Chapter 83 : Removing Makeup

Lu Yunbai pondered for a moment and then said, “Alright, take her upstairs.”

Thus, Mu Qianqian was escorted by Lu Yunxiang to an upstairs room.

As soon as she entered the room, Mu Qianqian was hit by a strong floral fragrance, as if someone had sprayed a lot of perfume.

“This room smells so good, doesn’t it? It’s French luxury brand, with fragrances imported from abroad. Oh, I forgot, I shouldn’t be mentioning this to you.”

Lu Yunxiang covered her mouth with a forced laugh.

Her gaze towards Mu Qianqian was filled with disdain and mockery.

Although Mu Qianqian couldn’t see clearly, she could vaguely make out the light and barely distinguish colors.

The room’s decor was almost entirely in pink, with even the walls painted in the same color.

Did the Lu family’s young lady like pink so much? It seemed similar to her own preferences.

“Sitting here is a bit dull. I’ll have the servant bring you some tea.”

When the tea was served, Mu Qianqian took a sip and found it very sweet.

Lu Yunxiang wore a hypocritical smile, giving the impression of being a refined lady.

“I’ve liked sweet things since I was a child. Are you used to it?”

Mu Qianqian nodded. “Mm.”

She just felt a bit uncomfortable.

How come Lu Yunxiang’s preferences matched hers so much?

“That’s good. Don’t feel restrained. You’re Miss Ye’s friend, so once Miss Ye and my brother are married, we’ll be good friends too.”

“Miss Lu, you’re really kind.”

Lu Yunxiang smiled lightly. “Yes, I’m known for having a good temper in this circle. But having a good temper has its downsides too, some people think they can take advantage of me.”

Her brother was downstairs, so even if Lu Yunxiang wanted to do something to Mu Qianqian, she wouldn’t dare.

However, as long as she kept an eye on Mu Qianqian today and prevented her from interacting with her brother, her goal would be achieved.

Mu Qianqian asked the servant, “Could I use the restroom? I’d like to remove my makeup.”

She was used to being bare-faced, and this heavy makeup was making her very uncomfortable.

It felt like wearing a mask on her face, and she was not at ease at all.

The servant was about to agree but noticed Lu Yunxiang’s expression darken instantly.

Lu Yunxiang, knowing Mu Qianqian couldn’t see, signaled desperately to the servant.

“Miss Mu, our house is currently repairing the pipes, so the water is temporarily shut off. Your makeup looks so nice, why would you want to remove it?”

Mu Qianqian curved her lips slightly. “If that’s the case, then never mind.”

But she had clearly heard the sound of a fountain when she came from the garden, indicating that there was water at the Lu residence.

Perhaps Miss Lu didn’t want others using her restroom.

“Miss Mu, I heard you’re a student at Finance University. Is your family local to Bei City?”

“No, my family is from a county near Bei City.”

“Oh.” Lu Yunxiang seemed thoughtful and probed, “How old are you this year?”

Lu Yunxiang wasn’t sure whether Mu Qianqian was truly related to the Lu family.

But whether she was or not, Lu Yunxiang couldn’t let her be seen by the Lu family!

With a face so similar to Madam Lu’s, Mu Qianqian could easily gain favor in the Lu family. If that happened, Lu Yunxiang’s position would be at risk.

“Twenty.”

Lu Yunxiang’s fingers tightened unconsciously.

She was the exact same age as the Lu family’s missing daughter.

Lu Yunxiang immediately asked, “What month is your birthday?”

Mu Qianqian frowned and tried to recall.

She couldn’t remember her birthday; no one had ever told her.

“I can’t recall. It seems like it’s in the summer.”

Lu Yunxiang’s eyes were cold and scrutinizing, but her face still wore a smile. “Summer, huh? What a coincidence, my birthday is also in the summer.”

Though Lu Yunxiang’s tone didn’t sound malicious, Mu Qianqian felt an inexplicable reluctance to be alone with her for too long.

She felt a certain aversion toward Lu Yunxiang that she couldn’t quite explain.

Fortunately, the conversation downstairs seemed to have concluded, and the butler came to the door and knocked. “Miss Mu, Miss Ye wants you to come downstairs.”

Mu Qianqian hurriedly stood up. “I’m coming right away.”

She quickly left Lu Yunxiang’s room and went downstairs.

“Young Master Lu, I’ll take my sister back now. We’ll come to visit again when Auntie’s health improves,” Ye Xuanlin said.

“Alright, I apologize for the inadequate hospitality this time. I’ll make it up to you next time.”

Mu Qianqian, along with the Ye siblings, left the Lu family villa.

Lu Yunbai stood at the door to see them off, keeping an eye on Mu Qianqian’s movements.

Watering the lawn, one of the workers accidentally lost control of the hose, causing a large splash of water.

Mu Qianqian, who was walking outside, was doused with water.

“Oh no!”

Mu Qianqian exclaimed, her colorful makeup washed away, and her clothes soaked through.

“I’m so sorry. The water pipe suddenly malfunctioned. Please let this young lady change into some dry clothes in the lounge,” the servant quickly apologized.

“Qianqian, are you alright?” Ye Wanqing asked with concern.

Mu Qianqian shook her head and smiled kindly. “I’m fine. Just think of it as a face wash.”

After all, the water wasn’t dirty, it was clean.

Lu Yunbai, seeing the situation, started to walk over but was stopped by Lu Yunxiang.

“Brother, you shouldn’t go over there. She must not want her bare face seen by a man after accidentally washing off her makeup.”

“Let me take her upstairs to change clothes. You should stay away for now.”

Lu Yunbai, reminded by her, realized he shouldn’t approach. It wasn’t about seeing her without makeup but rather that her clothes were soaked, and it wouldn’t be appropriate for him, a man, to see her in that state.

“Butler, have all the male servants leave.”

“Yes, sir.”

Young Master Lu returned to his study, and Lu Yunxiang, relieved, patted her chest.

Fortunately, her brother hadn’t seen anything.

That was too close.

Lu Yunxiang quickly went to the fountain and said, “Miss Mu, please come with me to change your clothes. Your clothes are all wet.”

She actually wished Mu Qianqian would leave quickly.

But with so many people around, she had to maintain a gracious and gentle demeanor. Otherwise, all the years she had carefully built up her good reputation would be in vain.

“Okay, thank you for your trouble.”

Lu Yunxiang led Mu Qianqian to the lounge.

Inside the lounge, there were various items prepared for guests, including a range of brand-new clothes.

Mu Qianqian stood behind a screen and began to change into the new clothes.

Lu Yunxiang, eager to get her out of there, glanced behind the screen.

“Are you done yet?”

In that glance, she happened to see the butterfly birthmark on Mu Qianqian’s back.

Lu Yunxiang’s pupils constricted, and her mind raced with a flurry of thoughts.

“I’m ready.” Mu Qianqian stepped out from behind the screen.

She had now returned to her natural look, wearing a pure white princess dress, looking like a princess from a fairytale.

At that moment, Lu Yunbai’s voice came from outside.

“The hospital just called me. I’m going over there to check. Keep an eye on the house.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Lu Yunxiang, feeling anxious, immediately grabbed Mu Qianqian’s arm. “Don’t go out just yet.”

In her haste, her nails accidentally dug into Mu Qianqian’s flesh.