Chapter 415: The Thunderbolt of Retribution Would Strike Me First!
“Why would I refuse you when a girl like you wouldn’t mind?” Sheng Kai replied.
***
The most tragic thing in one’s life is knowing very well that becoming an unhappy couple was inevitable, and yet they were forced to live together.
Each and every cell belonging to Gu Ziling was repulsed—even disgusted at the very thought of kissing and bedding a person she did not like.
Even so…
She had hoped that Sheng Xiao would help her, but Sheng Xiao rejected even the Sheng family and wanted nothing to do with her, which was why she met her current fate.
Was that man not despicable?
Absolutely!
***
In the evening, Sheng Kai moved his things into Gu Ziling’s room, something which pleased Old Sheng when he heard about it.
He naively believed that he had brought together a match made in heaven, but Third Brother knew from the look on his sibling’s face that the matter had been discussed with Gu Ziling beforehand, and there might even be some agreement between them.
What other explanation could there be when Gu Ziling was not bothered to even look at Sheng Kai just days before, and now she was willing to stay in the same room with him now?
There was simply no other reason.
Feeling the blues, Third Brother drove out to meet Sheng Xiao and Mu Qiqi, having a few drinks in the garden while Papa Sheng and Mama Sheng were sleeping.
“I say Second Brother move into Gu Ziling’s room tonight. They are going to share a room.”
“Didn’t you mention before that he likes her?’
Third Brother shook his head while taking sips off his red wine. “I could tell that he did at first, but he probably only fell for her looks. Eventually, as Gu Ziling slowly revealed her arrogance, aloofness and showed her contempt towards Second Brother more than once, Second Brother’s heart cooled off as well.”
“Those two are so weird!”
Mu Qiqi was quiet after hearing Third Brother’s description, and only spoke after a long while. “That said, are you worried about yourself, Third Brother?”
“The family isn’t even aware how much the old man and Second Brother have changed. I would never get a turn with such stuff.”
“From now on, we would keep an eye out for finer ladies for you. This way, you could at least decide on your own.”
“Don’t say that, little sister. I’ve already thought about it: I will do all I can to get involve in family c.o.c.ktail parties. Wouldn’t it be perfect if I meet the love of my life then?”
Third Brother laughed to himself after he said that.
“Second Brother’s wedding is on the fifteenth, though the two of you probably wouldn’t be showing up in Sheng house. I wonder what the old man has in store for you when that day comes.”
“Let him do as he please.” Sheng Xiao’s response was nonchalant.
“True. You would allow the three rich kids to spread rumors of them bullying you, let alone the authentic humiliation that the Sheng family would dish out.”
Eventually, Third Brother had so much wine he pa.s.sed out drunk.
Sheng Xiao had Xu Che drive him home, with Sheng Kai coming out to receive him.
Sheng Kai had yet to meet Xu Che, and simply a.s.sumed that Third Brother had gotten drunk somewhere Xu Che worked as a bartender.
Xu Che certainly would not offer an explanation, and went home immediately after his mission was accomplished.
“Second Brother… shouldn’t you be in your bride’s bed?”
Helpless, Sheng Kai had the butler bring Third Brother back to his room.
As for bed, it seemed that he and Gu Ziling were unable to make that move yet, since both still held obstacles in their hearts.
***
Springtime in Jianchuan was rather cool. After having a bath, Mu Qiqi lay on bed smelling of alcohol and slid into Sheng Xiao’s arms.
When she saw that he had not fell asleep yet, she said, “Actually, Third Brother is somewhat blaming us. Even though he only complains about the Sheng family every time he visits, I could tell that he feels that both the old man and Second Brother changed because you left.”
“Why bother taking up such burdens?” This time, Sheng Xiao wasn’t using all his limbs on Mu Qiqi as he always did on bed or being flirty as usual. His tone was quiet as he put that question to Mu Qiqi as if they were your average spouse, talking idly about the family before sleeping.
“Do you really not regret leaving the Sheng family at all?”
“Why would I regret that?” Sheng Xiao asked in return. “Are you having a stroke? Are you willing to have your husband go back put the Sheng family on his shoulders?”
Mu Qiqi shook her head. “Of course not. You were being worked to death at Huang Yao, and the old man is always out to control you in every way possible, not to mention that the other members of the Sheng family feel that it is only natural you sacrifice yourself. No way I’m letting you go back.”
“Then why the nonsense?”
“I’m just…”
This time, Sheng Xiao did not wait for Mu Qiqi to finish and promptly held her by her chin. “As long as you’re alive, the only one have to feel for is me. Don’t think about such messy stuff.”
“Even if the heavens would unleash a thunder in divine retribution, let it strike me first!”
“As long as you stay by my side, and I would be satisfied with anything I have.”
Mu Qiqi abruptly bit Sheng Xiao’s chin at that. “Divine retribution and whatnot—bleh.”
“I’m telling you not to feel guilty over the choices of others. Destiny can be resisted, but it depends on whether you would pay the price.”
“You preach a lot, you know.”
At those words, Sheng Xiao suddenly opened his eyes. “Don’t like my preaching? We could do something else…”
No matter how much his little one had become strong-willed over the last two years, kindness was still in her bones, and she still feels uncomfortable over the misfortune of others.
That is something Sheng Xiao could not beat out of her, just as he would not change Mu Qiqi.
It was fine for his Qi’er to be kind—he would be ruthless in return.
Moreover, her kindness was neither blind nor saintly.
***
The following day was the weekend, which was why Mu Qiqi was asked to the forensics lab early in the morning.
However, it was only after she arrived when she learned about Feng Shanshan, who had requested to learn and observe.
“h.e.l.lo, Qiqi.”
Mu Qiqi gave a small nod, and quickly changed her clothes as the professor instructed.
Although Feng Shanshan was in the same cla.s.s as Mu Qiqi, she previously had never come for practical lessons and so lacked experience considerably compared to Mu Qiqi.
That said, her grades were much better than Mu Qiqi’s.
“Qiqi, the police have no direction for investigation right now. Those overwrought young masters are now solely relying on us to come up with something to work on.”
Mu Qiqi was left bewildered at the sight of the dismembered chunks of corpses. “Are there really no connection between all five victims?”
“The police had run through all lists of missing persons but had no match.”
“No missing persons…”
“But… have they checked funeral homes?”
The professor did a double take at that. “You’re right. These five clearly had no external injury but all their organs were gouged out, so we can’t confirm their real cause of death. But what if they were stolen corpses?”
“I’ll have the police run an inventory right away.”