Mysterious Beautiful Wife at Home (GL) - Chapter 35

Chi Nian leaned forward naturally, gently caressing Zhang Yuning’s face as her breathing gradually quickened. The smile faded from her lips, replaced by a gaze so sincere and tender it seemed to hold the entire starry sky and ocean within. In the boundless depths of her eyes, only Zhang Yuning’s reflection remained, filling every corner.

Chi Nian pressed her face close, whispering into Zhang Yuning’s ear, “You’ve always been mine.”

The teasing warmth of her breath sent a shiver down Zhang Yuning’s spine. Her jaw tensed as she struggled to suppress the waves of emotion surging within her.

Chi Nian’s naked body was right before her. Every glance, every subtle movement exuded an unrestrained sensuality. The provocative implication of those words far exceeded what Zhang Yuning could handle. She had been trying to distance herself, to treat their relationship with nonchalance, even teasing Chi Nian in return and taking control.

But Chi Nian’s eyes could deceive. The trap of a beauty’s scheme had been an effective ploy since ancient times—one that could truly ensnare a person’s soul. Zhang Yuning didn’t want to be fooled by feigned affection any longer, nor did she want to be swayed by it again. Turning her face away, she muttered, “You should put some clothes on first.”

“You just said you’re mine—are you complaining about last night…?”

“Don’t twist my words. I didn’t say that.” Had her desire to turn the tables last night been that obvious? Zhang Yuning felt a pang of frustration.

“Oh? No? Alright.” Chi Nian stood up from her lap and walked to the wardrobe to change.

Zhang Yuning noticed that the bag Chi Nian had clung to even while soaking in the hot springs must hold the key to unraveling the mystery. She decided to bide her time—no matter what, she would find a way to open that bag and uncover its secrets.

The decryption of the Dian apartment’s system was already halfway done. With her skills, it wouldn’t take more than a few days to crack it completely. All of Chi Nian’s secrets might lie within, but Zhang Yuning was certain they’d be protected by multiple layers of encryption. She relished the challenge, quietly competing in this unseen battle.

“Did you come here by bike?” Chi Nian asked as she dressed.

“Yeah. Were you picked up by Yu Kexun?”

“Yes. Miss Yu also loves cycling, just like you. She’s skilled and beautiful.”

“The way you say it, I can’t tell if you’re complimenting her or me.”

“Both. Praising her and praising you. The Third Young Miss needs capable assistants like her, just as I need you.”

What a “capable assistant.” Zhang Yuning rolled her eyes. “Seems like you rich young ladies all enjoy turning your assistants into bedmates.”

Chi Nian turned to look at her, pausing for a moment before curling her lips into a smile. She walked over and pinched Zhang Yuning’s cheek. “Have you forgotten who was the one eagerly silencing me last night?”

“You never answered.”

“You never gave me a chance to answer.”

“I don’t want to know anymore. It’s not important anyway.”

Zhang Yuning realized that Chi Nian’s smooth deflection meant she knew exactly what she was asking about—the matter of “Moon.” She was torn, both wanting to know and dreading the answer.

Did Chi Nian love her or Moon? Wasn’t that question laughable? She herself had approached this with a playful, calculating attitude—how could she expect Chi Nian to genuinely cherish her?

Yet Chi Nian had always remained silent, avoiding the topic entirely. She knew full well how curious Zhang Yuning was, yet she never spoke a word. That silence was answer enough—whether it was a past too painful to mention or love too difficult to confess.

“Let’s go. Take me out on your bike.” Chi Nian tugged at Zhang Yuning’s hand.

Zhang Yuning stood up. “Where to?”

“Equestrian Center.”

Ah, right. When Zhang Yuning was investigating at Liuli Academy, the school’s intranet mentioned that Chi Nian enjoyed horseback riding and had even participated in equestrian competitions. There were many glimpses of her past brilliance there.

But whether it was because Chi Nian had been full of youthful energy back then and had since shed her restlessness, or because her experiences and physical discomfort had led to her current subdued demeanor, Zhang Yuning always felt that the present Chi Nian was different from the one in her memories. Occasionally, during social events, she could still catch glimpses of the lively heiress of the Chi family. But most of the time, Chi Nian seemed like someone who had weathered countless storms, carrying an air of heaviness and repression, silently enduring the helplessness and pressures imposed by the world.

Liuli Island had many equestrian centers. The nobility loved breeding horses, and even ordinary folks could ride at large public facilities. The Chi family’s private equestrian center was exclusively for members of the Chi Shang Group. Chi Nian kept her own horse there, named Fei’er.

As soon as they arrived at the center, someone had already prepared the horses. It seemed every detail of her life was meticulously arranged. Without asking whether Zhang Yuning could ride or if she even liked it, Chi Nian directly assigned her a horse named Lightning.

The track at this center was about 800 meters per lap, reserved only for high-ranking members of the Chi family or their clients. The grounds were spacious enough for galloping, with natural grass terrain featuring slopes and obstacles, resembling a vast, untamed prairie.

Lightning was a white horse, while Fei’er was brown. After changing into riding attire, both women looked dashing. Chi Nian loosely tied up her hair, mounted her horse, and turned back to Zhang Yuning with a bright smile. “Can you catch up to me, racer?”

“I never said I could ride. How did you know?”

“I told you before—I know everything. You can’t escape my grasp.” With that, she patted Fei’er’s neck, gave a light kick, and called out, “Let’s go, Fei’er!”

“Don’t underestimate me!” Zhang Yuning refused to back down, tugging the reins and immediately giving chase.

Horseback riding was a rich person’s game. Though Zhang Yuning enjoyed it, she rarely had the chance to ride. Perhaps it was natural talent, but she had a strong affinity for handling horses.

The two raced one after the other, Zhang Yuning striving to catch up to Chi Nian. It felt like a game of pursuit—no winners or losers, just depending on Zhang Yuning’s choices. Speed up, overtake Chi Nian, crush her pride in her equestrian skills. Slow down, watch her from behind like a schemer, ready to strike at any moment. As long as the calculations continued, there was always a chance to succeed.

This game of manipulation among the wealthy was one Chi Nian played with effortless ease. She would occasionally glance back at Zhang Yuning, her smile disarmingly pure. But Zhang Yuning would never trust her again. To trust her might mean ending up dead without a whole body to bury.

Galloping across the field, the wind whistling past her ears, Zhang Yuning felt a chill. The sun overhead seemed weak, as if ill—its light feeble, tentative, barely touching the earth.

Chi Nian appeared relaxed while riding, her flowing hair tucked under her hat, strands fluttering over her shoulders. Zhang Yuning slowed down when she noticed another horse approaching from the entrance—ridden by none other than Mo Lindi.

As expected, Chi Nian never went out without a purpose, never did anything without meeting someone. Every seemingly leisurely activity was just a pretext; there was always an ulterior motive.

Zhang Yuning automatically hung back, letting Lightning’s trot slow to a walk. Chi Nian also decelerated, and soon Mo Lindi rode up beside her. The two seemed to be chatting, though it was impossible to tell about what. Even while riding, Chi Nian kept one hand hooked around her bag.

She continued walking around and noticed that Maureen Di and Chi Nian had also started riding horses. The two were engaged in a serious conversation, though Chi Nian occasionally smiled, her expression relaxed.

Zhang Yuning returned to the exit, handed the horse back to the groom, took off her hat, and was about to sit down for a rest when she spotted a familiar figure in the lounge area.

“Chengjin?” She was surprised to see Lan Chengjin here. Zhang Yuning remembered that Maureen Di was the Third Young Miss’s rival—the two had always been inexplicably at odds. In the past, Maureen had even deliberately made things difficult for the Xiao family. Had they reconciled now because of Chi Nian?

“Yuning.”

“Did you come with Maureen Di?”

Lan Chengjin hesitated slightly before calmly replying, “Just a coincidence.” Her eyes flickered, as if she couldn’t quite explain the reason.

“It seems like you’re all quietly working on something big, and I’m the only one left in the dark.” Zhang Yuning deliberately said this as she removed her gloves, sat down, poured herself a glass of water, and drank it in one go.

What she really wanted to know was why Lan Chengjin insisted that Chi Nian wouldn’t harm her. Weren’t all those actions enough proof?

“You’ve met Kexun, right?”

“Yu Kexun?”

Lan Chengjin nodded, hoping to glean more information based on their past rapport.

“Yeah, she met with Miss Chi. Said she was the Third Young Miss’s woman? Or that she graduated from the spy academy?”

“Kexun and the Third Young Miss… it’s complicated. But for this current project, the Third Young Miss needs Miss Chi’s full support. She has extensive connections, controls dark web hackers, and possesses high-level classified information. Without her, this can’t be done.” Lan Chengjin finally revealed a little.

“What exactly is ‘this’?”

Lan Chengjin’s lips moved, but Zhang Yuning waved her hand. “Just asking casually. I know you can’t say, no need to force yourself.”

“It’s not that the Third Young Miss doesn’t trust you. It’s Miss Chi’s condition for cooperation—that you stay out of it.”

So that was it. Was the Third Young Miss bending over backward for Chi Nian? What exactly did Chi Nian want? Was she really that fixated on her as an experiment subject?

“If the Third Young Miss needs information, why go through Miss Chi? Even if my hacking skills aren’t on par with those people, I could still be of service.”

Lan Chengjin shook her head. “Then you might not know—Miss Chi has bought out all the dark web hackers.”

“What?”

“They don’t serve two masters.”

Zhang Yuning rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought. Chi Nian really was formidable—or rather, money truly could move mountains. Anything could be bought. But was that enough for the Third Young Miss to deem Chi Nian an irreplaceable partner?

She didn’t believe it. What the Third Young Miss wanted couldn’t just be information on people like Yu Qinghua and Ai Lin. It probably involved scientific research and medical breakthroughs. A major investment with unimaginable returns.

Even Lan Chengjin might not fully understand the scope of this.

Zhang Yuning didn’t press further. Instead, she stood up, noticing that Chi Nian and Maureen Di had arrived, ending the conversation.

“Steward Lan, please relay to the Third Young Miss that the person she wants to meet has been arranged. The time and location will be sent to you tonight.” Chi Nian dismounted, smiling brightly—whether from the thrill of riding or her usual composed social demeanor.

Lan Chengjin nodded. “Thank you, Miss Chi. I won’t disturb you further.” She turned to leave, but Maureen Di quickly approached. “Steward Lan, where are you headed? Why not give me a ride?”

“It’s not convenient,” Lan Chengjin replied coldly, quickening her pace. Mo Lindi followed closely, her tone unexpectedly gentle: “Then, shall I give you a ride?”

“I have a driver.”

“How could your driver compare to me?”

“Really, no need to trouble yourself, Chief Mo. Please stop here.” Lan Chengjin practically fled, hastily putting distance between herself and Mo Lindi. Zhang Yuning stood rooted in place, watching the two with curiosity—one teasing, the other evading, the subtle tension between them sparking endless speculation.

But Lan Chengjin was the Third Young Miss’s right-hand woman. It was impossible for her to have any connection with Mo Lindi. That would be no different from betraying her master.

Zhang Yuning averted her gaze and noticed Chi Nian standing with her back turned, her head lowered as if occupied with something. As Zhang Yuning stepped forward, her heart lurched, and she swiftly caught Chi Nian just as she was about to collapse.

“What’s wrong with you?!” Fortunately, her reflexes were sharp. Chi Nian slumped weakly into her arms.

Zhang Yuning brushed aside the strands of hair obscuring her view and saw blood streaming from Chi Nian’s nose—perhaps she hadn’t had time to wipe it away, unable to hide her frailty. Zhang Yuning’s heart wrenched in pain. She frantically wiped the blood from Chi Nian’s nose and mouth, but the more she tried, the more it smeared, and her own vision blurred with tears.