I was just playing tricks, how come I became Bai Yueguang

Chapter 613: True Feelings in Pretense (Qi)

"You damn girl, you kicked me so hard."

Zhou Yuanyi pointed at the bandaged wound on his forehead, his face gloomy. "What are you still standing there for? Hurry up and get me some powder to cover it up! I finally got my face back today, and you're letting me go out like this?"

After waiting for a while and hearing no movement, Zhou Yuanyi turned around and looked behind him. Xu Wenpei looked dazed and unresponsive. He was fed up with watching her. He stood up and pushed her shoulder hard. "There's no one around here, who are you trying to show off to?"

Xu Wenpei fell to the ground, looking at him with a dazed look in her eyes, "Yuan Yi, our daughter is dead."

"She should have expected this outcome if she dared to betray her family and join the army."

But he had to admit that his daughter had done well. The old man made an exception and allowed Zhou Qishan to enter the ancestral temple, and he, as a father, also benefited from it. At the funeral, he was even allowed to carry Zhou Qishan's spirit tablet into the ancestral temple, something Zhou Yuanyi had never dared to think about before.

When talking about his daughter's death, there was no trace of sadness on Zhou Yuanyi's face, only joy that his long-cherished wish was about to come true.

Xu Wenpei laughed at herself, then turned and looked at him expressionlessly.

Zhou Yuanyi was used to being strong, and seeing Xu Wenpei looking haggard, as if she had aged ten years, his face was filled with disgust. "Why don't you clean up quickly? Ah Heng's case will be judged in a few days. The old man has specially invited a group of current affairs reporters, and we will be interviewed as relatives of a martyr. Are you trying to embarrass me by looking like this?"

Xu Wenpei didn't move for a long while, and Zhou Yuanyi couldn't help but get furious. "Are you planning a rebellion? If you keep looking like that, I'll divorce you!!"

"Hugh?!" Xu Wenpei finally showed a reaction.

Nowadays, marriages are all about peace and divorce, but Zhou Yuanyi actually told her to divorce. It turned out that she had been living such a miserable life. Now Xu Wenpei couldn't even laugh at herself.

After more than twenty years of marriage, Zhou Yuanyi had always bossed his wife around without showing any respect. Seeing Xu Wenpei finally react, he assumed his threats had worked and gloated. "Are you scared now? If you know, why don't you get up right now?! I'm telling you, this is a matter of great importance. If you dare to let me down, don't blame me for disregarding the love we've had as husband and wife for so many years."

Xu Wenpei slowly got up, stroking her hair with a numb expression. Zhou Yuanyi was still dissatisfied with her appearance and cursed, "You're already old and faded, and even if you try to dress up, you still look like a dead fish. Hurry up, put some powder on to cover it up for me, and when the reporters ask you questions, just don't interrupt."

Xu Wenpei did not respond, but stood up and walked towards the dressing table.

Zhou Yuanyi was temporarily satisfied and stopped cursing. He adjusted his tie and adjusted his expression in front of the mirror. He would have a private speech later, and everyone in the hall would be looking at him. Zhou Yuanyi felt excited just thinking about it.

"Knock Knock-"

"gentlemen."

At this time, the voice of Butler Zhou was heard outside the door.

"I'm coming." Zhou Yuanyi hurried forward to open the door. "Is it because the old man is urging me? I'll be there right away." As he said that, he was about to go out.

Butler Zhou quickly grabbed him and said, "The old man asked me to inform you that the funeral has ended early and Miss Qishan's coffin has been sent back to the Martyrs' Cemetery."

Xu Wenpei's fingertips paused slightly, and he suddenly turned his head to look outside the door.

"Wha...what?" Zhou Yuanyi thought he had misheard and looked stunned. "Butler Zhou, are you kidding?"

Butler Zhou said, "Sir, this is indeed what the old man meant."

Zhou Yuanyi pushed Butler Zhou away without a second thought and ran quickly towards the study. When he passed the main hall, he saw that most of the guests had already left, and his heart sank immediately.

"gentlemen!"

Butler Zhou caught up with him and said, "Sir, there's no need to waste your energy. The old man has instructed us not to see anyone."

No one is missing? The more Zhou Yuanyi thought about it, the more he felt something was wrong. He grabbed Butler Zhou's collar and said, "What happened? Why did the old man suddenly change his mind? Tell me!"

"Third brother! What are you doing?"

Zhou Yuanzheng had just seen off a group of guests and was on his way back when he saw Zhou Yuanyi and Butler Zhou arguing. He quickly stepped forward to pull the two apart and said, "We have guests at home. What will happen if someone sees us?"

Zhou Yuanyi didn't care about this at all. He turned to look at Zhou Yuanzheng and said, "Brother, do you know what happened? Why did the old man suddenly change his mind? He clearly agreed to let Shanshan be enshrined in the family ancestral hall, so why did he send the tablet to the martyrs' cemetery?"

If Zhou Qishan was enshrined in the main ancestral temple, he would barely be considered half the head of the family. As Zhou Qishan's father, he would not only be able to benefit from it, but he might even be enshrined in the main ancestral temple after his death. Now that the old man suddenly sent the spirit tablet to the martyrs' cemetery, all these fame and fortune would be in vain.

Zhou Yuanzheng was also confused by Mr. Zhou's sudden change of mind. The case at the Judicial Arbitration Bureau was about to be decided. The old man's change of mind was too hasty and completely inconsistent with his usual planning style.

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Yuanzheng turned to look at the housekeeper, "Did father meet with anyone just now?"

Butler Zhou shook his head, "The old man was irritated by Old Su and went back to his room and hasn't come out since."

Zhou Yuanzheng and Zhou Yuanyi looked at each other, the doubts in their eyes growing deeper and deeper.

*

Inside the room, Zhou Guochao sat on the edge of the bed, his wrinkled hands gently stroking the pink lace. The bed was covered with children's clothes.

"Grandpa never thought about what kind of person you would become. Grandpa just hopes you can grow up well."

……

*

Shen Zhuang sat in the car, glanced casually at the scattered guests, and slowly closed the window, "Drive."

"Yes." Gao Zhi responded in a serious tone, stepped on the accelerator and drove out of the Zhou family manor first. The others watched the Shen family's cars leave one after another, and gave way with different expressions.

Shen Zhuang leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, and when the atmosphere quieted, he suddenly spoke, "As soon as the news of Zhou Qishan's accident came out, Zhou Guochao secretly put pressure on the Military General Committee. Given his personality, he must have doubted the legitimacy of Zhou Qishan's assignment. What did you do today?"

Besides Gao Zhi and Zheng Song, there was only Shen Lanxi in the car. It was obvious who the question was directed at. The other two people's expressions changed slightly and they automatically turned off their hearing.

Shen Lanxi was a little absent-minded, and was half a beat late in reacting. He thought for a moment and turned to look at Shen Zhuang, "I retrieved Zhou Qishan's personal file."

Shen Zhuang slowly raised his eyes, his gaze indifferent, "Give it to that old guy?"

Shen Lanxi hesitated for a moment and shook her head, "I gave it to... Shanshan..."

"..." Shen Zhuang was stunned, thinking that he was hallucinating. He turned to look at Shen Lanxi, looking him up and down as if he didn't know him.

Zhou Qishan is a member of the Zhou family. Logically, this kind of task would never be assigned to her. Zhou Guochao just looked at her coldly, but he didn't really abandon Zhou Qishan. He would definitely find out the truth.

If Shen Lanxi was trying to avoid a conflict between the 313th Division and the Zhou family, Shen Zhuang could still understand why. But the fact that it was all because of Jiang Huashan left him dumbfounded...

Shen Lanxi was afraid that Shen Zhuang would notice something, so she lowered her eyes slightly, looking a little unnatural.

Shen Zhuang didn't understand, so he hissed and asked, "Did Xiaohua ask you for it?"

Shen Lanxi, "No."

Two days ago, when he passed by the backyard garden, he heard Jiang Huashan and Fu Suier talking in the pavilion. They were discussing Zhou Qishan's funeral.

At that time, he heard Jiang Huashan sighing, "I heard that every soldier in the 313th Division has an independent file. It would be great if I could get Zhou Qishan's. Oh God, I don't want to work hard anymore. Just give me a chance, please~"

After returning, he wrote a letter to the 313th Division. While writing, he was still thinking, if he took back Zhou Qishan's file and gave it to Jiang Huashan, would she immediately understand his feelings and not want to work hard, and he would be her best choice.

But he never expected that Jiang Huashan's brain was filled with the fish's memory. After getting the file, she never mentioned that she didn't want to work hard, and only said that she would treat him to some sweet soup another day.

"No?" Shen Zhuang was a little surprised. "You gave it to me on your own initiative?"

It's no wonder the old man was so surprised. Not everyone has access to the confidential files of the 313th Division, not even Zhou Guochao. Shen Lanxi is a man of principle. If it weren't for the greater good, asking him to use his personal power would be a stroke of luck.

Shen Zhuang hissed again and turned to look west. There's no sun here either?!

"..." Shen Lanxi slowly raised her eyes, her emotions calm, "You also don't think this is something I would do?"

"Grandpa didn't mean that..." Shen Zhuang coughed lightly, "Grandpa meant... Xiaohua is still the best! Hahaha, even you are helpless."

Shen Lanxi smiled, with a bitter taste in her mouth, "Yeah, there's nothing I can do."

*

As soon as the news of Zhou Qishan entering the Martyrs' Garden came out, the public opinion continued to be hot for a few days.

Gu Mansion.

Gu Yuzhu casually threw the newspaper aside and said, "I'm so fed up. All they do all day is chase after this little piece of news. Is there nothing else to report on Country A?"

"If you can't speak, just shut up. With your brain, you got into trouble and don't even know why?"

Gu Yuzhu's face changed slightly. When she looked up, she saw Old Madam Gu standing by the stairs, looking at her coldly. She forced a smile and stood up, "Grandma."

Old Mrs. Gu didn't bother to look at her and slowly walked into the main hall.

Gu Yuzhu secretly breathed a sigh of relief, then turned around and glared at Gu Yan beside her. Gu Yan looked helpless and whispered, "I warned you not to talk nonsense, but you didn't listen."

"What are you two babbleining about?"

"Nothing... nothing." Gu Yuzhu responded crisply, ran into the main hall quickly, sat next to the old lady with an attentive look on her face and massaged her shoulders.

"Grandma, I was just joking. I won't do it again."

"Yeah." The old lady responded, looking up and looking around, "Where's Qingyu? Where did you go so early in the morning?"

It was Shen Qingyu again. Gu Yuzhu curled her lips and was in a bad mood. Gu Yan brought a cup of hot tea and sat down next to the old lady.

"Brother Qingyu is out."

The old lady frowned slightly, "He went out again?"

Gu Yuzhu took the opportunity to complain, "Yes, grandma, Brother Qingyu has been leaving early and coming back late recently. I don't know what he's busy with."

Mrs. Gu remained silent for a moment before picking up the newspaper on the table and suddenly speaking, "If I remember correctly, this child is about your age, right? I've seen him a few times when I went to the Zhou family before. He's a quiet person and seems to be a law-abiding person. I didn't expect him to do such a bold thing."

Gu Yuzhu was stunned for a moment, her eyes falling on the newspaper in Mrs. Gu's hand. She could feel that the old lady had something else to say, but she couldn't hear it.

So, she asked, "Grandma, do you also think Zhou Qishan did a great job?"

Mrs. Gu raised her eyes, her expression calm, "Isn't it beautiful?"

Gu Yuzhu was suddenly speechless. She had discussed this matter with the sisters in the circle. Some of them admired Zhou Qishan, but without exception, they all thought she was stupid.

The Zhou family was the most powerful among the wealthy families in Country A. Why would she risk her life for a better future when she had nothing? Not to mention how difficult it was for women to navigate military and political life, even if she managed to survive, the heir to the Zhou family could only be Zhou Yanheng, and Zhou Qishan would always be just a stepping stone for the family.

It was a destined trajectory, but she gambled her life with it. Isn't that stupid?

But Gu Yuzhu didn't dare to say this openly. The old lady obviously admired Zhou Qishan, and she might get scolded again.

Old Mrs. Gu saw through Gu Yuzhu's thoughts at a glance. She was silent for a moment and then turned to look at Gu Yan. Gu Yan was thinking about something and looked a little absent-minded. When he noticed the old lady's gaze, he immediately perked up and handed him hot tea with a slightly flattering look.

"Grandma, have some tea."

Old Madam Gu sighed softly and raised her hand to push the teacup away. "When you went to the Zhou family yesterday, did that tricky girl from the Shen family cause trouble again?"

Gu Yuzhu and Gu Yan exchanged a glance and nodded in response, "Yeah, Jiang Huashan's brain is like clockwork. Whenever she's unhappy, she'll go crazy regardless of the occasion. Grandma, you don't know, she even hit Zhou Yanheng this time. If it weren't for Old Master Shen stepping in to calm the situation, I'm afraid the Zhou family would have made her suffer."

"From the tone of your voice, you don't like this either?"

Gu Yuzhu thought for a moment and replied carefully, "It's not that she dislikes me. Who in Jinggang circles dislikes Jiang Huashan? But she's difficult to get along with. She's harsh in her words and actions. Every day she's either offending someone or on her way to offending someone. People don't want to provoke her, and they don't want to provoke a bomb."

The old lady was young once too, and she had experienced the little girl's competitive mentality. She didn't comment, but looked up at Gu Yuzhu and said, "I'm asking you."

Gu Yuzhu looked a little unnatural. She actually liked Jiang Huashan for a period of time, otherwise she would not have deliberately helped Jiang Wanyi.

However, Jiang Huashan is too angular. When standing next to her, everyone else will become a background board. Fu Suier and Shen Mianzhi are the best examples.

Obviously one is a daughter of a wealthy politician, and the other is the real eldest daughter of the Shen family, but every time Jiang Huashan appears, they seem to fade away and all the limelight is stolen. They are both pampered ladies, so who is willing to be the foil to whom?

Gu Yuzhu glanced at the old lady and said vaguely, "None of my friends like her."

In order to prove that their dislike was reasonable, Gu Yuzhu thought for a moment and immediately added:

"It's not just us. Even Yu Sheng's group of upstart bureaucrats don't like her. She always plays alone at every gathering. Grandma, you taught us a lesson since we were young: a tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind, and a garden should have a hundred flowers blooming. Jiang Huashan always wants to be the best. If she doesn't change her personality, it will be difficult for everyone to get close to her."

……