When Li Xiulan heard the words "no time," she finally voiced her hesitations. "Li Shu, what exactly have you all been so busy with these days? You're all swamped, and I'm just idle at home, with nothing to do. Is it that I'm useless, Mom, and can't help you with anything?"
"Mom, what nonsense are you talking about?" Chen Lishu, noticing Li Xiulan's unusual state recently, opened her mouth to explain. However, when her gaze fell upon Qin Yue beside her, the words she was about to speak were swallowed back. "Mom, things aren't as you imagine. We're just busy, and we're definitely not keeping anything from you."
"Hmm, it's good to be busy. Since you all are busy, I won't keep you here talking. Go do what you need to do." After speaking, Li Xiulan suddenly began to cough violently, her expression gradually turning weary. She turned and burrowed into her quilt, burying her entire head within it.
Seeing this, Chen Lishu anxiously inquired, "Mom, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Shall we go to the hospital?"
"No need. I might have caught a chill recently, which is why I'm coughing. Since you have things to do, go ahead and be busy. Don't worry about me. I'm a grown adult, not a child. What's a little sickness or cold going to do? Alright, I feel like sleeping now, so let's not talk anymore." With that, Li Xiulan stopped paying attention to Chen Lishu.
Chen Lishu looked at Qin Yue and said, "You go out for a bit. I have something I want to discuss with Mom."
How could Qin Yue let Chen Lishu have her way? Their relationship falling apart was exactly what Zhang Wan'er wanted. Therefore, facing Chen Lishu's command, Qin Yue, for the first time since entering the courtyard, spoke with newfound assertiveness.
"What can't be said now? Lishu, if you're busy, then go. Too many excuses sound even more hypocritical. I'll take care of Auntie's situation, so you don't need to trouble yourself, you busy bee."
Hearing Qin Yue's divisive words, Chen Lishu shot her a fierce glare. "Have you found a backing recently that makes you dare to speak so boldly? This is a family matter for us Gu, what business is it of yours? Stow away your little schemes. If you've done anything you shouldn't have, even with Zhang Wan'er as your backer, so what? I don't mind using all my resources to make you pay! Don't forget, you're not some high-and-mighty Miss Qin anymore. My Chen Lishu's influence now can make you disappear from the capital with simple ease!"
"What nonsense are you spouting? I'm just looking out for Auntie, who has always taken care of me. Now that she's sick and unwell, I'm willing to accompany her to the hospital. Why are you twisting my good intentions? Are you saying that if you can't do something, others aren't allowed to?" After speaking, Qin Yue pouted aggrievedly, tears uncontrollably falling like pearls from a broken string.
Hiding in her quilt, Li Xiulan listened to their argument and said irritably, "All of you, shut up! Whatever you have to say, go outside and talk. Didn't you hear me say I want to sleep? And Miss Qin, I'm from the countryside. When you do something wrong, I dislike you. But my daughter-in-law said that young Meng has taken a liking to you, and out of respect for the He family, I haven't made things difficult for you. It's not special treatment. From now on, please don't meddle in our family's affairs. Our relationship isn't that close. You just need to live your own life well and don't get too involved. Otherwise, if my daughter-in-law isn't happy, we have no reason to persuade her to be magnanimous!"
Hearing Li Xiulan's words subtly favoring Chen Lishu, Qin Yue's face instantly turned ashen. Zhang Wan'er had insisted she provoke the relationship between Chen Lishu and Li Xiulan. It seemed things weren't as simple as they had imagined! Even though Li Xiulan was extremely angry, she didn't show any signs of blaming Chen Lishu. This was completely treating her like a biological daughter, no, more precisely, like an ancestor to be venerated! Qin Yue, having finally established a connection with Li Xiulan, wanted to chat with her for a while and didn't want to ruin the relationship now. She could only continue her task after Chen Lishu left. She now understood that causing trouble for Chen Lishu was equivalent to causing trouble for herself. Qin Yue suppressed her ulterior motives, put on a look of disappointment, and slowly said, "I understand, Auntie. Please rest well. We'll be leaving now." With that, Qin Yue left Li Xiulan's room without any lingering hesitation.
Watching Qin Yue's retreating figure, Chen Lishu pursed her lips and then said, "Mom…" Before she could finish, Li Xiulan poked her head out, her face pale. "Mom knows she's from the countryside and doesn't understand many things. So, it's not important whether you tell me what you're secretly planning. Go do what you want to do. As long as you resolve the matters at hand, our family can still be together happily. I'm a bit tired now and want to rest. You should go out too."
Chen Lishu looked at Li Xiulan's exhausted expression, mistaking it for genuine sleepiness. She nodded, and before leaving, she couldn't forget to remind her, "Remember to take care of yourself. If you feel unwell, go to the hospital. After the competition ends, I will naturally explain to you what I've been doing these past few days."
"Mm," Li Xiulan acknowledged. As she watched Chen Lishu leave, a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes. Li Xiulan's personality was rather strong. Previously, she and Chen Lishu managed the household together. Now that they were in the capital, she felt she had lost her sense of presence, which led to Li Xiulan's insecure and anxious personality. Was this capital truly not suitable for her? Now Zhang Wan'er was targeting her. If she made a mistake due to a moment of carelessness, what if it brought trouble to Chen Lishu and Gu Xingdong? It seemed it was time to go back; perhaps only at home was she still needed as an old woman.
With that thought, Li Xiulan curved her lips in a helpless smile and then lay down on the bed to sleep. For some reason, she felt a little dizzy these past few days, as if she really had a cold!
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Meanwhile, in another room, Qin Yue dialed Zhang Wan'er's phone and said, "The medicine you told me to administer has been given for many days, and its effects should be kicking in."