CHAPTER 154: CHAPTER 154: THE CRUEL TRUTH

"Eh?"

Yan Xinxin snapped out of her daze and looked up, only to see a small and adorable figure running toward her.

"Xinxin Sis!"

Little Chenxi cheerfully moved her short legs, her soft and innocent little face lit up with a joyful smile as she dashed right up to Yan Xinxin.

"Chenxi?"

Yan Xinxin was both surprised and delighted.

She squatted down, but before she could get steady, the little one had already thrown herself into her arms, planting a sweet kiss on her cheek with her cherry-like lips.

"Xinxin Sis, Xixi missed you so much. Did you miss Xixi?"

Little Chenxi fluttered her pure, innocent big eyes and looked at her expectantly.

Yan Xinxin felt a warm, gentle flow spark in her heart, causing her eyes to sting slightly.

"I did. Xinxin Sis missed Little Chenxi too."

She smiled warmly, reaching out to stroke the little one’s soft head.

"Hmph."

A cold snort suddenly resounded from above, and Yan Xinxin noticed a shadow looming over the pair.

Looking up, she saw Mu Qianshui’s mother, Ning Zitong.

"I was wondering why Xixi insisted on coming to this dessert shop to eat. Turns out it’s because of you."

Ning Zitong spoke coldly, her expression visibly displeased.

Yan Xinxin froze for a moment before slowly standing up.

"Aunt, I like Xinxin Sis."

Little Chenxi raised her head and looked seriously at Ning Zitong with her earnest eyes.

Ning Zitong seemed frustrated, furrowing her brows but crouching down patiently.

"Xixi, this place isn’t suitable for you, and this so-called Xinxin Sis isn’t fit to be your friend. I’ll take you somewhere else for ice cream."

"No way! I want to eat the ice cream and cake made by Xinxin Sis!"

Little Chenxi stubbornly declared, turning and running to Yan Xinxin’s side to tug at the hem of her skirt.

"Xinxin Sis, play with Xixi, okay?"

"Chenxi..."

"Yan Xinxin, I need to have a word with you."

Ning Zitong was evidently irritated.

She had raised Mu Chenxi since the day she was born—this child was obedient and lovely, always listening to her. Yet, now, she was becoming rebellious because of Yan Xinxin’s influence.

"I’m sorry, Mrs. Mu, but I need to focus on work..."

"It’ll only take two minutes of your time."

"...Alright then."

Unable to refuse, Yan Xinxin nodded helplessly.

Seated in the far corner of the dessert shop by the window, Yan Xinxin looked at Little Chenxi sitting beside her, still clutching the hem of her skirt, and felt a wave of tenderness in her heart.

Opposite her, however, was Ning Zitong’s stern face.

"Yan Xinxin, I know you’re quite capable. Xixi likes you so much, so you must have put considerable effort into it."

Yan Xinxin was momentarily taken aback by her words but responded patiently.

"Mrs. Mu, I’ve already explained before. I didn’t abduct Little Chenxi. I only found such a small child wandering alone on the street and was concerned, so I—"

"I’ve told you before—I don’t want to hear your explanations."

"...Then, what is it you want to discuss with me now?"

"I want to tell you that being a rich family’s young wife isn’t easy, especially the young wife of the most prestigious family in Ancheng."

Ning Zitong’s elegant, noble face carried a trace of oppressive and domineering aura.

Yan Xinxin instantly understood.

"I know you gave birth to Chuxi’s son, but that alone doesn’t mean you can marry into the Mo family."

Hearing those words, Yan Xinxin’s slender fingers tightened slightly.

Ning Zitong continued speaking.

"There’s a cruel truth, but I still feel the need to tell you. The reason Chuxi allows you to stay by his side isn’t because he truly loves you, but because your appearance bears a slight resemblance to someone."

The moment those words reached her ears, Yan Xinxin felt her heartbeat quicken, an inexplicable tension constricting her breathing.

She wanted to get up and leave, yet she suddenly heard Ning Zitong clearly and explicitly utter a name with three syllables...