Can a System Have Bad Intentions? - Chapter 52

Huang Yunsheng ignored Gu Yunhe and led his team to survey around the Qiao family estate before heading straight to Qingshui County. To start the project, they needed to wait for the people of the Qiao family estate to move out.

Once Huang Yunsheng left, Gu Yunhe immediately returned to Sihe Town. Since trouble arose at home, Lu Yuexi had been left unattended, and this time, Gu Yunhe stayed at her house while conducting his business in Sihe Town.

As soon as Gu Yunhe returned, Lu Yuexi rushed out to greet him. “Uncle Gu, can that official save Brother Changming and my brother?”

Gu Yunhe smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry, Yue’er. He definitely can. That official is highly capable and was sent by the imperial court to review your brother’s case.”

Lu Yuexi choked with excitement. “That’s wonderful! My brother and father were both wronged. The Qiao family is so malicious. They must be brought to justice!”

Gu Yunhe asked, “Did you find the person I asked you to?”

Lu Yuexi wiped her tears and quickly replied, “I was so happy I almost forgot. Yes, I found him. He’s waiting inside, Uncle Gu. I’ll go prepare some food for you.”

Gu Yunhe stepped inside.

A young man was anxiously waiting inside. Hearing the footsteps, he jumped up from the chair, standing nervously.

“You are Xue Tian?” Gu Yunhe looked him up and down, his voice kind and gentle.

Xue Tian nodded. “Yes, I am.”

Gu Yunhe gestured for him to sit. “Sit down, no need to be nervous.”

Gu Yunhe, having been brought up in the scholarly and genteel Gu family, always carried a refined and elegant demeanor, no matter his character. With a smile, he exuded warmth and kindness.

However, Xue Tian did not dare sit.

This was Gu Yunhe, after all! Everyone in Qingshui County knew of the Gu family’s scholarly background and how Gu Yunhe had supported many students.

Rubbing his hands, Xue Tian stammered, “Master Gu, why did you ask me to come here?”

Gu Yunhe smiled. “Nothing much. I heard you were classmates with Changming and Yuchen?”

Xue Tian immediately nodded, but then he remembered that Gu Changming and Lu Yuchen were now imprisoned. His mind raced, and he asked, “You want me to testify for Gu Changming?”

There was a look of hope in his eyes.

If Gu Yunhe wanted him to testify for Gu Changming, he would definitely do it.

Whether Gu Changming was innocent or not didn’t matter. What mattered was that the Gu family had connections in the capital, and in this small Qingshui County, the Gu family would certainly be able to save Gu Changming.

Why would he miss such an opportunity?

Xue Tian looked at Gu Yunhe expectantly.

However, Gu Yunhe shook his head. “Changming’s case will be decided by the authorities. You should focus on your studies and not get involved. I heard you applied for the head chef position at the Qiao Family Inn today? Aren’t you continuing your studies?”

Disappointed to hear he wasn’t needed, Xue Tian lowered his eyes. “I’m still studying, just trying to earn some extra money.”

Children from poor families had a hard time studying. Earning more money gave them peace of mind.

Gu Yunhe frowned. “Are you in need of money? I remember your family and the Liang family are both in the fabric business, right?”

When Gu Yunhe mentioned Liang Cheng, it was as if a needle had pricked Xue Tian’s heart. He clenched his fists tightly.

Yes, his family and the Liang family were both in the fabric business.

But the Liang family thrived.

And his father had died!

If his father hadn’t died that year, his family would be the prosperous one now. He wouldn’t have to beg Liang Cheng to speak on his behalf to let Lu Tang keep him.

With clenched fists, veins bulging on the back of his hands from the force, Xue Tian was furious.

Gu Yunhe pretended not to notice his reaction and continued with a smile, “I’ve heard you and Liang Cheng are about the same age. It’s a shame he’s wasting his time with Lu Tang, ruining his future. If only he had half of your diligence.”

Xue Tian’s face turned even darker.

Gu Yunhe, speaking as if just realizing Xue Tian was standing, said, “Why are you standing? Have a seat.”

Without further ado, Gu Yunhe got straight to the point. “I only need one thing from you. I can sponsor your studies, covering all your exam fees until you finish your imperial exams. You can also go to the capital to study, like other students I’ve supported.”

Hearing this, Xue Tian’s previously angry heart leaped with joy. He looked at Gu Yunhe with wide eyes, holding his breath, fearing he’d miss a word.

He had said: go to the capital to study!

His heart pounded in his chest, and his throat felt tight and dry. He swallowed hard, looking at Gu Yunhe with anticipation. “What do you need me to do?”

His voice trembled as he spoke.

Gu Yunhe was pleased with his reaction. “It’s nothing major. For now, apply for the head chef position at the Qiao Family Inn. I’ll tell you what to do after you succeed.”

Xue Tian was confused.

“You’re already sponsoring me to study in the capital, why should I become a head chef?” he thought but didn’t dare say out loud. Instead, he clenched his sweaty palms and said in a shaky voice, “Alright.”

Leaving Lu Yuexi’s house, Xue Tian felt like he was floating.

Gu Yunhe was going to sponsor him!

He was going to be sponsored!

He no longer needed to work three jobs to afford tuition and buy writing materials.

He could go to the capital, broaden his horizons, and make connections with more nobles.

He was on the path to success now.

Dreaming about his future, Xue Tian envisioned himself in the capital. He would be a person of importance, mingling with the upper class. His daydream ended when he saw the Qiao Family Inn. His heart sank.

Gu Yunhe had said everything would be revealed after he became the head chef at the Qiao Family Inn.

Though he didn’t understand why Gu Yunhe required this, he could no longer hold back his impatience. Clenching his fists, he headed straight to the Qiao Family Inn.

Zhou Shu was at the entrance, seeing off a chef who had come for an interview. When he saw Xue Tian, he frowned.

Why was this guy back?

Didn’t he say he’d come in the afternoon?

Although Liang Cheng didn’t say much earlier, Zhou Shu sensed that Liang Cheng wasn’t very welcoming of this old acquaintance.

Zhou Shu’s gaze made Xue Tian feel a sense of humiliation, as if he were being scrutinized and judged. But for his goal, he gritted his teeth and smiled, “Has Liang Cheng returned?”

“He did, but then he went out again. Don’t worry, I told him you’d be here this afternoon. He’ll definitely be at the inn waiting for you.”

Xue Tian smiled and nodded before turning to leave.

As he walked away, Xu Shen approached Zhou Shu from behind. “Why did you lie to him?”

Zhou Shu explained Liang Cheng’s reaction earlier, and Xu Shen frowned at Xue Tian’s departing figure before telling Guo Dawei, “Have your servant follow him.”

Guo Dawei immediately punched Xu Shen. “Why should my servant go? Why not yours!”

Then he turned to his servant, “Go quickly!”

The servant: