Ignore a Beauty's Advice, and You'll Pay the Price

Qiao Hua paused. "Why is it you?"

Gu Junxing looked utterly wilted, his head hanging as though he had suffered a crushing blow.

Even his usual hostility toward Qiao Hua was gone. His expression was awkward as he asked, "Where's my brother?"

Qiao Hua's tone was dismissive. "He went out. Don't you have his number?"

In the past, Gu Junxing would have flown into a rage at her indifference, but today, for once, he didn't argue. He said quietly, "I called him several times. He didn't answer."

Qiao Hua gave a knowing "Oh."

He's probably busy sleeping with Jiang Nan. Why would he have time for you?

Gu Junxing's expression turned strange. "He didn't come home last night?"

Qiao Hua didn't understand why he was so surprised. Surely Gu Wenze staying out wasn't anything unusual?

"He went to Jiang Nan's place." Qiao Hua answered his question indirectly. "You should have her address, right? You can probably find him there."

Gu Junxing couldn't help giving her another look. He asked hesitantly, "You're not angry that my brother went to Jiang Nan's place?"

He had heard that whenever Qiao Hua found out his brother was with Jiang Nan, she would go after them like a madwoman. The couple had even fought over it several times.

Qiao Hua's confusion looked genuine. "Why would I be angry?"

I can't wait for them to get together so I can divorce your brother sooner.

Once we're divorced, I might even get a huge payout. Then I won't have to worry about money for the rest of my life.

I hope Jiang Nan steps up her game and wins Gu Wenze over soon. Then I'll finally be free.

Gu Junxing barely managed to keep his expression steady. "But didn't you used to really like my brother? You even resorted to those under... methods to force him into marrying you."

He swallowed the word "underhanded" before it could leave his mouth. The scandal over their bed photos had caused an uproar back then. If Qiao Hua hadn't gone to such extremes, she would never have had a chance to marry into the Gu family.

Qiao Hua understood what he wanted to say, but didn't take it to heart. "I did like your brother before, but I don't anymore."

Even if she denied it, hardly anyone would believe her. She might as well put it another way.

Gu Junxing stared at her face as though trying to catch her in a lie, but her frank expression gave him nothing to work with.

He snorted. "It's because Jiang Nan is back, and you know you don't stand a chance anymore, right?"

Qiao Hua considered it. "Yes and no."

"It's either yes or no." Gu Junxing was dissatisfied with her answer. "What do you mean, yes and no?"

Qiao Hua couldn't be bothered to argue with him and changed the subject. "Why are we suddenly talking about me? Did you need something from your brother?"

At the mention of that, Gu Junxing's face alternately flushed and paled, as though his embarrassment had turned into anger. "What's it to you?"

Hmph. I know even if you don't tell me. Tan Ruiyu dumped you, didn't she?

I told you ages ago she was after your money, but you wouldn't believe me. Ignore a beauty's advice, and you'll pay the price.

Gu Junxing lowered his head in humiliation.

Qiao Hua was right. Tan Ruiyu had dumped him.

Last night, Tan Ruiyu had suddenly asked to break up. At first, Gu Junxing thought she didn't want to be a burden to him, but then she had laid out the whole truth.

Only then did he learn that all her past kindness and gentleness had been an act. She had approached him solely because he was the Gu family's second son.

Seeing him hang his head without a word, Qiao Hua knew she had guessed correctly. She wasn't particularly surprised.

Time ticked by. When Gu Junxing remained seated with no intention of leaving, Qiao Hua couldn't help asking, "Aren't you going to find your brother?"

"If I go over there, who knows whether I'll interrupt them?" Gu Junxing muttered.

As soon as he said it, he realized his words could be misunderstood and instinctively glanced at Qiao Hua.

He had expected to see a hurt expression, but she looked completely indifferent, without the slightest sign that she minded.

An unfamiliar feeling flickered through Gu Junxing. He stiffened his neck and said, "Besides, this is my brother's home. Can't I wait for him here?"

Qiao Hua shrugged. "Of course you can. But I have something to do, so I'm heading out. Take your time waiting."

"Hey, wait!" Seeing her get up to leave, Gu Junxing quickly grabbed her slender arm and snapped, "Is this how you treat a guest?"

Qiao Hua nearly stumbled from the force of his grip. She said patiently, "Since when are you a guest? Besides, don't you hate me?"

Having his feelings exposed so bluntly wounded his pride. "Whether I hate you has nothing to do with asking you to stay. It's basic hospitality. Don't you understand?"

Seeing that Qiao Hua didn't take him seriously, Gu Junxing said in exasperation, "Are you going out to meet some other man? Is that why you're abandoning me here?"

Qiao Hua: "?"

Was there something wrong with him?

Just because she was going out, she must be meeting another man?

Gu Wenze had gone to Jiang Nan's place, yet she hadn't heard him accuse his brother of cheating. Even double standards had their limits.

Gu Junxing's breathing grew heavier. "Anyway, you're not allowed to leave until my brother comes back. Otherwise, I'll tell him you're cheating. Just wait for him to divorce you!"

"Then hurry up. If you can get your brother to divorce me, I'll even thank you."

Qiao Hua tried to pull her hand free, but Gu Junxing only tightened his grip.

She had no idea what was wrong with him. They weren't remotely close enough for this, so why did he insist on making her stay and keep him company?

His grip hurt so much that she said helplessly, "Fine, fine. Let go first. You're going to break my arm."

Only then did Gu Junxing realize he was still holding her. He released her sheepishly, the soft, smooth feel of her skin lingering on his fingertips. His threat lacked conviction. "Anyway, you can go out after my brother comes back."

Qiao Hua pursed her lips.

Was Gu Junxing a three-year-old, threatening to tattle to a parent?

Gu Junxing might be willing to wait, but Qiao Hua wasn't. Time waited for no one. If this dragged on any longer, she wouldn't be able to have her labor induced to terminate the pregnancy today.

Left with no choice, Qiao Hua took out her phone and reluctantly called Gu Wenze.

What she didn't know was that Jiang Nan happened to be in Gu Wenze's room when the call came through. Seeing the phone light up on the nightstand, Jiang Nan walked over and picked it up. Qiao Hua's name flashed on the incoming-call screen.

Jiang Nan's gaze darkened. She glanced toward the bathroom, then reached out and rejected the call without hesitation.

Just then, the sound of running water in the bathroom stopped.

Gu Wenze came out, his hands still damp. Water dripped from his long fingers, and he exuded an air of refined privilege from head to toe.

Jiang Nan quietly returned the phone to its original spot and pretended nothing had happened. She walked over and handed him a tissue. "Wenze, the family doctor said I should go to the hospital for a scan. Will you come with me?"

Gu Wenze had been planning to go to the office, but at her request, he gave a calm "All right."

Out of his sight, the corners of Jiang Nan's lips curled into a smug smile.

On the other end, Qiao Hua wasn't particularly surprised to hear the tone indicating her call had been rejected.

It would have been a miracle if Gu Wenze answered her call. She had only called to try her luck.

Gu Junxing stared at her. "Well? What did my brother say?"

"He didn't answer." Qiao Hua put away her phone and offered a kind suggestion. "I'd advise you to go find him. It'll be quicker."

"If he didn't answer, he's busy. Wouldn't going over there interrupt his time alone with Jiang Nan?" As he spoke, Gu Junxing realized something and glared at Qiao Hua again. "Are you really that eager to get rid of me?"

Qiao Hua raised an eyebrow. "Have I not made it obvious enough?"

Gu Junxing was embarrassed and annoyed. He gave a loud snort. "Even if you say that, I'm not leaving. Don't forget, this is my brother's home, not yours."

The original Qiao Hua had heard plenty of remarks like that. Even she might not have taken them to heart, let alone Qiao Hua, who was an outsider.

She picked up her bag and smiled faintly. "Fine. If you won't leave, I will."

Qiao Hua couldn't be bothered to keep dealing with Gu Junxing. As far as she was concerned, terminating her pregnancy was what mattered.

"You're not allowed to leave either!" Gu Junxing quickly grabbed her and blurted out, "You're in such a hurry to leave. Are you really going to meet your lover? My brother will never let you get away with it if he finds out!"

Qiao Hua was utterly speechless. She couldn't even be bothered to respond.

As the two of them tugged back and forth, the keypad lock sounded at the entrance. Gu Wenze opened the door and saw them struggling in the living room.

Gu Wenze frowned slightly. "What are you doing here?"

Gu Junxing's gaze flickered. "You're back."

Gu Wenze's eyes fell on Gu Junxing's hand gripping Qiao Hua, and his gaze darkened. "What's going on?"

Noticing where his brother was looking, Gu Junxing finally let go. Like a puppy that had done something wrong, he hung his head and said pitifully, "Tan Ruiyu doesn't want me anymore."

At those words, Gu Wenze guessed most of what had happened. His gaze grew more probing as he looked at Qiao Hua.

Qiao Hua was baffled. "Why are you looking at me like that? I'm not the one who caused their breakup."

She hadn't said a single word or expressed an opinion from beginning to end. This family had better not try to pin it on her.

Seeing her utterly unashamed expression, Gu Wenze's gaze deepened.

Qiao Hua hadn't said a word aloud, but she had said it all in her head.

"Didn't you say you could live just fine without being part of the Gu family?" Gu Wenze turned his gaze back to Gu Junxing, his voice unreadable. "In that case, why come back?"

Gu Junxing kept his head down, not daring to look at him. He said guiltily, "Brother, I..."

Gu Wenze rolled up his sleeves. "Regretting it?"

After a few seconds of silence, Gu Junxing nodded.

As though afraid Gu Wenze would be angry, Gu Junxing said quietly, "I was wrong. I shouldn't have broken with the Gu family over a woman, or ignored Mom and insisted on having my own way. I won't do it again."

Seeing that Gu Junxing truly understood his mistake, Gu Wenze stepped forward and rubbed the back of his neck. The emotions Gu Junxing had held back for so long finally broke through, and his eyes slowly reddened.

His voice caught at the end. "I really like her."

Gu Wenze patted the back of his head. "Learn from this setback. Don't be foolish again. I'll talk to Mom for you."

Gu Junxing nodded slightly and sniffled. "Thanks."

"Um..." Qiao Hua broke the tender atmosphere. "I don't mean to interrupt your brotherly reunion, but I have something to do. Take your time catching up. I'll head out first."

She had only taken two steps when Gu Wenze called out behind her in a low voice, "Where are you going?"