C3 Apologies! You Have Disappointed Me!

"Well, you finally made it. I've been waiting here for quite a while. I thought you might have forgotten about me," the woman said. Soong Xueling didn't actually recognize her, but since she addressed her as "third sister," it seemed she wasn't mistaken in calling her "sister."

Soong Xuerou was completely caught off guard by how things had turned out and was momentarily stunned, unable to respond.

Xueling took the opportunity to glance around the courtyard, her face showing surprise. "What's going on here? Why is Mother here too? And all you ladies, why are you..."

"Xuerou mentioned you seemed a bit unwell earlier, so I came to check on you. The other ladies joined out of concern," Mrs. Soong explained calmly, casting a glance at the still-dazed Xuerou.

Internally, Xueling laughed coldly. It was clear these people were here just for the spectacle, yet they tried to make it sound so noble. It was truly amusing.

Outwardly, however, Xueling appeared flattered and grateful. "Thank you, Mother, and all you ladies for your concern. I just had a slight headache earlier, but I'm fine now."

By this time, Xuerou had recovered her composure. She shot a resentful look at Xueling, then glanced into the room, which was sparsely furnished with just a couch and nothing else. There wasn't a single person in sight. What was going on? Where had the two thugs she arranged disappeared to?

I thought today would surely be the day Soong Xueling's reputation would be ruined, but I never expected it to end like this. Soong Xuerou was practically seething with anger.

"What are you looking at, sister? Is there some hidden treasure in this room?" Soong Xueling's gaze, as clear as glass, swept over Soong Xuerou's slightly flushed face, marked by frustration. She made a mental note to remember this grudge.

Soong Xuerou gritted her teeth, forcing a smile. "It's nothing. Since our younger sister is fine, let's leave here for now."

"Alright, though I'm feeling a bit tired despite being alright. I might not be able to keep you company, sister." Soong Xueling appeared calm, but inside, she was uncertain. She didn't even know where she was, so she dared not act rashly.

Soong Xuerou didn't respond to that. Instead, she turned to Mrs. Soong, who nodded slightly. "In that case, you should head back to the carriage."

With that, she turned and left the courtyard with the other ladies, not sparing Soong Xueling another glance.

"Yes, Mother." Soong Xueling was still unaware that Mrs. Soong was not her biological mother, which left her puzzled by the woman's demeanor. Whether earlier or now, her attitude didn't seem like that of a mother toward her daughter.

At this moment, it was clearly not the time to dwell on such thoughts. Xueling tilted her head slightly, her gaze settling on Xuerou. "Sister, I'm truly sorry for today. I must have disappointed you."

Xuerou's face changed instantly, a flicker of panic crossing her eyes. For some reason, the way Xueling looked at her just now filled her with an inexplicable fear and anxiety. "What nonsense are you talking about? I don't understand at all. I... I'm going to see Mom!"

With those words, Xuerou practically fled, leaving Xueling to watch her retreating figure with a cold stare. After standing alone for a moment, Xueling was about to find someone to escort her to the carriage when she suddenly sensed something unusual in the courtyard. "Who's there?"