Chapter Eleven: The True and False Heiress

Soon, Mu Jinnian had no time to care about his wounds.

His mind was filled with the delicate hand gently stroking his back.

Wherever it passed, it was like a wildfire spreading.

The smiling face of Huai Ying kept appearing in his mind.

He swallowed hard, then quickly cursed himself inwardly.

What nonsense was he thinking?

He must be crazy!

“Look, does it still hurt?”

The cold, indifferent voice brought him back to reality.

Mu Jinnian cautiously moved his body and realized the pain was truly gone.

It felt as if he had never been injured.

He stood up, looking at Huai Ying with inexplicable emotion.

A thousand words condensed into two simple ones: “Thank you.”

“Who hurt you?” Huai Ying pressed.

“Family. They made some minor mistakes, but it’s fine now,” Mu Jinnian replied lightly, almost drifting.

Unable to help himself, he said, “I don’t know what method you used to heal me, but don’t show such miraculous skills in front of others; it might bring you trouble.”

Huai Ying was far too trusting of people.

Listening to this, Xiao Hong, who had been wary of him, finally relaxed.

She had just learned about Huai Ying’s abilities; otherwise, she definitely would have stopped her from helping others.

For now, it seemed Mu Jinnian was not someone who coveted Huai Ying.

“Boss, I know you’re powerful, but you still need to be careful. What if someone kidnaps you for experiments?”

Xiao Hong spoke like a worried parent, earnestly advising, “Human nature is fragile. If they envy your abilities and plot against you in secret, what will you do?”

“I’m not afraid. No one in this world can harm me.”

Huai Ying replied dismissively, “Anyone who tries to benefit from me will pay a heavy price, just like those in the apocalypse.”

“Do you think people in this world are tougher than those in the apocalypse?” Xiao Hong’s words carried a hint of sarcasm.

Xiao Hong was stumped and couldn’t help but ask, “What exactly happened to you in the apocalypse?”

Huai Ying did not answer. She walked aside and took out materials she had long prepared.

Xiao Hong gasped in surprise.

Good heavens, she was pulling out all the ingredients.

“Help me out,” Huai Ying tossed the items carelessly to Mu Jinnian.

Without further questions, Mu Jinnian cooperated.

“Boss, it’s time to eat. Let’s go have dinner.”

“Boss, Miss Bai bought your favorite desserts.”

“Boss, I ordered takeout for you, all your favorite dishes.”

…

Xiao Hong flew around anxiously, spinning in frustration.

How could she persuade Huai Ying?

“Xiao Hong, if you don’t shut up, I’ll kill myself immediately.”

Huai Ying uttered absentmindedly, annoyed.

Mu Jinnian stiffened.

The items in his hand dropped to the floor.

He looked at Huai Ying, stunned.

She wanted to kill herself?

And who was Xiao Hong?

Neither of them noticed the commotion around them.

“Host, wuwuwu…” Xiao Hong seemed about to kneel.

A knock on the door awakened Huai Ying.

“Huai Ying, time to eat.”

Bai Jinwei’s voice came, and Huai Ying hurriedly tidied up.

The aroma of food already filled the air; she couldn’t wait.

Xiao Hong heaved a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness, thank goodness.

Could she destroy those things outright?

She could, but if Huai Ying found out…

Sigh!

Xiao Hong sighed silently but quickly steeled herself.

She had survived another day; that was already impressive.

She was amazing—keep going.

At the dining table, under the scrutinizing gazes of others, Mu Jinnian calmly served Huai Ying some food.

Mr. Bai’s cold eyes landed on him.

His grip on the chopsticks tightened, and he snorted coldly.

Mrs. Bai, seeing this, quietly served him some food and nudged him under the table.

Her glance silently said: Be polite.

Mr. Bai grew increasingly displeased but showed no further reaction.

“Miss, Young Master Gu is here again.”

The butler entered helplessly, casting a glance at Bai Jinwei.

Gu Mingxu came to the Bai family whenever he had free time, having been kicked out countless times but never giving up.

“Does Huai Ying want to see him?” Bai Jinwei asked, looking at her.

“Sure.”

Gu Mingxu entered with a face full of delight.

Especially upon seeing Bai Jinwei, he hurried over excitedly.

“Weiwei, I missed you so much. You finally agreed to see me.”

“Since you’re here, we can discuss the marriage between our families.”

Bai Jinwei calmly distanced herself.

“When will your parents be available?”

“Discuss our marriage?” Gu Mingxu eagerly asked.

But seeing Bai Jinwei’s expression, he knew it was not about that.

His spirits instantly sank.

Murmuring stubbornly, “I won’t marry Huai Ying.”

After saying this, he seemed to find his courage.

He lifted his head and declared to everyone, “I will not marry Huai Ying; I will only marry Weiwei.”

“This engagement was originally set with Weiwei. When we were children, you asked if I was willing to marry Weiwei. Why can you just change the person?”

“I will never agree. Let me marry that woman only if I’m dead.”

Gu Mingxu felt wronged and heartbroken, tears welling in his eyes.

He sniffed, fighting back the tears.

Stubbornly, he looked at Bai Jinwei: “Weiwei, you said you wanted to marry me. Why change your mind?”

“Is it because of that woman? Did she bully you? Tell me, and I’ll protect you.”

Gu Mingxu glared fiercely at Huai Ying.

Harshly, he said, “I would never marry a wicked woman like you. You aren’t even worth a single strand of Weiwei’s hair.”

His words darkened everyone’s faces.

The atmosphere grew icy.

“Young Master Gu, my daughter is not someone you can speak for. We all think she is wonderful.”

Mr. Bai finally found an outlet for his long-suppressed anger.

“You don’t have the right to criticize my daughter. I think I should have a talk with your father about your manners.”

Bai Jinwei stood up, face stern.

“Huai Ying is wonderful. I’m the one who doesn’t want to marry you.”

“But we were so good before. Everyone assumed we would get married.”

Gu Mingxu cautiously reached to tug at Bai Jinwei’s sleeve.

A forced, pleading smile appeared on his face.

“Did I do something wrong? I can change.”

“Please don’t abandon me.”

They had known each other since childhood and knew each other too well.

That’s why he couldn’t accept Bai Jinwei’s sudden coldness.

He could only blame Huai Ying.

That way, he could convince himself Bai Jinwei still liked him—it was just a matter of circumstance.

“You look ugly when you cry.”

Bai Jinwei hardened her heart and looked away.

“The person I like should be outstanding and capable, not a useless man like you. Apart from your family background, what makes you worthy of me?”

“I should choose someone better.”

Gu Mingxu was deeply wounded, his heart trembling.

“But you said I was good enough!”