I Am Her Secret Beauty - Chapter 26

The sun moved steadily from the east toward its zenith, and Mu Xi silently carried one load after another beneath its rays.

Gradually, fewer and fewer people tried to strike up conversations with her, instead watching her with a mix of awe and silent hope that she would stay for a few more days.

Coincidentally, Nan Zhiya had called her not long ago, and between the lines, it really did seem like she wanted Mu Xi to spend more time at the construction site.

Mu Xi understood the implication, a top-tier manual laborer with unmatched efficiency and stamina was far more cost-effective than a meticulous butler. Only by taking on heavy work could she truly justify her salary.

Moreover, Mu Xi had a vague sense that Nan Zhiya was in such a hurry to complete the research institute’s construction because she didn’t want Nan Xi to stay at A University for too long.

As for the reason, everyone knew, Nan Xi had probably given Nan Zhiya quite the scare five years ago.

But Mu Xi’s own duties were already overwhelming. Her happy brick-carrying session lasted only about three hours before she had to return to the Nan residence to oversee lunch preparations and clean up the mess left behind by her absence that morning.

Lunch at the Nan household was essentially prepared for Guan Yan alone.

Guan Yan was the only one who could be considered a freelancer, spending most of his time at home and occasionally traveling for inspiration and creative work, something Nan Zhiya supported.

Mu Xi didn’t interact much with Guan Yan, but today, during lunch, he called her over and asked her to sit across from him.

Puzzled, Mu Xi took a seat.

Guan Yan then spoke softly to Xiao Wang, the attendant: “Bring a set of utensils for the butler.”

The words startled Mu Xi, and she immediately stood up, respectfully returning to her position beside Guan Yan.

“Sir, I’ve already eaten. Please, enjoy your meal without concern.”

Though Guan Yan was getting on in years, he was well-preserved, looking no older than his early thirties. At Mu Xi’s words, his lips pressed together slightly, as if he were on the verge of tears.

Though both were omegas, Nan Xi didn’t take after him, instead, she resembled her alpha mother far more.

“Butler, please sit down. I have something to discuss with you,” Guan Yan said, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears, startling Mu Xi once again. The next second, she sat bolt upright like a wooden stake, eyes wide.

Seeing his goal achieved, Guan Yan calmly reined in his tears but maintained his delicate demeanor.

“You just returned from the construction site, didn’t you?”

“Yes.”

Mu Xi lowered her head and sat stiffly.

For some reason, she was a little afraid of Guan Yan. She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone capable of winning Nan Zhiya’s heart couldn’t possibly be a simple character.

Guan Yan gazed at her with tender affection, his expression compassionate and doting, as if he regarded Mu Xi like his own child. “You’re a good girl… hardworking, diligent, and virtuous. Zhiya made no mistake in choosing you.”

The sudden praise made Mu Xi squirm in discomfort. Even after thanking him, Guan Yan showed no sign of letting her leave, leaving her increasingly uneasy.

She didn’t believe Guan Yan had invited her to sit and even had food set out for her just to offer a few compliments.

Guan Yan smiled faintly, cleared his throat, and asked, “Do you know about Nan Xi’s past?”

“…I know some, but not everything.”

Mu Xi chose her words carefully. It was the truth, but she didn’t understand why Guan Yan was suddenly bringing up Nan Xi.

“Mm, if Nan Xi hadn’t stubbornly refused to reveal the other person’s name, her mother would never have let her off so easily.”

Guan Yan’s tone shifted from gentle to dark, laced with a chilling anger that mirrored his words. “The butler probably doesn’t know this, but back then, Nan Xi almost took her own life.”

Mu Xi’s mind went blank.

She murmured, stunned, “Su…icide?”

Nan Xi, though sometimes alarmingly frail and silent, was always so full of life, her eyes speaking volumes whenever they met someone’s gaze.

The way she treated Mu Xi was a mix of ambiguous tenderness and outright hostility, her clever, mischievous mind undoubtedly brimming with thoughts Mu Xi could only interpret as Nan Xi’s unique quirks.

A young lady from a prestigious family, with a bright future and passions to pursue… suicide?

“Was it because of that person?” she asked.

Guan Yan observed her shock and sorrow with quiet satisfaction.

“Yes. We all told her that person was a fraud, someone who played with her feelings and then vanished. But Nan Xi would rather believe she was dead than accept she’d been deceived. At her lowest, she even considered following her in death.”

Mu Xi clenched her hands, instinctively pressing further. “What happened after?”

“Nan Xi was at school when it happened. A classmate found her and brought her home. Everyone tried to talk sense into her, but in the end, Zhiya had no choice but to agree to send her abroad, to get her away from the memories.” Guan Yan’s voice tightened at the recollection. “Given Nan Xi’s health, none of us wanted her to go so far alone.”

Right. Later, Nan Xi went overseas to study, something everyone knew.

Half of Mu Xi’s anxiety eased, and she inwardly sighed at how shaken she’d been, momentarily forgetting reality.

Then she remembered the psychological evaluation the family doctor had conducted when Nan Xi first returned.

Nan Zhiya had reacted strongly, immediately instructing Mu Xi to prioritize Nan Xi above all else, arranging transportation, providing funds for outings.

It wasn’t paranoia. The past had left real scars.

“Butler.” Guan Yan’s voice snapped Mu Xi out of her thoughts. He met her gaze squarely. “Regarding what Zhiya mentioned yesterday, what’s your take on it?”

The question yanked Mu Xi back to reality.

She didn’t dare guess Guan Yan’s intentions in asking her opinion. On this matter, her answer couldn’t be personal, it had to be professional, grounded in the butler’s duty to provide a rational perspective.

It might not be what Guan Yan wanted to hear, but it was what Mu Xi had to say.

“Miss Nan Xi’s well-being comes first,” she replied carefully, humble and sincere, yet striving to remain composed. “Second is her own wishes. Yesterday, she didn’t seem entirely willing. Her feelings should be fully respected.”

Guan Yan nodded.

He wasn’t surprised by her response. Mu Xi was exactly that kind of person, rarely revealing anything beyond her professional role.

The earlier moment had been an exception.

“Then let me share my thoughts too.” Guan Yan smiled, his tone mild, as if negotiating. “I disagree.”

“Zhiya is too haunted by what happened. He’s willing to go to any lengths to protect Nan Xi, but as you said, her own wishes aren’t being considered.”

Yes, this was exactly Mu Xi’s line of thought.

She could understand Nan Zhiya’s feelings. Moreover, as someone in a position of authority, Nan Zhiya was long accustomed to keeping everything firmly under his control. But Nan Xi, as an independent individual, might not necessarily be suited to such arrangements.

She was quite surprised, she hadn’t expected the Nan family to have someone as… normal as Guan Yan.

Mu Xi had almost begun to think that perspectives like these were separated by an insurmountable barrier between different social classes, given how astonishing the views of the other Nan family members had seemed to her.

No sooner had this thought crossed her mind than she heard Guan Yan continue:

“So, if it doesn’t disrupt Nan Xi’s life, yet still allows us to confirm her safety, that would be ideal.”

“Butler, you’re currently responsible for escorting Nan Xi to and from work, that’s the only time she leaves the house. You must have plenty of opportunities to keep track of her movements. I hope you can understand the feelings of a concerned father.”

“…Sir, are you asking me to monitor the young miss’s whereabouts and report back to you?” Mu Xi’s smile stiffened slightly. “Actually, I already provide weekly reports to Madam about the family members’ statuses. Madam has also taken measures to ensure the young miss’s safety, so you needn’t worry too much.”

“Will you also report to Zhiya about who she meets and what she hears? Setting aside reports, after you drop her off at A University, do you know everywhere she goes? Whether she stays in the lab the whole time, will you know all of that?”

Guan Yan’s tone remained gentle, but his stance didn’t yield an inch. “Butler, you might think I’m being too extreme, but A University isn’t an ordinary place. I can’t help but worry.”

At this point, Mu Xi fully grasped Guan Yan’s intentions.

He wanted complete control over Nan Xi’s movements, whether through surveillance, eavesdropping, or whatever means necessary, he wanted every detail of her life monitored.

No matter the underlying motive, such methods were deeply disrespectful to Nan Xi.

She had to retract her earlier thought, Guan Yan was far from normal.

In fact, Nan Zhiya had at least been upfront about his views, whereas Guan Yan had dismissed everyone else and was now privately discussing this with her, fully aware of how unseemly it was.

If Nan Xi ever found out about this, Mu Xi didn’t dare imagine how disappointed and furious she would be.

Even as an outsider, Mu Xi felt anger rising at Guan Yan’s words.

She took a deep breath and lowered her head, letting her bangs obscure her expression completely.

“Sir, with all due respect, I hold the young miss in the highest regard. I see her as a treasured member of this household and would never dream of offending her. While I’m deeply grateful for your trust, I cannot bring myself to disrespect the young miss in this manner.”

“From the moment I joined the Nan family as butler, I’ve considered this the final destination of my career, a place where I would dedicate myself wholeheartedly to serving this household. From that perspective, I must advise you to abandon this idea. If the young miss were to learn of it, it could damage your father-daughter relationship…”

Guan Yan fell silent for a moment. When he looked at Mu Xi again, his expression had reverted to the clueless, naive demeanor he’d shown earlier.

With a smile, he said:

“If that’s the case… then my suggestion was indeed inappropriate. My apologies, Butler. Please pretend I never brought this up.”

Mu Xi replied softly, “Your concern for your daughter is understandable, sir.”

Guan Yan smiled somewhat helplessly, picking up the teacup beside him and taking two sips to clear his throat thoroughly.

Every movement of his was exquisitely gentle, the curve of his wrist so graceful it resembled a flowing line. Yet, Mu Xi had never, and would never, consider him a fragile, harmless omega. The Nan family had no room for idle individuals.

“Mm. But there’s one thing I hope the butler will always remember. You just said you prioritize Nan Xi’s health and safety above all else, and Zhiya surely had the same consideration when assigning you to escort her. So, please protect her well. I entrust this to you.”

Guan Yan glanced at the untouched delicacies in front of Mu Xi. From the moment they began speaking until now, she hadn’t taken a single bite. Perhaps not even for a second had Mu Xi intended to stand on his side.

“Go pick her up and bring her home. It’s about time.”

“And one last thing: I hope the content of our conversation today remains absolutely confidential to anyone.”

Mu Xi understood this perfectly, she was accustomed to keeping secrets. “You have my word.”

She wasn’t keeping the secret for Guan Yan. She was guarding it for Nan Xi.

…Though Mu Xi wasn’t entirely sure. Even though she had rejected Guan Yan today, would he really let it go?

Or would he do something even more extreme?

She rose from the seat across from Guan Yan and bowed to him.

Then, Mu Xi strode out of the dining room, her back straight and her steps confident, all under Guan Yan’s watchful gaze.

Guan Yan had long finished his meal.

Yet he remained still, the smile on his face fading bit by bit, sinking into a shadow of loneliness alongside the cold remnants of the feast on the table.

He wasn’t sinister, just lonely, with a touch of sorrow. As an omega who spent most of his time at home, he lacked the capabilities of his spouse. Fortunately, his mind was sharp and adaptable, always able to overcome strength with softness.

Guan Yan picked up a napkin, carefully wiping away any possible traces at the corners of his lips. He folded it neatly, set it aside, then raised his hand:

“Please clear these away for me. Thank you.”