Chapter 3 Harboring

The mother and daughter over there finally had enough of the drama. Lin Shuyue spoke up with feigned concern, "Guo'an, Zhixi is just a girl. It's enough to discipline her. If she ends up disfigured, how will she get married in the future?"

"With the way she is now, who would want her in the future!" Su Guo'an's eyes showed disdain.

"That's not necessarily true…" Su Lianxi said softly. "Daddy, isn't Mr. Li from Jianfa quite interested in sister? Although Mr. Li is a bit older, given sister's current state… I think Mr. Li wouldn't mind."

Hearing his younger daughter say this, Su Guo'an couldn't help but consider it. Although Mr. Li was an old man in his sixties, the Su family business still relied heavily on Jianfa…

Su Zixi never imagined that her father would actually be tempted by the idea!

She suddenly looked up, "Impossible! I'd rather not marry for the rest of my life than be manipulated by you!"

"You have no choice in this!" Su Guo'an scoffed. "Go back to your room! Don't come out without my permission!"

Su Zixi gritted her teeth, turned around, and ran. But she had barely taken two steps when she crashed into a hard chest, the impact bringing tears to her eyes!

"Su Zixi?" The person steadied her by the shoulders, recognizing her, and his tone soured a bit.

Su Zixi looked up and saw the handsome face of Ning Yichen.

Her heart throbbed painfully.

"Yichen!" The previously smiling Su Lianxi could no longer remain composed upon seeing this. She hurriedly rushed over and clung to Ning Yichen's arm. "Yichen, you're here so early. I haven't even had time to put on makeup."

Ning Yichen wrapped an arm around her waist, speaking gently, "You're beautiful without makeup."

Su Lianxi immediately beamed with radiance.

Su Zixi covered her aching nose, saying nothing. She was about to skirt around Ning Yichen when he extended his hand to block her, "What's going on?"

Su Guo'an smiled at Ning Yichen. "Yichen, thank goodness you stopped this girl, or she would've run away."

Ning Yichen's expression grew more confused.

"It's like this, Yichen." Su Lianxi tugged at him, speaking softly. "Sister upset Father. Let's leave and let Father handle it."

Ning Yichen gave a brief "Hmm," casting a faint glance at Su Zixi, taking in her disheveled state.

That cold glance left Su Zixi feeling utterly shattered.

"Ning Yichen," she suddenly spoke, "last night around half past nine, were you and Su Lianxi together?"

At half past nine last night, Su Lianxi had just arrived home, and then a servant brought her a glass of milk.

"Why do you ask?" Ning Yichen's face turned colder.

"Just tell me the truth," she said, lifting her head to look resolutely at him.

But Su Lianxi was quick to speak, "Yichen and I were watching a movie that didn't end until ten. Of course, Yichen was with me at half past nine!"

Ning Yichen frowned slightly. Last night, they had left the movie an hour early because Su Lianxi said she wasn't feeling well. At half past nine, Su Lianxi should have been home.

Seeing Su Lianxi's pleading eyes, Ning Yichen remained silent about this. Instead, he raised his eyebrows, "That's right, why?"

Su Zixi let out a bitter laugh, "Nothing."

Ning Yichen's momentary puzzlement had been clear to her. Yet, Ning Yichen chose to cover for Su Lianxi.

He and Su Lianxi were already engaged, so what was she to him? Why would Ning Yichen speak up for her?

Su Zixi, what are you still hoping for? This man is about to become your brother-in-law. You should've long given up.

Hearing Ning Yichen's reply, Su Lianxi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Her smile grew even sweeter, "Yichen, it's getting late. Let's go to the art exhibition."

"Alright." Ning Yichen gave her a tender smile, then greeted Su Guo'an and Lin Shuyue before leaving with Su Lianxi.

Su Zixi stood dazed, covering her nose, blinking hard as if that could stop her tears from falling.