After trying to comfort herself for a long time, Xia Ning still couldn’t shake off her unease. The thought of Cheng Yanxi’s peach blossom eyes, so similar to Ye Qiu’an’s, left her feeling stifled.

How long had she been keeping her bangs up? Has anyone in the Xia family noticed?

It was utterly annoying. Why did Cheng Yanxi have to resemble Ye Qiu’an so much? Weren’t daughters supposed to take after their fathers? Why couldn’t she look more like Xia Delong, that burly brute?

Frustrated, Xia Ning initiated a video call with Gu Qinghan.

Gu Qinghan was reviewing a crucial contract at the time, one that would determine the future direction of his company. Aunt Liu, the housekeeper, had instructed the staff not to disturb him, and even Yanxi was informed to stay away from the study.

However, as soon as Xia Ning’s call came through, Gu Qinghan put down the contract and answered without hesitation.

“Qinghan-gege, good afternoon!” Xia Ning greeted cheerfully, waving at the camera.

Unlike her casual demeanor with Yanxi, Xia Ning maintained a more composed image during her calls with Gu Qinghan. She had changed into a modest yet elegant outfit, covering herself thoroughly.

Leaning back in his chair, Gu Qinghan’s usually cold and distant expression softened slightly. Even his voice carried a trace of indulgence. “Why aren’t you resting?”

It was still morning in China, but it was already late at night in M Country.

“I couldn’t sleep,” Xia Ning said, resting her chin in her hands. “I was thinking about you.”

Gu Qinghan’s face remained impassive, but his lips curved slightly, betraying his good mood.

“Oh, by the way,” Xia Ning’s large, watery eyes scanned the scene on his side of the screen. “Where’s Yanxi? Qinghan-gege, are you treating her well? I’ll remind you again, Yanxi is a good girl. You should cherish her.”

“A good girl?” Gu Qinghan’s expression cooled, and a trace of mockery flickered in his dark phoenix eyes.

Only Xia Ning could see Cheng Yanxi in such a positive light.

Gu Qinghan clearly remembered the look in Yanxi’s eyes during Xia Ning’s celebration for being accepted into the Royal Academy of Medicine. That day, Yanxi’s gaze was filled with jealousy and resentment—blatant and unmistakable.

It wasn’t the first time he had seen that greedy look in her eyes.

The Xia family and Xia Ning had always treated Cheng Yanxi well. Xia Ning shared everything she had with Yanxi, taking her everywhere she went. Yet Yanxi was nothing but an ungrateful ingrate.

Instead of appreciating what she was given, Yanxi was consumed by jealousy and malice toward Xia Ning.

What Gu Qinghan despised most about Cheng Yanxi was her two-faced nature. She acted timid and submissive in front of her own parents but secretly schemed to take everything that belonged to Xia Ning.

From childhood, most of the clothes Cheng Yanxi wore were Xia Ning’s hand-me-downs. On many occasions, Gu Qinghan gave Xia Ning a gift one day, only to see it in Yanxi’s hands the next.

When questioned, Xia Ning would simply say, “Yanxi liked it.”

Hah.

Gu Qinghan sneered inwardly. If she liked it so much, why couldn’t she just buy one for herself? Why always leech off others?

Her pettiness and fixation on Xia Ning’s belongings disgusted him.

Seeing Gu Qinghan unwilling to discuss Yanxi further, Xia Ning grew anxious and said, “Qinghan-gege, where’s Yanxi? Call her over. The three of us can chat together.”

Gu Qinghan’s brow furrowed slightly. If Yanxi joined, she would likely put on her usual pitiful, teary-eyed act, finding ways to complain and subtly accuse him in front of Xia Ning. Then Xia Ning would beg him to treat Yanxi better.

The thought of this familiar cycle irritated him deeply.

Why was Cheng Yanxi always like a beggar, constantly seeking pity and charity from others? Couldn’t she have a little self-respect?

Still, since Xia Ning had requested it, Gu Qinghan didn’t refuse. He instructed a servant to call Yanxi to the study.

—

Yanxi was lounging on her bed when she received the message. She was surprised. Why would Master Gu summon her? Didn’t he hate her?

Reluctantly leaving her beloved bed, Yanxi lazily threw on an oversized T-shirt, left her hair unkempt, and shuffled to the study in slippers.

She had no intention of dressing up. After all, Master Gu didn’t like her. Why bother making herself presentable?

Upon entering the study, she realized Xia Ning was on a video call.

“Yanxi?” Xia Ning frowned slightly upon seeing her. “Why are you dressed like that? You should put more effort into your appearance.”

Yanxi yawned softly and shook her head. “No need. Dressing up is too tiring. I’m going back to sleep soon anyway.”

Xia Ning was startled by Yanxi’s nonchalant response. When had she changed so much? Wasn’t she always concerned about her image in front of Brother Qinghan?

After a moment of hesitation, Xia Ning asked, “Yanxi, how are you and Brother Qinghan getting along? Is everything okay?”

Gu Qinghan’s brow furrowed deeply. He was certain Yanxi would start crying again, putting on her usual act of quiet grievance as though she had suffered some great injustice.

To his surprise, Yanxi didn’t cry. Instead, she praised him enthusiastically. “We’re great. Really great!”

She even began counting on her fingers. “I get to sleep in every day, eat delicious meals at noon, sunbathe in the afternoon, and binge-watch shows at night. It’s like living in heaven! Don’t worry, Ningning, Master Gu treats me very well.”

“Master Gu?” Xia Ning’s eyes widened in shock. “Are you talking about Qinghan-gege?”

“Uh—” Yanxi froze for a moment.

This was a bit tricky to explain. She called Gu Qinghan “Master Gu” because of his aloof, superior demeanor. But she couldn’t tell Xia Ning that.

If she did, her cover would be blown. After all, the original Cheng Yanxi deeply loved Gu Qinghan.

Yanxi’s mind worked quickly, and she soon came up with a solution.

Putting on a shy expression, she lowered her head and murmured bashfully, “Oh, Ningning, don’t ask. It’s a pet name.”

What?!

Gu Qinghan was even more stunned than Xia Ning. He turned to Yanxi, his expression full of disbelief.

Yanxi noticed his confusion and quickly glanced back, mouthing silently: It’s fake. Just to reassure Ningning.

Her gaze was clear and sincere, like a cloudless sky after the rain, leaving a faint ripple in his heart.

Gu Qinghan had never seen this side of Cheng Yanxi before. She used to avoid looking him in the eye.

But now, she met his gaze directly—calm, straightforward, and without pretense. Even her lie carried an air of casual confidence.

Although Gu Qinghan didn’t believe her, he found himself unable to refute her this time.

So he let it slide.