Chapter 20

Xia Chuwei gently pushed open the window, and a light breeze brushed against her face.

Her gaze was as clear as autumn water. When she looked down, sure enough, she saw Mu Beiwang kneeling downstairs.

Hearing the sound of the window opening, Mu Beiwang and Mu Beichen raised their heads at the same time, looking toward where Xia Chuwei stood.

There was a hint of expectation in Mu Beiwang’s eyes. Certain that their mother wouldn’t come out, he gave Xia Chuwei a meaningful look, signaling her to prepare some food for him.

Xia Chuwei understood instantly and quietly stepped back into her room.

She opened her small cabinet, which was filled with all kinds of snacks.

She picked out a few, put them into a small embroidered pouch, then went to the window and tossed the pouch down.

Since Mu Beiwang was often punished by being made to kneel, Xia Chuwei couldn’t bear to see him in such a pitiful state. So she always kept some food ready in her room just in case.

Whenever Mu Beiwang was punished to kneel, she would drop these snacks down to him so he wouldn’t go hungry.

After finishing all this, Xia Chuwei’s gaze inadvertently swept over Mu Beichen, who was standing there with his head slightly lowered in thought.

Sensing her glance, Mu Beichen unconsciously looked up.

When their eyes met, it felt as if time stood still for a moment.

The golden afterglow of the setting sun draped over Xia Chuwei like a gauzy veil, cloaking her in a dreamlike radiance.

Her hair fluttered lightly in the breeze, making her look like a fairy descending to earth.

Mu Beichen stared at the scene, a feeling he couldn’t quite describe welling up inside him.

His gaze was locked on Xia Chuwei, unable to look away. For that fleeting instant, he was completely lost in her, his eyes seeing no one else.

Xia Chuwei had always been beautiful—he had known that—but at this moment, bathed in the evening glow, her beauty held an indescribable charm that stirred a gentle ripple in his heart.

Taking a deep breath, Mu Beichen looked at her and said earnestly, “Chuwei, I really will marry you. My feelings for you have never changed.”

Upon hearing this, Mu Beiwang forgot all about picking up the food and quickly looked up at Xia Chuwei, shaking his head.
“Chuwei, don’t soften your heart. In the future, Mom, Dad, and I will find you someone better—don’t choose him.”

Tears welled in Xia Chuwei’s eyes. She bit her lip, determined not to let them fall.

Slowly, she lifted her head and, her voice trembling slightly, said, “Beichen, maybe we really aren’t suited for each other… let’s end it here.”

After speaking, it was as if all her strength had been drained away. She turned around, slowly crouched down, wrapped her arms around her knees, and buried her head, quietly sobbing.

Mu Beichen had never expected Xia Chuwei to reject him so decisively. He froze, momentarily at a loss for words.

It was only after a long pause that he came back to his senses and quickly explained, “Chuwei, there’s nothing between me and Xu Xueqing—we’re just friends. Don’t misunderstand.”

Mu Beiwang, however, let out a cold laugh and mocked, “Just friends? Who’d believe that?”

As he spoke, he opened the pouch, took out a piece of chocolate, and popped it into his mouth.

Looking straight at his older brother, Mu Beiwang said bluntly, “Stop daydreaming. I will never let Chuwei marry you.”

“What exactly do you mean by that?” Mu Beichen frowned, glaring at his younger brother who was opposing him.