Chapter 15

Qí Zhìyún’s mind was perfectly clear. After taking the medicine Gu Kěqīng had given her over the past two days, her heart felt much more comfortable.

Her long-standing problem with heart palpitations was slowly improving.

This had been her wish for many years!

Such a harmonious relationship between sisters-in-law must not be ruined by some cousin with whom they had no real connection.

As the saying goes: if you don’t cut it off when you should, you’ll bring trouble upon yourself.

Qí Zhìyún didn’t want her second brother and sister-in-law to develop any rift because of Qí Zhìlán’s presence.

So, from the very start, she intended to nip her cousin’s filthy little schemes in the bud.

“Cousin, how could you treat me like this? I came to the countryside all alone, and you can be so heartless to your own little sister… wuu wuu…”

Qí Zhìlán didn’t understand what had gone wrong here.

But she clearly remembered that in her previous life, Qí Zhìyún treated her very well, took great care of her.

This time though… her attitude was way too cold!

Qí Zhìlán thought: Well, since I’ve already come, and I’ve brought so many gifts, if I don’t leave a good impression on Aunt Shěn, then all that money will be wasted, and my grievances suffered for nothing.

So she began crying with tears like pear blossoms in the rain, swaying as if she might collapse at any moment—like a white lotus drifting helplessly in the wind.

“Stop crying. If you want to cry, cry at home! Stop pretending!”

Seeing her cousin acting so delicate and fake, Qí Zhìyún immediately raised her voice, afraid Gu Kěqīng might get upset.

“Eldest daughter-in-law, this—”

Even Mother Shěn was stunned by the scene and was about to step in, but Gu Kěqīng nudged her into the kitchen.

“Mother, Father and Big Brother, as well as Third Brother, will be back soon. Let’s hurry and cook. This is a matter between the two sisters; it’s not good for outsiders to interfere.”

Mother Shěn suddenly understood. “You’re right. Young people really are quick-witted.”

Gu Kěqīng chuckled inwardly—of course she was quick-witted. If she wasn’t, who knew, maybe tomorrow she’d be the one Qí Zhìlán tried to push out.

In the kitchen—

Mother Shěn was making chicken soup in a clay pot, with slices of ginseng Gu Kěqīng had prepared, saying it was good for the body.

Then she used the iron wok to stir-fry diced chicken over high heat with green and red peppers, scallions, ginger, and garlic.

She also mixed up a sugar-tomato salad—the tomatoes were from Gu Kěqīng’s “space,” big and sweet.

Finally, she steamed a pot of mixed-grain rice and made a green vegetable and egg-drop soup.

While working alongside Mother Shěn, Gu Kěqīng kept an ear on what was happening outside.

She heard Qí Zhìyún say in a scornful tone: “The things my sister-in-law bought are much better than what you brought. Stop harboring thoughts you shouldn’t have—take your stuff and leave.”

Gu Kěqīng smirked softly.

Humans, no matter the era, always seek benefit and avoid harm.

Good thing she had prepared beforehand—if she hadn’t bought anything for the family and Qí Zhìlán hadn’t received any advantage from her, she would probably be the one embarrassed today.

Still puzzled, Qí Zhìlán tried to make another attempt—heading for the kitchen to find Mother Shěn.

After all, Shěn Yàn was Mother Shěn’s son, not Qí Zhìyún’s.

If her cousin’s route didn’t work, she’d try another.

All roads lead to Rome—surely one of them would work.

“Auntie! Auntie? Auntie… I came to see you, but Cousin won’t even let me in the house!”

Qí Zhìlán shamelessly cried out loudly.

Meanwhile, Mother Shěn—busy stir-frying chicken—pretended not to hear, keeping her hands busy.

She had been through hardships as a military commander’s wife—what scenes hadn’t she seen before?

The eldest daughter-in-law was chasing her out, the second daughter-in-law trying to smooth things over—what wasn’t clear about the situation?

A wise mother-in-law knew that harmony in the household was most important.

As long as both daughters-in-law lived peacefully with her sons, whether outsiders came or not was none of her concern.

“Auntie! Auntie…”

Qí Zhìlán started to panic—why was this different from her previous life?

What had gone wrong? Why did the Shěn family all seem to dislike her?

She shouted until her voice was hoarse, but kept glancing toward the gate.

She knew she only had to hold on a bit longer—just a bit—until Shěn Yàn returned from chopping firewood.

“Go on, leave, stop embarrassing yourself here.”

Qí Zhìyún said impatiently.

The neighbors across the way, hearing the commotion, came out with bowls in hand to watch the fun.

Old Lady Chén, never one to miss a spectacle, shouted:

“Yo! Isn’t this the new educated youth? And bringing malted milk powder too? If the Shěn family doesn’t want it, I’ll take it! My grandson’s short on milk powder, cries every night from hunger!”

Hearing this, Qí Zhìlán immediately flared up. “Eat your own food! If you want malted milk powder, buy it yourself!”

“Well now… is that any way to talk to an elder? I’m only stating the facts! They’re chasing you out, and I’m trying to help you save face. Instead of being grateful, you’re insulting me. Such a young girl, but your heart’s already vicious!”

Old Lady Chén was the “intelligence chief” of the Caohuà Brigade—an unmatched gossip.

Few could beat her in an argument.

In her past life, Qí Zhìlán had loathed this woman, and now here she was again, ruining her plans.

“You’re the vicious one! Get out of my way—my business with the Shěn family is none of your concern!”

Qí Zhìlán turned her head back to argue with Old Lady Chén.

Mother Shěn came out with a basin of chicken and clicked her tongue at the sight. “Eldest daughter-in-law, your cousin has quite the sharp tongue. Whoever marries her will be in for trouble.”

“That’s right, Mother. That’s why I won’t let her in. Just look—she can start a fight with a stranger. If she were to quarrel with family, she’d probably tear the roof off!”

Qí Zhìyún hadn’t expected her cousin to be this persistent, frowning as she whispered to Mother Shěn.

After setting down the chicken soup and tomato salad, Gu Kěqīng walked out.

Seeing the chaos, she smiled smugly.

Round one—narrow victory!

Just then, the figure Qí Zhìlán had been waiting for finally appeared.

Shěn Yàn had returned from chopping wood.

Gu Kěqīng stood in the courtyard with arms folded, ready to watch Qí Zhìlán’s little performance.

She wanted to see for herself how the novel’s female lead would try to seduce the male lead right in front of her.

“Auntie Chén, you’ve bullied me too much, wuu wuu…”

The moment Shěn Yàn came closer, Qí Zhìlán covered her face and began to cry again, peeking through the gaps in her fingers to gauge his reaction.

Qí Zhìyún, of course, noticed her cousin’s little tricks.

She quickly strode over and pulled her along. “Hurry up and leave. Don’t come again.”

“Big Sister… you’re bullying me too…”

Qí Zhìlán’s sobbing grew even louder.

Qí Zhìyún: “……” Could she at least try to save face?

Expressionless, Shěn Yàn set down the firewood, patted the dust from his clothes, and looked for Gu Kěqīng.

Gu Kěqīng smiled warmly and went up to him, wiping his forehead with a damp towel. “Tired? Go wash your hands. I made chicken soup for you—tonight you should eat well.”

“Mm.”

With an arm around her waist, Shěn Yàn went inside.

Behind them, Qí Zhìlán, her face streaked with tears, stomped her foot in frustration. “Shěn Yàn!”

Hearing her call her second brother, Qí Zhìyún thought Oh no! and quickly covered her cousin’s mouth. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I want to see Shěn Yàn!”