Hidden identities of the AI Heiress
Chapter 702 - Chapter 702 Chapter 702 What Chairman Pei is Qiao Shengs

Chapter 702: Chapter 702: What, Chairman Pei is Qiao Sheng’s? Chapter 702: Chapter 702: What, Chairman Pei is Qiao Sheng’s? Lu Shiran felt a sense of pride with no hint of inferiority because Qiao Yun was so outstanding.

The old man was so happy he couldn’t contain himself, “It’s no surprise that she’s my granddaughter. She’s truly brilliant, and her brains must be an inheritance from me.”

The old lady retorted, “Shameless, with your intelligence, how could Qiaoqiao possibly inherit from you? Don’t flatter yourself.”

The old man snorted coldly, “Who knows? It might be a case of skipping generations. Our ancestors could have also had people as smart as Qiaoqiao.”

The old lady rolled her eyes, nearly defeated by the old man’s gall.

Qiao Yun couldn’t bear to burst their bubble, but in truth, her intelligence was innate.

Lu Rui said with a mix of laughter and helplessness, “I would have never guessed you two were related like this, I’ve always suspected that Director Pei had designs on you.”

Remembering what Pei Ya had said to him, Lu Rui’s mouth twitched, “Director Pei said he treats you like a mother, turns out it wasn’t a joke.”

Qiao Yun: “…” She had no idea Pei Ya had said such things to Lu Rui.

Lu Xian was still in a state of confusion, and he blurted out reflexively, “What, did Director Pei actually get born by Qiaoqiao?”

He looked Qiao Yun up and down with a shocked expression.

Everyone: “…”

Qiao Yun fell silent.

It seemed that the intelligence of the Lu Family needed to be examined.

“Have you been scared silly?” said the old lady incredulously.

Lu Xian cleared his throat, “Sorry, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Isn’t Director Pei several years older than Qiaoqiao?”

Qiao Yun explained, “He is someone I casually picked up from a pile of trash and raised.”

The Lu Family was shocked once again.

How come they couldn’t just casually pick someone up from a pile of trash who turned out to be so extraordinary in both intelligence and tactics?

Pei Ya, despite his young age, was able to manage Shengqiao Group so well. It was no wonder he was called the smiling tiger by outsiders.

The old lady said affectionately, “In that case, we are all family now.”

“Mhm,” agreed Qiao Yun, finding the logic sound.

For Qiao Yun, Pei Ya was like family. Now that she had family, she wanted Pei Ya to have a family too and didn’t want him to be alone.

Qiao Yun used to think being alone was fine, but ever since experiencing the warmth of humanity, her thoughts had changed considerably.

The old lady said with a smile, “Then next time I see Director Pei, I’ll have to take a good look at him.”

She mainly wanted to know through Pei Ya how Qiao Yun had spent those lost fifteen years.

But the old lady was genuinely grateful to Pei Ya for all the help he surely provided to Qiaoqiao over the years.

Lu Rui, listening to their conversation, silently pressed his temples. Was he really becoming Director Pei’s grandfather?

This was too fantastical.

To think that last year, he never would have imagined that the Shengqiao Group, which had nothing to do with him, was actually founded by his own daughter.

Building such a massive financial empire must have taken a lot of effort and dedication.

Lu Zhanxing’s expression subtly changed as he recalled something.

After finding out that Qiao Yun was with Li Hanzhou, how he had mistakenly believed that Pei Ya liked his sister and how he had encouraged Pei Ya to bravely pursue love and compete with Li Hanzhou as a romantic rival.

Who would have thought that Pei Ya’s affection for his sister was so innocent.

“…”

Lu Zhanxing covered his face, as his tally of social deaths gained yet another entry.

Compared to everyone else’s shock, Lu Jingzhi remained silent, feeling as if he had been struck.

To think that he had once deemed his sister useless.

And such a sister, whom he considered useless, turned out to be the hidden major shareholder of Shengqiao, and even Pei Ya, whom he had to treat with great respect, was essentially working for her.

Lu Jingzhi showed an embarrassed expression. How was he to face his sister from now on?

However, he recalled the words Lu Zhanxing had just spoken to him.

The hesitant look in his eyes slowly firmed up, he shouldn’t let his sister suffer troubles because of his own evasions, whether his sister felt it or not, his avoidance was indeed indirectly hurting her.

Su Mian didn’t share everyone’s excitement, she tightly grasped Qiao Yun’s hand, the unhideable sorrow and heartache apparent in her gaze.

“Qiaoqiao, you’ve worked hard. From now on, you don’t have to be so hard on yourself.”

Confusion flickered in Qiao Yun’s eyes as she stared blankly at Su Mian, not understanding why she was saying she had it hard.

Even less did she understand the sorrow in her eyes.

Su Mian said, “Now that you’re back, you don’t need to struggle so much. You should do what people your age are supposed to do.”

Su Mian hoped that Qiao Yun could be as carefree and happy as her peers.

Qiao Yun, sensing Su Mian’s mood, nodded gently, “Okay.”

Then Su Mian smiled.

Seeing this, Qiao Yun pursed her lips, allowing a slight upward turn at the corners of her mouth.

Su Mian’s eyes revealed surprise, “Qiaoqiao, you smiled.”

“What’s this about Qiaoqiao smiling?” Lu Rui turned his head to look.

My goodness, he felt as if he had never seen his precious daughter smile before.

As everyone looked over, Qiao Yun’s mouth immediately tightened, her face became serious.

As if the person who had just smiled wasn’t her.

Lu Zhanxing was greatly disappointed but encouraged Qiao Yun, “Sister, don’t be shy, give us a smile.”

“Exactly, exactly.” Lu Shiran nodded along, “I’ve never seen you smile, either.”

Lu Jingzhi didn’t speak, but his eyes were full of expectation.

Under her family’s intense scrutiny, Qiao Yun’s face grew tighter and tighter.

Seeing this, the old lady chased her grandsons away, “Go, go, go, never seen someone smile, have you? If you want to see, go look in the mirror. Don’t embarrass my precious granddaughter.”

Lu Zhanxing touched his nose, leaned into Qiao Yun’s ear, and whispered at a volume only they could hear, “Sister, you haven’t smiled at your brother yet, how about you smile privately for brother, okay?”

Helpless against Lu Zhanxing’s coquettish plead, Qiao Yun nodded in agreement.

Seems like she needed to study how to smile properly so as not to scare her brother away.

Lu Zhanxing was thoroughly pleased with himself.

Lu Shiran squinted his eyes, wondering what secrets they were whispering about and why it wasn’t shared with him.

It’s not that Qiao Yun had never smiled, her first smile was when she had successfully completed the reconstruction of Pei Yao’s hands.

At that time, the look Pei Yao gave her was like he was looking at a monster.

Therefore, Qiao Yun, who was still very vague about emotions at the time, always believed that her smile must be very frightening.

Qiao Yun looked at her harmonious family and suddenly remembered something she hadn’t mentioned yet; although it was somewhat inappropriate at the moment, having the whole family present made it the best opportunity to share.

So she spoke up, “There’s something I need to say.”

“What is it?” The old master’s expression tightened–could it be that Qiaoqiao had another formidable identity that she hadn’t told them about?

The old master immediately sat up straight, ready to accept the stormy revelation from Qiao Yun.

When they all looked at her, Qiao Yun slowly began, “It’s about Lu Ting.”

The old master hadn’t expected this topic, his expression became stunned, “What about her?”

Lu Ting seldom visited the old house, and the elders didn’t have a very strong feeling for her; after Lu Ting did so many bad things, their feelings became even more complicated.

If Qiao Yun hadn’t brought it up, they would have almost forgotten about such a person.

Qiao Yun spoke clearly and deliberately, informing them, “She committed suicide.”

Upon hearing this, Su Mian’s brows twisted, “I thought after so much time, she would have repented and acknowledged her wrongs; why would she use such a method.”

Lu Rui had already reached the limit of his disappointment with Lu Ting, hearing this now left him completely unruffled; he shared the same thoughts as Su Mian.

Lu Ting must be faking suicide again.

Lu Zhanxing scoffed, “Her illness hasn’t healed yet?”

Seeing they were quite calm, Qiao Yun spoke up directly, “It’s not a fake suicide. She jumped off a bridge and hasn’t been found. However, the chances of survival are not great.”

The Lu family hadn’t yet processed what was happening. What? Lu Ting really committed suicide this time instead of faking it! Then they heard a loud clang, the sound of a cup falling onto the table.

They followed the sound and saw Lu Jingzhi’s face looking rather strange, his suit soaked with the spilt liquor from the cup.

Lu Jingzhi said awkwardly, “It’s nothing, I just touched it by accident.”

As he spoke, he pulled out a few tissues and wiped at the stain haphazardly.

“How could you be so careless, go upstairs and change your clothes,” Su Mian scolded with a tinge of annoyance.

Lu Jingzhi hesitated, glanced at Qiao Yun, and seeing that she had no particular reaction, he stood up, “Grandpa, I’m going to change my clothes.”

“Go ahead,” the old man waved him off, urging him to go quickly.

Lu Jingzhi cast another careful look at Qiao Yun, not detecting any peculiar expression on her face, and then headed upstairs.

Watching Lu Jingzhi’s retreating figure as he ascended the stairs, Lu Zhanxing’s expression darkened slightly. After some thought, he decided not to follow.

After this little interlude, the Lu family’s attention returned to Qiao Yun.

But having suddenly learned of this, they didn’t know what to say.

Although Lu Ting had committed grave sins, they had raised her for many years; if they didn’t have a shred of feeling for her, it would likely be a lie.

But in truth, their sadness was overshadowed by regret, for Lu Ting had had other roads to choose from, yet she had chosen the wrong path.

With understanding, Qiao Yun said, “If you’re sad, don’t hold it in, I won’t be angry.”

Hearing this, Su Mian felt even more heartbroken than when she had learned that Lu Ting had truly committed suicide.

How could her daughter be so sensible?

She had suffered the most, yet now she was allowing them to feel sad.

Lu Rui shook his head, “I’m not sad.”

“Really?” Qiao Yun looked intently at Lu Rui.

Unfazed, Lu Rui nodded, “We’ve felt sorry for her many times in the past, but now she has lost that privilege.”

Qiao Yun merely uttered “Oh” and said nothing more.

Even if the Lu family felt sorry for Lu Ting, it wouldn’t affect her.

After all, the Lu family wasn’t composed of cold-blooded creatures; if they truly felt nothing at all, Qiao Yun would find it strange.

“Let’s eat,” the old lady called everyone to dine.

Today had been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone in the Lu family.

Qiao Yun tilted her head, having thought they would ask about Lu Ting’s situation. Since they didn’t inquire, she didn’t continue on the topic.

Suddenly, a “ding” sounded.

It was Qiao Yun’s phone ringing.

She picked it up to see a message from Pei Ya.

[Boss! Big trouble!]

Qiao Yun: [Oh.]

Staring at this “Oh,” Pei Ya’s life was plunged into doubt.

Oh?

That’s it?

[We’ll talk later.]

Pei Ya swallowed back all the intelligence he was about to share, his heart in torment.

Boss, you’re really going to suffocate someone like this.

…

In the room, Lu Jingzhi washed his face, a flash of irritation crossing his features.

“Big brother, are you regretting what happened to Lu Ting?”

Lu Zhanxing had come upstairs at some point and now stood behind Lu Jingzhi, his gaze toward Lu Jingzhi was quite unfriendly.

It seemed that if Lu Jingzhi dared to say yes, Lu Zhanxing would be ready to start a fight.

Lu Jingzhi pulled out a tissue and methodically wiped his soaking fingers while looking down, “Why would you think that?”

“Your behavior just now makes me suspect,” Lu Zhanxing’s face tensed, “do you still care about Lu Ting?”

Lu Jingzhi scoffed, “Of course not. Do I look that soft-hearted?”

Lu Zhanxing pondered for a moment then nodded firmly, “Yes, you do, when it comes to Lu Ting.”

A twitch appeared at the corner of Lu Jingzhi’s mouth, his brows knitted tightly as he emphasized, “That was the past, not now.”

“Oh, is that so…” It was obvious that Lu Zhanxing didn’t believe that Lu Jingzhi hadn’t felt a trace of regret or wavering in his heart due to Lu Ting’s suicide.

“Really, there isn’t,” Lu Jingzhi was at his wits’ end with his brother, “I was just too surprised earlier.”

“It’s best that way,” Lu Zhanxing spread his hands, shrugged, and waved at Lu Jingzhi, “Come down after you’ve changed.”

Lu Jingzhi really wanted to pull Lu Zhanxing back and tell him loudly that he truly had no regrets.

Of course, his feelings were complicated, but he certainly did not regret cutting ties with Lu Ting completely.

What he was annoyed about just now was probably that his behavior was going to cause his sister to misunderstand him again.

Lu Jingzhi took a deep breath, thinking about how fortunes turn; in the past, he was always misunderstanding his sister, now it was his turn to be misunderstood by her.

Being misunderstood was truly unpleasant.

…

Because today was the old master’s first day out of the hospital, everyone stayed at the old house.

The dinner took quite a while, and it was already nine o’clock by the time it ended.

Everyone chatted in the living room for a while, and around ten o’clock, they got up and returned to their rooms.

Qiao Yun went back to her room, finished washing up, and picked up her phone to contact Pei Ya.

“You can speak now.”

Pei Ya had been waiting for Qiao Yun all this time, his words stuck midway, which made it hard for him to concentrate on anything else.

Now that Qiao Yun had asked, he excitedly said, “Guess what I want to say first, boss?”

Qiao Yun: “…”

Three seconds later, Pei Ya very sensibly said, “Boss, my mistake, please don’t hang up the phone.”

Qiao Yun half-reclined on the bed, languidly said, “No nonsense allowed.”

“Got it,” Pei Ya obediently said, “actually, Zhou You found out from a contact who is targeting the Lu Family.”

Pei Ya had been busy with this issue for days, and as soon as he got news, he immediately informed Qiao Yun.

Qiao Yun just raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression neither surprised nor pleased, she asked, “Name.”

Pei Ya: “…” What’s this, no sense of accomplishment at all. You could at least act a bit shocked.

Pei Ya feeling wronged, said, “It’s the Qin Family, old man Qin.”

Qiao Yun’s brows and eyes lowered, showing a trace of annoyance, “They are so annoying.”

“Indeed, very annoying,” Pei Ya said, “Whether it’s the construction site issue, the shareholders’ affair, or this incident involving you and Lu Zhanxing, everything was commanded by old man Qin. It seems he has always borne a grudge against the Lu Family. The calm before was just him plotting these things behind the scenes. If it didn’t work this time, he is likely to come back with a vengeance.”

Qiao Yun spoke unhurriedly, “Then let’s make sure he can’t come back.”

“Understood, I’ll call the police now and have him arrested.”

“Don’t call the cops yet.”

A cold glint flashed in Qiao Yun’s eyes, “He schemed against the Lu Family, so I’m going to scheme against him.”

Pei Ya scratched his ear. What did he just hear? Professor Qiao was actually saying she wanted to scheme against someone?

How to scheme?

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