After Marrying the Officer Chapter 1348 - 1347: Main Story Grand Finale 20

"Hmph, I possess more than just this solitary straw to grasp!" Xia Lan averted her gaze from Xia Chuyi as she declared.

More than a single straw? Observing Xia Lan's subtly guilty eyes, Xia Chuyi mused: even her foreknowledge had been exposed, wasn't this Xia Lan's final resort?

It was evident that Xia Lan was attempting a cover-up.

Xia Chuyi paid no mind to her deflection and continued, "Xia Lan, you are aware yourself, aren't you? If Guo Jiumin's trust in you falters..."

"Without his protection, Xia Lan, your predicament will become quite dire," Xia Chuyi stated calmly, directly unveiling Xia Lan's inner turmoil.

"I have no idea what you are referring to!" Visibly flustered, Xia Lan's eyes darted, "Regardless, I caution you, it would be best not to ally with Guo Jiumin, or I shall not let you off easily!"

Not let her off easily?

Xia Chuyi genuinely wondered from where Xia Lan mustered the confidence to utter such a threat.

At that precise moment, the study door creaked open.

"How did it go? What was the outcome of your discussion?" Guo Jiumin entered the room.

As he crossed the threshold, Guo Jiumin posed his question to both individuals.

Although his query was directed at them collectively, Guo Jiumin's gaze remained fixed upon Xia Lan.

"I offered Chuyi my earnest counsel, though I remain uncertain of Chuyi's decision," Xia Lan, having adopted a demure facade even before Guo Jiumin's full entry, quickly stated.

Guo Jiumin, suspecting nothing, nodded and inquired with a smile, "Then, Young Madam Huo, have you reached a resolution?"

"Collaborating with Guo undoubtedly offers significant advantages for you!" Guo Jiumin asserted confidently, his eyes locking onto Xia Chuyi with a pronounced, deliberate intent as he spoke with a smile.

Influenced by Xia Lan's recent words, Xia Chuyi experienced a wave of revulsion upon encountering Guo Jiumin's gaze.

Indeed, the manner in which Guo Jiumin observed her was deeply unsettling, akin to a predator eyeing its unsuspecting prey.

Viewed from this perspective, Xia Lan's assertions held a strong possibility of being truthful.

However, for the present moment, Guo Jiumin's primary objective was to placate Xia Chuyi, refraining from any overtly aggressive actions.

But once Xia Chuyi consented to align with Guo Jiumin, should any news emerge from Huo Shiqian's front...

Guo Jiumin would then enact his predictable 'hero rescues damsel' strategy to ensnare Xia Chuyi.

Contemplating this unfolding scenario, Xia Chuyi was overcome with profound disgust and simmering anger.

For the sake of her foreknowledge ability, Guo Jiumin had meticulously orchestrated this entire elaborate scheme?

A fierce indignation surged within Xia Chuyi's chest cavity.

Nevertheless, setting the anger aside, she recognized the imperative of maintaining composure at this juncture.

Drawing a deep, steadying breath, Xia Chuyi clenched her fists tightly.

Subsequently, Xia Chuyi intentionally adopted a sorrowful expression and addressed Guo Jiumin, "Mr. Guo, I am amenable to cooperating with you, but... my husband is currently stationed at the border, his fate uncertain; I am in no state of mind to deliberate on matters of cooperation."

"Therefore, I implore you, Mr. Guo, grant me a period for reflection," Xia Chuyi concluded with a sigh.

"Naturally, naturally!" Perceiving Xia Chuyi's expression as somewhat yielding, Guo Jiumin responded reassuringly, "You need not overly concern yourself with the border situation; Huo Shizhang is destined to overcome any adversity."

"However, Young Madam Huo, how extended a period do you require for consideration?" Guo Jiumin inquired further, continuing, "On this occasion, Guo has extended utmost sincerity, and I earnestly hope, Young Madam Huo, that you might abbreviate this contemplation period."

"After all, Young Madam Huo, the profound secrets you harbor necessitate diligent safeguarding by a capable individual..."