Chapter 347: What to Do When Injured?

The next morning, Lu Xiwán trudged downstairs with her head hanging low.

She had been startled awake several times from her dreams last night, always feeling that someone was watching her from the shadows.

Xie Zian saw her come down and gasped in surprise, "What did you do last night? You weren't up all night gaming with someone, were you? We're even more sleepy than I was after leaving the bar."

Fu Sijue glared at Xie Zian and handed Lu Xiwán a glass of water.

While Lilian had not yet come downstairs, Fu Sijue said in a low voice, "Last night, a suspicious figure was loitering around the estate."

It was only to show that they had no prior precautions; Bu Si Xue did not react at all.

But he was nervous.

"No way? I didn't hear any sound last night," Xie Zian exclaimed, turning pale with shock.

Lu Xiwán lightly patted his shoulder, "If you've already spotted them, there's no need for those people to act."

Xie Zian's vigilance was the weakest among their group, and Lu Xiwán had anticipated this.

"Don't underestimate me, both of you, okay? My mother forced me to train my body since I was a child; if something really happens, little master me can still help you."

While speaking with Lu Xiwán, Xie Zian appeared very confident.

Just then, Lu Xiwán's peripheral glance caught someone descending the stairs; she subtly shook her head at Xie Zian and Fu Sijue, signaling them to be silent.

"I heard Uncle Zhongyi say that Miss Lilian has recently moved out many books to dry in the sun. Since we're near the mountains and the rainy season is approaching, Miss Lilian should watch them closely, lest the books get ruined."

Lu Xiwán casually remarked, and Lilian nodded earnestly, "Thank you, Mrs. Fu, for your concern."

Even if Xie Zian is slow‑witted, it's now clear that Lu Xiwán and Fu Sijue deliberately intend to avoid Lilian.

Although his relationship with Lilian has eased considerably, it's not close enough for him to speak up for her.

After a while, Zhong He finally carried the half‑asleep Xi Xi downstairs, and Yao Yao followed closely behind him.

"Master, don't spoil Xi Xi too much."

Since moving into Vacation Villa, Lu Xixi has become increasingly lazy from Zhong He's pampering; now she even needs to be carried when going downstairs.

Glancing at the milk Lu Xiwán was holding, Lu Xixi frowned, "Xi Xi doesn't want to drink milk."

Lu Xiwán took her over, "Xi Xi just woke up and doesn't want to drink now; she can wait a bit, but don't forget the promise to Mom—one cup of milk a day is the basic requirement."

After finally coaxing Xi Xi, Lilian seized the opportunity to speak.

"Auntie Xie called me yesterday to ask about the situation here," Lilian said.

And her tone sounded very urgent, already impatient.

"I've already tried to find a way, but Auntie Xie doesn't believe me," Lilian said, shaking her head helplessly.

Everyone knows how stubborn Zhu Shutao can be, and Lu Xiwán shook her head at the remark.

"Then let Auntie Xie come over herself," Lu Xiwán said, turning her gaze to Xie Zian, "Let Auntie Xie see for herself whose fault it really is."

She's already thinking of leaving, and Lu Xiwán can tell, but now isn't the time to let her go.

Even if all methods are tried, Lu Xiwán still has to hold her back.

Not only can they use this chance to learn more about Lilian, but under Zhu Shutao's name they can openly boost the security here—a win‑win.

A clear flicker of hesitation passed through Lilian's eyes, and after a moment she nodded reluctantly.

Xie Zian panicked, his face drooping as he tried to seek Fu Sijue's help, but it was futile.

She knew Fu Sijue was in the room; besides Lu Xiwán's words, she wouldn't listen to anyone else.

So he could only cast a weary glance at Lilian.

It's all her fault.

If Lilian hadn't suddenly suggested going back, Lu Xiwán wouldn't have fabricated this excuse to keep her.

In the end, the only one injured is Xie Zian, and no one will pity him.

Mrs. Xie, after receiving Lu Xiwán's message, rushed over, of course mainly for Xie Zian's sake.

But as soon as Zhu Shutao arrived, she warmly grabbed Lilian's hand for a chat; the contrast made Xie Zian look like the outsider, awkward beyond measure.

"Mom, no matter what you say, we haven't seen each other for over half a month, so why are you dragging an outsider along?"

Xie Zian was practically grinding his teeth; everyone thought Lilian was wonderful, treating her like a celestial maiden.

Then what am I?

Zhu Shutao rolled her eyes, "What's with the inside‑person/outside‑person talk? If, twenty‑something years ago, I'd known the child I'd give birth to would turn out like you, I'd rather not have had you. Look at Lilian—she's truly attuned to others' needs."

Zhu Shutao was just about to insult Xie Zian; in fact, everything she said was a slight against him.

Xie Zian's face flushed with anger, but Mrs. Xie's words were all true, leaving him unable to rebut.

I actually think Auntie Xie is the fortunate one; Mr. Xie handles matters smoothly, excels at business dealings, and having such an heir in reality is a tremendous blessing.

Lilian unusually didn't criticize Xie Zian; instead she spoke well of him, which made Xie Zian glance sideways.

A clear smile appeared on Zhu Shutao's face, yet her words remained sharp; the more she looked at Lilian, the more satisfied she seemed.

If someone like that were by her side to comfort her, she wouldn't have to endure Xie Zian's monkey‑like antics any longer.

"Auntie Xie, don't just stand outside chatting; it's scorching hot now, keeping Xie Zian heated is fine, but if you wear yourself out, that would be completely unworthwhile."

Lu Xiwán quickly opened a parasol to go out and meet them; their tongues were all cut from the same mold, equally cutting.

Xie Zian could already see that his future days would be hard.

Zhu Shutao never liked putting on airs, and with her previous filter toward Lilian, she smiled so broadly when looking at her that her mouth couldn't stay closed.

Naturally, the more she looked at Xie Zian, the more displeased she became.

"If you were even half as sensible as other people's children, I wouldn't have to stare wistfully at others holding grandchildren every day."

Not to mention the grandchild‑holding, I don't even know where the future daughter‑in‑law is hiding in some corner.

Zhu Shutao naturally wanted Lilian to step into her home, but that would require Xie Zian's consent.

Lilian pursed her lips in a smile, gave no answer, reached for the apple on the table, but Zhu Shutao snatched it and shoved it into Xie Zian's hand.

"From now on, all the dirty and tiring chores will be left to Xie Zian; after all, his skin is rough and thick, unlike your delicate flesh—if he gets hurt, it won't be good."

Zhu Shutao's face was full of smiles, but the words she spoke were like a sharp knife, viciously stabbing at Xie Zian's young, fragile heart.