C7 Friend...Or, Foe?

Qiu Xiyun was just as shocked as Su Tine was...when she bluffed to her about Madame installing surveillance cameras and listening devices in Yinn Siyan's bedroom...after finding out that there actually were such devices present in the room. And, after the initial shock; Qiu Xiyun was relieved that her bluff turned out to be a truth...and; that Madame and Master Alva had witnessed their conversation. That made what she feared would be a complicated matter into one which was expediently sorted out rather smoothly.

But then, almost immediately after that; Qiu Xiyun felt uncomfortably agitated...and; both embarrassed and anxiously fearful. She started recalling her rapturously torrid...basically one-side, for the most part...sexual intercourse with the comatose Yinn Siyan; and, worried who might may view the video recorded deed. Then, she suddenly cringed; as she worried even more...actually; more like dreaded...over the possibility of someone somehow getting hold of the footage, and uploading it onto the internet. She could almost see the caption...'Duped, Drugged Bride Shamelessly Takes Advantage And Rapes Her 'Vegetable' Groom On Their Wedding Night'.

However...in regards to the Su Tine issue...fortunately, for Qiu Xiyun, every single spoken word between them was clearly recorded; thus, irrefutably exonerating her from any possible implication of wrongdoing, had Su Tine gone ahead and try to falsely accuse Qiu Xiyun. Zhao Qiuxian's set up surveillance system had captured Su Tine's true side...a truly dark side, indeed.

The Master was so angry with Su Tine, that his body rigidly tensed up; then, began to uncontrollably quake for a brief moment. Master Alva had been mortified before Madame's eyes. He found himself once again compelled to sincerely apologize; and, lowly to Zhao Qiuxian. "Most honorable Madame of the Yinn family...my deepest and most sincere apologies. I have misjudged this one, as well...I am ashamed to have been teaching such evil disciples. I assure you that I intend on doing much self-reflection over this grievous oversight of mine when selecting future disciples. I can only hope that for now, you can see it in your heart to forgive this old fool; and, not hold this against me in the future."

Although Zhao Qiuxian didn't blame Master Alva...nor; hold him accountable in any manner whatsoever for the nefarious behavior of his disciples...she was so distraught over the recent events...and; the revelations brought to light behind them...that she was momentarily speechless; thus, unable to assure the old Master that there was no need for him to apologize, since he wasn't at fault. Of course, due to her silence; Master Alva left with his head shamefully lowered and a sullen expression etched upon his countenance, under the mistaken assumption that the Madame was so angry with him that she refused to even utter a word to him.

Yinn Siyan's series of continuous misfortunes had taken their toll upon the Madame of the Yinn family; which one could easily tell by the frequently displayed troubled expression carried upon the haggard looking countenance of Zhao Qiuxian. A few moments after Master Alva had left; she lamented aloud, "Why must my Yan's life have become like this...so harshly bitter; burdened with one misfortune after the other? First, the car accident...and, if that alone wasn't tragic enough...now, it looks like there may be a conspiracy to bring even further bodily harm to him. And, on top of all that; there are all those 'gold-diggers', like Su Tine, 'coming out of the woodwork', looking to get their hands on his fortune. Dear God above; please tell me what I should be doing...my Yan has fallen into a vegetative state...completely helpless...yet, these people refuse to let him rest in peace; plotting either to harm or take advantage of him while in this vulnerable condition."

Qiu Xiyun totally empathized with Zhao Qiuxian; and, felt truly saddened and sorrowed for the elderly matriarch...who had been the one thus far in the Yinn family to show her any kindness and compassion. She couldn't bear to see the Madame in such a grievingly melancholic mood. Qiu Xiyun lovingly took hold of Zhao Qiuxian's hands, and gently squeezed down on them; while assuring the emotionally drained Madame, in her most convincing tone, "Please, Grandmother; I know it may be difficult to do, but please try not to worry yourself over this. I'm sure that Yinn Siyan will be fine. I believe that he'll definitely wake up from his coma and recover."

Although still uncertain of her beloved grandson's fate...but, truly touched and appreciative of Qiu Xiyun's comforting and positive words...Zhao Qiuxian reciprocated by gently squeezing Qiu Xiyun's hands, while giving her a genteel smile. "Thank you for your words of encouragement; Xiyun...you really are a sweet child. My Yan truly is blessed to have a wife such as you." Zhao Qiuxian released Qiu Xiyun's hands, and stood there staring at her; as a grave expression overtook her face. She spoke in her firm, matriarchal manner, "Qiu Xiyun; you are now Yinn Siyan's wife...thus, from henceforth; you...and, you alone...shall be in charge of his care. Do I make myself clear?" Qiu Xiyun nodded; and, the Madame concluded, "Very well, then; I'll take it that you agree to this...so; I'm not expecting anymore problems arising in the future." And, with that; the exhausted, elderly matriarch resided to her bedroom for some much needed rest.

Along with this proclaimed arrangement; there was a tacit understanding between the Madame and the new Mistress of the Yinn family...and, that was that with everything that had occurred; there was nobody else other than Qiu Xiyun who Zhao Qiuxian could completely trust to oversee to Yinn Siyan.

When Qiu Xiyun returned to the master bedroom, she slowly closed the door behind her; making sure quietly shut it behind her. She then lightly walked across the room; again, trying to remain ever so quiet, as to not disturb Yinn Siyan. The room was so silent that one would be able to hear each of them breathing.

It was only when she reached his bedside that it dawned upon her; and, she started to laugh aloud. It had temporarily slipped her mind that Yinn Siyan was still in a comatose state; so, matter how loud she was, she still wouldn't have disturbed him.

Qiu Xiyun proceeded to give Yinn Siyan the full-body massage that she preempted Su Tine from performing before. Once done, she wiped the sweat beading up on her forehead; and, then realized how stuffy it felt in the room. Qiu Xiyun walked over to the window, and pulled open the drawn curtains; then...after admiring the radiantly bright sunshine outside for a brief moment...opened the window; allowing the gentle breeze of the wind to circulate about the bedroom's still air.

Qiu Xiyun took momentary pleasure in the refreshing sudden change of climate within the room; as a joyful smile stretched across her mouth. She looked back to Yinn Siyan motionlessly lying on the bed, and said, "It must be so tiring and boring to just stay laying there in bed, cooped up in this room all the time. The weather is so nice out today...what do you say I take you outside for a little bit. Trust me, Siyan; some fresh air will do wonders for you."

Qiu Xiyun called for Butler Xiao to come with one of his staff to transfer Yinn Siyan into a wheelchair; and, take him downstairs for her. Then, she requested for the least busy household servant to accompany her out into the garden with Yinn Siyan; just in case she needed to get anything while outside.

The grounds of the estate sprawled out over an vast area; and, was exquisitely landscaped in a uniquely eye-catching style conceived by Yinn Siyan...which was patterned after a hybrid Japanese- and knot garden style concept. Areas of bamboo, mono grasses, pine, and small ponds containing Koi fish were complementarily intermingled among intricate, geometrically-patterned, low-lying hedge interplanted along with various flowers and herbs. And, among the array of flowers in the garden; the tulips had been planted by the hands of Yinn Siyan himself...which were his favorite type of flower; mostly because the word tulip also happens to imply and loosely translates into eternal blessings.

Qiu Xiyun pushed Yinn Siyan along in the wheelchair; meandering about the garden at a leisurely pace. She basked in the soothingly amicable warmth of the sun; while enjoying the refreshing sensation every time a cool, gentle passing breeze brushed up against her face and exposed skin...at the same time; relishing in gazing upon the aesthetic beauty of the lavish flora, while also taking in its rich, aromatic fragrance that permeated the surrounding air. The garden's environment was abound with a tranquilly calming and relaxing atmosphere; which slowly broken down and swept away Qiu Xiyun's previous bad mood, at that time.

She parked the wheelchair beside a bench by one of the ponds containing Koi fish; then, pulled out a nail clipper from her pocket, and started trimming Yinn Siyan's fingernails. Meanwhile, the accompanying servant stood in the shade of a nearby tree; patiently awaiting for any orders that the Young Mistress may give her.

As she trimmed his nails; Qiu Xiyun commenced her one-sided conversation with Yinn Siyan. "What was it I was discussing the last time...oh, that's right; I was telling you how I kind of had a crush on you, back in school..."

"Of course; I tried hiding my feelings for you, and kept it to myself...but, a friend of mine somehow figured it out; and, went as far as to start encouraging me to chase you." And, as Qiu Xiyun continued speaking while trimming his fingernails; the accompanying servant received a call on her cellphone from the main house.

The call ended briefly...then, after hanging up; the servant immediately went over to Qiu Xiyun, and informed her, "Young Mistress; I just received word from the main house that someone came looking for you. Butler Xiao will be escorting your guest here shortly." A bewildered Qiu Xiyun inquired, "Someone's looking for me? Who?" The servant replied, "All I was told was that she said she your best friend." A quizzical expression instantly overtaken Qiu Xiyun's countenance; as she murmured under her breath, "My best friend?"

Shortly; Butler Xiao arrived with the mysterious visitor...quickly drawing attention over their way; and, stirring up some clearly mixed emotions and confusion on Qiu Xiyun's part. Both Butler Xiao and the accompanying servant were curiously watching the initial interaction between the two 'best friends' at that moment; so, no one was paying attention to Yinn Siyan...whose eyelids happened to suddenly blinked a couple of times.

Once again, a quizzical expression overtook Qiu Xiyun's countenance; as she slightly raised her eyebrows, while softly uttering under her breath, "Jiang Yingying?" Qiu Xiyun thought to herself, "'Best friend'?...More like 'best frenemy'."

As the old adage goes, 'Keep your friends close; and, your enemies closer'...that being said; they kept fairly close to each other during their undergraduate years at C University. During that time, they were roommates in the women's dormitory; and, that's when their intriguing...to say the least...so-called friendship was inauspiciously forged. Jiang Yingying was sort of like the 'Brutus' or 'Judas' to Qiu Xiyun's 'Julius Caesar' or 'Jesus Christ'...though, maybe not as that extreme; but, always kept Qiu Xiyun warily 'on her toes'.

Jiang Yingying possessed a strong, confident persona; and, was extremely extroverted and charismatic. A natural stunning beauty... with a deceivingly 'innocently pure' appearance about her...she always had a number of potential suitors hanging around pursuing her, at that time. Qiu Xiyun, on the other hand, was rather on the shy side; extremely introverted, and viewed as excessively weak in comparison to Jiang Yingying. And, although quite attractive in her own right...with an actual pure and sweet innocence...Qiu Xiyun wasn't in that high of demand among her male classmates; mostly because off her widely known about timid and reserved behavior.

Qiu Xiyun clearly didn't look as if she was pleased to see Jiang Yingying standing in front of her...although, she didn't seem displeased, either; but, more so indifferent about the encounter...as she pondered over; but, couldn't for the life of her recall having told Jiang Yingying that she was going to become a member of the Yinn family. She eventually asked, "How did you know to find me here... and; why are you looking for me, Yingying?"

That wasn't exactly the response Jiang Yingying was expecting to receive from Qiu Xiyun...well; maybe somewhere buried deep down in her subconscious, she had an inkling of a notion that that could have been the anticipated response...but still, Jiang Yingying was offended by Qiu Xiyun's coldly standoffish acknowledgement of her visit; and, glared at her, while sarcastically replying. "Well...that's certainly a fine 'how do you do' way to greet an old friend. Should I just turn around, so you can 'stick the knife in my back', now; or, do want to do that when I'm on my way out?...Jeez, I haven't heard from you in months; and, you haven't been responding to my phone calls. It's been kinda like you fell off the face of the earth, or something. If I hadn't been lucky enough to run into your father and stepmother the other day; I'd still have no idea what happened to you, or where you were."

The two stood there in silence for a moment, with their eyes fixatedly locked on each other's; then suddenly, Jiang Yingying abruptly took hold of Qiu Xiyun's hand, and curtly blurted out...in a 'rapid-fire'-like succession..."What's wrong with you, Xiyuan...what's the matter...why did you suddenly decide to get married?...What about Xu Hao...don't you want him anymore?"

Those last two questions had instantly disconcerted Qiu Xiyun; as it had pained her to hear Xu Hao being brought up...especially coming out from the mouth of Jiang Yingying. There was a burgeoning of suppressed animosity and disdain starting slowly surface within Qiu Xiyun's eyes.

Xu Hao had seemingly been Qiu Xiyun's devout only pursuer at the university; vying for her affection with appeared to be sincere earnest and unyielding persistence. Little did Qiu Xiyun know, at that time, that his 'faithfulness' was as deceiving as Jiang Yingying's 'innocently pure' appearance.

Not long after Yinn Siyan's accident...as soon as word of Qiu Xiangying's sudden change of heart; and, her new relationship with Yinn Tianze was made official...the gossip spread like wildfire throughout the university campus; talking about the scandal within the Yinn and Qiu families. And, that gossip wasn't alone limited to her sister's promiscuous behavior; but, people were also talking about how naively gullible Qiu Xiyun was...how her so-called pursuer was also intimately involved with Jiang Yingying while courting her.

After having inadvertently overhearing a few students gossiping about it...finally discovering about Xu Hao's infidelity and Jiang Yingying's 'backstabbing'...Qiu Xiyun had become even more warily suspicious of Jiang Yingying's so-called friendship. Qiu Xiyun makes a conscientious effort to process and analyze everything Jiang Yingying says and does; trying to decipher the true intention behind them. Jiang Yingying's impromptu visit had raised a 'red flag' with Qiu Xiyun; who narrowed her discerningly scrutinizing eyes to focus on Jiang Yingying, and asked, "How did you know that I got married?"

In an instant, Qiu Xiyun had detected a slight, fleeting expression of trepidation on Jiang Yingying's visage; as she hesitantly replied. "Uh...your father told me..." Jiang Yingying slightly paused before adding, "Remember...I told you that I happened to run into them the other day."

Jiang Yingying paused again...appearing to have been nervously fidgeting...then attempted to provide a reasonable explanation, "I told your father that I had an urgent matter to discuss with you; but, that I've been unable to get in touch with you. That's when he told me about your marriage to Yinn Siyan; and, offered to have your sister bring me here today...because, he thought that the Yinn's would probably turn away a stranger who just shows up at their doorstep."

Qiu Xiyun realized this was a straight-out lie...even without having noticed that Jiang Yingying had quickly averted her eyes down to the ground after telling her that...because, Qiu Xiyun knew that there's no way her father would discuss her marriage arrangement with Jiang Yingying. Qiu Guofei was well aware of the dynamic behind their so-called friendship; so, he wouldn't afford Jiang Yingying the opportunity to hear that he had basically 'sold off' his daughter just to gain favor with the Yinn family.

And, Qiu Xiyun also knew that word of their marriage hadn't been made official, as of yet...and, was only known about among the Yinn family, and a small circle of those who interact within the household on a frequent basis. After word of the scandalous, questionable relationship between Qiu Xiangying and Yinn Tianze had leaked out after Yinn Siyan's car accident; the Yinn family had been embarrassed enough...so, they decided to keep Qiu Xiyun and Yinn Siyan's marriage unannounced; until the previous scandal had died down.

Since Qiu Xiyun came to the irrefutable conclusion that Jiang Yingying was obviously lying...and; that she definitely had a hidden agenda for wanting to see her...Qiu Xiyun wanted to 'trip her up' and catch Jiang Yingying off guard; perhaps 'call her out' on her lies, and maybe even figure out what she's really up to. Qu Xiyun once again focused her discerningly scrutinizing eyes upon JIang Yingying; and inquired, "So...Qiu Xiangying brought you over here, today?" Jiang Yingying nodded; and, Qiu Xiyun immediately followed up, "Then; where is she? Why didn't she come in with you to say hi to me?" Jiang Yingying's complexion started to pale, while another nervously anxious expression overtook her countenance; as she stammered, "Sh-sh-she w-went out w-with...with Yinn Tianze."

Admittedly; Qiu Xiyun took an enjoyable indulgence in watching Jiang Yingying squirming there...giving her a sensation of pleasant satisfaction...and, a small, impish grin emerged upon her mouth. "Really; is that so? Jeez; you'd think she'd at least take a little time to wish me congratulations on my marriage to Yinn Siyan, before running out with Yinn Tianze....Oh; by the way...being how she took off with Yinn Tianze...how are you going to get back? I mean; she brought you here...right?" Jiang Yingying's complexion became even paler; and, started nervously fidgeting, again...then, she abruptly changed the topic of discussion; as she heavily sighed, "I suppose Xu Hao was devastated when he heard that you were marrying Yinn Siyan. "

Qiu Xiyun hadn't been in contact with Xu Hao for the longest...she was certain that Jiang Yingying knew that; but, had no idea why she was pretending not to be aware of that fact...so, Qiu Xiyun opted not to respond; and, just remained silent. Since Qiu Xiyun wasn't replying; JIang Yingying feigned being surprised, and purposely widened her eyes. "Wait...don't tell me you haven't told him, yet? Qiu Xiyun; how could you do that...how could you be so inconsiderate to Xu Hao? To totally disregard his feelings for you; and, toss him aside like yesterday's newspaper.""

Qiu Xiyun scoffed in her mind, "His 'feelings for me'...don't make me laugh. Even if he did have feelings for me, they'd be nothing but false feelings. Why should I tell him that I'm married...what would he care, anyway?"

"It's apparent that Fate never had intended on us being together." An impish grin reemerged upon Qiu Xiyun's mouth; as she goadingly alluded, "Besides...I've heard through 'the grapevine' that he's had his 'paws in some other honeypot'; so, I've never been his true object of affection, anyway. It was never meant to be between us....It's all good, though; I've been truly blessed in the end. Yinn Siyan was the one I've been destined to be with; and, I'm sure he'll treat me well."

Qiu Xiyun turned her head off to the side; and, affectionately gazed upon Yinn Siyan with loving eyes.

Jiang Yingying turned her head in the direction that Qiu Xiyun was facing; and, for the first time since arriving there, finally noticed Yinn Siyan's presence. She was instantly taken aback; shocked and frightened by his hideous appearance...which looked to her like he was some sort of horrendous-looking demon. Jiang Yingying was left momentarily speechless...but, when she was finally able to speak; she cruelly remarked, "My God, Qiu Xiyun; how could bear to look at such a grotesque-looking face? Doesn't it give you nightmares every night after seeing it all day long...I know I would." Jiang Yingying briefly paused, to try to calm her jittery nerves down a little; then...with a look of utter repulsion still etched upon her countenance...bluntly asked, "Do you really want to spend the rest of your life stuck married to this horridly deformed crippled vegetable? I mean, seriously; what kind of life is that?"

Jiang Yingying couldn't keep herself from taking another quick glance over at Yinn Siyan; and, shuddered from repulsive disgust of his appearance. She sharply looked to Qiu Xiyun, and strongly advised, "Billionaire, or not; it isn't worth it, Xiyun! Listen to my advice...you've just married him; so, go now and get the marriage annulled. If it can't be annulled; then, get a divorce. But, either way; just end it, and get yourself out of this farce of a marriage....And, don't worry; Xu Hao is still waiting for you."

Once again, Qiu Xiyun scoffed in her mind, ""Still waiting for me'; are you kidding me? Xu Hao's never been waiting for me...and, you of all people should know that." Qiu Xiyun found it remarkable how Jiang Yingying could execute such a convincing look of 'concern' in her eyes and 'sincerity' in her tone, as she feigned to be wholeheartedly doing this for the her sake.

In all honesty; if Qiu Xiyun hadn't learned about their secret affair... and; the acts of betrayal and infidelity against her...she still would have been kept in the dark by them...and, perhaps; she might have taken Jiang Yingying's advice to leave Yinn Siyan, and run back to Xu Hao. But, since 'the cat was out of the bag'; there wasn't a 'snowball's chance in Hell' that would be happening.

The 'act' was coming to an end; so, Qiu Xiyun decided it was time to pull her hand from Jiang Yingying's hands...which were tightly clenching onto it; almost to the point of being slightly painful. She looked directly into Jiang Yingying's eyes; and, resolutely told her, "There's no need for me to do that; because, I'm perfectly happy with my marriage to Yinn Siyan. So; don't worry about me...I'm good."

Realizing that she had failed to move and convince Qiu Xiyun to leave Yinn Siyan for Xu Hao; Jiang Yingying's previously feigned facial expression of 'concerned worry for' and 'looking out for her best interest' soon dissipated...and; was replaced with one of perturbed annoyance and frustration.

She unceremoniously bellowed out...with her voice being so loud that it instantly attracted the attention of the accompanying servant and the nearby gardeners tending to the garden..."For Christ's sake, Qiu Xiyun; I'm only telling you this for your own good...divorce this 'sideshow freak', and get back together with Xu Hao!" When she realized that not only Qiu Xiyun's eyes were upon her; Jiang Yingying immediately lowered her voice, and leaned in towards Qiu Xiyun...then; whispered aloud in her ear, "Don't ruin your life by wasting it away with this useless 'vegetable'."

At that point, however; it was too late for Jiang Yingying to try to muffle her voice. Her highly acerbic, vile words had been heard by all those within earshot...including another main character that she had been overlooking most of the time, since the beginning of their discussion.

Innocuously seated off to the side in the wheelchair; the comatose Yinn Siyan once again blinked his eyes. And, this time; the scarred tissue where his eyebrows used to be were slightly 'knitted together'...making him seem to be extremely displeased.