C9 9
Ming Qingcheng escorted Jiang Yining to the second floor. "Sister, I'm so sorry. It was all my fault. I should have tried harder to calm Xuexian down and keep her from acting on impulse." She turned toward Jiang Yining, her gentle features full of remorse. Jiang Yining gave her a slow, indifferent glance, her beautiful, peach-blossom eyes chillingly aloof. "You owe an apology to someone else, not me." With that, she continued walking. Ming Qingcheng’s gaze flickered as she hurried after her, wanting to say more, but Jiang Yining radiated an icy presence that made it hard to get close. Ming Qingcheng frowned slightly, searching for a way to continue the conversation. As they passed an open room on the second floor, Jiang Yining glanced inside. Light from the hallway spilled in, falling across a grand piano. Ming Qingcheng stepped closer. "Sister, this is my music room. If you want to play the piano..." Before she could finish, Jiang Yining shook her head. "I can’t play." Ming Qingcheng smiled gently. "I can teach you." "No need, but thank you." "You don’t have to be polite, Sister. There are still several days before school starts, and I have time to teach you." Jiang Yining looked at her again but didn’t respond. Suddenly, she slowed and lifted her head, spotting Zhao Xuexian standing ahead with her arms crossed and a mocking expression. "Don’t get smug just because someone spoke up for you. Trash will always be trash. No matter how fancy the packaging, you can’t change what you are. A country bumpkin dreaming of being a rich young lady, don’t make people laugh." The scorn in her voice was unmistakable, and her face was filled with disgust. Even though she had been the one to apologize tonight, the person Ming Chengkang hated most was undoubtedly Jiang Yining. Zhao Xuexian wanted to see how long this woman could last in the Ming family without her uncle and aunt backing her. No matter how formidable Third Master Mu might be, he had no right to interfere in another family’s affairs. And someone like Third Master Mu surely wouldn’t have the time to keep watching over someone so worthless. Yet Jiang Yining showed no anger at all. She even gave a faint nod.
"I agree." With that, Jiang Yining gracefully sidestepped and walked past her. Zhao Xuexian was taken aback. She actually agreed with what I said? Could this woman be so foolish as to not recognize the sarcasm? As Zhao Xuexian was about to follow her, Ming Qingcheng held her back. Zhao Xuexian turned and said, "What's the matter?" Ming Qingcheng asked, "Have you forgotten what you promised me?" Zhao Xuexian, oblivious to Ming Qingcheng's pained and awkward expression, replied with frustration, "Qingcheng, you're just too soft-hearted. Look at that country bumpkin. She's been here one day and she's already overstepping her bounds. If this continues, she'll be walking all over you before you know it." Ming Qingcheng shook her head and offered a wry smile. "I simply want our family to live in harmony. Please don't..." She trailed off, then strode after Jiang Yining. "Oh, you're such a fool," Zhao Xuexian muttered, fuming as she stamped her foot, her resolve to deal with Jiang Yining growing firmer. Jiang Yining's room was at the far end of the hallway. When she opened the door, she was greeted by a stark, minimalist European-style interior. The decor was dominated by black and white, giving off the impersonal vibe of a showroom. Ming Qingcheng said with a smile, "The house has been bustling with banquet preparations, so I haven't had the chance to properly introduce you to your room. My mother went to great lengths to prepare this especially for you." Jiang Yining uttered, "Oh," and stepped inside. As Ming Qingcheng moved to follow her, Jiang Yining turned back and blocked her way. "Do you need something else?"
