My Identities Were All Exposed After I Was Pampered by Everyone at My Grandfather's House! Chapter 3

Going to War?

After a thorough search of the bag, Qiao Yue discovered a less conspicuous Walther PPS. She confirmed the magazine was loaded and secured it at her waist. "Take the rest of it," she instructed. "Yes, boss," came the reply. Once they departed, Qiao Yue retrieved a simple-looking dagger from beneath her pillow. A mere gentle wave of the weapon produced a cold glint, vividly demonstrating its sharpness. In the car, Qiao Jing was engrossed in the information he had gathered on Qiao Yue. The provided details indicated he was born and raised in Nanshan Village before attending school in town. His subsequent enrollment in an ordinary high school showed no unusual circumstances during those formative years. Suddenly, the car door was yanked open. "Let's go!" Qiao Jing heard before two bags were unceremoniously shoved into the back seat. "Scram. Put your luggage in the trunk and sit up front," Qiao Jing snapped, his voice laced with icy shards, his eyes glaring daggers at Qiao Yue. Noticing the tension, the driver trembled as he exited the car and hurried over to Qiao Yue. "Fifth Young Master, allow me to handle your belongings. I will place them for you." Qiao Yue offered no response. She stacked her two bags and was preparing to enter the car, feeling an inexplicable urge to defy Qiao Jing, perhaps due to his ostentatious demeanor. As a stalemate seemed to form between Qiao Yue and Qiao Jing, a sudden cry of surprise echoed through the village. As the sound rapidly approached, Qiao Yue spotted a striking red limited edition sports car heading her way, its color far too attention-grabbing for her taste. "Get in the car, let's go," Qiao Jing urged, his voice betraying a hint of impatience. Qiao Yue regarded him with surprise, wondering what could provoke such an emotion from the stoic Qiao Jing. Heeding Qiao Jing's command, the driver abandoned Qiao Yue's luggage and quickly addressed her, "Fifth Young Master, let's depart!" "Second Brother, why the haste to leave the moment you saw me?" The moment the man spoke, Qiao Yue's heart stirred. Everyone has a voice they find appealing, and Qiao Yue was no exception. For her, Qiao Jing's voice was akin to a spring thaw in the depths of winter, whereas this newcomer's voice was like the finest wine on a summer night, intoxicating with its mere sound. The man removed his sunglasses and smiled at Qiao Yue, his dreamy eyes twinkling with amusement. "So, you are my fifth brother, Qiao Yue?" "Yes." Qiao Yue offered a smile to the man, causing him to raise his eyebrows and appraise her with keen interest. "Such soft skin and delicate features, you truly resemble a girl. Kid, what's amiss with your neck?" Despite being seated in his car, the man's presence was undiminished, his gaze devoid of any frivolousness. Overall, Qiao Yue found herself developing a rather favorable impression of him. "Qiao Ze, only advantageous matters seem to rouse you so early," Qiao Jing sneered before Qiao Yue could reply to Qiao Ze. "The same applies to you." While his tone was amiable when addressing Qiao Yue, his words and demeanor towards Qiao Jing were decidedly provocative. Qiao Ze alighted from his car and approached Qiao Yue, glancing into Qiao Jing's vehicle. "I cannot compete with Second Brother's business acumen. Upon hearing Grandfather wished to find Aunt, I was so eager to bring Qiao Yue back that I wished I had wings." Qiao Yue grasped the underlying animosity between the Qiao brothers. The patriarch of the Qiao family had three sons. The eldest and second sons each had two sons, while the third son had two daughters. The Qiao family clearly enjoyed a period of prosperity. Possessing sons, the eldest and second brothers maintained a facade of courtesy towards each other while fiercely competing in private. Their primary objective was to curry favor with the old master, ensuring a more substantial share of the inheritance upon his demise. However, in Qiao Yue's estimation, all the grandchildren of the Qiao family were remarkably capable; why would they engage in such a cutthroat struggle for a mere inheritance? As Qiao Yue observed the unfolding drama before her, oblivious to her involvement, the battle lines were drawn. "Qiao Yue, get in the car." "Fifth Brother, behold the regrettable state of your second brother's vehicle. Come with Third Brother instead. We'll take you for a drive and have some fun; there's no need to rush home." The two men spoke simultaneously, their eyes locking in a silent exchange. If this spectacle didn't directly involve her, Qiao Yue would have happily observed from the sidelines, perhaps with a platter of fruit. Seeing their expectant gazes, Qiao Yue beamed and declared, "I truly find myself unable to choose between Second and Third Brother's invitations, so to ensure neither of you is disappointed, I..." Saying this, Qiao Yue began retrieving her bags from Qiao Jing's car. Qiao Ze's eyes lit up at this action, while Qiao Jing's gaze remained fixed, coldly appraising Qiao Yue's face.