Chapter 25: Everyone is leaning towards Gu Jinshu

Gu Chuxue’s expression instantly froze. Gu Jinshu had clearly come back tonight on purpose—she knew Qinghai would be here, and she came back just to ruin her mood.
“…”

Neither her parents, her older brother, nor Qinghai spoke up for her. If it were any other time, they would never let her suffer even the slightest grievance.

Her arm fell limply to her side, a wave of unprecedented panic flooding her chest.

“Jinshu, hurry up and sit down to eat.” Niu Chunli forced a stiff smile. The atmosphere in the living room carried a strange, indescribable awkwardness.

Gu Jinshu’s gaze swept over their faces one by one before finally settling on Lin Qinghai. She curved her lips into a faint smile.
“Lin Qinghai! I’ve always been curious—when exactly did you two start hooking up? Was it fun sneaking around right under my nose?”

“Gu Jinshu! If you came here tonight to eat, you’re welcome. But if you came here to make trouble, get out right now!” Lin Qinghai spat out each word, his molars practically grinding to dust. Gu Jinshu was deliberately embarrassing him.

“Lin Qinghai! Watch your tone,” Gu Moyu frowned in warning. “You and Chuxue have already wronged Jinshu. If she says a few harsh words, you can’t take it? You sure have some nerve—managing to string along both my sisters at the same time.”

“…”

What Lin Qinghai hated hearing most was being accused of “betraying Gu Jinshu.” In truth, the two of them had never been compatible, and over the years, he had never done anything to wrong her—except for this one thing. She ought to be understanding.

Gu Chuxue herself didn’t mind suffering some grievances, but she couldn’t stand seeing Qinghai suffer them. Gu Moyu’s words were too cutting!

“Brother, how do I feel like now you only see her as your sister, not me? Even if we don’t share any blood, we grew up together. Qinghai will soon be my husband—if you target him, you’re targeting me.” Gu Chuxue took a deep breath. “I didn’t come here tonight to make trouble. Qinghai and I came to discuss wedding details, but every word out of Gu Jinshu’s mouth was more unpleasant than the last—she’s clearly looking for a fight!”

Gu Jinshu watched their little “dog-eat-dog” show with interest, the faintest of smiles playing at her lips the whole time. Things were getting more and more entertaining—now Gu Chuxue and Gu Moyu were at odds!

Seeing the tension in the room becoming harder to control, Niu Chunli quickly cut in, “It’s rare for our family to sit down for a reunion dinner. Let’s all drop the unpleasantness just now and eat!”

Gu Jinshu pulled out a chair and sat beside Gu Moyu. Niu Chunli shot Chuxue a look, signaling her to just endure it.

Gu Chuxue sat down, feeling aggrieved. The wedding discussion was clearly over for tonight.

Lin Qinghai’s expression was equally grim—if it weren’t for wanting to climb up the Gu family’s ladder, he would never tolerate such humiliation!

“When are you two getting married? I want to prepare a wedding gift for you,” Gu Jinshu raised an eyebrow. “I guarantee the gift will satisfy you both!”

“Gifts aren’t important; it’s the thought that counts.” Gu Chuxue couldn’t care less about anything Gu Jinshu would give. What good thing could she possibly send?

“No, no, we’re this close, of course I have to give a proper gift.” Gu Jinshu feigned seriousness as she looked at Chuxue. “Your health isn’t great—you’ve had multiple miscarriages, and it’ll affect future pregnancies. I can give you an acupuncture session, along with a prescription from my teacher. I guarantee you’ll have good news soon!”

Gu Chuxue did want to get pregnant, but she knew perfectly well that Gu Jinshu had no such good intentions. This woman was deliberately mentioning her miscarriages in front of Qinghai so that he would despise her.

Gu Moyu didn’t think that far—he actually felt the gift was genuine. He’d said it before: family shouldn’t hold grudges forever. Jinshu had quarreled with the family before, but she’d forgive them sooner or later.

This gift was especially thoughtful, so Gu Moyu told their parents, “Jinshu’s acupuncture skills are excellent. Other people have to wait in line to get treated by her!”

Gu Zehua nodded slightly, feeling even more satisfied with his biological daughter. Only such an outstanding child was worthy of being called his daughter.

“No need. My health is already much better. I don’t want to trouble you with acupuncture.” Gu Chuxue refused.

“Since you don’t want it, forget it,” Gu Jinshu said with an exaggerated sigh, then spread her hands toward Lin Qinghai. “She doesn’t want acupuncture, so even if she gets pregnant in the future, she won’t be able to keep the baby. You’re destined to be childless for the rest of your life.”

Lin Qinghai wasn’t sure which of her words were true and which were false.

Gu Chuxue, a little worried, tried to grab his hand, but he avoided her.

Surprised, she turned her head toward him. “Qinghai?”

“Uncle, Auntie, I just remembered I have urgent matters to handle at the military district. I’ll leave for now. I’ll come back another day to continue discussing the wedding details.”

Lin Qinghai stood up to leave.

Gu Chuxue hurried after him. “Qinghai, wait for me.”

“Does the military really have so much work? Or are you just using it as an excuse?” Gu Jinshu said in a mocking tone.

“Gu Jinshu!” Lin Qinghai’s patience had reached its limit.

“I’m not deaf—you don’t have to shout,” Gu Jinshu’s smile faded. “Why so eager to run off?”

His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles cracking audibly.

“What? You want to hit me now?” Gu Jinshu saw right through his anger.

In truth, Lin Qinghai was just a phoenix man—pretending to be noble to the bone. The original Gu Jinshu’s taste had been terrible, actually falling for this kind of trash.

“Lin Qinghai! You need to understand where you are—this is the Gu family. You’re an outsider. You have no right to raise a hand here.” Gu Zehua’s tone was cold and warning.

Gu Chuxue’s expression changed—her father’s words were extremely harsh. Did this mean they were ready to abandon her completely for Jinshu’s sake?

Her gaze wavered. “Gu Jinshu, your main purpose in coming here tonight was to stir up trouble, wasn’t it? Now you’ve gotten exactly what you wanted!”

Gu Jinshu: “…”

Yes, that was exactly her purpose—she couldn’t possibly let the people who had bullied the original her have a good life. Every now and then, she had to make them choke on their own anger.

Bang! Gu Zehua slammed his palm on the table, his voice full of impatience.

“That’s enough! Jinshu, since you came to eat, then eat properly and stop talking. As for you, Chuxue and Qinghai—you both know perfectly well how you got together. You’ve wronged Jinshu, and you mean to tell me you feel not the slightest bit of guilt?”

“…”

Lin Qinghai feel guilty toward Gu Jinshu? No. Not in the slightest!