Ning Zitong’s voice of protest came from behind.
Yan Xinxin’s raised hand froze in midair, while Mu Qianshui instantly looked aggrieved, her eyes reddening with tears that became her most effective prop at the moment.
"Lady Yan, I’ve already said I wouldn’t fight you for Chuxi. Why do you still treat me this way?"
Mu Qianshui whimpered tearfully, playing the victim.
Upon hearing these words, Ning Zitong stormed toward Yan Xinxin, grabbing her arm and pulling her backward.
"Yan Xinxin! I’ve been more than polite to you, but don’t you dare overstep your bounds!"
"Mrs. Mu, I came here simply to visit Xixi. I never expected anyone in the Mu family to treat me kindly. But I must say, today’s performance by your esteemed actress is truly astonishing."
Yan Xinxin said this while glancing at Mu Qianshui, who looked pitiful with her tear-streaked face.
"No wonder Mo Chuxi can’t stop thinking about your sister. Mu Qianshui, you will never compare to her in this lifetime."
Ning Zitong hadn’t anticipated Yan Xinxin suddenly mentioning her most cherished daughter. She froze for a moment, watching Yan Xinxin walk into little Chenxi’s room. Shortly after, Yan Xinxin came out, followed by little Chenxi.
"Goodbye, Sister Xinxin."
The soft farewell from the little one filled Yan Xinxin’s heart with reluctance.
But, ultimately, she still had to leave.
"Yan Xinxin, stop right there!"
Mu Qianshui tried to chase after her.
Ning Zitong’s voice rang out suddenly, stopping her.
Mu Qianshui protested, her frustration palpable as she pointed at Yan Xinxin’s departing figure.
"Mom, don’t tell me you’re soft on her just because she looks like my sister!"
Ning Zitong was stunned by Mu Qianshui’s question.
Mu Qianshui bit her lip angrily.
Ning Zitong was dazed, standing there with unfocused eyes. After a long while, her reddened eyes finally lifted.
"Qianshui, I miss your sister so much. That Yan Xinxin... She really resembles her, especially her eyes..."
"Mom! How could you say that?"
Mu Qianshui exclaimed in agitation.
"Even if she resembled her, she’s only a lookalike! You need to face reality! My sister has been dead for over a decade! You can’t transfer your longing for her onto Yan Xinxin, that vixen! That’s completely unfair to me!"
"Qianshui, Qianshui..."
Mu Qianshui turned and stormed into her room, slamming the door with such force that it locked shut.
The grievance and tears on her face immediately disappeared, replaced by an icy ruthlessness. Her red lips curled into a sinister smile.
Seventeen years ago, her hands had already been stained with blood, and seventeen years later, she didn’t mind staining them again.
Mu Qianshui had fame and fortune now; she didn’t even need to dirty her hands to achieve results that satisfied her.
Leaving the Mu family’s mansion, Yan Xinxin walked alone along the stone-paved pathway beside the road.
Not far ahead stood a towering tree, its branches floating with pale pink petals. She raised her gaze to it, and suddenly a vivid scene flashed through her mind.
"Brother Xi, I like you so much! I’m going to be your bride!"
"Then, Brother Xi, let’s bury our wedding rings here, okay? When I grow up, we’ll dig them out together, and then... Then you’ll marry me and make me your most cherished bride..."
The clear dialogue echoed in her ears, and Yan Xinxin saw two blurry figures. A small boy placed a flower crown on a small girl’s head, then bent down to give her the purest, sweetest kiss...
Yan Xinxin suddenly lifted her head, staring at this towering tree with floating pale pink petals in a daze.
Why was I calling out "Brother Xi"? Who was I calling? Mo Chuxi?