Mysterious Beautiful Wife at Home (GL) - Chapter 26

Blood from her right temple streamed across her eye and down her cheek. Zhang Yuning, holding the dazed Chi Nian in her arms, strode resolutely toward the exit. Just then, over a dozen bodyguards armed with batons rushed in, ready to apprehend them.

Zhang Yuning’s eyes darkened, her grip on Chi Nian tightening as the room tensed with the standoff. The private bodyguards of every board member swiftly positioned themselves protectively around their respective bosses, while the venue’s security encircled Zhang Yuning.

“Put the young lady down!” the head bodyguard barked. Zhang Yuning took two steps forward and delivered a powerful kick, sending him flying. Suddenly, two men ambushed her from behind, striking the backs of her knees with retractable batons. Pain shot through her legs, forcing her to her knees, yet she refused to loosen her hold on Chi Nian even slightly.

Struggling to rise, she took another brutal blow to the back. Zhang Yuning spun around, retaliating with a swift side kick. With Chi Nian in her arms, many hesitated to charge recklessly, opting instead for cautious, opportunistic strikes.

Hands occupied, Zhang Yuning couldn’t fight freely. The exhaustion from her earlier charge into the venue was catching up to her. Gritting her teeth, she panted heavily, facing the perilous situation head-on.

“Put me down,” Chi Nian’s weak voice murmured in her ear. Zhang Yuning felt gentle fingers brush her face and looked down to see Chi Nian’s eyes glistening with unshed tears, filled with heartache.

When Chi Nian noticed the blood trickling from Zhang Yuning’s head, her expression shifted instantly. In half a second, her aura transformed from tender concern to icy ruthlessness.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Zhang Yuning asked, uneasy.

Chi Nian nodded. Carefully, Zhang Yuning set her down, finally freeing her hands. She readied her weapon, prepared to unleash her full strength. The Third Young Miss had ordered her to protect Chi Nian at all costs.

When she had stormed into the venue earlier and couldn’t find Chi Nian, panic had seized her. So intense she wanted to obliterate everything blocking her view. Seeing Chi Nian in the arms of a stranger had sent her blood boiling; she hadn’t even registered the man’s face before kicking him.

Zhang Yuning couldn’t tolerate anyone mistreating Chi Nian. The details of what had happened, the reasons—none of it mattered.

Her only concern was protecting Chi Nian, consequences be damned. It didn’t matter how many influential figures were present or who she had to strike.

Chi Nian seemed to have sobered up considerably. She took the butterfly knife from Zhang Yuning’s hand, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Who hit you on the head?”

“I don’t remember. Didn’t see clearly.” Zhang Yuning could barely feel the pain anymore. Her body was numb from countless injuries. With so many ambushes, how could she recall which blow came from whom?

“Then…” Chi Nian turned her gaze to the two men who had forced Zhang Yuning to her knees. Her smile deepened. “Do you think my bodyguard isn’t qualified to take me away? Or did you intend to arrest me along with her?”

“Young Miss, we wouldn’t dare! We were just afraid she posed a threat to you. She barged in—”

Before he could finish, Chi Nian tossed the butterfly knife at his feet, her smile serene. “Before I entered the venue, I made it clear: whichever hand touches her, that hand stays behind.”

The crowd exchanged stunned glances. The bodyguards hesitated, uncertain how to react. The head bodyguard, nursing the injury from Zhang Yuning’s kick, stepped forward to defend his men. “Young Miss, it’s just that today’s rules.”

“You’re fired.” Chi Nian rubbed her temples as the security manager stared at her in panic. “Young Mistress, we were just diligently following the group’s security protocols to ensure every board member’s safety.”

Chi Nian furrowed her brows slightly, swaying a little perhaps from drinking too much. Her capricious behavior and words seemed more like drunken ramblings.

Zhang Yuning quickly stepped forward, offering her arm. “Lean on me.” Despite her own injuries, she feared the people at the venue might disrespect Chi Nian. After all, within the Chi Shang Group, Chi Nian still couldn’t hold her own against the old-guard directors.

She likely had no real authority, unable to issue commands while power remained in others’ hands. She was like an heir with an empty decree. Holding status but no means to wield it, akin to a child emperor in ancient times, vulnerable and struggling to consolidate power. No wonder she relied on Mo Lindi and the Third Young Miss.

At this moment, no one stood up for Chi Nian, nor did anyone step in to mediate the messy situation. Zhang Yuning just wanted to protect her, to shield her from further offense. Chi Nian usually held her liquor well. If she was this drunk today, it was either by choice or someone had deliberately targeted her.

Zhang Yuning didn’t understand the battles of the business elite. She only wanted to stand by Chi Nian’s side.

Chi Nian’s smiling gaze always carried a sharp edge, chilling everyone it swept over except when it landed on Zhang Yuning. Then, it softened entirely.

Even if it was just basking in borrowed favor, Zhang Yuning found herself sinking into this fleeting indulgence.

Chi Nian leaned against her naturally, cheeks flushed, her breath laced with alcohol. Zhang Yuning could tell she was still tipsy.

The surrounding bodyguards stood frozen, unsure what to do. Chi Nian, however, had no intention of letting things go. She brushed her fingers over Zhang Yuning’s shoulder, her red lips curling.

“Xiao Zhang, take another look at these people. Who else laid a hand on you?”

Zhang Yuning knew Chi Nian wanted vengeance for her, but she was more worried about Chi Nian’s health. Others might not notice her chronic fatigue and frailty, but Zhang Yuning couldn’t ignore it. Hoping to defuse the situation, she shook her head.

“Your mercy won’t earn their gratitude.” Chi Nian tapped her forehead lightly before turning to call out to the crowd behind her. “Sister-in-law.”

Xi Mengge emerged quietly from the depths of the gathering, as composed and graceful as the last time they’d met. Dressed in a pale lavender-blue qipao, her hair elegantly coiled, she embodied the image of an Eastern gentlewoman—poised and refined, every bit the noble lady.

So, she was here too. Zhang Yuning hadn’t expected that.

Xi Mengge rarely attended such events, never gave interviews, and never appeared in the media. Whether shielded or self-protective, she maintained an almost invisible presence.

Yet, according to the Chi Shang Group’s structure, Xi Mengge not only controlled financial authority but also oversaw all personnel movements within the group, holding a 5% stake. These overlapping roles elevated her status, even rivaling Chi Jing’s.

Oddly, Chi Jing, Chi Nian’s brother, was nowhere to be seen today. Had Chi Nian organized this gathering herself, deliberately keeping him in the dark?

That couldn’t be. No matter what, Xi Mengge should side with her husband.

“Nian Nian.” Her address was intimate, stirring an inexplicable pang of jealousy in Zhang Yuning.

“These guards were just doing their jobs. They ought to be promoted and rewarded. But what exactly are the Chi family’s rules? Somehow, I’ve never heard of them.”

Xi Mengge stood with her hands clasped over her abdomen, the very picture of a refined lady. Her emerald earrings and jade bracelet exuded an air of nobility.

With a soft smile, she spoke gently, “The rules of the eldest young miss are the rules of the Chi family. The first priority of being part of the Chi family is obedience.”

“I don’t like these disobedient dogs.” Chi Nian’s smile faded as she walked up to Xi Mengge, enthusiastically taking her hand and shaking it twice. “Please put some thought into this, sister-in-law.”

Xi Mengge maintained her composed expression throughout, a faint smile lingering at the corners of her lips as she calmly replied, “Very well. Have them go to the finance department to settle their wages immediately.”

As soon as she finished speaking, her assistant handed her the phone. Without even lifting her hand, Xi Mengge spoke into the phone, “Hire a new security team, with the eldest young miss’s requirements as the standard. Terminate all current personnel. I want to see the new list by next week.”

With just one word from Chi Nian, dozens of people lost their jobs. Unfazed by the stunned expressions around her, she walked back to Zhang Yuning with satisfaction, looping an arm around her neck. “Let’s go back—no, let’s go to the hospital to treat your injuries.”

“I’m fine.”

“Listen to me. We’re going to the hospital.”

Zhang Yuning shook her head silently. She hated hospitals, places that saved lives but also sent people to hell. When the poor from the slums fell ill or got injured without money for treatment, they were only driven away. No matter how desperately they pleaded, they never received sympathy.

Human lives, deemed worthless, were as insignificant as weeds in the face of money. The death of an inconsequential person would ultimately end with a body wrapped in a mat and sent to the crematorium as if they had never existed in this world.

Afraid that Chi Nian would insist, Zhang Yuning quickly added, “No stitches needed. Just minor scrapes. I can handle it myself.”

“You’re so stubborn.” Surprisingly, Chi Nian relented, linking arms with Zhang Yuning as they walked out. Though her steps were still unsteady, no one dared to stop them now.

At the doorway, Zhang Yuning couldn’t resist turning back to glance at the extravagant banquet. Everyone was watching them leave. Xi Mengge stood at the forefront, bathed in light that cast a hazy glow around her, making her seem both near and far, impossible to read clearly.

Whose side was she on, to obey Chi Nian so readily? Zhang Yuning couldn’t make sense of it. This game was too complex. The dismissed bodyguards, though filled with resentment and indignation, didn’t dare resist. In this world, the Chi and Xiao families reigned supreme.

On the way back, Zhang Yuning insisted on driving despite her injuries. Her external wounds were mainly from the blows to her head, which had drawn blood. Based on her medical knowledge, bleeding could actually be beneficial, releasing pressure. It was unconsciousness or severe impacts that required serious attention to prevent brain hemorrhage.

The neon lights of the night stretched like a long dragon along the road. Chi Nian rolled down the window, letting the cold night air rush in as if trying to sober up. Worried she might catch a chill, Zhang Yuning rolled it up slightly, leaving just enough for the wind to whistle past their ears. Neither spoke much.

Chi Nian pressed a hand to her forehead, leaning against the window with a furrowed brow.

“Feeling sick? Do you need to throw up?” Zhang Yuning noticed her discomfort seemed even worse than her own.

Chi Nian’s hand moved to her chest, tugging at her shoulder strap before shaking her head forcefully.

“Hold on a little longer. We’re almost home.” Zhang Yuning stepped on the gas, even running two red lights. She knew the stop-and-go motion would only make Chi Nian feel worse.

She felt restless, and seeing Chi Nian in discomfort only heightened her anxiety. Without realizing it, she pressed harder on the accelerator. Fortunately, Dean Apartments wasn’t too far away, and Zhang Yuning quickly brought her home. The moment they stepped inside, Chi Nian rushed to the bathroom and vomited.

Zhang Yuning immediately went to the kitchen to prepare a cup of honey water. Grabbing a bottle of mineral water, she hurried back to the bathroom, where she found Chi Nian kneeling on the floor, retching. Heart aching, she unscrewed the bottle cap, crouched down, and said, “Rinse your mouth.”

“Get out.” Chi Nian shifted slightly, turning her back to Zhang Yuning, her face still buried in the crook of her arm.

“I’ll stay with you.”

“I don’t need you here. Get out!” Chi Nian’s tone turned sharp. Zhang Yuning sensed she didn’t want anyone to see her in such an undignified state. A glamorous young lady reduced to kneeling wretchedly by the toilet, vomiting. Of course, she wouldn’t want to be seen like this.

Zhang Yuning set the water down beside her, stood up, and slowly retreated to the door. “Call me if you need anything.”

Just as she stepped out, she heard the bathroom door lock from the inside. Zhang Yuning’s head throbbed violently, and she even felt a bit nauseous herself. She rummaged through the first-aid kit, parting her hair to locate the wound, then began applying antiseptic. After removing her jacket, she saw bruises of varying severity on her shoulders, arms, and back.

Zhang Yuning tensed her limbs, bracing herself, and realized she ached all over. But at least nothing seemed broken. As long as no bones or tendons were injured, it was just minor.

The wound on her head wasn’t large. She slipped on a headband, secured it with a bandage, and quickly finished dressing it. Chi Nian was still vomiting in the bathroom. Zhang Yuning pulled on a shirt and paced outside the door, hesitating before knocking.

The honey water she had prepared grew cold, yet Chi Nian still hadn’t emerged. Zhang Yuning heard the sound of flushing and assumed she had gone straight to showering, so she didn’t think much of it.

She made another cup of sobering tea and waited. Ten minutes, twenty minutes, half an hour passed—the sound of the shower still running.

This wasn’t right. After vomiting, one should feel extremely unsteady. Prolonged showering in a stuffy bathroom would only make it worse.

Was Chi Nian okay? Zhang Yuning finally couldn’t take it anymore and knocked on the door. “Miss Chi, are you all right?”

No response. Worried the sound of running water drowned out her voice, Zhang Yuning raised her volume, her knocking turning into pounding. “Miss Chi!” She practically shouted as if searching for someone in a crowded venue.

Still no answer.

Zhang Yuning began hammering the door with her fists. “Miss Chi, are you okay?”

She couldn’t wait any longer. She twisted the doorknob, trying to force her way in, then remembered there should be a spare key somewhere. But where? The fully automated control panel should be able to unlock every door. Zhang Yuning rushed to the main control panel by the entrance, found the bathroom door’s switch, and after a flurry of commands, the door finally clicked open.

Zhang Yuning dashed inside and found Chi Nian collapsed in the shower, hot water cascading over her body. She had already lost consciousness.

Zhang Yuning hurriedly turned off the faucet, slid open the glass door, and grabbed a towel to wrap around her. Chi Nian’s limp body made lifting her difficult, but Zhang Yuning ignored her own pain and mustered all her strength.

She hastily carried Chi Nian to the bedroom, gently laying her down before quickly covering her with a blanket. Reaching out, she touched Chi Nian’s forehead. It felt devoid of warmth.

Chi Nian’s cheeks burned, her entire body in a dazed state, seemingly unconscious yet faintly aware. As Zhang Yuning paced anxiously by the bed, her gaze fell on the bag resting on the nightstand.

She looked at Chi Nian, then at the bag, repeating this action several times. Zhang Yuning wiped her face fiercely, spun in place twice, but ultimately went out to fetch the hangover tea.

The opportunity was ripe, opening the bag might reveal many secrets. The answers were right in front of her, yet she couldn’t take that step. Zhang Yuning was frustrated with herself for faltering at the crucial moment. But compared to that, Chi Nian’s well-being seemed far more important.

The Third Young Miss had ordered her to protect, not to steal secrets. She repeated this to herself over and over.

Carrying the hangover tea back into the room, Zhang Yuning found Chi Nian awake, though her eyes were bleary, her face sickly without makeup. Zhang Yuning approached the bedside. “You’re awake? Do you want some hangover tea?”

Chi Nian tried to sit up. Zhang Yuning set the cup down, fluffed the pillow, and helped her lean back.

“No need, I’m already sober.” Chi Nian blinked with effort, her slightly intoxicated gaze like a sea of stars, shimmering with light as it lingered on Zhang Yuning.

She was like a dazzling star in the vast galaxy, shining brilliantly in the world Chi Nian permitted.

Zhang Yuning didn’t try to decipher her gaze, only said with concern, “You should go to the hospital for a check-up. I think there’s something wrong with your health.”

“You said I looked like I had deficient qi and blood.”

“Without any medical tests, that’s all I could guess. But I don’t think it’s that simple. A thorough examination would be better.”

Chi Nian leaned back, her eyes never leaving Zhang Yuning, her smile deepening. “Are you worried about me?”

“Yes. Very worried.”

Zhang Yuning’s firm answer didn’t seem to please Chi Nian. Her smile froze for two seconds before she replied seriously, “No need for the hospital. I just drank too much today.”

“Your complexion has been off for more than just a day or two.”

“It’s fine.” Chi Nian crossed her hands, tilting her head as she studied Zhang Yuning with amusement. “Do you know who the person you pushed into the pool was?”

“No, and it doesn’t matter. I came the moment I got your signal. Nothing could’ve stopped me.”

Chi Nian stared at her, then after a moment, patted the bed with a smile. Zhang Yuning understood the gesture and sat down beside her.

“The person you pushed was my brother.”

A flicker of surprise crossed Zhang Yuning’s face. “Chi Jing?”

Chi Nian nodded.

“Still doesn’t matter. Whether you drank willingly today or were deliberately made to, it wasn’t good for you.”

“But the outcome was good.”

Zhang Yuning’s lips moved, but she said nothing. Even if she had charged into the dragon’s den and tiger’s lair, it might have all been part of Chi Nian’s game. So in this scheme, she was just a pawn.

The chessboard was vast, the pieces numerous, each with its own role. Hers was to charge ahead for the one controlling the game.

Bearing all those injuries, only to bring about this outcome for Chi Nian—it was still worth it. Perhaps this was her chance to earn Chi Nian’s trust.

She knew Chi Nian had severely punished those bodyguards today for her sake, even causing a shake-up in the entire Chi Shang Group’s security team. Whether this grand gesture was to intimidate the other directors or simply to vent her own anger, it didn’t matter.

The situation was beyond her control now. All she could do was react as things unfolded. Zhang Yuning only hoped to survive until the very end, to uncover all the truths. Even if she died, she wanted to die with clarity.

Lost in thought, Chi Nian suddenly took Zhang Yuning’s hand and pressed it against her cheek. Zhang Yuning’s heart skipped a beat as the warmth from her palm seeped into her very core.

“You really kept your word and came so quickly.” Chi Nian’s eyes fluttered shut as she nuzzled against Zhang Yuning’s hand, her lips brushing against the palm before she gently kissed it.

Zhang Yuning’s heartbeat quickened abruptly. The softness against her fingertips sent a faint tremble through her, and the surging emotions made it impossible to resist pulling Chi Nian into her arms.

This was the first time she had ever hugged Chi Nian on her own initiative. It was as if Chi Nian truly possessed some special allure, an irresistible magic that drew her deeper and deeper. Zhang Yuning couldn’t find the words to speak. Chi Nian rested her head against her shoulder, her hand lightly stroking Zhang Yuning’s back.

“Were you really worried about me?” Her voice was as gentle as flowing water.

Zhang Yuning didn’t answer. Deep down, she didn’t want to confront the truth of the matter. She knew exactly what she had to do and where she stood. Rationality dictated her actions and thoughts, allowing her to maintain a clear understanding of the situation.

Yet, it was impossible to remain indifferent. Zhang Yuning had once believed the world was just as it was until Chi Nian became the exception. In such a short time, she had managed to unsettle Zhang Yuning’s heart, like a small stone cast into a tranquil lake, sending ripples cascading outward.

“As your bodyguard, your safety is always my priority. It’s my job.” Zhang Yuning gave the standard, professional response.

Chi Nian pulled back slightly, gazing deeply into her eyes before smiling faintly. “You don’t need to keep emphasizing the bodyguard thing.”

“It’s the truth.”

“The truth hidden beneath the truth, that’s what I want to hear.” Chi Nian’s eyes seemed to speak volumes, brimming with emotion that pierced straight to the heart. Zhang Yuning couldn’t even bring herself to meet that gaze. Instinctively, she touched her wound. Pain always brought clarity.

The so-called “rescue” had merely involved escorting Chi Nian away while she was drunk. But at the time, Zhang Yuning had been up against over a dozen burly bodyguards armed with weapons and combat skills. Breaking through to reach her had been no easy feat. She had kept her promise to Chi Nian and didn’t resent this “overblown” little scheme.

Chi Nian had said the outcome was good, which meant the goal had been achieved. Zhang Yuning’s objective had also been met. Establishing the image of someone who would go to great lengths to protect Miss Chi. She was certain the third young miss would hear about this incident.

“Does it hurt?” Chi Nian had indeed noticed her injuries. Aside from the head wound, the rest of Zhang Yuning’s injuries weren’t visible.

“It’s nothing. Just some scrapes from a fight. Minor stuff.”

“Take off your clothes. Let me see.”

“No need.” Zhang Yuning felt awkward. Stripping to inspect wounds was just too embarrassing. Even though they had seen each other’s bodies before, doing it so deliberately felt uncomfortable.

She refused firmly, but Chi Nian didn’t hesitate. She immediately reached out to undress her. If Zhang Yuning resisted, she might accidentally hurt Chi Nian, who was still so weak. The thought made her relent.

“I’ll do it myself.” As the tension in her body eased, the pain flared sharply, radiating through her entire being. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to remain composed as she removed her outer garment.

Chi Nian adjusted the room’s lighting to its brightest setting, revealing Zhang Yuning’s bruises in stark detail, blotches of blue and purple marring her skin. She wanted to brush it off with indifference, but then she noticed Chi Nian’s eyes growing misty.

“I’m really fine, no bones were hurt, really. Look, I can still move.” Zhang Yuning swung her arm, eager to ease Chi Nian’s guilt. But even as she desperately tried to explain, she couldn’t help wondering. Was Chi Nian’s expression of concern and reluctance genuine?

Her eyes seemed so real. If she were an award-winning actress, Zhang Yuning would believe it. But Chi Nian was a wealthy heiress. She had no reason to put on such a performance. The only explanation was that she was projecting her pain onto Zhang Yuning again, mistaking her for Moon, transferring the sorrow of a substitute onto her. That’s why she looked so heartbroken.

It was bitterly ironic. Chi Nian was clearly facing herself, pouring all her emotions into herself, yet her heart was fixated on someone else.

The taste of being a substitute was truly unpleasant, but Zhang Yuning had to accept this reality.

“I feel like I’ve always been the one hurting you,” Chi Nian murmured dejectedly, as if speaking to herself. “I feel like I’ve never been able to protect you.”

Even if these words weren’t meant for her, Zhang Yuning couldn’t help but be moved. Her heart ached, this pain was heavier than any wound. She didn’t want to respond to such words, yet she had no choice but to reply: “It’s fine. It’s not like I died.”

Slap! A light but sharp slap landed on her face. Zhang Yuning stared at Chi Nian in disbelief, about to flare up in anger only to see tears spilling from her eyes.

What had she said wrong to deserve a slap?! Wait, she was the one who got hit, so why was Chi Nian crying?

“Don’t you dare say the word ‘die,'” Chi Nian commanded through gritted teeth, holding back her tears.

Zhang Yuning froze, her retort stuck in her throat, unable to come out.

“Did you hear me, Zhang Yuning? Never say that word again.” Chi Nian raised her voice, gripping her arms and shaking her, her tone growing frantic. “Promise me, never say ‘die’ again.”

Zhang Yuning stared at her, bewildered. But seeing Chi Nian like this was too painful, an inexplicable weight pressing down on her chest. So, she could only nod heavily in response.