CHAPTER 366: CHAPTER 365: ALL SET

"Xiaoqing, Aunt wants to speak honestly with you. I admitted before that it was my fault. I cared about social status and wanted a match of equal standing. Plus, with those two brothers causing trouble, I felt uncomfortable and unwilling to make things work for you and Shaohan. So I pretended to know nothing."

He Cui wanted to make a final effort, not for herself, but for Fang Shaohan.

"Aunt’s thoughts, you should be able to understand. But now, with Shaohan like this, how can Aunt feel? I can’t demand anything from you; that’s selfish. To ask a good girl to care for someone who might never be able to stand up again, to ask you to be with someone whose future is bleak... Aunt can’t say such things.

Still, Aunt is selfish. Watching my son fall into despair and rage like a trapped beast, my heart feels like it’s been stabbed numerous times. It hurts so much I don’t want to live."

Gu Xiaoqing comforted her: "Aunt, don’t say that. All challenges are temporary and will eventually pass. Don’t be like this, because then, who else can help Shaohan?"

"Xiaoqing, Aunt is selfish, and Aunt is begging you, can you... can you..." He Cui couldn’t speak. It’s shameless to ask a good girl to give up her happiness.

Back when we were fortunate, our family didn’t want others. Now that we’re suffering, we cling to others—it’s a request no decent person can make.

Gu Xiaoqing understood He Cui’s meaning. "Aunt He, don’t say anything more. I understand your meaning; there’s no need for further words. I’m not particularly noble, but what I can promise is that I won’t leave during this time. I’ve spoken with the doctors; Shaohan’s condition isn’t as bad as imagined. Though he might not stand for sure, as long as there’s confidence, there’s hope.

As for what might ultimately happen between Shaohan and me, I don’t know. Initially, I didn’t want anything with Shaohan because our differences are vast. I didn’t want to be labeled as someone who just aims for high status; besides, Aunt should know my parents aren’t those kinds of people.

But now, even as friends, I shouldn’t abandon Shaohan. I’ll take responsibility for caring for Shaohan during this difficult period. You don’t need to ask; this isn’t a request from you, it’s my choice."

In the future, let things unfold naturally. If, one day, it all falls into place, I won’t oppose it. If not, then Shaohan and I will just follow our separate destinies."

Gu Xiaoqing is not so noble to say she will care for Shaohan all her life. No one can declare such a thing; being an adult, not a naive 20-year-old. Facing hardships is one thing but betting a lifetime is another, and Gu Xiaoqing won’t do it.

It’s not being heartless but truly caring for herself, being fair to herself and Shaohan.

A lifetime is very long; nobody can be sure of anything.

Rather than later finding themselves mutually disdaining, it’s better to have had no involvement from the start.

The goodness in Gu Xiaoqing’s heart can only stretch to this level.

He Cui held Gu Xiaoqing’s hand, tears flowing: "Thank you, dear. Aunt is grateful. Aunt doesn’t know what to say, but Aunt only has one thing: If Shaohan can’t stand for life, that’s his fate. What you did today is enough. Aunt won’t force you, but if Shaohan gets past today’s hardship, if he stands, our family definitely won’t interfere with him marrying you.

In Aunt’s heart, you are already Aunt’s daughter-in-law. Our Fang family forever owes you. Whatever matters your family faces, even if you don’t marry Shaohan, we’ll go through fire and water for you."

He Cui truly meant it; this was the best guarantee He Cui felt she could make. You shouldn’t ask anything without offering something in return; He Cui couldn’t rest easy about it.

Gu Xiaoqing found it amusing, feeling like some ancient repayment of a favor.

"Aunt, don’t say that. I’m not aiming for those things; just focused on getting Shaohan to stand as soon as possible. You came tonight because Shaohan pushed for it, right? I know it. Don’t say more. Starting tomorrow, you and Uncle should go back home. Leave things to me here. If you’re worried and don’t wish to leave, that’s fine, but there’s one condition: don’t get involved in Shaohan’s treatment. Accommodating him like this isn’t beneficial."

I think it’s better for me to handle things starting tomorrow. Compared to you, I might be more determined. I’m better suited to manage him."

Gu Xiaoqing said.

He Cui felt troubled. She worried about her son, unwilling to see Shaohan suffer, yet knowing Gu Xiaoqing wouldn’t harm Shaohan.

So she finally nodded.

"Alright, we’ll stay. But we absolutely won’t interfere in your treatment of Shaohan, okay? We’ll just watch from the side." He Cui remained uneasy.

Without seeing her son recover, He Cui couldn’t find peace.

Gu Xiaoqing nodded, soothing He Cui for a good while before finally sending her off.

Gu Xiaoqing watched He Cui leave, then went to sleep peacefully.

Because the next day held a tough battle, one that Shaohan’s stormy outbursts made anyone tense. Only Gu Xiaoqing had the strength to handle it.

Actually, Gu Xiaoqing was also apprehensive.

But Gu Xiaoqing had no retreat. If she didn’t manage Shaohan, things couldn’t keep persistently stuck. Considering He Cui and Fang Jianguo, they wouldn’t harden their hearts.

So being the tough person fell to Gu Xiaoqing.

Gu Xiaoqing had long formed her plan, now waiting only for tomorrow’s arrival.

What’s more, many people are expected tomorrow. If everything goes as planned, tomorrow will require people’s cooperation; no challenge and humiliation, no standing tall against adversity.

No survival from crisis, no rebirth from the ashes.

What Shaohan lacks is fighting spirit. Everything is ready; it’s just waiting for tomorrow’s developments.

These are matters Gu Xiaoqing considered in recent days, confirmed through several calls with Shaonan; everything set, waiting for time, place, and people’s cooperation.

Gu Xiaoqing hadn’t told He Cui and Fang Jianguo, afraid He Cui might accidentally spill the secret. After all, He Cui and Fang Jianguo’s mindset is different; they worry and feel for Shaohan, the biggest obstacle.

Inwardly, Gu Xiaoqing apologized, it’s not that she’s unkind, but there’s no choice.

It’s better if only a few people know.