บท 26: A Chance Encounter
After sorting out their bank cards, the two of them went to a restaurant for a meal. They sat by the wall, where the only barrier between them and the bustling pedestrian street outside was a glass window, allowing passersby a clear view of the interior.
As Qin Churou walked past the restaurant, she caught a glimpse of Qin Sheng inside. She paused in surprise—what was Qin Sheng, a mere country bumpkin, doing in such a high-end establishment?
Her eyes then fell upon the figure of Fu Hanchuan. She could only see his profile, but it was breathtakingly perfect—his high-bridged nose, his sensual lips…
Qin Churou's heart began to race. Never had she seen a man so strikingly handsome. Almost unconsciously, she found herself stepping into the restaurant.
Inside, she witnessed Fu Hanchuan, with his long, elegant fingers, peeling shrimp and placing them in Qin Sheng's bowl, which Qin Sheng shamelessly ate.
Qin Churou clenched her hands tightly, her knuckles turning white. How could Qin Sheng, of all people, encounter such a man? And even have him peel shrimp for her!
But Qin Churou was skilled in playing a role. She quickly suppressed her jealousy and gracefully walked over to Qin Sheng.
"Sister," she called out in a sweet, affected voice. Qin Sheng put down her chopsticks, her expression cold. "Do you need something?"
"Sister, I wanted to ask if you'd like to go shopping together, but I didn't expect you to leave so early," Qin Churou pouted, sliding into the seat next to Qin Sheng with the demeanor of a close sister.
The table was meant for two, and while Qin Sheng was slim, squeezing two people into her chair left them cramped. Fu Hanchuan's brows furrowed, and he finally cast a glance at Qin Churou.
The information he had read indicated that Qin Sheng and Qin Churou were mistakenly swapped at birth in the hospital. Qin Churou, born to a poor rural couple, ended up being raised as the Qin family's daughter and enjoyed their affection.
In contrast, Qin Sheng was mistreated by the rural couple, subjected to endless chores from the age of three.
Had it not been for the compulsory education policy and the pressure from the village officials, the Feng couple would never have sent Qin Sheng to school.
They never contributed a penny to her education. Knowing the nature of the Fengs, the village officials had pooled money to cover Qin Sheng's school fees. Once she was a bit older, she found work to support herself.
After she finished middle school, the Fengs wanted her to stop studying, but Qin Sheng promised to pay them a fixed amount each month, and only then did they reluctantly allow her to continue her education.
After Qin Sheng was brought back to the Qin family, Qin Churou remained with them.
The records showed that Qin Churou was exceptionally gifted. From a young age, she had caught the eye of Qi Wenshi, a master painter, and became his student. By her senior year in high school, she consistently ranked in the top ten of her grade.
She was portrayed as kind and filial, unable to resist feeding stray cats and dogs she encountered on the streets and taking them to the vet if they were injured.
Fu Hanchuan sneered inwardly, averting his gaze. She was just another person like Zhou Sihui.
Noticing that Fu Hanchuan's gaze had briefly landed on her, Qin Churou blushed slightly. She casually picked up a glass of juice in front of Qin Sheng and asked, feigning nonchalance, "Sheng Sheng, is this gentleman a friend of yours?"
A mocking smile tugged at Qin Sheng's lips. Was Qin Churou interested in Fu Hanchuan now?
"What does it matter to you whether he's my friend or not? Our relationship isn't close enough for you to be so familiar. You really are presumptuous." Qin Sheng made no effort to spare Qin Churou's feelings, disdaining the need to maintain a façade of cordiality with her.
Qin Churou's expression stiffened for a moment, but she quickly recovered, her eyes reddening and her voice filled with grievance. "Sister, I know I've occupied Mom and Dad's affection for over a decade, and you hold that against me. But it wasn't something I could control. If you're angry, I'm willing to move out. Sister, I'll do anything if it means you can forgive me."
(End of Chapter)
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