Chapter 51: Lady Xi’s Subtle Assistance

Nangong Ao paused for a moment before explaining, “Because, back then, Old Madam Xi actively suppressed your mother…”

For a moment, Xianyu Zhen was so astonished that she didn’t even know where to begin her questions. She knew far too little about the past generation.

“We can discuss this in detail once we get home. There are too many people here at the Xi family, and words travel fast.”

After that, throughout the family banquet, Xianyu Zhen remained somewhat absent-minded, barely touching her food.

While everyone else engaged in polite conversation, only Xi Junle noticed her distraction.

He assumed she was simply too reserved to eat and called over a servant to bring her a dessert.

This act drew everyone’s attention to Xianyu Zhen.

Like the Nangong family, the Xi family attached great importance to dining etiquette. For health reasons, desserts were never served at dinner.

Yet Xi Junle made an exception for Xianyu Zhen, which inevitably brought her to the attention of the Xi family patriarch.

“You’re Ziyu’s distant cousin, aren’t you?” The old gentleman asked personally, making Xi Junle tense on her behalf.

His grandfather was always friendly, but when it came to matters concerning him or those around him, he became strict and exacting.

Xianyu Zhen managed to compose herself, sitting up straight and nodding slightly in response.

Her manners were impeccable, and her appearance was as gentle and pleasant as described by her daughter-in-law and grandson. However, in the end, she was only a distant relative, far from the status of the future mistress of the Xi family.

The old man made a silent appraisal, then said with sincere gravity, “Madam Nangong has always been kind-hearted. Since she shows you such favor, you ought to be content. Make the most of your opportunity to study, strive to improve yourself, and in the future, repay the Nangong family’s kindness.”

Clearly, his words did not regard Xianyu Zhen as a true member of the Nangong family; he also reminded her to be satisfied and not harbor any improper ambitions.

Xianyu Zhen understood perfectly and replied, “A drop of kindness should be returned with a spring. In the future, I will do all I can to repay everyone who has helped me.”

The old man was quite pleased. “Good. It’s admirable to recognize your own position.”

Madam Xi was delighted to hear her father-in-law praise Xianyu Zhen, but Xi Junle caught the hidden warning in his words.

His grandfather was cautioning Xianyu Zhen not to entertain any unwarranted thoughts about him! Yet she responded with composed dignity.

Xi Junle hadn’t thought much of her at first, but every time he saw others belittle or suppress her, only to watch her stand tall and unyielding, he couldn’t help but develop a deeper admiration for her.

The patriarch noticed his grandson staring openly at the young lady and coughed deliberately to remind him.

Madam Xi, unaware of the old man’s intent, encouraged her son, “Junle, your cousin Zhen isn’t just grateful—she’s also diligent. In the future, you must help her whenever you can!”

“Indeed, the young lady conducts herself very well,” Principal Xi added approvingly. “Yesterday, a classmate injured her after believing a rumor, yet she didn’t argue but handed the matter over to the school. She truly understands reason!”

At this, expressions around the table changed.

Madam Nangong, having already heard about it from Su Cha, was not surprised.

Nangong Ao, however, frowned deeply. Why had no one reported this to him?

Madam Xi asked with concern, “Were you hurt? Was it serious?”

Xi Junle also inquired, “Who did this to you?”

Perhaps Xianyu Zhen didn’t let the matter go because she was reasonable, but because she had no one to stand up for her.

Xianyu Zhen kept silent; she didn’t want to discuss this here.

The old patriarch, not wishing for everyone’s attention to remain on Xianyu Zhen, said to Principal Xi, “Since it’s been handed to the school, make sure to investigate thoroughly.”

He then turned to discuss sponsoring the K Country medical team with Madam Nangong.

Thus, the episode passed.

——

After the banquet, Madam Xi enthusiastically suggested that Xi Junle escort Xianyu Zhen home.

“No need to trouble Junle! Zhen is staying at the Nangong Residence; Ziyu can take her back,” Madam Nangong gently declined.

Her intention was to keep Xi Junle from interacting too much with Xianyu Zhen, but Madam Xi was all the more delighted.

“So Zhen is staying at the residence? Junle just moved there as well!” Madam Xi took Xianyu Zhen’s hand, beaming. “In the future, if you have any questions about school, just find your brother Junle—he’ll help you.”

Xianyu Zhen found Madam Xi’s warmth a bit overwhelming, but could only agree politely.

Standing nearby, Xi Junle handed her his business card. “I don’t use social media—just call me if you need anything.”

Xianyu Zhen remembered Nangong Ao’s advice to keep her distance from him, so she didn’t accept the card.

Madam Xi took the card directly from her son and pressed it into Xianyu Zhen’s hand, reassuring her, “Don’t worry about reporters or fans—security is excellent around the residence. Only residents can get close; no one will find out.”

Clearly, she wanted to encourage more interaction between the two.

Madam Xi herself had been born into modest circumstances—her parents were professors at a southern university—and cared little for status, valuing character above all else. Principal Xi and Xi Junle shared her view.

However, as the only grandson raised by the patriarch, Xi Junle’s future wife was held to far higher standards in the old man’s eyes.

Had he been present, Madam Xi’s actions would likely have left him speechless with exasperation.

Xianyu Zhen had no choice but to put the card away.

After the group had left, Madam Xi noticed her son still gazing after the departing car and chuckled to herself.

It seemed tonight’s family dinner had been a great success!

But she doubted her inexperienced son could win over his future bride without some help. She’d have to give him a push or two!

While Madam Xi was plotting, Madam Nangong grew anxious as well.

Upon returning to the villa, she called Nangong Ao to remind him, “Ziyu, pay more attention to Zhen in the coming days. Don’t let that Xi boy get a head start.”

Nangong Ao had originally intended to use Zhen’s youth as an excuse to delay matters for a year or two.

But with Xi Junle suddenly thrown into the mix, it seemed he might not be able to stall much longer.

Yet, Xia Zhiyun’s heart donor was still not found, the Zhenxuan Sect was scheming, and there was the troublesome Mu family to contend with…

Nangong Ao truly felt drained.

Even so, the next day he called Zhen into his study, intending to start by reaching an understanding with her.

It was her first time in the young master’s study.

Aside from two full bookshelves, the room was equipped with the most advanced smart technology—Nangong Ao occasionally held video conferences with his executives here.

But what did he want with her today?

Before she could figure it out, Nangong Ao got straight to the point. “Do you like the young master of the Xi family?”