Chapter 8: Forced Into Submission

Xianyu Jing clung to Jiang Mohe’s arm, inching step by step toward the backyard. Jiang Mohe slowed his pace as well, his eyes fixed straight ahead. Xianyu Jing stole three glances at him, each time focusing on his arm.

It was her peculiar habit.

When she first arrived at the Xianyu household, she wouldn’t let anyone approach her, insisting on hugging her brother’s arm. She wouldn’t even let go when sleeping!

This habit faded gradually after a year, but whenever her illness struck, her brother would still lend her his arm. Later, when he left for the Imperial City Academy and then studied abroad, Xianyu Jing could only cling to the caterpillar plush her brother had gifted her, weathering those cold, helpless nights.

Though nearly four years had passed since she last saw her brother, she still remembered how his arm was lean and warm. The arm beneath her hand now was strong, solid, and burning hot.

Different from her brother’s, yet strangely, it brought her the same sense of security.

The journey of a few hundred meters took Xianyu Jing nearly ten minutes to reach the backyard.

Xiao Qin, the maid, hurried over to help as soon as she saw them.

Jiang Mohe withdrew his arm and reminded her, “Remember: first cold compress, then warm compress.”

Xianyu Jing nodded, “Alright, thank you.”

“No need to thank me.” Jiang Mohe turned and left.

His tall, upright figure, steady and powerful stride, and agile movements—he must have worn a military uniform, Xianyu Jing thought.

This time, she saw his features clearly.

Just like his cold, resolute posture, his face was sharply defined, with rugged lines. His brows were thick and heroic, his long, dark eyes deep as ink. When he lowered his head to speak to her, there was a faint sparkle within.

Such a man, she thought, must have warmth in his heart.

Xiao Qin helped Xianyu Jing into the first-floor hall, just as Nangong Xin descended the stairs, ready to leave.

Seeing Xianyu Jing limping, she couldn’t help but gloat, “You really work hard to be a wealthy heiress! Honestly, you have no talent. You’d be better off back in your rural hometown…”

Xianyu Jing was indifferent to Nangong Xin’s sarcasm.

But then Nangong Xin said, “A pheasant should stay in the mountains, yet you dream of perching as a phoenix!”

Xianyu Jing halted, her tone cool, “Whether pheasant or phoenix, plucked of feathers, they’re all the same.”

“You!”

Nangong Xin’s expression changed, and Xiao Qin quickly pulled Xianyu Jing upstairs.

Miss Three was infamous for her temper; when she erupted, no one was spared!

Nangong Xin held back. She was fiery, yes, but the matriarch had spoken—she wouldn’t lash out at home. Well, there would always be another opportunity!

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Madam Nangong didn’t let Xianyu Jing skip her lessons because of her injury, but instead assigned Nangong Ao to personally escort her to the hospital.

Nangong Ao, esteemed CEO of ZR Group and head of the Nangong family, managed countless affairs daily and scarcely had time for his beloved—yet now he had to accompany a “sister” to the hospital.

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Cui Hao drove, sneaking cautious glances at the rearview mirror.

Wow, the boss’s face was thunderous today!

Xianyu Jing felt equally uneasy.

A sprain was a minor issue; a little heat, some ointment, a few days’ rest, and she’d be fine. No need for a hospital.

Besides, a driver could have taken her. Why call in this deity?

And such a dark-faced deity, too!

“How did you get hurt—were you practicing ballet’s thirty-two fouettés?”

…So he’s a sharp-tongued deity as well!

“Tell Steward Xue to change your dance teacher!”

…Likely, the new teacher wouldn’t want to come either.

“Forget it, switch courses.”

…Why do you care so much!

Xianyu Jing propped her cheek on her hand, biting her little finger—a sign of impatience.

“Smack!” Her hand was slapped away.

She stared, startled.

“Are you a three-year-old?” Nangong Ao’s gaze said exactly that. “Change your etiquette teacher too!”

In the Nangong household, there were no children who couldn’t be taught, only teachers who couldn’t teach.

Xianyu Jing thought: Who says all tycoons are domineering and aloof?

Oh, he’s domineering alright, but why so nagging!

Cui Hao sweated: Whenever his boss was angry, he got especially verbose!

Angel Hospital was one of the Nangong family’s businesses; their people always entered through the VIP channel to the special expert clinic.

Word spread that Young Master Ao had arrived; Deputy Director Chen personally came to consult.

“If Young Master needs anything, the hospital staff can visit your home—no need for you to come in person!”

Deputy Director Chen’s flattery rivaled his medical skills.

Young Master Ao glanced at those nearby, prompting Deputy Director Chen to look at Xianyu Jing: “And this is…?”

“She’s the boss’s sister!” Cui Hao quickly explained.

The niece of Director Qiao, who happened to be the mistress of the Xiao family.

Even if his boss and Miss Xiao weren’t publicly a couple, he couldn’t let others misunderstand.

But Deputy Director Chen was shrewd! Young Master Ao only had one sister—Miss Three. No distant relatives from other families could summon this deity, so this “sister” must be special.

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Deputy Director Chen smiled warmly at Xianyu Jing, “Miss, what’s troubling you?”

“My ankle’s sprained.”

“Let me take a look.”

“It’s not serious—almost healed.”

Deputy Director Chen paused, then caught on. “A sprained ankle isn’t a major injury; I’ll have Doctor Yao examine you.”

Young Master Ao’s brow furrowed, and he clicked his tongue, “You can do it yourself.”

If you’re sick, see the doctor, then leave—why all the fuss!

In truth, Xianyu Jing wasn’t fussing. Her ankle was barely hurt; a patch of ointment would set it right.

When she first learned martial arts from Old Master Gu, she’d often be covered in patches.

Seeing Xianyu Jing sit still, Young Master Ao finally lost patience: “Lift your foot!”

“Oh my, big brother, are you about to torture someone?”

Nangong Lu, flamboyantly dressed, appeared at the clinic door, a female doctor in tow.

Young Master Ao’s face darkened, “Why are you here?”

“To see Sister Saltfish!” Nangong Lu grinned mischievously. “Luckily I came, or we’d be watching a scene of big brother forcing little sister to obey!”

Cui Hao panicked, “Second Young Master Lu, please don’t joke!”

His boss was indeed forceful, but the sister wasn’t obeying!

“How am I joking? Look at Saltfish Sister, all innocent and aggrieved!”

Xianyu Jing wanted to bite her finger again but restrained herself.

“Saltfish Sister, don’t be scared—I brought Doctor Yao. Her skills are superb; you’ll be cured in no time…”

You’re the sick one! Both brothers are sick!

With a sudden “smack,” Xianyu Jing stood up and strode out of the clinic.

She simply couldn’t play along with this high-society “family” drama!

Nangong Lu was stunned, then turned to his brother, “Wasn’t her foot injured?”

Had his intel been wrong?