Chapter 4: Gu Zhiqi: No Choice

The person in the bed had sat up at some unknown point and was now leaning lazily against the headboard. A pair of deep, hazy eyes watched the two of them, her expression languid and indifferent, with a hint of playful wantonness lingering in her gaze.

"You... are awake?"

Gu Zhiqi's eyes were too beautiful, and too deep, as if they could see right through a person at a single glance.

Subconsciously, Tang Yun felt a flicker of guilt.

But on second thought, she had nothing to feel guilty about.

Having cleared her mind, Tang Yun steadied herself. "Since you're awake, you should have heard what was just said. Make your choice."

Hearing Tang Yun's words, Zhang Xiuli's expression grew even colder. She cast her gaze upon Gu Zhiqi, her eyes filled with resistance and disgust. "Don't choose me. Choose your father. Even if you choose me, I won't support you."

"You might not understand, but your father is completely paralyzed now. I have to support your brother's education on my own, I have a son of my own to raise, and I have to take care of your father. So, don't expect me to provide for you." Tang Yun spoke with a face of indifference, calmly explaining the family situation, though her hand gripping the corner of her clothes tightened slightly.

"Even if you choose me, I won't support you either," Zhang Xiuli added coldly, her arms crossed, her face a mask of indifference and meanness.

The way she looked at Gu Zhiqi was like looking at trash—disdainful and contemptuous—showing not a shred of recognition that Gu Zhiqi was her biological daughter.

Gu Zhiqi had been awake for a while and had heard most of their conversation.

She also roughly understood their identities.

Zhang Xiuli, the original host's biological mother.

Tang Yun, the original host's stepmother.

The original host had been kicked out by the Gu family, and currently, neither of these women was willing to take her in.

Gu Zhiqi could understand Tang Yun's attitude, but this Zhang Xiuli...

Whoever wanted a mother like that was welcome to her.

As for her, she didn't want her.

"I won't choose," Gu Zhiqi finally spoke, her tone casual. After speaking, she let out a lazy yawn.

Hearing Gu Zhiqi's words, both women were stunned.

After the momentary shock, Zhang Xiuli was the first to speak, her voice suddenly rising sharply. "You still want to go back to the Gu family, don't you? Gu Zhiqi, have some shame! The Gu family doesn't want you anymore!"

"If you dare go back again, both your father and I are finished! If you want to seek your own destruction, fine, but can you stop dragging me down with you? Huh?" As she spoke, her tone became increasingly acerbic. Finally, she reached out, intending to poke Gu Zhiqi in the head.

Gu Zhiqi stared indifferently at her finger. "Get out."

"You... what did you say?" The hand reaching to poke Gu Zhiqi froze. Zhang Xiuli's eyes widened as she stared at Gu Zhiqi.

Gu Zhiqi's brow arched slightly, her expression wanton and lazy. She opened her lips again and spoke clearly and precisely: "I said, get out."

"You... you're simply defying heaven! How dare you speak to me like that? Is this how the Gu family taught you? Huh?" As Zhang Xiuli spoke, she raised her hand to slap Gu Zhiqi.

Gu Zhiqi grabbed Zhang Xiuli's hand in one swift motion.

*Crack!*

"Ah!"

Zhang Xiuli's arm was dislocated, and she let out a sharp, piercing scream.

"Gu Zhiqi! You little brat, how dare you..." Before Zhang Xiuli could finish her sentence, she was interrupted.

"Come, calm down, calm down."

As the languid, indifferent voice rang out, another cup of water was poured over Zhang Xiuli's head.

The water cascaded from the top of her head, instantly turning her exquisite curls into a bird's nest.

Gu Zhiqi nonchalantly placed the paper cup back on the nightstand.

It was unclear who had been kind enough to leave a cup of water by the bedside.

"Ah!" As the water poured down, a piercing scream once again echoed through the entire hospital room.

Zhang Xiuli was stunned for only a few seconds. Once she regained her senses, she began screaming and clawing at Gu Zhiqi like a madwoman.

(End of Chapter)