Chapter 300: Denial
Chapter 300: Denial
Qian Xiaoxiao came down and pulled Lu Jiaxin to a quiet corner of the lawn. She said softly, "Jiaxin, I only saw clothes in Gu's room. There wasn't a single piece of jewelry."
Having lived with Lu Jiaxin in Gu's mansion, she was well aware that Gu Xiuxiu owned a plethora of jewels and gems. Since no one had been left behind when they moved, it stood to reason that valuable items like jewelry would have been brought along.
Lu Jiaxin brushed off the concern. "As long as the person is fine, safely leaving this place is what matters."
Qian Xiaoxiao pouted, her disdain for the He family growing. "Such greed and insatiability. It's despicable. They'll get their comeuppance."
As they were packing, Gu Haifan returned through the side door. Startled by the group in the room, he shouted, "What are you doing?"
Hearing the shout, Lu Jiaxin went upstairs. "Haifan, what's wrong?"
Gu Haifan paused before grabbing her arm anxiously. "Cousin, are you here to take me and Auntie back?"
Lu Jiaxin nodded. "Yes, we're almost done packing Auntie's things. You need to hurry up."
Gu Haifan immediately rushed back to his room. It only took him ten minutes to pack his belongings, not because he was fast, but because he had always wanted to leave, so his clothes remained in his suitcase.
He Mingzhu arrived with an elegant woman, just as they were about to load the packed items into the car. She introduced the woman to Lu Jiaxin, "Jiaxin, this is my eldest sister-in-law."
Lu Jiaxin's disgust for the He family knew no bounds, and this naturally extended to the He family's matriarch. She nodded and said, "Miss He, we're done packing. I won't disturb you further."
The He family matriarch smiled and said, "Jiaxin, it's already past noon. There's no rush to leave before lunch."
Lu Jiaxin declined, "No need. I wouldn't dare eat the He family's food. I'm afraid I'd be poisoned."
The He family matriarch forced a smile, "Miss Lu, you certainly know how to joke."
As they were about to leave, the He family matriarch gently rubbed Gu Haifan's head, her eyes warm with affection. "Studying hard is commendable, but you're still growing, and adequate sleep is essential."
Gu Haifan nodded, "Thank you, Eldest Aunt. I'll keep that in mind."
Qian Xiaoxiao held a strong dislike for the He family, believing that even the He matriarch's kindness was feigned. Once inside the car, she shouted, "Gu Haifan, if you don't get in now, we're leaving without you!"
Gu Haifan quickly waved goodbye, "Farewell, Eldest Aunt. Farewell, Aunt."
As the car drove away from the He family residence, Qian Xiaoxiao grumbled, "There's not a single decent person in the He family. Stay away from them in the future; otherwise, you might meet your end without even knowing how."
Gu Haifan hesitated before adding, "My uncle and aunt don't like me, but my eldest cousin has always been kind to me."
Qian Xiaoxiao scoffed, "Kind? Ever since Ms. Gu moved to the He family residence, they stopped giving her medicine, so she doesn't recognize anyone here. Even the two maids who take care of her do so half-heartedly. Don't you think she knows all this?"
"No, they know, but they don't want to anger He Zhuliang and Li Xuanqi over a useless old lady. Unlike Jiaxin, who risked her life to sue He Zhuliang to get you both out."
Gu Haifan was taken aback. "Risked her life? Is suing someone that dangerous?"
Qian Xiaoxiao explained, "It's not the lawsuit that's dangerous, but suing He Zhuliang that puts one's life at risk. He Zhuwen and his wife, He Shengbin, who once tried to dispute the inheritance, both met with accidents. Fortunately, they survived, but they're still in the hospital."
Gu Haifan was so frightened that his face turned pale. As soon as they arrived back at the Gu residence, he apologized to Lu Jiaxin, "Cousin, I'm sorry. I didn't realize that coming to pick us up would put you in such danger."
Lu Jiaxin patted his shoulder and said, "There's an old saying that goes, 'Like father like son, and like mother like daughter.' He Zhuliang was willing to harm his own brother and nephew, so his children can't be any better. The fact that he suddenly started showing interest in you after ignoring you for so long definitely means he has an ulterior motive."
Gu Haifan nodded like a little chick pecking at rice.
When Mei Gu saw Gu Xiuxiu, she immediately burst into tears. "Madam, it's only been half a month, but you've lost so much weight. What happened?"
Gu Xiuxiu looked at her, perplexed.
Lu Jiaxin explained, "Aunt Mei, Auntie has been off her medication for a while. Why don't you get her to eat something and then give her the medicine? Today, she can rest, and tomorrow I'll take her to the hospital for a check-up."
Aunt Mei wiped her tears and helped Gu Xiuxiu inside, speaking gently. "Madam, I made your favorite shrimp with vegetable hearts and steamed bass. Let's go and eat now."
Although Gu Xiuxiu didn't know Aunt Mei, she felt a sense of warmth and followed her obediently.
The next day, Lu Jiaxin accompanied Gu Xiuxiu to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor gave them a list of things to keep in mind, along with a new prescription.
After taking the medication for two days, Gu Xiuxiu regained her senses. Lu Jiaxin asked her if she wanted to return to the mainland, and if so, she would make the necessary arrangements.
However, Gu Xiuxiu refused, "I don't know anyone on the mainland, and I'll be all alone there. The medical care isn't as good there either. I'd rather stay here and be at peace."
Lu Jiaxin shared her concern, "What if he forcibly takes you and Haifan away? I won't be able to stand against him."
Gu Xiuxiu asked, "If he captures Haifan and me and uses us to threaten you, demanding that you do something you don't want to do, would you agree?"
Without hesitation, Lu Jiaxin replied, "If it's about money, I can gather up to 30 million. But if there are other demands and it's dangerous, I won't agree."
The amount mentioned by Lu Jiaxin was exactly what Gu Xiuxiu had given her. If they demanded a meeting or for her to deliver the money personally, she wouldn't take such a dangerous risk. She knew she might be called selfish or a coward, but she would never put herself in harm's way.
Gu Xiuxiu didn't get angry. Instead, she said, "You see, even you won't give in to his threats. He won't gain anything by capturing Haifan and me. He Zhuliang is not the kind of person who would do something without any benefit."
Lu Jiaxin then asked Gu Haifan, who also expressed his reluctance to return to the mainland. The next semester would be his first year of middle school, and he wanted to catch up on his English and get a head start on the new curriculum so that he wouldn't fall behind.
Since both of them didn't want to leave, Lu Jiaxin didn't force the issue. She had already made arrangements, and if they chose to stay, they would have to face the consequences, a choice they had to make for themselves.
Lu Jiaxin sent Gu Haifan away and kept only Aunt Mei and Gu Xiuxiu. She then asked Gu Xiuxiu, "Auntie, I hope you can give me the evidence of He Zhuliang's crimes."
Gu Xiuxiu's expression changed, and she asked, puzzled, "What are you talking about?"
Lu Jiaxin was direct. "Auntie, He Zhuliang won't let me off the hook. If I strike first, I can catch him off guard. Otherwise, once he's free to act, I'll be in danger."
Gu Xiuxiu shook her head. "No, I don't have any evidence against him. Don't overthink things. This matter is settled, and he won't come after you again."
Lu Jiaxin's face immediately darkened.
(End of Chapter)
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