Gu Qiaoqiao stood there dumbfounded, pressing her forehead, suddenly feeling a headache.
Should she intervene in this matter or not?
No matter how she looked at it, these two people seemed to harbor ill intentions.
But how should she intervene?
She couldnāt even understand what the two of them were saying.
Gu Qiaoqiao watched the black car completely disappear from sight before turning around to run toward the ancient castle.
A light jog counts as exercise.
While running, she thought about her next steps, and halfway there, she saw Zhou Luoan supporting Old Grand Master Qin as they strolled on the lawn, their words carried by the morning breeze revealing Zhou Luoanās plan to take everyone sightseeing today.
Gu Qiaoqiao wasnāt particularly interested, and neither was Old Grand Master Qin, but he didnāt oppose either.
The fallen camel is still bigger than a horse. Zhou Luoan evidently quickly adjusted his mindset. No matter what, thereās still a way out, still family ā the most precious thing. He looked as calm and composed as when they first met.
Gu Qiaoqiao naturally didnāt reveal herself, knowing they couldnāt see her, she brushed past them once more and entered the hall of the ancient castle.
Finding a safe place, Gu Qiaoqiao lifted her invisibility, then pretended to have just come downstairs, leisurely walking to the center of the hall. At the moment, it was empty, appearing vast yet carrying an indescribable hint of gloominess.
This feeling was new. Gu Qiaoqiao frowned, scanning the surroundings, suddenly attracted by a sculpture on the west wall.
It was a relief sculpture.
A relief of a foreign man.
His features were sharp and handsome, yet his expression was cold.
Gu Qiaoqiao was instinctively drawn to the relief.
The relief was quite tall, forcing Gu Qiaoqiao to look up to see it clearly. Then she noticed a round stone on the manās clothing, made of the same material as the relief. Gu Qiaoqiao gazed at it, shocked to find that it exuded the same malevolent energy as Qin Sisi.
Glancing around, Gu Qiaoqiao spotted a high stool near the bar counter not far away. Seeing no one around, she quickly walked over, picked up the stool, and headed for the relief on the west wall.
Gu Qiaoqiao didnāt hesitate. Though she considered waiting until night, the risk of being caught would be greater ā better to observe openly now.
Standing on the high stool, the height was just right. Gu Qiaoqiao focused, placing her right hand on the round stone.
The moment she touched it, the malevolent energy seemed poised to attack her, yet was swiftly dispelled by the commanding spiritual energy from her fingers.
Although it didnāt vanish, it transformed into a faint mist swirling around, which Gu Qiaoqiao temporarily ignored, recognizing it as a switch.
What switch could this be, Gu Qiaoqiao was curious and nervous, but clearly not a light switch.
As she was about to turn the stone, Qin Sisiās sharp voice suddenly echoed from the staircase, "Gu Qiaoqiao, what are you doing?"
Gu Qiaoqiao froze, a bit regretful as she reluctantly released her grip. She hadnāt seen Qin Sisi for three days.
Whether Qin Sisi was avoiding her, not wanting to see her, she didnāt know. In any case, the two hadnāt met during these three days.
Turning to face Qin Sisi, Gu Qiaoqiao greeted her with a smile, only to pause in surprise. Within a few days, Qin Sisi had grown gaunt, her eyes sunken, face sallow. Most alarmingly, the malevolent energy around her had intensified.
She looked utterly lifeless.
What had happened?
Just a few days ago, she was doing fine.
Standing on the high stool, Gu Qiaoqiao flicked her fingers, dispersing the malevolent energy surrounding her entirely.
This action enlightened Gu Qiaoqiao: all things under heaven and earth follow the same laws, the difference merely lies in the people living under those laws.
Gu Qiaoqiao was genuinely intrigued about what the switch would reveal once activated.
Basement?
Treasure Room?
It seemed possible, especially in such an old house.
"Gu Qiaoqiao, come down. What do you think youāre doing up there?"
Qin Sisi thought Gu Qiaoqiao was stunned by her demeanor, softened her tone to remind her.
The stool was quite high. What if she lost her balance and fell?
She was Old Grand Master Qinās favorite great-granddaughter-in-law, Ah Zeās beloved wife.
This, Qin Sisi understood well.
Most importantly, when she fell from the stage back then, others thought it was nothing. Who wouldāve thought fate would be so cruel as to leave her unable to stand again?
Thinking of this, Qin Sisiās face turned frighteningly pale, her gaze slightly eerie, yet her voice softened considerably, instructing a nearby servant, "Help her down carefully. Donāt let her fall..."
Standing on the high stool, Gu Qiaoqiao observed Qin Sisiās awkward demeanor, smiling slightly. Such a peculiar character, acting in unexpectedly thoughtful ways.
She glanced at the round stone on the wall, suppressing the thoughts in her eyes, and declined the servantās assistance. Supporting herself with one hand, she swiftly jumped down.
Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Qin Sisiās eyes involuntarily widen, then watched as she landed safely, breathlessly sighing with relief, before glaring at Gu Qiaoqiao and turning to wheel herself toward the door.
Showing no interest in engaging with her.
Gu Qiaoqiao thought Qin Sisi would seize the chance to reprimand her, but surprisingly, she was ignored.
Gu Qiaoqiao bit her rosy lip, understanding in her heart that sheād been hurt by Old Grand Master Qinās actions that day, or perhaps was finally acknowledging her seniority and age.
Though Gu Qiaoqiao noticed that the entire Zhou family really pampered her like a child.
Even Zhou Xia indulged her.
All because she was ill.
Even Old Grand Master Qin prioritized her somewhat.
Oh, is being sick so wonderful? Would she remain so finicky if her illness was cured?
Gu Qiaoqiao anticipated.
This was merely a fleeting thought for Gu Qiaoqiao, most importantly, Qin Sisiās current state was poor, barely appearing able to last a month, let alone a year.
Their visit this time was truly unfortunate.
First, the Zhou family faced trouble, then Qin Sisi fell ill, no matter how one looked at it, it felt unsettling.
Gu Qiaoqiao sighed, whatever. Sheās a patient, although has opinions on her, itās merely a cold demeanor, something she doesnāt care about. Best not to fuss over it, besides, this ancient castle wasnāt the imaginary land of joy and plenty she expected.
Gu Qiaoqiao quickly walked over, blocking Qin Sisi in one swift move.
Frowning, she stared at Qin Sisiās legs.