Hidden identities of the AI Heiress
Chapter 478 - Chapter 478 Chapter 478 Discovered

Chapter 478: Chapter 478: Discovered Chapter 478: Chapter 478: Discovered [4000 words]

Song Li, seeing Qiao Yun not agreeing and actually spacing out, couldn’t help but grow anxious and was about to plead again.

Then, he saw a man walking over.

His pupils contracted sharply as he helplessly watched the man approach Qiao Yun and furrowed his brows to ask, “What’s wrong? Is this your friend?”

“No,” Qiao Yun did not hide it, “He’s here to admit his mistakes.”

Song Li incredulously looked at Qiao Yun and then at the man before him, certain he was not mistaken.

This man was Qiao Xun.

A very famous medical expert.

He had seen him on TV before.

The stern and indifferent face he had on TV was drastically different from the tender eyes he now possessed.

At this moment, he finally realized that Qiao Yun’s background was even more complex than he had imagined.

“Admitting mistakes?” Qiao Xun’s brows furrowed deeper, his sharp gaze landing on Song Li, “Did he hassle you?”

Song Li felt his gaze, swallowed nervously, and his legs trembled slightly.

Facing such an accomplished figure, anyone would subconsciously be frightened.

Qiao Yun, who was not good at explaining, vaguely responded, “Sort of.”

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xun’s expression immediately darkened, his look full of hostility towards Song Li.

Song Li shuddered and dared not to speak.

Qiao Yun did not mind him and added, “But it’s resolved.”

Qiao Xun glanced at the pale-faced man, “Haven’t you vanished yet? Are you waiting for me to make you disappear myself?”

Upon hearing this, Song Li, as if pardoned, did not dare to pester Qiao Yun any longer and turned to quickly walk away.

Qiao Xun looked at Qiao Yun, asking concernedly, “He didn’t do anything to you, did he?”

“No,” Qiao Yun replied calmly, “He couldn’t beat me.”

Qiao Xun couldn’t help but laugh aloud, “True, if he really fought you, he’d be the one incapacitated.”

Despite Qiao Yun’s small arms and legs, she was deadly once she started fighting.

Otherwise, why would those young brats at the research institute be so afraid of her.

“Did you run into some trouble?”

“Not my trouble, someone else’s, but it involved me.”

“Next time you run into trouble, you must tell us, okay? A member of the Qiao Family can’t be bullied,” Qiao Xun advised her that she could talk to them if anything happened.

He hadn’t looked into how Qiao Yun was managing her normal life after returning, and in his eyes, she was quite capable, so she could handle everything on her own.

He didn’t need to worry at all, not just him, everyone thought this way.

But now, seeing someone hassling Qiao Yun, Qiao Xun began to doubt his previous perceptions.

“Okay,” Qiao Yun obediently agreed.

She didn’t want to worry anyone, but she thought she didn’t need to trouble anyone either.

Qiao Xun looked at her, his eyes twinkling with amusement, “Let’s head back.”

“Hmm.”

“By the way, were the materials for the New Life Project stolen?” Qiao Xun asked.

Qiao Yun nodded, “It doesn’t matter, they are useless to them.”

Qiao Xun was slightly taken aback, “Why?”

“It’s complicated.”

The core of the New Life Project was very complex, and Qiao Yun didn’t know how to explain it.

Moreover, its success on Lu Zhanxing’s part didn’t mean it would be successful on others.

“To be honest, I’m quite interested.”

Qiao Xun stroked his chin, his curiosity piqued, “It’s truly incredible, how can it revive the dead, is it because of the chip? But how can such a tiny chip control a person’s life?”

Qiao Yun didn’t think there was anything miraculous.

In her world, humans could already integrate with machinery; how could a lower civilization compare with a higher civilization?

“The chip is unique,” Qiao Yun didn’t explain further.

Because the chip contained an element unique to her world, one she brought with her from the interstellar.

Qiao Xun asked no further.

Both of them returned to the private room.

Li Hanzhou and Elder Qiao had a delightful conversation, and Elder Qiao even felt a sense of regret that he hadn’t met Li Hanzhou sooner.

Li Miao was engrossed in eating her meal.

Lu Zhanxing had been quite nervous when he first arrived, but now he had calmed down and was no longer on edge.

If he continued to be nervous, Li Hanzhou was going to steal the spotlight from him.

They didn’t know about the incident with Qiao Yun earlier, and Qiao Xun didn’t tell them either.

After finishing the meal, they walked out of the private room.

Elder Qiao held onto Qiao Yun and said cheerfully, “Your brother is great, he truly cares about you. Seeing you are doing well in the Lu Family puts my mind at ease.”

Qiao Yun pursed her lips, her eyes clear, “They are very good, don’t worry about me.”

“I’m not worried now,” Elder Qiao laughed again, “Do they know about your situation?”

Qiao Yun whispered softly, “They don’t know, they never asked, so I didn’t lie.”

She refused to admit that she might be concealing something.

Seeing her like this, Elder Qiao became even more joyful, “All right, you didn’t lie. It’s actually good that they don’t know some things.”

At least it spared her the trouble of being bothered by others.

Qiao Yun gently hummed in response.

Elder Qiao then asked, “When did you become so close with Mr. Li?”

“He’s been kind to me,” she replied.

Elder Qiao thoughtfully said, “Did he remember you?”

Qiao Yun replied truthfully, “No.”

Elder Qiao nodded and didn’t pursue the topic further.

He felt somewhat grateful to Li Hanzhou because, had it not been for him risking his life to save Qiao Yun back then,

the Qiao Family wouldn’t have gained such a clever treasure.

They left the restaurant.

Elder Qiao reluctantly said, “Come back and stay for a few days when you’re free, don’t forget about us just because you have relatives now.”

“I haven’t forgotten,” Qiao Yun hurriedly explained, “I’ve been busy with my studies.”

Qiao Xun teased, “What you’re doing isn’t studying, it’s simply like going on a dimension-reducing strike.”

Qiao Yun glanced at Qiao Xun, then turned her head away.

Qiao Xun: Okay, I’m disliked.

After saying goodbye to each other, they each got into their respective cars and left.

Li Hanzhou and Qiao Yun were headed in different directions, so they had to part with regret.

He gazed at Qiao Yun intensely and said softly, “Kid, this time you invited me to a movie, next time I’ll invite you.”

“Okay,” Qiao Yun agreed.

Li Hanzhou thought to himself that next time, it would just be the two of them.

Li Miao rolled her eyes at the side; her brother’s intentions were too obvious.

Sigh.

Such a useless brother, how come he still hasn’t managed to bring Qiaoqiao back home to play with her.

She completely forgot how often she had tricked her brother.

Lu Zhanxing’s leg was still not healed, so he had to rely on the driver’s help to get into the car upon seeing Li Hanzhou talking affectionately with his sister.

Driven by his sister-complex radar, he quickly called out, “Sis, it’s time to go home.”

Qiao Yun didn’t delay and got into the car.

Not far away, Ye Miaoshan, who had also come to eat at the same restaurant, widened her eyes slightly and grabbed Su Fan.

“Quick, look, isn’t that Qiao Yun and Zhanxing?”

“Where?” Su Fan looked back only to see the back of a car.

Ye Miaoshan was somewhat excited, “I think I also saw them talking to Qiao Xun, the one we’ve always wanted to meet.”

“Well, big sis is really too cunning, pretending not to know Qiao Xun and not helping us!”

Su Fan helplessly said, “Are you obsessed? I didn’t see it, and if big sis really knew Qiao Xun, she definitely would have helped us. It’s not a big deal, just an introduction.”

“Could I have been mistaken?”

Ye Miaoshan also felt that Su Fan’s words made some sense.

Su Mian really didn’t need to fall out with Qiao Xun and the others.

“You must have seen it wrong,” Su Fan said helplessly.

Ye Miaoshan still felt something was off.

After thinking for a moment, she said to Su Qingqing beside her, “Qingqing, when you have time, go visit your cousin and see if you can find out anything.”

“What’s there to ask about?” Su Fan said with determination, “Big sister definitely doesn’t know Qiao Xun.”

He believed that his older sister would not deceive him.

Ye Miaoshan said, “Just asking won’t hurt, we can’t stay in Shangjing City for too long. If we have the chance, we should still try. Don’t you want to do business with the Zhou Family anymore?”

“Suit yourself.”

Su Fan didn’t object further, but he also didn’t express doubt about Su Mian’s words.

Ye Miaoshan instructed Su Qingqing, “Qingqing, there’s an art exhibition tomorrow that looks quite good. You could take your cousin there, and maybe have her bring her friend along.”

Who this ‘friend’ referred to went without saying.

Ye Miaoshan believed Qiao Yun wouldn’t understand these things, thus her daughter could use the opportunity to make a good impression in front of Elder Li.

With a smile as refreshing as a spring breeze on her face, Su Qingqing replied, “I understand, mom. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure my cousin has a good time.”

Ye Miaoshan felt very relieved, indeed her daughter was good.

Turning her head, Su Qingqing had already begun searching for various amusement park strategies.

She was very much looking forward to seeing her soft little cousin again.

…

Meanwhile.

On her way home, Qiao Yun had Pei Ya look into what had happened with Song Li in the past few days.

By the time she got home, Qiao Yun’s phone rang.

She didn’t answer it.

After climbing the stairs, she called back.

“I found out. According to the roadside surveillance from that day, the Lu Family’s three brothers and the two kids who participated in the Star Cup with you were all seen at Qing University.”

Pei Ya paused then added, “Li Hanzhou was there too, that very same day when Song was expelled from the university.”

Qiao Yun sorted through her thoughts and murmured, “Was it for me?”

“It was for you.” Although Pei Ya was somewhat annoyed that others were taking credit for looking out for her, he still told the truth, “Boss, it seems a lot of people are protecting you.”

Qiao Yun’s face was expressionless, but her heart felt somewhat complicated.

It was the first time she had silently been protected by others.

Qiao Yun touched her own heart, which was thumping excitedly… it felt a little joyful.

She honestly said to Pei Ya, “I feel a bit happy.”

Pei Ya was stunned, then his gaze softened.

He really wanted to tell Professor Qiao, a lot of people care about you, want to protect you, and you’re not alone.

But it felt a bit cheesy.

For a moment, he was too embarrassed to say it out loud.

After understanding the cause and effect, Qiao Yun also understood why Song Li had approached her.

He probably thought she had instructed them to do it.

One thing at a time.

That day.

Qiao Yun was frowning, staring at Lu Zhanxing.

Lu Zhanxing: ??? What happened???

“Little sister, what’s wrong?” Lu Zhanxing asked carefully.

Qiao Yun said emotionlessly, “You haven’t been good.”

“Ah?”

“You lied to me.”

“Ah?” Lu Zhanxing denied, “I haven’t lied to you, I couldn’t possibly lie to you.”

Qiao Yun told him, “I know now, about Song Li.”

Lu Zhanxing exclaimed, “You know about us putting him in a sack to beat him up?”

Qiao Yun: ??? What???

She was barely able to react, “A sack?”

Lu Zhanxing cleared his throat, “Little sister, hear me out. I know you don’t want us to worry, so you told us not to intervene– but as your brother, how can I stand by when someone bullies you? So, Big Brother suggested we grab him with a sack and beat him up to let off some steam.”

Qiao Yun blinked, “He… did it?”

“You mean Big Brother?” Lu Zhanxing spoke earnestly, “He was the first one to throw a punch.”

Such childish behavior, how could it be his idea?

It must be Big Brother.

Qiao Yun couldn’t imagine Lu Jingzhi doing something like this.

She could feel Lu Jingzhi wanting to get closer, but she didn’t know how to act around him, so she wanted to let things happen naturally.

“Are you angry? Because we hid it from you?” Lu Zhanxing couldn’t tell what Qiao Yun was thinking.

Qiao Yun shook her head, “Not angry.”

Lu Zhanxing sighed in relief.

Qiao Yun thought for a moment, then gave Lu Zhanxing a thumbs up, praising, “You’re awesome.”

Lu Zhanxing nearly had his nose bleed from cuteness, “Who taught you to say that?”

“Li Miao,” Qiao Yun explained, “She praises me like that.”

So, she imitated her.

Lu Zhanxing said anxiously, “Little sister, remember, don’t praise others like that, okay?”

“Alright,” Qiao Yun naturally wouldn’t refuse such a small request, adding, “You protect me, and I will protect you later.”

Lu Zhanxing felt a warm current wash over him, his limbs tingling with sensations.

He smiled as he looked at Qiao Yun.

Having a little sister feels really good.

…

Qiao Yun also sent a message to Lu Shiran, thanking him.

She hadn’t told Lu Shiran about the incident, but he still defended her honor.

Lu Shiran was somewhat embarrassed, feeling ashamed that his sneaky punch had been discovered.

Later, Qiao Yun thanked Cheng Yi and Yu Fan too.

And then…

It was Li Hanzhou.

Qiao Yun didn’t know what Li Hanzhou did to Song Li, but given his methods, the expulsion must have had something to do with him.

“It’s a small matter, don’t worry about it,”

“I will repay you,”

Li Hanzhou had always been quietly helping her.

Qiao Yun was quite clear about her debts and grudges as an ersatz human.

The people who were kind to her now, she remembered them all.

…

At dinner time, Lu Jingzhi noticed something was off with Lu Zhanxing, especially in how much care he showed him.

And even his little sister’s looks were a bit strange.

Lu Jingzhi’s forehead throbbed, “What bad thing have you done?”

Lu Zhanxing served Lu Jingzhi some vegetables, “Big Brother, you think too much. Isn’t a brother caring for you something to be happy about?”

Lu Jingzhi put down his chopsticks, “Hmph, you indeed are up to something.”

Lu Zhanxing rolled his eyes, “Eat it or not, I still have to be nice to you.”

Qiao Yun, after watching Lu Jingzhi for a while, spoke in a soft voice, “Thank you for defending me, but don’t use the sack method next time, it’s not good.”

Lu Jingzhi, “…”

He inexplicably felt a bit ashamed, embarrassed that his sister discovered such a childish act.

Lu Rui and Su Mian looked at them, both faces baffled.

“What sack?”

“Nothing, I’m full, I’ll head to the office first.”

Lu Jingzhi fled in panic.

Watching the back of Lu Jingzhi, Qiao Yun was a bit puzzled. Did she say something wrong?