Chapter 173: Final Exams
After finally admitting her own ugly thoughts, Yu Yuan felt both pain and a sense of relief.
But this was only a change in mindset. She knew clearly that what she owed Yu Xin was far more than just a confession and apology could make up for.
She raised her head again, gathering her courage to meet Yu Xin’s gaze, ready to face reproach—yet what she saw was only sympathy and compassion.
Had Yu Xin ever disliked Yu Yuan? Of course.
When she had just been brought back to the Yu family, she had wondered countless times why, as the biological daughter, she wasn’t loved. That confusion turned into dislike and jealousy.
But out of inferiority, she couldn’t express those feelings.
If things had continued that way, perhaps she really might have done something to Yu Yuan out of jealousy.
Thinking of this, Yu Xin glanced at Gu Qinghuan and Jiang Chuchu.
It was truly fortunate she had met them.
Looking at Yu Yuan, she said seriously, “I forgive you. What you did to me doesn’t hurt anymore. And you don’t owe me that much—that’s what the Yu family owes me.”
She had more things to cherish—friendship, studies, and her hopes for the future. Those were enough to fill the missing parts of her life.
Even if some people believed one must have familial love, it didn’t have to come from parents. She could build her own family in the future.
Yu Yuan stared at her blankly. She had managed not to cry while speaking earlier, but now she couldn’t hold it back anymore.
Yu Xin picked up tissues, sat beside her, wiped her tears, and gently hugged her, patting her back.
Jiang Chuchu, who had been sitting next to Yu Yuan, switched places with Yu Xin and leaned toward Gu Qinghuan. “What’s your plan?”
“Anyway, I don’t agree with this engagement,” Gu Qinghuan said bluntly.
Jiang Chuchu fell briefly silent. The way she said it—it sounded like she was Yu Yuan’s mother.
“Then what should we do?” Jiang Chuchu felt this was quite tricky.
Gu Qinghuan stroked her chin. “If Yu Yuan protests alone, it won’t be very effective.” Unless she immediately brought Yu Wenxiu over for a reunion.
But even then, Yu Wenli and Cui Wanning would have to terminate the adoption relationship. They had raised Yu Yuan all these years, clearly planning to “sell” her for a good price—they wouldn’t let go easily.
Even if they did, they would likely demand greater benefits from Yu Wenxiu, which she simply couldn’t afford.
So, another angle—make the Yu family give up the alliance themselves.
For example, if the Wei family collapsed… No, that wouldn’t work. The Yan family fell because Yan Guanglei self-destructed. The Wei family had returned from abroad with capital and connections—they wouldn’t be careless.
So that option was out.
What if the Yu family found a better match? No—that might lead Yu Wenli to push Yu Xin into another alliance instead.
Turning both daughters into bargaining chips fit Gu Qinghuan’s impression of him perfectly.
Or… if the Wei family withdrew?
Yu Yuan might be blamed, but at least she would escape that pit.
The question was—how to make the Wei family give up?
Find them a better match? No way—she wouldn’t let another girl fall into that trap.
The more she thought, the more her head hurt. She collapsed onto the table, groaning, “No, there’s too little information. I can’t come up with anything effective.”
Yu Yuan, now calmer after Yu Xin’s comfort, spoke up. “You don’t have to worry so much. The engagement hasn’t been finalized yet—I still have time.”
She steadied herself and subconsciously clenched her fists. “I… I just need to make Wei Xiao dislike me. If he firmly refuses, the engagement won’t happen.”
Gu Qinghuan looked at her for a moment, then suddenly asked, “Have you ever thought about leaving the Yu family?”
Not just Yu Yuan—even Yu Xin and Jiang Chuchu were stunned.
Yu Yuan pressed her lips together and said softly, “If I leave… where would I go? And even if I ran away, wouldn’t they just bring me back?”
“So you do want to leave, right?” Gu Qinghuan didn’t answer her questions, only emphasized this point.
Yu Yuan was silent for a long time before saying, “I don’t know. I really don’t know.”
Unlike Yu Xin, she had never formed clear thoughts of her own. Since childhood, she had only been taught to obey—including this time.
Even though she rejected Wei Xiao, she didn’t have much resistance toward the “task” of marriage itself.
Gu Qinghuan tilted her head, thought for a bit, then suddenly sat up straight, finally smiling.
“Like you said, there’s still time. Let’s not rush into this.”
“After all, there’s something very important waiting for us.”
Jiang Chuchu was surprised. “What important thing?”
Gu Qinghuan said solemnly, “Final exams.”
Yu Yuan felt like she’d been struck by lightning. Wei Xiao? Engagement? Instantly thrown out of her mind.
Oh no—this is coming for me.
After lunch break, on the way back to Class Three, Yu Xin laughed. “When you said that, Yu Yuan probably forgot all about the engagement. That’s good—no matter what, grades are her own.”
Gu Qinghuan sighed, looking troubled as well. “I’m worried about my finals too. There’s less than half a month left—I need to study hard with Su Lin.”
Jiang Chuchu also felt a bit guilty. She had been distracted by the program recently. She ranked 11th last time—who knew what she’d get this time?
While Gu Qinghuan and the others threw themselves into intense revision, Yu Wenxiu had also reached an agreement with Gu Haiyan about when to leave her job at the Gu household.
She would continue working there until the New Year, but after that, she would find a way to go to the Yu family.
Back when Xia He selected her as the most suitable caregiver for Gu Min, the condition was to introduce at least five potential employers.
Yu Wenxiu contacted the intermediary and asked if she could choose a specific employer, giving up the other four.
Before the New Year, Xia He was extremely busy—but since it was a promise he made, he intended to fulfill it.
Hearing the report, Xia He raised an eyebrow. “She found her child?”
When hiring someone, one naturally investigates their background. From Yu Wenxiu’s résumé, Xia He had already guessed the situation.
She had left her job due to childbirth, yet her status changed from “married” to “divorced.” Normally, during breastfeeding, custody would go to the mother—but she didn’t have the child.
She had no stable job for years, then suddenly came to this city—where she had never lived before—to work as a nanny, specifically aiming for wealthy households.
Xia He had guessed her child was lost, and she was searching for them.
The subordinate hadn’t thought much before, but now realized the reason behind her unusual behavior and felt some sympathy.
“Which family does she want to go to?” Xia He asked.
“Yu Wenli’s family,” the subordinate replied.
“Oh?” Xia He raised his brows. “That’s quite a coincidence. Is the Yu family hiring a new nanny right now?”
“No.”
Xia He leaned back lazily in his chair. “Then throw money at it. Find someone whose contract is about to expire—or someone older planning to retire. Pay them to leave early, then arrange for Yu Wenxiu to take the position.”
No need to explain the details further.
The subordinate nodded. “Understood. What budget?”
Xia He had already turned to the documents on his desk and said casually, “Just add whatever.”
A few million meant nothing to him. Besides, he had just secured a contract from Xia Nanzhi. Spending some money to do a good deed—it had its meaning.
The subordinate went to handle it. Within a few days, everything was arranged, and Yu Wenxiu was informed that after the New Year, she could begin working at the Yu household.
