I Am Her Secret Beauty - Chapter 49

Mu Xi had never experienced a moment like this before.

It felt as if all the blood in her body had frozen, yet also as if it were boiling, both sensations equally paralyzing. Overwhelming panic surged like a sudden flood, drowning her from head to toe, making her pupils contract, lips tremble, and muscles stiffen.

She desperately wanted to check on Nan Xi’s condition, but for now, she was powerless.

A sluggish thought slowly reminded her: Nan Xi was their daughter. In reality, Nan Xi wouldn’t face any real danger, the only one who should be worried right now was herself.

Only after realizing this did Mu Xi’s violently pounding heart begin to slow down.

During her silent pause, Nan Zhiya’s cold eyes swept over the two people standing in the room, finally settling on Nan Xi.

The judgmental words slipped softly from her lips:

“Nan Xi, is this what you’ve been hiding from me all along?”

Mu Xi finally turned to look at Nan Xi. Her condition was much better than her own… even now, her eyes were still filled with stubbornness and defiance, refusing to back down in the face of Nan Zhiya:

“But so, what? I’m 25 years old. Whoever I fall in love with is reasonable and my own choice.”

Nan Zhiya didn’t lash out at her. Instead, she smiled, a smile whose meaning was unclear.

Mu Xi was familiar with several of Nan Zhiya’s smiles. Some were merely polite, some held genuine warmth for family, and others conveyed sarcasm and anger.

The one on her face now, Mu Xi didn’t know how to interpret, it seemed to mix a multitude of different emotions.

But she still worried for Nan Xi. Even if Nan Zhiya wouldn’t truly harm her, a period of confinement or coercion could still hurt her.

…

It seemed her own situation was still the more concerning one.

Sure enough, Nan Zhiya didn’t waste too many words on Nan Xi. She turned to Mu Xi, her gaze colder than before, if Mu Xi worked at her company, she would likely be sent straight to the authorities next.

“Now a lot of things make sense, Butler.” Nan Zhiya raised an eyebrow indifferently, not elaborating on what those “things” were, yet causing countless images to flash rapidly through Mu Xi’s mind. “How do you intend to resolve this matter? Given your professionalism and capability, how do you think this should be handled?”

Mu Xi was grateful that Nan Zhiya simply asked her directly for a solution instead of berating her first.

Otherwise, she would have had to endure the scolding like a quail, that would have been too humiliating.

She took a deep breath.

To be honest… from the moment she secretly resolved to start this improper relationship with Nan Xi months ago, Mu Xi had already foreseen an outcome like today.

This was the worst and most undignified of all the scenarios she had imagined. Still, at least she had mentally prepared herself, she was ready.

Mu Xi smiled self-deprecatingly and was about to respond when Nan Xi, as if anticipating it, anxiously interrupted her. She stepped forward, grasped Mu Xi’s hand, and positioned herself as if shielding her:

“Don’t make things difficult for her. Don’t bully her just because she’s your subordinate. I’m the one who led to this situation. If you have questions, ask me. I’ll talk with you.”

At this, Nan Xi paused, her slightly trembling throat betraying the tension she truly felt inside.

“You ask how to resolve this… Why does this matter need resolving? I’m very happy with Mu Xi, much happier than before. I think the best solution is for you to simply bless us, there’s nothing else that needs resolving.”

Nan Zhiya remained silent, and Nan Xi didn’t want to give her too much time to think. It was as if by speaking quickly and volubly, she could sway Nan Zhiya’s thoughts and prompt her to change her mind, fighting desperately for herself and Mu Xi.

“Mom surely isn’t the kind of old-fashioned person who thinks relationships must be between social equals, right? Dad’s family background was far inferior to yours, yet you two are still very happy together.” Nan Xi seized the moment to offer some praise. “So, be happy for me, I’ve found my own happiness too.”

“…”

Nan Zhiya raised a hand to rub her temples, but the furrow between her brows refused to smooth out.

Giving up on comforting herself, she lifted her gaze to her youngest daughter, who stood before her with eyes full of wariness, the daughter she had always doted on the most. “…Nan Xi, I am truly happy for you.”

“You don’t…” Nan Xi instinctively denied it, then quickly realized something was off. “What? What did you say, Mom?”

Nan Zhiya offered a weary smile. “Why did you automatically assume I would stop you? In fact, there was no need for you to hide anything. If you had been honest with me from the start, I would have supported you.”

“There’s an unused property in the west of the city. Your father and I have always thought it would suit you well. If you’re willing, I’ll give it to you. You and your partner can move there.”

Nan Xi was stunned. “Really…?”

“There’s no reason for me to deceive you, child. Right now, I’m the one holding the upper hand.”

Nan Zhiya walked into Nan Xi’s bedroom and sat down in the chair where Nan Xi had just eaten dinner, examining the square lunchbox. “I’ve always said that the butler is upright, reliable, and quite intelligent. Plus, everyone knows she’s a high-ranking alpha with outstanding looks. All in all, she’s an excellent person, worthy of you.”

To show that she was determined to change and become a mother who was less controlling, Nan Zhiya emphasized, “Of course, even if her qualifications weren’t so outstanding, it wouldn’t necessarily mean she wasn’t a match for you. The choice of your partner has always been in your hands.”

Nan Xi let out a joyful cry, threw her arms around Nan Zhiya, and planted a kiss on her cheek, her voice overflowing with delight and gratitude.

Mu Xi’s mind was also in a daze. She hadn’t expected everything to be so simple, as if they had gained Nan Zhiya’s approval and blessing without any effort. Surely it was due to her usual diligent work…

…No, no. It probably wasn’t that easy to earn Nan Zhiya’s blessing.

If she were truly happy about Nan Xi and Mu Xi being together, her expression when she opened the door wouldn’t have been like that.

It wasn’t entirely surprise, there was an underlying denial in it. If it wasn’t directed at Nan Xi, then it could only be aimed at Mu Xi.

Moreover, Guan Yan was still standing at the door, silent as ever, watching her like a venomous snake, cold and sinister, as if waiting for the right moment to strike and devour her.

Mu Xi had long known that he was the one she needed to guard against the most, always lingering around the house with some hidden, unsavory qualities.

After hesitating for a moment, Mu Xi spoke up, “Madam, Sir, may I ask how you discovered that Xixi and I are in love?”

Nan Zhiya, holding Nan Xi in his arms, remained silent upon hearing Mu Xi’s question and did not look at her.

Guan Yan, who had been quiet until then, finally smiled. He took out his phone, tapped on it a few times, and then held up the screen to show Mu Xi:

“We originally intended to catch you in the act, but we didn’t expect you young people to be so inseparable, getting back together so quickly after receiving the photos.”

On Guan Yan’s phone were unmistakable images of Mu Xi and Nan Xi kissing in the small grove at A University that very night. Their faces were clearly visible in the photos, leaving no room for denial.

Nan Xi, who had been nestled in Nan Zhiya’s embrace, leaned over to look. Shocked by what she saw on Guan Yan’s phone, she broke free from Nan Zhiya’s hold and exclaimed in disbelief, “You’ve been following me?”

Nan Zhiya glanced at Guan Yan and pressed his lips together.

“It’s not following you,” Guan Yan explained gently. “We simply reached out to some of your friends. After all, you’ve worried your mother and me before, so I’ve been paying closer attention to your life.”

Nan Xi snatched the phone from Guan Yan’s hand and looked down at the chat window where the photos had been sent. Unsurprisingly, she saw Zhao Liang’s name.

No wonder.

The once-unremarkable girl had suddenly gained the confidence to confront Nan Xi publicly, not because she genuinely believed Nan Xi was morally corrupt, but because she had a strong enough motive.

Nan Xi didn’t know what Guan Yan had promised Zhao Liang, but it was likely enough to free her from working with dangerous reagents in the lab and secure her livelihood.

For someone who had to work hard just to earn a little income, such a temptation was hard to resist. So, in the end, the deepest wounds came from those closest to her.

“Isn’t that still stalking?” Nan Xi seemed to break down in an instant. Staring at the chat between Guan Yan and Zhao Liang, she was so angry she lost the ability to speak. Her lips trembled, and tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

Even before asking the question, Mu Xi had suspected it was Guan Yan’s doing. By exposing herself, she had at least helped Nan Xi see her father in a new light, it wasn’t a complete defeat.

She gently took the phone from Nan Xi’s hand, and the latter leaned into her embrace, sobbing, her fingers clutching at Mu Xi’s shoulders, wrinkling the fabric.

Mu Xi rested her cheek against the top of Nan Xi’s head, hoping to offer some comfort in the gentlest way possible.

Watching this scene, Nan Zhiya’s expression grew unreadable.

“…I’m glad to see you two are so close. Please take good care of her, Mu Xi.”

Nan Zhiya stood up from the table, holding the long-cold meal box, and began walking out. “When you have time, prepare for the handover of your duties. It’s no longer appropriate for you to stay with the Nan family.”

Nan Xi, still crying in Mu Xi’s arms, stiffened at her words. Mu Xi lowered her gaze, her expression calm, and gently stroked Nan Xi’s back to soothe her.

Of course, it was like this. There had never been a precedent where a housekeeper whose private affairs were exposed could continue working in the household. Being discovered meant losing the job, naturally, that was the case.

This was the mental preparation Mu Xi had made in advance.

As they approached Guan Yan, Guan Yan linked arms with Nan Zhiya. Nan Zhiya turned her head and said to him, “Let’s talk in the study.”

Whatever they were going to discuss, the first thing they did was leave Nan Xi’s bedroom, a place they normally wouldn’t intrude upon but had already barged into once today.

Nan Xi tried to break free from Mu Xi’s embrace, but Mu Xi held her firmly.

Only when the sound of the door closing came from behind did Mu Xi release her. Nan Xi lifted her teary eyes, looking at Mu Xi with anxiety and helplessness.

“Why did you stop me? Mom said you have to leave the Nan family, didn’t you hear? Or are you really planning to leave the Nan family?”

“Mu Xi, what do you think is the best part of being a butler?”

Mu Xi: “The short commute.”