Chapter 184: If You Don't Mind, Qing Is Willing to Fulfill Nephewly Duties in Brother Gu's Place! (4)
"Qing'er, is it? If you want to become my family, you'll have to bear the consequences."
"People close to me rarely meet a good end."
Gu Hanyan looked at his face and let out a soft sigh.
As she spoke, the air around them seemed to drop in temperature.
A chilling, solemn atmosphere began to form, as if to stress how serious she was.
"I don't care about that. I've always remembered how Qingzhou saved my life—and I must repay that kindness."
"His family, I'll protect with my life. Even if something happens to me, I'll never regret it!"
Su Qing didn't flinch at the cold aura, answering seriously.
Hearing that, the aloof golden-haired beauty's heart skipped a beat.
Who could resist someone so loyal and grateful?
Especially one so good-looking. The more she looked, the more she liked him.
Still, she kept her thoughts hidden. On the outside, she even wore a stern expression.
"Stand up. If you want to treat me like an aunt, the first rule is obedience."
"If you can't accept that, I won't force you. Let's just pretend this never happened."
Gu Hanyan's voice was firm as she gave the order.
She looked at the boy to gauge his reaction.
No one liked being controlled—especially someone with power like the Empress's favored subject.
Would he feel offended?
"Auntie, I can accept it. There's nothing wrong with that."
"From now on, you're my family. You educating me is only natural. It's just... just..."
As Su Qing spoke, he suddenly became a bit hesitant.
"Just what?"
The golden-haired beauty was pleased with his attitude and grew curious.
"I don't really have any family. I'm not sure where the boundaries are."
"If... if I ever offend you in the future, Auntie, I hope you'll forgive me."
His voice trembled slightly with timidity.
"You... have no family?"
Gu Hanyan hadn't expected that and looked a little confused.
"Mm. I was abandoned outside the palace gates when I was very young..."
Su Qing switched into his sad-backstory mode and recounted his past.
It wasn't exaggeration—just the facts.
Gu Hanyan fell completely silent.
She had thought her nephew's struggles were already bad enough.
But compared to that, Su Qing's life had been even crueler.
Fortunately, he met the Empress and was able to live in comfort.
That must be why so many people envied him.
Sure, he was lucky.
But alone in the quiet of night, he must have thought about his family. Missed his parents.
He would never again feel the warmth of home or a parent's love.
Yet here he was, full of life and energy—a self-made youth who had seized his own happiness.
And he had never wasted that happiness.
From a mere mascot, he'd climbed to the center of power.
His strategies and decisions had proved his worth completely.
He was no ordinary man.
Someone like her, who wanted to use the empire's power, couldn't miss the chance to draw him in.
This unexpected gain might bring her great rewards in the future.
"Auntie... that's my story. You... you won't look down on me, will you?"
Su Qing's voice grew softer.
Earning sympathy wasn't just about the story—it needed expressions, tone, and atmosphere.
Gu Hanyan didn't answer. She simply beckoned him over.
Su Qing, unsure, walked up to her.
His face showed uncertainty and a bit of nervousness.
That hint of caution stirred something in Gu Hanyan.
Initially, she just wanted to pat his shoulder—to offer encouragement and closeness.
But now...
Sometimes, maternal instinct just took over.
Without hesitation, the golden-haired beauty pulled him into her arms.
She had never even done this with her actual nephew. Yet here she was, comforting another.
And strangely, she didn't feel wrong about it.
Su Qing was instantly enveloped in warmth, catching a scent of cool, elegant fragrance.
Her soft, oppressive chest pressed against him—but he didn't mind. He felt quite pleased.
So... had his performance passed the test?
And this treatment? Way more than he expected.
Still, it made sense.
Someone so aloof, with few relatives, probably didn't have a clear sense of boundaries.
For him, this was definitely a win.
"From now on, I'm your family. Whatever you need, just come to me."
"If I can help, I won't say no. That's what family is for."
Gu Hanyan patted his back gently as she spoke, a flash of guilt flickering in her eyes.
Was she being too heartless?
Sure, there was genuine concern—but her main intent had been to use him.
Using a boy starving for affection—wasn't that too cruel?
In that moment, how was she any different from those awful people in the demonic sect?
Yet, she couldn't bring herself to fully commit to being ruthless.
Feeling the boy's soft breathing in her arms, she sighed internally.
Well... as atonement, she'd just give him a little more love.
Hopefully that love would make him never regret what he did today.
As that thought crossed her mind, she hugged the boy a little tighter.
Su Qing, of course, noticed the shift and understood her feelings.
His lips curled into a sly smile.
An orphan background really worked wonders.
The image of a pitiful yet resilient youth melted the hearts of big sisters, making them drop their guard.
So soft... so comfy...
No way he'd let her escape him now—not with this kind of closeness.
As he thought that, his fighting spirit surged.
The newly bonded aunt and nephew held each other, quietly enjoying the warmth.
Golden sunlight bathed them in a harmonious glow.
No matter how you looked at it, this was a heartwarming scene.
Both parties enjoyed it—a perfect win-win.
Undoubtedly, the former saintess had yet to realize the full danger.
She never imagined this boy's performance was all an act.
Even less did she expect—someone's filial intentions had already started to go off track.
If she knew... well, she'd probably suplex him into the dirt a few times first.