Rebirth: She is Ready for a Counterattack!-Chapter 358 - 357: Reflections

Tears immediately welled up in He Cui’s eyes as she clung tightly to Gu Xiaoqing’s wrist, refusing to let go.

"I thought at least this child would let you know his whereabouts, but I didn’t expect him not to even tell you. It’s all my fault, I’ve actually always known about Shaohan and Shaonan’s feelings for you."

He Cui’s words left Gu Xiaoqing in shock, this was something she was unaware of.

Even when she visited the Fang Family during New Year, He Cui never showed any signs of knowing, instead, she would warmly pull her aside to chat, just like in the past.

But who would have thought that inside this kind aunt might lie a hatred for her, a hatred for enchanting the hearts of her two outstanding sons.

Sensing Gu Xiaoqing’s shiver, He Cui sighed.

Patting Gu Xiaoqing’s palm, He Cui looked at the remaining sunlight outside the window and said, "Actually, I’ve known for much longer than you think. I was aware of Fang Shaonan’s feelings early on, and I thought as you were both young, those budding feelings would gradually fade as he grew up.

So I agreed with Fang Shaohan’s idea to send Fang Shaonan away to study to ensure there would be no entanglement between you two.

Child, you might not understand, but this is a mother’s intention. You might not comprehend, but once you become a mother, you will. I just want the best for my son, it’s not that you’re not good enough, it’s because the gap between us is inherently different. What I want for Fang Shaonan is something you can’t provide."

He Cui spoke earnestly and intensively.

Gu Xiaoqing nodded, "Auntie, I actually understand your intention. I also recognize your painstaking effort; it’s a loving heart towards your children, there’s nothing wrong with that."

This was also why Gu Xiaoqing had always avoided touching that bottom line, because she didn’t want to hurt any mother who had protective feelings for their son.

He Cui nodded, having always known that Gu Xiaoqing was mature and sensible, not a girl who craved wealth, so she never brought these matters to the surface, because she didn’t want to wound such a considerate child.

"I know, Auntie knows. What I didn’t expect, what I didn’t foresee was that Fang Shaohan would also fall in love with you, and even when faced with greater difficulties and obstacles, even when faced with Fang Shaonan’s angry accusation of him stealing you, it didn’t matter to him, that’s when I realized I was wrong.

I shouldn’t have allowed Fang Shaohan to get close to you, what I thought was good for him ended up hurting him. The night they fought, everyone knew, his father and I knew, we scolded both Fang Shaohan and Fang Shaonan. Fang Shaohan just coldly left a remark that he wouldn’t be with you, then left."

He Cui stood up, standing by the window, watching the glowing red light of the setting sun outside, which filled the heart with a silent sense of catastrophe, stunningly beautiful yet tragic.

"I thought everything was finally over. But unexpectedly, this child said he was going on a business trip after New Year, disappearing overseas for a task, and for quite a long time. We didn’t pay much attention because Fang Shaohan had gone on trips eight or even ten times a year, we had gotten used to it."

Suddenly, He Cui spun around, her face filled with terror and panic, "But this time it’s been five months, and this child still hasn’t returned. What’s most worrying is that there’s been no phone call, no news at all. I went to his workplace, spoke to his superiors, but no one would provide information about him."

Gu Xiaoqing also stood up abruptly, this was unlike Fang Shaohan’s usual style.

Fang Shaohan had always hidden things suddenly letting go, suddenly acting cold, these uncharacteristic actions all pointed to one fact, Fang Shaohan knew something might happen to him, so he cruelly severed his thoughts of her.

She only realized now, this matched Fang Shaohan’s behavioral style.

He Cui was weeping bitterly, her son’s actions deeply saddened her, not knowing his whereabouts worried her even more. She sought out Gu Xiaoqing, hoping she might know of Fang Shaohan’s whereabouts, considering Fang Shaohan had never shown such importance to any woman as he did to Gu Xiaoqing in his lifetime.

She hoped Fang Shaohan might have left word with Gu Xiaoqing, and her intuition continuously told her that her son was in trouble, something no mother could accept.

In comparison to her son being in trouble, He Cui would rather he was just throwing a childish tantrum and disappeared for a while, but even He Cui herself didn’t truly believe in such naive behavior, let alone anyone else.

Fang Shaohan is a person who would fight tooth and nail to get what he wanted, not a cunning child who hides and schemes.

He Cui understood this about him.

It was because of this understanding that He Cui worried even more.

Gu Xiaoqing gently soothed He Cui, patting her shoulder and back, and softly comforted, "Auntie, it’s okay, Fang Shaohan is not a reckless person. He’s probably just on a business trip, perhaps he went somewhere inconvenient to contact you. That’s why there’s no communication. In a while, there should be news. Don’t worry about crying yourself into illness, if he comes back and sees this, won’t he be heartbroken?"

Though knowing these words were mere consolation with no practical effect, they still seemed better than letting He Cui cry incessantly.

He Cui wept for a long time before stopping, saying, "Child, I know you’re a good child. If Fang Shaohan returns safely this time, Auntie won’t stand in the way of your relationship. If you hear from him, be sure to give Auntie a call."

With hopeful eyes looking at Gu Xiaoqing, she could only nod, unable to voice that there was nothing between her and Fang Shaohan.

He Cui sat there for a long time after it got dark, before leaving. Gu Xiaoqing wanted to invite He Cui to stay, but He Cui declined, saying she’d already arranged accommodations, provided by the military district, very convenient.

Gu Xiaoqing couldn’t say any more, and saw He Cui off.

She sat in the living room for a long while.

Reflecting on all the events past and present, everything that had happened over these three years, every memory shared with Fang Shaohan, remembering their not-so-happy beginning, their tumultuous start, and their happy interactions after Fang Shaohan gradually changed and they became friends.

Her hesitation, her contemplation, her retreat and lack of progress, her calmness and rationality.

But none of this could change her panic and anxiety when she heard the news.

Fang Shaohan, I hope you are safe.