Chapter 75: Saving Myself Countless Times

The hurt inflicted by family is the sharpest knife.

Especially considering, as Liu Xinyan said, Gu Yunzhou lost his career, health, and love at the same time and was abandoned and betrayed by his family.

Devastating.

Qiao Jiangxin turned to Liu Xinyan, glancing at the front seat.

She was asking, “How is he? Is he okay?”

Liu Xinyan shook her head silently.

“Let’s talk later.”

Qiao Jiangxin understood.

The ride was quiet.  At first, Peng Zhihua tried to engage Gu Yunzhou in conversation, but he wasn’t responsive.

Peng Zhihua avoided mentioning the army, the military compound, the Gu family, or Jizhou.

He didn’t know what else to say, and eventually, everyone fell silent.

Liu Afang looked at the things Qiao Jiangxin bought, constantly chattering.

She pretended to complain that Qiao Jiangxin bought too much, but her actions betrayed her.  She examined the fabric with bright eyes.

Qiao Youcai defended his daughter, “She bought what she needed.”

Liu Afang quickly explained, “Jiangxin, I’m not blaming you. I just… I feel bad.”

Qiao Jiangxin smiled, “Mom, I know.”

Liu Afang relaxed, “Okay. I’ll measure you and make you a dress with this floral fabric.

You’re a grown woman, and you don’t even have decent clothes. You’re always wearing Qiao Fangfang’s old clothes.”

Qiao Jiangxin looked at Liu Afang’s belly, “Mom, I bought a lot. We can all have new clothes. It’s a lot of work. Should we take it to a tailor?”

Liu Afang waved her hands, “No, no. I can do it. I’m free, and no one needs clothes urgently. Don’t waste the money. I’ll do it slowly.”

Qiao Jiangxin let her mother handle it and went outside.

She met Liu Xinyan coming from Old Man Cheng’s house.

“Jiangxin,” Liu Xinyan’s voice was choked.

“What’s wrong? Is it Brother Gu?”

Liu Xinyan shook her head, “No, Brother Peng is trying to comfort him.”

Qiao Jiangxin asked, “Comfort him about what?”

In her past life, her neighbors had said, “You should be happy like me. Don’t think about those unhappy things.

Why are you so sensitive? It’s not a big deal.

Think about your family, your husband and children. They’ll be sad if you’re like this.”

These words didn’t help Qiao Jiangxin; they only made her more miserable.

Liu Xinyan lowered her head, “The same old things.”

They sat under a tree, and Liu Xinyan complained, “Jiangxin, the Gu family is terrible. Grandpa Gu wanted to keep Gu Yunzhou.

His parents wanted a son to please his father, to bring honor to the family, pushing Yunzhou, then blaming him for not being close to them.

They think he’s favored by Grandpa Gu, overlooking his hardships, feeling sorry for Gu Yunhai. What’s wrong with their minds?

Gu Yunzhou finally had two days off to see his parents. He was so happy, but his parents didn’t care about his hardships or if he was thin. They kept telling him to speak well of Gu Yunhai to Grandpa Gu…”

Liu Xinyan poured out her heart, “Vice President Wang said Gu Yunzhou has Qi stagnation and could drive himself crazy.”

“Before, his parents felt Gu Yunzhou overshadowed Gu Yunhai and pitied Gu Yunhai.

Now, they’re proud of Gu Yunhai and don’t pity Gu Yunzhou.

Such favoritism who can bear that kind of disparity?”

Qiao Jiangxin comforted, “Many things can’t be forced.  My family is the same. My father and uncle are my grandfather’s sons…

Gu Yunzhou cares too much.  People look down on him, so he should prove them wrong.

Instead, because his family rejected him, he rejected himself. Does his worth depend on the Gu family’s judgment?

He wants emotional feedback from his parents, so he feels their favoritism.  Expectation leads to disappointment.

Be ruthless; cut them off.

Pretend they’re dead.  Many orphans live well.

Do those people deserve to occupy your mind?

When you reach their unattainable heights, look down at them. You’ll find those things you once longed for are worthless.”

Peng Zhihua, who had just taken Gu Yunzhou for a walk, overheard this and scolded, “What are you talking about!”

He checked Gu Yunzhou’s expression; he knew how much he cared about his parents.

Liu Xinyan quickly stood up, “We were just chatting casually. Brother Gu, don’t take it to heart.”

Qiao Jiangxin stood up, looking at Gu Yunzhou, “Don’t overthink it. It’s done.

If people make things difficult, we need to comfort ourselves. Don’t let them defeat you.

Believe that every dead end leads to a new path.”

Gu Yunzhou smiled and nodded, “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Qiao Jiangxin turned to leave, thinking he was polite and handsome.

She stopped and turned back, “Let me add something. Don’t blame yourself for things that aren’t your fault. Even if it is, blame others.

It’s their fault, not ours.

Be kind to yourself. Lower your standards; if necessary, have no standards.

I knew someone like you who always blamed themselves.  Then they changed their mind.

They were exhausted, worse than a dog.  If you’re worse than a dog, why bother being human?

She went crazy and drove her whole family crazy, but she’s healthy.”

Liu Xinyan laughed.

Gu Yunzhou’s lips curved into a genuine smile.

Liu Xinyan and Peng Zhihua looked at Qiao Jiangxin, urging her to continue.

Qiao Jiangxin looked at Gu Yunzhou seriously, “I apologize for what I said. I’m not you; I can’t judge you.  We can’t fully understand each other’s situations.

I give advice easily, but I might not follow it myself.

But remember,

Save yourself countless times.  Good luck!”