As the new person in charge of Lu Holdings, Lu Qianqian would not miss such occasions. After all, since there was no male to support her in Lu Holdings, she had no choice but to attend all the functions that would benefit her company.

It was also why Lin Muan wanted to propose to Lu Qianqian. He wanted her to have a sense of belonging so she would no longer fear the gossip of the outside world.

With Qianqian and Gu Ziling going, the charity dinner was definitely going to be an exciting one.

To Sheng Xiao, those functions were meant for the ladies. If a man attended the occasion with his woman, people would think that they were trying to pick on someone.

Besides, with Xiao Qis ability and personality, she could cope with any occasion. Now, who in Jianchuan dared to take the initiative to offend Xiao Qi?

Apart from the Shengs, of course. And the presence of the Sheng family would be good to relieve Xiao Qi from her boredom.

On a cold winter day, Hu Rans stepmother and Gu Ziling were meeting in a caf.

When their eyes met, they knew they would be friends. A smile was enough to make them feel as if they were old friends.

I heard that Second Young Mistress suffered a loss because of my stepdaughter. Are you facing any problem?

I find it very weird that it was because of Hu Rans condition that they won the battle this time. So, I wanted to ask you if Hu Ran is really retarded.

I assure you she is,said Hu Rans stepmother, I verified this many times. Do you think two years time is not enough for me to confirm this? She is indeed a retarded, even I pity her sometimes

Mrs. Hu has been released from the burden, but I am the one suffering. Now that Third Brother has started going to work, I am the one who has to take care of her. And you see, I have somehow suffered twice.

Dont act in a haste, Second Young Mistress. If you want to win against Hu Ran, you will have to first understand her lifestyle. Since you are willing to meet me today, it must mean that we are friends, arent we? Hu Ran is retarded after all. I am willing to help you gain control over her, so that you will not lose the face of the Sheng family.

Hu Rans stepmothers motive was so apparent. She did not wish Hu Ran to return to the Hu family.

And to nullify the possibility, she could only cooperate with Gu Ziling.

I am listening.

The two talked for a whole evening. Hu Rans stepmother explained everything about Hu Rans habits and lifestyle to Gu Ziling, including her fear and weakness.

She could never take honey, not even for a little drop. It will cause her a severe allergic reaction. She cannot smell the scent of lilies as well or she will have skin rashes all over her body. Her father never let lilies get into the house because of her. Hu Ran only knows that she cannot take sweet food, but she does not know she is allergic to honey. I dont want Old Hu to get me wrong, so I never let honey get into the house either. But I think this information will be very useful for you.

Gu Ziling smiled after hearing this. Thank you, Mrs. Hu, for sharing this with me.

I hope that we can cooperate well.

It was undeniable that Hu Rans stepmother had helped Gu Ziling in solving a lot of problems she was currently facing. At least it was less challenging for her to deal with Hu Ran now.

But on her way back home, she received a call from her mother. Ziling, your father is not in his right mind lately. I think something is very wrong with him. Come home and have a look if you have the time.

Have you let the family doctor check on him?

He talks to himself now and then. I am worried that he is becoming delirious.

Gu Ziling thought for a moment and said, Arrange for a check-up for him in secret. We must not let the outsiders know about this. Or else, what will happen to the Gu family?

I know. I just want to tell you so that you will be ready for it. You must stand firm in the Sheng family. If anything happens to the Gu family, you can still help.

Could she do that with her status in the Sheng family now?

She could tell Sheng Kai about this. But she must never let Grandpa know about it. Otherwise, his attitude toward her would change drastically.

Since she had learned about Hu Rans preferences from Hu Rans stepmother, Gu Ziling was eager to try it out.

She might be able to avoid lilies, but could she avoid honey?

Third Brother was working in Huang Yao. So, Hu Ran was left alone in the mansion. Since she hurt her hips, she could only stay in bed for most of the time.

Her lunch was sent to her by a servant. When Third Brother was not at home, Hu Ran was taken care of by a servant.

In the evening, Hu Ran threw a tantrum because she was hungry. So, Gu Ziling ordered the servant to make her some cakes. Of course, she was not stupid enough to play tricks on Hu Ran when Third Brother was not around. If she did, wouldnt she be repeating her same mistake?

It was during dinner that she asked the chef to cook a special meal. She let Third Brother bring the food to Hu Ran when he came back.

Second Sister-in-law suggested bringing you to the charity dinner during dinner. I knew she was up to no good, so I rejected her.

It is better this way, or I might expose my secret. Hu Ran got up from the bed and sat on the couch with much effort.

What a shame. You will miss your chance to see the fight between Xiao Qi and Second Sister-in-law. Third Brother gave her the bowl and chopsticks.

What conflict do they have?

Eighth Brother would rather lose everything than to accept Second Sister-in-law at that time. You see, Second Sister-in-law is such a competitive person. Will she forget about it? She always sees Eighth Brother and Qiqi as her enemies, especially Xiao Qi. Because she was younger than her but she receives all the love from Eighth Brother. Hence, it is only natural for her to want to compete with Qiqi.

Hu Ran nodded. On the day Sister-in-law came to see me, I thought she was your lover. After I met with both of them, I felt that she was a very clever girl who I cannot get myself to hate.

Do you know her occupation? Sheng Xiao asked in suspense.

Hu Ran shook her head.

She cut dead bodies. She is a forensic doctor.

Hu Ran found the girl even more bizarre. How could she not like the other ladies who like books and arts?

If she were to like all those, Eighth Brother would not have liked her. Third Brother chuckled.

Now that you are saying, I must get to know her better in the name of the lady of the Hu family. Might I?

In fact, Third Brother wanted very much to go and watch the drama too. But he was worried for Hu Ran. Since she had suggested it, of course he would do his best to satisfy her.

We must think of a perfect plan.

They were smiling at each other, not knowing the danger in the food. It was at midnight that Hu Ran was tossing and turning in bed. She was scratching her whole body. So, Third Brother sat up to check on her.

Whats wrong with you, Xiao Ran? Why are there red patches on your body?

Are there any allergy medications at home? Hu Ran asked. She was very uncomfortable.

No. Are you having an allergic reaction? Third Brother got up immediately. He lifted Hu Ran and rushed to the door barefooted. Im sending you to the hospital.

Hu Ran lay in Third Brothers arms. Before she could say anything, she fainted.