Lu Qingrong's progress on his side was also smooth. Acquiring a company was no easy task, and a series of preparations were required beforehand. Lu Qingrong's previous business ventures naturally couldn't compare to Bai Jia's. He directly used his own company to participate in the acquisition. However, he was clear-headed: starting a business was difficult, and even if he acquired Bai Jia's company, there would likely be a hard battle ahead. Making a profit right away would certainly be challenging.

But Lu Qingrong was clear-minded. Once the company began to turn a profit, he would transfer fifty percent of the shares to Gu Qin's name, ten percent to Gu Jia and Cheng Yinxiang, and keep thirty percent for himself.

It was already nearing October, and Gu Qin had been back for more than half a month. She had just taken her monthly exams two days ago, and the results came out today. Gu Qin ranked first in her grade. Yizhong High School divided classes based on grades, and this was the first division since the start of the semester. Gu Qin was not in the same class as her good friend Lin Xinxin. Lin Xinxin aimed for military school and followed Gu Qin's advice, which she practiced daily without affecting her studies. Lin Xinxin's grades improved, and she was placed in Class Five. Lin Xinxin still visited Gu Qin during breaks.

Gu Qin ranked first in her grade, Zhu Zhanyan ranked third. Speaking of Zhu Zhanyan, she had always considered Gu Qin as a rival. This girl caused a big stir at school. Yu Jie and another male classmate liked her, but she kept both of them hanging. Eventually, the male classmate stabbed Yu Jie, who was saved by Gu Qin's immediate first aid. The stabbing male classmate paid a lot of compensation and transferred schools. Only Zhu Zhanyan continued her studies as if nothing happened. However, due to the incident, her popularity declined, and many friends distanced themselves from her. Gu Qin, on the other hand, gained many friends, despite being new in Class One.

Zhu Zhanyan's grades were impressive. She had been the top student before Gu Qin surpassed her. Initially, she might have been resentful, but after witnessing Gu Qin's actions, she no longer dared to provoke her. Instead, she directed all her anger towards Qian Shanshan, feeling that Shanshan had stolen her second-place position.

There was a physical education class in the afternoon. After running eight hundred meters, the teacher allowed free activities. Some students loved basketball, so the boys formed one group, and the girls another, and they started playing. Gu Qin interacted well with her classmates, so a few girls invited her to play basketball, and she joined.

They needed two more players, and soon Zhu Zhanyan came over. "I'll join too. Shanshan, you should play as well. We used to be on the basketball team in junior high."

Shanshan waved her hand. "I'm rusty. It's been a while since I played."

Zhu Zhanyan said, "Shanshan, don't spoil the fun. There aren't many girls in the class, and fewer who can play basketball. You've played before, so just join in. It's not a competition, right?"

Shanshan hesitated but eventually agreed and got up to join the game.

Gu Qin stood not far from them. When Shanshan approached, she raised an eyebrow and grabbed Shanshan's arm. Shanshan looked at her. "Qianqian, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Gu Qin said, her gaze falling on Shanshan's forehead. A faint layer of gray-black energy swirled around it, indicating disaster. The blackness was significant, signaling blood-related calamity.

Earlier that morning, Shanshan's forehead didn't have this dark aura, which appeared during the physical education class. Gu Qin couldn't help but glance at Zhu Zhanyan.

"Qianqian, what's wrong?" Shanshan asked again.

Gu Qin released her arm, lowering her voice. "Nothing, be careful later."

Shanshan was startled. Knowing that Gu Qin was nicknamed the school's little fortune-teller, she understood that something was amiss. Just as she was about to ask again, Zhu Zhanyan impatiently said, "Hurry up, class is almost over."

They joined the game. Originally, Gu Qin and Shanshan were on the same team, but Gu Qin disagreed. "I'll join the other team."

The captain redistributed the players. Gu Qin was on Team One, Shanshan on Team Two, and Zhu Zhanyan was also on Team One.

Being on different teams, Gu Qin could better watch over Shanshan and prevent any mishaps.

The ball first went to Team Two's player, and Team One started defending. Gu Qin closely watched Shanshan, always near her, even when the ball wasn't in her hands. None of them were basketball experts, just playing casually. The ball quickly reached Shanshan, and Gu Qin didn't move forward but stayed close to her.

As Shanshan held the ball, Zhu Zhanyan rushed to snatch it from her. Shanshan had played basketball for a while, and even though she was now rusty, she could still dribble for a short distance. However, she nearly lost the ball multiple times to Zhu Zhanyan.

Seeing Shanshan approach the mid-court line to shoot a three-pointer, Zhu Zhanyan's expression darkened. She was furious, especially remembering how Shanshan had taken second place from her. As Shanshan lifted her arm to shoot, Zhu Zhanyan, consumed by jealousy, shut her eyes and charged at Shanshan with full force.

With all her strength, Zhu Zhanyan collided with Shanshan. If Shanshan was in that posture, she would likely break her arm and hit her head on the concrete...

Zhu Zhanyan was close to Shanshan, and Gu Qin was just to her left. Seeing Zhu Zhanyan charge with full force, Gu Qin barely moved. She was already close to Shanshan, so even if Zhu Zhanyan used all her strength, she could intercept her.

Shanshan jumped, but suddenly felt a strong force pushing her from behind. She was startled, realizing someone had collided with her forcefully, causing her to fall forward. Shanshan clenched her teeth, suppressing her fear. She thought she would fall, but unexpectedly, a gentle force gripped her arm. Though light, it stopped her from falling further and pulled her aside. Shanshan saw someone crash to the ground in front of her—presumably the one who pushed her.

Shanshan regained her balance and realized it was Gu Qin who had grabbed her arm. It was Gu Qin who had pulled her just in time to avoid injury.

Zhu Zhanyan didn't expect that her collision wouldn't knock Shanshan down but would send her flying instead. She had used all her strength, but Shanshan was suddenly pulled away, making it impossible for her to stop. Only when pain shot through her forehead did she regain consciousness. Liquid dripped into her eyes, and a faint metallic taste filled her nostrils. Touching her forehead, she felt the sticky blood on her fingertips.

Several girls couldn't help but scream. The teacher, hearing the commotion, rushed over and saw Zhu Zhanyan on the ground, stunned. "What happened?"

Multiple students witnessed Zhu Zhanyan colliding with Shanshan. One student explained, "Teacher, Zhu Zhanyan tried to bump into Shanshan, but Shanshan was pulled away by Gu Qin, and she fell herself."

Zhu Zhanyan's face paled, trying to defend herself. "I... I didn't mean to..."

"We all saw it," another student chimed in.

"I..." Zhu Zhanyan was flustered. "I didn't mean to hurt her. I just wanted to grab the ball."

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"To grab the ball?" Gu Qin interjected. "Does grabbing the ball require such force? Look where you landed."

Zhu Zhanyan had been thrown a few meters away, clearly showing the impact of her collision. It was obvious she used excessive force, not just to grab the ball.

After Gu Qin's explanation, the other students' gazes toward Zhu Zhanyan changed. They weren't fools and saw that Zhu Zhanyan had indeed used all her strength to collide with Shanshan.

Seeing blood on Zhu Zhanyan's forehead, the teacher didn't scold her but said, "Alright, have two students take her to the infirmary to treat her wound."

No one volunteered to help, so the teacher pointed to two students. "You two, help her to the infirmary."

Reluctantly, the two students helped Zhu Zhanyan to the infirmary. Zhu Zhanyan's face burned with embarrassment, and she couldn't help but shed tears.

Gu Qin watched as Zhu Zhanyan was taken away by her classmates. After they were out of sight, her classmates asked Shanshan, "Shanshan, are you okay?"

Shanshan was still shaken. "I'm fine, thank you, Qianqian. If not for you pulling me, I don't know what state I'd be in now."

Even with the collision, Zhu Zhanyan was still badly injured. If not for Gu Qin pulling her, she would have been even more severely injured, possibly fracturing bones.

Shanshan turned to thank Gu Qin again. "Qianqian, really, thank you. If not for you, I'd probably be in the hospital right now."

Gu Qin said, "Be more careful next time. Stay away from her."

Gu Qin knew that Zhu Zhanyan had a problematic mindset. Initially, she didn't care as long as Zhu Zhanyan didn't provoke her. However, Zhu Zhanyan, who dared not provoke her, targeted other students with better grades. Gu Qin didn't like her and found her annoying. Helping Shanshan was just a minor effort.

Shanshan sighed. "I never imagined she would be such a person. Because my grades were better than hers, she resorted to such tactics."

Surrounding classmates began to gossip, saying that Zhu Zhanyan was indeed too extreme. They commented that although she looked beautiful, her thoughts were wicked. Someone couldn't help but say, "She isn't beautiful at all. She doesn't even have half of Qianqian's beauty."

Gu Qin had changed significantly since she first arrived. Back then, she was skinny and malnourished, barely able to describe her as such. Now, her skin was fair and rosy. Although she wasn't tall, her figure was proportionate. Her hair was smooth and shiny, and her features were lively. In just a year, the ugly duckling had transformed into a swan.

Not long after, the PE teacher came over, telling everyone to rest since class was almost over.

This couple is just an ordinary pair in Yunman City. The husband's name is Liu Guoqiang, and his wife's name is Shen Xiaoxia. They have a son named Liu Wei who is in his first year of college. Little did they know that an unexpected disaster would plunge their originally fairly happy family into hardship.

A year ago, Liu Wei was constantly running a fever, experiencing joint pain, and bleeding. After going to the hospital for a checkup, it turned out he had leukemia. The treatment required a large sum of money.

That day morning, Gu Qin returned from her cultivation as usual and went to the kitchen to help Ling Dang with cooking. When Ling Dang entered the kitchen, she glanced around and was stunned for a moment. Then she grabbed Gu Qin's hand, her mouth slightly open. "You..."

Ling Dang looked at her blankly. "What?" Perhaps because of their previous conversation where she had asked Gu Qin about her relationship with Qin Xiansheng, she now knew the girl’s name was Gu Qin. She also thought that her previous inquiries seemed somewhat awkward, so she had been avoiding Gu Qin in recent days.

Usually, when Gu Qin helped her cook, they didn't speak much; each did their own tasks. Why did she suddenly grab her hand today?

Gu Qin's gaze fell on Ling Dang's forehead, on both sides of the hairline, where there was a faint black aura. The two spots on either side of the forehead, like horns, were called the Sun and Moon Corners, also known as—

—Riyue Jiao. These areas can indicate certain health conditions or spiritual imbalances in some traditions.

Gu Qin said, "Your forehead... There is a dark aura on your Riyue Jiao. Are you feeling unwell recently?"

Ling Dang felt even more puzzled. "No, I don’t feel unwell. Why do you ask?"

Gu Qin replied, "These areas often reflect internal energy or emotional states. You should be careful. If you feel any discomfort, let me know."

Ling Dang nodded, still not fully understanding but grateful for Gu Qin’s concern. She let go of her hand and continued with her work, while Gu Qin prepared the ingredients for breakfast.

Over the following days, Gu Qin focused on helping Ling Dang take care of Qin Xiansheng and preparing meals. The atmosphere between Gu Qin and Ling Dang remained somewhat tense, but they gradually resumed their usual routines. Qin Xiansheng’s wounds were healing well, and his inner energy was recovering.

After a few more days, they decided it was time to return. Gu Qin made sure everything was prepared, and they all gathered downstairs to say goodbye to the elderly woman who had been kind enough to provide shelter.

The old lady smiled warmly at them. "Take care of yourselves, children. And remember, the mountains always watch over you."

With heartfelt thanks and goodbyes, they set out on their journey back, hoping that this unexpected encounter would bring better days ahead for everyone involved.

The bell pendant did not have this black aura on its two corners the other day. It seems that your parents have encountered some dangerous situation recently, which could lead to them getting hurt, and this is now reflected in the bell's appearance. She said, "Dingding, where have your parents gone?"

"What's wrong?" Dingding was startled. "Why do you ask?"

Gu Qin replied, "There is black aura on my forehead's sun and moon horns, which indicates that something must have happened to your parents."

Dingding exclaimed in shock, "Ah! My parents went out, and I don't know where they've gone. How did you know? Are you also a fengshui master like Brother Qin?"

Gu Qin nodded but didn't say much more. He calculated with his fingers and said, "Your parents haven't been harmed yet, but we need to find them as soon as possible, otherwise it might be hard to guarantee their safety..." Just then, hurried footsteps were heard outside, and in no time, Dingding's grandmother rushed in. Seeing Gu Qin, she wasn't surprised and only said to Dingding, "Dingding, your parents may be in trouble. Grandma has to go out for a bit, so stay at home and wait for me."

At first, Dingding didn't fully believe what Gu Qin had said. She thought he was too young and didn't trust fengshui masters. She only believed in Miao people's gu poison. However, she hadn't learned much; her parents and grandmother knew more about it. She could only cast simple gu poisons, like making someone have diarrhea or a minor illness if they bullied her at school.

Grandmother was one of the most powerful people in the village. Her words were generally trusted, and she could predict some things, which was an ancient gu technique known only to her in the village. Now that Grandmother had said so, it seemed her parents truly faced danger. Dingding became anxious and asked, "Grandma, what happened to my parents?"

Grandmother shook her head with a troubled look. "I'm not sure, but I must go out. Dingding, stay here. If I don't return, remember to take the small wooden box from my room. The key is yours, it's something I left for you..."

"Grandma," Dingding was flustered, "Grandma, I want to go with you."

Grandmother nodded and said, "Then thank you."

Dingding was stunned, "Grandma! She's younger than me. Why let her come along?"

"It's decided then," Grandmother said firmly. "Dingding, you can't help in any way. Come, let's go."

This matter couldn't be delayed. Gu Qin quickly informed Qin Xiansheng, who still knew her abilities. He only said, "This time, General isn't here. Be careful. Liuguang can help, but it's too fierce. Don't summon Liuguang unless there's a good chance of winning. Others might covet it. Be careful, I'll wait for you here."

Gu Qin didn't say anything more, just bent down to kiss Qin Xiansheng's eyes, "Brother Qin, wait for me to return."

After bidding farewell to Brother Qin, Gu Qin followed Grandmother out of the small village, heading towards the mountains. Along the way, Grandmother held a compass-like object made of wood, which looked like a map with a wriggling red line, actually a worm used in gu techniques. Gu Qin didn't inquire further and just followed her.

They walked for about an hour before exiting the mountains. This should have been another hidden mountain path, one outsiders couldn't easily find without guidance. Gu Qin memorized the route, recognizing it as a maze array.

Outside the mountains, Grandmother silently followed the red line, turning left and right until they reached a bus stop at the foot of the mountain. The place was very remote, with only a bus available. They were lucky to catch one after waiting for ten minutes. They boarded and the bus slowly drove forward.

The bus traveled for over half an hour, still far from the city center, likely reaching a small county near Yunman City. This county was away from the city's pollution, retaining some ancient city atmosphere. There were green brick roads, old houses, and a slower pace of life. After getting off, they found many tourists around. Such an ancient county suited tourism well, and the tourists' pace was slow.

Grandmother and Gu Qin quickly headed into the county. They moved fast, and Gu Qin remained silent. After about ten minutes, they stopped in front of a rustic inn. Gu Qin glanced at Grandmother and softly asked, "Is it here?"

Grandmother nodded. They entered the inn, where the owner, a woman in her thirties, greeted them politely, "Are you checking in?"

Grandmother replied, "We're looking for someone. We know which room they're in, so no need to show us upstairs."