Chapter 67.1

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It was a warm spring afternoon, the kind where the sun shone just right and the breeze carried the scent of fresh blossoms.

Qiao Ziman trudged home from school, her energy drained.

“Dad, Mom! Your precious daughter has survived another day of trials and tribulations!” she announced dramatically as she stepped inside.

Without a second thought, she yanked off her school uniform, tossing it—along with her backpack—somewhere far out of sight.

“Qiao. Zi. Man!”

Her mother’s voice erupted from the kitchen, sharp and terrifying.

Qiao Ziman flinched so hard she nearly dropped the TV remote.

Oh no, why is Mom yelling again? Could she have found out that I failed math… again?

Her heart pounded wildly as she hesitantly called out, “M-Mom? What’s wrong?”

He Cuizhen stormed out of the kitchen, spatula in hand, eyes blazing with fury. “You have three seconds to pick up your backpack and uniform and put them where they belong!”

She pointed the spatula at her for emphasis. “How many times do I have to tell you? Qiao Ziman, when will you finally learn?”

Qiao Ziman nearly collapsed with relief. Oh, thank god. It’s not about my grades. Putting on her sweetest, most obedient smile, she quickly got up and gathered her things. “Got it, dearest Mom.”

He Cuizhen froze. “???”

Suspicion crept into her eyes. “You’re listening way too well today. What are you hiding from me?”

Qiao Ziman averted her gaze. “Nothing! Nothing at all!”

He Cuizhen narrowed her eyes, stepping closer. “Really?”

Qiao Ziman instinctively took a step back, pressing herself tightly against the door. “R-Really!”

He Cuizhen raised a skeptical brow. “Hmm?”

Qiao Ziman’s mind raced. In a desperate bid for escape, she blurted out, “Uh—Mom, is something burning in the kitchen?”

“Oh no!” He Cuizhen smacked her thigh. “My food!” Without another thought, she spun around and dashed back to the kitchen.

Qiao Ziman exhaled in relief, a mischievous grin creeping onto her face. Clapping a hand over her mouth, she snickered. “Hah! As if mere He Cuizhen could outmatch the great Qiao Ziman!”

Feeling triumphant, she flopped onto the couch, crossing one leg over the other, and grabbed the remote. With a click, the television flickered to life. A popular teen romance drama was playing—one of those addictive, heart-fluttering series that had taken the country by storm.

Qiao Ziman watched, completely engrossed.

The scene reached its climax. The handsome male lead leaned over, bracing a hand beside the heroine. His deep, smoldering gaze locked onto hers as he slowly reached into his pocket.

A diamond ring.

He held it up to her, voice low and full of devotion. “Marry me. Be my wife.”

Qiao Ziman sat up straighter, her heart pounding.

The atmosphere turned intoxicating, the distance between the leads shrinking. On impulse, she slapped a hand over her eyes—then peeked through her fingers, unable to look away. Her mouth slowly fell open as she let out an awed, breathy, “Wow.”

Just then, He Cuizhen emerged from the kitchen.

The moment Qiao Ziman heard footsteps, she grabbed the remote and frantically switched the TV to the children’s channel.

“Wash your hands, it’s time to eat.” He Cuizhen placed the dishes on the dining table before turning to her with a suspicious look. “Why is your face so red?”

Qiao Ziman stiffened. “N-Nothing! It’s nothing at all.”

He Cuizhen’s eyes narrowed. “Qiao Ziman, were you watching those nonsense dramas again?” She smacked her chopsticks against the table.

“I was just feeling hot!” Qiao Ziman blurted before bolting off the couch and dashing into the bathroom.

He Cuizhen sighed, shaking her head. “This kid is way too sneaky for her own good.”

By the time Qiao Ziman returned, hands freshly washed, she sat obediently at the dining table.

She glanced at the dishes spread out before her. Why are they so… colorful? Again?

The only dish that looked remotely edible was the scrambled eggs with tomatoes. But she didn’t even need to taste it to know—He Cuizhen had definitely put sugar in it.

Before she could complain, He Cuizhen shot her a sharp look. “What’s with that face? Eat it or don’t, I don’t care!”

Absolutely not. She couldn’t afford to get on her mom’s bad side—especially since she was still hiding things. Immediately, Qiao Ziman grabbed her bowl, plastering on her most flattering smile. “Of course I’ll eat! Mom’s cooking is the best!”

Satisfied, He Cuizhen huffed and sat down.

“By the way, where’s Dad?” Qiao Ziman asked between bites.

He Cuizhen rolled her eyes. “Oh, now you notice? That heartless man is working overtime.”

“Oh,” Qiao Ziman mumbled, pouting in disappointment.

With Dad not home, there was no one to help her discreetly get rid of the inedible parts of dinner. What a tragedy.

“You eat first, and don’t you dare waste any food,” He Cuizhen instructed as she scooped out half the dishes into a thermal container. She changed into her jacket, preparing to head out.

“Mom, Mom, Mom! Where are you going?” Qiao Ziman asked, curiosity piqued.

“The old lady next door—her granddaughter just moved in. I’m going to check on her.”

“Her granddaughter?” Qiao Ziman’s eyes sparkled as she perked up. “And what exactly are you going to do?”

What else? He Cuizhen scoffed internally. That heartless old woman had dumped her granddaughter at home and taken off on some vacation. Unbelievable.

She turned back to Qiao Ziman and said, “I’m bringing her some food.”

Can’t let the kid starve.

Qiao Ziman, however, had her own interpretation.

Oh. So… you’re going to poison her?

Shoveling a few quick bites of rice into her mouth, she jumped up. “I’ll go! I’ll go! I want to meet my new friend!”

Without waiting for a response, she dashed over and snatched the thermal container from her mother’s hands.

No dinner? What a blessing in disguise! She had successfully dodged a disaster. Practically bouncing with excitement, she skipped out the door.

At the neighbor’s house, she knocked a few times. “Anyone home? I’m your neighbor from next door.”

No response.

Qiao Ziman knocked harder.

“I’m Qiao Ziman! My mom sent me—she was afraid you’d starve to death!”

Still nothing.

“I swear I’m really your neighbor, not a kidnapper. You can relax.”