Max Level Return—I'll Protect That Fragile One

Chapter 38

You Mingyue didn’t deny or admit it; she just said in an aggrieved tone, ”Xingguang has every right to be angry. Indeed, I secretly wore her necklace.”

Hearing this, Chu Zimu was somewhat surprised, ”Why did you do that?” He couldn’t quite believe that You Mingyue would secretly use Xu Xingguang’s things.

Just the thought of the girl he liked being someone who liked to steal items, diminished his affection for her considerably.

You Jingqiu, upon hearing You Mingyue’s words, shot her a disapproving glare.

This foolish girl, how could she admit in front of Chu Zimu that she’s a thief!

Xu Zeqing, who had been silently guarding the ward, showed a look of relief after hearing You Mingyue’s words.

He knew that You Mingyue didn’t mistakenly wear Xu Xingguang’s necklace; she simply desired Xu Xingguang’s necklace.

Initially, when Xu Zeqing was tidying up Xu Xingguang’s room, he only packed and burned some worthless things and put some unused items in the storage room.

The valuable jewelry and bags, however, were separately stored in a cabinet in the dressing room. Therefore, You Mingyue’s things wouldn’t get mixed up with Xu Xingguang’s belongings.

Naturally, there was no possibility of wearing the wrong jewelry.

Xu Zeqing had long noticed You Mingyue wearing Xu Xingguang’s jewelry, but considering Xu Xingguang couldn’t wake up and would eventually pass away, and Ming Yue was his biological daughter, even if You Mingyue took all of Xu Xingguang’s jewelry, it would still stay within the family.

Thus, he turned a blind eye to it.

Earlier, when he said that in front of Xu Xingguang, it was simply to maintain You Mingyue’s image.

At this moment, upon hearing You Mingyue admit to her mistake, Xu Zeqing was not disappointed but rather more fond of her.

Her ability to bravely acknowledge her mistake indicated she was an honest good child.

Reflecting on Xu Xingguang’s domineering and violent personality, Xu Zeqing slightly furrowed his brows.

Compared to Ming Yue, Xingguang really fell short.

”Ming Yue, why did you secretly wear Xu Xingguang’s jewelry?” Chu Zimu persisted in asking with a determined attitude.

Before You Mingyue explained, her tears started to fall.

She turned her head, looking at the wall inside the hospital room, and tearfully said, ”You know, my brother and I were raised by my mother alone. Our childhood was very difficult until my mother opened a beauty salon, and our lives began to improve.”

”But just raising us siblings and supporting our education was a significant expense. Not to mention, my mother also spent money to hire the best piano teachers for me and to buy a professional piano. The most precious gift I ever received growing up was that piano.”

Saying this, You Mingyue couldn’t help but pull up the quilt to hide herself.

Her muffled sobs came from under the covers: ”On the first day I moved into Xu Xingguang’s room, upon seeing her pretty clothes and jewelry in the wardrobe, I really envied her. I couldn’t help but secretly put them on. Only when I saw myself in the mirror, did I realize that I could also look so beautiful.”

”But I swear, I never flaunted her things. I just locked myself in the room, pretending to be a princess.”

Hearing You Mingyue detail her past, the doubts and disappointment in Chu Zimu’s heart instantly turned into tenderness.

Having been born into a wealthy family and always living a life of ease, upon hearing about You Mingyue’s past, he felt even more compassion towards her.

Xu Zeqing also felt heartbroken.

Though he had long acknowledged You Jingqiu, he was a man with a family. He had secretly funded a beauty salon for You Jingqiu, showing significant commitment and righteousness.

If he frequently took money out, Mo Yinshu would eventually find out.

Therefore, Xu Zeqing didn’t often buy expensive items for You Mingyue and You Jiaoyang. In contrast, he regularly purchased luxury items for Xu Xingguang.

This comparison made Xu Zeqing feel even more sorry for You Mingyue.

Raised in extravagance, Xu Xingguang grew up to be a domineering girl. On the other hand, You Mingyue, who lived a modest life, turned out to be more kindhearted and honest.

How pitiful!

As a mother, You Jingqiu felt extremely guilty upon hearing You Mingyue’s monologue. She wasn’t as capable or talented as Mo Yinshu, unable to provide You Mingyue with a princess-like life.

Noticing Chu Zimu’s eyes filled with pity for You Mingyue, You Jingqiu was delighted.

Judging by Chu Zimu’s reaction, he obviously felt sorry for Ming Yue!

”Honey, let’s go out first,” You Jingqiu said as she took Xu Zeqing’s hand and stood up, leaving the hospital room.

After they left, Chu Zimu lay down on the other side of the bed, enveloping You Mingyue along with the quilt she was wrapped in.

”Ming Yue.”

You Mingyue hesitated before pulling the quilt away, revealing her tear-streaked, delicate face. ”Brother Chu, do you also think I’m vain?”

”Don’t say that about yourself. In my heart, you’re the best.” Chu Zimu gently kissed You Mingyue’s forehead with tender affection, solemnly promising, ”Ming Yue, from today onward, I will pamper and love you even more.”

”You need not lock yourself in a room pretending to be a princess, for I will spoil you into the happiest princess in Yujiang City! I’ll make Xu Xingguang open her eyes and see clearly; you are more dazzling than her!”

Upon hearing Chu Zimu’s vow, You Mingyue cried even harder.

Relying on others is not as good as relying on oneself.

You Mingyue admitted that some of what Xu Xingguang said tonight did hold some truth.

But You Mingyue also knew that while she had some talent in piano, compared to true piano geniuses, she was still not outstanding enough.

Rather than chasing an unattainable dream, it was better to firmly grasp Chu Zimu’s heart. As long as she became the wife of the Chu Family’s heir, wouldn’t she still call the shots in Yujiang City?

In life, especially as a woman, one needs to be realistic.

*

Early the next morning, Xu Xingguang delivered new herbs to the branch of Lan Zhong Auction House. As she carried breakfast back to the Xu Family, she happened to run into Xu Zeqing and his wife returning from the hospital.

Upon seeing Xu Xingguang, You Jingqiu scowled and sarcastically asked, ”Out buying breakfast so early? Haven’t you returned all night?”

Without waiting for Xu Xingguang to explain, You Jingqiu taunted, ”As a single young woman, it’s better not to go out at night to avoid being gossiped about.”

Xu Xingguang suddenly shook her ankle and said, ”There are plenty of vacant beds in the hospital; do you want to join your daughter there?”

Recalling You Mingyue’s face swollen like a pig’s head, You Jingqiu immediately decided to hold back.

Xu Zeqing informed Xu Xingguang, ”Ming Yue has a mild concussion and needs to stay in the hospital for observation. Mr. Chu is accompanying her there. Xingguang, since Ming Yue is the Chu Family’s chosen future daughter-in-law, be mindful of your actions.”

”As long as she doesn’t act cheap, I definitely won’t act out.” With those words, Xu Xingguang entered the house with her breakfast.

”Look at the nonsense she’s spouting!” You Jingqiu was about to confront Xu Xingguang but was held back by Xu Zeqing, ”Alright, don’t make a scene. After all, Ming Yue did steal her things. If this gets blown out of proportion, it will still tarnish Ming Yue’s reputation.”

Hearing this, You Jingqiu immediately calmed down.

Nothing is more important than successfully marrying Ming Yue into the Chu Family.

She absolutely couldn’t become an obstacle for Ming Yue.