Chapter 22

“You’re eloping with that man?!!”

Zhao Qingqing let out an excited shriek.

“Qingqing, keep your voice down! If anyone hears us, we won’t be able to leave!”

Ye Yao nervously reminded her.

“Alright, haha, I’ll keep it down. This is the best decision ever! Once you leave, you can finally be happy together!”

Zhao Qingqing could hardly contain her laughter, overjoyed beyond words.

How could there be such a stupid woman in this world?!

She actually came to tell her this in person. All she had to do was spread the news about their elopement and gather the neighbors from the compound to catch them in the act. That fat woman would never be able to turn her life around again!

“Do you really think it’ll work? Honestly, I still feel a bit uneasy, worried that something might go wrong.”

“How could anything go wrong? Is there some part of your plan that isn’t settled yet? Tell me, and I’ll help you!”

Zhao Qingqing’s attitude toward Ye Yao did a complete 180, becoming overly enthusiastic.

“It’s not that… I’m just worried about my mom. What will happen to her after I leave?”

Ye Yao furrowed her brows, hesitating.

“Don’t worry about it! I’ll take care of your mom for you. Besides, it’s not like you’re never coming back. Once the rumors die down and your mom comes to terms with it, you can return.”

All of Ye Yao’s concerns and hesitations seemed insignificant once Zhao Qingqing spoke.

Ye Yao appeared convinced and nodded repeatedly.

“Qingqing, you’re such a good person!”

“You’re only realizing that now? I may have been strict with you before, but that’s only because… I wanted you to be better. Over the years, my family has helped yours so much—you’re like a little sister to me.”

As Zhao Qingqing spoke, a sinister smile played on her lips.

Ye Yao looked genuinely touched.

“So, when are you leaving? Where are you meeting?”

Zhao Qingqing carefully inquired.

“Tomorrow night, in the small grove outside the compound. Yukun will be waiting for me there.”

Ye Yao didn’t hide a single detail, telling her everything.

Zhao Qingqing’s smile grew even brighter. “Tomorrow night sounds perfect. I’ll wish you two happiness in advance!”

Ye Yao saw the scheming glint in Zhao Qingqing’s eyes and smirked inwardly.

The fish had taken the bait so quickly!

---

That evening, smoke curled from every household’s kitchen chimneys.

Shen Yun set the dishes on the table—a standard four dishes and a soup.

After washing his hands, Li Guoxiong sat at the dining table.

“Li Cheng just called. He said he’ll be home late, so we shouldn’t wait for him to eat.”

Shen Yun nodded and took a seat to his right.

The table was eerily silent.

“The food seems a bit bland today.”

After a while, Li Guoxiong commented.

“Really?” Shen Yun followed his gaze to one of the dishes, picked up a piece with her chopsticks, and tasted it. “Hmm, I forgot to add salt.”

It wasn’t just bland—there was no seasoning at all.

“I’ll redo it.”

She stood up, reaching for the plate.

“No need. There are other dishes. Let’s just eat.”

Li Guoxiong gently urged her to sit back down.

Shen Yun didn’t insist and simply moved the unsalted dish further away from them.

“Are you troubled by something?”

Li Guoxiong looked at her closely. After living together for over twenty years, he knew her better than anyone.

Shen Yun wanted to say no, but when their eyes met, she put down her chopsticks instead.

“Yes… I do have something on my mind…”