Chapter 99: Bragging Invites Lightning

Li Zhaozhao recounted his encounter with the rude mother and daughter who had confronted Bi Qiao’an, wisely omitting the part about her plan for revenge.

“I don’t understand what gives them the right to act like that,” he said, shaking his head. “You’d think an influential family would teach better manners. And if they’re just ill-mannered troublemakers from the countryside, where did they get the money for this trip?”

His frustration hung in the air, leaving the group unsure of how to respond.

Zhu Shiliang sighed and ruffled his son’s hair. “Let’s be grateful no one got hurt. People like that eventually get what’s coming to them. No need to dwell on it.”

Li Zhaozhao nodded, slightly surprised by Zhu Shiliang’s calm perspective.

Sensing the tension, Bi Qiao’an slipped out quietly and returned with a teapot. She poured a cup of ginger-honey water for Zhu Ranran. “Here, sweetheart, drink this. Something sweet to make you feel better.”

Seeing it wasn’t bitter medicine, Zhu Ranran accepted with a soft “Thank you, Auntie Qiao’an,” his eyes brightening.

Bi Qiao’an patted his head affectionately. “You were very brave, Ranran. Once you learn to swim, you’ll be even braver.”

Zhu Ranran beamed. “I’ll practice really hard, Auntie!”

Bi Qiao’an smiled, pouring cups for Zhu Shiliang and his wife Fu Shuling too. As she served Li Yueya, she noticed the girl kept glancing shyly at the dashing Ji Kangyong who had rescued her.

Ah, perhaps indebted gratitude was blossoming into something more?

The thought amused Bi Qiao’an inwardly.

After the meal, Zhu Shiliang reminded everyone to pack warmer clothes for the tents. “The mountain cools off at night,” he warned, “and we don’t want anyone getting sick. You can use the hotel bedding too if needed; just return anything you don’t use.”

The others exchanged confused looks. Was all this really necessary for a simple camping trip?

Well, maybe he had a point.

Shen Yanming skipped the discussion, simply taking Bi Qiao’an’s hand and leading her back to their room.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were mistreated?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

She shrugged it off. “It was nothing. I just ignored it.”

“That little brat hit you!” Anger flared in his eyes. “I can’t stand the thought of you being harmed, yet she dared strike you!”

Bi Qiao’an raised her arm. “See? It was just a little redness. Completely gone now.”

Shen Yanming sighed. “Why can’t you be more like them? Look how arrogant and self-important they are!”

Bi Qiao’an teased, “Keeping a low profile suits me better. Besides, those who boast tend to invite trouble.”

He gazed at her fondly, patting her head. “My humble sweetheart.”

Neither spoke further on the subject, setting an alarm and napping to recover from the morning’s events. They slept soundly until their 4 PM ringtone roused Shen Yanming. Not wanting to wake Bi Qiao’an, he quietly gathered their sleepwear, the summer quilt, and toiletries.

Finally waking her, he said, “Go ahead to the tents. I’ll gather supplies with Yu Shui’s group.”

Still groggy, Bi Qiao’an nodded with a yawn. “Okay, I’ll see you there.”

The searing heat jolted her awake as they exited the hotel, eliciting an involuntary sneeze.

Zhu Shiliang led the youth toward the kitchens, while Bi Qiao’an followed Fu Shuling toward the tents. Noticing Bi Qiao’an’s solitary figure, Li Yueya rushed over, linking arms. “Qiao’an, I…I…”

Sensing her friend’s nervousness, Bi Qiao’an offered a reassuring smile. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. It’ll stay between us.”

Emboldened, Li Yueya blurted out, “Is Officer Ji Kangyong…is he married? Or seeing anyone?”

Bi Qiao’an shook her head. “Single and available. An upright man with…” she paused, choosing her words carefully, “a strong sense of propriety.”

“Thank you!” Li Yueya blushed, understanding the implication.

Bi Qiao’an suppressed a laugh at her friend’s shyness. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

Li Yueya seemed to want to say more but hesitated.

After she had scrolled Weibo for over half an hour, Shen Yanming finally returned, carrying the grill and meats.

It was past 5 PM, the setting sun bathing everything in warm hues as they got the charcoal burning, starting their rustic barbecue without further delay.

The kitchen staff had prepped all the ingredients for the evening grillout—fresh veggies washed and portioned, meats marinated in aromatic spices, ready for the eager campers.

Shen Yanming had also brought a storage tub from their trunk, though the peaches and mangoes were long gone.

At the time, noting Zhu Shiliang’s plans, he had frowned at the condensation in the tub and grabbed some ice packs instead. After thoroughly drying it with paper towels, he had carefully arranged the watermelons and cantaloupes inside without covering them.

Hopefully, that would keep them fresh, he had figured.

Today, retrieving the tub, the melons indeed looked plump and fresh.

Bi Qiao’an took the tub, slicing one watermelon atop the lid as a chopping board, methodically cutting succulent wedges into bite-sized cubes for everyone to munch on while waiting.

Zhu Shiliang had rented three grills to accommodate their group. Yu Shui manned one solo, ensuring he could sample the sizzling morsels hot off the coals.

Shen Yanming avoided delegating his grilling, claiming a spot next to Yu Shui as he charred batch after batch, handing the skewers directly to Bi Qiao’an before starting on the next round.

Bi Qiao’an giggled, happily feeding her husband in turn as he cooked.

“Aren’t you two being a bit overboard with the public displays?”

Mi Xue’er felt a pang watching their affectionate interactions, the aroma of grilling meat suddenly losing its appeal.

She retreated to a quiet corner, only to find Qin Yiren there as well.

Qin Yiren arched an eyebrow. “What’s this? Jealous?”

Mi Xue’er looked sheepish. “Yiren, I didn’t mean anything by it. Where I’m from, ‘couple’ specifically means spouse. I didn’t realize it would mislead you.”

Qin Yiren laughed it off lightly. “Well, maybe. Who knows?”

After an awkward pause, Mi Xue’er ventured hesitantly, “So…are you going to let him go?”

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