can’t experience."

Gu Qiaoqiao reached out, patted Xiao Wen, and softly said, "My mom already said, you are her daughter."

Xiao Wen burst into laughter, "Even though physically, it doesn’t change much, I just can’t give up this old face, but honestly, I really like your mom."

Hardworking, kind, reasonable, and a good cook.

"That’s right, my mom is the best mom in the world!" Gu Qiaoqiao said delightedly.

Just as Xiao Wen was about to speak, the sound of car brakes came from outside, and Gu Qiaoqiao quickly said, "They’re back."

Then the two stood up and looked towards the entrance together.

Soon, they saw Old Man Fang and the young man pushing Fang Liang slowly into the courtyard.

The threshold of the Fang house had been removed to facilitate Fang Liang’s wheelchair access.

Seated in the wheelchair, Fang Liang still appeared elegant and refined.

However, Gu Qiaoqiao noticed he seemed slimmer than the last time he came. Otherwise, not much had changed.

But Gu Qiaoqiao felt Fang Liang seemed somewhat different from before.

What exactly was different?

Gu Qiaoqiao’s brow furrowed slightly.

As Fang Liang saw the people standing in the courtyard, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes but quickly vanished.

He then turned to look at his father behind him and softly said, "Dad..."

With that "Dad," Old Man Fang understood. It was a caution not to say anything unpleasant.

The old man sighed inwardly.

But his expression subtly changed, and he stood there, looking at Gu Qiaoqiao, raising his eyebrows, "Girl, when did you come to Jinling City?"

"Just a few days ago," Gu Qiaoqiao answered vaguely.

The Fang Family and the Gu Family were indeed a mess.

Trying to forget is difficult with everything sitting there as it is. How can one forget?

"Don’t leave at noon. We have a new chef from the North. I’ll host a meal so you can taste authentic northern dishes..."

"Thank you, Old Fang, but Sister Xiao Wen and I have some other matters later..." Gu Qiaoqiao politely declined.

She wasn’t in the mood to eat here.

Old Man Fang seemed slightly disappointed, "Oh well..."

Before Gu Qiaoqiao could speak, he continued slowly, "When will your family’s Yubao Square open?"

"It’s not decided yet," Gu Qiaoqiao slightly furrowed her brow but patiently replied.

Old Man Fang looked at Gu Qiaoqiao, raised his eyebrows, straightened his back, and suddenly, with a faint smile, said, "Girl, when you go back, remember to tell your family to be cautious about fire safety.

You wouldn’t know, but the big fire back then lit up half of the sky. Just the fire trucks alone came in three.

Rumor has it that quite a few people managed to pick up golden nuggets inside.

Your uncle was so proud then that he wouldn’t let his family take a step forward, making your great grandfather’s brother cry his heart out, tsk tsk...

See the impoverished days that followed, tell me if it’s not retribution? I’m telling you, just afraid this retribution isn’t over yet, when you get back, tell your uncle..."

Fang Liang coughed, tugging at his father’s arm, indicating for him to stop speaking. This malicious tone made Fang Liang feel both amused and awkward.

But in public, he wouldn’t blame his father one bit. His survival till now was entirely thanks to his father.

His father by right, at that age, should be pampered by his children and grandchildren. Yet, he’s constantly worrying about him. Fang Liang felt deeply guilty.

But for his father, he had to live well.

Otherwise, what would happen if he left his father alone?

Gu Qiaoqiao glared furiously at Old Man Fang. This old man with such a crow-like mouth was truly annoying.

Xiao Wen raised her voice, "Old Fang, that’s enough, there’s no need to talk like that..."

Gu Qiaoqiao nodded, indeed, who talks like that?

But facing Old Man Fang, it wasn’t surprising.

Gu Qiaoqiao really wanted to knock out this venomous old man’s front teeth, so he’d whistle when he spoke, but seeing Fang Liang’s awkward and helpless expression stopped her from acting on the thought.

She pouted and snorted coldly.