Volume One, Chapter 19: Making a Move Against Gu Ruoruo
Gu Rong gently tapped Ran Shuyi’s shoulder repeatedly. “Shuyi, Mom is trying to find a solution. Please give me some time…”
“What time?!” Ran Shuyi broke free from the embrace, anger flashing in her eyes. “You said the same thing last time you came! How much longer do I have to wait? How much time do you want from me?!”
Tears welled in Gu Rong’s eyes. She clasped her daughter’s hand tightly, her voice trembling slightly. “Shuyi, Mom will never give up on finding a cure for you. Mom… Mom has already found something!”
Words once spoken cannot be taken back. Seeing the hopeful look in Ran Shuyi’s eyes, Gu Rong’s heart suddenly tightened.
“Really, Mom? What is it?”
“Mom met a master. He said he has a way, but it will take time.”
A flicker of hope shone in Ran Shuyi’s eyes, only to be quickly replaced by anger and despair. “Are you sure you’re not lying to me?”
“I… I don’t know for sure, but we have to try.” Gu Rong’s voice grew softer. She knew her daughter’s pain and her own helplessness. “Don’t be afraid, Shuyi. Mom is here. We will find a way, I promise. Believe me—you will become as beautiful as before.”
Slowly, Ran Shuyi calmed in Gu Rong’s arms, yet the anxiety and unease in her heart lingered like a shadow.
Gu Rong sighed deeply, leaving the hospital room and adding the master on WeChat again.
The request was accepted quickly.
“Have you made up your mind?”
Gu Rong replied, “Yes. I’ll send you the address now, but you must promise that if Gu Ruoruo really dies, my daughter won’t suffer any evil consequences!”
“Enough talking. Do you want my help or not?”
Gu Rong’s fingers trembled as she typed, “I do!”
***
The package arrived the next day.
Gu Rong opened the box to find a bottle of mineral water.
She had never bought such water before; its meaning was clear.
Her WeChat buzzed.
“Did you receive it?”
“Yes, Master.” Gu Rong’s heart raced as she replied, “What should I do next?”
The master didn’t answer immediately. Gu Rong waited anxiously until the screen lit up again.
“Just have that ‘cause’ drink it.”
Gu Rong hesitated for a moment before sending, “Okay, I will do as you say.”
She closed WeChat, her gaze fixed on the ordinary bottle of mineral water, her heart torn by conflict and unease.
Was she really going to harm Ruoruo?
***
As her turmoil deepened, she recalled Ran Shuyi’s tearful and agitated face.
Gu Rong took a deep breath. She knew this was a difficult choice, but she could not stand by and watch her daughter suffer! If Gu Ruoruo didn’t die, who could guarantee Ran Shuyi wouldn’t become so self-loathing as to take her own life?
Resolving this, she poured the mineral water into a glass and headed toward Gu Ruoruo’s room.
Gu Ruoruo sat by the window, working on her exercises.
Looking up, she noticed the water in Gu Rong’s hand and showed a slight frown.
“Auntie, you’ve never liked me before. Why would you bring me water?”
Gu Rong forced a smile. “Ruoruo, Auntie has reflected on her past arrogance and coldness toward you. From now on, Auntie will change.”
She offered a reasonable explanation for handing her the water.
“Will you forgive Auntie?”
Gu Ruoruo pondered. Though still wary, she went along with it.
She took the cup, touched her lips as if sipping just a little, then set it down.
“Thank you, Auntie. This water tastes sweet.”
Gu Rong’s heart pounded.
“Ruoruo, how do you feel?” Gu Rong’s voice trembled.
“Feel? I feel good,” Gu Ruoruo answered with a hint of innocent sincerity.
A strange fear surged in Gu Rong’s heart. Nervously, she said, “Good, then study for now.”
She hurriedly left Gu Ruoruo’s room.
This was her first time taking a life…
But Ruoruo, don’t blame Auntie. Auntie had no choice. When you become a ghost, go find that ‘master.’
Gu Ruolin, and you too—don’t blame me. We are all mothers, doing this for our children. When your child dies, I will burn incense and paper offerings for her many times over!
After Gu Rong left, Gu Ruoruo quickly messaged Yan Chu.
“Aunt! Someone wants to harm me!”
Yan Chu replied swiftly, “Ruoruo, don’t panic! I’m coming to your room now!”
Yan Chu entered the living room and saw Gu Rong pacing back and forth.
“Aunt?” Yan Chu asked.
Gu Rong was startled. “Wh-what are you doing?”
“Nothing,” Yan Chu smiled knowingly.
She already knew who was behind trying to harm Ruoruo.
Yan Chu went to Gu Ruoruo’s room and found her safe, finally exhaling in relief.
“Aunt, Auntie just brought me a glass of water. Look.”
A golden glow flashed before Yan Chu’s eyes. She immediately sensed a faint sinister aura in the water.
Although the malevolent energy was slight, if it entered Gu Ruoruo’s ordinary body, the consequences would be disastrous.
“Aunt, is something wrong with this water? Auntie doesn’t like me; why would she give me water?”
Yan Chu patted Gu Ruoruo’s shoulder. “Your suspicion is right, but…”
She hesitated, unwilling to frighten Gu Ruoruo by revealing the truth. Doing so might alert the enemy and cause unnecessary panic.
“Ruoruo, why don’t you move to the dormitory starting tomorrow?”
“Aunt, I… I understand,” Gu Ruoruo nodded.
Since Auntie had problems, she’d better keep her distance.
Yan Chu pondered deeply.
Where did Gu Rong get such a sinister item? Surely someone had instructed her.
She must expose the mastermind behind this soon!
“Knock, knock, knock!”
There was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” Gu Ruoruo said.
The visitor was Grandmother Gu. Seeing Yan Chu, she smiled warmly. “Xiao Chu, your second sister said you’re in Ruoruo’s room, so I came looking for you.”
Yan Chu asked, “So late, Grandmother, what do you need?”
“Xiao Chu, tomorrow night is the charity auction. You should go with Chen Xiao. During the day, have him take you to buy a dress.”
Auction? She had never attended one but had heard of them.
The guests would be wealthy and influential; Grandmother Gu probably wanted everyone to know about Gu Chenxiao’s marriage.
Yan Chu nodded. “Okay.”
Grandmother Gu smiled, holding Yan Chu’s hand. “Xiao Chu, I know you’re kind-hearted, but you must always consider yourself first. Tomorrow at the mall, buy plenty for yourself. We won’t trouble you.”