Hidden identities of the AI Heiress
Chapter 467 - Chapter 467 Chapter 467 Cousin Visits (4000 words)

Chapter 467: Chapter 467: Cousin Visits (4000 words) Chapter 467: Chapter 467: Cousin Visits (4000 words) “Qiaoqiao, thank you for taking care of everything usually. To show my appreciation, how about we find a time to have a meal together soon?”

Ye Miaoshan didn’t even give Li Miao a chance to speak, she just invited Li Miao to dinner directly using her status as Qiaoqiao’s aunt.

Li Miao was completely confused by Ye Miaoshan, considering that this person was Qiaoqiao’s aunt.

Should she tactfully decline, or politely accept?

“No dinner.” Qiao Yun furrowed her little brows and directly declined on behalf of Li Miao.

She didn’t like that Ye Miaoshan was forcing her friend without her consent.

“You child, why be formal with your aunt?”

“No dinner.”

Qiao Yun’s attitude was firm.

Li Miao: Uh…

She always felt that Qiaoqiao’s aunt looked at her with particularly fiery eyes, making her uncomfortable.

“Li…” Before Ye Miaoshan could say much more, Su Qingyan had already stepped in and forcefully pulled them away.

“We have other matters, we’ll be leaving first.”

“Qingyan, I haven’t finished speaking yet.” Ye Miaoshan tried to free herself from Su Qingyan’s grip, but was held tightly.

Once they were far enough away, she said furiously, “What are you doing? It was such a rare opportunity, and we just missed it.”

Su Qingyan asked with a tense look, “Mom, what are you really trying to do?”

“What else could I do, if not for you?” Ye Miaoshan sighed in frustration. “Miss Li comes from a good family and has a great personality, isn’t she a good match for you? I asked your cousin to introduce you, and she didn’t want to. If she needs something next time, don’t expect our family to help her.”

“She has no obligation to introduce you.”

“We’re family, and you’re her cousin,” said Ye Miaoshan, not feeling like she was guilt-tripping at all.

Relatives are there to help each other out in times of need, aren’t they?

Su Qingyan looked terribly upset, but ultimately said nothing.

Because he knew, no matter what he said, Ye Miaoshan wouldn’t listen; he could only avoid such situations in the future.

He did feel a bit sorry for Qiao Yun.

Meanwhile.

Li Miao blinked, puzzled, “What exactly is going on?”

After observing Li Miao for a while, Qiao Yun suddenly asked her, “Do you want to be in a relationship?”

“I certainly don’t.” Li Miao said, “Marriage is a grave, and I don’t want to go into one.”

Qiao Yun exclaimed, “Why say that?”

Li Miao grumbled, “I’m telling you, even the best relationship means nothing once you’re married. Ever heard of ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’? Being together all the time, you’d die from the annoyance.”

Qiao Yun had a realization, “I get it now, I won’t get married, don’t want to be annoyed.”

She hated being annoyed.

Li Miao: “…”

Wait a minute.

She seemed… to have… misled her brother again…

“Actually, getting married isn’t such a bad thing. Having someone by your side when you’re sick, comforting you when you’re sad, standing by you when you feel helpless–it’s kind of appealing,” Li Miao felt her face hurt, as if she’d slapped herself.

Qiao Yun said, “I don’t need it, I’m strong.”

Li Miao: “…”, ugh, you’ve got me speechless.

“Do you long for it?” Qiao Yun honestly told her, “She wants you to go on a blind date.”

Li Miao looked horrified.

The next second, she said, “I regret it; marriage indeed is the grave of love.”

Brother, what’s more important than a grave.

Qiao Yun nodded, “Mm.”

…

After calming Ye Miaoshan down, Su Qingyan found an excuse to call Qiao Yun away and apologized for his mother’s offensive behavior just now.

“If this happens again, you don’t have to deal with her.”

Qiao Yun took a sip of her juice, her eyes clear and beautiful, “Originally, I didn’t want to interfere.”

Su Qingyan smiled helplessly and stared at Qiao Yun for a while before suddenly saying, “My mother’s personality is a bit extreme, but she’s not really bad. When I was a child, I had a serious illness, and if it weren’t for her, I might have died.”

He didn’t know why he felt the need to share this with Qiao Yun.

Perhaps it was because he didn’t want her to misunderstand.

It might also be because Qiao Yun was so quiet, making her a good listener.

“I chose to study medicine because of this incident,” Su Qingyan’s eyes were dim and cryptic.

He hated being controlled in his life, yet he listened to Ye Miaoshan, making him feel as if he were split in two.

Qiao Yun didn’t know what to say, thus she kept silent.

It seemed that Su Qingyan was just speaking casually, and seeing that Qiao Yun didn’t dwell on the earlier incident, he didn’t bother her further.

Though they were cousins, their relationship was almost like that of strangers.

…

After the banquet, Su Fan kept looking for Qiao Yun to offer her a ride home.

But he saw her getting into Li Hanzhou’s car, and he was stunned for a moment, recalling Ye Miaoshan’s words and consequently feeling a bit suspicious.

Ye Miaoshan also saw it and couldn’t help but comment sourly, “A man and a woman alone in a car, that doesn’t seem very appropriate, does it? Aren’t they afraid of being the talk of the town?”

Su Fan snapped back to reality and warned, “If you don’t talk about it, nobody else will.”

Ye Miaoshan muttered, “The college entrance exam is later this year, it’s not good to be in a relationship now.”

Su Fan frowned and responded, “How do you know they’re in a relationship? Just because she’s with a man doesn’t mean they’re dating. Qiaoqiao already told you they’re just friends.”

Ye Miaoshan rolled her eyes. That’s too naive.

If a man treats a woman that well, she wouldn’t believe there’s no ulterior motive.

Actually, Li Hanzhou wasn’t the only one in the car, Li Miao was there as well, they just didn’t see her.

Thinking of the threatening letter, Li Miao asked with concern, “Qiaoqiao, I forgot to ask you before, did you find the person who sent you the letter?”

“Found them,” Qiao Yun didn’t hide it from her, “In the police station, attending a class on ideology.”

Li Miao probed further in a subtle way, “What grudge do they have against you, to treat you like that?”

“It’s not a big deal,” Qiao Yun didn’t want Li Miao to worry.

“Okay then, tell me their name.”

“What for?”

Li Miao looked as though it was obvious, “Of course to seek revenge for you. If a friend is bullied, I must step in.”

Li Hanzhou snorted lightly, “Finish your homework first.”

Li Miao: “…” Serves you right for being single!

“You don’t have to seek revenge,” Qiao Yun reassured her, “You just focus on studying, make daily progress, and avoid fights.”

Li Miao’s eyes twinkled as she grinned mischievously, “Alright then.”

She had already made plans in her mind.

To pull Lu Shiran into being an accomplice to help Qiao Yun get revenge.

Due to Qiao Yun, Li Miao had added Lu Shiran’s contact, but most of their conversations were about Qiao Yun.

…

When Qiao Yun arrived home, she was surprised to find Lu Zhanxing waiting at her door again.

“Little sister, you’re back,” Lu Zhanxing’s eyes brimmed with a smile.

Qiao Yun pursed her lips, somewhat stuttering, “I, I’m back.”

This was her home.

She had returned.

“Were you waiting for me?”

Lu Zhanxing’s smile deepened, “I saw it was about time, so I hurried out to meet you.”

“Why?” Qiao Yun’s clear-cut eyes stared at him unblinkingly.

Lu Zhanxing’s gaze fell on the fingers that Qiao Yun was fidgeting with, his voice containing a smile, “Why not, it’s only natural for a brother to welcome his sister.”

Actually, he felt that Qiao Yun would want to see someone waiting for her at home, which is why he was waiting at the door.

He had been busy with work previously and had no time to look after his sister. Now that his leg was lame, he wanted to be even better to his sister before he recovered.

Qiao Yun couldn’t quite describe what she was feeling. She stepped forward, pushed Lu Zhanxing’s wheelchair, and said very softly, “Let’s go home.”

Lu Zhanxing laughed again.

He was no longer worried that Qiao Yun would fly off too far in the future. No matter how far she flew, this would always be the home she would return to.

This was the promise his sister gave him.

…

The next day.

When Qiao Yun came downstairs, she found her uncle’s family sitting in the living room.

However, this time Su Qingyan was not there; sitting next to Ye Miaoshan was a girl who looked gentle and had bright eyes and white teeth.

The girl wore a white dress, her long black hair draped over her shoulders, carrying a sweet smile on her face.

The first impression she gave was one of purity.

“Qiaoqiao, you’re up,” Su Mian pulled Qiao Yun to sit next to her and introduced, “This is your cousin, Su Qingqing. Qingqing, this is Qiao Yun, your younger cousin.”

Ye Miaoshan added with pride, “Just like you, your cousin is in her senior year of high school, but she’s three months older than you and she’s also the top student in her grade.”

“Oh,” Qiao Yun responded slowly.

Qiao Yun’s lukewarm attitude made Su Qingqing give her a scrutinizing look.

Perhaps because she had just gotten up, her face still showed signs of sleepiness, and her gaze seemed unfocused, making her appear a bit dazed and foolish.

But she was indeed beautiful.

Her skin was very fair, and her hair was tied up in a bun, making her look even younger and prettier.

Qiao Yun noticed Su Qingqing’s gaze, she lifted her eyelids to look over, her dark eyes void of any emotion.

Su Qingqing raised her eyebrows slightly, her face wearing a gentle smile, her voice even sweeter and more charming, “Little sister, since this is our first meeting, this is a gift from your sister.”

Saying so, she handed over a bag.

Qiao Yun glanced at Su Mian, saw her nod, then took the bag and looked inside.

It was actually “5 Years of College Entrance Exams and 3 Years of Simulations.”

Su Qingqing said, “I hope it helps with your studies.”

Su Mian was slightly embarrassed, finding it difficult to tell Su Qingqing.

Her Qiaoqiao was the top student in the whole city, fearing this might not be of use.

However, to save Su Qingqing’s face, she ultimately did not say it and changed the subject, “Has your school closed for vacation yet? How did you find time to come to Beijing?”

“We haven’t closed yet, this time I am representing my school in a competition, and I just happened to come by and visit my cousin on the way,” Su Qingqing spoke softly, her voice as gentle as an evening breeze.

Qiao Yun also noticed that she had a very proper sitting posture, indicating she was definitely from a well-bred family.

Ye Miaoshan added, “See how good my Qingqing is, finishing a competition and immediately coming to see you, unlike some who are selfish and don’t help even a little.”

The comment was a veiled criticism, unclear if it referred to Su Mian not helping or Qiao Yun not introducing Li Miao to Su Qingyan.

Either way, it made Su Mian’s expression a bit ugly.

Fortunately, Lu Zhanxing came down at that moment and upon seeing Su Qingqing, he raised his eyebrows, “Cousin Qingqing is here.”

“Cousin,” Su Qingqing bent her eyes, concerned, “How’s your leg? Is it alright?”

Lu Zhanxing responded coolly, “It’s nothing, It should be better before the new year.”

“That’s good, I heard you were in a car accident, and I was so worried.”

Su Qingqing spoke, her eyes slightly reddening, filled with pity for Lu Zhanxing.

The corners of Lu Zhanxing’s eyes twitched a few times.

Ye Miaoshan looked relieved, thinking how kind her daughter was, how could Li Lao not favor her daughter?

Su Mian quickly said, “Qingqing, don’t be sad, your cousin is fine now, isn’t he?”

She had some opinions about Ye Miaoshan but genuinely liked Su Qingqing.

This child was sensible, well-behaved, very kind, and seemed delicate, as if a breeze could blow her away.

That could easily arouse a person’s protective instincts.

Su Qingqing gave a nod, “I’m sorry, I lost my composure, just thinking about all that my cousin went through, I couldn’t help being upset.”

Su Mian comforted her, “See, everything is fine now.”

This time, not only did Lu Zhanxing’s eyes twitch, but the corners of his mouth wanted to as well.

Qiao Yun looked at Su Qingqing strangely.

She had a feeling that Su Qingqing wasn’t really upset at all.

“By the way, where is our cousin Tingting?” Su Qingqing looked around, not seeing Lu Ting.

Ye Miaoshan then remembered that she had not seen Lu Ting last time and this time either, “Why haven’t I seen her?”

The expressions on the faces of Su Mian and Lu Zhanxing changed slightly, and their eyes naturally met Qiao Yun’s. Seeing she didn’t react, they were relieved.

“I will tell you about it later,” Su Mian didn’t want to bring up Lu Ting in front of Qiao Yun.

Su Qingqing felt their attitude was a bit strange but didn’t ask any further.

To be honest, she was a bit disappointed not seeing Lu Ting.

Until Qiao Yun left for school.

Then, Ye Miaoshan seized the chance to ask Su Mian, “Big sister, do you know that Qiaoqiao went to the Cheng Family banquet yesterday?”

Su Mian was surprised, “When did that happen?”

Qiao Yun hadn’t told them about this because it was just a banquet, and there was no need to notify them specifically.

Moreover, Qiao Yun’s purpose in attending the banquet was merely to meet old friends.

“You didn’t know?” Ye Miaoshan was even more surprised, “So she actually went behind your back.”

Su Mian frowned upon hearing this, “My daughter can go wherever she wants, she doesn’t need to sneak around.”

Ye Miaoshan explained awkwardly, “That’s not what I meant; I was just worried someone with bad intentions might deceive her, I saw her getting quite close with Li Lao yesterday.”

She thought Su Mian should keep an eye on Qiao Yun, to stop her from getting into bad habits so young.

“Li Lao treats Qiaoqiao like a sister,” Su Mian said nonchalantly.

“Big sister, you are a mother; can’t you see the intentions Li Lao has for Qiaoqiao?”

“I think you are overthinking it.”

Ye Miaoshan was at a loss for words, how could this whole family be so blind?

Su Mian expressed her dissatisfaction, “Qiaoqiao is so lovable, who wouldn’t like her, as long as Qiaoqiao is happy, that’s what matters.”

Ye Miaoshan had nothing more to say.

This was just spoiling her too much!

With a flush of irritation, Ye Miaoshan, accompanied by Su Qingqing, left.

—

The author has a message: To clarify, face-slapping and unmasking deceptions are just subplots; the main theme is to let Qiaoqiao experience genuine care and love in the world, to help her learn about relationships through family bonds, even placing romantic relations secondary.

This isn’t a typical unmasking novel, and it won’t feature dramatic twists later on because it’s not a long novel, finishing in less than a million words.

The current plot may seem unrelated or confusing, but everything will connect later; every new character introduced now is critical, driving the plot forward.

Tags: Slow-burn, Healing-oriented