Chapter 63
Qiao Yu's heart was in complete turmoil. The closer Lu Shangyi got, the tighter she moved closer to Ye Yunjian, until most of her body was hidden behind him. She clutched Ye Yunjian's coat, only showing half of her face and one eye from behind him, looking utterly cowardly.
Lu Shangyi strode over, her expression unchanged. Her gaze fell on Qiao Yu's fair face. The woman's rosy lips moved slightly, but her tone was unusually gentle, "Why didn't you reply to my message?"
The deep concern in her words startled Qiao Yu. Meeting her gaze, Qiao Yu hesitated for a moment before saying, "I didn't notice."
Lu Shangyi didn't mind and reached out to pull her out from behind Ye Yunjian. "Let's go home."
Just as she grabbed the other woman's slender arm, Ye Yunjian, not to be outdone, grabbed Qiao Yu's other arm as well. She raised her eyebrows at Lu Shangyi, a hint of hostility in her eyes. "Even when giving someone away, there's a proper order to things, isn't there?" She smiled slightly, speaking slowly and meaningfully, "She should be mine tonight."
Lu Shangyi didn't react much, but she shut Ye Yunjian down with just one sentence: "Did President Ye also like to have some kind of entanglement with EGA before?"
Ye Yunjian narrowed her eyes, the smile on her lips fading slightly. She didn't let go. Lu Shangyi's gaze lowered, then gently lifted again, her thick eyelashes like two small fans.
Qiao Yu looked left and right, unconsciously tilting her head towards the system. The system leaned closer, ready to listen intently, when it suddenly heard her blurt out, "Let's fight! Let's fight!"
system:"???"
While it was still in disarray, Qiao Yu pitifully stood between Lu Shangyi and Ye Yunjian, saying, "Sister Lu, Aunt Ye, please stop arguing for me."
A faint glint of moisture veiled his dark eyes, and Ye Yunjian's aura froze for a moment before vanishing completely. Immediately, a happy look appeared in Qiao Yu's eyes. She turned back to Lu Shangyi and said, "Sister Lu, you've been busy lately, so I won't bother you any longer."
She said softly, "Aunt Ye can take me."
Worried that Lu Shangyi would disagree, Qiao Yu broke free from Ye Yunjian's hand and walked up to her, looking serious: "I've known Aunt Ye for a long time. She's definitely not one of those nasty alphas out there. I trust her."
Upon hearing this, Ye Yunjian immediately raised his chin and slowly said, "You're being overly cautious."
Lu Shangyi glanced at her indifferently, but did not back down. She leaned closer to Qiao Yu with a smile on her face, "If you dare to get into another alpha's car today," Qiao Yu heard her say gently after a brief silence, "I'll break your legs."
"..." How fierce.
Qiao Yu hesitated for a moment and looked at Ye Yunjian. Ye Yunjian smiled slightly and said, "It's okay, I will find the best doctor in the world to cure your leg."
It's clear they're not planning to give up easily.
Qiao Yu's eyelids twitched as she listened. Why was it that when alphas fought, she, a weak and helpless ega, was always the one who got hurt in the end?
"How about this?" After a moment of silence, Qiao Yu tentatively suggested, "I'll drive Sister Lu's car home myself, and Aunt Ye, could you please give Sister Lu a ride home, okay?"
In her opinion, this solution was absolutely perfect.
To her surprise, Ye Yunjian lifted his eyelids, stared at her with a forced smile, and said in a very serious tone, "What do you think?"
Having no other option, Qiao Yu called her mother. As soon as Ms. Qiao answered the phone, she heard her daughter say in a pitiful voice, "Mom, I'm at Aunt Ye's company. Can you come and pick me up?"
Mrs. Qiao remained unmoved after hearing this and casually replied, "Then why don't you just have her send you back?"
"But," the person on the other end paused, then said tearfully, "Sister Lu is here too."
"..." Suddenly, Mrs. Qiao slammed the steering wheel hard. She thought expressionlessly, "She and Qiao Jinghuai are both respectable business people. How did they end up with a daughter who stirs up trouble every day?"
Upon arriving at Ye Yunjian's company, Madam Qiao immediately noticed the person sandwiched between two women. Neither of them were wearing coats, and Madam Qiao felt sorry for them just looking at them. Then, her gaze shifted to her own daughter, who was wearing two layers of clothing and was wrapped up tightly in warm clothes.
Without realizing it, Madam Qiao pinched the bridge of her nose, then strode towards the three people with a smile on her face, "Thank you for your help tonight."
Ye Yunjian and Lu Shangyi looked up at the same time. They pulled Qiao Yu over, and Madam Qiao stared at her before quickly stripping her clothes off and returning them to their rightful owner. At the same time, she thoughtfully reminded them, "Remember to drink some cold medicine when you get home, so you don't catch a cold."
The two nodded in response, their eyes remaining fixed on Qiao Yu.
Seeing this, she had no choice but to put her daughter in the car and quickly said, "Then I'll take Yuyu with me first. Happy New Year."
Mrs. Qiao sped away from the scene, and Qiao Yu had no choice but to grip the overhead handrail tightly, repeatedly saying, "Mom, slow down, slow down! What kind of thrill-seeking is this in the middle of the night?!"
Mrs. Qiao turned her head with a forced smile. "Slow down? You're scared now?"
The car didn't slow down at all, and Mrs. Qiao even casually lowered one hand, saying in a very innocent tone, "I'm not as daring as you. I'm just speeding, unlike you, who recklessly drives into a carnage."
Qiao Yu's heart pounded with pain; she kept her eyes tightly shut, her face contorted in agony. Madam Qiao stared at her for a long while before finally slowing the car down.
When she arrived home, Qiao Yu was pale and disheveled, looking several years older in an instant. Aunt Zhang watched as Mrs. Qiao tossed her car keys and left without looking back, and hurriedly helped Qiao Yu out of the car. "Yu Yu, what's wrong with you?" After hesitating for a long time, she couldn't help but say, "If you have any troubles, you can tell me. Just think of it as venting your emotions."
Qiao Yu went inside, drank a cup of hot water, and asked with a worried look, "Aunt Zhang, what do you think of Aunt Bai?"
"She's great. She grew up in a military compound and has been a close friend of your mother for many years. Her character is absolutely impeccable." Aunt Zhang cautiously probed, "What? Do you... have any feelings for her?"
Qiao Yu didn't answer, and then asked, "What about Aunt Ye?"
Aunt Zhang's attention was diverted, so she thought about it carefully. "Although this person's methods are a bit ruthless, he's also really rich, which is quite good." Aunt Zhang pressed on relentlessly: "Do you also have feelings for President Ye?"
Qiao Yu sighed, "But Sister Lu is also very outstanding."
“That’s true.” Aunt Zhang nodded in agreement. “Before that incident, Lu Shangyi could almost be considered the best among the younger generation. Even Song Wanzi couldn’t compare to her.”
She couldn't help but sigh, "Actually, her niece is quite nice too. Although she's a bit naive now, she seems like a devoted lover. Once she stays with the Lu family longer, she'll probably grow up to be quite outstanding."
"Most importantly, she is about the same age as you, and you can be considered childhood sweethearts."
Qiao Yu immediately gave her a look that said, "You think about it, you really think about it."
Aunt Zhang was taken aback. "?" What does that mean?
Qiao Yu shook her head meaningfully, then slowly made her way back to her room, holding onto the spiral staircase. Aunt Zhang stared at her retreating figure, her brow furrowed, deep in thought for a long time. Suddenly, she realized something: Could it be that Yu Yu… likes everyone so much, and can't choose between them all?!
"..." Young people these days are really greedy compared to their generation.
In their generation, even taking a concubine would be met with gossip and criticism. But now that society has developed, liking several people is no problem.
After a moment of reflection, Aunt Zhang suddenly became melancholy. This other woman was still uncertain. Whose side would she take in the future? And since they were visiting so often, what if Yu Yu accidentally revealed her secret one day?
It's really worrying for her, a woman in her fifties.
Aunt Zhang got more and more of a headache, and finally she made up her mind and decided to give up: I don't care anymore, I'll stand by whoever comes from now on.
If they all appear, then treat them equally and never neglect anyone.
The Spring Festival is just around the corner, and everyone is gradually taking their holidays and preparing to go home for the New Year. After finishing up the last few things, Qiao Jinghuai and his wife also returned to the Qiao family's old residence. However, their computers and mobile phones were still kept on at all times, just in case something unexpected happened at the company.
The Qiao family was quite large. Old Mrs. Qiao had given birth to three sons, each of whom married. Qiao San had also remarried. Adding their children and their spouses' partners, there were nearly twenty people in total. The old house was bustling with activity. Qiao Er and Qiao San had gone home early to please Old Mrs. Qiao. Qiao Yu and her parents returned close to New Year's Eve and were immediately scolded by Old Mrs. Qiao, "You're always out fooling around and never home. Anyone who didn't know better would think my son has been bewitched by some vixen."
Old Mrs. Qiao was used to favoring her two younger sons, and she was also dissatisfied because Qiao Jinghuai did not marry a well-bred lady whom she had chosen. Every time she saw her eldest daughter-in-law, she would not speak to her in a normal tone.
This year is no exception.
Upon hearing the old lady's words, Qiao Jinghuai immediately tried to smooth things over, but Qiao Yu beat him to it, saying, "Grandma, animals are not allowed to become spirits after the founding of the People's Republic of China."
"Are you getting senile lately?"
Grandma Qiao immediately pointed at her, too angry to speak. Qiao Yu thoughtfully presented the gifts prepared by Madam Qiao, her tone gentle, "Grandma, these are some nice things that my parents and I specially asked someone to buy from abroad. Please remember to eat them, don't let our good intentions go to waste."
She spoke softly and respectfully, but Old Mrs. Qiao glared at her, becoming even more agitated, wishing she could kick her off the family tree.
Qiao Yu smiled slightly, "Grandma, these are just little things, don't be too happy. As long as you live long enough, you'll have plenty of good fortune like this in the future."
The smile in her eyes turned slightly cold. The reason the original owner was cheated out of money and love by that scumbag was entirely due to this old lady. The old lady wanted to marry her off to a wealthy foreign man in exchange for a major government project for her grandson, Qiao Junhao. If the project went well, Qiao Junhao could climb the social ladder and rise to prominence.
He might even eventually replace Qiao Jinghuai and take over the company that Qiao Jinghuai built from scratch.
At that time, the old lady was pressing her relentlessly, and the original owner was depressed for a long time because of this. It was at this time that the scumbag took advantage of her vulnerability and offered her warmth, making the original owner lose her mind. In addition, her parents' company suddenly ran into problems and urgently needed funds. In order not to let her parents' hard work be destroyed, the original owner had no choice but to agree to the divorce.
The old lady was content and pressured the original owner of this body to please the man and profit from him every day. Little did she know that the man was a complete liar. Everything he said to the old lady was a lie—his connections, his backing, it was all blatant fabrication.
He wasn't a rich young master at all, but a habitual criminal who specialized in swindling wealthy people.
Later, the man ran off with all the money the original owner had. The original owner thought that the man was in cahoots with Old Mrs. Qiao, so she went to confront the old lady in a fit of rage. But that very night, she jumped into the river and drowned.
The smile on her face deepened, and Qiao Yu took the old lady's hand. "Grandma, my parents and I have come all this way and are a little tired, so we'll go back to our room to rest first." Qiao Yu said with a smile, "Grandma, take care of yourself. See you tomorrow."
After saying that, he smiled and pulled Mrs. Qiao away.
The young woman was sharp-tongued; before Old Mrs. Qiao could even formulate a retort, Qiao Yu launched into a barrage of remarks, leaving her no room to interject. Seeing her grinning face, she angrily slammed her cane down, "No manners!"
Aunt Qiao took the opportunity to praise her daughter, "Oh, Mom, Yuyu is still young, unlike my Jingjing who is so sensible. Please don't get upset over such a small thing."
She should have kept quiet, because the moment she opened her mouth, she was met with a scolding from Old Mrs. Qiao: "How dare you say that! A grown man like you can't even keep a child!"
Qiao Jing was pregnant, but just a few days ago she tragically lost her baby in an accident. When the doctor said it was a boy who died, Old Mrs. Qiao was so angry that she didn't eat for two days, so naturally she doesn't give the second wife a friendly look now.
Aunt Qiao's face turned ugly, and then Aunt Qiao's third sister slowly stepped forward with her son. "Mom, Junhao is not young anymore. I want to find him a marriage partner. I wonder what your opinion is?"
Aunt Qiao immediately glared at her, but the other woman smiled broadly, completely ignoring her and leaving her standing there without even a greeting. It was incredibly rude. Aunt Qiao was so angry her chest ached. She glared at her fiercely, "I have several unmarried EGAs in my family. Should I give my business card to Junhao?"
This time, not only Aunt Qiao, but even Old Madam Qiao ignored her words and said to herself, "The Mu family has a suitable EGA, who is said to be very gentle and considerate."
After pondering for a while, Grandma Qiao said, "Although the Mu family is not a prestigious family, the Mu family and the Lu family have a deep relationship. If Junhao can marry Mu Siyan, we can be considered to have a connection with the Lu family."
Aunt Qiao nodded, "Mom is right. I'll find someone to inquire about Junhao right away."
Aunt Qiao's face paled slightly. If Qiao Junhao were to marry Mu Siyan, wouldn't Jingjing be walking on thin ice even more in the company? When she looked up and received the woman's provocative gaze, Aunt Qiao instantly flew into a rage. She couldn't help but think recklessly, "If you make my second branch suffer, your third branch won't have an easy time either."
Mu Siyan? She's nobody!
In front of Lu Shangyi, he was a grandson who didn't even dare to raise his head.
Aunt Qiao sneered, "Once I arrange for Qiao Yu to marry Lu Shangyi, let's see if your third branch will still be laughing then."
Even if my son can't compare to yours, I'll make sure Qiao Yu completely dominates you, so you can never rise above her. In the future, Qiao Yu will have to show me some respect, considering how hard I, as the matchmaker, worked to bring you together.
Qiao Yu took a hot shower, and before her hair was even dry, she received several messages from her second aunt: "Yu Yu, if the alpha is disobedient, do you think you should consider an ega?"
"Gender is not the issue; suitability is the most important thing."
“I think the Lu family’s daughter is quite good. She’s beautiful and outstanding. Although she’s not in good health, she can always take care of herself. And in all my years in the wives’ circle, I’ve never heard anyone say anything bad about her.”
As if afraid that Qiao Yu wouldn't be moved, she added with great care, "Most importantly, she's older and knows how to take care of people."
"If you marry her, you will definitely be very happy for the rest of your life."
After reading the message, Qiao Yu looked puzzled. "I just took a shower, how come I'm getting this kind of good fortune falling from the sky?"
Picking up her phone, Qiao Yu deliberately said, "But... she is an EGA after all."
"And she's so weak, what if she leaves before me?"
This time, my second aunt was clear-headed. "Even if she wasn't sick, she would have passed away before you. So stop worrying about these things all the time."
"Just one sentence: if you're interested, I'll bring someone over in a couple of days to cultivate your relationship. I guarantee you two will be inseparable, inseparable, and your relationship will develop rapidly."
Qiao Yu fell silent, suddenly feeling a little sorry for Sister Lu.
Unable to refuse the other party's earnest invitation, Qiao Yu had no choice but to pretend to be reluctant and agree. After drying her hair, Qiao Yu secretly inquired with the housekeepers at home and, after understanding the reason, she suddenly realized what was going on, and smiled meaningfully, her light-colored lips curving into a smile.
Lu Shangyi had a bad feeling lately, but before she could ask someone to check, she woke up with a rare fever.
Staring at the numbers on the thermometer, Lu Shangyi fell silent. "...?"
I've never seen anything like this before.
Meanwhile, in another sprawling old house in the suburbs, Ye Yunjian frowned in discomfort. She was the only living person in the house, and there was no one to even pour her a glass of hot water. After enduring the discomfort for half a day, she finally took a taxi to the hospital for a full checkup.
As Ye Yunjian opened the car door, he saw a familiar figure before he could even stand properly.
Staring at Lu Shangyi with a forced smile, Ye Yunjian casually crossed her arms. "What are you doing at the hospital?" She paused, then glanced to her left. "She's here too?"
Lu Shangyi lifted her eyelids slightly, her attitude indifferent, "Naturally, it's for medical treatment."
See a doctor? Ye Yunjian looked Lu Shangyi up and down. "Really?"
Lu Shangyi ignored her and walked straight into the hospital. Ye Yunjian stared at her for a long time, and finally followed her without giving in. She followed Lu Shangyi wherever she went, just wanting to see what kind of schemes this person was up to during the New Year.
Little did they know that Lu Shangyi had actually come to see a doctor after following him all the way.
After the doctor finished examining Lu Shangyi, Ye Yunjian immediately reached out his hand, "I'm not feeling well either, can you take a look at me too?"
The doctor glanced at her, then took her pulse as well. After a moment, the doctor withdrew his hand and began writing a prescription: "Low-grade fever, nothing serious, an IV drip will do the trick."
"And what about her?" Ye Yunjian asked, pointing at Lu Shangyi.
"High fever." The doctor looked up at the two of them. "If your condition doesn't improve by tomorrow after today's IV drip, remember to come back again."
Lu Shangyi put away the order form. "Okay."
"..."
Ye Yunjian stared blankly at the IV drip bottle. She had almost forgotten how many years it had been since she had been sick. Frowning, Ye Yunjian began to have wild thoughts: Had she been too busy with work lately and neglected her health? Or was it that her immune system was weakening due to old age?
He was just standing in the snow wearing a shirt for about half an hour. How could that make him sick and go to the hospital?
However, seeing Lu Shangyi next to her, who was also receiving an IV drip, Ye Yunjian immediately felt a sense of balance.
Song Wanzi was at the hospital for a check-up today. As she passed a room, she suddenly caught a glimpse of two familiar faces out of the corner of her eye. She instinctively took two steps back, staring at Ye Yunjian and Lu Shangyi, who were obediently receiving IV drips, and then, in astonishment, removed their masks. "Is this some kind of new courtship tactic?" she asked.
Author's Note: Sister Song's wise eyes: She has seen through me.
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