However... one million... that's really, really a lot of money... so tempting...
To say Qiqi wasn't tempted would be a lie. She's been strapped for cash lately and was even planning to work a summer job. But faced with such a huge temptation, Qiqi still managed to restrain herself, silently reciting in her heart—a gentleman loves wealth but acquires it ethically. A girl out in the world shouldn't covet others' bargains; any bargain comes at a price~~~~
She didn't take the money but instead made a concession: "Well... I don't actually want to keep your jade pendant. Could you just lend it to me for a bit? I'll only use it once, won't damage it at all, and I'll return it right after."
Mrs. Zhou was curious: "What do you need the jade pendant for?"
Gu Qiqi made up an excuse on the spot: "I... I'm working on a research project lately. Jewelry appraisal is my second major... I was thinking, could I borrow your family's jade pendant to study for a few days? Is that okay..."
Mrs. Zhou smiled: "If that's the case, Auntie can give you some better-quality jade pieces for your research. That piece of Zhibi's isn't anything good; it's useless for you to take."
As she spoke, she slipped a vibrant green jade bangle off her wrist: "This jade bangle is of excellent quality and is an antique. It's far more valuable than that worthless pendant. Take it."
Ugh—how did things turn out like this?
Gu Qiqi was frustrated and quickly declined.
./
But since Mrs. Zhou wouldn't lend it, she couldn't force it today. At least now she knew the gem was at the Zhou residence. She could discuss it with Zhou Yi later. After all, Zhou Yi was Senior Brother Lu's close friend; he wouldn't just stand by and do nothing, right?
So now, she just needed to come up with a reasonable excuse to deal with Mrs. Zhou and Xialiu and make a safe escape.
With that in mind, Qiqi made up another pretext: "Then... agree to another condition of mine."
"What condition?"
"Please continue treating Aunt Qin and don't make things hard for Qin Chen."
Hearing this request, Mrs. Zhou's expression turned somewhat complicated.
She stared at the girl for a long time before finally nodding: "Alright, I agree."
Phew—
Qin Chen, this is all I can do for you.
Qiqi let out a huge sigh of relief, then turned to look at Zhou Zhibi—the girl wore a haughty expression, glaring at her as if she were a mortal enemy.
Qiqi sighed—easy now, don't stoop to a little girl's level.
Yet her expression remained somewhat melancholic and conflicted, which Mrs. Zhou interpreted differently—she had long heard about Qin Chen and Qiqi's situation from Zhou Yi.
She comforted her: "Qiqi, actually, I've always felt sorry about what happened between you and Qin Chen."
"What?"
"Zhibi is too spoiled. She never considers others' feelings, which caused the misunderstanding between you and Qin Chen. Please forgive her." Mrs. Zhou's tone was sincere.
Qiqi shook her head: "It's fine. That's all in the past. I've already forgiven her."
Mrs. Zhou's face lit up with gratitude: "Thank you, Qiqi. You're such a good child. Don't worry, I'll take full responsibility for Qin Chen's mother's treatment. And... you and Qin Chen don't have to break up either."
"Huh?" Qiqi was taken aback.
Mrs. Zhou nodded and said: "You heard my conversation with Zhibi in front of the elevator earlier, didn't you?"
Qiqi thought for a moment and nodded: "I caught a bit of it."
Mrs. Zhou said: "Since that's the case, I'll be straightforward—I never actually liked Qin Chen, and I never wanted Zhibi to be with him."