Reborn Into A New Life, Everyone Loves Me Now (GL) - Chapter 11

Not far away, Su Qi said something that made Liu Jiangli laugh aloud, her icy expression softening. Her smile was like snow melting into spring water.

Su Qishi saw it all.

Liu Jiangli finally withdrew her gaze from Su Qishi, her tone cool,
“The Empress asked me to enter the palace as a companion to the Princess.”

Su Qingzhi brightened, stepping beside A’Li,
“Really? With you here, my days will be so much more interesting. Otherwise, I’d be bored to death!”

Liu Jiangli entering the palace as a companion reader?
That was… a bit unexpected.

Su Qishi met A’Li’s gaze and walked toward her. Then she turned slightly to Qingzhi, speaking softly,
“I have a few matters I wish to discuss with A’Li. Would you mind exploring alone for a while?”

Su Qingzhi’s long lashes veiled the darkness in her eyes, but she smiled considerately.
“Of course. Then I’ll leave first. Sister, don’t forget to visit me like you used to.”

Su Qishi’s eyes softened, and she nodded.

She then stepped forward and took Liu Jiangli’s hand. At the moment their palms touched, a warmth began to spread. A’Li lowered her gaze slightly, looking at their interlaced fingers—her heart fluttered, the coldness in her eyes melted away, and a shy blush bloomed on her face, softening her usual aloofness. It made her more beautiful, more inviting.

Su Qishi noticed that Liu Jiangli didn’t pull away. There was no trace of resistance or displeasure on her face, and the suspicion buried deep in A’Shi’s heart finally eased.

Hand in hand, they walked slowly toward the palace gates. Su Qishi deliberately slowed her pace, her mind adrift.
When did Liu Jiangli fall for Su Qi? And when… did I lose?

Beside her, A’Li walked quietly, her gaze flitting between their joined hands and A’Shi’s face, her eyes filled with endless tenderness.

Her hand… still brings me that same sense of security.

Is A’Shi in better spirits now?

She couldn’t help but think back to the days of coldness and distance, and a flicker of hurt welled in her eyes. Cautiously, she asked,
“A’Shi… were you in a bad mood the past few days?”
Is that why you treated me like that? Is that why you secretly went to Yaoxiang Pavilion?

Su Qishi smiled at her words, her fingers tightening slightly around A’Li’s. Her tone was soft, almost coaxing,
“Yes, A’Li. I’ve been under a lot of pressure lately, and it’s affected my mood. I’m sorry… for making you feel neglected.”

A’Li’s gaze was both resentful and probing, but in the end, it softened into longing.
“Don’t blame yourself, A’Shi. I didn’t feel wronged. Just promise me—when your heart feels heavy, tell me.”

Su Qishi averted her eyes, her chest tightening, a sharp ache needling her over and over.

“A’Li is so understanding… I’m truly fortunate to have you, A’Li.”
But… do you truly wish to marry me?

“A’Shi, the carriage is here. Let’s get on.”

Su Qishi lowered her gaze, hiding the storm in her eyes. She helped Liu Jiangli onto the carriage, and as they boarded, she finally had the chance to withdraw her hand. The warmth in her palm faded bit by bit.

In the Yue Prince’s carriage, the two sat across from each other on the soft cushions. The gentle comfort relieved Su Qishi’s exhaustion, but the silence between them only deepened the distance.

A’Li felt it—the invisible gap widening. She wanted to ask why A’Shi seemed distant lately, why there was a veil of uncertainty.

But her pride held her back. She couldn’t ask—not like that. She wouldn’t debase herself to ask “Do you not love me anymore?”

Yet, in the quiet of her heart, she feared the answer might be “Yes.”

Still, all their shared memories, the warmth, the affection—could Su Qishi truly stop loving her?

Her love had been like the sun, wrapping her in warmth, healing her, making life worth living.

But was that what she truly wanted—A’Shi’s love, and only that?

She hated this side of herself.

Su Qishi noticed A’Li lost in thought and felt a rare sense of relief. Closing her eyes with a faint smile, she leaned back.
No one to comfort me—I’ll comfort myself.

The carriage was silent. After some time, Nian Qi’s voice called from outside,
“Your Highness, we’ve arrived at the Prime Minister’s residence.”

Su Qishi opened her eyes and looked at A’Li, her voice gentle.
“A’Li, let me help you.”

With that, she stepped out first, lifting her arm slightly to assist A’Li down.

Liu Jiangli spoke first, ending the moment.
“A’Shi, see you another day.”

“See you.” Su Qishi replied.

Once back in the carriage, Su Qishi called Nian Qi inside, her voice low and firm.
“Anything unusual at Yaoxiang Pavilion?”

Nian Qi answered confidently,
“Absolutely nothing. Everything was as usual.”

Su Qishi leaned back, hands behind her head, her brows slightly furrowed. She teased,
“You’ve become quite confident lately, haven’t you?”

Nian Qi scratched her head, laughing shyly,
“Not really…”

Nian Qi looked deflated, her tone listless.
“Nian Qi understands.” With that, she slipped quietly out of the carriage and sat outside.

The faint breeze brushed against her face, making her sigh.
Still, outside suits me better.

Inside, Su Qishi didn’t actually sleep. Instead, she was contemplating matters concerning the Imperial Academy the next day.

—Imperial Academy—

The Imperial Academy was not only for royal offspring but also sons of influential court officials. Among them was Gu Congran of the General’s Estate.

Upon arrival, Su Qishi immediately noticed Su Qi already seated, quietly reading, forming a sharp contrast with the noisy surroundings.

The moment she walked in, the room quieted. People stole glances at her, their expressions questioning—Why would a woman join them in the Academy? In stark contrast, Su Qi stood up to greet her.

Dressed in a white robe embroidered with crescent patterns, Su Qi exuded elegance and refinement. He walked toward her with slow, measured steps, his eyes filled with delight.

“Sister, you’re here. It’s been a while, but you’re still as radiant as ever.”

Then, with a meaningful tone,
“The Academy is not like the military, Sister. Since you’re here, focus your mind. Don’t let Father’s hopes down.”

Su Qishi’s eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement, her smile unreadable.
“Thank you, Brother, for your guidance. I will certainly do my best, just like you, to excel in every class.”

Su Qi’s lips twitched. He had expected her to argue. His sister had always been proud and stubborn—she detested reading. This sudden change unsettled him. He thought she was still as obedient as ever, but now… she felt harder to predict.

At that moment, Gu Congran sauntered in, meeting the curious stares with bold disdain. Her tone was firm.
“Put away those pathetic looks. If anyone disagrees, step up and I’ll beat some respect into you.”

With that, she strode to Su Qishi, slung an arm over her shoulder, and led her to the back row.

Su Qishi gave Su Qi an apologetic smile.
“Brother, I’ll sit in the back with Gu Congran.”

Su Qi sighed, pretending to be disappointed, though he was inwardly pleased.
“Sigh.” Still hopeless, just like always. Can’t mold rotten wood.

Gu Congran leaned close, whispering.
“That brother of yours is good at pretending. Don’t listen to him, alright? One day, he’ll sell you out without hesitation.”

Su Qishi ignored that and shifted the topic.
“Why are you here? Worried I’d be lonely?”

Gu Congran looked aggrieved.
“Half right. I didn’t want you to feel lonely… but more importantly, I’m here to make sure no one bullies you! You’re my little sister—I have to look after you.”

Su Qishi playfully punched her shoulder.
“I only lost to you once. How does that make me your little sister? By that logic, you owe me a few rounds of being mine.”

Gu Congran’s eyes darted evasively.
“Past matches don’t count. Only the one I won matters.”

Before Su Qishi could retort, Grand Tutor An Xianzhi entered with steady steps. Having passed fifty, his neatly groomed beard and composed demeanor gave him the aura of a scholar of vast knowledge—every gesture dignified, every glance authoritative.

At his arrival, the room fell silent.
“Greetings, Grand Tutor!” everyone said respectfully.

An Xianzhi’s gaze swept the room, pausing on Su Qishi and Gu Congran.
“You two in the back—move forward. How can you learn anything blocked behind others?”

Su Qishi stood calmly, replying,
“Grand Tutor, I believe one’s position does not determine how much they learn.”

A stir ran through the crowd; whispers and curious glances erupted.
They waited to watch a show.

An Xianzhi asked,
“Oh? Then explain.”

Su Qishi met his gaze without fear, her words measured and steady.
“Learning depends on the heart. If one truly applies themselves, their seat doesn’t matter. Even scholars from poor backgrounds can rise through diligence and serve the nation. Should we judge someone’s dedication based on where they sit?”

Silence. Then a voice objected,
“We’re not the same as commoners.”

A chill flashed in Su Qishi’s eyes.
“You admit they can’t compare—because they have fewer resources. Yet you, born with every advantage, should strive even harder, shouldn’t you?”

“You—!”

An Xianzhi’s eyes held a trace of approval.
“Enough. Sit down.”

“Let’s begin today’s lesson.”

After class, Su Qishi and Gu Congran walked side by side toward the city gates.

Gu Congran still had an arm over Su Qishi’s shoulder, laughing.
“Their faces—so sour! That was hilarious.”

Su Qishi smiled.
“I thought so too.”

Both were dressed in white—one aloof and serene, the other gentle and refined. Together, they looked perfectly matched.

Gu Congran noticed Su Qishi’s eyes fixed ahead, unmoving. She followed her gaze—and was shocked.
Liu Jiangli was with Su Qi—and she was smiling at him.

Su Qi said something, and Liu Jiangli let out a soft laugh. Her cold, delicate features relaxed, like winter snow melting into spring—her eyes shining like thawed rivers.

Su Qishi took it all in. Her gaze darkened, unreadable, and without hesitation, she strode toward them.