Chapter 8: Someone Still Sees Her as a Little Girl

Zhou Yunhe’s face, with its delicately applied makeup, instantly fell.

In the Zhou family, only the old master could rein in Zhou Beiming.

Many had come to complain about him, and Zhou Beiming had received his fair share of scoldings.

Now, with the old master present, Zhou Yunhe felt she had a solid backer. “Who are you yelling at? I’m your aunt. Don’t expect pearls from a dog’s mouth!”

Zhou Beiming draped his long arm across the back of the sofa behind Su Nian, his fingers playing with her earring.

Su Nian sat stiffly, nervous and upright, hands nearly clasped behind her back like a schoolgirl.

Zhou Beiming chuckled softly at the sight.

His eyes were full of mischief, completely unbothered.

He said, “Little bunny, someone bullied me. Shouldn’t you say something for me?”

Bullied?

Who could bully him?

Su Nian had no idea how to defend him.

The words “weakling” were practically written on her face—couldn’t he see?

She didn’t know how to curse or argue with people.

But Zhou Beiming’s gaze was sharp as a blade—it felt like if she didn’t say something, he’d slice her into pieces.

Summoning her courage, Su Nian mumbled, “Bounce back.”

So soft.

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

If the study hadn’t been so quiet, the other three might not have even heard her.

This was her best retort.

Before, she had only ever thought it in her mind—this was the first time she actually said it aloud.

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment after.

Maybe it was too powerful a blow—because the study fell into an even deeper silence. You could hear a pin drop.

Even the hot-tempered Zhou Yunhe was at a loss for words for a moment.

“Heh.”

Zhou Beiming burst out laughing, breaking the stillness with his delighted chuckle.

Su Nian didn’t see what was so funny.

She looked over at him.

Maybe the study lighting was too soft, but when the man smiled like that, it seemed to shimmer, momentarily clouding Su Nian’s thoughts.

But then he ruined the moment, “Aunt, Nian Nian says you’re just a dog’s mouth that can’t spit out ivory.”

Su Nian didn’t say that—yet… in a way, she kind of did.

That’s what her “bounce back” had returned.

Her ears turned red, and she grew more and more embarrassed.

She opened her mouth to explain—

Then closed it again. She was on Zhou Beiming’s side now. She had to stick to her stance.

Zhou Yunhe glared at her fiercely. “You haven’t even married into the Zhou family yet and you’re already behaving like Zhou Beiming. Is this what your upbringing taught you?”

Completely Zhou Beiming’s fault.

Su Nian quietly nudged Zhou Beiming with her foot. She didn’t know if he still wanted her to keep speaking on his behalf.

If not, silence was golden.

Zhou Beiming noticed the little kick out of the corner of his eye.

This woman reacts every time she gets hit?

He only wanted her to behave in front of him, not for everyone.

But he didn’t push her further.

At least she said ‘something’, even if it was just “bounce back.”

Zhou Beiming lazily withdrew his hand from her earring and stood up, walking slowly to the old master’s desk. One hand in his pocket, the other leaning on the desk, he tilted his head, looking down at Zhou Yunhe with arrogance.

Even bent over, he looked down on her.

His eyes were full of defiance.

“You’re lecturing my Nian Nian on upbringing? Careful or I’ll make sure you end up without a home.”

Zhou Yunhe opened her mouth, but the old master cut her off, “Yunhe, leave.”

If she kept arguing, this senseless daughter of his really might lose everything.

“Dad…” Zhou Yunhe dragged out the word, unwilling.

The old master shot her a sideways glance, his presence alone enough to silence her.

She fell quiet, fuming as she shot daggers at Zhou Beiming.

She stomped past Su Nian in her heels, huffing coldly, “Rabbit tails don’t grow long.”

Su Nian felt wronged but didn’t plan to argue back.

Until she looked up—and saw Zhou Beiming staring at her.

She was forced to deliver, “Bounce back.”

Softly.

Zhou Yunhe’s rage hit a wall of cotton. She was so mad, she could’ve strangled Su Nian.

“Bang!”

Other than slamming the door, she had no way to retaliate.

Silence fell again after the door slammed.

After a long while, Zhou Beiming looked smug.

He turned to the old master, “So, how’s your future granddaughter-in-law?”

Su Nian had a feeling.

The old master didn’t like her. From the moment she arrived, he hadn’t been kind.

She lowered her head, ready for a failing grade.

“How did a girl like you fall for this brat? What dirty tricks did he pull on you?”

His aged voice was far gentler than before.

Startled, Su Nian lifted her gaze slightly.

The old master was looking at her, his face kind.

She was dumbfounded.

He added, “Zhou Beiming’s no good. In the future, you’ll have to put up with him. If he ever bullies you, come to me—I’ll make him regret being born.”

No one knows a grandson like his grandfather.

Su Nian remained stunned.

Then the old master took out a pink box.

He stood and walked over, handing it to her. “A small gift from Grandpa. Take it.”

Su Nian accepted it, dazed.

Where was the fury she expected?

She felt like she’d stumbled into a den of thieves.

She didn’t open the box and murmured, “Thank you, Grandpa.”

The old master didn’t say much, just smiled. “Grandpa’s had a room prepared for you. I hope you like it.”

Su Nian thought she’d be staying with Zhou Beiming tonight.

She had no objection. She repeated, “Thank you, Grandpa.”

Zhou Beiming raised an eyebrow. “She’s staying with me.”

Displeasure written all over his face. “Old man, stop making trouble.”

The old master’s kindly face darkened instantly. “You little pervert! No taking advantage of the girl before marriage!”

Su Nian: “…”

It’s been two years.

Inside and out, Zhou Beiming had already devoured her clean.

She said nothing, assuming Zhou Beiming would argue.

But he just snorted, “Old fossil. So nosy.”

This grandfather-grandson pair seemed at odds, but in truth, they were close.

Su Nian didn’t know why the old master acted cold toward her in front of others, but he must have his reasons.

They didn’t stay long in the study. The butler came to escort Su Nian to her room.

Zhou Beiming tried to follow, but the old master slapped the back of his head. “If you dare follow her, I’ll break your legs.”

Zhou Beiming scowled. “Old man, you just wait.”

Then sauntered away.

The Zhou house was like a maze.

Su Nian followed the butler through twisting halls before reaching her room.

When the door opened—it was a suite. Bigger than her apartment.

And… far too girly.

All pink.

Even the vanity had a giant Barbie doll.

She wasn’t a little girl. She never had a princess room or a Barbie doll.

Her parents were alive, but she’d never really had a home.

Now, everything felt so unfamiliar.

The butler handed her a key. “Young Master has a dog’s nose. He’ll sniff this place out. This is from the old master for Miss Su—you can lock the door.”

Su Nian took the key and the butler left.

She looked at the key and the pink box in her hands, then at the princess room around her.

Her heart felt warm.

She never expected… that in this life, someone would still see her as a little girl.