Chapter 31 A Stroll Through the Streets

The next morning, Ji Xuan and Qin Miaoyu bumped into Lu Qi'an at the door. Ji Xuan immediately nudged Qin Miaoyu with her elbow as a signal.

Qin Miaoyu introduced them, “This is my good friend, Ji Xuan. And he is Lu Qi'an.”

Ji Xuan’s smile was bright and warm, “Hello, I’ve heard Miaoyu mention you many times, but this is the first time we’ve actually met.”

Lu Qi'an responded with a gentle smile, “Hello. You two are heading down for breakfast, right? Would it be alright if I joined you?”

Before Qin Miaoyu could reply, Ji Xuan agreed, “Of course, it’s no trouble at all.”

She pulled Qin Miaoyu to stand between them, then started chatting with Lu Qi'an across Qin Miaoyu.

After picking out their breakfast, Qin Miaoyu and Ji Xuan found a place to sit. While Lu Qi'an hadn’t returned yet, Ji Xuan spoke with certainty, “Miaoyu, I’m sure your contract husband has feelings for you!”

Qin Miaoyu was about to say something, but Lu Qi'an was already approaching, carrying his tray. On the tray were a bowl of noodles and a small plate of steamed dumplings.

He placed the tray on the table, then set the dumplings in front of Qin Miaoyu. “I asked the chef just now—these are the flavor you like.”

Ji Xuan teased, “Only for Miaoyu?”

Lu Qi'an laughed, “You can have some too. If it’s not enough, I’ll get more for you both.”

Ji Xuan had asked, but didn’t touch the dumplings. After all, they were chosen especially for Miaoyu, and she didn’t want to intrude.

After breakfast, Lu Qi'an asked about their plans. “Qi'an, aren’t you here on a business trip?” Qin Miaoyu recalled that last time Lu Qi'an had come to this area for work.

“No, I’m on vacation.”

“We’re going shopping. If you don’t mind tagging along, you could help carry some things for Miaoyu.”

“It’s no trouble at all.”

What began as a group of three turned into four when Gu Xunan got wind from Lu Qi'an that Ji Xuan and Qin Miaoyu were out shopping, and came to help carry their purchases.

Qin Miaoyu and Ji Xuan walked ahead in high spirits, browsing the stores, while Lu Qi'an and Gu Xunan followed behind, chatting.

“Master Lu, how come you’re so free this time? Last time you came to South City, I tried to meet up and you said you had no time.”

“You already know why.”

“Hahaha, I never thought there’d come a day when even Master Lu would hide his identity to pursue someone.” Gu Xunan mocked without mercy.

Lu Qi'an shot back, “At least I have a legitimate status now. You haven’t even managed to become her boyfriend, have you?”

If they were together, they wouldn’t be so restrained about physical contact.

Gu Xunan glanced at those walking ahead and gave a self-deprecating smile, “True enough. At least you have your place. In her eyes, I’m probably just a good friend.”

It was a rare day when Qin Miaoyu could shop carefree, and her spirits were high. But when she turned to see Lu Qi'an carrying a stack of bags of all sizes, she felt a little embarrassed.

“Qi'an, let me carry some of these myself.”

“No need. Just keep shopping. None of this is heavy.”

Ji Xuan tugged at Qin Miaoyu, “Don’t worry too much about the men. These bags aren’t heavy at all. Gu Xunan’s carrying even more!”

Earlier, Ji Xuan had picked out a large crystal ornament, quite hefty, which Gu Xunan was now holding.

Qin Miaoyu thought about her own purchases and realized they were indeed light. Seeing Lu Qi'an carrying them without any sign of embarrassment, she felt no burden and continued browsing.

But fate was rarely kind—she unexpectedly ran into Liang Sixuan and her group.

Liang Sixuan was accompanied by Xia Min and Hu Qiaoqiao, along with three others. Seeing Qin Miaoyu and Ji Xuan, their expressions soured; yesterday’s events were still fresh in their minds.

Xia Min wanted to sneer, but didn’t dare aim at Qin Miaoyu, so she targeted Ji Xuan instead.

“Ji Xuan, now that you’ve latched onto Gu Xunan, do you think you’ve climbed the social ladder? To men like him, women are like clothes—you're just something to amuse him!”

“Exactly. Gu Xunan changes women so often, someone of your looks is just a novelty to him.”

Qin Miaoyu glared coldly at them, “Do you live by the seaside? Why do you meddle in other people’s business?”

“Qin Miaoyu, you—”

“Qin Miaoyu, Xia Min and Qiaoqiao are only looking out for Ji Xuan. They’re trying to warn her. You must have heard about Gu Xunan’s reputation. How could you let your friend jump into the fire?”

It was a blatant attempt to sow discord. If Qin Miaoyu and Ji Xuan’s friendship weren’t solid, such tricks might have worked.

But their bond was strong, and they trusted each other completely. They’d already discussed this yesterday, so there was no room for petty schemes.

“Of course I wouldn’t let my friend walk into a trap. But I wonder if some people use their sidekicks as weapons, or if others willingly let themselves be used and comfort themselves that it’s out of loyalty?”

Xia Min and Hu Qiaoqiao glanced at Liang Sixuan in unison.

They weren’t fools; yesterday’s events had revealed some truths to them. Yet, having listened to Liang Sixuan for so long, it all seemed normal.

Liang Sixuan saw her attempt at manipulation fail; her two followers now seemed swayed by Qin Miaoyu’s words, and she grew agitated.

“Qin Miaoyu, don’t deliberately sow discord. Yesterday’s incident was just a misunderstanding caused by the hotel. I didn’t know the details—I thought those were my own words, so I misunderstood you!”

Qin Miaoyu shrugged indifferently, “Let’s just say so. As long as there’s no evidence, you can deny it. That’s why you act so recklessly, whether yesterday or with the painting all those years ago.”

“Qin Miaoyu, isn’t it normal to demand evidence? If someone could be convicted without proof, anyone could accuse another with mere words.”

Qin Miaoyu smiled coolly, “So Miss Liang knows that one shouldn’t slander without evidence. Yesterday, I thought you didn’t understand, since you condemned me before knowing the facts.”

“Qin Miaoyu, I never thought you’d become so articulate after all this time. I heard you married an ordinary man? Your mother worked so hard to raise you—wasn’t it so you could marry into a wealthy family? All those years wasted, no wonder she complained to my mother.”

Liang Sixuan expected her words to make Qin Miaoyu’s face fall, but Qin Miaoyu remained calm, unmoved.

And she truly was indifferent. In the past, hearing such things made her feel ashamed and uncomfortable, because her mother had worked so hard for exactly that goal.

But now, she simply found it pointless.

“Liang Sixuan, people ought to improve as they grow older, their methods more sophisticated. Yet after all these years, your tactics haven’t changed at all.”