Xu Zeqing calculated that he wouldn’t suffer any loss but could send the old man to live in Cangshan Town.

In the future, when it gets hot, there would no longer be unpleasant odors in the house, so he wholeheartedly agreed with Xu Xingguang’s arrangement.

Besides, the benefits promised by Jiang Heng had yet to be delivered, and during this period, Xu Zeqing didn’t dare to offend Xu Xingguang.

He feared that if Xu Xingguang flipped out and caused a scene with Jiang Heng, Jiang Heng might go back on his word.

Ignoring the pain in his thigh, Xu Zeqing disregarded the presence of You Jingqiu and nodded, saying, "Cangshan Town is a scenic place. It’s not a bad idea for your grandfather to go there to recuperate. We’ll do as you say."

"I disagree!" You Jingqiu said grimly, "I have my own career; I don’t have time to cook!"

Xu Zeqing then offered You Jingqiu a comforting smile, "Jing Qiu, you’re busy with your work at the beauty salon, and Ming Yue and Jiaoyang have their jobs to attend to. We don’t eat at home often as a family, so there’s no need to hire a maid."

Though that was the logic, You Jingqiu was still furious. She put down her chopsticks and went upstairs.

You Mingyue wanted to tear into Xu Xingguang, but remembering that Chu Zimu would be visiting soon, she couldn’t ruin the atmosphere at home and had to swallow her anger and go upstairs to play the piano.

Listening to the angry and fiery piano music coming from upstairs, Xu Xingguang shook her head and murmured, "Amateur."

The maid made a racket in the kitchen as a way to vent her dissatisfaction.

After Xu Xingguang finished her meal and took her bowl to the kitchen, she didn’t leave. She leaned against the stove and watched the maid, speaking as if chatting with a friend, "You’re earning double the salary of a domestic helper and caregiver, yet you’re only doing one job. The bedsores on my grandfather’s back are evidence of your improper care. If I wanted, I could sue you. See if anyone else would dare hire you."

"Letting you resign yourself and find a new employer is giving you dignity." It wasn’t that Xu Xingguang looked down on the maid; she just couldn’t stand those who took money without doing their job.

Hearing this, the maid froze, fear welling up in her heart. She murmured softly, "I’ll resign right now."

The maid was afraid that if she didn’t leave quickly, Xu Xingguang would sue her. So she packed her things and left, even running without her remaining wages.

No matter how You Jingqiu tried to keep her, she couldn’t stop the maid from leaving. Watching her go, she angrily stomped in her high heels to face Xu Xingguang and questioned, "Did you do this on purpose? I replaced the previous maid, and then you drove mine away!"

Nodding slightly, Xu Xingguang said, "If you say so, then yes."

Looking towards the kitchen, Xu Xingguang kindly reminded You Jingqiu, "Aunt You, it’s already ten o’clock. Your golden son-in-law is arriving soon. If you don’t cook now, are you planning to welcome him with a cold hearth and empty stove?"

You Jingqiu shot daggers at her with a glare but eventually headed into the kitchen.

Inside, she stared at her nails, done overnight, and her hands, treated with a mask just this morning. Looking at the greasy meat, she felt like crying. But the urgent task was to cook lunch to entertain Chu Zimu, and she didn’t have time to dawdle.

Xu Zeqing also went into the kitchen to help.

Xu Xingguang watched their busy backs and, for a moment, imagined the scene of Xu Zeqing cooking with her mom.

But back then, Xu Zeqing was busy with work, always either socializing or at the office, coming home late, spending holidays playing golf, drinking tea, or playing cards with others. He rarely cooked with mom.

Who would believe there was no affection, merely two people supporting each other in life?

*

At 10:40 in the morning, a vehicle from the Chu family drove into the Xu Family Courtyard.

Chu Zimu stepped out of a black Range Rover with his long legs. Today, he was dressed in a tailored black suit, with his hair slicked back to reveal a full forehead. Beneath his thick eyebrows, his refined eyes exuded nobility.

When he saw You Mingyue coming out from the foyer to greet him, his cold eyes instantly softened with affection.

"Ming Yue."

He took You Mingyue’s hand, unable to resist bowing to kiss the back of it with emotion.

You Mingyue wore a white caped cheongsam, her wavy hair styled into a vintage updo, paired with large pearl earrings. Her small face looked exquisite and charming. Standing beside the elegant and noble Chu Zimu, they truly seemed like a match made in heaven. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Xu Xingguang stood on the open-air balcony in front of the loft, watching Chu Zimu and the maid behind him, holding a gift with both hands. She shook her head slightly.

Tsk.

Chu Zimu had come to slap her face and brought two henchmen along.

*

When lunch was finally served on the table, Xu Xingguang came downstairs.

Upon hearing her footsteps, the harmonious and friendly atmosphere downstairs immediately quieted.

They had assumed that Xu Xingguang had taken so long to come down because she was in her room grooming.

Therefore, when Xu Xingguang finally appeared downstairs, both You Mingyue and Chu Zimu looked eagerly towards the staircase.

They expected to see an elegant, affluent, young lady.

But what they saw was an utterly disappointing sight—

She was still wearing the same bulky and loose long down jacket from the previous night. Thick white socks peeped out from her black cotton shoes, and a turtleneck sweater hid under the coat, covering her collarbones and neck. Only her face and hands were visible.

This outfit, politely put, looked "homely". Less politely, it looked "sloppy."

Xu Xingguang’s features were still beautiful, but like a Buddha needs golden adornment, a person depends on clothes. No matter how beautiful, if dressed poorly, one couldn’t present stunning beauty. She looked not unattractive, but far from the breathtaking beauty she had once been to Chu Zimu in her youth.

Yet all these clothes were prepared for Xu Xingguang by You Jingqiu. The clothes she prepared were all practical and warm styles. But they all shared the same drawbacks—old-fashioned, conservative, and utterly lacking in style.

It was as if You Jingqiu was worried that if Xu Xingguang looked good, she would steal You Mingyue’s glory.