Beautiful Woman, You Have Another Express Delivery! (GL) - Chapter 27

After Cheng Qiuyi left with Liu Shuhan, Qin Jiang did not sleep all night. When the butler returned in the morning, Qin Jiang asked him, “Is Qiuyi back? Are they alright?”

“Miss Liu sustained some minor superficial injuries, nothing serious, but…” The butler hesitated.

“But what?”

“But when I saw them, Miss Qiuyi seemed a bit mentally unstable.”

Qin Jiang slumped back in his chair. After a long while, he said, “Do you think I did wrong to Qiuyi?” Although Qin Jiang was strict in teaching Cheng Qiuyi, due to Cheng’s mother, he privately regarded Cheng Qiuyi as his daughter. To avoid suspicion, his relationship with Cheng Qiuyi had always been distant on the surface, but the butler had seen it over the years and knew exactly how Qin Jiang felt about Cheng Qiuyi.

“Master, you are only looking out for Miss Qiuyi’s best interests.”

“If Qiuyi had brought a suitable husband back to see me, I wouldn’t have objected at all, but this disobedient disciple… she… she actually brought a woman back to see me. How can I have the face to see her mother?” Qin Jiang’s bl00d boiled at the thought. Cheng Qiuyi had always been humble and respectful. If Ye Jing had told him today that she liked women, he might have been able to accept it. But it was Cheng Qiuyi, the always proper Cheng Qiuyi.

“Master.” The butler thought for a moment, bowing, and said, “If I may overstep, Miss Qiuyi’s personality has become much more cheerful since she returned this time, and her mood is much better than before.”

“I know what you are saying. I personally mentored Qiuyi. Don’t I know her thoughts? I can tell she genuinely likes Liu Shuhan, but… sigh… let’s not talk about it.” Qin Jiang pressed his temples, headache in full force. His beloved disciple, who had been away from home for years, finally returned, only for things to turn out like this. How could he not be worried?

“Master, there’s one more thing,” the butler added. “Miss Qiuyi and Miss Ah Jing seem to have a falling out.”

“I was just about to ask you to investigate that. Ah Jing intentionally or unintentionally mentioned five years ago several times. Find out what happened five years ago. Investigate thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned!”

…

Cheng Qiuyi and Liu Shuhan were emotionally drained yesterday, and when they woke up, it was already dark.

Liu Shuhan woke up first. She groggily looked out the window, thinking it was still dark. She turned and nestled into Cheng Qiuyi’s arms to continue sleeping, when the phone rang. Cheng Qiuyi frowned in her sleep, disturbed. Liu Shuhan was afraid of disturbing Cheng Qiuyi’s rest, so she quickly hung up the call, tiptoed to the balcony, and called back.

It was Liu Shuhan’s mother, Xu Ruyun, calling. “Daughter, are you asleep?”

Liu Shuhan yawned and replied lazily, “No, I just woke up.”

“Just woke up? What time is it? Are you not planning to sleep tonight?”

“Mom, what’s up?” Liu Shuhan asked. Xu Ruyun was known for rambling. If Liu Shuhan didn’t steer the conversation to the main point, her mother could go on for the entire night without a break.

“Nothing much. Mid-Autumn Festival is next month. I’m asking if you’re coming back for the holiday.”

“I can’t. Mid-Autumn Festival is the busiest time for the company.” Liu Shuhan thought about it. Whether she could even continue working at that company was still unknown.

“I see. Then your father and I might go traveling, okay? Don’t cry alone at home then.”

“Alright, alright. You two have fun, don’t worry about me.”

After the main topic, Xu Ruyun asked about Liu Shuhan’s work situation. Somehow, she brought up their second uncle, and the topic went on endlessly.

When Cheng Qiuyi woke up, she felt an emptiness in her arms. She looked around in a panic until she saw Liu Shuhan on the balcony and sighed with relief. She walked barefoot to the balcony, hugged Liu Shuhan from behind by the waist, and whispered in her ear, “Sleeping?”

Liu Shuhan shuddered. She quickly covered the phone receiver and mouthed to Cheng Qiuyi, “My mom.”

Cheng Qiuyi understood. She smiled apologetically, rested her chin on Liu Shuhan’s shoulder, and didn’t speak again.

Xu Ruyun had sharp ears and asked cautiously, “Shuhan, who was that talking just now?”

“It’s… it’s a… a friend of mine…” Liu Shuhan stammered.

Xu Ruyun’s voice rose on the other end. “Liu Shuhan, I don’t know about others, but you are my daughter. Don’t I know you? You stammer when you lie! Confess immediately!”

“It’s really… really my friend!” Liu Shuhan was frantic. If her mother really found out, given her mother’s fiery temper, she would probably rush over through the phone line to beat her up.

Cheng Qiuyi was calmer. She took the phone from Liu Shuhan and said to Xu Ruyun, “Hello, Auntie. I am Shuhan’s friend.” Cheng Qiuyi’s voice was very gentle, possessing a peculiar, reassuring magic. Just hearing her voice calmed Liu Shuhan’s heart.

Xu Ruyun had only been trying to scare Liu Shuhan. She didn’t expect Liu Shuhan to actually be with a friend, which made her a little embarrassed. “So it’s Shuhan’s friend. I thought that little rascal was trying to fool me again.”

Cheng Qiuyi smiled. “Shuhan and I are roommates now.”

“I see. My mistake, my mistake. Shuhan has many bad habits normally. Please be patient with her, young lady.”

“You jest, Auntie.” Cheng Qiuyi looked at Liu Shuhan. “Shuhan is the best girl I have ever met.”

Liu Shuhan’s face was burning. She pinched Cheng Qiuyi’s arm. Was this the right time to say that? Wasn’t she afraid her mother would notice?

Xu Ruyun didn’t find anything amiss. She was overjoyed that others were praising her daughter, and she laughed. “Of course. I’m not bragging, but Shuhan has been excellent since childhood. See? The young men who want to date her are practically wearing out our doorstep.”

Cheng Qiuyi narrowed her eyes and examined Liu Shuhan, saying meaningfully, “Is that so…”

Liu Shuhan shivered under Cheng Qiuyi’s dangerous gaze, knowing her unreliable mother must have said something. She snatched the phone back. “Mom, it’s getting late. You should rest. I’ll call you another day.” Then she immediately hung up.

“Um… my mom is unreliable… don’t listen to her nonsense…” Liu Shuhan laughed dryly.

“She said the men pursuing you are practically wearing out your doorstep,” Cheng Qiuyi said faintly.

Liu Shuhan was spitting mad. Oh my God, Mom! You are truly my biological mother!

“That’s her nonsense! What men? I haven’t even met them! Besides…” Liu Shuhan turned her face away awkwardly. “Besides, you know I only like you…”

Cheng Qiuyi chuckled, wrapping her arms around Liu Shuhan’s waist. “What did you say? I didn’t hear clearly.”

Liu Shuhan defiantly yelled into Cheng Qiuyi’s ear, “I said I only like you! I, Liu Shuhan, only want to spend my life with you, Cheng Qiuyi! Are you satisfied?”

Cheng Qiuyi covered her ears and played pitifully. “Shuhan, if you make me deaf from yelling, you’ll have to spend your life with a deaf person.”

Liu Shuhan didn’t speak. Cheng Qiuyi held her and stood on the balcony for a while, then sighed. “Days like this are truly wonderful.”

Liu Shuhan carefully considered and then cautiously asked, “Are… are you okay?”

“What could be wrong with me? Those are old scores from years ago. They are long gone.”

If they were truly gone, Cheng Qiuyi wouldn’t have had an emotional breakdown just from the memory. Liu Shuhan hadn’t experienced it, so she couldn’t truly empathize with Cheng Qiuyi’s feelings at the time, but every time she recalled Cheng Qiuyi from last night, her heart ached.

Cheng Qiuyi wasn’t indestructible. She could get hurt and cry. She was just better at enduring than most people, capable of bottling up any major issue and still joking with Liu Shuhan as if nothing had happened.

“Qiuyi.” Liu Shuhan stroked Cheng Qiuyi’s cheek. “From now on, I will protect you and never let anyone bully you.”

Cheng Qiuyi kissed Liu Shuhan’s palm, her eyes brimming with tenderness. “Okay.”

Cheng Qiuyi didn’t tell Liu Shuhan that she used to have nightmares night after night. She also didn’t tell Liu Shuhan that since she returned to Liu Shuhan’s side, the nightmares that had plagued her for years had gradually disappeared.

No matter how cruel the nightmare, there is always a morning. Liu Shuhan was Cheng Qiuyi’s morning.

“Speaking of which, aren’t you curious whether she actually bullied me?” Cheng Qiuyi raised an eyebrow and asked.

“…” Liu Shuhan was speechless for a moment.

How was she supposed to answer that? Saying yes would make it seem like she didn’t trust Cheng Qiuyi. Saying no would make it seem like she didn’t care about Cheng Qiuyi… But she swore to the heavens, Liu Shuhan truly hadn’t thought about that question! She was so focused on worrying about Cheng Qiuyi that she hadn’t had time for anything else!

“What… what do you want me to answer?” Liu Shuhan asked weakly.

Cheng Qiuyi shook her head, looking up at the moon.

So, was there or wasn’t there? Liu Shuhan was getting restless again. How could she tease her and then refuse to say? Was there anyone like that?

“If I say no, will you believe me?”

“Yes, I will,” Liu Shuhan answered naturally. She thought about it and then honestly said, “I really haven’t thought about this question, but Qiuyi, I believe everything you say. I trust you.”

Cheng Qiuyi sighed. “You don’t think about it now, but you will eventually. It’s better to resolve this knot early.”

“Pah! Cheng Qiuyi, is that what you think of me? I’m not sleeping with you tonight. You go sleep on the sofa!”

Liu Shuhan meant what she said and actually made Cheng Qiuyi sleep on the sofa. Unfortunately, Liu Shuhan had slept too long during the day, and Cheng Qiuyi’s eyes were too bright at night, staring at Liu Shuhan and preventing her from sleeping.

“Shuhan.” Cheng Qiuyi called out from the back of the sofa.

“Forget it. If I say you’re sleeping on the sofa, you’re sleeping on the sofa. No leniency.”

“Are you hungry?”

Liu Shuhan was, of course, hungry. She hadn’t eaten for a day and a night and was practically starving. But she was still angry with Cheng Qiuyi. How could she lose face? She turned her back to Cheng Qiuyi and covered herself with the quilt. “I’m not hungry!”

Cheng Qiuyi walked to the bed, hugged Liu Shuhan, quilt and all, and pouted. “I’m hungry.”

“I’m hungry, I’m hungry… Shuhan, if I starve to death, you’ll be a widow…”

Liu Shuhan was so annoyed by her that she pulled off the quilt and got out of bed. She grabbed a change of clothes and entered the bathroom. Cheng Qiuyi revealed a triumphant smile behind her.

…

Z City was not as prosperous as C City, nor was its pace as fast. Most citizens loved to enjoy themselves. The streets were still bustling close to midnight. Cheng Qiuyi didn’t like the random food from the night market, so Liu Shuhan specially took her to a famous local spot in the city center for late-night food.

Liu Shuhan was starving and ate quickly. She ended up leaning back in her seat with a full stomach, unable to move. It took half an hour of rest before she recovered. Cheng Qiuyi was worried about her digestion, so she pulled her along the pedestrian street for a stroll.

The pedestrian street was crowded. Cheng Qiuyi was afraid of losing Liu Shuhan and held onto her tightly. Z City was Liu Shuhan’s hometown. She was nervous about being recognized on the street and looked around with a guilty conscience. Only after realizing no one was paying attention to her did she relax and let Cheng Qiuyi pull her along.

Liu Shuhan had been alone for so many years, and her job was demanding. She hadn’t strolled leisurely like this for a long time, especially with the person she loved. It was indescribably pleasant. Her leg injury hadn’t fully healed, so Cheng Qiuyi didn’t dare to make her walk too much. They found a dessert shop to rest. As soon as they sat down, Cheng Qiuyi’s eyes fixed on a vendor outside the shop.

“What is it?” Liu Shuhan followed Cheng Qiuyi’s gaze.

The vendor was selling woven thread bracelets. The colorful bracelets attracted many young girls. Liu Shuhan teased Cheng Qiuyi, “You’re so old, and you still like these trinkets.”

“Wait for me.” Cheng Qiuyi quickly walked out of the shop, stopping in front of the vendor. Liu Shuhan watched her pick out a plain-colored bracelet, pay, and return.

“Give me your hand,” Cheng Qiuyi told Liu Shuhan.

“Why?” Liu Shuhan extended her hand to Cheng Qiuyi.

Cheng Qiuyi solemnly placed the bracelet on Liu Shuhan’s wrist. “My mother used to weave me one of these bracelets every year when she was alive. She said it was to ward off illness and disaster, to bless me with peace for the year. Shuhan, I don’t want you to get hurt again, and I especially don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

“Getting hurt is unavoidable sometimes. One bracelet can’t do much.”

“I don’t expect it to actually work. I just hope that every time you see this bracelet, it reminds you to be careful in everything you do and to protect yourself well.”

Liu Shuhan bit her straw and said, “Don’t just lecture me. You’re the same. When things happen, keep me in mind and be careful, okay?”

“Yes.” Cheng Qiuyi playfully bowed to Liu Shuhan. “The little one will definitely take good care of my life, ready to be at your beck and call.”

Cheng Qiuyi stopped joking and said, “The main reason I came back this time, besides other minor things, is that I want to introduce you to my mother.”

“But your mother, didn’t she…”

“She is buried in Z City, in my maternal grandfather Zhou family’s cemetery.” Cheng Qiuyi laughed ironically. “She was overworked for the Cheng family for most of her life, only to be kicked out by the Cheng family even after her death.”

Liu Shuhan, as an outsider, was not in a position to inquire about the Cheng family’s affairs. She could only say, “Your mother would probably be very sad to know you chose a woman to spend your life with.”

Cheng Qiuyi shook her head. “My mother’s greatest worry back then was that I would end up lonely. Now that I’ve found someone to accompany me for life, she would definitely be very happy.”

“No way?” Liu Shuhan widened her eyes. “Your mom was too thoughtful. You were so young back then, and she was already worried about this? When I was in my teens, my mom would only say she’d break my legs if I dated!”

“I was aloof since childhood. It’s not strange that she had such concerns.”

“The elder lady was truly foresighted. But now she can rest assured. With me around, you won’t be so pitiful as to die alone.” Liu Shuhan seriously patted Cheng Qiuyi’s shoulder. “Poor little thing, don’t cry. Big Sister will take care of you from now on.”

Cheng Qiuyi slapped her hand away and laughed. “That’s enough.”

The two wandered around for a bit longer. Cheng Qiuyi then pulled Liu Shuhan to a stop outside a movie theater.

“Shuhan, do you remember the movie we didn’t get to see that time?”

Liu Shuhan certainly remembered. It was that day Cheng Qiuyi told her she wanted to be with her. Liu Shuhan wouldn’t forget such an important day even if she tried.

“Shuhan, shall we go watch a movie?” Cheng Qiuyi asked excitedly.

Liu Shuhan was also tempted. The movie with Cheng Qiuyi that they missed was always a regret.

There weren’t many midnight screenings. Neither Liu Shuhan nor Cheng Qiuyi paid much attention to celebrities, so they casually picked a movie and went in. The screening room was sparsely populated, with only two or three couples scattered in the back rows, whispering. Cheng Qiuyi and Liu Shuhan also chose a secluded spot. There were still ten minutes before the movie started. Liu Shuhan had nothing to do, so she took out her phone to scroll through Weibo.

She hadn’t logged into her secondary Weibo account for a long time. She thought the netizen named “A Rock” would have many direct messages waiting for her, but there were none. Not a single one.

Sure enough, netizens were unreliable! Liu Shuhan felt she and “A Rock” had gotten along quite well. She felt a bit disappointed that “A Rock” hadn’t contacted her, then remembered that “A Rock” only seemed to contact her after she posted photos of Cheng Qiuyi.

Thinking of this, she became unhappy. You shameless person! You know Cheng Qiuyi is my woman, and you still have the audacity to covet her! So, Liu Shuhan held Cheng Qiuyi’s hand, posed for a long time, and took a picture that she thought was the most intimate and beautiful, then posted it.

「Watching a movie with my beautiful big sister, so excited! #Heart# [Image]」

No sooner had she posted it than Cheng Qiuyi’s phone notification went off. Cheng Qiuyi had set up special attention for Liu Shuhan to keep track of any little development around Liu Shuhan.

Cheng Qiuyi saw Liu Shuhan’s Weibo post and was amused. No wonder Liu Shuhan had been playing around with her hand for so long—it was all for this one Weibo post. Cheng Qiuyi casually gave it a like and commented underneath: 「Dead Wood, showing public affection late at night is illegal.」

See! This was naked jealousy! Liu Shuhan confirmed her suspicion, becoming more certain that this “A Rock” had ill intentions toward Cheng Qiuyi. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got, and then… she dragged the person into her blacklist.

Cheng Qiuyi had been waiting for a response from “A Dead Wood” after commenting. After waiting for a long time, there was no movement. She thought Liu Shuhan hadn’t noticed and was about to comment again, but then…

「Sorry, due to the other party’s settings, you cannot comment.」

“…” Cheng Qiuyi looked at Liu Shuhan with a wronged expression.

Blocked again? Blocked again! How many times has it been? They were just having a good conversation. Why block her without warning?

Liu Shuhan felt relieved after blocking the person. She let out a deep breath and lay back into the soft seat, only to be startled by Cheng Qiuyi’s gaze in the dark. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing.” Cheng Qiuyi turned her face away expressionlessly. “Did you post the picture you took just now?”

“Of course!” Liu Shuhan said triumphantly. “I’m always seeing public displays of affection. If I don’t show off some of my own, people will really think I’m a single dog.”

So, you like to block people after showing off your affection, do you?

“Did anyone respond to you?”

“Yes!” Liu Shuhan sat up excitedly. “There was a despicable person I don’t know who pops up every time I post your picture. She definitely has designs on you! I blocked her. Serves her right!”

Cheng Qiuyi almost crushed the phone in her hand. Who told you to include my picture every time you post on Weibo? Is that my fault? Cheng Qiuyi truly wanted to crack open Liu Shuhan’s head to see how her mind worked.

“Let’s not talk about her. The movie is starting. Watch the movie, watch the movie.”

Cheng Qiuyi had a stomach full of grievances but had no choice but to drop the subject.

The movie was a typical youth campus film that was popular in recent years. The plot was cliché, and the actors’ skills were mediocre. Cheng Qiuyi only lasted half an hour before giving up. She simply stared at Liu Shuhan using the light from the screen.

Liu Shuhan was watching very intently, her eyes unblinking. Her expressions were vivid, following the joys and sorrows of the characters in the movie. Just by watching her face, one could guess the plot with almost complete accuracy. In Cheng Qiuyi’s social circle, besides Liu Shuhan, who wasn’t shrewd? Someone like Liu Shuhan, whose emotions were entirely visible on her face, would generally be judged out of the game. Only Liu Shuhan completely and unreservedly opened her entire heart to Cheng Qiuyi, silly and innocent, unafraid of being deceived.

When the movie reached an emotional climax, with the two protagonists facing separation by death, Liu Shuhan’s tears welled up. Cheng Qiuyi panicked. How was she actually crying?

“Shuhan? Shuhan, don’t cry.” Cheng Qiuyi hadn’t brought a handkerchief or tissue. She used her sleeve to wipe Liu Shuhan’s tears, but the more she wiped, the more they flowed. Cheng Qiuyi had no choice but to pull her into her arms. “There, there. It’s just a movie. It’s all fake. Don’t cry, okay?”

Liu Shuhan sniffled, sobbing as she blamed Cheng Qiuyi. “How can you be so cold-blooded? They… they’re about to be separated… it’s too tragic… Qiuyi, what if one day you and I separate… what will happen?”

“We won’t, we won’t. Wherever I go, I’ll take you with me. We will never separate.” Cheng Qiuyi began to regret. Why did she have to come to watch a movie in the middle of the night? Not only did she gain nothing, but she also made someone cry.

“Really?” Liu Shuhan composed herself, returned to her seat, still wiping tears with the back of her hand. Her nose was red, looking utterly pitiful.

“Really.” Cheng Qiuyi looked at Liu Shuhan, who was covered in snot and tears, and felt distressed. “Don’t cry. If you cry any more, your voice will be hoarse. I’ll go buy you a bottle of water.”

“You are not allowed to go.” Liu Shuhan stopped Cheng Qiuyi. “You just said you’d never leave me, and now you want to run away… I knew it… you’re not a good person…” Liu Shuhan’s tears, which had finally stopped, started flowing again.

Cheng Qiuyi tried to comfort Liu Shuhan and realized one truth: never try to reason with a woman when she’s crying. Just stay by her side.

The cursed scene of separation by death finally ended. Liu Shuhan’s mood gradually calmed down. With snot still on her face, she was engrossed in the movie. Cheng Qiuyi sighed and quietly slipped out to buy water and tissues.

“This is great, Qiuyi! They finally got together!” Liu Shuhan witnessed the happy ending of the protagonists. She turned excitedly to share it with Cheng Qiuyi, only to find that Cheng Qiuyi’s seat was empty. Liu Shuhan was about to turn back to the screen to watch the last bit of the ending when Cheng Qiuyi’s phone suddenly lit up.

It was a Weibo push notification. Liu Shuhan didn’t know Cheng Qiuyi used Weibo. She curiously picked up Cheng Qiuyi’s phone, intending to check her ID so they could follow each other, and then she saw a familiar name.

A Rock.

After all that, it turned out Cheng Qiuyi was this “A Rock”! Liu Shuhan had mistakenly thought this rock had designs on Cheng Qiuyi. Clearly, the person with designs from the start was Liu Shuhan herself!

Just then, Cheng Qiuyi returned after buying the items. She saw Liu Shuhan holding her phone, raising an eyebrow at her, an expression that demanded a full confession.

“I confess. I will come clean,” Cheng Qiuyi said, knowing she couldn’t hide it anymore.

The movie had ended. Liu Shuhan walked out without a word. Cheng Qiuyi followed behind glumly.

Only after they returned to the hotel and closed the door did Liu Shuhan sit on the sofa, crossing her legs. She tilted her head up at Cheng Qiuyi and said with a queenly demeanor, “Speak. I’m listening.”

Liu Shuhan’s affected, high-and-mighty manner made Cheng Qiuyi want to punish her. Cheng Qiuyi sat down beside Liu Shuhan with a cheeky smile, reaching out to hug Liu Shuhan, but was startled by a sharp reprimand from Liu Shuhan. “Who gave you permission to touch me? Be serious! Confess honestly!”

Cheng Qiuyi was so startled that she sat up straight, both hands resting on her stomach, just short of writing “I’m sorry” on her face.

“I didn’t mean to hide it from you. At first, I wasn’t sure if you liked me, so I thought of a way to get closer to you and fish for information…”

“Then those countless small accounts that liked my posts before were also yours?”

Cheng Qiuyi mumbled awkwardly, not speaking. Liu Shuhan yelled again, “Speak!”

“Yes… it was me…” Cheng Qiuyi had never seen Liu Shuhan’s face so pale. She figured Liu Shuhan must be genuinely angry and quickly apologized. “Shuhan, I was wrong. It was my fault for deceiving you. I promise this is the only time. In the future… no, no, absolutely no next time! Can you please forgive me this one time? Shuhan? Shuhan, don’t scare me, Shuhan…” She was almost on her knees before Liu Shuhan.

Liu Shuhan saw Cheng Qiuyi’s expression, looking like a little wife. She was secretly thrilled. She couldn’t hold back her smile, covering her stomach and falling back into the sofa, laughing hysterically.

“Oh my gosh, Cheng Qiuyi… Hahahaha… You got yours today… Hahaha, I can’t… I’m dying of laughter… my stomach hurts…”

Cheng Qiuyi realized she had been played. She pressed Liu Shuhan down, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Well done, Dead Wood. You’re quite daring, scaring me like that.”

“You deserved it!” Liu Shuhan lightly touched Cheng Qiuyi’s smooth cheek with a playful, seductive tone. “Who told you to hide it from me first? We’re even now.”

Cheng Qiuyi bit Liu Shuhan’s nose. “How can we be even just because you say so? Where does that leave my dignity? No. You must be properly punished today.” As she spoke, her hand slipped under Liu Shuhan’s clothes.

“Cheng Qiuyi.”

“Hmm?”

“You look really handsome when you act like a rogue.”

Sure enough, spending too much time with a rogue could be contagious.

…

The Zhou family was considered a prominent family in Z City, owning a private cemetery. In the past, this cemetery was guarded 24 hours a day. Since the decline of the Zhou family, the cemetery had become increasingly desolate.

Liu Shuhan stood at the cemetery gate, looking at the rusted iron gate, a chill running down her spine. She instinctively shrank her neck.

“Don’t be afraid.” Cheng Qiuyi held Liu Shuhan’s hand to reassure her.

“Who… who’s afraid?” Liu Shuhan insisted stubbornly.

Cheng Qiuyi smiled and led Liu Shuhan into the cemetery.

The cemetery was only guarded by one white-haired old man. The old man used to be the Zhou family’s butler. The Zhou family treated him well. After the Zhou family scattered, he volunteered to look after the cemetery. In fact, it didn’t matter if he guarded it or not. In such an eerie place, with only gravestones and nothing of value, even thieves wouldn’t want to come. But the old man wanted to do his part, so he was left to it.

Cheng Qiuyi greeted the old man and led Liu Shuhan inside. Cheng Qiuyi had only been here once and didn’t remember the location of her mother’s grave. She had to search one by one according to seniority and finally found the tomb built with stones.

While other graves were overgrown with weeds, Cheng’s mother’s grave was clean, appearing to be regularly tended to. There were still a few bunches of fresh flowers, slightly wilted, but it was clear they had been placed there recently. Cheng Qiuyi guessed that her maternal grandfather often came to visit, missing his daughter, so she wasn’t too surprised. She also placed the flowers she and Liu Shuhan brought.

A photo of Cheng’s mother was affixed to the tombstone. It was evident that Cheng’s mother was not very old when she passed away. Liu Shuhan examined the photo carefully and felt sad for Cheng Qiuyi. If Cheng’s mother hadn’t died so early, Cheng Qiuyi might not have had to live so hard in the following years.

“Mother, I’m here to see you.” Cheng Qiuyi knelt before her mother’s grave and kowtowed three times seriously. Liu Shuhan also knelt and kowtowed with her, but Liu Shuhan dared not speak much, afraid of offending Cheng’s mother’s spirit.

“I apologize for only coming to see you after all these years. Please don’t take offense.” Cheng Qiuyi laughed self-deprecatingly. “It’s a shame your daughter has been wandering for so many years and hasn’t achieved anything remarkable in life. If you were still alive, you would probably be furious with me.”

“But you don’t have to worry about me spending my life alone. I don’t have a son-in-law, but I brought you a daughter-in-law…” Cheng Qiuyi held Liu Shuhan’s hand. “This is Liu Shuhan. Having her with me in this lifetime is enough.”

Liu Shuhan also stuttered in agreement, “Auntie, I am Liu Shuhan… I’ve liked Qiuyi since high school. Please rest assured, I will take good care of Qiuyi for you, ensuring she is well-fed, clothed, and has a home, and I will never let her suffer any grievances.”

Cheng Qiuyi smiled slightly, then continued, “As you can see, Shuhan is a woman. I know you might not believe I can spend my life with a woman… I told Master last time, and he expelled me from the lineage.”

Liu Shuhan was shocked. “What? Qiuyi, why didn’t you tell me about such a big thing?”

Cheng Qiuyi patted Liu Shuhan’s hand reassuringly and said, “But only with Shuhan can I live a happy life. Mother, I have always been obedient to you. Please allow your daughter to be self-willed this one time and choose a person I love to spend my life with.”

As Cheng Qiuyi finished speaking, a long sigh came from behind her. She turned around vigilantly and found it was Qin Jiang.

“Master? When did you arrive?” Cheng Qiuyi asked.

Qin Jiang pulled Cheng Qiuyi and Liu Shuhan, who were kneeling, to their feet. He took the bouquet from the butler behind him and placed it in front of Cheng’s mother’s grave, then said, “I’ve been here for a while.”

“Do you… visit Mother often?” Cheng Qiuyi was surprised.

Qin Jiang stood before Cheng’s mother’s tombstone with his hands clasped behind his back, contemplating for a few minutes. “People get old with nothing to do. I just come to reminisce with your mother. I’ve been keeping your mother company these past ten years, so she doesn’t feel lonely.”

Cheng Qiuyi felt ashamed. “It is I who have been unfilial, not visiting Mother for so many years, nor showing my filial piety to Master.”

“You have your reasons. I don’t blame you.”

After a moment of silence, Qin Jiang said, “Shuhan, I taught you for a few years and can be considered your teacher. Today, in front of Qiuyi’s mother, I want to ask you a few questions. You must answer truthfully.”

Liu Shuhan hadn’t expected to be singled out. She stood upright in apprehension. “You are too kind, Teacher. Please ask whatever you wish.”

“Qiuyi says she genuinely wants to be with you. What about you? Do you want to spend your life with her?”

“My feelings are the same as Qiuyi’s. As long as she doesn’t despise me, I am willing to stay by her side forever.”

Qin Jiang sneered. “Anyone can make big promises. You young people, you talk about forever so easily. How old are you? How do you know how long forever is?”

“You say you want to be with Qiuyi. What about your family? Your parents? Do they agree?”

Liu Shuhan was stumped. She hadn’t even dared to bring Cheng Qiuyi to meet them yet. She couldn’t answer this question.

“What if they try to break you up? If you can only choose between Qiuyi and your parents, how would you choose?”

“That’s enough!” Cheng Qiuyi interrupted Qin Jiang’s aggressive questioning. “Master, Shuhan and I will gradually overcome all these obstacles you mentioned. You don’t need to worry.”

Qin Jiang had an expression that confirmed his suspicion. He smiled and shook his head. “You young people… you won’t give up until you hit a wall…”

Cheng Qiuyi was so annoyed by Qin Jiang that she took Liu Shuhan and left after saying goodbye.

“Hui’er, look, Qiuyi is exactly like you.” Qin Jiang sat down leaning against Cheng’s mother’s tombstone, coughing a few times. “Don’t blame me for deliberately making things difficult for her. I know Qiuyi likes that girl, but they are still too naive. I’m afraid Qiuyi will get hurt.”

“Qiuyi is like you back then. She loves someone so deeply that she’s willing to sacrifice everything. I really fear that she will make the same mistake as you and love the wrong person.”

“Hui’er, if you had married me back then…”

Qin Jiang didn’t continue. The butler helped him stand up, and the two slowly walked away.

“Master, children have their own destiny. Miss Qiuyi is naturally intelligent. You are worrying too much.”

“I have no children in this life. I treat Qiuyi as my own daughter. She is Hui’er’s only bloodline. If I don’t worry about her, who should I worry about?” Qin Jiang smiled bitterly. “Life is meant for worrying. If worrying a little more allows Qiuyi to find someone who will genuinely cherish her for the rest of her life, it will be worth it.”

“Then Liu Shuhan…”

“Liu Shuhan is a hothouse flower. She hasn’t experienced hardship. If Qiuyi is with her, not only will she not have someone to cherish her, but she will probably worry and cherish the other person herself. No… no…”