My Mysterious Darling Wife (GL) - Chapter 6

Evening news and financial channels invariably reported Chi Nian’s disappearance whenever they mentioned the Chi Family. The disappearance of the Chi Family’s heiress was a major event for Glazed Island. As the intended successor to the Chi Shang Group, her absence had significant implications for the entire conglomerate and its economic influence. Most critically, she held 40% of the company’s shares.

The Chi Family was a family-owned enterprise with three generations of business history. Despite their vast wealth, now exceeding trillions, they refused to go public, preventing outsiders from gaining control. Currently, the group’s major and minor shareholders were primarily relatives from the Chi family’s branches, and most mid-to-upper management positions were held by family members. Chi Jing, having joined the group early and cultivated deep-rooted influence, had solidified his position.

Mr. Chi, what are your plans regarding Miss Chi’s disappearance?

I am deeply saddened by my sister’s misfortune. The Chi Family has always maintained a low profile. Whoever harmed her will pay dearly.

Are you implying that Miss Chi may already be…?

I will never give up searching for her. She’s still recovering from the car accident. As long as my sister is alive, I will spare no effort or resource from the Chi Family to find her.

The television’s volume was loud enough for every word to reach Zhang Yuning’s ears. The chaotic interview footage ended with Chi Jing’s insincere response. The open-plan kitchen flowed seamlessly into the living room, and Chi Nian seemed to have changed the channel.

The television was actually a transparent display projected onto the white wall. Unlike traditional TVs, it lacked the complexity of physical circuitry, and compared to ordinary projectors, its high-definition image quality surpassed even that of a real TV screen.

None of the advanced technology used here was commercially available. The Chi Family prioritized internal research and development, testing new products extensively before releasing them to the market.

The cutting-edge smart technology in Chi Nian’s residence was unique, seemingly befitting her status.

Chief Inspector Mo, have you uncovered any leads in the investigation into Miss Chi’s disappearance? another channel was interviewing someone.

All case investigations are confidential. Do not contact me again! The voice was deep and authoritative, its commanding presence palpable even through the screen.

Mo Lindi? Zhang Yuning recognized the voice.

This was the director of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Glazed Island National Police, directly overseeing the Glazed City Police Bureau. Known for her iron-fisted leadership, she wielded considerable power and was personally handling Chi Nian’s disappearance.

Chi Nian sat sideways, propping her cheek with one hand. When she crossed her legs, the black lace of her stockings peeked through her skirt. She watched the television screen with a languid air, her expression indifferent as she observed the news and speculation about herself.

Zhang Yuning, while preparing the meal, kept a close eye on Chi Nian’s reactions. Careful not to be caught staring, she would glance quickly and then look away. Finally, she finished preparing the light meal and carried it to the dining table. She looked at Chi Nian but remained silent.

Chi Nian continued flipping through the news, treating it like idle entertainment. The sensational headlines, netizens’ wild guesses, and outlandish rumors about the heiress struck her as absurd.

Her expression remained consistently calm, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips, her eyes holding a silent, unspoken depth.

Dinner’s ready, Zhang Yuning announced.

Chi Nian turned off the television and walked over to the table. She looked at the two plates in surprise. Why did you make two portions?

Do you think I don’t need to eat? Zhang Yuning retorted.

But you don’t like this kind of food, Chi Nian replied, her face stiffening. Zhang Yuning stared at her, suspicion flickering in her eyes, but she didn’t press the matter.

Chi Nian calmly sat down. Most people add sauces. I didn’t think anyone else would eat it plain like me.

Yes, you’re right. I don’t like it. Your ordinary guess is spot-on, Zhang Yuning emphasized the word ordinary, perhaps suspecting Chi Nian had investigated her background. But she had no remarkable history there shouldn’t be much to uncover.

Still, how could someone investigating her background know her dietary preferences? She loved spicy, heavily seasoned food and disliked light meals, especially boiled vegetables. But since Chi Nian wanted to eat this, she reluctantly joined in, too lazy to cook something else.

Chi Nian narrowed her eyes, picked up her knife and fork, and said, Let’s eat.

Her manners were impeccable, her demeanor refined. She didn’t utter a single word throughout the meal. Zhang Yuning, a fast eater, finished first and began clearing the table. Chi Nian remained focused solely on her food, without glancing at her phone, doing anything else, or speaking.

Even after Zhang Yuning had cleaned the kitchen spotless, Chi Nian still hadn’t finished.

Go take a shower first, Chi Nian said, her first words before finishing a meal. Zhang Yuning glanced at the clock it was barely eight. Given her habit of exercising and tinkering with various projects, she never showered before midnight.

Isn’t it too early?

Chi Nian looked up and patiently repeated, Go wash up. We have things to do afterward. Her gentle command was impossible to refuse, and Zhang Yuning, thinking they were finally about to take action, agreed.

She hadn’t showered or slept since returning last night and was starting to smell.

As Zhang Yuning walked into the bathroom, she realized she didn’t have any clean clothes. Just as she was considering going out to buy some, she noticed a brand-new pair of underwear and a long T-shirt-style pajama set laid out inside.

The clothes had faint wrinkles and a fresh scent, clearly recently washed. The style was definitely not Chi Nian’s, and the size was Zhang Yuning’s. Had these been prepared in advance?

So, Chi Nian had her eye on me long before that day? Was that whole catching a turtle in a jar incident staged?

But how could Chi Nian have predicted Zhang Yuning would find that villa? It was impossible! The situation was becoming increasingly baffling.

Zhang Yuning closed her eyes, letting the water wash over her as images of Chi Nian flashed through her mind. Could these clothes not be for me? Just a coincidence, perhaps?

Normal logic simply didn’t apply to Chi Nian. It was irrational, unrealistic, and impossible that so many factors could align while Zhang Yuning’s understanding of Chi Nian remained stagnant.

It’s only been two days anyway. We have plenty of time ahead.

She quickly showered and stepped out, only to realize there was no towel. Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Before Zhang Yuning could answer, Chi Nian opened it. I forgot to leave a towel.

Zhang Yuning hurriedly turned her back and reached out to take it. Thank you!

Chi Nian withdrew her hand, leaving Zhang Yuning grasping at air. What are you so worried about? she said with a playful smile. It’s not like I haven’t seen it before.

Whether you’ve seen it or not, you shouldn’t just barge in like that, Zhang Yuning retorted, water still dripping from her hair. She turned and snatched the towel, quickly wrapping herself up.

What’s the big deal? We’re both women, Zhang Yuning thought, feeling she was being overly cautious. She smoothed the strands of wet hair clinging to her scalp as Chi Nian offered her a dry hair towel with her other hand. How can you call it ‘barging in’ when I’m just bringing you this?

Then thank you, Zhang Yuning said, taking the towel with a hint of annoyance. When Chi Nian didn’t leave, she asked, Is there anything else?

Don’t blow-dry your hair. Get dressed and come to the makeup room.

Zhang Yuning deliberately teased, For a moment, I thought you were going to offer to blow-dry my hair for me.

If you’d like, I wouldn’t mind, Chi Nian replied, her arms crossed and her smile unwavering.

No need for Miss Chi to lower herself. Please leave.

Chi Nian smiled without answering, releasing her grip on the sliding door. Zhang Yuning sighed inwardly. Not letting me blow-dry my hair? What a strange request, she thought, though she did prefer letting it air-dry naturally.

The clothes fit perfectly, exactly the kind of comfortable loungewear Zhang Yuning liked to wear at home—a loose-fitting T-shirt and shorts that allowed her to move freely. After drying her hair and smoothing it out, she cleaned the bathroom and went to find Chi Nian.

The living area wasn’t large, and Zhang Yuning hadn’t yet located the vanity. But as she passed another room, she discovered it was a combined wardrobe and vanity. This meant the house had only one bedroom. Where am I supposed to sleep?

Come in, Chi Nian said, turning from the vanity mirror to offer her seat. Sit here.

Unsure what Chi Nian intended, Zhang Yuning reluctantly complied. The vanity mirror resembled those in hair salons, cluttered with skincare products, makeup, hairpins, and other accessories. Illuminated from above and equipped with drawers below, the mirror offered a clear reflection. Chi Nian stood behind her.

What was she up to? Zhang Yuning stared at Chi Nian’s reflection in the mirror, her guard rising. When someone had your back, you always had to be wary of ambushes or other dangers.

Having been manipulated once, she couldn’t let it happen again—at least not while she was unconscious, leaving herself vulnerable to uncontrollable events.

Their eyes met in the mirror. Chi Nian placed her hands on Zhang Yuning’s shoulders, then pinched the dyed strand of hair. This looks awful. I’ll dye it back for you.

Dye my hair? Zhang Yuning thought she might be hallucinating.

Just keep it long, straight, and black. It looks beautiful without any dye, Chi Nian said as she draped a towel around Zhang Yuning’s neck. She picked up the prepared hair dye, stirred it twice with practiced ease, and began applying it with a dye brush.

Chi Nian meant what she said. Without a moment’s hesitation, she focused intently on Zhang Yuning’s hair.

Zhang Yuning sat motionless and silent, seemingly giving up the struggle after her initial shock.

Why aren’t you resisting?

If I did, would you stop?

No.

Then what’s the point? Resisting is useless.

Chi Nian glanced at herself in the mirror, then lowered her gaze with a faint smile. You’re a man of your word. You said you’d listen to me for three months, and you’ve kept your promise.

That’s because you felt you were at a disadvantage and wanted me to take ‘responsibility.’

Don’t you agree? Or do you think you’re the one at a disadvantage?

Zhang Yuning replied expressionlessly, I don’t feel like I’m at a disadvantage. But you don’t need to keep bringing this up. We’re both adults, and you’re so… experienced.

The moment the word experienced left her lips, Chi Nian’s hands froze, her expression turning cold. Zhang Yuning’s gaze remained fixed on the woman in the mirror, but Chi Nian didn’t look up. She calmly set down the hair dye, wrapped Zhang Yuning’s hair in plastic wrap, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Wash your hair in an hour. You can move around now.

Without another word, the conversation abruptly ended as Chi Nian turned and left the dressing room.

Zhang Yuning’s brow furrowed. She couldn’t understand Chi Nian’s sudden shift in mood. If she didn’t care about the situation, why react so strongly to that word?