Chapter 17: Qiao Yunzhou Isn’t at the Old Residence?

Upon hearing Qiao Yanxin’s words, I felt a sense of helplessness. Ah, Qiao Yanxin, this time it’s really not me being moody with you. I’m dead—when will you finally understand that?

Early the next morning, Qiao Yanxin woke up quickly.

Her complexion looked poor, and I knew immediately that she hadn’t slept well the night before.

It made sense—she had always been sensitive to the cold, and during winter, she often struggled to fall asleep at night.

In the past, I would carefully prepare electric blankets and warm packs for her, turn on the heater and humidifier in the room, and before bed, Ge Hua would prepare hot water for her to soak her feet and ward off the chill.

But now that I’m gone, naturally no one was there to take care of such things for Qiao Yanxin.

She was like a helpless infant, unable to take care of herself.

She had to endure the cold nights on her own.

Taking a black overcoat from the wardrobe, she put it on and looked at herself in the mirror. She realized that wearing the black coat made her look strikingly like Qiao Zhuxin.

Annoyed, she quickly took off the coat and changed into a light gray one instead.

After dressing, she took the gift prepared for her grandmother and set off toward the old family estate.

When she arrived at the estate’s entrance, she was surprised to see Gu Tingchu there.

Naturally, many prominent figures from society were invited to Grandma Qiao’s 60th birthday celebration.

But Qiao Yanxin hadn’t expected Gu Tingchu to attend as well.

Recalling her father’s warning from the previous night, Qiao Yanxin cleared her throat lightly, pretending not to notice Gu Tingchu, and turned to enter.

However, Gu Tingchu’s sharp eyes caught sight of her. His eyes brightened, and he hurried over.

“Yanxin!”

Only then did Qiao Yanxin notice that Gu Tingchu was wearing a black overcoat.

It was exactly the same as the one she had just taken off.

Seeing Gu Tingchu’s clothes, I couldn’t help but curl my lips. Gu Tingchu really had a transparent ambition—everyone could see through it.

Gu Tingchu looked at the coat Qiao Yanxin was wearing with some dissatisfaction and reached out to grab her hand.

“Why aren’t you wearing that black coat? This light gray one doesn’t suit you.”

Qiao Yanxin stiffened, awkwardly pulling her hand away.

Hearing Gu Tingchu’s words, I laughed inwardly—he still wanted to wear couple’s outfits with Qiao Yanxin?

Qiao Yanxin obviously realized this too, and her expression darkened.

Today was Grandma’s 60th birthday; if she and Gu Tingchu showed up wearing matching coats, what would people say?

Tomorrow’s trending topics were probably already booked.

Moreover, Grandpa might become very angry because of this.

Remembering her father’s words from last night, Qiao Yanxin’s face grew even colder.

Gu Tingchu looked at her confused as she left him behind and entered the estate alone.

He didn’t understand why Qiao Yanxin suddenly became so unhappy when he hadn’t even said anything.

After some thought, he could only attribute it to the inscrutable nature of women’s hearts.

Watching this scene, I couldn’t help but sneer.

Ah, Qiao Yanxin, have you only just realized Gu Tingchu’s wolfish intentions?

But this was only the tip of the iceberg. When you discover the truth, who knows how you’ll feel?

Once inside the old estate, Qiao Yanxin began searching everywhere for any sign of me.

After looking for a long time, she found nothing.

Watching her actions, I found it amusing—she would surely go to Grandma’s room next to look for me.

Sure enough, a faint smile appeared at the corner of her mouth as she hurried toward Grandma’s room.

Grandma lived in the inner chamber, which was more secluded and tranquil than the outside.

Qiao Yanxin quietly pushed the door open.

“Grandma, I’m here.”

“Bang!”

Suddenly, a glass shattered on the floor near Qiao Yanxin’s feet, pieces scattering everywhere.

“How dare you come to see me? I thought you had long forgotten about your grandmother. I’m already a dead woman!”

Grandma Qiao said this and then began to cough violently.

These past two years, her health had worsened, and she lay in bed all day, relying on medicinal soups to sustain her life.

Looking at Grandma lying there, temples grayed and features gaunt, tears streamed uncontrollably down my face.

“Grandma, I’m here. Your grandson is unfilial; I couldn’t come to celebrate your 60th birthday.”

Grandma struggled to sit up, and a servant hurried over to help her.

Qiao Yanxin also stepped forward to assist.

However, while helping, she complained, “This Qiao Yunzhou really is something. Knowing Grandma’s health is poor, he still doesn’t stay by your side. After all you’ve done for him, is this how he repays you?”

Grandma Qiao’s anger grew. “Shut up! What right do you have to speak about Yunzhou? When Yunzhou was by this old woman’s side, do you know what you were doing?”

Qiao Yanxin knew she was in the wrong and dared not say another word.

She tried to help Grandma again, but Grandma, with a look of disgust, slapped her hand away.

“Who told you to touch me?!”

Qiao Yanxin’s expression froze. She hadn’t expected Grandma to dislike her so much.

But remembering why she had come today, she patiently spoke, “Grandma, I was wrong before. You can scold or hit me as you wish.”

Grandma Qiao’s face was full of sarcasm. “You sure know how to say pretty words.”

Hearing the noise inside, Qiao Yanxin’s mother and others came in.

Seeing Qiao Yanxin being struck, her mother hurried over.

“Mom, why are you hitting Yanxin for no reason?”

Grandma Qiao sneered, “Why do you think I’m hitting her? Why don’t you ask your good daughter what she’s done! What kind of things can a person do?!”

Qiao Yanxin’s mother looked displeased. “It’s all in the past now. Yanxin knows her mistake and won’t do such foolish things again.”

She nudged Qiao Yanxin.

Qiao Yanxin understood and quickly nodded.

“Yes, yes, Grandma. I definitely won’t do that anymore!”

At this, Grandma Qiao’s expression softened briefly.

But before she could say more, she suddenly saw a familiar figure among the guests.

“You beast! How dare you come to our Qiao family?!”

Grandma Qiao angrily pointed at Gu Tingchu, and everyone’s gaze focused on him.

Gu Tingchu was stunned for a moment, then rolled his eyes and feigned an injured expression.

“Grandma, I came to congratulate you too. If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave.”

“Get out! I don’t want your hypocritical presence!”

After speaking, Grandma Qiao began coughing violently again.

When her coughing subsided, she looked behind Qiao Yanxin and saw that she had come alone. Her expression darkened further.

“Why are you the only one here? Where’s Yunzhou? Why didn’t he come with you?”

Qiao Yanxin was equally surprised. “Hasn’t Qiao Yunzhou already come to see you?”