Mysterious Beautiful Wife at Home (GL) - Chapter 25

Chi Nian never hid her fondness for the moon, often unconsciously referring to it as “my moon.” It was clear now that Zhang Yuning’s guess was correct. There really was such a person, carefully hidden away. No matter how much she searched, she couldn’t find any useful information.

 

What a pointless effort. Zhang Yuning thought herself clever, but she didn’t realize that the things Chi Nian cherished in her heart were beyond anyone’s reach.

 

She even bought a moon lamp, how laughable. Did buying such a thing amplify Chi Nian’s longing, or did it only magnify Zhang Yuning’s own sorrow at being a mere substitute?

 

Zhang Yu Ning quickly closed her notebook and changed the subject: “You’ve slept for so long, it’s about time to head out.”

 

“You should have woken me.”

 

“I thought you were exhausted, and it wasn’t past the agreed time, so I didn’t.”

 

“Oh? I thought you were too busy investigating the moon and lost track of time.” Chi Nian wouldn’t let the topic go, and Zhang Yuning felt so awkward she wanted to dig a hole in the floor. How could she have been so careless, getting caught red-handed?

 

For a thief, this was a major taboo. Caution was the key to longevity, and Zhang Yuning resolved to be even more careful from now on. Chi Nian was like a net, with traps on all sides. She had to tread lightly.

 

Zhang Yu Ning didn’t respond, and Chi Nian didn’t press further. She always did this. Probing just to the edge, maintaining just the right distance, never pushing too far unless she meant to.

 

Chi Nian got ready to change and go out. As she walked past Zhang Yu Ning, she paused, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, and smiled meaningfully. “Don’t rush. Everything you want to know, you’ll find out in time.”

 

What did she mean by that? Was the timing not right yet, or was she just toying with her? Zhang Yu Ning hated this feeling of being manipulated. Chi Nian was right in front of her, yet she felt like unseen hands were gripping her tightly, pulling her along, making escape impossible. Everything was under control.

 

Fine. She’d investigate on her own. She would uncover the truth, bit by bit.

 

And wasn’t today the perfect opportunity?

 

Liuli City’s coastline boasted a famous street called Linhai Avenue, the only new district built along the shoreline. The seaside structures formed the city’s skyline, with hotels, office buildings, government towers, and luxury apartments all towering high for the best ocean views. The Bridgehead Hotel, designed to resemble a cruise ship, had a facade like a sailboat, as if sailing on the sea. Beside it was a private yacht marina, catering exclusively to the wealthy.

 

Rumors said the Bridgehead Hotel was state-owned, but whispers also claimed the Xiao family had secretly purchased it long ago, with Third Miss Xiao Changying as the true owner behind the scenes. Of course, these were just legends.

 

Even if the Chi and Xiao families were competitors, a high-profile event like the board’s cocktail party could only be appropriately held at the Bridgehead Hotel.

 

As they drove up to the hotel entrance, a valet promptly came to park the car.

 

Zhang Yu Ning was dressed in a beige suit with light-colored tapered pants and casual ankle boots, formal enough for the occasion but not overly so. She had a collapsible baton and a stun gun hidden at her lower back, fully prepared. Under normal circumstances, she wouldn’t need weapons, but since they were meeting Third Miss Xiao today and Chi Nian had emphasized the timing, something big might happen.

 

The only catch was, Chi Nian had instructed her to wait outside meaning Zhang Yuning wouldn’t be allowed into the actual event.

 

The board’s cocktail party occupied the entire 18th floor, while Third Miss Xiao’s meeting was on the 28th. It was now 7:50 PM, and Zhang Yuning accompanied Chi Nian as they arrived precisely on time.

 

As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, two men in suits bowed and scraped deferentially to Chi Nian before immediately attempting to search Zhang Yuning’s person. Chi Nian stopped them with a curt, “She’s one of us.”

 

“Apologies, Miss Chi, but it’s protocol.”

 

Chi Nian’s previously beaming expression darkened in an instant. A sharp, icy glint flashed in her eyes as she demanded, “Whose protocol?”

 

“This…”

 

“Would you like to search for me too?”

 

The bodyguards were adept at reading the room. Recognizing Chi Nian’s obvious displeasure, the man didn’t dare push further and hastily replied, “Of course not, please go ahead.” He bowed again, gesturing for them to proceed, sparing Zhang Yuning the indignity of being frisked.

 

“Let me make this clear, she’s mine. If anyone lays a hand on her after I step inside, I’ll have that hand chopped off.” Chi Nian’s ruthlessness was well-known, and the incident with the finger-severing bodyguard had undoubtedly spread far and wide.

 

She made no effort to conceal her capricious temper, using her imperious demeanor to crush these underlings who relied on their masters’ influence.

 

“Understood, Miss Chi.” The bodyguard didn’t dare disobey. No matter whose men they were, offending Chi Nian never ended well.

 

But Zhang Yuning couldn’t accompany her inside. She was only permitted to walk Chi Nian to the banquet hall doors. From the elevator to the entrance, there were at least ten venue-specific bodyguards, along with a few casually dressed individuals who appeared to be private security for other board members.

 

Chi Nian suddenly paused mid-stride and turned to Zhang Yuning, her gaze softening with a shimmering warmth that sent ripples through one’s heart. Tonight, she was bound to stun the entire room. Wherever she went even on an international red carpet she would outshine all others.

 

Chi Nian never repeated outfits. Tonight’s gown was a single-shoulder pearl-buttoned dress, her hair half-pulled back into a loose updo secured with a delicately carved pearl butterfly clip. Two wispy curls framed her face, lending her an elegant, gentle aura. Yet her bold makeup clashed slightly with her 26 years.

 

But what truly didn’t match her age were her eyes and demeanor. Zhang Yuning often felt Chi Nian was like an ancient soul trapped in a youthful body. Weathered by time, burdened by exhaustion, and sometimes even frail to the point of helplessness.

 

The vitality expected of a young heiress like Chi Nian was conspicuously absent, a mystery that puzzled many.

 

“Xiao Zhang.” She seemed to have something to say.

 

“Go ahead.”

 

“Come in to get me at nine.”

 

Zhang Yuning nodded. “Got it.”

 

“Then I’ll head in.” Chi Nian turned to leave, the usher having waited long enough, but Zhang Yuning called out to her. Stepping closer, she lowered her voice. “If trouble arises before nine, throw the button at the bottom of your bag onto the floor.”

 

Chi Nian frowned, reaching into her bag and discovering the anomaly. “You bugged me?”

 

“I was worried about you.” Zhang Yuning had planted the listening device earlier and never removed it. She had debated whether to mention it tonight, but with no idea what vipers Chi Nian might face, she couldn’t stay silent.

 

The fact that Chi Nian had repeatedly emphasized Zhang Yuning’s return at nine was proof enough. This banquet held danger, or at least trouble. None of the board members present tonight were Chi Nian’s allies. These were old retainers of the Chi family, loyal to Chi Jing, the architect of their empire. They would never tolerate Chi Nian, the major shareholder, holding sway.

 

So, even at the risk of being reprimanded by Chi Nian, she had to speak up. If anything went wrong in the meantime and she couldn’t get there in time to help, it would be terrifying.

 

Unconsciously, Zhang Yuning had begun to worry about her safety not just her safety, but even the slightest trouble. She didn’t want Chi Nian to face any of it. If she were by her side, it would be fine, but if she wasn’t, an hour was enough for many things to go wrong.

 

Yet Chi Nian wasn’t angry. Instead, she suddenly pinched Zhang Yuning’s earlobe and asked with a smile, “Then you’d better keep your earpiece on.”

 

The unexpected touch made Zhang Yuning’s ears flush red. She adjusted her in-ear headphones and replied, “I’m wearing them.”

 

“If I call for you, you’d better come quickly.”

 

Normally, Zhang Yuning should have been stationed just outside the venue, but because she had to meet Xiao Changying, she would be ten floors away. Even if she rushed down or took the elevator, it might still cause some delay. How fast she could make it, she really didn’t know.

 

“I’ll get there as fast as I can,” Zhang Yuning could only answer like this.

 

Chi Nian pressed her lips together in a faint smile, her fingers unconsciously brushing over the hidden listening device at the bottom of her bag. Her smile didn’t fade as she said, “No matter your motives, I’ll take this as your concern for me.”

 

Zhang Yuning’s lips parted slightly, but she didn’t speak. She didn’t know how to respond. Chi Nian’s melancholic tone and that look both hopeful and fearful always made her heart ache.

 

“I’m going in. Take care of yourself.” After saying this, Chi Nian walked toward the venue.

 

As soon as she approached, the grand doors were pulled open simultaneously by two attendants. A dazzling brilliance welcomed Chi Nian, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her radiant life.

 

Yet, as Chi Nian walked forward against the light, it somehow felt as though those brilliant rays were merely passing through her world.

 

The doors closed again, and Chi Nian along with that world grew further and further away from her. That light only shone for the wealthy, and the distance between her and Chi Nian was just like that: heaven and earth, mountain and sea, the pinnacle of wealth and the abyss of poverty.

 

Zhang Yuning turned her face away and headed for the elevator. She checked the time, 7:55. It was time to meet Third Miss on the 28th floor.

 

The elevator guards no longer dared to stop her. As long as she didn’t barge in recklessly or cause trouble, her movements wouldn’t be restricted. Still, Zhang Yuning was the only personal bodyguard in the entire venue who hadn’t been frisked.

 

She lingered by the elevator, glanced at the two guards, then headed for the emergency exit only to find it guarded as well. Security measures were everywhere, and surveillance cameras covered every angle without blind spots.

 

Since every route was the same, Zhang Yuning returned to the elevator. Once inside, she noticed the guards still eyeing her suspiciously. She randomly pressed several floor buttons, mashing them all until the doors closed, then canceled them one by one, leaving only the 28th floor selected.

 

The 28th floor was all private suites. Following the agreed location, Zhang Yuning went straight to the secluded VIP room at the corner. Seeing Lan Chengjin and Xu Zhaohua standing guard outside, she knew she was in the right place.

 

Xu Zhaohua was Xiao Changying’s bodyguard and driver, accompanying her to various events. Lan Chengjin, on the other hand, was her personal and professional steward assisting her in corporate matters at the group and managing Butterfly Manor in private, ensuring everything ran smoothly for Xiao Changying.

 

“Chengjin,” Zhang Yuning called out, glancing back every few steps to survey her surroundings. But since Third Miss was on this floor, everything should already be secured.

 

Lan Chengjin adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses and gave Xu Zhaohua a meaningful glance. He immediately stepped back with two others, widening the perimeter as they stood guard.

 

“Go on in.” Lan Chengjin opened the door for her.

 

Zhang Yuning took a deep breath and followed inside. The rich aroma of alcohol greeted her. This was a wine cellar, specially prepared for connoisseurs.

 

Behind the bar counter stood a row of liquor cabinets filled with an impressive collection of fine wines. On the sofa booth, two pre-mixed cocktails were placed. In front of the expansive glass window stood a tall figure, her back turned to the entrance. She held a cigarette holder between two fingers, her long, curly golden hair cascading down her back. Just from her silhouette, she looked like a princess straight out of royalty.

 

“Yuning is here,” Lan Chengjin announced.

 

Zhang Yuning bowed slightly and greeted respectfully, “Third Miss.”

 

Xiao Changying turned around. Her blue pupils resembled the clear, deep waters of the ocean. A mixed-race beauty, she bore the features of a Westerner yet possessed the delicate face of an Eastern woman especially those distinctive phoenix eyes, which carried a hint of allure whenever they lifted slightly.

 

Her noble aura was unmatched, radiating the commanding presence of a natural ruler, one that could intimidate all in her vicinity. Her demeanor was entirely different from Mo Lindi and Chi Nian’s. Just standing there, with a slight narrowing of her eyes and a shift in her gaze, she could stir up a storm across the entire Glazed Island.

 

“Sit.” Xiao Changying exhaled a smoke ring and walked over, cigarette holder in hand. At 175 cm tall, her high heels made her even more imposing. Her wavy curls draped over her shoulders, and the deep V-neck of her light gray dress was adorned with delicate butterfly embroidery, perfectly complementing the butterfly tattoo on her upper arm. The dress, reminiscent of a Chinese qipao, accentuated her alluring figure flawlessly.

 

“Third Miss, about Chi Nian.”

 

Zhang Yuning wanted to get straight to the point but found herself speaking cautiously. Xiao Changying watched her with the cigarette holder between her lips, the corners of her mouth curling upward. Zhang Yuning fell silent again.

 

“You want to ask if Chi Nian has entered into a partnership with me?”

 

Zhang Yuning nodded.

 

“Your guess is correct.”

 

“Does she know about me?”

 

“I’m not sure if she knows your identity.” Xiao Changying seemed to anticipate her question. She exhaled two faint trails of smoke, tapped the ash from her cigarette, and said, “Miss Chi and I have a major collaborative project. She needs someone capable by her side, and you happened to be the right fit.”

 

“I was hoping to gather some useful intel for you, Third Miss. I didn’t expect you two were already working together.”

 

“Because of you, we were able to form this strategic alliance.”

 

“Huh? What does this have to do with me?” Zhang Yuning didn’t understand. How could their cooperation be because of her? She had merely stumbled into the situation by accident. Besides, how could a small fry like her bring these two powerful women together?

 

Xiao Changying smiled cryptically and slid a glass toward her. “Try it.”

 

“I can’t drink, Third Miss.” Zhang Yuning declined politely. The sight of alcohol made her uneasy. She still remembered the time she was injected after drinking red wine.

 

“Ah, right. You don’t drink. Chengjin, you have it.” Xiao Changying gestured to the glass. Lan Chengjin nodded, picked it up, and downed it in one go, as if mechanically completing a task.

 

The room fell into silence. Xiao Changying continued smoking quietly. Moonlight spilled across the land, streaming in through the transparent windows. She stood up, breaking the stillness.

 

“Regarding Chi Nian, you’ll still be my eyes. The trust clauses between her and me can’t be the sole foundation of our cooperation.”

 

“I understand, Third Miss.” Zhang Yuning didn’t know how to phrase her questions. Xiao Changying would never reveal the specifics of their collaboration or the truth behind why the two of them had reached such an agreement.

 

Only that one line that the cooperation was possible because of her. Carried too much weight, so heavy it was almost unbelievable.

 

“Yuning.” Xiao Changying spoke again.

 

“Hmm?”

 

“How has Chi Nian treated you?”

 

“Quite well.” Zhang Yuning couldn’t think of anything else to say and didn’t elaborate. Xiao Changying’s smile faded slightly, clearly dissatisfied with this perfunctory answer. “Your heart has drifted away from us.”

 

At these words, Lan Chengjin’s expression turned anxious. She quickly interjected, “Yuning, don’t hesitate or hold back with Third Miss. Say whatever comes to mind. Don’t forget who brought us out of the slums.”

 

Zhang Yuning understood she was being reminded. Lan Chengjin was cautioning her not to forget her roots. Both of them were pitiable children from the slums. Without Xiao Changying, they would have remained like rats in the sewers, scurrying about, reeking of filth.

 

In this world, the only person Zhang Yuning held any affection for was Lan Chengjin. They had relied on each other as children, and as they grew up, Lan Chengjin had devoted herself entirely to the Xiao family, serving Xiao Changying wholeheartedly. In exchange, Zhang Yuning had gained her freedom. She was only recalled when needed, completing tasks in phases without being bound by the Butterfly Manor or the Xiao family’s control.

 

Lan Chengjin understood gratitude and had no need for freedom, but Zhang Yuning did. Their personalities were vastly different, and so were their choices. Yet the bond they shared growing up together, splitting a single piece of bread would always remain.

 

Zhang Yuning also noticed Xiao Changying’s reaction and felt a trace of reverence. It wasn’t that she distrusted Xiao Changying, but she simply didn’t know how to answer. She hadn’t even sorted out her own thoughts yet.

 

“I don’t know how to put it. She’s very tolerant of me, sometimes even dependent, but at other times, she can be harsh with her words. She gave me a million as payment.”

 

Xiao Changying narrowed her eyes as she took a drag from her cigarette, saying nothing, only gesturing for her to continue.

 

“I think I might be her stand-in, but I’m not sure. There are many things I haven’t figured out yet, so I can’t report the details to Third Miss.”

 

“Stand-in?” Lan Chengjin’s eyes flashed with surprise. “She treats you as someone else?”

 

“Possibly. She hasn’t admitted it, but she hasn’t denied it either.”

 

Lan Chengjin glanced at Xiao Changying, who held her cigarette holder, picked up her wine glass, and took a sip without speaking.

 

She was inscrutable, never one to easily reveal her emotions. When it came to her subordinates, Xiao Changying never fully trusted them, always keeping something back. The degree to which she revealed herself varied from person to person. That was the Third Miss guarded against everyone around her, even those she favored.

 

The private room fell into silence again. Zhang Yuning had said all she could. There were things she herself was still unclear about, things she didn’t know how to articulate, things she felt shouldn’t be shared with Xiao Changying like the incident with the injection.

 

“Yuning, is there anything else unusual?” Lan Chengjin pressed, afraid that holding back would anger Xiao Changying. After all, concealment was tantamount to betrayal, and betrayal was unforgivable in the Butterfly Manor.

 

Zhang Yuning was half a member of the manor. Since she had taken on the task of protecting Miss Chi, she naturally ought to provide useful information.

 

“Nothing else. I fell ill once, and she took good care of me.”

 

“Ill? What kind of illness?” Xiao Changying finally spoke.

 

“Caught a chill from the rain. It was strange. I was freezing at night, but by morning, I was fine.”

 

Xiao Changying fell silent, even extinguishing her cigarette holder. Her expression was inscrutable, and she didn’t press further. Zhang Yuning currently only knew that the two had some form of cooperation, but beyond that, she was completely in the dark, effectively gaining nothing. It seemed the Third Young Miss also had only a superficial understanding of Chi Nian.

 

“Yuning, you will continue to stay by her side and protect her at all costs,” Xiao Changying commanded formally. “My project requires her assistance. She must not come to harm.”

 

Zhang Yuning straightened up, realizing the gravity of the situation. Chi Nian truly had formidable capabilities.

 

In the nation of Liuli Island, no one could simultaneously win over the Third Young Miss, whose influence rivaled the heavens, nor could anyone manipulate Mo Lindi, who tread the line between righteousness and villainy and was impervious to persuasion. Yet Chi Nian had managed it. She had secured the cooperation of these two adversaries.

 

What kind of interests or project could compel these two to willingly step back and offer protection? If the Third Young Miss’s commercial empire required an alliance with the Chi family, then what was Mo Lindi after?

 

Zhang Yuning sank into deep thought, occasionally glancing at Lan Chengjin, who would shake her head whenever she tried to say something. Having followed Xiao Changying for years, Lan Chengjin had long since mastered her temperament. Knowing when to speak, how much to say, and whether to speak at all. Listening to her was always the right move.

 

Now that her mission was clear, leaving Chi Nian’s side was no longer an option. But once the three months were up, Chi Nian would surely let her go, right? Suddenly, she found herself looking forward to what would unfold in the days ahead.

 

Then, a sharp, jarring noise pierced Zhang Yuning’s ears. The faint vibration of a signal telling her that Chi Nian was in trouble.

 

“Third Young Miss, I must leave immediately. Something’s happened to Miss Chi.” Without even waiting for Xiao Changying’s permission, Zhang Yuning bolted out the door.

 

There was no time to wait for the elevator. Zhang Yuning took the emergency stairs, leaping down flight after flight. She had promised to reach Chi Nian at the fastest speed possible.

 

It wasn’t even nine o’clock yet Chi Nian had truly run into trouble. Zhang Yuning moved like the wind, her strides swift and powerful. She reached the 18th floor in just two minutes. The bodyguards at the elevator were caught off guard as she charged toward the venue. Two men in suits tried to block her, but she barreled through them, slamming both them and the door aside.

 

Only upon entering did she realize this was merely a dazzling, gilded corridor flanked by colorful fountains, arranged like an honor guard. At the same time, over a dozen bodyguards swarmed in from both sides to apprehend the intruder.

 

Desperate to reach Chi Nian, Zhang Yuning whipped out her stun baton and telescopic baton, striking down anyone who came at her. The accompanying electric shocks sent her assailants crumpling to the ground.

 

Her movements were agile and precise. Even facing over a dozen burly bodyguards, she handled herself with ease, wielding her weapons expertly. But she had never encountered such a dire situation before. To counter her, the bodyguards also drew their weapons, and the battle intensified.

 

Gradually, the fallen bodyguards began to rise again. Armed and formidable, they overwhelmed Zhang Yuning with sheer numbers. Though she knocked them down one by one, sending them tumbling into the fountains, she was ambushed from behind struck on the back and head. A trickle of blood seeped from her forehead into her vision, painting the world in a hazy red.

 

She wiped the blood away fiercely, forcing herself to stay alert, then drew her butterfly knife. With a couple of deft spins in her hand, she aimed for vital points.

 

Anyone who stands in my way will die!

 

Zhang Yuning broke into a sprint, finally reaching the inner chamber’s door. In one hand, she gripped her baton; in the other, the bloodied butterfly knife. With a powerful kick, she burst through the door. Leaving a trail of fallen bodies behind her.

 

She pushed the door open and stepped inside, finding herself in a palace-like setting. A sapphire-blue swimming pool immediately caught her eye. The venue was filled with dance music, and everyone was enthusiastically engaged in ballroom dancing. At the sight of the newcomer, they all froze in surprise.

 

The attendees weren’t just the directors of the Ikegami Group. There were also executives and board members from partner companies. This was a high-society networking event.

 

“Miss Chi!” Zhang Yuning burst in with a loud shout, causing everyone in the room to freeze and stare at the intruder in shock. Ignoring the gazes around her, she pushed forward, searching intently until she finally spotted that familiar figure— pparently being embraced by a man.

 

“Miss Chi!” Zhang Yuning quickened her pace into a jog, then roughly yanked the man away and shoved him straight into the swimming pool. A loud splash echoed through the air, leaving everyone aghast.

 

Seeing Chi Nian swaying unsteadily, on the verge of collapsing, Zhang Yuning rushed to support her, pulling her into her arms.

 

Chi Nian seemed drunk, clutching her bag tightly while weakly resisting the hold.

 

“It’s me, it’s me,” Zhang Yuning repeated twice. Only after hearing her voice did Chi Nian stop struggling.

 

She turned her head slowly, her tension melting away as a smile spread across her face. “You finally came.”

 

Chi Nian’s cheeks were flushed, her consciousness hazy. Zhang Yuning realized she must have been plied with alcohol and had sent out a distress signal just before blacking out.

 

“Can you still walk?”

 

Chi Nian’s eyelids fluttered weakly, her body going limp. Without another word, Zhang Yuning tightened her grip and swept her up in a princess carry. Bearing exhaustion and pain, she strode out of the venue.