How many years has that mouth been pickled to absorb that much flavor?

"You silly girl, is it really worth wasting your breath on her?"

"If she had any sense of propriety and still considered herself a member of the Nan family, she would never have done something to damage the family's reputation."

Qin Peichen appeared out of nowhere.

Walking over to Nan Xing with a graceful, swaying gait, she glanced down at the rolling suitcase in Nan Xing's hand. "No one is stopping you from going to stay at a hotel, but we certainly don't have any money to give you. Figure it out yourself!"

Nan Xing narrowed her dark eyes, let out a scoff, and said, "Who cares!"

Qin Peichen dropped her sneer, sat down haughtily on the sofa, and ordered the maid nearby, "Hey, open her suitcase and search it. See if she took anything she shouldn't have."

What?!

Nan Xing's expression instantly darkened.

She thought to herself, why are there so many shameless people in this world?

She took a step forward, her body blocking the suitcase.

Her gaze was icy.

It was as if she were saying: *Just try and see who dares to touch it.*

Intimidated by Nan Xing's fierce glare, the few maids hesitated and backed away.

Seeing that her commands carried no weight, Qin Peichen flew into a rage from embarrassment. "You're living on the Nan family's wages—do you still want your jobs or not? If you don't want to work, get out right now!"

Money makes the world go round, and nothing can be done without it.

Driven by money, the maids' legs trembled as they stumbled forward toward Nan Xing.

Having just witnessed how horribly Nan Xing treated Nan Zhen'er, everyone exchanged nervous glances. Not a single person dared to make the first move.

Nan Xing raised an eyebrow, plunked herself straight down on top of the rolling suitcase, and crossed her legs. "You keep talking about high society, but why do some people act so utterly base?"

Qin Peichen's hand, holding her teacup, stiffened. "Who are you talking about?"

"Whoever the shoe fits."

Wrinkles formed on Qin Peichen's carefully maintained face.

Nan Xing smiled gently and flicked her bangs. "Is there anything in your Nan family even worth taking? A pile of cheap, worthless junk—even if you begged me to take it, I wouldn't want it."

Qin Peichen couldn't swallow another sip of tea. Forcing down her rage, she said, "Weiguo, look at the fine daughter you've raised! Is Nan Xing acting anything like a human being?"

"I was only worried she might have picked up bad habits, so I wanted to check her suitcase to help her correct them and nip the problem in the bud."

Bad habits?

The bad habits Qin Peichen was referring to meant she had sticky fingers and stole things?

If she weren't in such a good mood today, Nan Xing really would have rushed over and slapped her twice.

Qin Peichen's little stunt was enough to make one's stomach turn.

Still, what good is a barking dog?

Actually managing to bite was a real skill.

Nan Xing's bright peach-blossom eyes curved at the corners as she cheerfully remarked, "How many years have you pickled that mouth of yours for it to smell so foul?"

Qin Peichen was so angry she nearly jumped off the sofa, pointing straight at Nan Xing's nose. "Did you smear poison on your lips? Why are you speaking with such venom?"

Unfazed and unashamed, Nan Xing smiled sweetly. "Never mind whether it's venomous or not. It's you who should start eating more cosmetics to add a little inner beauty."

With that, Nan Xing stood up and grabbed her suitcase handle.

Qin Peichen and Nan Zhen'er stood up from the sofa at the same time.

"No one is allowed to stop her today! I'll say it again: if Nan Xing dares to step foot outside this door, I, Nan Weiguo, will no longer consider her my daughter!"

Nan Weiguo's deep, warning voice rang out from behind.

Nan Xing's red lips curled slightly, and her spine straightened even more.

Under the stunned gazes of everyone present, the living room door was kicked open with a loud bang, and Nan Xing walked out decisively and cleanly.

As if she had not the slightest shred of lingering attachment to this home.

After Nan Xing left, Qin Peichen began making sarcastic remarks to Nan Weiguo.

"Look at that. That Nan Xing is fiercely strong-willed; there's nothing she wouldn't dare to do. I think she simply has no respect for the Nan family at all!"

"Weiguo, I'm not just saying this to be mean, but you shouldn't have brought her back to the Nan family in the first place. Nan Xing doesn't belong in a place like this."

Nan Weiguo was feeling somewhat regretful himself, and said helplessly, "No matter what, her mother did a great favor for Old Master Li. If not for Old Master Li's personal letter, our Nan family would have been finished long ago."

Qin Peichen looked unconvinced. "Hmph, so what? Our Zhen'er is far more exceptional than her. How do you know young master Li wouldn't prefer Zhen'er if you don't even try?"

"Besides, the person is dead anyway. Who even knows if there really was a personal letter?"

"You never saw it, and neither did I. For all we know, that Jiang Wan fed Old Master Li some kind of soul-stealing potion to make him say such things on his deathbed..."

"Shut your mouth!"

Daring to openly gossip about the affairs of the Li family, Nan Weiguo grew somewhat irritated, worried that someone with ulterior motives might overhear and bring ruin upon them.

Realizing she had let slip what she shouldn't have, Qin Peichen immediately quieted down and shooed the maids out of the room.

"Dad, do you think big sister will be alright living out there all by herself?"

Once Nan Weiguo's expression softened, Nan Zhen'er stepped forward to express her concern for Nan Xing.

Nan Weiguo was furious with Nan Xing and showed no mercy in his words. "She's an adult. Even if something does happen to her, she'll have to bear the consequences herself."

"I made myself very clear just now. Since she dared to defy my will, she must take full responsibility for the outcome."

Nan Xing had arrived in Beixin City without knowing anyone, and she had practically no money on her.

Now that she had left the protection of the Nan family, she probably wouldn't even be able to afford food and drink.

Nan Weiguo predicted that within a day, Nan Xing would come back begging him.

Hearing Nan Weiguo's words, Nan Zhen'er was overjoyed.

She thought to herself that it would be best if Nan Xing never came back.

Even if she died out there, no one would pity her.

When that time came, she could keep Brother Sichen by her side and monopolize his body and soul.

At this thought, Nan Zhen'er felt thoroughly relieved.

She smiled as she stood up and said obediently, "Dad, Mom, I'm going back to my room to practice the piano. There's a competition coming up soon, and I'll definitely bring honor to our family."

"Your hand is still injured, so get some rest early tonight. Piano practice can wait," Nan Weiguo said, looking at her bandaged arm with a pang of sympathy.

"It's fine, Dad. This competition is very important. A little injury is nothing."

With that, Nan Zhen'er headed toward the music room.

Watching her precious daughter's retreating figure, a gratified smile bloomed on Nan Weiguo's face.

Fortunately, he had such an understanding, striving, and wonderful daughter.

On her way back to the music room, as Nan Zhen'er passed through the garden corridor, she suddenly noticed a furtive figure flash past her eyes.

Judging by the clothes, it looked like one of the Nan family's maids.

Nan Zhen'er softened her footsteps and quietly followed.

She watched as the person approached a trash can, looked around cautiously, and, seeing no one, pulled something out from inside her jacket.