Chapter 120: Bastard

Liang Siyuan's gaze grew increasingly cold. Lu Qian'an detailed the events of the past two years for Liang Siyuan, speaking with painstaking care. Upon hearing the true reason behind Lu Qian'an and Qin Miaoyu's marriage, Liang Siyuan seethed inwardly against the Qin family. She had assumed from the outset that the Qin family had treated her little sister poorly, yet she never imagined they would attempt to leverage the girl for resources and connections that might elevate their status. At that time, no one had even suspected the adoption error. Instead, the girl could only be coerced into marrying some ordinary man she believed she knew, repeatedly evading the Qin family's relentless pressure. Fortunately, Miaoyu had encountered Lu Qian'an, who had harbored deep affection for her all along. Had it been another gentleman who appeared polished on the surface, she might have slipped from one den of wolves straight into another. "Have you been meeting frequently in Jing City lately?" Liang Siyuan inquired. Lu Qian'an answered truthfully: "Not excessively so, perhaps once every few days. It was only recently, right before she returned to South City, that we crossed paths again. She went to pay respects to my grandmother." "Pay respects to your grandmother?" "Indeed. Grandma holds her in high esteem, and Miaoyu worries for her as well." Liang Siyuan recalled Qin Grandma, the sole figure in the Qin family who had treated Miaoyu kindly. Regrettably, she had passed away somewhat prematurely. It seemed Miaoyu missed her so keenly that she extended the same concern to Lu Qian'an's grandmother. This gesture also suggested how much Lu Qian'an's own grandmother valued Miaoyu, otherwise the girl would not have cared so deeply. "What of your grandfather and father? Do they approve of your union with Miaoyu?" Liang Siyuan asked. He had already gleaned the details from Qin Miaoyu's account of what his friend had disclosed. "Second Brother, my father has long consented to this matter. As for Grandfather, though he harbors some reservations, they do not affect me in any way and certainly will not burden Miaoyu. I will resolve everything satisfactorily." Liang Siyuan reflected briefly before replying, "Since Miaoyu herself has not yet agreed to you, the question of influence simply does not arise." With that, he strode ahead and swiftly joined Qin Miaoyu and Zheng Suning. Lu Qian'an lingered behind, a faint smile on his lips. At the very least, the exchange had reassured him that Liang Siyuan would not oppose his renewed pursuit of Miaoyu. After their game and meal, the group dispersed, each returning to their separate obligations. Liang Siyuan had intended to escort Zheng Suning and Qin Miaoyu on a shopping trip, but a sudden call summoned him away on urgent company business. Lu Qian'an urged immediately, "Second Brother, please proceed without delay. I will accompany Sister Two and Miaoyu, and ensure their safe return home." Liang Siyuan had not yet made up his mind when Zheng Suning interjected, "Siyuan, since Brother Lu insists, you should go at once. I and Miaoyu will manage here; you need not worry." Qin Miaoyu nodded in agreement. A call at this hour, requiring Liang Siyuan's presence, could not be trivial. Liang Siyuan drew Lu Qian'an aside for a few quiet instructions, exchanged a few words with Zheng Suning, then departed in a hurry by car. Disrupted by his abrupt exit, the women lost enthusiasm for shopping and returned home shortly thereafter. As they descended the stairs, Qin Miaoyu caught sight of a familiar back view in the distance. Zheng Suning noticed her hesitation and asked, "Miaoyu, what is it?" "I think I just saw Qin Lianzhu." Zheng Suning knew Qin Lianzhu well enough to realize she had forgotten to mention the matter earlier. "The Qin family seems to be facing some recent difficulties." Qin Miaoyu remembered the peculiar Moments post Qin Lianzhu had shared and inquired, "What happened?" Zheng Suning hesitated briefly before confessing the truth: "It appears Qin Shengyi has an illegitimate son." Shock colored Qin Miaoyu's expression. She had once suspected Qin Shengyi kept a mistress or child outside the family, yet no evidence had ever surfaced to confirm her suspicions. Now she learned the rumor was true. "I never discovered anything before, and though suspicion lingered, I found no traces at all, which is why I set the idea aside. Sister Ning, where did you hear this?" "I have a patient whose family lives near the Qin residence. They happened to witness the mistress arriving with the illegitimate child. Details remain unclear, though the other party caught fragments of their heated argument before they closed the door." Qin Miaoyu filed the information away. Lu Qian'an offered, "Shall I send someone to investigate?" Qin Miaoyu declined. "No need. I plan to return to the Qin family later and judge the situation for myself." Had the butler grandfather still served in the household, she could have sought his counsel directly, but he had resigned not long after she left South City. "He is elderly now, and his children all earn their own living," Lu Qian'an explained. "He deserves to spend his remaining years enjoying peace and perhaps welcoming grandchildren." Qin Miaoyu agreed, for she had witnessed the butler's growing fatigue during her time at the Qin residence. Her earlier visit with Liang Sixuan had made her acutely aware of how demanding Liang Sixuan could be. Relying on the butler for even one outing would prove too burdensome; it would be wiser to seek another position or simply retire at home. With the butler no longer present, she would have to inspect the situation herself. Lu Qian'an voiced concern: "Do you truly intend to go in person? Perhaps arrange to meet Qin Lianzhu and question her directly?" "Qin Lianzhu may not wish to speak with me, and she might even see this as mockery." "In that case, accompany me when you go. I will join you." Qin Miaoyu deemed it unnecessary, yet Zheng Suning interjected persuasively: "Miaoyu, allow Brother Lu to accompany you. The Qin family's current turmoil leaves much uncertain. Fortunately, Brother Lu possesses an impeccable legitimate identity for entry. With him at your side, I and Second Brother will rest easier." Qin Miaoyu relented: "Very well. Should I depart while you remain in South City, I will summon you to join me." Lu Qian'an escorted Qin Miaoyu and Zheng Suning to Dongshan Villa. Zheng Suning had invited him inside for tea, but a call compelled him to decline. "Sister Two, I must leave; a friend has urgent business with me. Next time I will return to enjoy that tea properly." Zheng Suning did not press him. Instead, she asked Qin Miaoyu to retrieve two boxes of fine tea others had gifted and present them to Lu Qian'an as a keepsake. Once back in her room, Qin Miaoyu opened Qin Lianzhu's Moments. Only a single post remained visible, posted mere moments ago: a gallery of shopping results. The items displayed were far from inexpensive. Should Qin Lianzhu's allowance still match its former level, she could scarcely afford any of them. The sudden influx of funds, coupled with rumors of Qin Shengyi's illegitimate child, led Qin Miaoyu to suspect the gifts served as a calculated inducement, hastening Qin Lianzhu's acceptance of the new brother.