Chapter 35: Her Disarray

Su Nuo nodded timidly, then left the study on the second floor.

She hurried downstairs, her heart pounding with anxiety.

Duan Yubai actually wanted her to go work at the company—why?

She had once dreamed of joining the Duan Group, even hoped to be his secretary.

But what had he said back then?

“You waste your days doing nothing. What use would you be at the company?”

“Not showing up in front of me is the biggest contribution you can make.”

“Do you think everyone at the company should cater to you if you come here?”

She closed her eyes, bitterness swelling in her chest.

So Duan Yubai thought tormenting her at home wasn’t enough; he wanted to drag her to the company as well?

The words “idle person” echoed in her mind, weighing heavily on her heart.

He was right. In this family, she had always been superfluous, a useless idler.

Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes and went downstairs.

But when she returned to her room, she was utterly dumbfounded.

Where were her belongings?

With wide eyes, she searched the room over and over.

The storeroom was so small that everything—or the lack thereof—was plainly visible.

Her bed was gone, the mattress too, even the two suitcases she had brought were nowhere to be found!

Frozen in place, she dared not move.

Had Aunt Cui come in again, or had Mo Xiaoxue ordered someone to do this?

Just to make her miserable? Because Duan Yubai wanted her to work at the company?

She kept thinking about the situation, her body sliding down the wall little by little.

She couldn’t resist, nor did she dare to.

Fear spread through her limbs and bones.

She sat there for an unknown length of time until suddenly the door was pushed open.

Almost instinctively, she tried to stand, but her legs were numb, and she lost her balance, falling forward.

“Be careful,” a worried voice called out.

She closed her eyes, bracing for the pain of falling on such a hard floor.

But the anticipated pain never came; instead, she found herself embraced by a warm, steady hold.

Chi Ling sighed with relief. “Young mistress, what are you doing here?”

“Where else should I be?” Su Nuo choked out.

Where should she be? Where was her true home?

Seeing the tears in her eyes, Chi Ling was momentarily stunned, then hurried to explain.

“Don’t you remember? You’re supposed to stay in the guest room right next to mine.”

“I’ve already moved your things over and tidied the room.”

Su Nuo looked at him in disbelief, then a glimmer of hope slowly kindled in her eyes.

Yes, Madam Duan had indeed said she would change her room.

But she had thought it was just talk, never expecting it to actually happen.

Chi Ling led her to a small room on the far east side.

Su Nuo remembered this room was always empty once tidied.

Guests visiting the Duan family were either wealthy or noble; no one would stay here.

The servants’ quarters were on the warm southern side; this dark, damp corner was unappealing, which now worked in Su Nuo’s favor.

The room was small but had a three-square-meter bathroom.

She no longer had to use the guest toilet or wait for everyone else to leave before going.

She could finally bathe every day.

Choking back tears, she almost cried.

During her time in the compound, she never imagined she could have her own room, let alone one with a shower.

Chi Ling pointed to the bed. “This is what you used before. It’s a bit large, but I’ve made it up for you. I’ll bring you a new set tomorrow.”

He didn’t have the heart to tell her these were dug out from storage.

Since Mo Xiaoxue moved in, many of Su Nuo’s things had been discarded like ants moving house.

Mostly her personal belongings.

Mo Xiaoxue always found excuses: didn’t like the color, allergic to the fabric, no space for her own things.

The things that belonged to Su Nuo in this home grew fewer and fewer.

In these past months, only Madam Duan occasionally mentioned her; no one else seemed to remember she existed.

Everyone deliberately avoided bringing her up, and no one stopped Mo Xiaoxue’s actions.

Later, Duan Yubai even told Mo Xiaoxue she could do whatever she wanted; the room was hers.

Su Nuo gently touched the bedsheet.

She had bought these on a trip abroad—one set pink, one sky blue; she and Duan Yubai each had one.

Back then, she thought having matching bedding meant their rooms were connected, as if they were together.

Alas, some delusions are never to be fulfilled.

She sniffled and looked gratefully at Chi Ling.

“This is enough. One set is fine. And thank you.”

Since returning, this was the first time she spoke so softly, like a normal person.

No fear, no timidity—just sincere gratitude toward Chi Ling.

Chi Ling looked into her clear eyes, his heart suddenly tightening and skipping a beat.

He quickly looked away. “Bathroom supplies are provided by the staff. If you need anything else…”

“No, this is perfect,” Su Nuo replied softly. “Chi Ling, I don’t need anything else. You don’t have to trouble yourself.”

She didn’t want to burden him or cause him to offend Mo Xiaoxue or Duan Yubai.

Duan Yubai’s bodyguard held a high position and was also his assistant.

Chi Ling had a bright future ahead—he couldn’t ruin it because of someone like her.

Duan Yubai hated her with a passion and wished she were dead.

If he knew Chi Ling was so kind to her, what would he do?

Su Nuo had never been so clear about her place in the world.

“Thank you, Chi Ling. Really, I don’t need anything else.”

After Chi Ling left, Su Nuo began to take in the room.

Duan family decor was never shabby; this used to be the nanny’s room, complete with a small washing machine.

The bunk bed was meant for two servants to share.

But the Duan estate was huge, with many servants; no one wanted such a cramped space.

Su Nuo first cleaned herself in the bathroom, then set an alarm before lying down.

Because it wasn’t often aired, the mattress smelled musty.

Mixed with the faint scent of perfume on the sheets, the blend brought her some comfort.

For someone like her, living in her own room instead of a dark basement was already a blessing.

Su Nuo, you’re just an adopted daughter—what else could you possibly expect?

At three in the morning, Su Nuo carefully got out of bed.

The moment she opened her door, Chi Ling, who was nearby, woke up.

He walked to her door to listen.

Her footsteps were light, yet in the silent mansion hall, they sounded so conspicuous.

He didn’t go out but could hear her cautious steps.

She hadn’t turned on the lights, afraid of waking anyone.

Chi Ling’s hand rested on the doorknob, wanting to help.

But when he thought of her large, moist eyes, he gave up.

He had to respect her and let her regain her confidence little by little.

Not expose her in her moment of vulnerability.