Hearing Mu Qianshui’s question, Ye Lirong unexpectedly let out a sigh of relief.
She didn’t even think before admitting outright.
"Miss Qianshui, you’re really clever! That’s right, Yan Xinxin isn’t my biological child! If I had known she’d be so rebellious, I wouldn’t have agreed to keep her back then..."
"Do you think it’s already too late to realize I shouldn’t have taken her in?"
Mu Qianshui suddenly stood up, furious.
Ye Lirong froze, then followed suit anxiously.
"Who told you to be so kind-hearted and adopt her? Who told you to save her? Wouldn’t it have been better to let her drown in the water!"
The noble elegance on Mu Qianshui’s face disappeared in an instant.
Ye Lirong was even more stunned, her eyes widening in shock.
"Miss Qianshui, y-you... how do you know that Yan Xinxin was rescued by my husband from the water?"
"Of course I know, I saw her with my own eyes being pulled from..."
Halfway through the sentence, Mu Qianshui suddenly realized she had lost control and quickly stopped.
Ye Lirong stared at her in a daze.
Mu Qianshui took a deep breath and hurriedly composed herself.
"You don’t need to worry about how I know. If you don’t want Chuxi to find out that you sold his daughter back then, you’ll do exactly as I instruct."
Though her tone had subdued slightly, it retained its commanding nature.
Ye Lirong nodded without hesitation.
Firstly, she was afraid to die.
Secondly, she now had reason to suspect that this arrogant young lady in front of her could very well be the daughter she had abandoned years ago!
Of course she had to help her!
"Miss Qianshui, feel free to instruct me; as long as it’s something I can do, I’ll get it done for you!"
Upon hearing this satisfactory answer, Mu Qianshui crossed her arms and smiled.
"I know that fox Yan Xinxin is about to participate in the international jewelry design competition. Before that, I want you to personally tell her something."
Her sinister smile deepened as she spoke, while Ye Lirong listened intently on the side, her eyes fixed with equal focus on the birthmark on Mu Qianshui’s wrist.
No mistake—it had to be her! Read full story at novel⟡fire.net
Those eyes, that high-bridged nose—it was exactly like that man from back then...
"Have you memorized what I said?"
Mu Qianshui’s voice interrupted Ye Lirong’s drifting thoughts.
She nodded repeatedly.
"Don’t worry, Miss Qianshui. Since that Yan Xinxin displeased you, I’ll be sure to give her a proper lesson—whatever makes you happy."
Ye Lirong raised her eyes, gazing deeply at her.
Mu Qianshui shot her a glance, sensing something faintly odd, but she had no intention of delving into it and quickly left.
After sending Mu Qianshui away, Ye Lirong slumped onto the sofa, her mind filled with memories of the reckless and immoral acts she had committed in her youth...
The 16th floor jewelry design department.
The meeting had just ended.
Tong Lili, clutching a stack of files, laughed heartily, brimming with pride.
"I told you—I’d get a spot in this competition! So, what do you think? Impressive, right?"
"I think Young Master Xiao probably feels sorry for you being in this department for so many years. If he didn’t want to embarrass you, well... someone like Xinxin, now that’s impressive! She already made a name for herself at the jewelry exhibition the other day!"
"Pfft! She’s the boss’s wife, she can do whatever she wants!"
Tong Lili dismissed her remarks, brimming with pride in her abilities.
"The competition doesn’t limit the number of entries. Anyone who wants to participate and submits complete materials can register. It’s just that the company is sponsoring two participants with full accommodation and travel—and helping with approval too."
Yan Xinxin’s calm voice sounded from behind Tong Lili.
Tong Lili froze, her laughter stiffening as she spun around to see Yan Xinxin walking up to her with a faint smile.
"I’m not the organizer of the competition nor the boss behind it, so rest assured—the contest is completely impartial. Since Lily-jiejie is so confident in herself, I suppose the champion’s team should be no trouble for you. Looking forward to your performance then."
Tong Lili was instantly left speechless.
Just as Yan Xinxin finished speaking, her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID, her brows furrowing slightly.
Why would she still come looking for me?