Chapter 46

The gossiping crowd was stunned: Just a scammer’s tactic. Once he fattened her up, he’ll be ready to butcher her! These two sentences together were extremely serious!

Liu Shu’s husband, who appeared to be a gentle and considerate good man, was so cruel in his heart. It was terrifying!

The people who knew the truth looked at Ji Tao with shocked expressions.

Ji Tao: “???”

What the heck? Did he just hear something? And was it about him…?

He looked around the table but didn’t notice anyone talking. Could he have imagined it?

No, if it were an illusion, Liu Shu wouldn’t have had such a surprised expression.

He immediately spoke, “Shushu, the red dates are washed. I’ll put them here for you to eat later.”

“I’ve also poured you a glass of warm water. After you finish the protein shake, you can rinse your mouth.”

His display of being a good man would have made everyone believe he was indeed a great guy—if it weren’t for Qiao Chuchu’s inner thoughts.

But now, keep your distance from me, don’t give me any food, I’m scared to death.

“Mm.” Liu Shu nodded, but the puzzled look on her face didn’t fade. The voice she had just heard seemed to have come from her right, from Qiao Chuchu. What did those words mean?

What did she mean by “Just a scammer’s tactic. Once he fattened her up, he’ll be ready to butcher her”?

Was she referring to her and Ji Tao?

Liu Shu didn’t understand the sudden voice and felt a bit uncomfortable. She lowered her head and looked at the protein powder in her hand, and suddenly, it didn’t seem appetizing anymore.

As a director, staying up late to shoot was common, and she often had stomach pains from irregular eating, which led to hospital visits.

Because of this long-term pattern, her physical health had become quite poor, and her body had grown increasingly thin.

It was at this time that she met Ji Tao, who was a male caregiver. He took care of her with great tenderness, meeting all her needs.

Over time, they grew closer, and on her birthday, Ji Tao confessed his love for her, saying he truly wanted to marry her.

However, she hesitated because she was thirteen years older than him—not three years, but thirteen. The huge age gap made her uncertain. But Ji Tao remained steadfast, his heart and eyes filled only with her.

What made her decide to marry him was when her appendix burst, and she collapsed unconscious. Ji Tao was the first to notice and rushed her to the hospital for treatment.

The doctor said that if they had arrived even a little later, her condition would have worsened.

During her hospital stay, Ji Tao took even better care of her, treating her like a child.

Having grown up in an orphanage, Liu Shu had never experienced such care and affection. It was then that her heart was moved.

She convinced herself to overcome the age difference and be with Ji Tao.

For an hour, no one spoke, waiting for Qiao Chuchu to drop another bombshell, but nothing came from her.

Just as the food was served, the director finally spoke up, “Today, I invited everyone to dinner to give you all a chance to get to know each other, and to wish ‘Dear Us’ a viewership rating that exceeds 10 billion.”

“Director, you’re amazing! You’ve achieved so much at such a young age,” Ji Tao said. “I’d like to propose a toast to you, wishing your career even more success in the future.”

The director nodded. “Ah, thank you for your kind words, Mr. Ji.”

Several guests toasted the director, replacing alcohol with drinks if they couldn’t drink. The atmosphere quickly became lively again, as though the earlier silence never happened.

This wouldn’t do! The director had invited them for dinner to get gossip and choose guests, and without Qiao Chuchu spilling the beans, how could he enjoy the gossip?

So, the director glanced around and noticed Liu Shu hadn’t finished her protein shake, and he picked up on the earlier conversation.

“Director Liu, you haven’t finished your protein shake? The food is on the table, should we eat first?”

His words were perfectly fine, and no one doubted his true intentions behind them.

“Mm.” Liu Shu nodded. Perhaps because she had heard that earlier voice, a sense of discomfort lingered within her.

Ji Tao’s expression darkened for a split second, so quick that no one could notice.

He gently asked, “Shushu, is my protein shake not prepared well? You’ve only had a sip. If there’s something wrong, tell me, and I’ll fix it next time.”

“No, it’s just…” Liu Shu suppressed the discomfort inside her, “I just want to eat more today.”

“Okay, but remember to eat the red dates.” Ji Tao pushed the red dates toward her. “Your blood and energy are weak, you need to nourish yourself more.”

“I know,” Liu Shu smiled, feeling cherished by his concern.

She picked up a plump red date and took a bite. The sweetness spread through her heart, wrapping around her like warmth.

Ji Tao looked at her with tenderness and adoration, his eyes only for her, making her feel like the happiest woman in the world.

Until the voice from before suddenly returned.

【Don’t eat too much, though. Protein powder is good, but its nutritional value is too high. Overconsumption can put a heavy burden on the liver and kidneys.】

【Liu Shu doesn’t seem to have any problems. How can she eat so much protein powder every day? Will her body even absorb it all?】

【If it can’t be absorbed, it could lead to illness. How does she not know this?】

【And Ji Tao, in order to raise her like a pig, really spares no effort.】

Liu Shu: “…”

This time, she was certain that the voice she had heard earlier came from Qiao Chuchu.

She felt a little displeased that Qiao Chuchu was criticizing her and her husband like that.

“Little girl, you really—” beep (censored).

Liu Shu: ?

What was going on?

Why couldn’t she speak about what she had just heard? It felt like some mysterious force had silenced her words.

Qiao Chuchu, “?”

Qiao Chuchu, “Hmm? What? Director Liu, are you talking to me?”

Qiao Chuchu, who had been enjoying the gossip, was now confused.

【I don’t think I upset her? Why does she look like she’s not happy? What was she about to say?】

Liu Shu realized that when Qiao Chuchu had spoken the second sentence, she hadn’t actually spoken aloud.

If she hadn’t spoken, then why could Liu Shu hear her voice? What was going on?

Liu Shu was starting to question everything!

Ji Tao, even more so, “!!!”

He also realized that the mysterious voice had come from Qiao Chuchu. The strange part was, she hadn’t spoken out loud, but he could still hear her. What was the explanation for this?

From his observation just now, he noticed that Liu Shu was also able to hear Qiao Chuchu’s voice.

Not just her—everyone in the room, including the director, seemed to hear it.

Now that he thought back, he understood why everyone had looked at him the way they did earlier—they must have heard Qiao Chuchu’s words from the start!

This discovery was a huge danger to him.

He felt like something was going to go wrong if he stayed any longer!

“Shushu, my stomach feels a bit off, it really hurts. Can you come with me to get it checked?”

Liu Shu was still shocked about hearing Qiao Chuchu’s voice. She hadn’t figured it out yet, and what bothered her even more were the strange things Qiao Chuchu had said.

She wanted to ask, but she couldn’t find the words. This was beyond logic!

“Shushu, are you listening?”

Ji Tao noticed Liu Shu was zoning out. She was probably still thinking about the voice she heard from Qiao Chuchu.

“Mm.” Liu Shu snapped back to attention, “What did you just say?”

Ji Tao repeated, “I said my stomach feels uncomfortable…”

“Is it serious?” Liu Shu reached out to touch his stomach, “Does it hurt here?”

Ji Tao gently nodded, “Mm, yes…”

The director asked, “Could it be a stomach issue, Mr. Ji? Did you eat something that didn’t sit well?”

“I didn’t eat anything in particular.” Ji Tao looked at his drink, “Maybe it’s because of the alcohol. I can usually handle alcohol, but today, I don’t know what’s going on. My stomach is really bothering me.”

“Does it hurt a lot?” Seeing how uncomfortable he was, Liu Shu apologized, “Director, I’m really sorry, but Xiao Tao’s not feeling well. We’ll take our leave for now.”

The director wanted to stop them, but he had no reason. They were leaving, and wasn’t this whole gathering just a waste of time?

While he was anxious, he heard Qiao Chuchu’s voice again.

【He’s acting so convincing. Although I don’t know why Ji Tao suddenly wants to leave, his body is perfectly fine, stronger than an ox. He wasn’t exaggerating when he said he had a good alcohol tolerance, he could easily outdrink ten directors.】

Director: “……”

He was being shot down while lying down! He had a great alcohol tolerance too!

【What’s with the act of being weak? Is he trying to gain Liu Shu’s sympathy and care?】

Ji Tao, “!!!”

What was going on with Qiao Chuchu? Did she have some kind of grudge with him? Why was she targeting him? The worst part was that everything she said was true!

Liu Shu slowly moved her hand from his frail shoulder and looked at him with a scrutinizing gaze that made Ji Tao uneasy.

“Shushu, I really don’t feel well. Don’t you believe me?”

He said, his face turning pale, looking like he might faint at any moment.

Liu Shu’s expression was conflicted. After all, this man was her husband of one year, the perfect man she had chosen herself.

She really shouldn’t doubt him just because of a few nonsensical words from others.

“No.”

“I’ll take you to see a doctor.”

Ji Tao gave a burdened smile, finally about to leave. Staying here was simply too dangerous.

Just as they stood up to leave, Qiao Chuchu’s voice sounded again, and this time, it was still criticizing them.

【I used to think only young girls were easy to deceive, but I didn’t expect that even mature, composed, beautiful older sisters are just as easy to fool. Ji Tao only needs a few kind words and some simple actions, and he can easily win over Liu Shu. The deceived Liu Shu is happily believing that he truly cares about her, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Ji Tao is just after something from her. If there’s no benefit, Ji Tao wouldn’t bother putting in all that effort to please and care for her.】

【After all, Liu Shu is worth millions. She’s wealthy, and Ji Tao serves her well, so he can freely spend her money.】

【But his ambitions don’t stop there. All the efforts he’s made to help Liu Shu “nourish her body” aren’t out of concern for her, he sees her as a “human pig” to be fattened up, then slaughtered, and then he’ll inherit her fortune. After that, he’ll find the next target to deceive. Liu Shu isn’t the first person he’s fooled, and she won’t be the last.】

【This person is really evil. I’ve never seen someone like this before—good-looking, but with a dark heart. The saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” is so true. Be careful when choosing a husband or friends. A single misstep and it could cost your life.】

【Hey, didn’t Liu Shu say she was leaving? Why isn’t she moving anymore? If you’re going, just go quickly. I want to continue eating my big meatballs.】

Everyone heard her words and looked at the couple with complex expressions.

Liu Shu completely dropped her hand and looked at Ji Tao with a cool gaze.

“Shushu, I……”

Ji Tao wanted to say something.

Qiao Cen interrupted, “Director Liu, there’s a doctor for emergencies in the restaurant. Why don’t we have him come over to check on Mr. Ji to see what’s going on?”

The director hurriedly agreed, “Yes, yes, the restaurant’s doctor is here to handle emergency patients, and he’s definitely capable. Mr. Ji looks quite serious, we should have the doctor come over and take a look.”

The director quickly had his assistant call for the doctor, but Ji Tao couldn’t stop him, so he could only say, “It’s not necessary. It’s just an old issue of mine, no need to trouble anyone.”

“Old issues should be checked even more,” Tian Ka said. “Many fatal diseases come from old conditions. Mr. Ji, you’re still young, you really need to pay extra attention to your health.”

Ji Tao’s expression changed slightly, but he still said, “Thank you for your concern.”

Tian Ka waved his hand, “You’re welcome, you’re welcome. We’ll all be colleagues soon, so it’s normal to care for each other.”

Ji Tao, “……”

After this incident, he didn’t want to be their colleague at all. Even though the pay for variety shows was high, it couldn’t compare to Liu Shu’s family fortune.

The doctor arrived quickly, checked Ji Tao, and finally said, “This gentleman has no major issues, just some minor ones. You mustn’t be too anxious or rushed in what you do. You need to calm down and relax your mind.”

Before leaving, the doctor prescribed some medicine to help with his fire.

Ji Tao, “……”

Thank you.

Liu Shu listened to the whole conversation. “Since the doctor said there’s nothing major, let’s sit and chat for a while, and discuss the details of the variety show with the director.”

Ji Tao was unwilling in his heart, but still smiled, “Okay, I’ll listen to Shushu. Even though I’m a bit uncomfortable, I can hold on.”

After saying that, Liu Shu, who had originally formed some opinions about him, now felt a bit sorry for him.

“Drink more hot water to warm your stomach, and don’t drink alcohol.”

“Mm, Shushu is so good to me, I really like how she treats me.”

Ji Tao acted like a little husband, which melted Liu Shu’s heart a bit more.

Qiao Chuchu clicked her tongue.

【Tsk, it’s unbearable to watch. Ji Tao, a grown man, is even more delicate than a woman, and he knows how to act spoiled. Is this what they call a man who can act spoiled and be pampered?】

【Do career women like these weak little puppies? I’ve learned something new.】

The other people at the table glanced at them, their eyes subtle, and Liu Shu cleared her throat, “Sit properly.”

Ji Tao, “……”

Liu Shu used to love him acting like this, it always made her soft-hearted, but today she pushed him away and made him sit properly by himself. He could feel it—something was changing!

All because of Qiao Chuchu. What was she saying nonsense for? Did she think she understood him?

“This is Qiao Cen’s sister, Qiao Chuchu, right? Why is she just eating and not chatting with everyone? Is there something off in your relationship?”

His words sparked a fire, and everyone at the scene wasn’t pleased.

Qiao Cen retorted, “First of all, my sister is hungry, so of course, she’s eating. Secondly, my sister gets along very well with everyone and enjoys it. I really don’t understand, Mr. Ji, where did you get the idea that my sister isn’t getting along with everyone? Just because she’s eating and not talking?”

“That’s right, our relationship with Chuchu is great, don’t say things like that,” Bai Yun said, then gave Qiao Chuchu a chicken leg, “Chuchu, take your time eating.”

Tian Ka and his sibling also shared their views, “Yeah, our relationship is good.”

“Exactly, Mr. Ji, Chuchu gets along well with everyone,” the director smiled and said, “Some things can’t just be judged on the surface.”

“……” Ji Tao’s face turned sour. What’s with these people? Why does everyone look like they’ve been hit with a bullet?

Qiao Chuchu continued eating without worry.

【Why did Ji Tao suddenly mention my name? Could it be that he sees me as his next target for slaughter?】

【Let me see… Oh, no, after he finishes with Liu Shu, inherits her millions in inheritance and her million-dollar life insurance, he’ll take that money and undergo some cosmetic surgeries, then move on to scam the next unlucky person.】

【If he dares to set his sights on me, I guarantee he won’t walk out of this restaurant.】

Ji Tao, “!!!”

How does she know so many of his secrets? What kind of person is she?!

After hearing all this, Liu Shu connected the dots and finally understood what Qiao Chuchu’s words meant.

Simply put: Ji Tao is a fraud, and he married her to steal her inheritance and insurance. He’s been so nice to her just to make her sick and die naturally.

Thinking of this, a chill ran down Liu Shu’s spine. She never imagined that the seemingly pure, cheerful, gentle, and considerate Ji Tao could be such a person.

Regardless of whether Qiao Chuchu’s words were true or not, she should be cautious and no longer trust him one hundred percent like she did before.

The gathering finally ended, and Ji Tao, still weighed down by his thoughts, hurriedly left with Liu Shu.

Once in the car, Ji Tao instinctively went to hug her, wanting to make her feel more comfortable, but Liu Shu dodged him.

Ji Tao showed a sad expression, “Shushu, what’s wrong? Don’t you like me anymore?”

“No,” Liu Shu shook her head, “I’m not very tired.”

Ji Tao said softly, “I just wanted to make you feel more comfortable, you work too hard usually.”

Now, whenever Liu Shu heard the word “comfortable,” she thought about what Qiao Chuchu said—raising a pig to fatten it up for slaughter.

She suddenly felt uneasy, and her resistance toward Ji Tao’s behavior grew a bit.

“I’m not working today, so I’m not tired,” Liu Shu looked at him and said, “Aren’t you feeling unwell? Let me take you to the hospital.”

“No need.” Ji Tao realized he answered too quickly, then added, “I’m feeling a bit better now. I still have the medicine the restaurant doctor prescribed. I’ll take it later.”

“Okay then,” Liu Shu nodded and didn’t dwell on the matter any longer.

Ji Tao, however, felt a sense of crisis in his heart. He cautiously said, “Shushu, I’m sincere with you, and I truly want to spend my life with you. Don’t listen to other people’s nonsense. Also, she’s very problematic. Although she didn’t speak, we could hear her voice. She’s definitely trying to stir up trouble between us.”

Liu Shu stared into his eyes for a moment, then patted his head, “Hmm, I believe you. I just hope you don’t disappoint me.”

Although she said this, a thorn was planted in her heart. She still needed to investigate.

She contacted a private investigator to look into Ji Tao.

Three days before the fourth episode of the variety show was scheduled to air, Liu Shu gently expressed that Ji Tao couldn’t be brought onto the show anymore and asked the director to find another guest.

The director, symbolically expressing concern, understood the real reason in his heart—he had probably found some negative news about Ji Tao.

Even if Liu Shu hadn’t said anything, he didn’t want her to continue on the show. A guest with scandals was best kept away, it was just too risky.

“So what should I do now? The show starts in three days, and I haven’t found a new guest. What should I do?”

The assistant thoughtfully said, “Director, you can still find someone. Let Qiao Chuchu help pick a guest.”

“There’s only three days left, it’s too late!” The director was feeling anxious when suddenly he received a call from Qin Zhongsong himself, saying he wanted to bring his daughter onto the show.

The director was taken aback. Who was Qin Zhongsong? He was a hugely famous figure in the entertainment industry. Many variety shows had tried to invite him, but he had always declined. Why was he now actively requesting to join?

The director was very tempted, but he had to consult Qiao Chuchu first.

After quickly sending a greeting message in the group, he first tagged Qiao Chuchu, then others.

Tian Ka: “Senior Qin wants to join the show? That’s great!”

Qiao Cen: “I think it’s great. I had a good experience with Senior Qin the last time we worked together.”

Bai Yun: “Sure, I fully support it.”

Wen Yu: “No objections.”

Ye Yu: “Director, you decide.”

Qiao Chuchu was the last to reply, “? Isn’t this the show’s decision? Why are you asking us?”

Director: “…”

It wasn’t that he was trying to involve her in kicking someone out.

Since Qiao Chuchu wasn’t very helpful, the director couldn’t really do much about it. He scrolled up to see Qiao Cen’s comment.

He assumed it referred to the time they worked together on the food variety show. That time, Jin Keyang had caused a major mess, which had a significant impact on the food variety show. He was glad that the trouble hadn’t been on his show, or he would’ve had to deal with a lot of issues.

That time, Qiao Chuchu was also on the show, and things had gone smoothly for her, so there were no problems.

Since Qin Zhongsong had personally invited himself onto the show, there was definitely no issue with him.

After the director figured it out, he replied, “Okay, welcome Senior Qin to join our variety show.”

Half a month later, the fourth episode of the variety show Dear Us finally aired, and viewers rushed into the live stream as soon as it began.

【Finally, it’s airing! I specially brought my son to watch Qiao Cen! I want him to learn from Qiao Cen!】

【What a coincidence, me too! I’ve been teaching my son to grow up to be a positive person like Qiao Cen.】

【Thank you for the love! I’ll thank everyone on behalf of my Cencen.】

—

Although Qiao Cen’s trending topic had died down, his story was still in the minds of netizens, especially parents, who were now teaching their children to learn from Qiao Cen.

Qiao Cen had recently been praised so much that he was glowing with energy, his complexion rosy, and he was even more cheerful than before.

He greeted everyone, then pushed Qiao Chuchu forward, “Thank you all for the compliments. I’ve learned a lot from my sister, she’s the best person.”

His sibling-loving appearance won him a lot of new fans, though there were still haters who found his behavior fake. He just chose to ignore them.

The variety show had just started, and they were holding their phones, watching the bullet comments and chatting with the viewers.

The comments were filled with declarations of love for Qiao Chuchu, and she smiled and said, “Thank you all for your love and support. We will keep working hard.”

The moment Qin Zhongsong appeared with his daughter in the live stream, it caused an uproar among the viewers who had been lurking in the chat.

The bullet comments were filled with screams of excitement.

“Hello, everyone, I’m Qin Zhongsong, and this is my daughter, Qin Hanhan. This is our first time together on a variety show. If there’s anything we didn’t do well, please forgive us.”

At her father’s gesture, Qin Hanhan reluctantly greeted everyone, “Hello, I’m Qin Hanhan. I’m happy to meet you all in this way.”

Although she said she was happy, she actually wasn’t at all.

She had always wanted to work with her father, to go out with him, and see how he was when he worked.

But he never agreed—he didn’t want to take her out, didn’t want anyone to know about her, and kept her hidden away.

If it weren’t for how well her parents treated her, she would have thought she was adopted.

This time, when her father insisted on bringing her on the variety show, she didn’t want to come. But he gave her a reason she couldn’t refuse.

That was, after the show, he would allow her to date Hao Yuan!

Qin Zhongsong’s purpose in bringing his daughter on the variety show was simple: he wanted her to see what kind of person Hao Yuan was.

After greeting the other guests, he walked straight up to Qiao Chuchu with his daughter.

“This is my daughter, Qin Hanhan. She will be recording the variety show with everyone, so please take care of her.”

Qiao Chuchu quickly replied, “Senior Qin, you’re too kind. I will.”

“Hello, I’m Qiao Chuchu. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Qin Hanhan sized her up a few times. Seeing that she was beautiful and had a warm smile, her first impression was pretty good.

Just as she was about to speak, she heard Qiao Chuchu’s voice.