The sun rose slowly from the east, casting a shimmering light on the earth. 

Qing Shu walked on the road, feeling extremely joyful. After staying in Taohua Village for three days, she could finally go back. 

Zhang Qiaoqiao supported Gu Xian and said, “SElder sister-in-law, it’s not a good idea for you and Qing Shu to live in the county. It’s safer to come back and take care of your baby.” 

Old Madam Lin asked her to be the mediator, and she didn’t dare to disobey. 

Qing Shu immediately said, “We’ve been fine in the county. We only encountered trouble when we returned home.” This meant that the county was safer than Taohua Village. 

Zhang Qiaoqiao, not being a member of the Wei family, didn’t have such thick skin and felt embarrassed after hearing this. 

Seeing Gu Xian glaring at her, Qing Shu dared not say anything more. 

As they were about to board the boat by the riverside, a little boy rushed out of the bushes. 

The little boy held out a handful of bright red strawberries to Qing Shu. 

Qing Shu saw the scratches on the boy’s hand and felt uneasy. 

Zhang Qiaoqiao exclaimed, “Oh no, why did you come over here?” After saying that, she wanted to drive the little boy away. 

Qing Shu stopped Zhang Qiaoqiao and said to the little boy, “Are these strawberries for me to eat?” 

The little boy nodded and said, “They’re delicious.” The strawberries were sour and sweet, and tasted great, but they didn’t fill him up. 

Qing Shu smiled and said, “I appreciate your kindness, but you should keep these strawberries for yourself!” If she wanted to eat strawberries, she could buy them. The little boy could use these to satisfy his hunger. 

Disappointment filled the little boy’s eyes. 

Gu Xian also felt sorry for the child, but considering his reputation, she didn’t want Qing Shu to have any contact with him. “Qing Shu, we should go.” 

Qing Shu boarded the boat and turned her head to see the little boy still standing there, looking at her. His eyes were filled with endless loneliness. 

Qing Shu’s heart ached. The child’s current appearance reminded her of her past life. 

Thinking of this, she no longer cared about any bad luck. “You…” 

Gu Xian held Qing Shu’s hand and said, “The sun is too strong. Let’s go inside the cabin.” 

Qing Shu looked at Gu Xian’s swollen belly and finally compromised. She wasn’t afraid, but she was afraid of causing trouble for Gu Xian and the future younger brother or sister. 

The river sparkled under the reflection of the sun, as if it had been sprinkled with gold. Unfortunately, Qing Shu had no time to appreciate this beautiful sight. 

Looking at Qing Shu sitting on the bed in a daze, Gu Xian also felt uneasy. “Qing Shu, mother is not stopping you from doing good deeds. It’s just that you have to choose who to help.” 

Like that child, everyone hated him and wanted to stay far away from him. Yesterday, when she slipped in the courtyard, she still had lingering fear. Therefore, they had to stay away from that child. 

Qing Shu said sadly, “Mother, he didn’t choose to be born in a coffin. Why do these people treat him so harshly?” 

No one helped him, and he silently endured all the malice. Those who hadn’t experienced this kind of feeling couldn’t imagine it. The child’s situation was even worse than hers in her previous life. At least she had enough to eat and wear. 

Gu Xian said, “Blame it on his bad luck.” 

Qing Shu couldn’t help but recall the mocking words of the Wei family, saying that her mother died and her father didn’t care because of her bad luck. 

Thinking of this, Qing Shu gritted her teeth and said, “Mother, I don’t believe in fate.”  Like Xue Xiaofu, who was born in poverty and was sold by her family to become a maid. Wasn’t her life miserable enough? If she also believed that she was destined to suffer, then she would definitely live a miserable life. But she didn’t believe in fate, and she changed her destiny with her own abilities. Now, she had a loving husband, children, and a wealthy family.    Everyone who knew her praised her good fortune. 

Gu Xian said seriously, “Qing Shu, you are not allowed to have any contact with that child anymore. Some things are better to believe than to doubt. Otherwise, if something really happens, it will be too late to regret. This time was lucky, but what about next time?” 

Qing Shu turned pale, then lowered her head and said, “Mother, don’t worry, I won’t have any contact with him anymore.” Until Gu Xian safely gave birth to the child, she wouldn’t dare to have any contact with that child. 

Gu Xian’s expression finally eased. 

On the second day of returning to the county, Grandmother Gu personally came to pick up Qing Shu. 

Afraid that Gu Xian would disagree, Grandmother Gu said, “These past two days, I couldn’t eat or sleep without Qing Shu by my side.” 

Gu Xian helplessly said, “Mother, I’ve asked someone to pack up Qing Shu’s things.” 

There wasn’t much to pack, just clothes, jewelry, and writing materials. The Gu family had everything prepared. 

Old Madam Gu was very surprised. Every time she came to pick up Qing Shu before, Gu Xian was always reluctant. But this time, she agreed so readily. 

Gu Xian said, “Mother, you can take Qing Shu back. But there is one condition you must agree to.” 

“You tell me.” Even if there were ten conditions, she would agree to them all. 

Gu Xian told Grandmother Gu about the stolen jewelry and said, “Mother, please don’t buy expensive jewelry for Qing Shu anymore. Also, don’t let her wear that gemstone necklace again. It will attract thieves and cause big trouble.” 

Fortunately, this time she didn’t wear the ruby necklace back. Otherwise, she would have been heartbroken. 

Grandmother Gu was much shrewder than Gu Xian and frowned after hearing this. “Wasn’t there anyone left at home to guard the lanterns?” 

“Both younger siblings were at home. But they were in their own rooms and didn’t hear any noise.” 

Old Madam Gu had the same doubt as Qing Shu, “When a thief enters the house, there must be some noise. Also, it’s impossible for someone to search through the house without making any noise. How is it possible that you and your sister-in-law, who live in the same courtyard, didn’t hear anything?” 

Gu Xian felt that something was wrong with this and immediately said, “Mother, Le Wei was crying in the room at that time. Even if there was a slight noise, they wouldn’t have heard it.” 

Old Madam Gu no longer dwelled on the details and asked directly, “Did you report this to the authorities?” 

“No. Reporting it would have a negative impact on the Lin family. So, Father decided to drive the thief out of Taohua Village.” She thought it would be better to handle it privately rather than causing a big fuss. 

Although there were many suspicious points, she couldn’t intervene in the Lin family’s private affairs. 

Old Madam Gu said, “There is news about the gentleman’s matter. He may come in a while.” 

Gu Xian didn’t feel surprised after hearing this, only worried. “Mother, this gentleman’s matter is of great importance. We must thoroughly investigate before making a decision. If his character is not good, it will ruin Qing Shu’s life.” 

There are all kinds of people in the Lin family. A few years ago, when she was in the capital, she heard about a wealthy man who bribed a lady teacher to secretly help his son court a female student he taught. Fortunately, the girl was smart and didn’t fall for it, otherwise her life would have been ruined. 

Old Madam Gu said, “The gentleman was recommended by your Aunt Qi. She said his character and learning are impeccable. But your concerns are not unfounded. I will have someone secretly investigate.” She trusted her older sister, but it’s better to be cautious.