Chapter 24: Does She Count as a Gu? Part 7

Gu Qingshuang didn’t even get a word in edgewise before Ming Xi dragged her away.

Ming Xi was putting every ounce of strength into it. Halfway there, Gu Qingshuang said, “Let go. I can walk on my own.”

Ming Xi: “…Oh.”

Ming Xi released her and dropped the smile from her face. She shoved her hands in her pockets and walked ahead coldly.

Gu Qingshuang: “?”

In the past, whenever she saw Ming Xi, the girl always greeted her with a smile and even bought her little treats like candy. They weren’t super close, but they weren’t this distant either.

Now, Ming Xi was clearly pissed, pulling a long face at her.

But Gu Qingshuang didn’t ask anything, leaving Ming Xi no chance to explain.

They walked like that for a stretch. Just as they reached Ming Li, and Gu Qingshuang was about to greet her, a taxi pulled up. Ming Xi dashed to the front passenger seat, leaving the back for them.

–

The mood in the car was a bit weird, aside from the driver chattering away animatedly.

Ming Xi sat up front, gave her phone number for the ride, then popped on her headphones and pretended not to hear a thing. Ming Li and Gu Qingshuang were in the back together, but it felt like a galaxy separated them—at least enough room for two more people.

Ming Li hadn’t expected Ming Xi to bring Gu Qingshuang along, so she had no lines prepared for talking to her.

That morning in the office, when Gu Qingshuang had stepped in to help Ming Li, her heart had plummeted to rock bottom.

Ming Li didn’t expect her help—she just hoped Gu Qingshuang wouldn’t stand against her.

Even though she hadn’t stopped things in the end, Ming Li still held that grudge.

At the time, her blood was boiling, and she’d wanted to deck Gu Qingshuang right along with Shen Chang’s helper. Now she was calmer, but she still didn’t want to talk to her.

What was there to say?

Why are you acting like Shen Chang’s guardian? How can you stand with Shen Lidian?

Gu Qingshuang probably didn’t even know that Ming Li knew about Shen Lidian yet.

Besides, what did she have to compete with Shen Lidian?

Shen Lidian and Gu Qingshuang shared over a decade of history; she only had three short years.

She didn’t want to humiliate herself.

Ming Xi had already gotten her own revenge for the bullying—no need for Gu Qingshuang.

Ming Li couldn’t stand the heavy atmosphere either and simply closed her eyes to pretend to doze off.

The barbecue joint Shi Jia recommended really was close. Less than five minutes by car, and they were there. Ming Li had barely closed her eyes and sorted through the day’s events in her head when the driver pulled over.

Ming Xi hopped out first and walked a few steps ahead, leaving space for Ming Li and Gu Qingshuang.

Gu Qingshuang had been looking for a chance to talk to Ming Li the whole way, but Ming Li clearly wasn’t interested.

Once out of the car, as Ming Li turned to go, Gu Qingshuang finally grabbed her wrist. “Ming Li.”

“Hm?”

“You…” Gu Qingshuang hesitated, her grip on Ming Li’s wrist tightening.

Ming Li twisted uncomfortably, frowning slightly. “Gu Qingshuang, are you talking to me now as Shen Chang’s guardian, or as my wife?”

Gu Qingshuang froze, her mouth opening then closing.

Ming Li pulled her hand free.

“I’m sorry, Ming Li.” Gu Qingshuang said with difficulty.

Ming Li laughed. “Are you apologizing to me on Shen Chang’s behalf?”

Gu Qingshuang explained, “He’s such an asshole.”

“Then why go act as his guardian? What, you like playing mom?” Ming Li’s eyes widened as she stared at her, blurting out her pent-up anger. Her voice rose, drawing looks from nearby people.

Ming Li realized she’d lost her cool and turned away, falling silent.

“Let’s talk once you’ve calmed down.” After a moment, Gu Qingshuang said, “Apologize to Ming Xi and that girl for me. I won’t join your dinner. I’ll handle things with Mother.”

“No need.” Ming Li said, “I have my own excuses if Mother asks.”

Ming Li forced a mocking smile. “Not sure if you’re covering for me or yourself.”

“Ming Li!” Gu Qingshuang’s expression turned icy, but Ming Li just raised a brow. “What? You wanna hit me too?”

Gu Qingshuang: “…”

Gu Qingshuang flagged down a cab and left.

Ming Xi ran over immediately. “Oh my god, did you two fight?”

“Not really.” Ming Li didn’t want to dwell. “Kids shouldn’t meddle.”

“Tch. If I hadn’t wanted to give you first crack at venting, I would’ve taken the back seat and battled her myself.” Ming Xi said.

“Battled her how?” Ming Li asked.

Ming Xi’s eyes went wide. “Oh, tons of ways! Ever since you two got married, have I ever not called her Sis-in-law sweetly? Three whole years! And today she stands against me, helping the guy who hit me. Sure, her kick on Shen Chang was satisfying, but she shouldn’t have been there in the first place. Who does she think she is? Shi Jia-sis nailed it—what business does some Gu have meddling in Shen Chang’s crap? No relation whatsoever.”

The sisters chatted as they walked. By the time they reached the table, Shi Jia had already gotten them bowls and chopsticks and asked if they wanted drinks or beer.

“Beer for me, soda for my sis.” Ming Li said.

Shi Jia brought over a plate of sizzling barbecue. Seeing just the two of them, she looked around. “Eh? Where’s that Frost girl?”

“She left.” Ming Li didn’t hide her relationship with Gu Qingshuang—anyway, Ming Xi would spill it all soon enough.

Plus, after that office scene that morning, anyone with eyes could tell they were involved.

Shi Jia smiled and handed Ming Li a skewer. “Why’d she bail?”

“No appetite.” Ming Li said.

Ming Xi: “…”

Her sis had perked right up!

Shi Jia was the blunt one, Shi Jia outgoing to an intimidating degree, and Shi Sui the cute girl-next-door type. Everyone at the table got along great.

Especially after bonding over that afternoon “life-and-death” ordeal—munching barbecue and chatting idly felt pretty chill.

Ming Li was in a bad mood and didn’t hold back on the drinking, especially since Shi Jia could handle her liquor. She rolled up her sleeves and clinked glasses with Ming Li.

After two beers, Ming Li waved it off and stopped. She wasn’t drunk yet, but wanted to save room for the food.

Shi Jia quit drinking too and chatted idly with her. “What’s the deal with you and that Frost? You two close?”

“Super close.” Ming Xi chimed in from the side. “She’s my Sis-in-law.”

“Sis-in-law?” Shi Sui was shocked. “So she’s your sister’s…”

“Yep.” Ming Xi fumed. “She’s closer to me than anyone, and she goes off playing guardian for that trash heap. Pissed me right off.”

Ming Li: “…”