Chapter 22: Jealousy

Xia Weiwei was consumed by jealousy. When Gu Qichen had offered the saucer earlier, she’d thought it was for her. But Xia Yangyang only stared, surprised, at the shrimp in front of her. What was Gu Qichen doing? Showing favoritism?

After dinner, Xia Yangyang started to return to her room, but Gu Qichen, like an immovable Buddha, remained seated on the sofa, conversing with Xia Liangdong. Liu Ruyan approached Xia Yangyang, saying, “Yangyang, come help me cut some fruit.”

Glad for the distraction, Xia Yangyang went to the kitchen. Upon returning, Xia Liangdong was gone. Only Xia Weiwei remained, chattering animatedly beside Gu Qichen. They appeared to be examining something. Xia Weiwei excitedly displayed something, leaning close to Gu Qichen.

Xia Yangyang approached to investigate. Xia Weiwei had produced an old photo album and was showing it to Gu Qichen, who seemed quite interested. Xia Yangyang rarely appeared in photographs; most depicted her mother, taken when she was very young. In contrast, numerous photos showcased Xia Weiwei, who'd always loved beauty and fashion. Liu Ruyan's fondness for photography meant the album primarily featured Xia Weiwei, from childhood to adulthood. Xia Yangyang had only a handful of pictures.

Xia Weiwei excitedly explained, “Brother-in-law, look, this is me at five. Wasn’t I adorable? My mother even had me shoot a commercial; I was on a magazine cover! This is my middle school graduation photo. I’m a little embarrassed to say it, but I was the school beauty queen. And there’s this…”

Xia Weiwei continued chattering. But lifting her head, she was shocked to find Gu Qichen hadn't been listening. He was carefully studying a photograph—a picture of Xia Yangyang and her mother from when she was four or five, old and yellowed. It had fallen out from between the album pages. He had been studying it for some time.

Xia Weiwei was furious. Had she wasted her breath? Why couldn't she ever capture his attention? His gaze always seemed drawn to Xia Yangyang, even in photographs.

Xia Weiwei bit her lip and quickly flipped through the album. Finally, she found a photo tucked behind a divider. Pulling it out, she feigned surprise. “Oh, how did this photo end up here? I thought my sister threw away all her photos with Brother Haotian after their breakup. I didn't expect one to be hidden here.”

Gu Qichen’s attention was indeed captured by a name on the photo. His eyes focused on the image in Xia Weiwei’s hand.

Xia Weiwei pretended to panic. “Brother-in-law, I didn’t mean it. My sister and Brother Haotian were in love for ten years; they had deep feelings. And my sister cherishes memories, so it’s understandable she kept this photo. Please don’t be angry. I think she just wanted a memento, nothing more…”

Gu Qichen’s gaze remained on the photograph. It showed a young boy and girl, heads together, radiant with bright smiles, vibrant and full of youthful exuberance. Xia Yangyang, with a sweet smile, resembled a dazzling winter jasmine. The boy’s eyes were fixed on her, filled with love.