Return of the Antagonistic Lady Boss-Chapter 555 - 529: Shock and Gossip

"There’s still no result, I’m watching that old man’s reaction." If that old man backs off because of her interference, then it shows that he doesn’t like her mom enough, and such a person isn’t fit to be her stepfather.

"Qian, I’m glad to be your friend and not your enemy." Qiuqiu mused.

Qian is really good to friends and family, but she usually strategizes against those who conflict with her, relentlessly attacking until her rivals are powerless to fight back.

"There’s something I’ve always kept hidden in my heart..."

"What?" Qian looked at Qiuqiu, and Qiuqiu swallowed hard.

"Are you really not a strong T?"

In female same-sex relationships, T refers to girls with a masculine consciousness, and P refers to pretty girls. To Qiuqiu, Qian appeared like a T with a P’s appearance, and a strong T at that—anyone who dared to cross her would get obliterated.

Qian was speechless, "Not really, but if Yu Minglang turns into a P someday, I wouldn’t mind being a T."

Love has nothing to do with gender; she simply fell for a man named Yu Minglang. If Yu Minglang were a woman, maybe she’d become a lesbian? Qian thought mischievously.

Qiuqiu felt hurt—hey! She just got out of a breakup, how could Qian rub it in like this?!

Qian received a call from Mrs. Yu two days later.

"Auntie, what’s the matter?"

"Qian, I’ve discussed this with your sister-in-law, and we decided not to hide it from you, but don’t get anxious after you hear this."

"Go ahead."

"Your mother underwent an appendectomy yesterday, everything’s fine. She wanted to hide it from you, but after discussing it with your sister-in-law, we think it’s better if you come back to see her."

"Surgery?!" Qian’s head was about to explode.

Her mom had surgery, and actually kept it a secret from her?!

"Don’t worry, it’s nothing serious, and she’s recovering very well. Your sister-in-law and a few of our family friends are taking turns to look after her. She also has friends with her; it’s just a minor surgery, she’ll be fine in a few days. But I think a daughter’s company is better than a friend’s. Can you take leave to come see her?"

Being close to home means she can make two round trips within a week, it’s convenient since it’s less than a two-hour drive.

After receiving the call, Qian rushed back.

Mrs. Yu came after work and waited at the door for Qian.

"Appendectomy is a minor surgery, I asked an old friend to do the operation, and everything went smoothly."

On the way, Qian was worried about her mother, and upon hearing that everything was fine, a nameless anger rose within her.

"How could she hide it from me!"

Her mother wasn’t one with a dependency tendency—in the past, she’d consult others even about buying groceries. Now she seemed to have made progress, daring to leave her out of the surgery plan!

"She was just worried you’d miss your classes. That’s how mothers are; it’s understandable. Go see her, her friends are there too."

"Friends?"

"Mr. Liao, I just found out Mr. Liao is your mom’s neighbor. He’s a good person, comes over after work, and when he’s around, we almost don’t need our family friends to help. He made soup and brought it over."

"Auntie, do you know him?"

"His wife was hospitalized in our hospital. She had a complex chronic illness, one that consumed life and drained finances. Ordinary families would have given up long ago, but he spent all his savings taking care of her until she passed. Their son is especially filial—the mother was once in a confused state due to the illness, and he’d stand by her bedside, reciting famous quotes. His mother was a middle school Chinese teacher, fond of studying famous quotes and classical literary masterpieces, so he’d stand straight, reciting, hoping to awaken her. This father and son are indeed pitiful—it’s been many years since."

Mrs. Yu was recounting events from years ago; Liao Fugui’s mother had passed away long ago, when Liao Fugui was still a student.

Families faced with such incurable diseases usually give up due to the high costs and futility. Mr. Liao’s dedication in caring for his wife until her last moment speaks volumes about his character.

Qian had investigated Mr. Liao’s past to some extent, but was surprised to learn that Liao Fugui’s penchant for reciting quotes derived from this context.

Part of Qian’s dislike for Liao Fugui stemmed from his opposition to her in their past life, and another part from his misleadingly upright speech, like a wronged protagonist. But she didn’t realize this habit she disliked had such a story behind it.

"Mr. Liao is quite respected in the judicial circle; he’s low-key and humble, and he’s good to your mom, too. I saw him personally prepare meals for your mom. These dishes can’t be done in less than an hour, and for a director to do this shows thoughtfulness. I heard from your brother you have grudges against him and his son. I’m hoping you talk it over well with them. It’s not easy for your mother at her age..."

Mrs. Yu genuinely liked Qian, her future daughter-in-law, and because of this affection, she shared certain things with Qian.

Qian’s expression was icy. Inwardly, she cursed Chen Zilong, that little brat, who didn’t notify her about her mom’s illness but readily gossiped to her future mother-in-law.

"Qian, are you upset?" Mrs. Yu asked Qian.

"Not at all, Auntie. Can you tell me more about Uncle Liao?"

"Aren’t you going to see your mom?"

Qian snorted, "She’s got company now. If I went over, it’d be inappropriate."

It felt like she would be intervening in a fairy-tale romance, splitting up the couple—she didn’t want to carry the blame.

"Alright then, let’s go to your sister-in-law’s office; I’ll tell you more about him."

Mrs. Yu was indeed a gossip specialist in the high circles, exceptionally skilled in storytelling, introducing Mr. Liao’s life story to Qian.

Some details Qian had discovered on her own, and some were new to her.

From character and work, right down to the care for his late wife, Qian thought her future mother-in-law had potential in storytelling if she retired from medicine. Initially narrating in third-person, it seemed so vivid as if witnessing it firsthand.

It took almost an hour for Qian to fully grasp Mr. Liao’s background.

"That’s the situation. It’s just us two here, so I’ll speak frankly. It’s challenging for middle-aged people to form families again. If they’re genuinely in love, as their daughter, you shouldn’t be too stubborn."

"Auntie, Liao Fugui is still single, aren’t there suitable matches for him?" Qian deftly shifted the topic.

Indeed, Mrs. Yu perked up with this.

"I saw him yesterday when he visited your mom. He’s still decent looking. Where’s he working now?"

Qian narrated Liao Fugui’s personal details, and Mrs. Yu quickly remembered them. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Ask the young man what kind he’s looking for, and I’ll check our hospital for potential matches. If that doesn’t work, I’ll look in my alumni network. A son raised by Mr. Liao can’t go wrong—oh, Qian, do you think he matches with your sister, Xiaoxi?"

"Ahem!" Qian choked.

"Who?!"