Chapter 87: Not True Love

Xianyu Jing wanted to refuse, but Xi Junle gave her no chance. After speaking, he excused himself to consult the attending physician about Xiaoyu’s condition and left.

On the way back, Xianyu Jing felt conflicted.

She looked at Jiang Mohe, silently driving ahead, and asked, “Mr. Jiang, do you think what I did was unfair to Sister Xiuyan?”

Tonight’s outcome was joyous for Xiaoyu, but what about Xiuyan? Although she had declared she wouldn’t interfere with Xiuyan’s decisions, from the moment she showed her Xiaoyu’s video, she had already guided her toward a choice. She knew Xiuyan, like Xiushi, was kind-hearted.

“She has eyes and a mind of her own. The choices she makes are hers to bear,” Jiang Mohe replied.

Xianyu Jing understood this principle, yet she still felt uneasy.

Jiang Mohe added, “You helped that little girl. In a sense, you saved her.”

Very well, this was her decision. The knot in Xianyu Jing’s heart unraveled.

“Thank you.”

Thank you for always helping her whenever she was lost.

But Jiang Mohe’s mood was heavy. He didn’t know how to break the news of Xianyu Feng’s death to her. Although Xianyu Feng wasn’t her biological brother, she was willing to spend all her savings to find news of him, showing how close their bond was.

If she learned her brother was already gone, how devastated would she be?

How could he handle this matter to minimize the hurt to her?

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Early on the weekend morning, Xiao Zhiyun rode in her chauffeur-driven car to an upscale tea house.

The entire tea house had been reserved. Xiao Zhiyun ascended to the second floor, where she saw Madame Nangong’s elegant and dignified silhouette.

Beside her stood Steward Xue and a tea master from the establishment.

Madame Nangong was delicately savoring the tea master’s craft. When she noticed Xiao Zhiyun approaching and greeting her politely, she acted as though she hadn’t noticed, continuing to drink her tea.

Xiao Zhiyun felt awkward.

She had thought Madame Nangong inviting her might mean she was ready to accept her. She hadn’t expected to be ignored.

But Xiao Zhiyun was, after all, a well-educated lady. Even if slighted, she remained courteous and poised, standing with no trace of displeasure.

After Madame Nangong had enjoyed her tea enough, she waved the tea master away, then nodded to Xiao Zhiyun: “You’re here, sit down.”

Xiao Zhiyun replied, “Thank you, Madame,” and gracefully took a seat opposite her.

Madame Nangong looked at Xiao Zhiyun’s gentle composure and spoke slowly: “Miss Xiao, you should know why I asked you here today, shouldn’t you?”

Xiao Zhiyun maintained a pleasant, appropriate smile: “I’m dull, Madame, please enlighten me.”

Madame Nangong gently pinched her silk handkerchief, pursing her lips: “Everyone outside is saying you’re Ziyu’s beloved. What do you think of that?”

Xiao Zhiyun was momentarily speechless.

How was she to answer? To say yes would seem arrogant; to say no would be lacking in confidence.

After a moment, she said, “Ziyu is kind to me, and I like him very much.”

She didn’t answer directly, but spoke the truth.

“Ha.” Madame Nangong gave a soft, mocking laugh. “You saved Ziyu’s life; it’s only right he treats you well. Ziyu is a man among men. It’s understandable you like him.”

Hearing this, Xiao Zhiyun’s hands, resting on her lap, involuntarily clasped together.

Madame Nangong was obviously mocking her: Nangong Ao’s kindness was merely gratitude, while she harbored delusions of marrying up!

Yet Xiao Zhiyun still wanted to fight for herself: “Madame, Ziyu and I…”

She was interrupted before she could finish: “You are you, and Ziyu is Ziyu. You are the second Miss of the Xiao family, frail since childhood, your life uncertain; Ziyu is the heir of the Nangong family, bearing great responsibilities.

Don’t try to tie yourself to Ziyu!”

Xiao Zhiyun lowered her head in silence, then softly said, “The hospital says the heart donor will soon be found.”

“Miss Xiao!” Madame Nangong’s voice suddenly rose, “Do you think the only difference between you and Ziyu is a healthy heart?”

“I…” Xiao Zhiyun’s hands tightened further.

Madame Nangong continued, “The Nangong family has been a noble house in the imperial city for centuries, with deep roots and vast wealth—not something a minor house squeezed in from Jiangnan can compare to!

How much do you know of the Nangong family? Of Ziyu? You, like those women outside, only see the family’s glory, unaware of the enormous obstacles and crises it faces.

Let me ask you: if Ziyu fell victim to an enemy’s scheme, how would you rescue him? How would you help him through hardship?”

Madame Nangong’s words were incisive and thorough, leaving Xiao Zhiyun unable to reply for a long time.

How could she save Ziyu? She could barely fend for herself!

“Ziyu grew up without his parents by his side, always coveted by others, so he keeps a distance from everyone. Deep down, he’s lonely. When he met you, offering him affection, he believed he returned your feelings.

Perhaps Ziyu treats you differently from others, but it may not be true love!”

Not true love… Xiao Zhiyun’s heart gave a painful twist. Was Ziyu kind to her only out of gratitude?

Thinking back, when Nangong Ao learned she had saved him, he was indeed very good to her, but never once told her he liked her.

Others envied that she caught the eye of the young master, but their meetings each month could be counted on one hand.

During their dates, she was always the one talking; Nangong Ao only cared about her health. He never spoke or acted intimately like lovers usually did.

Even Xiao Zhiying teased her, saying even Xianyu Jing could live in the Nangong mansion, while she only visited twice, both times delivering gifts at her parents’ request, never by Nangong Ao’s invitation.

All these things seemed to confirm Madame Nangong’s words: it was all just a misunderstanding on her part!

Madame Nangong understood girls like Xiao Zhiyun well—trusting in so-called true love. Once she began to doubt, it was more effective than forcing her out.

Seeing Xiao Zhiyun pale and silent,

Madame Nangong knew her words had sunk in, and finally offered another warning: “Miss Xiao, the position of lady of the Nangong house is not easily attained. Even if I agreed to let you through the door, it wouldn’t be a blessing for you.

Without the ability to handle it, you could end up tragically!”

This was not a scare tactic, but the truth. She had said all she needed, and would say no more.

Madame Nangong rose, smoothed her skirt, and slowly descended the tea house.

Steward Xue deliberately slowed his steps, turned back to Xiao Zhiyun, and said, “Miss Xiao, Madame doesn’t want to force you—she hopes you’ll consider your own well-being, and that of the young master.”

With that, Steward Xue also departed.

Xiao Zhiyun sat alone, feeling her heartbeat slow and her breath grow increasingly labored…