441 - I Don’t Want to Be Turned Into the Female Protagonist by the System

# Chapter 441: Xiao Qi, Please Trust Me October 5th, the fifth day of the National Day holiday. Typically, during this time of year, the headlines are dominated by the tourism industry. However, this year saw a dramatic change. The top three headlines on numerous browsers and news sites had nothing to do with tourism. For instance, the top three news stories on the DC browser looked like this: "Shocking! A Lawsuit in Su City Lands the Opposing Lawyer in Trouble!" "Scandalous! The Stock Market Prodigy is Actually a Campus Beauty?" "Stunning! Delightful! The Secrets of Wealth! Must Watch, Even Without Wi-Fi!" In Zhe City, Su Lu Jun woke up early today, even before Lu Ran. The reason for his early rise was quite straightforward. He had received no fewer than fifty calls from old comrades-in-arms the previous day. After reminiscing over past hardships, each call inevitably led to a request—to introduce his precious daughter Su Qi to their families. For friends who had shared his struggles and challenges, Su Lu Jun's response was consistent and straightforward: he told them to "Buzz off!" After all, his dear daughter Su Qi was just 18! The thought of marrying her off now was unthinkable; he'd rather wait until she was around 30. Moreover, Su Lu Jun believed that when the time came, his wife should have the final say, preferably finding a son-in-law who'd live with them. After all, if she married into a distant province, they might hardly see her, which he couldn't bear. Although Su Lu Jun couldn't understand what his former comrades' sons saw in Su Qi, the mere thought of their interest in his daughter made him restless. Thus, he rose early today. Usually, on such early mornings, he would play chess with Old Li from next door. But recalling how Old Li and his son had visited with wine and food, eyeing his young daughter, fueled his ire. He reconsidered stepping outside. "I refuse to mingle with the likes of them!" He sat back on the deck chair in the yard, feeling idle. Due to his previous phone's malfunction, he'd taken his wife's advice and switched to a domestic Huawei smartphone. Initially, he wasn't keen on smartphones, but after learning how to read news on it, he found it quite handy. Speaking of intriguing news, he couldn't overlook the headlines on DC browser. While lounging on the chair, he chose DC browser from several news apps. Seeing the headlines that weren't about tourism piqued his curiosity. He clicked on the first story about a lawyer incident in Su City, starting with a chuckle, eager to know how the opposing lawyer ended up there. His amusement ceased when he recognized the familiar face of lawyer Lin Zi in the photos. Shocked, he scrolled down quickly, noticing the mention of Su Qi as a party involved. Instantly alert, he knew it was indeed his daughter named in the news. Learning why his daughter had ended up in court, he discovered that Yang Zong Fan had been sentenced to three years in prison for harassment. Despite justice being served, as he thought about his cherished daughter, carefully protected from any harm, having to go through this ordeal, he was filled with distress. When Lu Ran got up and noticed how early Su Lu Jun had woken up, she looked out the window and saw her husband, who had been calmer recently, gripping the deck chair tightly and trembling. Fearing he might have a stroke, Lu Ran rushed out to check on him. Drawing closer, she was relieved to find he was just agitated, not ill. Seeing him staring intently at his phone, she took it from him and examined the news herself. After reading it, though angry, Lu Ran also noted the surprising tidbits, such as their daughter being a stock market genius and being dismissed by Compass Corporation. The couple cross-referenced other related news stories; once they confirmed the situation had been resolved perfectly, they breathed easier. Although the matter had been handled well, Lu Ran decided to call Su Qi, intending to advise her to rely more on her parents and not shoulder everything alone. In Su City, within the 'Bliss Realm,' Su Qi, her nights spent in utter joy, slept soundly alongside her three wives. Why three wives, not four? Because one of Su Qi's spouses maintained a daily habit of morning exercise. Wang Yun, despite her love for lazing, especially when in the company of Su Qi and the adorable Xiao Xiao Xiao, whose presence fed her penchant for touch, heard a grumble from her own stomach as she poked Su Qi's soft cheeks early that morning. Recalling Su Qi's meager dinner last night, mostly being on the receiving end rather than the eating, Wang Yun worried about her developing gastritis. So, she decided to get dressed and fetch some breakfast. Just as she prepared to step out, she heard a phone ringing. The tone was familiar to Wang Yun because back at Compass, hearing this tone meant she could tease her dedicated little assistant! Seeing "Mom" displayed on Su Qi's phone, Wang Yun glanced at the wall clock—it was just after five. Such an early call could only mean worry. Not wanting to disturb Su Qi, who was softly snoring away with a serene expression, Wang Yun decided against waking her. She went into the bathroom to answer. "Hello, Auntie, it's Wang Yun," she answered, noting the caller wasn't her daughter. Taken slightly aback, Lu Ran asked, "And you are?" "Auntie, I'm Su Qi's friend, Wang Yun," she replied. Recognizing the name Wang Yun, both Lu Ran and Su Lu Jun quickly identified her as their daughter's attentive landlord and former boss. The news mentioned it was Wang Yun who hired lawyer Lin Zi to defend Su Qi and had even scuffled with Yang Zong Fan, sustaining a minor injury. Concerned, Lu Ran inquired, "Wang Yun, is your foot injury alright?" Being addressed warmly by her prospective mother-in-law touched Wang Yun, who quickly reassured, "Auntie, you can call me Xiao Yun. The injury is healing well; I can walk already." This friendly moniker enhanced Lu Ran's impression of Wang Yun. Soon, the conversation flowed easily between "Aunt Lu" and "Xiao Yun," growing progressively warmer. From half-past five till six, Wang Yun sensed a hint of reproach from Aunt Lu's words. Defending her beleaguered partner from the previous night's events, Wang Yun explained. "Aunt Lu, Xiao Qi didn't want to worry you, which is why she didn't tell you. I'll pass on your message when she wakes up, so you two shouldn't worry too much." This reassurance allowed Lu Ran and Su Lu Jun to relax. They recognized how deeply Wang Yun cared for their daughter, earning her more favor in Lu Ran's heart. "So, Xiao Yun, come to Aunt Lu's for a meal during the holidays; I'll cook a feast for you!" Pleased with the invitation from her future in-law, Wang Yun replied enthusiastically, "Sure, Aunt Lu, I'll definitely come for the holidays. Xiao Qi, please trust me!" (in every sense)