I Am Her Secret Beauty - Chapter 33

A flippant attitude, an ambiguous tone, lingering glances.

Mu Xi understood exactly what she meant.

Moreover, she wasn’t entirely clueless when it came to matters of the heart. Even if she were slow on the uptake, after all this time, she should have realized that the current state between her and Nan Xi was called “ambiguity,” and that something new and different had sprouted in her heart for Nan Xi.

The moon was dark, the wind high, the surroundings deserted, and a soft bed was within easy reach for them.

At such a perfect moment, Mu Xi suddenly wanted to ask a question.

She had already asked too many questions tonight.

“Can you tell me,” Mu Xi pulled away the hand that was pinching her lips but didn’t let go, gripping Nan Xi’s wrist with a slight tremble, “what exactly is our relationship now?”

Hearing this, Nan Xi also froze.

The usually composed, effortlessly in-control Nan Xi now spoke in a dry, awkward tone: “…Ah.”

How could she be so innocent?

But then again, Mu Xi had always been an innocent person, whether now or five years ago…

Her wrist was suddenly squeezed hard by Mu Xi. Nan Xi looked at her in confusion, only to find her eyes full of accusation and a trace of barely concealed resentment:

“Can you stop looking for someone else’s shadow in me?”

The moment Nan Xi’s gaze grew distant, Mu Xi knew she was probably thinking about that person again.

And yet, she still wanted to extend an “invitation” to her.

Nan Xi’s eyes cleared. She tried to pull her wrist back, only for Mu Xi to tighten her grip again: “Say it.”

“Say what?”

“Our relationship. Right now.”

Mu Xi’s expression wasn’t just serious, it also gave Nan Xi an inexplicable sense of… fairness? As if she were a prisoner with cuffed wrists, standing in a courtroom ready to confess, and Mu Xi was the judge about to pass judgment.

Nan Xi understood Mu Xi’s feelings somewhat. She was probably insecure, anyone who asked “what is our relationship” was insecure.

Well, then.

Her way of compromising was to dodge the question: “Didn’t you just say we’re friends?”

Mu Xi mercilessly shot her down: “Have all your friends marked you?”

“Hey.”

Nan Xi immediately frowned. She didn’t like that phrasing.

Mu Xi suddenly released her wrist and let her head drop dejectedly.

Her dark hair cascaded forward with the motion, obscuring most of her face, so Nan Xi couldn’t see her expression clearly. But just from her voice, Nan Xi could tell she was deeply upset.

“So, you don’t want to face it,” Mu Xi said.

She reached out, making a lifting motion below the window, signaling Nan Xi to use her hand as support to climb in: “Once you’re inside, just leave through the door.”

Nan Xi obediently used her hand to hoist herself up and began climbing through the window.

Halfway through, she suddenly realized something was off.

“Wait.” She straddled the windowsill, gripping Mu Xi’s hand excitedly. “If I had answered your question honestly just now, would you have let me stay the night?”

Mu Xi pushed her away, shoving her further into the room, refusing to meet her eyes: “No.”

“That’s what you meant, right? That’s what you were implying, wasn’t it? Can I take it back now?”

Mu Xi was so furious her vision spun. Without a word, she began climbing through the window herself. Once inside, she turned her attention to Nan Xi, who was stubbornly clinging to the windowsill and refusing to come down. Politely but firmly, she escorted her out of the housekeeper’s quarters and finally shut the door behind her.

She took off her outer clothes, lay down on the bed, her face as stiff as a statue.

Nan Xi still lingered outside her door, unwilling to leave, because she heard Nan Xi say at her doorstep, “You really won’t open the door? You’ll regret it.”

Then let her regret it.

Living is all about holding onto one’s pride.

Nan Xi finally left. She must have gone back to her own room to sleep. Thankfully, at this hour, there wouldn’t be any servants wandering around the house. If she happened to run into any family members, she could always say she came downstairs for a snack. In any case, no one would suspect Nan Xi of having a secret meeting with the butler.

Mu Xi turned over and lay on her side, this time remembering to draw the curtains so she wouldn’t be disturbed by the excessive outdoor light again.

The only thing that could disturb her now was Nan Xi.

Nan Xi was a person of her word, honest and true. When she said she would immerse herself wholeheartedly, she really threw herself into it without a care, even ignoring the immediate problems at hand.

Mu Xi guessed this might be a lingering aftereffect of her past experiences, having tasted the bitterness of loss, she would seize any glimmer of new hope with reckless abandon. Perhaps she had already grasped the most fundamental truth beneath the surface, or perhaps she was the one who was right.

But what was she herself, being caught by Nan Xi…?

This kind of emotion was a first for Mu Xi. She couldn’t act with the same mindset as Nan Xi.

Yet she couldn’t bring herself to be angry with her either.

After all, the way Nan Xi had stubbornly clung to the windowsill earlier, acting shamelessly… though Mu Xi had kept a stern face and shooed her away, deep down, she found it utterly endearing.

If only emotions were just emotions, things would be simpler.

With this thought, Mu Xi closed her eyes and soon drifted into sleep.

That night, the wound on her left palm began to heal, and by the next morning, a thin, shallow scab had formed.

Xiao Ji must have informed the servants about Mu Xi’s injured hand, because today everyone was especially considerate toward Butler Mu. They worked diligently, aiming to reduce her rounds and minimize her hand usage, even offering to help with tasks whenever possible.

However, the household chores were actually the easiest part for Mu Xi. The real challenges were the other tasks occasionally assigned by the Nan family.

Nan Zhiya and Guan Yan suddenly decided to go on an outing. For convenience, they took only a few people with them, and Mu Xi, the injured one, was the only exception.

Before Mu Xi could even escort Nan Xi to her work at A University, Nan Zhiya’s voice reached their ears first.

Nan Xi looked at Mu Xi, her expression tinged with regret.

Mu Xi guessed she might be regretting that she hadn’t yet made her “regret” her decision. To show her resolve, Mu Xi didn’t look at Nan Xi, merely bowing apologetically before following Nan Zhiya away.

“The butler’s hand is injured, so we’ll carry our own things,” Guan Yan said considerately, watching as Nan Zhiya picked up their belongings. “Thank you for your trouble.”

Thus, Mu Xi understood that today, her primary role was that of a bodyguard.

Compared to burly, rough-looking bodyguards, bringing Mu Xi along was not only more aesthetically pleasing but also more versatile in functionality, no wonder everyone preferred it.

Mu Xi didn’t dare let Nan Zhiya actually carry the things. “Madam, my right hand isn’t injured. Let me take them.”

Nan Zhiya didn’t hesitate, handing the items back to Mu Xi before walking ahead to engage in sweet nothings with Guan Yan.

…

Mu Xi glanced down, there were mainly two bags and a picnic basket filled with food. Typically, Nan Zhiya’s bag would contain various emergency supplies and documents, while Guan Yan’s bag held only painting tools, cameras, reflectors, and other photography props.

This perfectly matched their usual roles and personalities.

After stepping outside, Mu Xi placed the items in the trunk and then took the passenger seat.

Nan Zhiya had a dedicated personal driver, and one of the perks of going out with her was not having to double as the chauffeur.

Once all four were settled, Mu Xi caught a glimpse in the rearview mirror of Guan Yan resting her head on Nan Zhiya’s shoulder.

Setting aside other factors, they were a very happy couple.

“Next month is Nan Nan’s birthday. What should we give him?”

Nan Zhiya pondered for a moment. “Shares?”

“Zhiya, don’t be like this,” Guan Yan sighed helplessly. “Company shares are valuable, but the most important thing about a birthday gift is the thought behind it.”

“You’re not wrong, but I think Nan Nan would prefer money over sentiment.”

Nan Zhiya resumed her deliberation. “There’s also that vacant villa in the west of the city…”

Mu Xi’s temples began to throb.

Guan Yan added somewhat sheepishly, “I really like that house. I stay there every season for inspiration.”

They launched into a heated debate over whether to gift Nan Nan gold bars or a car. Mu Xi pictured Nan Nan’s face, the kind that would count out money for someone even after being scammed.

The disparity between people…

“What does the butler think?”

When the two couldn’t reach a conclusion, the question inevitably landed in Mu Xi’s lap.

She was prepared. “I think gold bars would be better. Gold holds its value well, and while cars are practical, the second young master already has plenty. He likely doesn’t need another.”

Guan Yan clapped in agreement.

Once the topic was opened, Nan Zhiya and Guan Yan began reminiscing about the birthday gifts they’d given the children in previous years. Each had been carefully selected and well-received.

Only Nan Xi was an exception. Having spent the last five years studying abroad, Nan Zhiya and Guan Yan hadn’t been able to personally deliver her gifts, leaving them with lingering regret.

At the mention of Nan Xi, Mu Xi’s ears perked up subtly.

“Nan Xi’s birthday is in winter, it’s coming up soon,” Guan Yan said sentimentally, her tone full of warmth. “This will be her first birthday since coming home. We should make it special.”

Nan Zhiya nodded in support.

Mu Xi was also curious, after gifting an entire research institute, what even more extravagant present could Nan Zhiya possibly come up with for Nan Xi?

“Let’s set aside the birthday for now.”

Nan Zhiya abruptly shifted focus, tapping the back of Mu Xi’s seat. “Butler, how’s the task I assigned you coming along?”

Mu Xi stiffened.

Of course… she hadn’t done it yet.

Given the circumstances back then, how was she supposed to casually ask, “What kind of Alpha do you like?”

Her brain scrambled to formulate a response, but Guan Yan’s disapproving voice bought her some time. “Zhiya, you’re still hung up on that idea?”

“Even if we don’t act on it, there’s no harm in learning more about our child’s preferences.”

Guan Yan conceded the point, and both turned expectantly to Mu Xi for an answer.

“The young miss… isn’t very willing to discuss such matters,” Mu Xi hedged vaguely.

Then she saw Nan Zhiya’s gaze suddenly turn sharp, while Guan Yan wore a face full of worry.

Setting aside Guan Yan, Mu Xi was all too familiar with that expression on Nan Zhiya’s face, it was a telltale sign everyone under Nan Zhiya’s command recognized, the precursor to an impending storm. Whenever Nan Zhiya was dissatisfied with a subordinate’s work, this was the look that appeared, inevitably followed by orders to redo everything…

Just as Nan Zhiya was about to speak, Mu Xi smoothly continued:

“However, I later managed to gather some hints indirectly. The young miss prefers… reserved individuals.”

“Reserved individuals?” Guan Yan’s beautiful brows nearly knitted together as he desperately tried to grasp the meaning of the word “reserved.”

Nan Zhiya pondered, then said, “Define the term.”

“Certainly. The young miss admires scholarly types, people who are well-read and tend to have a deep, introverted demeanor… I believe this might be related to her own career in research. People often idolize experts in their own field.”

Mu Xi spun the lie without batting an eye.

After all, Nan Xi had been the one to declare something like “I’ll make her regret this”, essentially a declaration of war. So, it was only fair for Mu Xi to retaliate a little, wasn’t it?