Second update.

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"Do you mean she laid half-damp sheets for you? When did this happen? Why didn’t you tell Grandma Zhou and Third Aunt Zhou? Don’t you know your current situation? Why tolerate such a person?" Luo Xiaoqiong spoke as she glared hatefully at Little Jing. Initially, she felt pity for the other’s emotional hurt, thinking it was understandable though unacceptable. But now, seeing her, she only felt disgusted!

"I... I was wrong!" Little Jing fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Chuxia, "Third Young Madam, I truly didn’t do it on purpose. When I was laying the sheets, I heard Third Young Master’s voice, panicked, and accidentally knocked over the water cup on the bedside."

It originally only dampened a small area on the bedside, but when I reached for a dry towel, the cup rolled onto the bed. I was truly flustered and forgot I could replace it with a new one, so I ended up wiping with the towel back and forth.

Then Third Young Master entered without even glancing at me, took his things, and left. I felt like I had survived a calamity and quickly retreated, completely forgetting about the wet sheets.

By the time I remembered, it was the next day. I wanted to confess, but seeing you unaffected, I assumed you’d returned when the sheets had dried, so I kept quiet out of luck.

Third Young Madam, I can swear to the heavens, if I intentionally did this, let me be immediately thrown out of the Zhou family and forever ridiculed by everyone."

"Why were you so flustered?" Chuxia asked pointedly.

"I... I... I’m scared of Third Young Master."

"Is that so?" Chuxia looked at her coolly, "At this point, you’re still not speaking the truth, Little Jing, you’ve disappointed me deeply. Initially, I didn’t want to hold grudges against you, but now I have no choice but to handle it formally."

"Third Young Madam..." Little Jing crawled forward on her knees, trying to grab Chuxia’s leg, but was held back by Luo Xiaoqiong and Yun Doudou on either side. "What are you trying to do?" Luo Xiaoqiong’s eyebrows raised, glaring at her, "If you have issues, speak about them, why get physical?"

"What exactly did she do?" Zhao Qihui looked to Chuxia and asked, her eyes full of frustration. She had heard about Little Jing’s situation, felt pity for her, and even took her out for a stroll with plans to advise her. Little did she know there was more to it, and from her sister’s tone, Little Jing had done other betrayals against her cousin. What was she to make of this?

"The story about the bedside cup spilling is complete nonsense. In fact, she took Zhou Mikang’s tooth mug and toothbrush, sat on the bed brushing her teeth. Hearing the door, she panicked and spilled water on the bed.

It’s after her explanation came, wiping down the sheets, just as Zhou Mikang entered to retrieve things. Afraid the truth would be discovered, she panicked, and when Zhou Mikang left, she fled in fright, forgetting evidence remained on the bed."

Little Jing looked at Chuxia, shocked, mumbling, "How... how did you know?"

"You..." Zhao Qihui, full of indignation, slapped Little Jing hard, "How shameless of you, talking about Zhang Jun’s betrayal? I think he saw through your nature and ended it early.

I was foolish too, feeling pity and taking you out for a breather, huh... Truly laughable. I bet, as you told me your story, you mocked me as a fool, right?"

"I didn’t, I didn’t, I didn’t..." Little Jing denied while looking desperately at Chuxia, "Third Young Madam, please forgive me this once. I promise never to do such a thing again. Please give me one chance — I’ll remember your kindness for life."

Chuxia waved her hand, and two strong men quickly came over and dragged Little Jing away.

"Xia..." Zhao Qihui looked at Chuxia apologetically, unsure how to speak.

"Sis, why feel embarrassed? You didn’t know what she did, plus, not just you, the whole family was fooled by her, thinking she was somewhat pitiful.

If it weren’t for Yingying witnessing those actions, I wouldn’t have known either..." Chuxia sighed with a bitter smile, "I really need to thank Yingying, or else, who knows what could have happened then."

"What’s her mindset?" Luo Xiaoqiong looked at Chuxia puzzled, "I’ve pondered over this, but can’t understand what her intentions were."

"Her problem with Zhang Jun is indeed a fact, and Zhang Jun did wrong her, but she shouldn’t have gone to such an extent due to heartbreak.

She always secretly liked Zhou Mikang. As for her current mindset, I can’t explain, but I know her intentions with Zhou Mikang’s toothbrush and mug were indirect contact.

If this escalates, next time it won’t be just water on my bed..." Chuxia spread her hands, mocking herself with a laugh, "To think I once felt sorry for her, haha..."

Luo Xiaoqiong’s brows tightened: "So you’re saying the water spilled on you before was intentional by her?"

"Maybe."

"When did this happen?" Zhao Qihui looked at Chuxia and asked.

"Yesterday..." Chuxia shook her head with amusement, "I deliberately took her out to get some fresh air, but who would’ve thought it would lead to such a result.

Originally, I planned to tell the elders about this, but I didn’t find the time today. If she wasn’t feeling guilty, her behavior wouldn’t have been like this today."

"So she... really had this ridiculous idea?"

"Doudou, if she heard your tone, she’d probably scoff at it. In her view, she grew up in the Zhou family, which is much better than me, a countryside girl.

Initially, she was not content, but given her position, there’s nothing she could do, plus she couldn’t act recklessly with Zhou Mikang’s personality.

Actually, since marrying into the Zhou family, I sensed her rejection towards me, but back then I didn’t give it much thought..." Chuxia shrugged, looking quite fortunate, "Don’t you all think it’s a good thing that I don’t live at home while pregnant?"

"That was close." Luo Xiaoqiong patted her chest repeatedly, "The family trusted her so much, if she had really done something bad, there’d be no place for regret."

"Outsiders only know to envy your good luck, not realizing the messy things you face every day?" Zhao Qihui hugged her sympathetically, "Xia, you really don’t have it easy."

"Sis, don’t say that..." Chuxia looked at her with amusement, "It’s not as complicated as you think. Little Jing may have some thoughts, but she wouldn’t really harm me; otherwise, she would have succeeded long ago, right?

Actually, this time, she got a bit overly stimulated after being rejected by Zhang Jun, causing her nerves to misfire. The family had noticed she was a bit off before, but considering she grew up in the Zhou family, they wanted to give her more chances.

If they knew she would do such a thing, no matter how harmed she was, they wouldn’t let her stay here—being kind should have a limit."

While they were still chatting, Old Madam Zhou sent someone over to invite Chuxia.

"You all don’t need to come along..." Chuxia looked at the few standing up, "Once things are settled, I’ll come find you."

"Alright." Before Luo Xiaoqiong could object, Zhao Qihui agreed first. No matter how close they were to Chuxia, this was the Zhou family’s matter, and they couldn’t just join in everything.

Moreover, she believed the Zhou family would prioritize Chuxia’s opinions, and there was no need for them to interfere.

"Xia..." As soon as Chuxia entered the door, Old Madam Zhou came forward, holding her hand apologetically, "It’s all Grandma’s fault for making you suffer. Why didn’t you tell Grandma sooner about such a thing?"

"Grandma, I just didn’t find the opportunity..." Chuxia smiled and sat down with the old lady, "I’m fine. Grandma, don’t blame yourself. It’s not a big deal; I didn’t suffer any losses."

"It’s all my fault for being too soft-hearted..." Old Madam Zhou sighed, "Originally, your Grandpa wanted to transfer her elsewhere, but I stopped it. Alas, your Grandpa was right, I am too soft-hearted."

"Grandma, don’t blame yourself. By the way, how did you handle Little Jing?"

"We let her work in one of the Zhou family’s factories now. Without permission, she can’t leave the factory. Don’t worry, she won’t bother you again, and I don’t want to see her in my lifetime either.

Oh..." The old lady sighed heavily, "You know Grandma hates betrayal the most. Every chance was given, yet it ended like this; it’s her own fault.

Even if she does something inappropriate at the factory, I won’t regret today’s decision, because just with her personality, keeping her here would’ve required constant vigilance.

If she stayed, our whole family would have to live days full of tension, and that’s not kindness, it’s stupidity, don’t you agree?"

"I agree with Grandma’s decision. It’s over, so don’t take the blame..." Chuxia smiled and shook the old lady’s arm, "Yingying discovered this; she’s our family’s little hero, and she always thinks about Grandma. Why don’t we visit her Grandma together after Yingying’s competition?"

"Sure." Old Madam Zhou agreed quickly, "That’s only right. Speaking of which, our little Yingying is really clever; ordinary kids wouldn’t think much after discovering such a thing. This little girl is so sensible it makes people feel for her.

Too bad her mother, at her age, is not as sensible as a child. Fortunately, your third uncle finally chose the right person now; otherwise, Grandma would close her eyes in her grave not peacefully." (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendation or monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Smartphone users please read at m.qidian.com)