C37 In Your Heart Am I a Bad Woman?

Upon Gu Changqing's return, Yin Jie immediately began to relay the day's events, tactfully downplaying the more severe aspects. Gu Changqing listened, his brow creasing slightly.

He had a general idea of the mischief Yin Jie and Gu Yufei had been getting into, and while he typically turned a blind eye to their minor missteps, Gu Yufei had clearly gone too far this time.

Moreover, Yufei wasn't his biological child. Harsh treatment towards her could lead to criticism, painting him as cruel and unfeeling towards his stepdaughter.

"Dad made the decision, so he must have his reasons. Don't worry about it," Gu Changqing tried to reassure her.

"How can I not worry? Changqing, you swore to treat Yufei as your own when we got married. Now, just because she's made a small mistake, the Gu family is treating her like this? Are you trying to push us both out? You're so heartless!" Yin Jie's tears cast Gu Changqing in a villainous light, causing his face to darken.

He had been truly drawn to Yin Jie when he chose to marry her, but now, her tearful display only brought on a headache. He wondered how he had ever fallen for such a troublesome woman.

"Alright, enough crying. I'll go talk to Dad," he said, attempting to soothe her.

Seeing Gu Changqing relent, Yin Jie quickly wiped away her tears, her lips curling into a sly smile.

The sky was still tinged with twilight as Gu Changqing prepared to plead with the Old Master on behalf of his stepdaughter. However, he was stopped by the sight of Uncle Zhang leading a trembling Gu Yufei inside.

"Dad, Mom, I'm freezing..." Gu Yufei's shaking hands were cradled by Yin Jie. Witnessing her daughter's condition, Yin Jie's heart ached.

Her tears cascaded down as she implored her husband, "Look at Feifei. She'll need to marry one day. What if this cold has damaged her health? What will we do?"

Gu Changqing's expression softened with concern as he listened to Yin Jie's plea.

He gestured impatiently. "What are you waiting for? Get her into some warm clothes immediately, and call the family doctor to examine her!"

As Huo Niannian tuned into the commotion outside, she realized that Gu Yufei had been released, and a wave of relief washed over her.

Despite Grandpa's open invitation to leave at their convenience, she and Gu Tingshen decided to stay the night at his place. They didn't want to risk making him feel that his home lacked warmth and hospitality.

Huo Niannian took the initiative and persuaded Gu Tingshen to remain.

Fresh from his shower, Gu Tingshen stepped out to find Huo Niannian sharing her concerns. "I heard that Gu Yufei was let out. I was really worried Grandpa might have kept her confined all night."

With a knowing smile, Gu Tingshen reflected on how Grandpa was stern but always measured in his discipline. It was unthinkable that he would cause Gu Yufei any real harm.

He found Huo Niannian's mix of intense irritation and worry for Gu Yufei quite entertaining. "So, you're feeling guilty now?" he quipped.

Biting her lip, Huo Niannian responded, "It's complicated. She bullied me, so she deserves to be punished, but I certainly didn't wish her any harm..."

"Grandpa knows where to draw the line," Gu Tingshen replied, his smirk evident. "I'm just surprised to see you so compassionate."

Huo Niannian gave him a pointed look. "What's that supposed to mean? Do you really think I'm heartless?"