As soon as she thought about going out with Brother Yan, Yun Ya felt invigorated. These past few days, students had begun their summer vacation one after another as the soaring temperatures heralded its onset. In Jiangzhou at this time of year, during the hottest season, the daytime temperatures could reach a scorching thirty-seven or thirty-eight degrees Celsius. At noon, eggs could practically cook on the pavement. And in such irritable weather, people’s hearts were filled with restlessness as well. "Miss, the madam is calling you down to eat." A servant said from outside the door. "I’m not in the mood, I won’t eat." Bai Xiangxiang muttered, toying with a doll with a sullen expression. The memory of being chased out of the hospital by Pei Qinghan made her so furiously ashamed she wanted to kill someone. It seemed Pei Qinghan had already found out everything, knowing that she had lied to him, knowing that Ji Yunya was the person he was looking for. Was this how she lost her chance to stand by his side? No... she wouldn’t accept this. After some thought, she rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a packet of medicine, her eyes darkening. She had gotten it from Lin Qianqian while clubbing before, its effects were strong; even those with the most ascetic discipline couldn’t escape its influence. She had no choice but to resort to such drastic measures. Although it was the lowest of tactics, it was also the most expedient... Determined, she first took a bath, adding drops of rose essential oil to the bathwater, soaking for a full two hours until her skin became milky and smooth, the fragrance seeping into her bones. She chose a dress, a treasure from the bottom of her wardrobe, and sat in front of the mirror, meticulously applying her makeup—pencil in her eyebrows, dust on the powder, brush her eyelashes... An hour later, a freshly made-up young beauty emerged, like a budding flower waiting to bloom, delicate and charmingly vivacious. She took the butterfly hairpin out of her makeup box and examined it carefully in her palm before clipping it beside her ear. This hairpin was exceptionally beautiful; after ten years, it had not aged a bit. Instead, the colored beads and diamonds shone even more brilliantly, adding to its splendor and setting off her countenance with a bright, soft beauty. With a satisfied smile, she slung her backpack over her shoulders and left. Before leaving, Gu Chunrong asked her where she was going, to which she smiled and said, "Mom, wait for my good news." Without looking back, she left. Gu Chunrong frowned, "After brooding in her room for days, she’s finally come around. It’s good for her to get out. Be back early tonight; I’ll make your favorite fish balls..." Right after Bai Xiangxiang left, a police car stopped outside the Bai Family Villa. Bai Xiangxiang took a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. Follow current novᴇls on novel fire.net Soon, Ah Ling came to open the door, and upon seeing the girl standing outside, who was dressed more elegantly than usual, she frowned subconsciously, "Miss Bai?" Bai Xiangxiang smiled gently and handed her the item she was holding, "Sister Ah Ling, haven’t seen you for a short while, did you miss me? This is a little gift, a token of my appreciation, to thank Sister Ah Ling for your care." A set of high-end women’s skincare products, quite expensive. Ah Ling hastily withdrew her hand, "You’re too kind, Miss Bai, I can’t accept this." "Sister Ah Ling, I’ve wanted to properly thank you for a while now. Aren’t you going to even give me a chance to do so? If you don’t take it, I’ll have to throw it away, which would truly make me sad." As she spoke, she pushed the gift into Ah Ling’s hands without giving her a chance to refuse, and stepped into the villa. "Miss Bai." Ah Ling quickly followed her, displeased. What was she planning to do? Bribe her? Wasn’t the trouble she caused last time enough, and now she’s back to stir up more? Ah Ling didn’t harbor the slightest affection for Bai Xiangxiang. In just a few words, Bai Xiangxiang had made her way to the living room. "Miss Bai, the sir is not at home." Bai Xiangxiang sat down on the sofa, "That’s okay, I’ll wait for him to return." If she wanted to wait, let her wait. Ah Ling snorted coldly and pushed the products toward her, "I really can’t accept this. Please take it back, Miss Bai." "This was something I bought specifically for Sister Ah Ling. If you don’t want it, I’ll have no choice but to throw it away." No matter if it would be thrown away, it’s better not to accept it—soft food makes a soft stomach and a gift can trap you. As a qualified servant, she wouldn’t make such a basic mistake. Fury simmered inside Bai Xiangxiang, this mere servant was giving her attitude? Despite the anger in her heart, she dared not show even a hint of it on her face. Serving the tea, Ah Ling went about her business. The afternoon passed, and Pei Qinghan did not return. Bai Xiangxiang grew increasingly impatient as she waited. Just then, the sound of a car horn came from outside; Bai Xiangxiang perked up—Pei Qinghan was back. Soon, Pei Qinghan and Fu Bai entered one after the other, with Ah Ling promptly greeting them respectfully. Bai Xiangxiang quickly stood up. But Pei Qinghan didn’t so much as glance in her direction as he entered; he strode straight upstairs.