Chapter 14

Mu Beichen stood frozen in place, silent, his heart a swirl of mixed emotions.

What Beiwang said was indeed true, yet he had no idea how to explain it all.

“Yes, but I…” Just as he was about to continue, a sharp smack rang out—Mu Mother’s palm landed hard across his face.

The sudden slap left Mu Beichen completely stunned. He stared at his mother in disbelief.

Mu Beiwang was equally shocked by the scene. He quickly looked toward their mother, his face full of astonishment.

At that very moment, Xia Chuwei, who had just come downstairs, also witnessed everything. She covered her mouth, her face filled with shock.

Mu Beichen clenched his lips tightly, forcing himself to suppress the pain and grievance in his heart. He knew that slap was because he had embarrassed Xia Chuwei—so he had to take it.

Mu Mother looked at her own trembling hand, her gaze falling on her son’s already red and swollen cheek. A sharp pain pierced her heart.

Fighting back tears, she choked out, “Mu Beichen, is it that you’re dissatisfied with the decision your father and I made, or do you have some objection to Chuwei? You could have just said so directly!”

Her voice shook. She took a deep breath and continued, “If it comes to that, then fine—we’ll just cancel the engagement. Your father and I will make it up to Chuwei in another way.”

“But what are you trying to do by acting like this? Where does this leave Chuwei? Is this how we taught you to behave?”

By the end, Mu Mother’s emotions could no longer be restrained. Tears burst forth like a dam giving way.

Sobbing, her voice thick with grief, she cried, “If you don’t like Chuwei, just say so!

Chuwei isn’t the only woman in the world for you, but how do you expect your father and me to face her parents—who have already passed away?”

“Auntie,” Xia Chuwei quickly hurried down the stairs to steady the swaying Mu Mother, worry written all over her face. She glanced toward Mu Beiwang as if silently asking what had happened.

The corners of Mu Beiwang’s lips curled into a mocking smile. His gaze shifted to his elder brother, who had turned his head away, and he said with disdain, “What else could it be? It’s just that I revealed what happened yesterday—him keeping Xu Xueqing company.”

Xia Chuwei’s body trembled violently at those words, as if struck by lightning, leaving her frozen in place.

She bit her lip hard, her gaze unconsciously drifting toward Mu Beichen. Their eyes met in the air, and in each other’s eyes they both saw a tangle of complicated emotions.

Xia Chuwei noticed the mark on Mu Beichen’s face—clearly the result of being struck. A wave of concern rose in her heart.

But just as she was about to take a step toward him, she forced herself to stop, instead turning to help Mu Mother slowly sit down.

From her pocket, Xia Chuwei pulled out her handkerchief and gently wiped the tears from the corners of Mu Mother’s eyes. Then she wrapped her arms tightly around her, speaking softly in comfort, “Auntie, please don’t be sad.”

“Actually, Beichen and I aren’t suited for each other. Let’s just end the engagement here—I’ll dissolve it with him.”

Her voice was soft, yet it carried an unshakable firmness.

Meeting Mu Mother’s eyes, Xia Chuwei went on, “The one he truly likes isn’t me. No matter how much I try to force it, I won’t find happiness that way.

And it’s the same for Beichen. So letting go might be the best choice for both of us.”

“Auntie, don’t worry about me. Like you said, I’m not the only one for Beichen. And even if I can’t be your daughter-in-law, in my heart you’re already like a mother to me. From now on, let me be your daughter, okay?”

Xia Chuwei looked at her with a smile as she spoke.