Chapter 77: Probing Your Depths

Chapter 77: Probing Your Depths

Shen Qing's sharp demeanor left Gu Shaoqian feeling somewhat stifled. Since childhood, the second young master of the wealthy Gu family had always been surrounded by admirers wherever he went. But every time he encountered Shen Qing, he hit a wall.

Gu Shaoqian was furious, but when he saw her beautiful, fair face, his anger dissipated.

Why did some people look so lovely when they smiled? Even when they were angry? It was as if a spotlight shone perpetually on her, illuminating even her eyes with a radiant glow.

"Shen Qing, you don't have to be so confrontational when you talk to me," Gu Shaoqian said, somewhat exasperated. "When I came to see you today, apart from Qi Lan, it was mostly my own initiative."

Gu Shaoqian continued, "You're an excellent student and intelligent. If you study abroad, you'll have a bright future and life ahead of you. I don't want you to give up on that opportunity..."

"Who told you I'm giving up on studying abroad?" Shen Qing interrupted him.

Gu Shaoqian was taken aback. "You didn't give up on studying abroad? You didn't sacrifice your future for Jian Yao?"

"You're quite amusing," Shen Qing laughed through her anger. "Why would I give up on studying abroad for Jian Yao?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoqian's eyes lit up, a hidden joy swelling in his heart. "You wouldn't give up your studies for him? Really?"

With an innocence reminiscent of a teenage boy, Gu Shaoqian posed the question, and concurrently, he sensed that Shen Qing's words indicated her lack of interest in Jian Yao; perhaps they were merely good friends.

"I'm not sure why you would think that, but let me tell you. Jian Yao and I have our own plans for the future," Shen Qing looked at Gu Shaoqian with a tranquil gaze. "We will grow together and become the people we aspire to be."

Speaking of Jian Yao, Shen Qing's entire demeanor softened. "True friends and confidants only wish for the best and happiness for one another."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoqian pursed his lips. The charismatic Young Master Gu, who always commanded attention wherever he went, revealed a hint of bashfulness. "I came to see you today because I want you to join us in studying abroad."

Despite being groomed by his second aunt to appear more mature and calculative than his peers, Gu Shaoqian was still a seventeen or eighteen-year-old wealthy heir who had yet to experience the harsh realities of life. He still possessed a touch of youthful innocence, which explained why a few words from Shen Qing could elicit such excitement and joy from him.

Su Qilan had grasped this aspect of his character and manipulated it to gradually infiltrate Gu Shaoqian's thoughts. This led him to occasionally act irrationally or even absurdly when it came to matters concerning Shen Qing.

"Shen Qing, you're outstanding. If we study abroad together, you'll have a bright future. You could even work at our Gu Corporation later on. I believe we'd make great partners..."

"Stop, stop, stop."

Shen Qing was exasperated. Why did everyone insist on her studying abroad with them?

With an odd glint in her eyes, Shen Qing looked at Gu Shaoqian and said, "Let me guess, Qi Lan told you that I was dating Jian Yao in high school and abandoned my studies for him, planning to become a little gangster's girlfriend?"

"Qi Lan is just worried that you might give up on your promising future…" Su Qilan was cunning, skilled at exploiting a man's vulnerabilities to achieve her goals.

She also knew that after being repeatedly rebuffed and scolded by Shen Qing, even if Gu Shaoqian admired her, he would eventually lose interest in pursuing her.

However, Su Qilan couldn't fathom that for most men, the unattainable was the most alluring.

After being criticized by Shen Qing, Gu Shaoqian found her even more intriguing. In the language of old-fashioned romance novels, it could be said: "Miss, you've successfully caught my attention."

Unfortunately, this attention was the last thing Shen Qing desired.

"I don't need Su Qilan's concern if she truly cares about me," Shen Qing replied coldly, staring at Gu Shaoqian. "Her so-called kindness only brings me annoyance. The sight of her with you irritates me."

Gu Shaoqian felt embarrassed. "Do you really dislike me that much?"

Shen Qing didn't pick up on the emphasis on 'me' in his question, nor did she notice the hidden intentions behind Gu Shaoqian's words.

"At first, I didn't dislike you..." Shen Qing's words brought a glimmer of joy to Gu Shaoqian, but then she continued, "But you and Su Qilan are like agitators, constantly causing me trouble and claiming to be my friends, doing this for my own good. I find your behavior disgusting."

"Truly wanting to help me? Then never show up in front of me again," Shen Qing said coldly. "It's better than watching you act so foolishly, being used by Su Qilan time and time again, like a simpleton."

This time, Gu Shaoqian was genuinely angry. No one had ever dared to call him foolish, let alone a simpleton.

"You shouldn't be indignant. If you weren't stupid, you wouldn't be led around by Su Qilan," Shen Qing sneered. "She knows I don't like either of you, yet she repeatedly sends you to talk to me, saying meaningless things."

"Qi Lan meant well," Gu Shaoqian instinctively defended Su Qilan. It wasn't something Shen Qing could easily change with a few words.

Shen Qing paid no attention to whether Gu Shaoqian would come to his senses or not. She simply despised how Su Qilan used Gu Shaoqian as an excuse to approach her.

"So she meant well? Tell me, besides getting scolded by me, what benefits did her supposed goodwill bring you?"

Her tone was mocking. "You two always pop up in front of me, saying it's for my own good. But if you're honest with yourself, has any of your advice actually made a difference in my life?"

As Gu Shaoqian pondered, Shen Qing added, "No, because every time, you'll realize that your so-called concerns and goodwill are unnecessary. I've arranged everything in my life perfectly, so well that I don't need your interference."

Shen Qing's words left Gu Shaoqian's face twisted with displeasure.

For he realized that Shen Qing was right in her assessment.

Whether it was their first encounter on Temple Street, when Shen Qing was hassled by Brother Tiger's gangsters, and Su Qilan, despite her professed concern for Shen Qing, remained in the car, observing coldly from afar.

Or later, when Shen Qing's exam papers were switched at St. Royale High School, and Su Qilan's offer to help seemed to fan the flames of animosity towards Shen Qing.

Despite these obstacles, Shen Qing consistently overcame them under the guise of Su Qilan's insincere concern.

Even securing a spot in the Olympiad competition was a result of Shen Qing's own abilities.

Despite taking leave during that time, she still effortlessly claimed the title of champion.

Being scolded by Shen Qing, Gu Shaoqian began to scrutinize Su Qilan's actions for the first time.

He recalled more instances where Shen Qing faced danger – when a gangster was killed in a hit-and-run, Shen Qing was momentarily a suspect, yet she managed to clear her name through her own efforts.

As for the matter involving her stepmother, Yu Feifei, they initially didn't believe Yu Feifei could be so wicked. They trusted Shen Hainan's words, assuming it was a misunderstanding.

Rescuing Shen Hainan and Yu Feifei from prison, only for Shen Qing to cunningly expose Yu Feifei's evidence of hiring a hitman on television – this was the consequence they faced. He and Su Qilan were harshly criticized by Hong Kong paparazzi for meddling in others' affairs, and his own mother even developed disdain for Su Qilan...

Each incident demonstrated that Shen Qing didn't need their assistance. Their supposed goodwill always turned into trouble for her.

Gu Shaoqian had been groomed as the successor of the Gu family since childhood, engaging in business ventures from his teenage years. His intelligence was undeniably high.

However, when it came to emotional intelligence, Shen Qing disagreed. In her view, Gu Shaoqian was consistently manipulated by Su Qilan.

But Gu Shaoqian didn't see it that way. He believed fulfilling all of Su Qilan's desires and wishes was his way of doting on her, just like how Gu Chengfu indulged his several concubines.

In a man's perspective, such jealousy among women wasn't a conflict but rather a form of charm, a way for women to compete for their affection and earn their favor.

In 1970s Hong Kong, not only the elite practiced polygamy, but even men with moderate wealth and influence enjoyed taking multiple concubines. As long as they could support them, it was a scenario of a stable home life alongside an exciting extramarital affair.

This mentality of wanting to be desired by all is still prevalent among men even in the 21st century.

Gu Shaoqian was enlightened by Shen Qing's words. Looking at her rational and even annoyed expression, his own face darkened.

He could dote on Su Qilan, but he wouldn't tolerate her using him anymore.

After a moment of silence, Gu Shaoqian said, "Sorry, it was inappropriate of me to come looking for you today."

"Knowing that you're causing trouble for me, don't ever come again," Shen Qing replied softly, her voice carrying the unique gentleness of the southern region, yet her words pierced straight into one's heart.

Gu Shaoqian felt irritated. Recalling how gentle and smiling Shen Qing was when talking to Jian Yao, his frustration grew.

"I understand now that I shouldn't have come today," Gu Shaoqian stood up from the sofa expressionlessly. As the esteemed Second Young Master Gu, being repeatedly put in his place by Shen Qing had wounded his pride, something he couldn't swallow.

However, every time he met Shen Qing's beautiful, dark eyes, he found himself unable to be truly angry with her, not even able to utter a harsh word.

"After today, I won't interfere with your affairs anymore." With a steady gaze, Gu Shaoqian looked at Shen Qing and added, "Take care."

Shen Qing observed Gu Shaoqian's stern departure, feeling a sense of relief knowing she wouldn't have to deal with his bothersome presence anymore.

Back in the car, Su Qilan, who had been waiting, noticed Gu Shaoqian's darkened expression and cautiously asked, "Was it unsuccessful? Did Shen Qing still insist on going against us for Jian Yao's sake and refuse to study abroad?"

"Su Qilan!" Gu Shaoqian abruptly interrupted her, calling out her full name with an annoyed tone.

Su Qilan's face paled slightly, forcing a smile as she inquired, "What's wrong, Shaoqian? Are you very angry?"

She reached out to touch Gu Shaoqian's hand, just as she usually did, but he subtly evaded her touch without any reaction.

While Gu Shaoqian found it hard to be angry at Shen Qing, he was visibly upset with Su Qilan.

Her complexion turned pale once more. "Did Shen Qing say something to you? Shaoqian, did I anger her by asking you to talk to her?"

"Why would you think that?" Gu Shaoqian questioned, maintaining eye contact with Su Qilan.

The probing, unfamiliar gaze made Su Qilan feel uneasy, as Gu Shaoqian typically reserved such a look for the servants of the Gu family. The detachment and superiority in his eyes left Su Qilan's lips pale.

"I...," she began, hesitantly pressing her lips together under Gu Shaoqian's sharp stare before continuing, "because I believe you've been paying too much attention to Shen Qing."

With a look of injustice, Su Qilan gazed at Gu Shaoqian, tears streaming down her face like pear blossoms in the rain. "That's why, even knowing how much Shen Qing dislikes me, I still wanted to make you happy and mend our relationship with her."

"Shaoqian, it was because I wanted to see you happy that I asked you to persuade Shen Qing to study abroad with us," Su Qilan's words caused a flicker in Gu Shaoqian's eyes.

Due to Shen Qing's previous remarks, Gu Shaoqian didn't soften at the sight of Su Qilan's tears as he usually would. Instead, he inquired, "Why does Shen Qing dislike you? What happened between the two of you?"

Su Qilan's hands on her knees clenched slightly before she spoke. "Perhaps it's because I was once friends with Shen Hainan, and her mother and daughter were responsible for the death of Shen Qing's biological mother. They almost took Shen Qing's life too..."

She sighed and said, "Half-siblings, due to different positions, are naturally enemies from birth."

Fixing a melancholic gaze on Gu Shaoqian, she continued, "Shaoqian, I believe you understand this situation and its emotions better than I do."

Gu Shaoqian fell silent. All his half-siblings wished him dead, and especially Gu Chi, who shared the same birthdate as him. Despite Gu Chengfu's disdain for the first family, they remained the primary family.

Gu Chi was always the eldest son and grandson, and no matter how much favor Gu Shaoqian received, others would forever refer to him as Young Master Gu II.

With this thought, Gu Shaoqian glanced at Su Qilan again, recalling Lin Liping's claim that she was his lucky star. If Su Qilan were by his side, everything in his life and career would go smoothly. That was why Second Madam disliked Su Qilan but always turned a blind eye, allowing Gu Shaoqian to keep her close. After all, she too believed in Lin Liping's words, as it was due to his assistance that they had achieved such prominence within the Gu family.

The coldness in Gu Shaoqian's eyes faded, and he even took Su Qilan's hand...

"Sigh, why can't you ever listen?" Shen Yimin scolded Shen Qing with a headache. "I tell you to do something, and you go against me? I asked you to befriend Young Master Gu, yet you chased him away?"

Seeing Shen Qing's indifferent expression, Shen Yimin wanted to slap her. But in the end, under her dark, cold gaze, he could only slap himself and ask in agony, "Are you really my daughter or my nemesis?"

"Children are here to settle scores," Shen Qing replied. "At least in this household, both me and Shen Hainan are like that."

**

Fixing her father with a stare, Shen Qing resumed her long-lost fortune-telling act. "You might not know, but after you're gone, everything you have will be taken by Shen Hainan. Then, she'll marry a man introduced to her by Su Qilan, and the Shen Corporation you built from scratch will change its name within a few years, becoming a company belonging to some outsider."

"What did you say?" Shen Yimin was furious. After the incident with Yu Feifei, he genuinely feared Shen Qing's predictions. "Are you saying that the empire I built with my own hands will eventually be given to a random man by Shen Hainan?"

"You heard me loud and clear, didn't you?" Shen Qing replied with a smile.

Shen Yimin felt uneasy by her words but tried to hide it with a forced smile. "Impossible, impossible. You must have assumed that I wrote in my will that everything will go to Shen Hainan after my death. You're upset with my favoritism, so you're intentionally provoking me, right?"

Now, Shen Yimin referred to Shen Hainan by her full name instead of just her English name, indicating the panic in his heart.

Shen Qing smiled without responding. Some things were better left unsaid; spelling them out might lose its impact.

Sure enough, Shen Yimin's mind began racing with thoughts of what would happen after his passing due to her words.

The mere thought of the Shen Corporation, which he had painstakingly built, ending up in the hands of a man through Shen Hainan, made his blood boil.

Daughters were indeed a financial burden.

If only he had another son. No, he couldn't allow his hard-earned legacy to be given away by Shen Hainan.

Anxiously pacing on the spot, Shen Yimin exclaimed, "Impossible, impossible. I've doted on Shen Hainan since she was young. She can't possibly be that foolish."

"Plus, there's Yu Feifei. Shen Qing mentioned that she would cause me financial loss and disable me. I did suffer losses, but my legs are still intact..."

Shen Yimin, still clinging to hope, received a meaningful glance from Shen Qing: "Don't worry yet. Although Yu Feifei is in jail, her influence on your fortune remains. After all, her daughter, Shen Hainan, is still around."

In the original storyline, it was Shen Hainan who caused Shen Yimin's leg to break, but Yu Feifei had helped cover it up, so Shen Yimin had passed out and been unaware of the incident.

"Dad, remember to carry your medication with you whenever you go out recently. Otherwise, I'm afraid you won't be able to withstand any unexpected accidents," Shen Qing chuckled.

"You're just joking, right?" Shen Yimin waved it off with a smile, though he felt deeply uneasy and fearful inside.

But he rationalized that since Yu Feifei was already in prison, even if Shen Hainan was her daughter, she was also his daughter, Shen Yimin. How much could her influence on his fortune really be?

His recent failing businesses had already turned profitable. Could he be any unluckier?

With this false sense of security, Shen Yimin's leg was soon broken in an accident, and the one who caused it was none other than Shen Hainan, who had just been scolded harshly by Gu Shaoqian.

Feeling frustrated at the time, Shen Hainan, after sneaking out to drink with her mixed-race friend, was egged on by her companion into reckless driving without a license. It happened to collide with Shen Yimin, who was on his way to meet a client at his company.

Shen Yimin's car was severely damaged. If not for his concern for his life and the seatbelt, he would have been thrown out of the vehicle. Bleeding profusely and feeling dizzy, Shen Yimin recalled Shen Qing's reminder to carry his medication with him.

He fumbled in his pocket for the pills, which were originally intended for his heart condition but had the unintended side effect of enhancing male performance. Shen Yimin frequently took them; as a result, he didn't faint from the strain on his heart this time, remaining lucid enough to witness who had hit him.

Drunk, Shen Hainan stumbled out of the car. Through the shattered windshield, she pummeled Shen Yimin, who was trapped in his seat, yelling, "Damn it, why didn't you die, old beast?"

Shen Hainan was also injured, but her intoxication had driven her into a delirious state. Fueled by resentment over Shen Yimin's neglect, she laughed maniacally at his bloodied figure, "You old scoundrel, looks like your day has come."

"You didn't save my mother, so you deserve this."

The actions and thoughts of a drunk person can be terrifying. Through the broken glass, Shen Yimin watched his usually obedient daughter in a state of madness and was both shocked and terrified. He never imagined that she would secretly drink and drive, nearly killing him on the street.

"I told you, Yu Feifei would be the cause of your broken leg. Shen Hainan is Yu Feifei's daughter. Even if Yu Feifei ends up in jail, the misfortune she brings won't spare you." Upon learning about Shen Yimin's broken leg, Shen Qing's single statement only intensified his fear.

For quite some time, Shen Yimin didn't want to see Shen Hainan, so much so that he hastily sought a lawyer from his hospital bed to revise his will.

He was afraid that if Shen Hainan found out she would inherit his assets, she might turn to alcohol again and end up killing him.

At this point, Shen Hainan couldn't afford to drink anymore, as her ribs had been fractured in the car accident. One of the ribs pierced her lung, causing internal bleeding. Initially, it seemed harmless, but she suddenly collapsed and had to be rushed to the emergency room for a day and night of life-saving efforts before being stabilized.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yimin still felt a twinge of concern for his daughter, who had been cherished since childhood. He knew she was wayward, but attributed it to her rebellious response to the Yu Feifei situation rather than genuine malevolence.

However, when one is hospitalized, vulnerability peaks, especially when seeing fellow patients accompanied by their loved ones. As an estranged individual, Shen Yimin yearned for familial support. He called home repeatedly, hoping for Shen Qing to visit him, but she was always unavailable.

Recently, Shen Qing had been preoccupied with dealing with Gan Haishan's harassment. Gan Haishan would frequently inspect the accounts at the snack shop and, using the pretext of inadequate fire safety measures, repeatedly forced the shop to close for renovations.

Gan Haishan employed this tactic to probe Shen Qing's connections in Hong Kong.

After all, for Shen Qing to be able to open a shop at such a young age in Hong Kong, her capabilities were not to be underestimated.

Not to mention the presence of Jian Yao by her side, who didn't seem like an ordinary person. If Shen Qing could find someone to resolve the fire safety and tax issues, Gan Haishan would back off; otherwise, he would directly suppress her.

This was also Lu Hansong's plan. Lu Hansong was a deeply cunning individual.

Shen Qing, however, wasn't one to be trifled with. She immediately enlisted the help of lawyer Eevee to settle the matter, and Eevee promptly took care of both the tax and fire safety issues.

Seeing that Shen Qing could afford one of Hong Kong's top lawyers, Gan Haishan decided to retreat.

Business at the snack store continued as usual, even improving due to the upgraded fire safety measures, making it more trusted among the local community, resulting in increased business.

"Nothing to be afraid of a lawyer," Lu Hansong commented. "Money can buy anyone."

What he was actually wary of were the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) officers. The last time a foreign judge attempted to meddle with Shen Qing's case, he was promptly arrested.

It was the highest-ranking commissioner from the ICAC who carried out the arrest. Lu Hansong feared that the ICAC might have some connection to Shen Qing, which was why Gan Haishan was using such tactics to trouble her.

Yet, up until now, Shen Qing hadn't utilized any connections with the ICAC; instead, she had let the lawyers handle the situation.

Does this imply that Shen Qing has no ties with the ICAC? Was the previous ICAC raid solely due to the misconduct of the foreigners?

If that's the case, he'll have to take severe measures.

...