Persuasion

Qu Li's expression hardened, and her gaze became stern.

Shi Xiao walked toward the bed quickly and grabbed Qin Yu's hands worriedly. She held her down tightly, but her words were compassionate as she sniffled. 

"What's wrong, sister? Don't be afraid, mother is here together with me. We're both here for you!"

Tears hung at the corner of Qin Yu's eyes as she watched Shi Xiao's hands clutching hers with excessive force. Her voice was crisp as she blurted out, "Xiaoxiao, you're hurting me. I won't run anymore. I'll be obedient, so please don't pinch me."

Shi Xiao quickly let go of her hands as if she had been electrocuted. She turned around and said to the doctor in an awkward yet weak manner.

"I'm sorry. My sister's brain isn't really in a good condition. Her intelligence is equivalent to that of a three-year-old."

The doctor had initially been stunned by Qin Yu's beauty when he had first laid his eyes on her, but after hearing Shi Xiao's words, he could not help but stare in disbelief.

'So, Miss Qin's mind isn't in good condition. What a pity, she's such a beauty though.'

He thought to himself.

To him, although Shi Xiao wasn't as pretty as Qin Yu, she was considerate, tender, well-mannered, and had a good temperament.

He quickly brushed off his thoughts and said, "Miss Shi, don't worry. Your sister didn't hurt her head this time."

Shi Xiao was very pleased that this young doctor had not made fun of her, and even comforted her. She lowered her head shyly in front of him.

Qin Yu looked at both of them and gave a big, child-like smile. 

"Hey, do you fancy my sister? Are you rich?

"My sister told me that she would only marry wealthy, distinguished men in the future. 

"You're so handsome, and you took a liking to her. You must be very well-off!"

The doctor was extremely embarrassed by her statements. 

Shi Xiao held in her desire to strangle Qin Yu at this point.

However, Qin Yu wore an innocent look on her face, as if she was oblivious to the tension lingering in the air among the three of them.

Qu Li could tell that Shi Xiao had been utterly embarrassed by the situation and hurriedly sprang into action.

"Alright, stop fooling around. Xiaoyu, are you perhaps feeling unwell?"

She looked at Qin Yu, shooting daggers at her with her gaze. 

Qin Yu acted as if she was frightened and shrank her body.

"No, no! Don't be angry, mommy. I don't feel uncomfortable, it's just that my foot hurts."

Her appearance was indeed like that of a little child as she spoke timidly.

The doctor could not help but feel pity for her and spoke to her gently.

"The pain will go away in a few days. Just don't walk on this foot for the time being."

Qin Yu's eyes widened with horror. "I can't walk? Then, what should I do? Mommy, will I end up being crippled for life?"

Tears welled up in her eyes again. Her beautiful, round eyes were delicate and miserable at the same time. Anyone who saw them now would undoubtedly soften their hearts.

Unfortunately, she was facing Qu Li and Qin Yu, who had never once fell for her tricks.

The intern panicked as he saw her reaction and hastily replied.

"No, no, don't cry. I promise you that you will not end up a cripple.

"You will be fine in two weeks. Just two weeks. Do you understand? That's around 14 days."

Qin Yu blinked her big eyes and gave an expression that showed trust in the doctor. 

Qu Li glared at her again and said, "Doctor, thank you! Since there's nothing important, let's leave the hospital. Xiaoxiao, help your sister to pack her things!"

On the night of the same day, Qu Li confronted Shi Yong.

Shi Yong was frowning, his face filled with distaste.

"Do you think the Ning family is stupid? Who do you take them for?

"Ning Chen is the eldest grandson of the family, and the person Elder Ning loves the most in the household!

"If I were to send Xiaoyu over instead, wouldn't we be inviting trouble for ourselves?

"If we offend the Ning family, we won't ever have a place to settle in this country! How could you think of such a ludicrous idea?

"He clearly has his eyes on Xiaoxiao. She has been well-known all these years, and everyone has been praising me for raising such a polite, gentle daughter!"

Qu Li did not waver at his argument, and retorted coldly.

"But Ning Chen is blind! Even if the Ning family is a thousand times better than other families out there, we can't allow our Xiaoxiao to be humiliated like this!

"Moreover, I heard that Ning Chen's not only blind, but he also has a hidden illness that will not allow him to live long.

"So what if he's the eldest grandson of the elder of the household? Xiaoxiao likes the first young master of the official family, Guan Yue!

"In terms of family background and wealth, he doesn't lose out to the Ning family at all!"

Upon hearing her side of their squabble, Shi Yong replied angrily, "But Guan Yue is not interested in our daughter! Now that the Ning family has proposed a marriage, this is our chance! This opportunity will never come again!"

Nonetheless, Qu Li disagreed.

"The Ning family wants to marry one of our daughters, not specifically Xiaoxiao! 

"Shi Yong, back then, you were the one who said that you would consider Qin Yu to be your biological daughter in the future! Whatever Xiaoxiao has, Qin Yu too will have!

"Now, it's time to prove what you said. If Xiaoxiao has a chance for marriage, Qin Yu should too! 

"Xiaoxiao can be the young lady of the official family. With Qin Yu as Ning Chen's bride, you won't have anything to worry about, right?"

Shi Yong was left speechless by her audacity.

Once Qu Li felt that the time was right after a few seconds of silence, she softened her voice.

"Hubby, you don't have to worry about the Ning family being choosy about Xiaoyu.

"Give us half a month's time and we'll definitely teach Xiaoyu all she needs to know.

"Although her mentality might be an obstacle, she is undoubtedly very beautiful. With her face as her strong point, who would be picky? 

"We will teach her to be obedient and sensible again. We can bring her home every week to remind her and get her to improve.

"Don't worry, nothing bad will happen to her."