“Get out!” Gu Xingdong had lost all patience for wasting time with Qin Yue. He didn’t care if Yang Zhiguo had found someone to replace Qin Yue’s job; she had to leave the next day, one way or another.
With a dark expression, he turned towards Chen Lishu. Before he could take a few steps, Qin Yue audaciously wrapped her arms around his waist.
Her voice choked with sobs, she said, “Brother Gu, I’m gentler than Chen Lishu, and the two children and Auntie like me very much. Can’t you just turn around and look at me properly? If I could marry you, I’d stay home and manage the household, unlike Chen Lishu, who runs around outside every day like a man. Most importantly, she lords her wealth over us at home.”
Gu Xingdong shoved her away with disgust. With a loud bang, Qin Yue crashed into the table, sending things to the floor.
The commotion in the living room quickly drew others’ attention. Chen Lishu and Li Xiulan walked out. They were both surprised to see Gu Xingdong standing wet in the living room while Qin Yue lay on the floor in pain.
“Xingdong, what happened? What were you two arguing about?” Li Xiulan looked at Qin Yue with concern, instinctively reaching out to help her up.
Gu Xingdong said coldly, “Mom, don’t help her. I had planned for you to leave tomorrow morning, but you’re too much of a bother. Just pack your things and get out of the Gu family’s house!”
Gu Xingdong was usually a cold person, but he had never lost his temper like this before, showing no basic gentlemanly conduct towards a woman. Chen Lishu was very curious about what had happened to make him so angry.
Just as she was about to ask, Qin Yue gritted her teeth and shakily got up from the floor. She said, “Brother Gu, you’re all wet. Why don’t you go change? What if you catch a cold?”
Seeing Qin Yue was still persistent, Gu Xingdong was about to say something when Chen Lishu’s voice cut in, “Let’s discuss this after you’ve changed. I knew you’d be coming back in the rain today, so I specifically prepared some ginger tea in the kitchen. Go have some quickly, don’t catch a cold. We still have the two children at home.”
Hearing Chen Lishu’s words, Gu Xingdong’s anger vanished instantly. A slight smile curved his lips as he said indulgently, “Okay.” With that, he turned and went back to his room without looking back.
Watching their interaction, Qin Yue’s right eyelid twitched violently. Weren’t they supposed to be angry and arguing? Why did it look nothing like an argument!
Qin Yue gritted her teeth. Now was not the time to dwell on this. Her plan had already begun, and there was no turning back. If she failed, Gu Xingdong might very well send her back to the army, and she would never have another chance to interact with him.
Thinking of this, Qin Yue clenched her fists, then raised her head, frowning as she shifted the blame to Chen Lishu. She said, “Miss Chen, if Brother Gu falls ill, it’s ultimately your fault. You shouldn’t have argued with Brother Gu and driven him out of the house. Brother Gu came to the capital all for you. He’s unfamiliar with this place. What if he encounters danger if you drive him out? You can’t just treat Brother Gu the way you boss around your employees because you’re the boss of a big company. Couples should respect each other. You’re a mother; you know how to care for your children. Doesn’t Auntie know how to care for her own child? Have you considered how Auntie feels about this?”
After speaking, Qin Yue cast a pleading glance at Li Xiulan, hoping she would speak up for her. However, she didn’t hear the expected agreement. Instead, she heard Li Xiulan question, “Qin Yue, tell Auntie honestly, what exactly happened just now?”
“Auntie…” Faced with Li Xiulan’s questioning, Qin Yue was momentarily unsure how to respond. Shouldn’t Auntie be focused on the argument between Gu Xingdong and Chen Lishu? Why was she being questioned instead? She had intended to sow discord between mother and daughter-in-law, forcing Chen Lishu to retreat, while she could remain and openly approach Gu Xingdong by leveraging the good impression she had made on Li Xiulan in recent days. She couldn’t believe any man could reject a beautiful woman. With time, she would show Gu Xingdong her good qualities! Becoming Mrs. Gu was only a matter of time.
Qin Yue had calculated everything, but she hadn’t expected her surest card to falter. “Auntie, I’ll explain everything clearly after Brother Gu comes out. Auntie, I think Aunt Xiu Li was right before. As an elder, you should supervise Miss Chen more. Otherwise, if you leave the household management to Miss Chen, this family will inevitably descend into chaos. Most importantly, word will get out that Brother Gu is henpecked, spreading unpleasant rumors! By then, it will be too late to salvage the situation.”
Qin Yue was trying her best to steer the conversation towards Chen Lishu, unaware that this tactic wouldn’t work on Li Xiulan. Li Xiulan had witnessed Chen Lishu’s excellence firsthand. The entire family lived a life of material abundance because she managed everything so efficiently. Her son was no less accomplished; as a commander, his strength was comparable to Chen Lishu’s. Outsiders could only envy them, not gossip. Li Xiulan had understood this principle since Chen Lishu embarked on her business venture. It was only now that Li Xiulan saw Qin Yue’s true colors. She had thought Qin Yue was a well-behaved and charming girl, but she had misjudged her.
At this moment, Gu Xingdong emerged after changing his clothes. He said with a cold expression, “Pack your belongings. I’ve already contacted Yang Zhiguo. You’ll return to J Province tomorrow. This incident has had a severe impact and will be officially reported within the military.”
Qin Yue hadn’t expected her first action to end with such dire consequences. Her dignity trampled, she ran out of the house. Li Xiulan thought about chasing after her, but Su Nian stopped her. “Auntie, it’s raining outside. I’ll go keep an eye on her. You should stay home!”
“Are you sure you can handle it?” Li Xiulan was a little uneasy about the two girls going out so late at night.
Su Nian patted her chest and said, “Of course, I’m talented in this area.” With that, she chased after Qin Yue.
With the crying gone, the house suddenly became quiet. Li Xiulan turned to face Gu Xingdong and Chen Lishu, saying grumpily, “You two, come here! I have something to ask you!”
Gu Xingdong and Chen Lishu exchanged glances before following Li Xiulan to the sofa. Li Xiulan asked sternly, “Did you two argue? What was it about?”