Chapter 105: Reversal

Qiao Mo's body jolted.

She hadn't expected Gu Yunci to ask that question.

The reason she had been serving Bai Cixian tirelessly was because she believed Bai Cixian truly had a relationship with Gu Yunci.

"I don't know whether she's pregnant or not; she never told me much about that.

She only had me cooperate with her act, pretending to be pitiful to garner sympathy, but I think…"

"What do you think?"

"She doesn't seem truly pregnant; it looks more like something pre‑planned."

The man slowly turned, stamping out his cigarette in the ashtray, "I'll cover your mother's medical expenses."

Qiao Mo was overjoyed, "Thank you, President Gu."

"You don't need to thank me right away; I have a favor to ask. I've asked Qin Zheng to arrange for you to re‑enter the Gu Group. On the surface, you're still Bai Cixian's person.

But behind the scenes, you must investigate her pregnancy and abortion back then—

I want the whole truth."

Qiao Mo nodded, "Alright, President Gu, I know what to do."

After the man left, Qiao Mo asked Qin Zheng, "Assistant Qin, Bai Cixian did many things that harmed Meng Shutang before; I'll tell you them now."

Qin Zheng replied coldly, "No need, President Gu already knows."

He knows everything!

Qiao Mo's hand tightened slightly, and she bit her lower lip.

"It seems President Gu has long suspected her. From what I know about Bai Cixian, the pregnancy matter… only she and her mother know the truth."

Qin Zheng listened and slightly lifted his eyes.

Regarding the rumors, Meng Shutang heard them, and some employees incited by Bai Cixian deliberately approached her, blocked her exit, and taunted her.

"Teacher Meng, I always thought you were pure, never expected you to be so indiscreet.

Who is the father of your child? It can't be that homeless man under the bridge, can it?"

Meng Shutang gave the other a cool glance, "Do these matters concern you? During work hours you don't work properly, chewing gossip here.

And my child—I gave birth myself, raise myself, I haven't stolen, I haven't robbed, I haven't relied on anyone. How can you have the right to speak up?"

"Do you yourself believe what you're saying?"

Meng Shutang was about to retort when a woman's voice suddenly came, "I believe it."

The two turned their heads and saw Qiao Mo approaching in Gu work uniform.

The employee was startled, "Qiao Mo? Weren't you... fired?"

Qiao Mo held the documents, "That was in the past; these past two days Gu has been recruiting, I passed the assessment and was hired."

Speaking, she glanced at Meng Shutang, "Having been colleagues for so many years, I trust Teacher Meng's character; she's not the type to act recklessly. Someone must be maliciously spreading rumors."

The employee asked, "Weren't you once best friends with Bai Cixian and always disliked Meng Shutang?"

Qiao Mo replied, "I never disliked Teacher Meng. In the past I joined everyone in slandering her many times; I know better than anyone how innocent she is."

She said, walking to Meng Shutang's side, "Teacher Meng, my mother has cancer; these past days I've been raising funds for her, so I can understand your unwavering devotion to your mother for fourteen years. I deeply admire that."

After speaking, she gave Meng Shutang a slight nod and turned to leave.

Everyone was stunned; previously Qiao Mo had been eager to ruin Meng Shutang to death.

But Qiao Mo's words made everyone re‑examine the rumor.

Soon, the rumors about Meng Shutang shifted direction.

"I heard her mother is a vegetative patient, living in Jiangcheng Yiyuan for fourteen years; she's really endured a lot."

"No wonder she works day and night; she's beautiful, strong, and independent. Who are we to blame her?"

"Her child is over three years old, with both elders and a youngster at home; it's truly hard!"

…

Because she's in a good mood, Bai Cixian hasn't been at work these past few days.

She thought the rumors were spreading like gunpowder smoke; she didn't want to invite trouble upon herself, so she stayed far away.

She originally thought that after returning, Meng Shutang would have no face to enter the Gu Gate, but as soon as she entered, she heard these words.

She was left dumbfounded.

She had schemed to ruin Meng Shutang's reputation; after two days away, Meng Shutang had already been hailed by the staff as the pinnacle of an "independent, self‑reliant single mother."

She thought this could only have been done by Gu Yunci; aside from him, she couldn't imagine anyone else.

But after taking two steps, she saw Qiao Mo in work uniform, smiling brightly as she approached, and she was stunned again.

"Why are you here?"

"Gu was recruiting; I attended the interview and was selected."

"You're talking nonsense; Gu never lets employees be dismissed."

"Then I don't know; the outside salary is too low, and after thinking it over, Gu suits me better.

Cixian, I'm back to help you; aren't you happy for me?"

Bai Cixian looked at her with a guarded expression.

It should be noted that a few days earlier, Qiao Mo was kneeling before her, begging for mercy.

"What about your mother's treatment costs?"

"You know, I've always dreamed of marrying a rich man and becoming a wealthy lady.

I bought a lottery ticket and won three hundred thousand."

Bai Cixian snorted, "Just three hundred thousand, and you have the nerve to say that!"

Qiao Mo blocked her path, pushed her aside, grabbed her bag and headed toward the administration center.

Qiao Mo still returned to her original department; previously she hung around with Bai Cixian, neglecting her duties and only caring about conspiring with her to frame Meng Shutang.

But now she works hard on one hand and investigates the truth on the other.

When she has spare energy, she also helps Meng Shutang.

She knows clearly that to secure her footing in the Gu Clan, the real big tree she must rely on is who.

Facing the computer, she sent Gu Yunci the first WeChat message: 【President Gu, I once heard Bai Cixian's mother call her, saying that after Teacher Meng left, the information was overwritten, and Bai Lianyue also said that at that time you were only busy searching for Teacher Meng, and by the time you realized, you definitely couldn't find anything.】

Gu Yunci was drinking tea in a pavilion at the playground when he received the message.

He closed his phone, looked up at Meng Shutang, who was playing mud with two children.

The three of them played happily, their laughter clear, soft and bright, like wind shaking a string of silver bells, spreading gentle warmth over the ground.

With slender fingertips he lifted the tea cup, took a sip, set it back, then carried the fruit tray beside him toward them, "Have some fruit."

He crouched beside them, speared a piece with a fruit fork for Xin Xin, who bit it in one mouth, "Thank you, Uncle Gu."

He then gave one to Song Yilin, who also ate it well.

After feeding the children, he stood and went to Meng Shutang's side; the sunlight between them seemed to become softer and hotter because of the man's slight lean.

He speared a piece of pineapple, spoke softly, his voice low, hoarse and darkly gentle, "Open your mouth."