Of course, Gan Rui was still a bit apprehensive, as Chen Qiu did have ulterior motives when she saved Xun Sheng back then.

But at the end of the day, the fact remains that she saved him. If it weren’t for her intervention, Xun Sheng’s fate would have been uncertain.

Regarding this matter, Gan Rui truly couldn’t bring himself to utterly destroy Chen Qiu. Besides, he wasn’t ruthless enough.

"I’ve been on the verge of breaking down these days; the only solace I found was that day when Lu’s Shop opened, and I hid there for half a day. Upon arrival at Lu’s, I realized she didn’t dare come near."

Shu Yu, "..."

Her mouth twitched as she looked at Gan Rui, who looked relieved, and said with a dark expression, "So she came here because of you? No wonder she showed up at Lu’s the day after its opening."

It was clear that Chen Qiu had realized she wasn’t making progress with Gan Rui and happened to see the spirited Zhou Tiedong on the opening day, sparking new thoughts.

Gan Rui blinked, realized what was happening, and with a slightly embarrassed face, changed the subject, "Well, Chen Qiu did leave, right?"

Ever since Xun Sheng’s departure, for nearly two months now, Gan Rui had gotten used to Chen Qiu haunting him like a restless spirit.

Yet, on the second day after Lu’s opening, she actually didn’t show up.

Gan Rui found it odd and had someone inquire at the Pan Family.

"As a result of this inquiry, I learned that the eldest daughter of the Pan Family has returned. She’s the one who married a wealthy businessman from another place, which elevated the Pan Family’s status, making the entire family prosperous. I heard from neighbors that after the incident with the Pan Family, they sent word to their daughter, and she arrived just recently."

The Pan Family’s eldest son-in-law made quite a fortune in business elsewhere and often visited the capital, so he was well-informed.

Although others in Changjin Prefecture might not know Shu Yu well, this businessman happened to have heard of Shu Yu, knowing she was not just an inconspicuous county magistrate but had a close relationship with Lord Qi from the capital.

Therefore, upon receiving the Pan Family’s letter and learning that his father-in-law had offended the county magistrate, he immediately instructed his wife to return and thoroughly analyze the pros and cons with the Pan Family.

The Pan Family was already somewhat intimidated by Shu Yu, especially in light of Chen Bing’s fate. It was fortunate enough that she didn’t pursue them further; they wouldn’t dare provoke Shu Yu.

The eldest daughter of the Pan Family knew that after the incident with Chen Bing, Shu Yu hadn’t done anything to the Pan Family, realizing she likely wouldn’t take out her anger on them, which relieved her.

Who would have thought Chen Qiu would still persistently go to Lu’s Shop and try to entangle with Zhou Tiedong, directly provoking the maid by Shu Yu’s side to come and warn them.

This really scared the Pan Family quite badly.

Gan Rui was a bit indignant, "I realize now that the Pan Family only bullies the weak. They knew I wouldn’t do anything to Chen Qiu, so they let her hang around me, hoping it might lead to something good. But when it comes to you, they immediately retreat and hide."

The Pan Family treated Chen Qiu as a hot potato they were eager to hand off. If she could, thanks to saving his life, soften Xun Sheng’s heart enough to marry or even take her as a concubine, it would be a fine outcome.

If it didn’t work out, they wouldn’t lose anything either.

It’s a good thing Brother Xun wasn’t around; otherwise, even if their scheme couldn’t succeed, it would have been quite disgusting to him.