Chapter 20: Setting Up a Stall at the Overpass

Yan Hao might not excel at much, but gossip energized him.

“Over a year ago, when Young Master Mu first came to Jiangcheng, Su Xiaofei saw him at some event and fell head over heels. She’s been chasing him ever since.”

“The Su family wants her to climb the social ladder by marrying into a Beijing dynasty. It’d boost their status here.”

“Luckily, Young Master Mu never gave her the time of day. Rumor says he’s been close to Sun Meiyi recently—that big influencer. Apparently, she was even Su Xiaofei’s friend.”

“Wonder if Su Xiaofei will shamelessly invite him anyway.”

Yan Qiao’s calm voice cut in: “Sun Meiyi is dead.”

Her matter-of-fact tone dropped like a bomb.

Yan Hao gasped. “What? When? I saw her posting videos two days ago!”

“Today.”

“How did she die? And Young Master Mu just… calmly ate dinner here?!” Yan Hao’s shock mirrored everyone else’s.

“She sought gains through dark rituals. The backlash killed her,” Yan Qiao replied coldly.

Su Min connected the dots. “So you spent the afternoon handling his case?”

“Yes. It’s resolved.”

“That’s… terrifying.” Yan Hao shuddered, recalling last night’s ordeal at the Shen residence.

He quickly rebounded. “If Su Xiaofei hears this, she’ll be thrilled. Her ‘chance’ is back!”

Yan Chen rolled his eyes. “Young Master Mu ignored her from the start. You think that’ll change?”

“Better not! Otherwise, the Su family’s noses will tilt even higher,” Yan Hao grumbled.

A New Path

Yan Zhengtian shifted the topic. “A-Qiao, you’re at college age. Would you like to enroll? Your third brother’s university—”

Yan Hao lit up. “Yes! Come with me! I’ll protect you!”

Su Min and Yan Chen watched eagerly, hoping she’d agree.

“I won’t go,” Yan Qiao stated flatly.

“Why?!” Yan Hao deflated.

“I’m busy. No time for school.”

The irrefutable logic silenced the room.

Su Min softened. “If A-Qiao doesn’t want to go, we respect that.”

Yan Zhengtian hid his disappointment. After failing her for 18 years, he couldn’t force her now.

Yan Qiao noticed Yan Hao’s pout. “If you face trouble at school, tell me.”

The simple offer mollified him. “Deal!”

“What are your plans, then?” the family asked.

Yan Qiao’s priority was Li Xun’s curse, but that required patience. For now—

“I’ll set up a fortune-telling stall under the overpass.”

“What?!” The family gaped in unison.

Su Min steadied herself. “Why, A-Qiao?”

“To accumulate merit.”

Yan Zhengtian struggled to object but swallowed his words. How could he deny the daughter they’d abandoned?

Misreading their silence, Yan Qiao began, “If you’re ashamed—”

“Never!” Su Min cut in, tearful. “We’ll always support you!”

Yan Zhengtian nodded. “Do what you feel is right.”

Yan Hao revived. “I’ll bring my classmates to your stall!”

Yan Chen grinned. “I’ll advertise my genius sister!”

Warmth flickered in Yan Qiao’s chest—this was family.

“Thank you.”

“No thanks needed! We’re family!” Su Min squeezed her hand.

The Su Family Banquet

The next afternoon, the Yans prepared to leave for Su Sheng’s birthday party at his lavish new estate.

Li Xun, chatting with Mu Yunzhe on the balcony, noticed their departure.

Mu Yunzhe called down, “Heading out, President Yan?”

“To my brother-in-law’s celebration.”

“Su Sheng? What a coincidence—he invited me too. Mind if I tag along?”