n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Mrs. Gu? Was the housekeeper talking to her? Hadnât Gu Yusheng asked the housekeeper to call her Miss?
Before Qin Zhiâai had recovered from the shock of being call Mrs. Gu, the housekeeper had walked over to her and lifted her hand up to feel Qin Zhiâaiâs forehead. She smiled and said, âYou donât have a fever anymore. Mrs. Gu, do you still feel sick right now?â
Qin Zhiâai shook her head. She had many questions to ask, but she didnât know where to start. The housekeeper went directly to business before she could talk. This had happened three times today. âMrs. Gu, your friend came over. Sheâs waiting for you downstairs. You can wash yourself and get dressed while I entertain her.â
Her friend?
Zhou Jing was the first one who flashed in her head. She had told Qin Zhiâai that she had to switch back with Liang Doukou on the twelfth. Today was already the eleventh, so she must have come to discuss how it would be done in detail.
Qin Zhiâai responded the housekeeper with an âokay.â She got off the bed and went to the bathroom.
When she was brushing her teeth, Qin Zhiâai saw in the mirror above the sink that her makeup was all messed up, with black smears all around her eyes. The blackness had even spread down to her cheeks. She looked messy and horrible.
After the shower, Qin Zhiâai sat in front of the vanity. She ran her fingers quickly over her face to finish her makeup, then stood up and walked to the closet. She picked out a dress. After she put it on, she turned around to check herself in the mirror. Finally, she made sure she was dressed okay, then went downstairs with a quick glance at herself in the mirror.
In one day and one night, she wouldnât have to live in someone elseâs identity. This Cinderella story would finally end.
Qin Zhiâai had an old habit to look down before she walked downstairs, so she looked down while she walked to the stair railing. Jiang Qianqian was sitting on the enormous European style sofa, waving at her. She looked up and gave Qin Zhiâai a bright smile. She said brightly, âSis Kou, youâre awake?â
Qin Zhiâai responded to her a smile of her own, but she didnât say anything as she held the railing and slowly walked downstairs. She took a seat on the sofa across from Jiang Qianqian.
It was already fall in Beijing. The heating wasnât on yet, so it was a little chilly. Since the housekeeper saw Qin Zhiâai wasnât wearing much clothing, she was worried that Qin Zhiâai would get a fever again. She brought Qin Zhiâai a thick sweater and put it on her. She asked, âMrs. Gu, are you hungry? Should I bring something for you to eat?â
âNo, thank you.â Qin Zhiâai shook her head. âCan you just bring me a glass of water?â
Soon, the housekeeper brought her a glass of warm lemon water and placed it in front of her.
After she had waited for the housekeeper to leave, Qin Zhiâai turned to look at Jiang Qianqian. She asked with a calm look on her face, âWhy are here? Whatâs going on?â
âNothing much. My oldest brother went to France a few days ago and brought a gift back for you. Yesterday, we went to grandpaâs house. You know how grandpa is very fond of you. He talked about you a few times at dinner. He said you havenât visited him for almost half a month. I went to the bank nearby, and grandpa asked me to bring these bags of gifts for you after he heard I was coming by. These are all the foods you like.â
Jiang Qianqian pointed at the coffee table as she talked. Qin Zhiâai saw gift boxes and bags piled on the table.