Now that Cheng You had said it, he didn't know how to make excuses for Zeng Xiuyun.
"Cheng You, your maternal grandmother is confused..."
"Grandpa, has Cheng Yan ever called her grandmother?"
Old Master Song was stunned; of course, he hadn't.
Throughout the entire Song family, only he thought highly of Zeng Xiuyun.
His three children rarely spoke to Zeng Xiuyun.
Without needing an answer, Cheng You already knew his.
She let out a laugh, both obedient and lively. If she hadn't spoken, Old Master Song would have truly thought she was a gentle girl.
"So Grandpa, how could she be my maternal grandmother?"
Old Master Song felt a bit displeased, but since he needed her help, he didn't correct Cheng You's statement.
"Yes, yes, yes, she's not your grandmother, but considering her age, can we settle this privately?"
Cheng You countered, "How do you propose we settle it privately?"
Old Master Song envisioned a perfect solution: "I'll have her apologize to you."
Cheng You was almost amused to death. If an apology could solve it, would she have informed the Disciplinary Inspection Department?
"If you don't know what she did, you can ask the Disciplinary Inspection Department. I believe Secretary Yang will tell you that apologies are truly useless."
Old Master Song's flattering smile faded, and his eyes grew cold. "Are you refusing to give your grandfather face?"
"Grandpa, I told you before, if you have something, come find me." Qi Cheng Yan appeared at the doorway at some point.
Old Master Song, enraged, laughed wryly. "If it were useful to find you, would I have to humble myself and come here? You're just like your mother, determined to anger me to death!"
It was clearly a small matter, yet they insisted on blowing it up.
"Can't we solve anything behind closed doors? Why do you have to make such a fuss!"
Because of Zeng Xiuyun, he had lost both face and dignity.
And neither his daughter nor his grandson was sensible!
"Family matters can be settled behind closed doors. Zeng Xiuyun doesn't deserve it."
Old Master Song's expression flickered. Guilt made him unable to refute his words.
"Then tell me, how can you release her? You can't possibly keep her in there forever!"
Qi Cheng Yan's expression was stern, utterly unmoved.
This grandfather was disreputable in his old age, and very few people in the family truly respected him.
"Grandpa, you'll have to ask Secretary Yang about how the matter will be handled."
The old man said angrily, "I did ask. He said it involved espionage and refused to disclose anything! But how could she be involved with spies? It's absurd!"
Later, he inquired and learned that spies had infiltrated before, trying to steal Mu Xi grass.
But this was pure coincidence, as Zeng Xiuyun had no idea it was Mu Xi grass.
Qi Cheng Yan stated coolly, "Then listen to Secretary Yang."
Old Master Song's expression became dejected, his old face drooping.
After several failed attempts to seek help, he felt exhausted.
But seeing Qi Cheng Yan's cold, hard expression, he stopped bothering and turned to leave.
Cheng You's soft-hearted nature kicked in. Watching his lonely back, she couldn't help but say, "Will she be alright?"
Qi Cheng Yan took her hand and walked inside, whispering to her, "He brought this upon himself."
Cheng You blinked, not understanding why Song Qinglan and her son had such strong opinions about Zeng Xiuyun.
"Did she do anything?"
Qi Cheng Yan saw the curious expression on her small face and felt a bit helpless. He briefly recounted a few things to her.
Cheng You couldn't help but gasp. It turned out Zeng Xiuyun had actively pursued Qi Sheng Wen.
Given the age difference and the generational gap, it was probably only her who could do such a thing.
By comparison, Cheng You suddenly felt that her bizarre remarks were quite normal.
"Your father didn't... right?"
"Of course not."
Qi Sheng Wen's personality was overly upright. Even when he pursued Song Qinglan in his youth, it was like reporting a mission to a superior.
After that, he never visited the Song family again.
Song Qinglan also pretended to have no father.
Because even after such an incident, Old Master Song still kept Zeng Xiuyun in the Song family.
Cheng You found it hard to believe; this was practically a preference for being cuckolded.
"Maybe it's true love," she said drily.
Qi Cheng Yan's eyes held a hint of sarcasm, and he said nothing.
He pulled Cheng You into the house and closed the door.
"In the next few days, keep an eye on Qiu Desheng's household."
Cheng You asked in confusion, "What for?"
"Qiu Desheng is Zeng Xiuyun's son. Although their relationship isn't particularly good, he will likely get involved in this matter."
Cheng You felt as if she had uncovered a bombshell; she hadn't expected such a connection.
"Then Qiu Yingxun is her grandson! It really is a case of enemies meeting on a narrow road."
Surprisingly, when she thought about it, Cheng You found Qiu Yingxun bore some resemblance to his maternal grandmother.
Qi Cheng Yan stroked her head. "Just keep your distance."
Cheng You pouted, "I won't interact with people like that."
"Good girl."
However, even if she didn't seek out Qiu Yingxun, he would come to her.
He must have been worried and anxious about Zeng Xiuyun's matter for days, as he had sores on his lips.
Initially, Cheng You didn't want to deal with him, but he blocked the classroom entrance, looking as if he wouldn't leave until he saw Cheng You.
Fang Yunbao propped her chin on her hand and looked out, her face plump.
"Does he like you? He keeps coming around here."
Cheng You thought for a moment but decided not to tell them about Zeng Xiuyun's matter.
"If he wants to stand there, let him. I'll go out when we go to the cafeteria."
Qiu Yingxun had been here when the previous class ended and hadn't left even after classes started.
He was probably waiting to ambush her after school.
"How about you leave through the back door? We'll cover for you," Fang Yunbao suggested, feeling a thrill akin to fighting in a tunnel.
Cheng You curled her lip. "Why should I hide from him? I refuse to."
Cao Yanyan nodded thoughtfully. Fang Yunbao knew nothing, but she had heard a little about Cheng You's affairs.
"You should just deal with him, so he doesn't bother you later."
Qiu Yingxun did indeed wait by the classroom door until their class ended. He only moved when Cheng You came out.
"Cheng You, you certainly made me wait." He smiled, but his eyes held no warmth.
Cheng You lifted the corner of her lips, her expression languid.
"I didn't ask you to wait."
"Yes, I waited because I wanted to. Can you give me a chance to talk to you?"
Cheng You lightly touched the watch on her wrist and frowned.
"I have class this afternoon, so I don't have much time. If you have something to say, say it now."
Qiu Yingxun actually didn't want his family's private affairs to be known by others, but Cheng You's firm attitude forced him to follow her to the cafeteria, lowering his voice.
"I already know what my maternal grandmother did. I've come to apologize to you today."
Cheng You looked straight ahead, not responding, waiting for him to continue.
Qiu Yingxun paused and then said, "The Disciplinary Inspection Department said it involved Mu Xi grass and the situation was serious. This reason can fool others, but it can't fool me. Only the Botanical Research Institute in Yan City has Mu Xi grass, and you wouldn't have it. This is just an excuse you're using to deal with my grandmother."
Cheng You chuckled. "And so?"