The next morning.
Lin Xi was actually slightly surprised pleasantly when she saw that Gu Shao was still home.
Good morning, Dad. She greeted him in her standard way.
Come have breakfast.
Okay.
Lin Xi walked over to the dining table and, by then, Aunty Mei had already brough breakfast out for her.
Noticing that Gu Shao hasnt been eating, Lin Xi was a bit surprised was he waiting for her?
Lets eat, Dad, said Lin Xi as she handed a pair of chopsticks over to Gu Shao.
Gu Shao took the chopsticks and seemingly grunted in acknowledgement.
We have already located the family where your household register resides, said Gu Shao. Then, pausing a little, he added, I will go and have it transferred over.
Lin Xi was happy when she heard that. Ill come with.
Noticing that Gu Shao was looking over at her, she lowered her voice and asked, Can I?
School doesnt officially start till next Monday. As such, Lin Xi didnt have a lot going on this next couple of days.
Looking at the anticipation and determination on Lin Xis face, Gu Shao nodded slightly. Sure.
Yay!
Lin Xi rejoiced to herself.
She had no idea why she was so excited. She just wanted to go with. Most likely because she couldnt wait to be rid of the Lin family and the control of the novel.
Are we going to day? asked Lin Xi.
I have something to take care of today, said Gu Shao. Then, noticing the disappointment that flashed through Lin Xis eyes, he added, We will go tomorrow.
There were a few things that he needed to confirm today.
As though something had occurred to him, Gu Shao looked over at Lin Xi again.
Zhang Cui had sent you over to the place of someone by the name of Zhang Qiang before? asked Gu Shao.
Lin Xis hand that was holding onto a spoon stiffened a little. She nodded and said, Yes, that Zhang Qiang was a distant relative of grand Zhang Cui.
How did you leave?
I I overheard that they were going to leave me there so I booked a car online ahead of time. I ran away after my grandmother had left. I ran all the way to the entrance of the village and rode the car to you, said Lin Xi, not noticing that her eyes darted around some as she talked.
Gu Shao, nevertheless, noticed that.
All went very well, really, said Lin Xi softly as she ate her porridge.
Were you bullied? asked Gu Shao again.
His tone was calm but, if one was to listen to it carefully, would be able to tell the suppressed anger in it.
Lin Xi shook her head.
After a little while, she looked up and at Gu Shao and gave him a casual smile. Nobody can bully me.
Lin Xi did not tell him the entire story. It was obviously that there were other parts that she didnt want to bring up.
The girl in front of him appeared to be optimistic and carefree but, in reality, she was very guarded against everything deep down inside.
Even when it came to her own father.
That might a mechanism that she had adopted in order to protect herself from living under the Lins roof.
Gu Shao had noticed it but he didnt point it out, nor did he continue down that line of questioning.
***
Seeing that Gu Shao had dropped the subject, Lin Xi let out a sigh of relief. She thought she had muddled through it.
She wasnt asking for much. She wanted to break free from the Lin family and live calmly till she was of age. She didnt want to cause a lot of trouble, or bring about troubles for Gu Shao.
All she needed was for him to give her a household register so she could live safely till adulthood.
Lin Xi ate her breakfast quietly.
Something occurred to her all of a sudden and she glanced over at Gu Shao.
Dad.
What?
Can I ask you a question?
Lin Xi was looking at him with a seriousness and a desire for knowledge. That reminded him of the question that she had asked him in the car the day before. The corners of Gu Shaos eyes twitched.
Gu Shao gestured Lin Xi to carry on.