Section 113: Zhu Yuheng’s Silent Tears [6.4K Words—Please Subscribe!]

“No, you are the savior.” Lin Qiye’s tone was resolute as wings unfurled behind him, soaring toward the Jade Lake villa district.

The little Empress trembling in his arms was pale as death.

“Afraid? If you’re scared, just close your eyes.”

The young girl obediently shut her eyes, her long lashes fluttering delicately.

Lin Qiye suddenly smiled.

How interesting.

If it had been Zhu Yuheng from the previous life, she surely would have been stubborn, refusing to look away.

But now, this little girl was so obedient it was almost unbearable.

Two personalities, so utterly different.

Lin Qiye smiled quietly for a while.

Then they landed outside the Gu family villa.

Seeing Lin Qiye return with a girl, Mr. and Mrs. Gu, along with Gu He, all looked on curiously, scrutinizing Zhu Yuheng.

Mr. and Mrs. Gu exchanged glances, expressions somewhat strange.

“She’s a beauty in the making, though malnourished, causing her complexion to be sallow and a bit insecure, but both her bone structure and looks are quite good,” Mrs. Gu thought to herself, raising an eyebrow.

Suddenly, she spoke up, “Son, is she a child bride?”

Mr. Gu gave Lin Qiye an approving look.

At the mention, the little Empress’s face instantly flushed crimson, the redness even spreading near her collarbone, while her ears glowed like white jade touched by rosy clouds.

“I... I...”

She tried to explain, but no words came out.

Lin Qiye came to her rescue at just the right moment.

“She’s my friend and will be staying at our home for a while.”

Mrs. Gu nodded generously.

She did not reject the suggestion.

Her precious son had become a pillar of the human race; trivial domestic matters were no longer her concern.

“No problem. Whatever my dear says, goes.”

“Oh, by the way. What’s the little girl’s name?”

Zhu Yuheng froze.

She had no name.

Since childhood, her father had called her “Calamity,” and her stepmother and stepfather did the same.

That name was unpleasant to hear.

She despised it.

If she said it out loud, would it...

The little Empress suddenly turned pale, her steps faltering.

“I... I... I’m called... Calam...”

Just as she was about to break down, Lin Qiye interrupted.

“Zhu Yuheng, her name is Zhu Yuheng.”

The little Empress was stunned.

My name is Zhu Yuheng?

She had never heard of such a name before.

Yet for some reason, the moment those three characters appeared, something seemed to take root deep in her heart, as if that was her true name from birth.

Her eyes were filled with disbelief as she looked at Lin Qiye.

Curiosity, confusion, gratitude—all mingled within.

Is he really someone I knew in my past life?

Is he truly here to save me?

Why does he seem to know my name, even though I don’t?

Her expression was complex.

Nearby, Mrs. Gu clapped in approval.

“Zhu Yuheng, huh... a good name! A beauty with a beautiful name.”

“Well then, you’ll live with us from now on.”

“Our villa is quite spacious, three floors, plenty of rooms.”

“I’m Aunt Gu, that’s Uncle Gu, this is Gu He, who’s about your age—you two can be like sisters.”

“Gu He, find some clothes for Yuheng to take a bath, after dinner, we’ll go shopping together. Let’s buy Yuheng some clothes.”

Mrs. Gu arranged everything swiftly.

Then, wearing an apron, she set off bustling about in the kitchen.

Half an hour later.

Zhu Yuheng had finished her bath, her damp hair drying by the side.

Mrs. Gu laid out a sumptuous spread of dishes on the table.

“Dinner’s ready!”

With that command, everyone sat down.

Seeing the table laden with food, the little Empress grew nervous and flustered, unsure how to sit, only perching on half her small bottom on the stool.

“Yuheng, don’t be shy. We’re family now. Eat whatever you like.”

Mrs. Gu encouraged warmly, piling a bowl full of dishes for the little Empress.

“Thank you... thank you, Aunt Gu.”

Zhu Yuheng carefully held the bowl, picking up a stray piece of vegetable on the edge and eating it with great care.

Seeing this, Mrs. Gu’s heart ached, her mouth opening but no words coming out.

Mr. Gu was also stunned.

Zhu Yuheng smiled timidly.

“Delicious... very delicious...”

“If it’s good, eat more, good girl!”

Mrs. Gu smiled softly.

Zhu Yuheng lowered her head and ate cautiously, small bites of vegetables, swallowing several large spoonfuls of rice.

Watching her eat this way brought tears to Mrs. Gu’s eyes.

This little girl had suffered so much.

“Eat more vegetables! Eat your veggies!”

Zhu Yuheng answered carefully, “The rice is tasty... smells good. I eat fewer veggies.”

Lin Qiye was speechless.

Sigh.

The Empress of this life was truly pitiful.

After the meal, the little Empress was stuffed.

Mrs. Gu kept piling food on her plate; she didn’t want to refuse and ate until she could barely move.

Yet, she still took it upon herself to put the dishes back in the kitchen, tidied up the bowls and chopsticks left on the table by Gu He and Lin Qiye, and swiftly wiped the table clean.

Mrs. Gu said, “...You can leave them there; after our walk, Uncle Gu will wash the dishes.”

Zhu Yuheng replied, “Aunt Gu, I can do it.”

Mrs. Gu shook her head, gently pushing Zhu Yuheng out of the kitchen.

The little Empress bit her red lips, tears glistening faintly in her eyes.

Eating at the grown-ups’ table was already a big deal; if she didn’t wash dishes or help around, she’d surely be disliked.

“I... I want to help.”

Seeing Zhu Yuheng’s cautious demeanor, Mrs. Gu felt immense pity.

She didn’t know what hardships this girl had endured before; her maturity was heartbreaking.

Mrs. Gu glanced at Lin Qiye with a pleading look.

Lin Qiye said, “Let her wash the dishes. Let her get used to it.”

“All right then.”

Mrs. Gu sighed softly.

Before long, the little Empress finished washing the dishes thoroughly, sparkling clean.

Mrs. Gu was amazed, stroking Zhu Yuheng’s small head with a face full of tenderness and pity.

“This girl is too well-behaved.”

“Little Yuheng, you’re family now, no need to be so constrained.”

She affectionately patted Zhu Yuheng’s head.

“All right, let’s go for a walk.”

Mrs. Gu took the little Empress’s soft hand in hers.

“Let’s go, Old Gu, Little He, Little Shaoshang, let’s buy some daily necessities for Yuheng.”

She called out.

The five of them left the villa and drove toward the commercial district.

The affluent area.

Completely different from the shabby old neighborhood, here was bright, dazzling, luxurious, and bustling.

It was Zhu Yuheng’s first time shopping in such a wealthy district.

The golden and resplendent scenery made her feel as if she were in a dream.

The beautiful goods made her reluctant to get too close; she followed Lin Qiye cautiously, shrinking into herself.

“Mom, the clothes in this store are pretty good. They even accept custom orders. All my schoolmates like them!” Gu He, a regular at these shops, knew exactly which stores were good and which were not.

“Well then, let’s go in and have a look.”

The family entered the store.

The luxurious outfits in the display window dazzled Zhu Yuheng.

She glanced at the price tag of a dress nearby and felt her heart tighten, nearly holding her breath.

One hundred thousand Huabi!!!

She had never seen so much money in her life!

This was robbery!

Her face turned pale with fright, and she immediately lowered her head, afraid that if Aunt Gu misunderstood and bought it for her, it would be disastrous.

“Hey, this dress would suit Yuheng perfectly. Come try it on.”

Gu He grabbed a dress and pulled Zhu Yuheng toward the fitting room.

“No, no! I’m fine wearing the clothes you don’t want...”

Realizing she almost touched that dress, Zhu Yuheng’s legs went weak.

Seeing this, Mrs. Gu felt a pang of sorrow.

This girl was so pitiful, so well-behaved.

“Little Yuheng, take it and try it on. Little Shaoshang is paying; he’s a big tycoon, so don’t worry! Use whatever you want! He’ll only get richer. A few dresses are nothing.”

“Yeah, Yuheng, my brother’s a big shot now. He can’t spend his money fast enough, so why not use it?”

Gu He held Zhu Yuheng’s hand firmly, not letting her pull away.

“Ask your brother if you can spend freely.”

Lin Qiye nodded.

“Spend as you like.”

The little Empress quickly refused.

“I don’t want to wear such expensive things. I don’t. Old clothes are fine.”

Mrs. Gu shook her head.

“Girls should dress beautifully. Gu He is our daughter; her clothes are carefully chosen. You’re our daughter too—you don’t want us to be biased, do you?”

The little Empress was speechless.

“I... I...”

“You wouldn’t want us to feel guilty either, right?”

Biting her lip, the girl said, “I... I will repay your great kindness. I will do my best.”

Her eyes shimmered with tears but glowed with unwavering determination.

Mrs. Gu patted the chubby little girl’s head.

“Don’t think so much. Kids should be happy and carefree. We’ll think about the rest later, okay?”

Zhu Yuheng nodded.

Still somewhat reserved.

But the warmth from Mr. and Mrs. Gu and Gu He melted her heart, letting her experience unprecedented happiness.

Tears of joy streamed down her face.

“Grandma, is there really anyone in this world as kind to me as you?”

Wiping her tears, her pitiful, tear-streaked appearance made Mrs. Gu cradle her face, filled with tenderness and sorrow.

“Don’t cry, don’t cry. Try on this jacket first. It’ll suit you perfectly!”

“Try this one; it’ll look beautiful.”

Gu He knew Zhu Yuheng had never been to such places, so instead of calling the sales assistants, she personally led her to the fitting room.

Under her guidance, Zhu Yuheng changed into new clothes.

She looked completely transformed.

Aside from being thin and pale, everything else was perfect.

A beauty was beginning to blossom...

After several hours.

The family returned from shopping.

Clothes, shoes, towels, pajamas, toothbrushes, daily necessities, bed sheets, blankets, phones...

They bought everything she needed.

The little Empress was heartbroken.

She recorded every price and realized the immense sum spent.

Yet, in just one evening,

Her uncles and aunts spent a fortune without a second thought.

So wealthy!

Words failed the little Empress.

She lowered her head, gazing at her new shoes, afraid even a speck of dust would touch them.

“Ah—finally home. I’m exhausted.”

Mr. Gu collapsed, utterly worn out.

When women shop, men get exhausted.

Especially after buying so much, and this dutiful son, Little Shaoshang, didn’t help him carry anything, leaving him as the porter.

Hours of fatigue weighed heavily on him.

Thinking about having to work late into the night, he felt even more drained.

Life for a middle-aged man was anything but easy!

Sigh!

He lay on the sofa, sprawled out completely.

Not far away,

Three women were dividing the loot.

“Yuheng, cut off all these tags, wash and dry the clothes, then you can wear them.”

Gu He acted swiftly, cutting all the tags.

The little Empress carefully collected the tags, placing them gently into her pocket.

These tags were precious; she wanted to keep them close, a reminder to cherish this family.

No matter where life took her, no matter how much time passed,

Even in old age, seeing these tags would remind her of the warmth and happiness Uncle Gu, Aunt Gu, Sister Gu He, and Little Shaoshang gave her tonight.

After sorting the goods,

Gu He opened a bag of chips and popped open a large bottle of cola.

They nestled on the sofa, watching TV, munching chips, and guzzling the soda.

“Yuheng, want some chips and cola?”

“It’s so comfortable. Life’s meaning is chips and soda.”

The little Empress shook her head.

“I... I don’t want any...”

Before she finished,

Mrs. Gu came running with a feather duster.

“You little troublemaker! Didn’t we agree to eat these tomorrow? I’m not even hitting you!”

Gu He screamed, hiding behind the little Empress.

“I’m happy because Yuheng’s here, and I wanted to share.”

“You’d better not spoil the little girl, or your backside will be split into eight pieces.”

Gu He ducked her head.

The little Empress smiled happily.

After half an hour of playful chaos,

It was time for bed.

Wash up.

Wash face.

Lights out.

Late at night.

Zhu Yuheng lay on the warm, soft bed, unable to fall asleep for a long time.

“Is all of this real?”

The comfort felt so surreal, she almost thought it was a dream.

Since Lin Qiye rescued her, she had a lingering sense of unreality.

Recalling how the cruel couple had slashed her wrists moments ago,

She was scared this was just a dying illusion.

She curled into a ball, pinching the flesh on her arm until it turned blue and purple.

It hurt!

The pain was piercing!

Is it real?

The happiness was real.

The Gu family’s kindness was real.

She had found a family who treated her better than her own.

Thinking this, tears rolled down Zhu Yuheng’s cheeks.

“Thank you all... I will repay your kindness! No matter the cost, even if it costs me my life!”

...

The next morning.

After breakfast, Mrs. Gu prepared to help Zhu Yuheng get her ID card.

Because her biological father had always despised her and her stepmother was cruel, Zhu Yuheng’s identity had never been officially registered.

At thirteen, an age for school, no ID meant she couldn’t enroll.

“Yuheng, did you ever go to school before?” Mrs. Gu asked, trying to find a suitable school.

Hearing this, Zhu Yuheng lowered her head and weakly said,

“No, I didn’t. I only found some books to learn characters, but I only knew a few simple ones...”

Seeing her downcast mood, Mrs. Gu’s heart ached.

She gently embraced Zhu Yuheng, stroking her head reassuringly.

“It’s okay, we’ll learn slowly from now on.”

Mr. Gu sat nearby, looking at new emails on his computer, a little worried.

“With Little Shaoshang here, the ID issue is easy. But she’s never been to school. Will she have to start from first grade?”

“Yeah, it wouldn’t be right for Yuheng to be in class with six- or seven-year-olds,” Gu He agreed.

“Besides, she’s thirteen. Spending years in school would waste time. I suggest hiring some tutors—professional teachers.”

Seeing everyone worried and ready to spend a lot, Zhu Yuheng became anxious.

She didn’t want to trouble them.

She quickly shook her head.

“It’s okay, I can self-study. I’ll study by myself for a while. No need to spend money.”

In her heart, school fees were unaffordable for someone like her.

And tutors would be astronomical.

After all, Gu He’s words about “a bit expensive” meant very expensive.

Zhu Yuheng panicked.

She didn’t want to waste her uncle and aunt’s money or cause trouble.

“Please hire tutors. Little Shaoshang has money anyway...”

Lin Qiye nodded.

But the little Empress insisted.

“I can manage self-study. Save the money...”

Mrs. Gu waved her hand.

“No problem. You can self-study while we hire tutors to help you catch up.”

Thus,

The little Empress began home study.

Though her learning ability was not as extraordinary as Lin Qiye’s,

Her grasp of knowledge amazed the entire Gu family.

Combined with her extreme diligence,

She woke early for morning study and studied nonstop until midnight.

Her hardworking spirit moved Mrs. Gu deeply.

“Little Yuheng, rest earlier. No need to work so hard.”

Mrs. Gu brought night snacks to Zhu Yuheng’s room.

Seeing her study tirelessly from dawn till late, Mrs. Gu felt tender and proud.

“Such a likable girl.”

...

When focused, time flew.

Two months passed unknowingly.

While Zhu Yuheng made impressive progress in studies, her body rapidly developed under proper nutrition.

Besides the gourmet meals Mrs. Gu prepared, Lin Qiye customized a nourishing tonic for her.

In two months, Zhu Yuheng transformed into a swan.

No longer sallow, her complexion was fair and delicate, her youthful aura radiant—a true beauty emerging.

...

One afternoon,

The little Empress suddenly grew pale, struggling for breath, leaning on the table, chest tight.

“What’s wrong, Yuheng?” Gu He, studying with her, noticed something was off.

“You look unwell these past days.”

“I... I’m fine. Just need to endure a bit.”

Gu He frowned.

“You can’t endure it. If you’re unwell, you must see a doctor.”

Gu He stood to find her mother.

Zhu Yuheng quickly stopped her.

“Really, it’s nothing...”

She straightened up, trying to prove she was okay.

But the movement only worsened her complexion.

Seeing this, Gu He hurriedly called Mrs. Gu.

“Girl, we’re all women here. Just tell me if something’s wrong. Are you bleeding?”

As a woman, Mrs. Gu understood the anxieties of a first menstrual period, especially since Zhu Yuheng had never been educated about such matters.

“No, no. Really, I’m okay. Just chest tightness. Rest will help...”

“Chest tightness? That’s more serious. Straight to the hospital!”

Mrs. Gu knew.

Little Yuheng’s childhood was tragic—abuse, hunger, cold.

If this was a complication,

It could be terrible!

Might affect her whole life, even childbirth.

This was serious.

Mrs. Gu immediately picked up Zhu Yuheng.

“Let’s go. Auntie will take you to the hospital!”

Though only a peak Foundation cultivator with 100% talent development, Mrs. Gu carried the little girl with ease.

Soon, she placed Zhu Yuheng in the back seat and drove to the best hospital near the villa district.

This hospital specialized in serving Awakened Ones and their families—expensive, but excellent service.

Inside, doctors immediately began multiple tests.

Ultrasounds, CT scans, liver, kidney, heart, lungs, blood sugar, lipids—a full battery of exams.

Even with priority, it took three hours to complete all tests.

In the hospital conference room,

A group of expert doctors gathered, frowning deeply as they studied Zhu Yuheng’s reports.

Mrs. Gu was frightened by their expressions; her heart nearly stopped.

“Doctors, what’s wrong with her?”

Knowing Mrs. Gu’s status as a military leader in Jiang City, they dared not hide the truth and shook their heads.

“Mrs. Gu, we conducted comprehensive tests with the most advanced equipment. Her constitution is very healthy, no issues found.”

“Should be? She can barely breathe, and you say there’s no problem!?”

Mrs. Gu grew anxious.

“Please don’t be anxious, Mrs. Gu. We’ll keep looking...”

The doctors dared not offend her, but the results were clear.

The equipment had no errors; others had tested as well.

If the machines were fine, the problem might be physiological.

After discussion, one doctor finally spoke.

“Mrs. Gu, according to the tests, the girl should truly be fine. Perhaps you should ask her how she feels?”

“If she knew, why come to the hospital wasting so much money?”

The doctors grew embarrassed.

“Mrs. Gu, please don’t be upset. This is just a consultation...”

So the doctors began questioning Zhu Yuheng.

But there was nothing.

Mrs. Gu watched helplessly, frustrated.

“Are you all just here to collect a paycheck?”

“No diagnosis?”

“Use different equipment and test again.”

Mrs. Gu demanded.

But by afternoon, still no answers.

Zhu Yuheng’s face remained pale, breathing difficult.

She nodded repeatedly, worried, looking at Mrs. Gu apologetically.

She blamed herself for this sudden collapse.

Why didn’t she hold on?

Causing Aunt Gu to worry so much, spending the whole day and so much money with no cure.

Standing, she took Mrs. Gu’s hand.

“Let’s go home... Aunt Gu, I’m fine... really fine...”

...

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