Gao Xique had nowhere to go, so she went directly back to the rental flat where she had been staying. Upon hearing that the Shen Family had already returned to the countryside, she was stunned. She didn’t have a penny in her pocket and didn’t know where to go. She could only wander around near the courtyard. Gao Xique was quite clever; she didn’t go to the courtyard or the army to make a scene. Instead, she waited outside and approached Ye Ling as soon as she saw her come back.

"Cousin-in-law, I know none of you want to see us, but I really have no other option. You must know I was taken away, and today I came out only to find that Big Aunt and Big Uncle had returned to their hometown, and I have not a penny to my name, not even the fare to go back home. Cousin-in-law, please give me some money to buy a ticket; otherwise, I’ll really be on the streets." During this half-month’s detention, Gao Xique thought a lot. She used to look down on Ye Ling, but now she realizes that no matter what, Ye Ling is better than Shen Chun. At least, Ye Ling never did shameful things.

Especially at the beginning, when faced with her provocations, Ye Ling never retaliated and was very tolerant, which made Gao Xique understand who was the good person and who was the bad.

"Cousin-in-law, I know I was biased against you and targeted you everywhere. I was immature then, please generously forgive me this time." Gao Xique pleaded in a low voice, no longer caring about face.

Ye Ling said nothing, took out some money from her pocket, counted it, and handed out 10 yuan to her. "Buy a ticket to go home. From now on, live a good life, and don’t think about shortcuts. Only by walking step by step steadily can a person lead a good life."

Gao Xique took the money with shaking hands, tears streaming down uncontrollably. "Cousin-in-law, I’ll remember your words. You are a good person, and I won’t forget your kindness and virtue for the rest of my life. When I go back home, I will live well with my parents, and if I have the chance, I will surely repay you."

"There’s no need for repayment. You called me cousin-in-law, and now that you realize your mistake, I think anyone would give you a hand when seeing you like this. The worry is that once helped, you might forget today’s pain, so remember today’s pain and be vigilant in the future, walking the right path." In truth, Ye Ling had little grudge against Gao Xique.

In comparison, there were no interests between her and Gao Xique, especially after coming to the city. Gao Xique was busy with her own matters and didn’t try to exploit Ye Ling, while Ye Ling herself had always been striving hard, unlike the Shen Family, who were never satisfied and always thinking of getting something from Shen Bin, trying to manipulate him.

Moreover, after this incident, seeing Gao Xique’s actions—she didn’t cause a scene at the courtyard but waited here by the roadside—made Ye Ling quite content with her. At least she knew when to advance and retreat, and such people, when helped, are less likely to be ungrateful and accuse you of being heartless.

After sending Gao Xique off, Ye Ling returned home and told her mother-in-law about meeting Gao Xique at the door. Upon hearing this, Ye Zhenfen couldn’t help but sigh.

"The Shen Family are all problematic, and this Gao Xique is among the better ones, at least knowing when to advance and retreat. I heard she’s doing well at work in the hospital." But what can you do? If you help Gao Xique but not the Shen Family, those Shen people would never keep quiet.

Sometimes, when caught between choices, you have no choice but to harden your heart.

"How’s your father’s situation? With my leg inconvenient lately, I don’t know how he and Aunt Liu are doing. They never come over for a visit. I find your Aunt Liu has a straightforward personality, very much like a man’s." Ye Zhenfen seemed to get along well with Ye He Ping’s new wife.

Ye Ling smiled, "My dad said it was rare to bring Aunt Liu to the city, and it’s uncertain whether they’ll be able to come again, so he took her around nearby."

"That’s good. If your dad thinks like that, then there shouldn’t be any problem with the two of them. Actually, I’ve been worried about your mom these days, afraid she’d make a scene, but she’s been quiet these past days. I wonder if she’s plotting something!" Ye Zhenfen echoed her worries.

"Who knows? She’s never quiet for long." The sudden peace made Ye Ling apprehensive as well.