However, Qin Yue had no intention of revealing the truth of the matter. Being able to make He Zinian owe her a favor was something she eagerly desired, as she could ask for anything she wanted!
After a moment of thought, Qin Yue slowly raised her head and said with red-rimmed eyes, "I know that my stay in the courtyard has caused you a lot of trouble, so I hope to have my own place.
As for the things my brother did, I sincerely apologize to you. Can you forgive him? And can you get him out of that place of suffering? I know my request is a bit excessive, but he is my only family!
Don't worry, as long as we are given a stable place to live, my brother and I will absolutely not interfere in your lives again, nor will we do anything that makes things difficult for you."
Faced with Qin Yue's request, a look of difficulty appeared on He Zinian's face. He propped his chin with one hand and shook his head, saying, "What your brother did was illegal and in violation of discipline. Moreover, the matter caused quite a stir online at the time. Getting him out of prison is not a small matter! After all, so many people across the country are watching.
However, since I promised you that I would fulfill one of your requests, I will naturally get this done. Your brother's matter might take some time, at least half a month before I can handle it. As for a place to live, I happen to have a villa on the outskirts. In that case, this villa will be transferred to you as a reward for your kindness these past few days!"
Qin Yue had only made the request on a whim, never expecting He Zinian to actually agree to it. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes. Even when she returned to her room that night, she was still immersed in the joy of this matter.
When Meng Lei returned, he saw Qin Yue sitting in front of the mirror giggling incessantly. He frowned and asked, "What are you giggling about by yourself? Did something happen while I was away?"
"What could have happened? Don't overthink it. Since you're back, just go to sleep. I was so busy all day, I'm quite tired!" Qin Yue said, yawning. Disregarding Meng Lei's darkening expression, she lay down on the bed and closed her eyes. Now that she had her own villa, why should she bother appeasing Meng Lei? If Meng Lei annoyed her, she could just move out of the courtyard in a huff!
Thinking of this, Qin Yue couldn't help but let out a chuckle. This commotion further aroused Meng Lei's suspicion. He walked up to Qin Yue and questioned her in a low voice, "What exactly happened? Why are you so happy?"
Interrupted by Meng Lei, a hint of impatience appeared on Qin Yue's face. She opened her eyes and said impatiently, "I've already told you it has nothing to do with you. Should I just live my life with a gloomy face? You're so indecisive. If you're not sleeping, then go sleep on the sofa and don't disturb me. I have to make herbal medicine for Old Mrs. He early tomorrow morning."
Meng Lei took a deep breath, genuinely worried that Qin Yue, this fool, would expose their entire plan. He reminded her preemptively, "I'm warning you, we're in this together. You better know what you should and shouldn't do! The He family's intelligence is quite good. They might already know something. Remember, they are trying to trick you into revealing the truth. They are very likely being nice to you on purpose. No matter how nice they are, you must keep the secrets safe. Otherwise, I can't guarantee your outcome will be much better than mine."
Upon hearing Meng Lei's words, Qin Yue suddenly realized. That's right, she had participated in all their plans. If Meng Lei were exposed, her own future would not be much better.
Thinking of this, Qin Yue buried her head under the covers and responded in a muffled voice, "I understand. Don't worry, I won't mess up at the crucial moment."
Meng Lei rubbed his nose bridge with a hand, feeling weary. It seemed Qin Yue couldn't be kept around. He had to get rid of her in the next few days. Now that the plan was slowly progressing, she absolutely could not become an obstacle.
With this thought, a hint of杀意 flashed in Meng Lei's eyes. Thus, with their own thoughts in mind, they lay down on the same bed and fell asleep.
----
The next day.
Gu Xingdong felt movement beside him and groggily opened his eyes. He saw Chen Lishu already dressed and ready. He asked curiously, "You're up so early today?"
"Zhang Wan'er is likely to come today. If I don't leave, how can I give her an opportunity to make her move?" Chen Lishu said meaningfully, then turned to look at Gu Xingdong, flashing him a knowing smile.
"What opportunity to make a move?" Gu Xingdong was confused by her words.
Chen Lishu's gaze gradually deepened. She took a deep breath and slowly began to speak, "Zhang Wan'er has provoked me time and time again. I tolerated it because of your long acquaintance, but now she has extended her reach to my family. I naturally cannot stand by and do nothing! Zhang Wan'er does have some influence in the capital, but the other families are not to be trifled with. As long as we catch her in a small mistake, we can send her to hell!
This time, I plan to display the competition design drafts, making it easier for Zhang Wan'er to act. Once she is caught stealing the design drafts, her reputation will be ruined. Not only in the capital, but people all over the country will call her a traitor, and the consequences will be immense. Even if she has an uncle who is a high-ranking official, it doesn't matter. If the Yang family dares to get involved, he might be investigated. But Yang Zhiguo is an upright person; he wouldn't cross moral lines repeatedly for his niece. If he is truly investigated, the entire Yang family might be implicated!"
After saying this, Chen Lishu frowned and looked at Gu Xingdong. She parted her lips several times before cautiously asking, "Do you think I'm going too far? I've never been one to be soft-hearted. Zhang Wan'er has crossed my bottom line; I'm going to ruin her family..."
"It's not your fault." Before Chen Lishu could finish, Gu Xingdong interrupted her decisively. He looked at Chen Lishu with deep eyes and said, "I support all your decisions!"