Gu Zheng’s hot palm slid down her waist and landed on her cheek, caressing her gently. “Don’t make me worry.”

Qiao Xi felt a wave of warmth in her heart, but what followed was bitterness because she was able to sense that the frequency of Gu Zheng’s poison relapsing was getting higher and higher. Fortunately, when the situation wasn’t serious, he was still able to control it.

…

At the Xu family’s villa.

Xia Yunlou and Xu Anran returned home like two drenched chickens. Xu Anyi immediately came out to welcome them and wiped the rainwater off their bodies.

However, Xu Zhi sat on the sofa and roared. “You two pieces of trash! I only asked you to apologize, but what did you do?! Not only did you hit Xi Xi, but you even broadcasted it live! The Xu family’s reputation has been thrown away by you two idiots!”

Xia Yunlou lowered her head, not daring to make a sound.

Xu Anran’s tears fell like rain. “Dad…”

“I’m not your father! You’re not related to me by blood!”

Xu Anran’s face turned pale as she sobbed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t expect my sister to be sick. We suddenly chased after her, so maybe we scared her…”

Xu Zhi happened to watch the live broadcast. He also felt that it was a little strange. Qiao Xi was usually smart and bold, but this time, her face was full of fear as if she was very afraid of them.

Xu Anran cried and said, “Xi Xi has always hated me. I’m afraid that she won’t want to see us anymore. But Xi Xi is your real daughter, after all. How can I bear to see you two separate? I have an idea, but I don’t know if it’s feasible.”

Xu Zhi’s expression softened a little. “What idea?”

“I heard that Xi Xi and Mrs. Xia Yunqiu were very close, and Mom is Mrs. Xia Yunqiu’s biological sister. If Mom says that she wants to pay respects to Xia Yunqiu, Xi Xi probably won’t refuse, right?”

Everyone immediately reacted. Even if Xi Xi held a grudge against the Xu family, there was no reason to stop Xia Yunlou from paying her respects to Xia Yunqiu. If Xi Xi insisted on disagreeing, then it would be against the rules.

If she agreed, they would find another chance to persuade Qiao Xi to forgive them.

Xu Anran sniffed and said, “Mom, we have to seize this opportunity.”

…

The next morning.

Recently, Qiao Xi had heard some rumors that the relationship between Xia Yunlou and Xia Yunqiu was deep. After Xia Yunlou found out that her sister had gone missing, she searched for her for more than ten years. Moreover, when she heard that her sister had passed away, Xia Yunlou was heartbroken and fell seriously ill.

There was also some news on the internet. It was said that the two sisters had always been close. Although they did not grow up together, they still shared the same parents and were related by blood.

Qiao Xi was slightly puzzled. Why was Xia Yunlou spreading this news online?

Suddenly, her phone rang and Old Madam Yin’s number appeared on the screen.

Qiao Xi hesitated for a moment before calling out awkwardly, “Grandma.”

“Xi Xi, have you seen the news on the internet?” Old Madam Yin’s voice was a little stern. At this moment, the younger members of the Yin family were also standing by the side, trembling in fear.

Qiao Xi asked, “Are you referring to the news of Madam Xu and Mom’s sisterly love?”

Old Madam Yin’s voice was slightly cold. “Yes, it’s about this. I’ve never paid attention to the news on the internet. It was Jingting who told me. Actually, your mother’s relationship with Xia Yunlou… wasn’t as good as she says it was. Their relationship can’t be explained in just a few words. Anyway, remember that if Xia Yunlou uses her relationship with her sister to force you to lower your head, you don’t have to bother about it.”

Qiao Xi felt her heart soften, and she replied with a smile, “Alright, I’ll remember.”

Tears welled up in Old Madam Yin’s eyes. “My dear child, if you encounter any trouble, come and look for me. As long as I’m here, no one is allowed to bully you!”

Actually, Old Madam Yin didn’t understand as well. Xi Xi was Yunlou’s biological daughter, yet her character was completely different. She was extremely similar to Yunqiu instead. Could it be that it was because Yunqiu had raised her so Xi Xi resembled her?

Qiao Xi nodded. “Thank you, Grandma. Can you tell me about what happened between mother and Madam Xu? I really want to know.”

There was silence for a few seconds.

Old Madam Yin was silent before she sighed. “Back then, I met and fell in love with Xia Cheng. We got married and soon gave birth to a son and two daughters.

“Both of us were wealthy, so I abdicated my position and became a full-time housewife. I took care of the children with peace of mind. The five of us lived happily, but…”