Chapter 19: As You Can See

Out of politeness, Zhong Hejing didn’t comment on the profession of the person in question. Even if she had known Qiao Wu before, it was from when they were around ten years old. Besides, people’s hearts are ever-changing, and the past is not something to dwell on.

She focused her attention on the scene at hand.

Zhong Min’s return to the Zhong family was not voluntary, so he had always harbored strong resentment, treating everyone with the same attitude, as if the whole world had wronged him.

However, Zhong Hejing, who had grown up in privileged conditions, couldn’t empathize with him. Although they weren’t close, she initially felt a sibling bond with Zhong Min. But that bond couldn’t withstand Zhong Min repeatedly challenging her limits.

As an adult, acting solely on impulse without considering the value of interests was utterly foolish. Incidents like today, where Zhong Min caused trouble for Zhong Ru, had happened more than once. So, Zhong Ru no longer wanted to deal with these trivial matters herself and had pushed the responsibility onto Zhong Hejing.

When she entered, she had already heard Luo Zhihua apologizing and could roughly guess what had happened.

Back then, Zhong Ru had used the fact that Zhong Shixia was a less sensitive child to manipulate Zhong Min into returning to the Zhong family. During this time, Zhong Shixia must have faced numerous issues at school.

But in such an environment, it ultimately boiled down to exchanges of interests among the adults. She waved her hand, “Please take the child out first, teacher.”

She didn’t want Zhong Min to see her arguing with others.

The teacher, accustomed to handling such matters, was about to take the child out.

But Qiao Wu stopped them, “Wait.”

Everyone turned to look at her.

“Why should they leave?” Qiao Wu sat beside Lu Ning, gently pressing her hand, “If they’ve done something, they should face the consequences. How much is an apology worth? Since they’ve been acting recklessly because of their family background, they should also see what price their family has to pay for this. There’s always someone better out there, and being young isn’t a get-out-of-jail-free card. Don’t you think so, Mr. Luo?”

Luo Zhihua reluctantly agreed, “I think you’re right.”

He then asked, “What do you want?”

“You can negotiate with other families, but we don’t want anything from you,” Qiao Wu said, “I’ve already called the police.”

“!!!”

Even Zhong Hejing hadn’t expected things to take this turn.

In this school, whenever something happened among the children, wasn’t it always resolved through resources?

Calling the police… this was truly a first.

Luo Zhihua stammered, “Called the police?”

When had she called the police?! He hadn’t heard her make a call!

“My child was just walking home from school when a group of unfamiliar kids blocked and provoked them, even resorting to physical violence. Shouldn’t I call the police?” Qiao Wu smiled, “Besides, Mr. Luo, you were the one who chose not to reason with me, so I had to let someone else do the reasoning.”

She hadn’t made the call herself, but there was a driver at the school gate and bodyguards in the car. Wasn’t it just a matter of sending a message?

“Don’t call the police!” Luo Zhihua’s legs were literally trembling. Honestly, for people in the real estate business, the last thing they wanted was to get involved with the authorities, “We have plenty of projects, we can discuss this slowly!”

“I’m sorry,” Qiao Wu raised her hand, stopping him from approaching, “My child is a minor and doesn’t understand these things. The only thing they know is that if they’re bullied, they should call the police.”

“Alright, I’ve said my piece. As for anything else you want to discuss, go ahead.”

“Dad!” The children were instantly terrified.

A group of spoiled, unruly little rich kids who had never imagined they would one day meet the police were now wailing and howling in the office.

Qiao Wu didn’t want to listen anymore. She picked up Lu Ning’s backpack: “Let’s go.”

“Wait a minute,” Zhong Shixia came over with the money he had just picked up, “Your money.”

Zhong Min, knowing his brother’s limited ability to express himself, spoke sternly: “He just wants to return the money, nothing else. He’s been holding onto this money for over a year. If you don’t take it, he’ll keep thinking about it.”

“But what about the incident back then…” He frowned, “Shouldn’t you give us an explanation?”

After today’s events, Lu Ning was now a bit frightened. She worried that if she ever got into a fight again, Qiao Wu might really pin her down in the office to show her the consequences of causing trouble.

So she immediately interrupted Zhong Min: “I know I was wrong first, but I didn’t know he was there. Hitting him was an accident, and I only fought back because he wanted to hit me!”

“Hit you back?” Zhong Shixia couldn’t recall such an event from his memory, “I didn’t want to hit you.”

“I said if you had the guts, hit me back, and you walked over and raised your hand!”

Zhong Shixia’s lips tightened: “I was showing you my clothes.”

His new clothes had gotten snagged while picking something up, so he was squatting there fixing it, never expecting to be hit by a stone.

He walked over to show her the snagged clothes, indicating he wasn’t squatting there to fake an injury to extort money.

It couldn’t be helped; the 18-yuan clothes were really fragile.

Who would have thought this little girl would suddenly start hitting him, crying while she did it.

As a result, his already damaged clothes were further ruined, with his shirt, pants, and shoes all in bad shape.

After hearing the whole story, Lu Ning was dumbfounded: “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

There really are clothes that cost only 18 yuan?!

Zhong Shixia looked at her puzzled: “You didn’t let me speak.”

Lu Ning: “…”

She grabbed the scattered money and said warily, “I’ve taken your money now, so today’s matter is settled. Don’t come looking for me again!”

Although the money meant nothing to her, she thought this guy was a bit crazy. If she didn’t take it, she might end up being blocked at her door every day.

Zhong Shixia’s expression finally relaxed a bit: “Okay.”

Carrying so much money around had also made him quite nervous every day.

Seeing that the two kids had finished talking, Qiao Wu then glanced at Zhong Hejing’s position, her attitude suddenly becoming gentle and even somewhat intimate: “We’ll head back now, let’s keep in touch by phone.”

Surprised that she would say goodbye, Zhong Hejing nodded after a moment: “Alright.”

But keep in touch by phone? About what?

Are we in a relationship where we can keep in touch?

After they left, Zhong Hejing, reminded by the teacher, remembered what she was supposed to do.

Originally, she intended to handle the problem as she had before, but upon seeing these two unfamiliar brothers, she suddenly changed her mind.

She smiled: “Since the police have already been called, let’s see how they resolve it. Whoever is responsible will bear the consequences. I’m not in good health, so I won’t worry about this anymore.”

After speaking, she stood up and looked at Zhong Min and the others: “Let’s go.”

No matter how reluctant Zhong Min was, he couldn’t continue staying with these people. So, he took Zhong Shixia and followed her out.

As they walked out of the classroom, they happened to see Qiao Wu and Lu Ning leaving the school building together.

Lu Ning took her backpack off Qiao Wu and, with her head tilted, was saying something animatedly, gesturing with her hands.

Qiao Wu, on the other hand, listened attentively, occasionally smiling and patting her head. The scene looked exceptionally harmonious and warm.

Unlike the Lu Family in Zhong Hejing’s memory.

The Lu Family had undergone significant changes, and after that, the family relationships became quite tense. Lu Ning, who had always been a bit wild, not to mention the other Lu brothers.

But today, it seemed different?

Although Lu Ning still showed some childish temper, it was insignificant. In front of Qiao Wu, she was unusually obedient.

Moreover, considering the temperaments of Lu Jiang and Lu Jinzhi, Qiao Wu would definitely not be their chosen Housekeeper.

So, what exactly happened?

Forget it, there were more pressing matters at hand.

“Zhong Shixia, go to the car first,” she stopped.

Zhong Min glanced at her and also stopped, pushing his brother: “Go.”

After the person left, Zhong Hejing said, “I don’t want today’s incident to happen again.”

Zhong Min had anticipated this, he scoffed, “But you already knew what I am, didn’t you? I can’t compare to you high and mighty families.”

“If it weren’t for the Lu Family and Qiao Wu today, do you think we would have gotten out so quickly?” Zhong Hejing looked at him coldly, “What exactly are you proud of?”

The Zhong Family was no longer what it used to be.

In the past, they could still be close to the Lu Family, but ever since Zhong Ru and Father’s relationship broke down, and they each had their own lovers, followed by pregnancies, births, and endless divorce disputes, these were not without rumors. The company’s power was scattered and chaotic, and people’s hearts were unstable.

Adding to that, her own health had deteriorated, and the domineering Zhong Ru controlled everything, causing the Zhong Family to plummet.

Even when negotiating with Luo Zhihua earlier, it had to be a give-and-take.

Sometimes Zhong Hejing felt so tired, thinking that maybe they should all perish together. The pressure of money, benefits, and family reputation was suffocating her.

“Proud?” Zhong Min laughed angrily, “You didn’t ask for my opinion and pushed me to this point. How many times has Shixia transferred schools because of you? Coming to this school because of Zhong Ru! Now that something has happened, you’re blaming me for not doing well enough. What, do you expect a hoodlum to do something earth-shattering? Make it to Forbes? Is your family’s blood so special, embedded with gold or diamonds? I’ll tell you straight, I just want to make Zhong Ru miserable!”

“Slap!”

Zhong Hejing slapped him, causing Zhong Min’s head to jerk to the side.

The air instantly fell silent.

“So you want the entire Zhong Family to play along with you!”

Zhong Hejing was so angry that her vision went white, leaning against the wall and closing her eyes, gasping for breath.

Zhong Min exhaled sharply, not continuing the topic, and took out his phone to make a call: “Come and pick up your President Zhong!”

The driver waiting at the school gate hurriedly got out of the car, fearing that something might happen to the Young Miss.

The two of them arrived in separate cars. After Zhong Min saw the driver take her into the car, he also drove away with Zhong Shixia.

Lu Ning had been waiting for the driver to start the car but noticed Qiao Wu staring outside, which made her curious: “What are you looking at?”

The two cars had already disappeared at the end of the street. Qiao Wu gently shook her head: “Nothing.”

It seemed that Zhong Hejing’s health was worse than she had understood.

In the materials given to her by Xie Yi and her father, besides the list, there were also some more private past events of each family.

As Qiao Zhiyi, who had been by Lu Jiang’s side for so many years, he had his own methods for dealing with these wealthy families, so he knew a lot.

Now that she had taken over, her father must have given her all these materials without reservation.

That’s why, after unexpectedly encountering Zhong Min at school today, she paid more attention to the Zhong family on the list and looked through their information more carefully.

It was also because of this that she matched Zhong Min and Zhong Hejing’s relationship.

Zhong Hejing did not appear in the original plot.

But in Zhong Min’s storyline, there was an elder sister who died young.

The plot Qiao Wu knew was from the perspective of the male and female leads. When the male lead appeared, he was already a budding figure, and only occasionally mentioned his background to pave the way for his character.

He was forced and threatened by his mother to inherit the family business, the so-called father who wanted to harm him everywhere, and the sister who was briefly mentioned.

A child’s memory might be somewhat lacking, and childhood friends might be remembered vaguely, but Qiao Wu would not.

Zhong Hejing was a bit older than her, but she was actually a nice person and had always been healthy.

People from wealthy families have considerations for their food, clothing, and daily necessities, and even have nutritionists and regular check-ups, so their health wouldn’t just collapse.

After Zhong Min’s sister passed away, both he and Zhong Shixia were targeted by their nominal “father,” and the only beneficiary was obvious.

The Zhong family.

The few people who returned home one after another didn’t acknowledge each other and went back to their rooms.

Zhong Hejing rested on the bed for a while before she felt better.

Although her health was not good, the current Zhong Min had too much resentment towards the Zhong family, and he was not familiar with the company’s business. Zhong Ru was even more unwilling to delegate power to others, so many things still had to go through her hands.

She got up to go to the study to look at the company’s documents, but when she passed the mirror and saw her pale and haggard self, she still felt a bit distracted.

She used to be glamorous and not afraid of anyone seeing her in a mess, just like Qiao Wu she saw today.

But now it’s different.

Even the words Qiao Wu left before leaving, “let’s keep in touch by phone,” were shamelessly used by her as leverage to suppress Luo Zhihua.

Just as she was thinking, her phone suddenly rang.

It was Qiao Wu.

People in business don’t block others for just any reason, so Zhong Hejing had kept her phone number, but they had never contacted each other.

She didn’t expect Qiao Wu to actually call as she said.

She hesitated for a moment but still answered: “Hello?”

“I want to meet with you,” Qiao Wu said on the other end, “I wonder if that’s possible?”

In the past, Zhong Hejing would have refused because she didn’t know what she could talk about with Qiao Wu.

But now she changed her mind: “Tomorrow at three in the afternoon.”

“Okay, shall I choose the place or you?”

“Let’s go to the Lu Family, aren’t you working there?”

The Lu Family also has a place specifically for discussing matters.

“Alright, see you tomorrow.”

The next afternoon at three o’clock, Zhong Hejing arrived at the Lu Residence on time.

It had been many years since she last visited the Lu Family, but the place remained as orderly as ever, even more luxurious and opulent.

It didn’t seem like it was on the verge of collapse.

Normally, external vehicles entering the Lu Residence would be directed to a designated parking area, but Zhong Hejing was told by the servant in charge of reception, “Little Qiao Butler said your car can drive straight in.”

Zhong Hejing was somewhat surprised.

Not only was she surprised by the special treatment she received, but also by the attitude of the Lu Family members towards Qiao Wu. In her memory, Qiao Wu had always acted as if she were the rightful Young Miss of the Lu Family, which didn’t endear her to the servants.

Soon, she was led by the escort car to the place where she had arranged to meet Qiao Wu.

The weather was nice today, and Qiao Wu was sitting in a pavilion within the Chinese-style garden, seemingly flipping through something.

Hearing the sound, she stopped and looked up. In that moment, Zhong Hejing suddenly felt that if she were truly visiting the Lu Family for the first time, she would have thought Qiao Wu was the mistress of the house.

Not because of her attitude, but because of her demeanor.

As the others gradually left, Qiao Wu placed the item in her hand on the table and stood up. Noticing that Zhong Hejing looked even worse than the day before, she slightly lowered her eyes.

“Please, have a seat.”

Zhong Hejing sat down in the pavilion and heard Qiao Wu ask, “Would you like something to drink?”

She subtly took in the surroundings and Qiao Wu’s demeanor, replying politely, “Water, thank you.”

It was evident that Qiao Wu was indeed the Housekeeper of the Lu Family. From the moment she entered, every member of the Lu Family treated her with utmost respect, showing no signs of dissent, and the household was in perfect order.

Qiao Wu poured two glasses of water in front of her and took one for herself.

“What did you want to see me about?” Zhong Hejing asked.

“Just a casual chat,” Qiao Wu said calmly, her tone as if she were making small talk. “I noticed yesterday that you don’t look well. Have you seen a doctor?”

Zhong Hejing wasn’t keen on sharing too much about her personal matters, so she simply said, “Just some minor issues. I’ll be fine with some rest.”

Then she noticed what Qiao Wu had been looking at earlier.

A second-grade practice workbook.

Lu Ning’s?

In the past, Qiao Wu had genuinely been annoyed by Lu Ning’s noise. What was she doing now?

Qiao Wu knew that the other person might have some misunderstandings about her, so she didn’t press further. Instead, she said, “My attitude towards you before wasn’t my intention. If you have any questions, you can ask me now.”

Zhong Hejing was taken aback, not expecting such honesty.

But to be honest, everyone had many friends in childhood, but few remained in the end. Rather than dwelling on those old childhood matters, it was better to look forward. Neither of them was the same innocent child anymore.

“No,” Zhong Hejing took a sip of water. “Did you ask me here just to ask that?”

“Pretty much,” Qiao Wu said gently. “I just wanted to check on how you’ve been.”

Zhong Hejing choked on her water: “We’re not that close, are we?”

“Hmm,” Qiao Wu showed no sign of embarrassment at being pushed away, speaking steadily, “So it’s just out of the friendship we had as childhood playmates.”

She was well aware that after so many years without contact, neither of them knew much about the other, and both had changed in ways the other couldn’t imagine.

However, Qiao Wu was not one to overthink things. She had already lived an extra lifetime and experienced the despair of being powerless.

Thus, she was quite carefree about many things, especially when it came to people.

No one was entirely good, nor was anyone entirely bad. So even if Zhong Hejing had changed from before, becoming cunning and selfish, Qiao Wu would still choose to honor the harmonious times they had shared in the past.

Just as she would now choose to stay temporarily for the sake of the Lu Family.

As for whether to arrange another meeting, that would depend on the other party’s attitude.

At least since they had met, Zhong Hejing’s attitude toward her had been within her acceptable range. If it had been someone slick-tongued, Zhong Hejing might have immediately accused them of meddling, but Qiao Wu’s straightforwardness had left her stunned.

After a long pause, Zhong Hejing finally found some clarity. Since Qiao Wu wanted to acknowledge their past bond, she would do the same.

“In that case, let me ask how you’ve been lately.”

Qiao Wu smiled: “As you can see, I’m doing well.”

“I didn’t expect you to become the Housekeeper for the Lu Family.”

“They need me.”

Zhong Hejing couldn’t hold back: “You… can you handle it?”

“My answer is that I will do it very well. As for whether you believe me,” Qiao Wu looked into her eyes and said earnestly, “that depends on how you remember me.”

After all, Zhong Hejing had once been the head of the company, the sole heir of the Zhong Family.

Outside, people would respectfully address her as President Zhong.

At this moment, she felt somewhat torn.

If the Qiao Wu in her memory was that hypocritical, nauseating person, not only would she not believe her, she wouldn’t even be here.

But if it was the confident, composed Qiao Wu from yesterday, the one who had once held her hand when she got lost in the Lu Residence, the one who now openly expressed concern for her because of their past bond.

Then this person would do very well.

Zhong Hejing dug out the answer from her heart.

Since childhood, Zhong Ru had demanded that she become the most outstanding heir, strictly controlling everything she did, so she always subconsciously chased after more excellent people.

And Qiao Wu, though younger than her, was the first person she had wanted to become in her naive years.

She had often wondered, what would a sister like Qiao Wu grow up to be like?

Now she saw it.

It was also the person she believed she should become when she grew up.

Zhong Hejing’s hands trembled slightly as she held the water cup.

But now, the Zhong family had been on a continuous decline, and she was neither human nor ghost. How many days she could survive was an unknown. Every step she took was driven by interests, and she had even cast aside her childhood memories, not daring to recall them.

She had failed to become the person she had envisioned herself to be.