C18 Distorted Jealousy!

"Mom, I'll get the door."

Liu Zhilan made her way to the entrance as she spoke.

She was determined that her daughter, who had finally come home, would not suffer even the slightest harm from the old madam.

Su Lili covertly signaled to Mrs. Wang with her eyes.

"Madam," Mrs. Wang, catching Su Lili's cue, swiftly stepped in front of Liu Zhilan and said, "Allow me." A sneer flickered in her eyes.

Hmph, thinking of protecting that wretched girl? Didn't she notice the old lady and the eldest miss's disdain for her?

Just wait until the old madam deals with that lowly maid.

Liu Zhilan nearly stumbled from Mrs. Wang's push, her anger causing her chest to rise and fall rapidly, her eyes, red with fury, fixed on the door, her hands clenching her clothes tightly.

Suddenly, the door swung open...

Mrs. Wang's eyes bulged in shock.

"Mrs. Wang, has my sister returned?" Su Lili, unaware of the commotion outside, asked with a light smile.

Coming to her senses, Mrs. Wang hastily stepped back and stuttered, "Old, Old Madam Su, a distinguished guest has arrived."

Being a servant in the grand Chu family, Mrs. Wang was well aware of its stature.

Particularly the chief steward, Ji Ye.

A favored figure by Old Master Chu, he was known respectfully as Elder Ji to those outside the family.

How could she not be intimidated?

Her mind went blank, her pupils dilating with panic, forgetting even to invite the guest in.

Liu Zhilan was equally taken aback, her eyes wide as she caught sight of Ji Ye behind Su Ningning, her heart lodged in her throat.

Old Madam Su looked displeased, "Who is this esteemed guest arriving so early in the morning?"

In the midst of her confusion,

Su Ningning moved to stand protectively beside Liu Zhilan, concern flickering in her eyes. She instinctively grasped her mother's trembling hands and whispered, "Mom, I'm home."

Seeing Liu Zhilan's relieved expression, Su Ningning couldn't help but curve her lips into a soothing smile.

"Good, good, it's wonderful you're back," Liu Zhilan responded eagerly.

She instinctively shielded Su Ningning behind her, and although her mind was brimming with questions, she knew now was not the time to ask them.

Boom—

The hall fell silent as Ji Ye's figure emerged.

Old Madam Su, caught off guard, hurried over. "Elder Ji, you've arrived?"

"Mrs. Wang, fetch this year's freshly harvested pre-rain Dragon Well tea," she commanded with authority.

"Hold on," Ji Ye said, his gaze sweeping over Old Madam Su with a complexity that betrayed his cunning nature. It took him mere moments to discern Su Ningning's standing within the Su family.

This displeased Ji Ye greatly.

Su Ningning, such a charming and gentle girl, was also highly capable.

And she was to be the fiancée of his family's Third Master.

Was the Su family failing to show proper respect?

Ji Ye's expression soured. "No need for tea. I've been sent by the Old Master and the Third Master to escort Miss Su home!"

He enunciated 'Miss Su' with deliberate clarity.

What, what!?

Su Lili looked as if she'd been struck by lightning, her face draining of color as she stood up abruptly.

The tea set rattled loudly on the table from her sudden movement, drawing all eyes to her.

Su Ningning coolly observed Su Lili's loss of composure.

Ah—

She seemed eager to revel in her sister's misfortune.

Too bad, not everyone was entitled to witness her spectacle.

"Lili?" At the same time, Old Madam Su scolded, "Come and greet Elder Ji this instant."

Despite her irritation with Su Lili, Old Madam Su quickly turned to Ji Ye with a smile. "Lili is always so concerned about her elder sister, Ningning. She's been worried sick all night."

"I'm sorry, I was thoughtless," Su Lili murmured, her eyes brimming with tears and her lip quivering in a pitiable manner.

Not returned all night?

Ji Ye was unimpressed by the excuse, a cold sneer forming in his mind.

If they were aware of her absence, why did the Su family not show any concern? They were simply stirring up trouble!

"There's no need for concern. The Chu family is hardly a lair of beasts," Ji Ye remarked with a dismissive snort.

The Chu family!

Always the Chu family.

Old Madam Su felt a pang of displeasure. She perfectly understood Ji Ye's words; however, she couldn't stomach the idea of a wild girl like that having someone in her corner!

Her gaze shifted slowly to Su Ningning.

The girl was still dressed in yesterday's outfit.

That indifferent demeanor of hers was infuriating.

How could this wretched girl even hold a candle to her Lili?

Her eyes, dark and calculating, swept over Su Ningning, brimming with sinister schemes...