Volume One, Chapter Seventeen: Are You Sure You Saw Xixi?

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As she spoke, her eyes reddened, her face filled with guilt.

Fu Xicheng wore a stern expression. At this moment, he had no time to comfort Cheng Muyan. He asked in a low voice, “Did you clearly see who was holding Xixi?”

He feared it might be a child trafficker.

Child abduction had become rampant nowadays.

“It was a middle-aged woman, who looked somewhat like a nanny. Xixi seemed quite dependent on her,” Cheng Muyan said hesitantly.

Fu Xicheng pressed further, “Which way did they go?”

Without hesitation, Cheng Muyan pointed in a direction. “That way.”

Fu Xicheng immediately took off after them.

Ahead, the crowd was sparse.

If he quickened his pace, there was still a chance to catch up.

“Ouch.”

After just a few steps, Fu Xicheng heard Cheng Muyan suppress a cry of pain behind him.

His steps halted instantly.

Turning around, he saw Cheng Muyan had been injured.

Her skirt had ridden up when she fell, exposing a bleeding knee — the sight was shocking.

Fu Xicheng strode back, helping her to her feet as she struggled to stand on her own.

As soon as Cheng Muyan steadied herself, she pushed against Fu Xicheng, her voice anxious, “Xicheng, it’s just a small injury. I’m fine. You need to hurry and chase after them. You’re fast; they haven’t gone far, you can catch up.”

Ignoring the pain in her leg, she limped forward, determined to continue the pursuit.

Just as she took a step, she suddenly found herself lifted off the ground.

Fu Xicheng had picked her up, holding her around the waist from behind.

He didn’t continue the chase but headed toward where he had parked.

Gripping Fu Xicheng’s collar, Cheng Muyan urged, “Xicheng, I really am fine. Finding Xixi is more important. You haven’t seen her in such a long time.”

Hearing this, Fu Xicheng’s expression darkened even further.

“If she wants to hide, let her hide. I want to see how long Su Tingwan can keep her hidden!” His tone turned icy.

Cheng Muyan seemed about to say more but, seeing his grim face, swallowed her words and buried her face in his chest.

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Inside the car.

“Xicheng, can we not go to the hospital? Let’s go back to the venue. It’s just a small injury, I’m really okay,” Cheng Muyan pleaded, holding Fu Xicheng’s arm, refusing his offer to take her to the hospital.

“You know how much effort and how many sleepless nights I’ve endured to win first place in this jewelry competition,” she said, her eyes reddening.

“Do you know? At noon, Chief Judge Wang accidentally let slip that I’m the frontrunner. I was so happy.”

“My joy isn’t just because my hard work paid off, but more importantly, winning first place means I can join Carlisle Jewelry Company. This is the first step I’ve taken for our future.”

“Xicheng, I’m really looking forward to tonight. You personally presenting me the award, so I can stand proudly by your side, even if only for a few fleeting minutes.”

Cheng Muyan looked at Fu Xicheng with tender affection.

Her gaze was like a hook, drawing him in.

Waiting for him to give her a passionate kiss.

“Hmm.”

Fu Xicheng only responded with a low murmur.

Starting the car, he headed back to the venue.

Throughout the journey, Fu Xicheng’s mood remained heavy and oppressive.

Cheng Muyan adjusted her emotions and gently spoke, “Xicheng, don’t be angry. Tingwan using Xixi to threaten you was probably just because she didn’t want to see me standing next to you on stage.”

“That’s not a reason for her to curse Xixi to death,” Fu Xicheng’s voice grew colder.

Cheng Muyan’s words reminded him of the scene in the lounge.

He had almost believed Su Tingwan’s lies.

“But besides Xixi, she had no other means,” Cheng Muyan said cautiously.

“I won’t listen to her nonsense anymore. Don’t mention her again,” Fu Xicheng said darkly.

“All right, all right, I won’t bring her up. Don’t be mad,” Cheng Muyan replied helplessly, following his lead.

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Maple Grove

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Immersed in sorrow, Su Tingwan received a call from Professor Wu.

“Tingwan, don’t act on impulse. Hurry back to the venue.”

Professor Wu assumed she was upset about capital meddling changing the judging results and had stormed off.

“No, Professor, I’m coming back right now.”

After hanging up, she composed herself and rushed back to the venue.

In the parking lot, she ran into Fu Xicheng and Cheng Muyan.

Fu Xicheng’s gaze was icy cold when he saw Su Tingwan.

Su Tingwan didn’t look at him but fixed her eyes on Cheng Muyan, who was in Fu Xicheng’s arms. Suddenly, she sneered coldly, “Cheng Muyan, did you really see Xixi?”

Cheng Muyan’s eyes flickered briefly.

But she quickly regained her composure.

She said firmly, “Of course it’s true.”

Then, with a hurt expression, she retorted, “Tingwan, what do you mean by that? Are you accusing me of lying to Fu Xicheng?”

“Isn’t that the case?” Su Tingwan shot back aggressively.

Cheng Muyan shouted emotionally, “Of course not!”

Falsely accused, tears welled in her eyes. She turned to Fu Xicheng, pleading, “Xicheng, believe me, I’m not lying. I really saw Xixi.”

“I believe you,” Fu Xicheng said quietly.

His single word of trust made Su Tingwan’s expression visibly colder.

Again.

No matter what Cheng Muyan said, Fu Xicheng steadfastly chose to believe her.

“Tingwan, I truly saw Xixi,” Cheng Muyan said insistently, turning to Su Tingwan.

Su Tingwan sneered with biting sarcasm, “Cheng Muyan, I never imagined you’d have the ability to see ghosts in broad daylight…”

Before she could finish, Fu Xicheng’s angry shout cut her off, “Su Tingwan, are you never going to stop?”

“I’m warning you, this is the last time. If I hear you curse Xixi again, don’t blame me for being rude to you.”