Chapter – 35
You Have Troublesome Love Luck
Chu Beihu saw Jiang Xixu’s surprised expression but didn’t change his own. He simply spoke calmly.
“It’s because I previously revealed your identity to the Song family, which led them to confront the Jiang family and indirectly caused you to leave home.”
Therefore, he needed to take responsibility.
Jiang Xixu: “……”
Just moments ago, she had thought he might have found out she had grasped those two golden rays of light… But this was the reason?
This big shot, was he really this easy to fool? Taking some offhand remark at face value just because it sounded plausible?
Of course, Chu Beihu himself knew this was merely an excuse Jiang Huai had used to persuade him to support the occasion. But even if it was just an excuse, as long as it provided him a reason to act, it wasn’t deception.
Yesterday, she hadn’t explicitly said, “Please keep my identity a secret.” But he had indeed told others she was a Jiang family daughter without her consent. Based on that point alone, he wouldn’t shirk responsibility.
Big Shot Chu’s “compulsiveness” was also a thorough obsession with how things should be.
Jiang Xixu had originally intended to say, “You don’t need to take responsibility,” but her gaze suddenly fell on his left wrist. Earlier, when Guan Ruirui accidentally bumped into his arm, she had clearly seen the black aura clinging to her dissipate significantly upon contact with his golden light.
That golden light was like a flame, instantly incinerating any sinister energy that approached.
…She kind of wanted it.
Thinking this, she swallowed the polite refusal of responsibility and instead opened her mouth.
“In that case, if I have any problems in the future… can I rely on you?”
“No.”
Jiang Xixu: “???”
Weren’t you taking responsibility?
Perhaps sensing her confusion, Chu Beihu uncharacteristically offered an explanation.
“You have already returned to the Jiang family. So my responsibility was fulfilled just now.”
Jiang Xixu: “……”
…So, the big shot’s “responsibility” was a one-time thing.
…A miscalculation!
As expected, Chu Beihu disliked this kind of social occasion. After exchanging a few words with her, he quickly found an excuse to leave.
Jiang Xixu realized that to establish a connection with this big shot, she would need another plan. Well, no need to rush.
Just as she was about to turn away, a light, feminine voice sounded from behind.
“Young Master Chu is famous in these circles for being the most difficult person to approach. If you set your sights on him, you’ll definitely regret it.”
Jiang Xixu turned to see the young woman who had earlier mocked Guan Ruirui. She appeared to be around Jiang Xixu’s age. Her features were glamorous and bold, her black hair elegantly styled, revealing a beautiful neckline. She wore a meaningful smile, but there was no hostility in her words.
Jiang Xixu asked in return,
“Do you like Chu Beihu?”
Usually, specifically warning another woman to “not get close” to a man was evidence of having feelings for him. But the young woman grimaced at her words as if frightened.
“Do I look like I have a death wish? Why would I like that ‘demon king’?”
Jiang Xixu raised an eyebrow.
This was already the second time. It seemed everyone referred to him as “demon king.” Apparently, it wasn’t Jiang Huai’s exclusive nickname but a common perception.
“Thanks for the advice. But whether I approach him or not based on the situation is my decision.”
—Meaning, she’d listen but not necessarily obey.
Li Qingzi gave her a strange look, then shrugged.
“Alright, fine. I just spoke up because seeing you so decisively cut ties with your adoptive parents earlier, I thought you weren’t stupid.”
She extended her hand, a smile curling her lips.
“Li Qingzi. Li’s Real Estate is my family.”
Jiang Xixu wouldn’t coldly distance herself from someone without hostility. Moreover, the young woman in front of her was bright and lively, and she felt a liking for her.
Returning the handshake, her gaze lingered on the faint pink shadow lingering between the young woman’s brows.
Then, smiling, she informed her,
“You’re going to have troublesome love luck soon. —Be careful of people who try to ‘put you in their debt’.”
For people she took a liking to, she never hesitated to offer a word of advice.
Li Qingzi: “???”
She blinked, not expecting the conversation to take this turn.
“You… really believe in that stuff?”
She had thought Jiang Xixu was just saying those things earlier to expose the Guan family’s disgrace.
Jiang Xixu replied calmly,
“Not just believe. I study it. —If you’re troubled by petty people, you can consult me.”
Li Qingzi: “……”
—This Jiang family young lady really was a bit odd.
……
Meanwhile, at the Guan residence.
The three returned home in silence. On the way, even with no one around, Bai Shuqin desperately covered her mouth, afraid of involuntarily exposing her thoughts again.
Guan Qishen hadn’t attended the dinner that night. He returned home unexpectedly early, finding his family back already. Shortly after he entered, his father Guan Baocheng, his mother, and his red-eyed sister came in.
“Dad, Mom, what happened?”
Before he could finish asking, Guan Baocheng turned and—
Smack!
A sharp slap landed on Bai Shuqin’s cheek.
Caught off guard, she was knocked to the floor. The sobbing Guan Ruirui was stunned, and Guan Qishen’s face changed color as he hurriedly tried to restrain his father.
“Dad! What are you doing?!”
But Guan Baocheng ignored his son, raising his foot as if to kick her. His face displayed a ferocity they had never seen before.
“It’s all your fault! You ruined the reputation I built up! Made the Guan family a laughingstock! I feel like strangling you right now!”
Guan Qishen was aghast.
—His father had always been so gentle. Why this sudden change? Wasn’t tonight supposed to be about attending the Jiang family banquet to restore cooperative relations? How did it turn into the Guan family becoming a laughingstock…?
Trembling nearby, Guan Ruirui, frightened by her loving father’s transformation, whimpered through tears.
“Dad… stop it… I’m scared…”
Her words added fuel to the fire.
“And you! You still have something to say! You knew Xixu was the real Jiang family daughter but hid it from me! I thought you two were genuinely helping to foster ties with the Jiang family. But in the end, you and your mother are the root of all this trouble!”
Guan Ruirui’s body trembled violently at his roar.
Bai Shuqin pulled her daughter close, desperately shielding her while shouting.
“Guan Baocheng! Why are you blaming Ruirui?! She’s your own daughter! Are you taking your incompetence out on us?! Wagging your tail like a puppy outside just moments ago, then coming home to throw your weight around! Coward!”
Hearing this, Guan Qishen’s eyes widened.
—Was this really something his mother could say?!
