Did the test center mention when the DNA results would be out? Jing Yun asked then.

In three days. Whats wrong? Papa Xu pressed.

It would save time if you could process it quickly, and catch Brother off guard too.

Papa Xu nodded at Jing Yuns words. Come back when this blows over. Ill delegate some of my work to you

After hanging up, Mama Xu then told Jing Yun, Although it is weird to say this now, if this matter really closes the distance between you and your father it is actually worth it.

I just want to go home as soon as can. Jing Ting is the Crown Princes home after all, and having him staying at the Shens is not going to cut it.

Dont worry, mother. This is a troublesome matter, but its not like theres no chance of turning things around.

As for Sheng Xiao did Jing Yun not understand his thinking after following his years?

If Sheng Xiao remained at Jing Ting, Old Sheng would defend send his men to harass Mu Qiqi.

On the other hand, the Shens residence would be much safer.

As for Jing Yun himself, it was reasonable that he could stay at Jing Ting with Sheng Minglan as a grandson-in-law of the Sheng family.

***

Nighttime, the Shengs residence.

It was the second day after Gu Ziling had come to stay at the Shengs residence. To take good care of his future granddaughter-in-law, Old Sheng had decorated the best room in the Sheng family after the fashion of Gu Zilings own room at the Gus residence, even telling the servants to respond to her every request at all times.

For her part, Gu Ziling had quickly acquainted herself with everyone else in the Sheng family, and naturally learned how Sheng Xiao lived and his role with them.

While the second Sheng brother was outstanding in competence, he ultimately didnt size up to a genius like Sheng Xiao.

Still, with Sheng Xiao hiding at the Shens residence, she could not do a thing even if she wanted to meet him.

When Second Brother returned from Huang Yao in the evening and found Gu Ziling having tea alone at the golf course, he walked up to her and asked, Arent you cold?

Gu Ziling turned and smiled when she saw him. Staying here with your family and with Grandpa Sheng being so nice to me, what is there to be cold about?

Grandpa likes you Second Brother sat down beside Gu Ziling then. As for Eighth Brother

Now that youve mentioned him, Second Brother, I have a favor to ask.

Tell me.

I want to meet Sheng Xiao in secret, Gu Ziling said. Im really curious about him.

Second Brother felt a pang in his chest at her words. He hes staying with the Shen family now, and our family doesnt know where he usually goes. He would definitely not show up if we ask for him.

Grandfathers birthday is in March. By then, Eight Brothers temper would have cooled down completely. You would naturally meet him if we have him come back then.

That seems to be the only way now! Gu Ziling nodded feebly.

She was asking to meet her future fianc as if it only made sense.

Once Gu Ziling was sure that the one she likes was Eighth Brother, the old man would immediately announce the good newswhether Sheng Xiao would agree or not.

But for some reason, Second Brother felt upset inwardly.

The weather is still cold. You should return to your room to rest.

Alright. Gu Ziling nodded, although she planned to do that already.

That being said, why was she leaning toward Sheng Xiao?

Simple: because she did not need a man who really loves her.

All she wants was a marriage in name only, and use that as an excuse to leave the Gu family.

That was why Second Brother was never her choice from the start.

It was clear that Sheng Xiao would never have eyes for Gu Ziling given how passionately in love he was with Mu Qiqi and how they were joined at the hip, which made it more likely that he would agree to be her contract spouse.

However, Gu Ziling was overthinking.

Amongst all the ideas she had, the only thing she got right was that Sheng Xiao and Mu Qiqi were joined at the hip.

First and foremost, Sheng Xiao would never engage with her. Secondly, Mu Qiqi was not a simpleton enough to let Xiao Xiao go on a whim.

Thirdly, she underestimated how much Sheng Xiao hated the Sheng family.

Nonetheless, her womanly instincts were sharp in not choosing Second Brother. She could tell a few things just from how he looked at herthough it was not much, Second Brother definitely thought of her as an ideal life partner.

But what she needed the least in life now was a mans love.

She was afraid of it!

***

Meanwhile, the grandson of the Sheng family had been staying at the Shens residence through it all illegitimately.

Naturally, Old Sheng could humiliate Old Shen as much as he would by spreading rumors that would burn Old Shens ears. It was truly lamentable and sympathizing that relations between two families who had fought together for years would fall to such a horrid state.

One such rumor included: Could it be that the Shen family can no longer bear a son, and therefore wants a grandson for yourself?

Another rumor added that Mu Qiqi was the greatest vixen in all of Jianchuan, seducing men at eighteen and even splitting a grandson from his familyhow was that not impressive?

Old Shen was naturally furious when heard about it, but he could not do anything.

After all, Sheng Xiao was staying with his family without legitimate cause. With a botched engagement setting the two families apart, Sheng Xiao really had no reason being in their house.

When Mu Qiqi saw that her grandfather was fuming, she immediately acted like a good granddaughter. Grandpa, you have always lived upright and virtuously. Why stoop to their level?

Im just sad that you would be slandered like that at such a young age.

Grandpa Mu Qiqi called out coyly, leaning on the old mans shoulder. Xiao Xiao already turned his back on the Sheng family for me. I cannot do anything here, so you could pretend I got a free husband. Dont you think so?

The old man snorted. I would have settled the affair between you two if you werent so young. So what if I got a grandson for free? Still, I just cant understand how a person so old would spare so much effort to meddle with his grandsons affairs. How does the granddaughter of the Shen family fall short in his eyes?

Because Im disobedient. Mu Qiqi reached the heart of the matter.

Her birth was already a matter of contention, but that could be forgiven since Shens family was regaining their reputation beforehand. However, she also insisted on becoming a forensic doctor and contribute nothing to Huang Yaothat was what Old Sheng could not abide with.

After all, who else is he trying to provoke with the young daughter of the Gu family? He cant even control his own grandson

And in the end, he is spreading those horrible rumors just to force Xiao Xiao to show up. So, you have to be the better man and let the Sheng family do what they want.

It was nighttime, but grandfather and granddaughter were still seated beside the fish pond, chatting idly. As such, Sheng Xiao heard their entire conversation when he came to take Mu Qiqi back to rest.

He was aware of the rumors spread by the Sheng family, and he expected it to involve the Shen family.

But he could not afford to let them be harmed.

Therefore, after listening to their exchange, Sheng Xiao did not take Mu Qiqi back to their room, instead turning to leave granddaughter and granddaughter on their own to talk it out.

As for him, it was time that he did something to break Old Shengs spirit.