Chapter 84: No One Shall Set Foot Inside the Qin Residence

Liu Qingyun understood that she was in low spirits. Anyone in her situation would feel the same. He quickly soothed her in a gentle voice, “Ci’er, I know you’re not in the best mood right now, but it’s all right. I’ll just quietly keep you company by your side. Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you at all.”

Liu Qingyun’s mother had been abandoned by her father in the village when she was little. Later, her mother fell ill and passed away. He scarcely remembered what his mother looked like. Back then, his grandparents told him that he resembled his mother. Because of this, he often gazed at his own reflection in the river, as if hoping to catch a glimpse of his mother there.

Three years ago, the Liu family brought Liu Bingbing with them and insisted on claiming him as their own. He did not resist; he simply accepted that he now had two more relatives, which he supposed was not a bad thing.

When he was young, the other children ignored him, calling him a wild child with no parents. Only Hua Qinci would occasionally talk to him. He cherished the pure, sincere smile on her face.

Even as a child, he had determined that he would marry Hua Qinci and no one else in this life.

But later, Hua Qinci married that cousin who had appeared out of nowhere. He was too timid to protest and could only swallow his bitterness.

But now, Hua Qinci had been divorced by Qin Youtian. At last, he summoned his courage and longed to be with her. What he didn’t realize was that Hua Qinci was no longer the gentle, obedient girl she once was.

Hua Qinci shot him a glance, taking in his honest, guileless demeanor. Her brows furrowed slightly. Perhaps having a man around would be useful—a helping hand when troubles arose.

“As you wish!” Hua Qinci rose and went inside, slamming the door behind her with a loud bang, ready to get some rest and rise early the next day.

Liu Qingyun believed Hua Qinci had accepted him, and his heart was filled with joy.

That night, Hua Qinci’s mind raced with thoughts. Now that she was fighting alone, she truly needed a few reliable helpers.

Liu Qingyun appeared quite loyal to the original owner and likely would not betray her, but he was still a man.

Qin Youtian was far too mysterious, a man of two faces. Though he seemed to treat her well, his words were always muddled and strange. She couldn’t shake the feeling that he kept her at arm’s length, never letting her close, yet never truly pushing her away. It was impossible to predict when he might suddenly turn hostile, or when he might be gentle.

Qin Youtian was unreliable.

Qin Mingyue was even worse—mother and son, cut from the same cloth.

Wei San’er was foolish, and while Wei Dachun seemed a decent candidate, her mother likely wouldn’t agree to it.

Lost in thought, Hua Qinci didn’t know when she drifted off. By the time she awoke, the sun was high in the sky.

She hurriedly got up, tidied herself, and stepped outside.

To her surprise, Liu Qingyun was still sitting by the door, wide-eyed and alert.

“You really do take honesty to the extreme,” she muttered to herself.

When Liu Qingyun saw her come out, he immediately perked up. He hadn’t slept a wink all night, keeping watch at Hua Qinci’s door like a loyal dog, not daring to close his eyes for even a moment.

Hua Qinci ignored him and brushed past without a word.

He wasn’t offended in the least, instead hurrying after her, delighted.

Hua Qinci was heading to the Qian residence to report in. No matter what secrets the Qian household might be hiding, she was determined to uncover them.

When the two of them reached the edge of the village, they found a large crowd gathered at the Qin family’s courtyard, watching some commotion.

The Hua family’s bamboo house stood at the far end of the village, while the Qin family’s compound was at the entrance. To get into town, one always had to pass by their house.

Hua Qinci paused to observe. Liu Qingyun peered ahead, then cautioned her, “Wait here. Don’t go over just yet. I’ll go and take a look.”

With that, Liu Qingyun hurried toward the crowd.

“Hey—!” Hua Qinci started to call after him, but he had already plunged into the throng.

“I’m warning you all, none of you are stepping foot past my Qin family’s gate today! If anyone dares take another step, I’ll break his legs!”