I Am Her Secret Beauty and Strong Alpha (GL) - Chapter 14

In the following three days, Mu Xi and Nan Xi went to various places to take care of numerous affairs.

According to the will Lady Nan Youlin had drafted long ago, her real estate and various collectibles were to be passed on to her descendants in accordance with her personal wishes, while all her savings were to be donated to nursing homes and charitable organizations.

Nan Xi received a piece of property, three paintings, and some jewelry. One of the paintings was a treasured bamboo forest scroll by a renowned artist, which Lady Nan Youlin had cherished for decades—said to be worthy of a place in a museum.

But for Nan Xi, these were the last gifts from her great-grandmother, precious scrolls imbued with heartfelt wishes. She would keep them safe.

The funeral was held by the lake in Nan Youlin’s hometown. Within two days, Mu Xi led a group of workers to plant a bamboo grove there—at least a third of the bamboo had passed through Mu Xi’s hands.

A scenic garden eager to curry favor with the Nan family offered to host the funeral, but a public site wasn’t appropriate for such an event. Nan Xi also preferred to handle it more personally, so she contacted several well-known designers to create a layout plan, which she handed off to Mu Xi to execute.

Three days later, the clear lakeside had been transformed into an elegant Chinese-style garden. Bamboo swayed gently, and pavilions rose gracefully—it was just the way Lady Nan Youlin liked it.

Mu Xi still wore her usual butler attire, with a Bluetooth earpiece for coordinating with the staff. She stood slightly apart from the Nan family, watching silently as each guest paid their respects.

The Nan family all wore black. Nan Zhiya stood at the front, like an unshakable statue receiving the respectful gazes of guests, with her husband and children behind her.

Nan Xi wore a hat, the brim draped with black veil that just barely concealed her face.

It was Nan Xi’s first public appearance in five years. Though the occasion was solemn, many guests couldn’t contain their curiosity and kept stealing glances, trying to compare her to her elder sister who had come into the spotlight early.

It was unavoidable; otherwise, Mu Xi would’ve gone around reminding everyone to show proper respect to both the deceased and the young miss.

Nan Zhiya stepped forward to deliver her eulogy.

Mu Xi stood with her arms crossed, a little dazed. She recalled the moment Nan Youlin’s body was brought to the site.

With time’s touch and the mortician’s skill, Nan Youlin’s face appeared peaceful and serene, as if merely asleep, not dead.

Around her were arrangements of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, the “Four Gentlemen” of flowers, encircling the departed soul. Whether the scene was holy or solemn, Mu Xi couldn’t say, but it left a deep impression.

“…We are here today to honor such a great relative, a friend…”

It was unclear how long had passed before the guests approached the crystal casket one by one, laying down white chrysanthemums in tribute.

Mu Xi, of course, didn’t join that line.

She only watched—watched as Nan Xi, in a black dress, slowly approached her great-grandmother, bowing slightly as if making a wish, then solemnly placed a white chrysanthemum beside Nan Youlin.

At that moment, one of the guests, unable to resist, murmured:

“The Nan family’s youngest daughter seems to have grown even more beautiful.”

Mu Xi couldn’t help turning to cast a cold glance at the rude speaker, staring until they sheepishly went quiet, then calmly turned back.

But where there are people, there are social interactions.

Soon, Nan Xi was approached by several familiar faces offering condolences, along with casual remarks about how time flies—it had been five years since they last saw her.

Mu Xi was patrolling the grounds, but at one point, passing by Nan Xi, she overheard someone say, “Welcome back.”

It was a soft, pleasant female voice. Mu Xi couldn’t help glancing again and saw a smiling woman with rimless glasses, polite and graceful in her manner.

She quickly matched the face to a name on the guest list: Wu Quan, from a family that ran a medical company—likely an old acquaintance of Nan Xi’s.

An alpha.

Mu Xi withdrew her gaze and moved on, the voices of Wu Quan and Nan Xi fading into the breeze.

Wu Quan glanced after Mu Xi’s retreating figure. “Who’s that?”

“The butler.”

Nan Xi’s tone was a bit distant. The two weren’t particularly close, but their fields were similar—Wu Quan studied medicine and ran a company, both involved in research. It was possible they’d cross paths more in the future.

That was why Nan Xi was willing to chat a bit longer.

Wu Quan nodded, exchanged a few more pleasantries, then took her leave.

Not long after, another curious elder called Nan Xi over.

From a distance, Wu Quan tilted her head, watching Nan Xi with an expression that was hard to read—admiration or hostility, it wasn’t clear.

After completing her rounds, Mu Xi noticed Wu Quan’s gaze but couldn’t decipher its emotion.

Still, one thing was clear—this woman made her uncomfortable.

Thankfully, she was just a butler. Her opinion didn’t matter.

Mu Xi calmly sipped her water. As part of her duties, she was to help with some social interactions as well, so she quickly put on a warm smile and stepped forward to chat with a certain lady.

The funeral concluded quickly—like a human life, over in a blink.

Everyone soon returned to their regular routines, to the grind of daily work and life.

Nan Zhiya resumed her elusive lifestyle, and it wasn’t until two or three days later that Mu Xi finally caught her home for dinner.

After dinner, Mu Xi knocked on the study door and entered.

Nan Zhiya was writing at her desk, not even looking up. “What is it, butler?”

“I’m here to report on the household matters over the past few days,” Mu Xi replied smoothly, then added, “Also, the 200,000 yuan you gave me earlier—I’m here to return it.”

Nan Zhiya frowned, thinking for a moment before remembering she had indeed given Mu Xi that money to take Nan Xi on a trip.

Since they went to a family-owned estate, they didn’t spend much, and then Nan Youlin passed away, so they never got to go. The money remained unused.

Though Nan Zhiya had said Mu Xi could keep the leftover amount, Mu Xi couldn’t just pocket it outright.

A feast is one thing; a steady salary is another—boundaries must be maintained. Besides, 200,000 wasn’t much compared to Mu Xi’s salary.

Nan Zhiya chuckled lightly. “It’s fine. If you get the chance later, still use it to take Nan Xi somewhere.”

“I trust you with money.”

Mu Xi felt a wave of warmth. A butler’s greatest reward was the trust and appreciation of their master.

But before the warmth could settle, Nan Zhiya added:

“If you really can’t spend it, just deduct it from your future salary.”

“…Understood.”

Mu Xi smiled and bowed. “You’re absolutely right.”

It’s okay—she’d known what kind of person Nan Zhiya was from the start. Capitalists always know exactly where to save and where to splurge. It’s fine.

Nan Zhiya gave a soft “hm,” then was about to return to her writing when she paused and asked, “How’s the construction on Nan Xi’s research institute going?”

At those words, Mu Xi immediately pictured that vast open land, the laborers, the blazing sun, the endless piles of bricks and cement.

She instantly grew alert, fearing Nan Xi would be unhappy with the progress and send her back to the site to do manual labor.

Yes, she had SSS-grade alpha physical strength—but even alphas got tired.

“It should be done by next spring.”

As expected, Nan Zhiya narrowed her eyes, clearly displeased with the pace.

Just as Mu Xi started to sweat, Nan Zhiya said:

“Forget it. Before it’s completed, Nan Xi plans to do her research at A University’s lab. You’ll be responsible for driving her.”

Mu Xi dared not question what Nan Zhiya meant by “forget it.”

Still, being a chauffeur was far better than laying bricks. Mu Xi was more than happy with this arrangement.

“She’s physically weak, and A University… well, it’s not her favorite place. Take good care of her,” Nan Zhiya instructed.

So A University was where Nan Xi had been hurt. Apparently, Nan Zhiya knew that part of her story. Judging by Nan Lian and Nan Nan’s reactions, the whole family likely knew.

Mu Xi couldn’t help but think—with how protective Nan Zhiya was, the alpha who broke Nan Xi’s heart was lucky not to have been hunted down.

Or maybe not so lucky. Maybe there was already grass growing over their grave.

…No, that person supposedly looked a lot like her. Best not to think that way.

Mu Xi left the study, feeling complicated.

She didn’t get far before spotting Nan Xi sitting on the couch with her back turned, not reading or using her phone—she seemed to be waiting.

Hearing movement, Nan Xi turned calmly.

She had been waiting.

“All done? What did you talk to my mother about?” she asked casually, like she was just making conversation, not really seeking an answer.

Still, Mu Xi replied honestly. “Madam said I’ll be in charge of driving you to and from work.”

Nan Xi lowered her gaze, but the corners of her lips lifted slightly.

“She’s always considerate,” she said. “Perfect timing—you can start right away.”

Mu Xi glanced at the dark sky outside. “Miss, are you going to work now?”

“You are.”

Nan Xi corrected her, crossing her legs playfully. She seemed to be in a good mood. “My professor invited me to dinner. Drive me there.”

It was a former professor from A University, someone Nan Xi had always maintained a good relationship with. She’d be working in the professor’s lab for the next six months.

Mu Xi had no objections—it was work, after all. Whether she drove Miss Nan or worked at home, it was all part of the job.

Still… “Alright. It’s getting late. I’ll wait in the car and remind you when it’s time to head home.”

“?”

Nan Xi raised her brows. “I’m twenty-five. Are you afraid I won’t come home?”

“You’re an adult, Miss Nan. Of course you’re free to arrange your own time,” Mu Xi quickly corrected herself. “I’ll just remind you if needed.”

“Hmm…” Nan Xi smirked slightly. “Then do remind me. I won’t do anything.”

“You remember last time, don’t you? I’m not one to waste effort anymore.”

Nan Xi: I only do what works.