"Let me guess. Somebody isn't happy with my moves in Province N," said Ling Qingyu with a chuckle as she rubbed her chin. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Exactly. With your talent, you should have seen it coming," Gu Yi replied. "I can suppress them for you and give you ample time to grow stronger."
"That won't be necessary, Mother."
"Could you not address me as 'Mother'?" Gu Yi cringed and brushed the fabric on her shoulder with distaste. "We aren't that close yet."
"We will be soon enough," Ling Qingyu coughed lightly but stood her ground. "Qingyue's mother is my mother too."
"The way you climb up really opens my eyes," Gu Yi said, shaking her head. "Come to think of it, I can't imagine the extent of your reach across industries. Those old ghosts would never expect what's coming."
Ling Qingyu paused when she noticed the maids approaching. Gu Yi followed her glance and waited.
