Chapter 55: Another Day the Tycoon’s Persona Shatters

Yun Mingsheng wanted to say that the person before him was not Xu Yunzhu at all, but rather Pei Qiaonian—the jade-faced demon king who dominated the business world. Yet, despite his notorious reputation, this man obediently followed Old Madam Yun inside. Yun Mingsheng was just about to step in when someone called from the doorway, “Miss Zhuozhu? You’re back.” Turning around, Yun Mingsheng saw the real Xu Yunzhu coming in from outside. She wore a short-sleeved shirt and long pants, her hair casually braided to one side, falling across her chest. Her face was radiant and lovely, more beautiful than any flower in the garden.

Her features were strikingly similar to his sister’s—seven parts alike. As he gazed at her, Yun Mingsheng felt an inexplicable warmth rise in his eyes. It was as if his sister, young, vibrant, lively, and passionate, had been reborn. Not the present Lady Xu, obsessed with fame and fortune, her face sharp and bitter.

“Yunzhu? You’re here,” Yun Mingsheng greeted.

Pei Qiaonian glanced at him, having already investigated his identity, and replied coolly, “Little uncle.”

Yun Mingsheng couldn’t help but smile at Pei Qiaonian. “Five years without seeing you, and our Yunzhu has gotten even prettier. Come in, your grandmother is waiting for you.”

Pei Qiaonian nodded, indifferent; whether she waited or not was irrelevant, for they were not his family. Even if they were, he wouldn’t care. He never held any expectations for familial affection.

He followed Yun Mingsheng inside and immediately spotted Xu Yunzhu. She bore his body—his handsome, dazzling face—laughing joyously. Her slender fingers held a piece of pastry, and as she ate, she kept giving the elderly lady beside her a thumbs-up. “It’s really delicious, I love it.”

Old Madam Yun beamed, reaching out to wipe the pastry crumbs from her lips, her smile gentle and kind. “Eat slowly, there’s plenty more. I made so much. When your kindergarten is on summer break, come to Grandma’s house and eat as much as you like. We’ll keep it secret from your mother; she doesn’t let you have sweets.”

Xu Yunzhu slowed her chewing, seeing Old Madam Yun’s bright eyes fixed on her. Her heart softened, and she nodded, “Alright, I’ll come home for the summer.”

Yun Mingsheng hurried to add, “Mom, I’ve told you—that’s President Pei. This is Yunzhu. Come and see.”

Xu Yunzhu instantly straightened her back, her smile vanishing into a frosty expression; her gaze covertly swept Pei Qiaonian. He wore a cold, pretty face, not sparing her a glance.

Suddenly, the pastry in Xu Yunzhu’s mouth lost its sweetness. She wiped her lips and looked down, only to see crumbs scattered on the bespoke suit.

Xu Yunzhu: …

Today was another day the CEO’s image collapsed.

Pei Qiaonian stepped forward, calling out politely, “Grandmother.”

Old Madam Yun looked from him to Xu Yunzhu, confusion in her eyes. “Two Zhuozhu?” Still, she clung tightly to Xu Yunzhu’s arm. “This one is the real Zhuozhu.”

Xu Yunzhu felt complicated inside. Old Madam Yun, suffering from Alzheimer’s, was the first to recognize the soul living inside Pei Qiaonian’s body.

Yun Mingsheng sighed, turning to Pei Qiaonian, “Your grandmother’s illness is acting up again—she doesn’t recognize anyone when it happens.”

Pei Qiaonian nodded in understanding and naturally took a seat beside Xu Yunzhu. Old Madam Yun pushed the pastries toward him. “Try some—my Zhuozhu’s favorite lotus seed pastry.”

Pei Qiaonian disliked sweets and intended to refuse, but when he turned, he met Xu Yunzhu’s pleading gaze, urging him to accept so as not to hurt the old lady’s feelings.

He took a deep breath and smiled at Old Madam Yun. “Thank you, Grandma.”

He tasted it—pleasantly surprised by its lightness—and took another bite.

Upstairs, Xu Muning nearly tore her dress in frustration. Her glare was venomous as she stared at “Xu Yunzhu.” How dare she sit right next to President Pei? Shameless!

She thought that pushing Xu Yunzhu down the stairs was too lenient—she deserved to be thrown from the rooftop; death would suit her best.

Turning, her eyes reddened as she looked at Lady Xu. “Mom, is this your idea of helping me? Look, Xu Yunzhu is already talking to President Pei. Are you lying to me? Did you actually want to set Xu Yunzhu up with him?”

Lady Xu’s heart ached at Xu Muning’s questioning tone and tearful eyes. “Ning Ning, how could I help her with that? You’re my favorite. Xu Yunzhu isn’t worth a single one of your fingers. You deserve the best, and I’ll make sure you get what you want.”

She stroked Xu Muning’s face and sent her downstairs.

Lady Xu then stood at the stair rail, her face cold as she looked down. “Xu Yunzhu, come upstairs. You’ve just been rejected by the Pei family; it’s inappropriate for you to be with President Pei. Get up here, I need to speak with you.”

Pei Qiaonian heard the voice and glanced upstairs, his gaze sharp.

He muttered, “There are always people courting death.”

His voice was so low only Xu Yunzhu heard it.

Xu Yunzhu: …

Doom!

She cast a sympathetic look at Lady Xu. Of all people to provoke, she chose him.

No matter how much she disliked her own daughter, she couldn’t even tolerate her for a moment?

Pei Qiaonian rose, addressing the others, “I’ll be back shortly.”

Yun Mingsheng’s expression shifted to concern as he followed a few steps. “Sister, Yunzhu just arrived. Whatever you have to say, please speak gently.”

Lady Xu frowned impatiently. “I’ll discipline my own daughter. Acting as if she can’t live without a man—does she even know her station?”

Yun Mingsheng was at a loss. He couldn’t understand how his sister had become so extreme. In his eyes, “Xu Yunzhu” had done nothing—just sat next to President Pei. Was that reason enough for a lecture?

After Pei Qiaonian went upstairs, Xu Muning finally descended, shy and hesitant, and slowly sat beside Xu Yunzhu.

Ascending the stairs, Pei Qiaonian shot Xu Yunzhu a frosty glance.

It startled Xu Yunzhu so much that she kicked her chair, knocking Xu Muning—chair and all—onto the floor. “Stay away from me.”

“President Pei!”

Xu Muning cried out, clutching her hip, tears shimmering in her eyes as she looked at him.

Xu Yunzhu stood, moving to sit on the other side of Old Madam Yun. “Stay away. I’m allergic to your perfume. Little uncle—cough, Yun Mingsheng, wherever I am, I don’t want this woman present.”

Yun Mingsheng was jolted by the magnetic but warning tone, and instantly ordered the bodyguards to remove Xu Muning.

Between Xu Muning and offending Pei Qiaonian, he knew which to choose. He had her thrown out, indifferent to Lady Xu’s reaction. After all, she was a fake heiress who had usurped the nest—why treasure her?

Pei Qiaonian finally withdrew his gaze, a hint of a smile appearing at his lips. Well done—not just anyone was worthy to come near him.

Lady Xu watched everything unfold below, her fingers digging sharply into her palm.

When Pei Qiaonian came upstairs, Lady Xu suddenly slapped him hard, her words fierce: “Kneel!”