Chapter 14: Under the Same Roof

Originally, Xianyu Jing’s plan was to quietly depend on Lady Nangong, residing at the Nangong household, and avoid mingling with the young masters and ladies as much as possible.

There was always trouble in a wealthy family, and she had never cared for competition or contention. So long as no one provoked her, she would keep herself unobtrusive and content in her own corner.

But after today, she realized she had been too naive. Some matters could not be avoided simply because she wished to.

Nangong Ao had only mentioned her in passing; seeking out Xianyu Jing was not solely for this matter.

He gestured for her to sit. “The identity of that intruder from a few nights ago has been uncovered. He was attempting to steal secrets from the Nangong family and happened to stumble into your room by accident.”

Xianyu Jing did not believe anyone would go to such lengths to target her—a distant relative of the Nangong family.

Though Lady Nangong had mentioned that her mother was killed by an enemy of the family, her true identity was known only to Lady Nangong and this eldest young master. The rest of the Nangong household, let alone outsiders, knew nothing.

Of course, it was possible that enemies would investigate her. But even if they found out, her value could never compare to that of the other members of the Nangong family.

Directly above her was Nangong Ao’s study, with things far more coveted.

“Still, when you go out, you should bring Su Cha with you,” Nangong Ao instructed.

Xianyu Jing nodded. “All right.”

“You will move into the ‘Nangong Residence’ from now on. It’s closer to the academy—you can return to the manor on weekends.”

The Nangong Residence was where Nangong Ao most often stayed, and it wasn’t far from the ZR Group headquarters.

Hearing this, Xianyu Jing was immediately troubled.

She truly did not want to live with this eldest young master. To spend every day under the gaze of the stern-faced god would be unbearable.

In fact, Nangong Ao was only agreeing reluctantly, pressured by his grandmother.

Though Xianyu Jing was his distant cousin, living under the same roof might give rise to rumors. Surely, Xiao Zhiyun would hear gossip.

He had wanted to delay the arrangement, but today’s events forced her to move sooner.

“Pack your things at once—the car is ready.”

Xianyu Jing: “...”

Was there no room for refusal?

Having said his piece, Nangong Ao rose and left.

At the door, he turned back and said, “From now on, address me as ‘Elder Brother,’ just like Xin Xin.”

Xianyu Jing spent a long moment composing herself before softly calling, “Elder Brother...”

“Mm.”

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Xianyu Jing had only been at the Nangong household for a month and hadn’t brought much from her old home, so there wasn’t much to pack.

Her belongings amounted to a single suitcase and one box filled with books and materials used for etiquette classes.

Oh, and the caterpillar plush her brother had gifted her!

Su Cha helped carry the box of books, as she would be moving with Xianyu Jing.

Cui Hao had been waiting in the car for an hour; as soon as he saw them, he hurried out to help load the luggage.

Once they were in the car, Cui Hao introduced himself.

“Miss, I’m the boss’s assistant, Cui Hao. He instructed that if you need anything, you can call me directly.”

Which meant, the boss was busy and had no time to take her calls; she should speak to him instead.

Xianyu Jing nodded at him in the rearview mirror. “Understood.”

Cui Hao breathed a sigh of relief. This young lady was far gentler than Miss San; she shouldn’t be difficult to serve.

The Nangong Residence was situated in the eastern part of the city, a two-hour drive from the manor.

Liyang Academy was nearby—just over ten minutes by bicycle. Living there would indeed be more convenient for school.

The east side was a commercial center, but there was a wealthy avenue at its edge, lined on both sides with grand villas reminiscent of ancient courtyards. Each villa had its own parking lot, garden, swimming pool—everything one could wish for.

Nangong Residence wasn’t in the heart of the wealthy avenue; Nangong Ao preferred not to be too conspicuous and deliberately chose a more secluded spot.

After the guards confirmed their identities, Cui Hao drove into the estate and parked before a three-story villa.

He got out to help with the luggage, leading Xianyu Jing inside as he introduced her to the place.

“The boss values peace and quiet and dislikes crowds. So there are only three servants in the residence—Aunt Rong handles the household chores inside, and two others take care of the grounds. There are also four security guards on duty round the clock.

Later, Aunt Rong will bring them to meet you.”

Xianyu Jing listened quietly. Soon, a cheerful, rosy-cheeked middle-aged woman came out from the kitchen.

“Miss, you’ve arrived!” Aunt Rong greeted warmly.

She had worked at the Nangong Residence for five or six years and had never seen a young lady move in. Even the eldest young master’s sweetheart, Miss Xiao from the Xiao family, had only visited twice.

This pretty and gentle young lady must have a special relationship with the eldest young master!

Aunt Rong’s smile grew even brighter as she thought this. “You must be tired after the long journey. Let me take you upstairs to rest. The eldest young master will return later, and you can dine together.”

Aunt Rong had once served Lady Nangong and spoke with the same warmth.

Xianyu Jing thanked her politely and followed Aunt Rong to the second floor.

The layout of the second and third floors was similar: a spacious bedroom with a walk-in closet and a study.

Evidently, the second-floor bedroom was rarely used; its furnishings were simple, the closet empty, and only the study had been decorated with a few books.

“The eldest young master said that once you arrive, you can ask for anything you need,” Aunt Rong explained as she helped Su Cha unpack.

Xianyu Jing walked out onto the spacious balcony, running her fingers across the pristine tea table. “There’s no need—everything is just fine.”

The conditions here were already much better than at her old home.

No matter how much she acquired, it would only add things, not restore the atmosphere of her former life.

Although Aunt Rong knew little of Xianyu Jing’s circumstances, she could tell the young lady was different from the Nangong family’s young masters and ladies—she avoided extravagance and waste, and likely hadn’t lived a life of luxury.

There wasn’t a trace of disdain in Aunt Rong; in fact, she felt an even greater fondness for Xianyu Jing.

“Let me know if you ever need anything,” she said.

“Thank you!”

Aunt Rong finished tidying and went downstairs to prepare dinner.

Xianyu Jing told Su Cha, “Go and organize your own room as well.”

Su Cha, never much for words, nodded and went downstairs.

At seven in the evening, as Aunt Rong finished preparing the meal, Cui Hao brought Nangong Ao back from the company.

With his work done for the day, Cui Hao happily went home.

Nangong Ao resided on the third floor. He went upstairs for a shower, while Xianyu Jing waited in the living room for dinner.

Fifteen minutes later, the eldest young master finally came downstairs at a leisurely pace.

He wore a gray-and-white casual ensemble, his damp hair slicked back, with a few locks falling over his forehead. The deep blue of his eyes was less severe than usual, lending him a lazy, relaxed air, though he still exuded aristocratic elegance.

As soon as the noble young master sat at the table, Aunt Rong scolded him, “Young Master, you’ve forgotten to dry your hair again. That’s not good for your health!”