Chapter 43 Where Is Your Mind?
As soon as last night was mentioned, the first thing that flashed through Qiao Jiu’s mind was the scene of her and Lu Fengzhou hiding behind the sofa, almost being caught red-handed by Liang Xiucheng and the waiter. She felt both embarrassed and a little furious—Lu Fengzhou, that scoundrel, really didn’t know how to behave like a proper person.
Suppressing her emotions, she tried to maintain a calm expression. “After I went out last night, I happened to run into an old friend, so I entertained him for a while and chatted a bit.”
Liang Xiucheng nodded, seemingly without suspicion. “Did he drive you home last night?”
Qiao Jiu chuckled lightly, unexpectedly finding her lie woven seamlessly, and considered that her answer.
When they reached the entrance of the inpatient ward, Guan Wei was already waiting.
Liang Xiucheng paused, surprised. “Why are you standing here? Did my mom give you a hard time again?”
Guan Wei looked resigned. “You can tell your mom is making things difficult for me, but your brother insists I’m just overthinking it.”
Liang Xiucheng hesitated. “My brother isn’t that perceptive. I’ll remind him later. My mom can be a bit stubborn—always holding onto old grudges. It should pass in time.”
Qiao Jiu blinked. Liang Xiujin had almost married that girl from the Xu family, and the Liang family had been quite pleased with her. Perhaps this old grudge was tied to that.
Guan Wei murmured in agreement, then turned to Qiao Jiu. “You’re here.”
They didn’t mention the issue with the bank card and went upstairs together.
As they stepped out of the elevator, Qiao Jiu walked behind them. After a few steps, she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket. She pulled it out and frowned.
Her laziness had come back to bite her—after making that call earlier, she’d forgotten to put Lu Fengzhou back in her blacklist. She hadn’t expected him to reach out so quickly.
She scowled, hung up the call, and before she could block him again, Liang Xiucheng turned around. “What’s wrong?”
Qiao Jiu quickly put her phone away. “Nothing.”
She hurried forward to keep up, arriving at the ward door together.
Liang Xiucheng opened the door and called out, “Mom.”
Before Qiao Jiu saw anyone inside, she heard a voice: “Why are you only just back? I’m starving here, all alone in this ward with nobody to look after me—is anyone even paying attention?”
Now she understood what Guan Wei meant earlier by “dramatic.”
Liang Xiucheng replied, “The restaurant was busy, and you ordered dishes that aren’t common—they’re made fresh, so it takes extra time.”
He turned back to Qiao Jiu. “I’ve got a friend visiting. Let me introduce you.”
Qiao Jiu quickly stepped inside, nodded politely toward Madam Liang on the bed. “Hello.”
Madam Liang stared in surprise. “It’s you.”
Liang Xiucheng was taken aback. “You know her?”
“Of course I do.” Madam Liang settled herself comfortably, beckoning Liang Xiucheng to set up the small table for her as she spoke. “Isn’t she the girl from the Qiao family? Her wedding was a grand affair, but when she divorced, she left with nothing and her reputation was ruined. The whole incident was such a spectacle—how could I not know?”
Liang Xiucheng looked embarrassed. “People outside exaggerate things; it's not how you think.”
Madam Liang looked puzzled. “What am I thinking? Isn’t everything I said true?”
She turned to Qiao Jiu. “Honestly, your taste in men is questionable, but how could you let yourself be taken advantage of to this extent? Where was your head?”
Qiao Jiu didn’t feel particularly awkward. “You’re right, Madam Liang. I regret it now—back then, I was immature, blinded by a handsome face, and didn’t expect to fall so hard.”
Meanwhile, her phone had rung several times already—likely Lu Fengzhou again.
She kept her hand in her pocket, once more hanging up the call, as Madam Liang continued, “Your father spoiled you too much. You don’t understand how treacherous people can be.”
Though her words were harsh, Qiao Jiu could tell there was no real malice.
After a moment, Madam Liang shifted her gaze to Guan Wei. “Go have lunch. I don’t need you here.”
Then added, “You’re just drifting around, not much help anyway. You didn’t need to come.”
Guan Wei nodded obediently. “Have a good rest, Madam. Qiao Jiu hasn’t eaten yet, so I’ll go out with her and we’ll come back later.”
Madam Liang waved her hand, a hint of impatience in her gesture.
Qiao Jiu exchanged a few polite words, wishing Madam Liang a speedy recovery, then left with Guan Wei.
As soon as they stepped out, Qiao Jiu’s first action was to take out her phone—it was still vibrating, Lu Fengzhou again.
Guan Wei saw and chuckled. “Why’s he calling you? Regretting things? Does he want the house and card back?”
Qiao Jiu hung up. “I have no idea.”
She blocked his number, then took Guan Wei’s arm. “Let’s go.”
They took the elevator down, and as soon as they left the inpatient ward, Guan Wei’s phone started ringing.
She fished it out as they walked. “It's probably Ajin. He mentioned something about the company…”
Before she finished, her expression changed. She turned slowly, baring her teeth in a grin. “Qiao Jiu, should I answer?”
The caller ID was clear—Lu Fengzhou’s name stood out.
Guan Wei looked at Qiao Jiu. “What should I do?”
Qiao Jiu reached over, slid her finger, and hung up the call.
Guan Wei was stunned, then cried out, “Why did you hang up?”
Qiao Jiu replied, “Didn’t you ask me whether to pick up? That’s my advice.”
Guan Wei stared. “Hang up on him? Are you trying to ruin me?”
Qiao Jiu was exasperated. “Why are you as fake as him? If you don’t dare hang up, why ask me?”
Guan Wei ignored her and quickly called back.
Lu Fengzhou answered.
Guan Wei hurriedly put on a cheerful voice. “Sorry, Mr. Lu, I accidentally clicked the wrong button and hung up. Is there something you need?”
Before Lu Fengzhou could speak, she continued, trying to steer the conversation away. “Or are you looking for Ajin? I heard you two are meeting this afternoon. He’s not at the hospital right now, he’s…”
“Where’s Qiao Jiu?” Lu Fengzhou interrupted. “Is she with you?”
Guan Wei blinked, glancing at Qiao Jiu. She stammered, “Her, uh, today she’s…”
“And Liang Xiucheng?” Lu Fengzhou pressed. “Is he with you?”
Guan Wei was momentarily confused. “Him?”
She glanced back at the entrance to the inpatient ward. “You want to find him?”
She visibly relaxed. “He’s not with me. Should I give you his number so you can contact him yourself?”