C19 Chu Family You Think too Highly of Yourself!?

"Elder Ji," Old Madam Su skillfully steered the conversation away from Ji Ye's remarks, her smile brightening. "My Lili is such a darling. She's a top student at Liya High School and always so sensible."

Then, Old Madam Su added, "By the way, Lili, since you're quite skilled at tea-making, why don't you brew a cup for Elder Ji?"

Su Ningning observed Old Madam Su, who seemed eager to marry Su Lili off to the Chu family, and couldn't help but chuckle to herself.

Ji Ye's voice cut through the air, icy and stern, "Let's not waste the children's time; they're going to be late!"

"Elder Ji, please excuse me," Su Ningning said, no longer interested in the charade. She nodded to Ji Ye, then turned to Liu Zhilan. "Mom, will you come with me to my room?"

"Of course, dear," Liu Zhilan replied, visibly surprised.

This was the first time her daughter had ever asked such a thing, and she followed Su Ningning out of the room with joy in her heart.

"Old Madam, is this really where the Su family's young mistress resides?" Ji Ye's face darkened as he contemplated the situation. "I must discuss this with the old master and the Third Master."

"To think that the esteemed young mistress of the Su family is living in a storeroom?" Ji Ye was genuinely upset.

Old Madam Su was taken aback by his reaction. She despised Su Ningning, blaming her for bringing such trouble upon her return. She hastily defended herself, "Elder Ji, this was a temporary measure. I admit I haven't managed the situation as well as I should have."

Su Ningning overheard the conversation, and her smirk grew more pronounced. She had no interest in the old lady's excuses and, taking Liu Zhilan by the hand, they hurried inside.

"Mom, there's no need to worry. I'm well taken care of by the Chu family," she reassured her mother, a slight frown on her face.

It was unusual for her to explain herself, but she could sense Liu Zhilan's concern, noticing the faint bruises under her eyes.

"It's alright, Mom. I won't pry as long as you're safe," Liu Zhilan responded, her heart warmed by her daughter's words. She then scrutinized Su Ningning from head to toe, her maternal instincts kicking in, "Baby Ning, you're not hurt anywhere, are you?"

"Mom, I'm fine, really good," Su Ningning said, her heart instantly filled with warmth. She hesitated briefly before linking arms with her mother, her smile blooming like a flower.

"By the way, someone came looking for you early this morning," Liu Zhilan said, her heart swelling with joy at her daughter's closeness.

"Who was it?"

"I'm not sure. You know how your grandmother is, and I'm not always up to the task," Liu Zhilan admitted with a hint of bitterness. "But I did notice the person was bald. I think I heard him say something about you going to some old place this weekend. Could it be that young monk from the temple?"

"Baby Ning..." Liu Zhilan paused, uncertain.

"Mom, I know who it is," she said with a soft smile. "It's my master. I know where to go. Don't worry."

Su Ningning, usually so reserved, now wore the joyful expression of a young girl, catching Liu Zhilan off guard.

This was more fitting for her age. Liu Zhilan felt a pang of doubt—was bringing her daughter back really the best decision?

"Mom, let's go," Su Ningning said, now dressed and ready, walking out arm in arm with Liu Zhilan.

"Ningning, the car is waiting outside," Old Madam Su said with a tender smile. "Lili is out there waiting for you."

Su Ningning had to rely on Ji Ye, the girl she brought back, to forge a connection with the Chu family. That was the only way to give Su Lili a chance to marry into their powerful ranks.

At the mention of her name, Su Ningning felt a wave of goosebumps. She couldn't bear being called "Ningning."

"Old Madam Su," Ji Ye interjected suddenly, "I will take the Eldest Miss."

Old Madam Su was taken aback, giving Su Ningning a second look as she weighed her options internally.

"Sister," Su Lili said, her eyes betraying a flicker of envy, but she knew all too well the opulence of the Chu family's cars—and their formidable power.

She was eager to latch onto their strength.

"Sister, let's go," Su Lili said with a beaming smile.

Su Ningning's cool gaze was tinged with a touch of scorn.

Hadn't Old Madam Su just degraded her to less than a dog?

And now they want to ride on her coattails?

I'm sorry.

Her lips, thin and curved, held a meaningful expression as she turned her gaze to Su Lili.

"Sister..."

Feeling the overwhelming presence, Su Lili's body instinctively stumbled back, a wave of unease spreading through her from within.