Chapter 28

Qiao Bo & He Xinyue: “?????”

What’s going on? What does my little sister mean by saying those things? She didn’t speak them aloud, but they were her thoughts. This is the first time she’s meeting He Xinyue, so why would she think like this?

He really wanted to ask her what those thoughts meant, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t bring himself to speak.

“Little sister, you just said—beep (sound censored).”

Qiao Bo: “?”

What’s going on? Why did his words just disappear?

He didn’t notice He Xinyue’s expression. Obviously, she could also hear Qiao Chuchu’s voice. It was only now that she realized Qiao Chuchu hadn’t actually spoken aloud. Did she hear her thoughts?

How could she…?

He Xinyue’s eyes flashed with panic, but after a moment, she returned to normal. She gently hooked her arm around Qiao Bo’s and smiled softly, “Chuchu, I’m very happy to meet you. Since it’s our first time meeting, I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I prepared a gift based on my own preferences. I hope you like it.”

The gift was a delicate pink box, inside of which was a brand-new, expensive necklace.

Qiao Chuchu glanced at it and said, “Thank you.”

【This necklace is quite expensive. I didn’t plan to accept it, but since it’s bought with my older brother’s money, I guess it’s not really a favor I owe her.】

He Xinyue’s smile froze when she heard that.

Qiao Chuchu didn’t notice her expression and frankly said, “I didn’t know my older brother was back, and I didn’t know you were coming, so I didn’t prepare a gift for you.”

“It’s fine.” He Xinyue said generously, “I’m just happy that you like the gift I prepared for you.”

Even though it was late at night, people were still walking by on the street, occasionally glancing over.

Qiao Bo said, “Let’s get in the car first.”

He carefully helped He Xinyue into the car, and they sat in the back row, which was lined with comfortable sofa seats and covered with a thick blanket. It clearly became He Xinyue’s temporary bed.

Seeing this, Qiao Chuchu immediately sat in the front passenger seat.

“Drive.”

On the road, Qiao Bo tried to strike up a conversation with Qiao Chuchu, asking about her life these past years. He also apologized, saying, “Chuchu, I’m really sorry I couldn’t come back to see you the moment you returned. During that time, the school was closed for experiments, and I had to prepare for my Ph.D. graduation. I didn’t receive any news from outside, so I missed a lot of chances to meet with you.”

Qiao Bo seemed like a mature, steady, and well-educated man, with a strong scholarly vibe.

Qiao Chuchu had a good impression of this older brother. She liked people who loved to learn.

“It’s okay. Mom and Dad told me about you. How did the experiments go?”

“Very successful.” Qiao Bo smiled lightly. “I also got my Ph.D. degree. I plan to stay in the country for development. If you ever need anything, little sister, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll do everything I can to help you.”

Qiao Chuchu felt his sincerity. “Okay, I won’t be polite with you, older brother.”

【Older brother isn’t as cold and distant as Qiao Cen said. He doesn’t seem so unapproachable. He’s actually quite gentle.】

Qiao Bo: “???”

That little brat, talking bad about me in front of my little sister.

Perhaps they were enjoying their conversation so much that they neglected He Xinyue. She felt a little displeased, but couldn’t show it too obviously, so she could only fake a cough.

“Cough, cough, cough—“

Her sound indeed caught Qiao Bo’s attention. “What’s wrong? Are you still cold?”

“It’s fine,” He Xinyue shook her head, using his support to sit up and lean against him. Her voice carried concern, “I’m just a bit nervous about meeting Uncle and Aunt. I’m afraid they won’t like me.”

Qiao Bo reassured her, “Don’t worry, my parents are really nice. They’ll like you as a daughter-in-law.”

Qiao Chuchu: “…”

【Daughter-in-law? No way! Older brother, you really plan to marry her? The child in her belly isn’t even yours!】

Both of their faces changed at the same time. Qiao Bo instinctively looked at He Xinyue’s belly, and He Xinyue weakly leaned into his arms. “Cough, cough—Ah Bo, I’m a bit thirsty. Can I have some water?”

Qiao Bo paused for a moment. “I’ll get it for you.”

He Xinyue couldn’t read his expression and didn’t know whether he could hear Qiao Chuchu’s thoughts. She naturally didn’t dare to ask and remained silent for the rest of the trip.

—

That evening, the Qiao family received news that their eldest son, Qiao Bo, had returned, and he had also gone ahead and picked up their youngest daughter, Qiao Chuchu.

Qiao Cen was furious. He had planned to go, but their parents suddenly received news that Qiao Bo was coming back, so they asked him to pick up Qiao Chuchu as well. Naturally, Qiao Bo agreed, stealing his task.

Since Qiao Chuchu hadn’t returned yet, Qiao Cen was lying on the living room sofa, playing games, complaining to his teammates about Qiao Bo.

“Qiao Bo is so sneaky. He came back without a word and even went ahead to pick up my sister. How irritating!”

The person on the other side was silent, listening to his complaints until the game ended, then asked, “Why didn’t you go with your sister?”

“I wanted to, but my sister didn’t let me. She’s hanging out with her friends, and if I went, it would be unnecessary.”

After Qiao Cen finished speaking, the person on the other side stayed silent for a while. “Do you still want to play?”

“No, I think my sister is about to come back,” Qiao Cen replied. “When are you coming back?”

“I’ll be back at the end of the month after this training session is over.”

Qiao Cen cheerfully said, “Alright, when you’re back, I’ll introduce my sister to you. You can teach her how to play games. I’ve told her you’re really good at it.”

“Mm.”

The window was illuminated by the dim yellow light, accompanied by the sound of tires rolling over the ground.

Qiao Cen knew that Qiao Bo and his sister had returned.

“Mom, Dad, my sister’s back!”

Qiao Cen ran out first and indeed saw Qiao Chuchu just getting out of the car. He happily said, “Sis, you’re finally back! I was going to pick you up, but he beat me to it.”

While they were talking, Qiao Bo helped He Xinyue out of the car.

Qiao Cen was surprised. “Who’s this?”

Qiao Bo didn’t answer him.

Qiao Chuchu quietly said, “Big brother’s girlfriend.”

【Only two months pregnant, but the child in her belly isn’t Big Brother’s. Sigh, how should I remind him to avoid being the big fool?】

“Holy shit!” Qiao Cen was shocked. “Is this for real? Qiao Bo, you found a girlfriend? And—”

The other part still being pregnant! He truly surprised everyone with his silence!

Of course, he didn’t say the rest of it.

Qiao Bo glanced at him, “Want to try calling my name again?”

Qiao Cen didn’t know what came over him, but he shrank his neck and called out to the house, “Mom, Dad, Big Brother brought his girlfriend home!”

—

It was supposed to be bedtime, but the Qiao family’s villa was brightly lit, with all the family members gathered in the living room. Father Qiao and Mother Qiao had delighted expressions on their faces.

Their eldest son, Qiao Bo, had unexpectedly brought home a beautiful girlfriend, and she was even two months pregnant. Finally, they were going to have a grandchild.

“Hello, Uncle and Aunt, I’m He Xinyue. I’m Qiao Bo’s high school classmate and also his first love.”

He Xinyue had a gentle and delicate face. Her tone and demeanor were both soft, and she had an elegant presence. She appeared to be a well-behaved young lady, the kind adults would like.

Du Shuyu had a good first impression of the girl, especially since she seemed to have truly captured the heart of her usually silent eldest son. It seemed sincere.

She had often worried about her eldest son’s marriage, afraid that his cold and taciturn nature would keep him from finding a wife. Now, she doesn’t need to worry anymore.

“Good, good, it’s good that you’re back,” Du Shuyu said kindly.

Qiao Haiyi didn’t say anything, merely observing He Xinyue with a scrutinizing gaze.

He Xinyue, feeling his gaze, was startled and was about to speak when—

“Uncle…”

Qiao Cen interrupted her, exclaiming in surprise, “Wow, so it’s your high school first love?”

He glanced at Qiao Bo, who was smiling faintly, “Bro, didn’t you say you never had a girlfriend? Where’s the first love coming from? You even lectured me not to date in high school. Could it be that Mom pressured you into this and you found someone just to put on an act?”

Qiao Bo shot him a look, and Qiao Cen immediately shrank his neck. “What’s with the glare? Did I ^[1]“Hit the nail on the head” means to say or do something that is exactly right or accurate, often in identifying or addressing a problem or situation.hit the nail on the head?”

Qiao Bo’s voice was cold, “You’ve been watching too many melodramas. Do you think people can just act like that?”

He turned to his parents, “Mom, Dad, Xinyue and I did date in high school, but…”

But they broke up before the college entrance exam. He Xinyue’s parents got divorced, and she was sent to live with her mother, who forcibly took her abroad. They lost contact for years.

It wasn’t until a few years later when Qiao Bo went abroad for his PhD that they unexpectedly met again.

Afterward, they kept running into each other, and He Xinyue explained the past and apologized. Perhaps there were still lingering feelings from their youth, and so, they ended up back together.

“I see,” Du Shuyu said softly. “How has Xinyue been with her mother abroad all these years?”

There was a trace of sympathy in her expression and words.

He Xinyue felt Du Shuyu’s warmth and slowly relaxed, her worried heart easing. “Aunt, my mom and I have been doing well.”

Qiao Chuchu: 【Actually, she’s been doing quite well. He Xinyue married into a noble family with her mother, enjoying a life of luxury. Her wardrobe is full of princess dresses, and she has maids to help her get up in the morning. Even simple things like dressing are done for her. She spends her days accompanying her mother to socialize with noblewomen, having afternoon tea, and helping her stepfather secure big orders.】

“…” Du Shuyu froze for a moment. It seemed He Xinyue wasn’t the poor thing she had imagined. She almost made a fool of herself.

He Xinyue noticed the change in Du Shuyu’s expression and silently wondered if she could hear Qiao Chuchu’s thoughts. If she could, this situation would be very unfavorable for her.

He Xinyue quickly remedied, “It’s not that great. There’s always something different to do every day, and sometimes it’s really busy.”

Qiao Chuchu: 【Indeed, she’s quite busy—busy socializing with different businessmen, chatting and drinking with them. Busy competing with her step-siblings from her noble stepfather’s family for assets and status.】

Qiao Cen clicked his tongue: I didn’t see that coming. He Xinyue looks like such a quiet and gentle girl, but she has so many schemes?

He glanced at Qiao Bo, filled with sympathy.

His big brother had always been the excellent, favored son, but his taste in girlfriends was so poor. What a pitiful guy.

Qiao Haiyi and Du Shuyu exchanged a look, both seeing the concern in each other’s eyes.

The joy they initially felt upon meeting He Xinyue gradually faded. It seemed that Qiao Bo’s girlfriend wasn’t as obedient as she seemed on the surface.

Qiao Bo said, “Xinyue has had a tough time these years, gone through a lot of hardship. Since I chose her as my partner, I hope you can support my decision.”

“Thank you, Ah Bo.”

He Xinyue looked at him gratefully, feeling relieved that she had told him some of the real and fabricated stories of her past when they first met.

The couple’s concern deepened, especially after hearing what Qiao Chuchu just thought.

Qiao Chuchu: 【The last couple of years haven’t been easy. After her noble stepfather died unexpectedly, He Xinyue and her mom couldn’t win against his children and were tricked out of the house. Her mom, heartbroken, started dating a man she thought was her true love and blindly married him, bringing He Xinyue along.】

Qiao Chuchu: 【But this man was a fraud, his situation was terrible, and he often made mother and daughter pay for everything. If they didn’t have money, he’d beat them. Even worse, he sold He Xinyue’s mom to another boss, and her mom didn’t blame him, but instead tried to harm He Xinyue.】

Qiao Chuchu: 【He Xinyue isn’t as honest as she looks. She secretly found a rich second-generation boyfriend, and after a fallout with her mom over him, she decided to give herself to him as a gift on his birthday. After he took her, his true nature showed, and he broke up with her.】

Qiao Chuchu: 【He Xinyue couldn’t take it. Two months later, she found out she was pregnant and went to find the rich guy again. He humiliated her and offered her money for an abortion. The doctor advised her against it, as it would be difficult for her to conceive again. While hesitating, she met Big Brother Qiao, and her heart thought of a bad plan: she’d find a new father for the child in her belly.】

Qiao Chuchu: 【Sigh, Big Brother is such a sentimental fool, once he sets his mind on something, he won’t back off. He Xinyue knows Big Brother’s personality, so she set him up, created multiple ‘coincidental’ encounters, stirred up Big Brother’s memories of their youthful days, and told him how hard her life had been. Then she designed a situation for them to get close, and successfully rekindled things with Big Brother Qiao.】

Qiao Chuchu: 【Big Brother was happy, thinking that the child in He Xinyue’s belly was his. But he was wrong. He isn’t the real father of the child. He’s just the poor fool who got tricked.】

After hearing the little sister’s words, Qiao Bo’s face changed dramatically. So it was only—

He Xinyue noticed his expression, and her face turned pale. She knew she couldn’t let Qiao Chuchu continue, otherwise, she’d never be able to recover from this!

“Ah, cough—”

“Ah Bo, my stomach hurts.”

He Xinyue pretended to hold her stomach in pain, and when her body weakened, she fell into Qiao Bo’s arms.

Qiao Bo quickly reached out to support her. “What happened?”

Wasn’t she fine just now? Why did she suddenly start feeling bad?

“Ah Bo, I don’t know. My stomach hurts so much.” He Xinyue said with concern, “Is something wrong with the baby? I’m so scared.”

“It’s okay, don’t worry.” After a pause, Qiao Bo picked her up. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”

“Mm.” He Xinyue nodded, secretly relieved.

But then, they heard Qiao Chuchu’s voice.

【Where’s the problem? He Xinyue is fine, and the child in her belly is fine as well. As for her pretending to be in pain, it’s all to gain Big Brother Qiao’s sympathy and leave the Qiao family.】

【Hmm? I don’t get it. Didn’t she want to enter the Qiao family? Mom and Dad seem to like her a lot. Why would she leave now? It’s not like her.】

“Wait a minute.” Du Shuyu called out to him. “She seems to be in a lot of pain. At this time, there aren’t any good doctors at the hospital. How about we have the family doctor come over to check on her first?”

Qiao Chuchu couldn’t understand He Xinyue’s tricks, but Du Shuyu knew. She probably feared that their scheme would be exposed and turn against her, which is why she wanted to leave.

To think she tried to deceive her son, deceive them into letting her into the Qiao family. Such malicious scheming—how could they forgive that?

If it weren’t for Chuchu, they might have been fooled.

Qiao Chuchu sighed.

【Mom is too kind-hearted. I need to remind her of a few things tonight. We can’t let them be deceived.】

Qiao Haiyi’s face darkened. “Let’s just listen to your mom.”

The family doctor was very skilled. After some consideration, Qiao Bo nodded. “Alright, Xinyue, let’s have the doctor come over to check on you first.”

“But…” He Xinyue clearly didn’t want to stay any longer.

Qiao Haiyi said, “Qiao Cen, go call the doctor.”

Qiao Cen replied, “Got it, Dad. I’ll call right now.”

He Xinyue’s face grew even worse, especially after the family doctor arrived and examined her.

The doctor said, “Miss He’s pulse is steady, but her heart rate is too fast, which is not good for the development of the baby. I suggest she avoids worrying or overthinking and focuses on resting to nurture the child.”

Qiao Haiyi nodded. “Thank you for coming out so late to see my son’s classmate. I’ll have the driver take you back.”

He emphasized the word “classmate” heavily.

“Don’t mention it.”

After the doctor left, the hall fell into a dead silence.

Du Shuyu and Qiao Haiyi exchanged a glance, then stood up. “Qiao Bo, take your brother and sister to tidy up the rooms. Your dad and I need to have a private conversation with—”

Her gaze turned to the pale-faced He Xinyue.