What kind of “good fortune” has the Gu family encountered that big shots keep flocking here?
Madam Qin's visit this time was even more grand than last time. Just the gifts for the visit required three people to carry. There were ginseng, deer antler, sea cucumber, abalone, blood-nourishing donkey-hide gelatin, all in colorful boxes that left Xie Bingxia dumbfounded. Madam Qin wasn't too reserved either. She directed her servants to place the gifts on the table and lay them out one by one.
“Bingxia!” Madam Qin came closer and affectionately put her arm around Xie Bingxia. “I heard about this from Feng. You're his savior! Feng, come in quickly!”
Qin Feng was lingering outside the door, embarrassed and wishing he could find a crack in the ground to hide in. He gave Xie Bingxia an apologetic smile, as if to say, “My mom is just like this. Please bear with it.”
Xie Bingxia understood. She was good at dealing with elders. Besides, Madam Qin truly meant well, it was just that her actions were a bit exaggerated.
“Aunt Qin, don't believe what Qin Feng said. He's exaggerating.”
As the head of the family, Gu Bei naturally came out to take charge of the situation at this moment. “Thank you for the gifts, Madam Qin. I'll accept them on Bingxia's behalf.”
Madam Qin flicked her hand and patted Gu Bei, laughing. “Look at what you're saying. Once we become family, there's no need to be so polite.”
The words “become family” hit Gu Bei hard. But he was a man who had seen the ups and downs of life. It was essential to stay calm, especially when facing outsiders. A humble smile appeared on his face. “Madam Qin, you're joking. What good fortune do I have to form a bond with your family?”
Madam Qin pulled Xie Bingxia over. “I'm talking about Bingxia. What are you butting in for? There's no daughter in my family, hehe.”
What a glib-tongued woman! Gu Bei's smile froze at the corner of his mouth. Seeing this, Xie Bingxia quickly tried to smooth things over. “Auntie, don't mention this for now. You've come from so far away. Aren't you tired? Sit down first.” Then she led her to the sofa.
“Hey, Bingxia is so considerate. Our Feng is really lucky.”
“Mom—” Qin Feng couldn't stand it anymore. He came over and pulled Madam Qin up. “Let's go back. Bingxia just got out of the hospital and needs to rest.”
Madam Qin pulled her hand back impatiently and whispered scoldingly, “You're so stupid. Mom is helping you. Sit down.”
Qin Feng looked at his mom and then at Xie Bingxia. Seeing that she didn't show any signs of annoyance, he obediently sat down beside Madam Qin.
“Bingxia, don't be mad at Feng. This kid is so straightforward, a bit dumb, but he's a really good person.”
“I know.” Xie Bingxia stole a glance at Qin Feng, her expression seemed to say, “不愧是亲妈行为” (truly a mother's actions). Qin Feng embarrassedly started scratching his temple, looking quite helpless.
“He didn't tell me and his dad until after he was kidnapped this time. It scared us old folks half to death... sigh.” Recalling it, Madam Qin still felt lingering fear. “Fortunately, you were there, Bingxia. Oh, my daughter-in-law is so amazing. People will say Feng isn't good enough for you... sigh. I still have to train this kid well and strive for him to become a real man soon. Then he and our Bingxia will be a perfect match, a happy couple. What a wonderful thing that would be...”
Madam Qin rambled on and on. Every word was challenging Gu Bei's bottom line. But Xie Bingxia just didn't deny it. Could it be that this little girl really wanted to marry into the Qin family? He would be the first to vote against it!
“Madam Qin, Bingxia should rest.” Gu Bei seized the opportunity and interrupted their conversation. “The doctor said she needs peace and quiet.”
“Oh, did I bother you?” Madam Qin was surprised. “I'm sorry, Bingxia. Auntie talks too much. Feng—” She nudged Qin Feng in the waist with her elbow. “You go and send Bingxia back to her room to rest. Didn't you prepare a gift for her?”
Gift? Xie Bingxia showed an expectant look. Gu Bei wanted to step forward to stop it, but Madam Qin had sharp eyes. Before he could say a word, she quickly grabbed him. “Young Master Gu, it's been a long time since we last met. Sit down and chat with auntie for a while. Let the young people arrange things on their own.” Then she kept winking at Qin Feng.
“Come on, send me upstairs?” Xie Bingxia called to Qin Feng, and he obediently followed behind her.
Seeing this, Madam Qin didn't know whether to be happy or worried. She whispered, “Silly son, he's completely under his daughter-in-law's thumb.”
“...Madam Qin...!” Gu Bei's face was so dark and terrifying. Madam Qin was a woman who had seen the world. For her son's happiness, how could she back down? She immediately showed a kind smile and changed the topic. “Young Master Gu, I heard you were also injured. Are you feeling better...”
Qin Feng followed Xie Bingxia upstairs and stopped at the door of her room. Xie Bingxia laughed at him. “What, are you too scared to go in? You could swagger into my dormitory at school, but now you're a coward?”
Qin Feng lowered his head. This was Gu Bei's home, filled with his aura everywhere, including Xie Bingxia's room. He hated this aura, a mixture of Xie Bingxia's and Gu Bei's scents, which was hitting his self-confidence every moment.
If his confidence was 120% when he first started chasing Xie Bingxia, now it was less than 50%. He was completely infatuated with this girl for the first time, unable to extricate himself. He just wanted to be good to her, make her happy, and accompany her forever. His wish was beautiful and his goal was firm. The key was Xie Bingxia's heart.
Who was the one living in her heart?
“What are you thinking about?” Xie Bingxia came closer and stared at Qin Feng. “Do you have something on your mind?”
“N-no.” Qin Feng instinctively evaded, and then said, “Actually, I do.” There was indeed something he wanted to discuss with Xie Bingxia, but it had nothing to do with himself.
“Yan Xiaoyi contacted me. He still hasn't gone home and is staying in a small hotel. From his tone, it seems that he's not in a good state. Could you spare some time to go and persuade him with me?”
“Sure.” Xie Bingxia readily agreed. “Tell me when it's convenient for you. Your friend is my friend. I'll help you to the end.”
Qin Feng's eyes welled up slightly. Xie Bingxia was not only sweet and lovely like a girl but also heroic and chivalrous like a man. She was also loyal and affectionate. No wonder he had fallen in love with her.
“Bingxia, thank you.”
“And then?”
“And then...?” Qin Feng tilted his head, looking a bit confused. Xie Bingxia nudged him dissatisfiedly. “Where's the gift? Your mom said you were going to give me one.”
“Ooh, right!” Qin Feng slapped his forehead and took out a small rectangular gift box from his pocket. Xie Bingxia excitedly took it and opened it. It was an elegant ladies' watch.
“I saw that your watch was lost, so I specially ordered one. Your name is engraved on the back of the watch.” Qin Feng took out the watch from the box, lifted Xie Bingxia's wrist, and put it on for her.
Just this one watch meant a great deal to Qin Feng. It was more like a commitment of his feelings. He was shouting wildly in his heart, Xie Bingxia, I'll always like you! I won't lose to Gu Bei!
Xie Bingxia raised her hand and looked at it from all angles. She liked it very much. “Thanks. I'll take it.”
Qin Feng blushed. “I won't go into your room. I have to get my mom out of here quickly, or there'll be an explosion later.” What he said was true. Gu Bei downstairs was in a state of being easily irritated. Before Madam Qin lit the fuse and got kicked out, Qin Feng took his mom home in time.
As soon as Madam Qin left, Gu Bei stepped onto the stairs to the second floor. Looking up, he saw Xie Bingxia leaning against the railing, with an expression of trying hard not to laugh.
“Madam Qin is really... too enthusiastic.”
“What, do you really want to marry into the Qin family?” Gu Bei's cold eyes swept over, deliberately saying, “It seems you're quite willing.”
“As the saying goes, it's natural for a girl to get married when she grows up.”
“No, I don't agree.”
“Boss Gu, you're violating human rights, aren't you?” Xie Bingxia slowly walked up to him. Gu Bei immediately noticed the new watch on her wrist. Understanding what was going on, he muttered in a low voice, “Stupid kid!”
“Anyway, you have to get my approval before you marry anyone!”
“Then you marry me?” Xie Bingxia never felt shy when joking. Gu Bei was different. Every time he was caught off guard by her straightforward questions.
“Sorry, I forgot. Our Boss Gu already has a fiancée. It's a pity that the marriage law in our country doesn't allow polygamy. Hehe.” After teasing Gu Bei, Xie Bingxia skipped upstairs.
Gu Bei had been holding back his anger. He couldn't get angry at the little white rabbit. After being teased and then she ran away, his face turned white then red, red then white. Seeing the mess of gift boxes on the table, he immediately found a target to vent his anger on. He went up and threw them all into the trash can. Finally, he clapped his hands. “Xiaomei, take them out!”
“Young Master...” Xiaomei was speechless. “Sometimes I really think you haven't grown up.”
Huh? Gu Bei glared angrily. Xiaomei shrank her neck and obediently went to clean up.
*
Xie Bingxia had another comfortable weekend. When a new week started, she returned to school and made an appointment with Qin Feng to go and see Yan Xiaoyi. Qin Feng said he had transferred some money to Yan Xiaoyi and told him to find a better place to stay.
The two drove to his residence. It was still a dilapidated small hotel. Qin Feng parked the car on the roadside not far away. After getting out of the car, he asked puzzledly, “Does Xiaoyi have a masochistic tendency?”
Xie Bingxia shook her head, also showing that she didn't understand.
This hotel was even worse than last time. It was about four or five stories high and hidden in a corner of the old city. Qin Feng looked up and said, “He's staying in Room 402. Let's go.”
Under the bright blue sky, the sun cast a shadow, which happened to fall at Xie Bingxia's feet. She immediately felt something was wrong. She grabbed Qin Feng and pointed at the person standing on the rooftop of the hotel. “Yan Xiaoyi?!”
Qin Feng recognized the person and shouted, “What is he doing there? Don't tell me... Damn it, he's going to jump off the building!”