She's Crazy, I Love Her - Chapter 12

“Your father told me you volunteered to go to the Pei Family this time?”

“Qi You, I won’t comment too much on your father’s views, but remember this: to truly understand someone, start by observing their family.”

“Pei Yi,” Zheng Qing paused, emphasizing, “is far from an ideal choice in my eyes.”

To outsiders, he was the peerless, noble-born son of heaven. Yet, among his own social class, he barely ranked among the elders’ considerations—which is why you’re destined to become the villain, aren’t you?

Qi You gazed at Zheng Qing for a long moment before finally saying, “Mom, I understand.”

Old Master Pei was nearly eighty, yet his family remained in utter chaos. His children from his first marriage had publicly severed ties with him years ago, while his current wife had borne him two sons and a daughter, none of whom possessed exceptional talent. The Pei Family now faced a generational crisis, its future resting solely on the younger generation.

Everyone could see clearly: for the Pei Family’s younger generation to rise to power and secure their positions, they would inevitably have to engage in fierce struggles against three generations—old, middle-aged, and young—regardless of who ultimately prevailed.

Zheng Qing’s brow furrowed slightly, but only briefly. “Then why did you agree to your father’s plan?” she asked. “Are you just being reckless?”

Qi You hummed in response. “Then pull over. I won’t go.”

“Qi You!”

Look, no matter how distinguished or wealthy their status, all parents in this world become equal in the face of their children, helpless and exasperated, no different from ordinary people.

Qi Shouye had come from Xiaotan Mountain. After waiting briefly at the entrance, the three finally gathered.

Zheng Qing and Qi Shouye always presented a picture of marital harmony in public. They arrived punctually at Pei Manor just before seven o’clock, with Qi You in tow. The eldest son of Old Master Pei himself stood at the entrance to greet them.

As juniors in the presence of the elder, the family first offered their birthday wishes to the guest of honor. They presented three gifts, representing the Zheng Family, the Qi Family, and Qi You’s personal gift, which Qi Shouye had prepared.

Old Master Pei, his face flushed with vitality, inquired about the elders of both the Zheng and Qi families before handing Qi You a generous red envelope.

“Time flies,” he remarked, patting Qi You’s shoulder. “You’ve grown so much. If I saw you outside, I might not even recognize you as whose child you are. Ah, we really don’t visit each other enough these days.” He patted the hand on his shoulder again. “It’s perfect timing that Pei Yi has returned from abroad. You’re of the same generation and should have plenty to talk about. You must visit more often.”

The old man was in good spirits, but his health was failing, and he sat in a wheelchair.

Pei Yi stood behind him, pushing the wheelchair. He wore a pure black, handcrafted suit with a light gray silk shirt, his posture upright and his expression cold. Even under the old man’s slightly ingratiating words, he showed little emotion.

So proper, Qi You thought.

She tilted her head slightly. In those two seconds, she watched the face before her slowly distort. His eyeballs bulged out, hanging at the corners of his eyes; the bridge of his nose caved inward; the flesh of his cheeks peeled back in a semi-circular arc, revealing the bare gums beneath. Gradually, red bl00d and greenish-white tissue fluid seeped across his face—

Ugly and disgusting, the image was seared into her memory. Every time she saw him, it resurfaced.

“Miss Qi,” Pei Yi said, extending his hand with a calm demeanor, as if they were truly meeting for the first time.

Qi You raised her hand, her fingertips brushing his before withdrawing.

Though Old Master Pei was only seventy-nine this year, he was celebrating his eightieth birthday. Everyone showed him respect, and the hall was packed with prominent figures, creating a lively atmosphere.

Zhou Wei and Qi You huddled together, soaking in the spectacle.

First, they watched Old Master Pei personally introduce Pei Yi to each guest, publicly endorsing his eldest grandson.

Then, they witnessed the Pei Family’s third son, his wife, and their four children—six family members in total—perform a synchronized, traditional kowtow to the old master, offering birthday wishes under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

They even caught sight of the descendants of the man who had publicly severed ties with his father through a newspaper announcement years ago and settled abroad, now present at the birthday banquet.

“It’s too much! I can barely keep up,” Zhou Wei exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement and satisfaction. “I’m so glad we came. Missing this would have been a real loss.”

Qi You chuckled in agreement, took a sip of wine, and then drained the glass in one gulp.

“Hey!” Zhou Wei protested, snatching the champagne flute from her hand. “What are you doing? Don’t get drunk and embarrass yourself. I won’t stop you.”

“This little bit won’t get me drunk,” Qi You replied casually.

But Zhou Wei’s brow furrowed slowly. “What’s been going on with you lately?”

“Hmm?” Qi You asked.

Zhou Wei stared at her face for a moment before saying, “Never mind.”

Accustomed to this, Qi You raised her hand to stop a passing waiter, her peripheral vision precisely locating Chi Yue in the crowd.

She was wearing a pink strapless dress made of a fuzzy material. Even from several meters away, Qi You could see the soft tassels swaying gently in the air.

Perhaps it was the inherent charisma of a female celebrity, but she still looked remarkably beautiful.

She was surrounded by several men, each vying for her attention like stars orbiting a central sun.

Qi You picked up another glass of wine from the tray.

At such a grand banquet, especially one held locally, Chi Yue was bound to be present—even if she was still a minor figure, even if it wasn’t her intention.

But what could she do? She was the female lead, after all.

If we imagine everyone’s fate as a vast, tangled web, with each person’s path intertwined and crisscrossing, then the connection between Chi Yue and Pei Yi must be the straightest line, reinforced by thick steel cables. As time moves forward, their paths are destined to converge.

Zhou Wei asked, “Who is she? You’ve been staring at her.”

Qi You withdrew her gaze, her fingers tightening around the glass as she lowered her hand.

She suddenly felt bored.

Or perhaps, more accurately, irritated.

Night had fallen, and the banquet hall blazed with light, illuminating the intricate carvings and patterns on the walls. The melodious strains of the wind orchestra drifted through the air as guests in formal gowns and suits mingled, each radiating wealth, elegance, and convivial warmth—

A warmth so convincing, it felt almost real.