Evening news and financial channels always revisited the story of Chi Nian’s disappearance whenever they mentioned the Chi family.
The disappearance of the Chi family heiress was a major event for Glazed Island. She was supposed to be the primary successor of
Chi Shang Group, and her vanishing had significant implications for the conglomerate and its economic influence. Most crucially,
she held 40% of the company’s shares.
The Chi family ran a generational business, with roots tracing back three generations. Despite amassing trillions in assets, they refused to go public, keeping outsiders at bay. Currently, the major and minor shareholders within the group were all Chi relatives, and most mid-to-high-level executives were family members. Since Chi Jing had joined the group early and earned deep loyalty, his influence was firmly entrenched.
“President Chi, what are your plans regarding the disappearance of Miss Chi?”
“I am deeply grieved by my sister’s misfortune. Our family has always kept a low profile, but whoever harmed her will pay a heavy
price.”
“Are you implying that Miss Chi might already be…?”
“I will never give up searching for her. She was still recovering from the car accident. As long as there’s a chance she’s alive, I
will spare no effort no matter the cost.”
The TV volume was loud, and every word reached Zhang Yuning’s ears. The chaotic interview scene ended with Chi Jing’s hypocritical
response. The open kitchen had no partition separating it from the living room, and Chi Nian seemed to have switched channels.
The so-called TV was a transparent display projected onto the white wall. Unlike traditional televisions with tangled wires, and
unlike ordinary projectors, this high-definition image surpassed even the clarity of a real TV screen.
All the technological applications here weren’t mainstream on the market. The Chi family prioritized R&D, testing products
internally before releasing them. The high-tech, intelligent setup in Chi Nian’s residence was unique, fitting for someone of her
status.
“Chief Inspector Mo, do you have any leads in the investigation of Miss Chi’s disappearance?” Another channel was interviewing
someone.
“All case details are confidential. Stop interviewing me!” The voice was deep and authoritative, its commanding presence palpable
even through the screen.
Mo Lindi? Zhang Yuning recognized that voice.
She was the head of the Criminal Investigation Division under Glazed Island’s National Police Department, directly overseeing the
Glazed City Police Bureau. A woman of immense power and uncompromising methods, she was personally handling Chi Nian’s
disappearance.
Chi Nian sat lazily, propping her chin with one hand, legs crossed, the black lace of her attire faintly visible. She watched the
TV indifferently, observing everything related to herself with an air of detachment.
Zhang Yuning cooked while stealing glances at her expression, careful not to let Chi Nian catch her staring. She kept her
observations brief, looking away quickly. Finally finishing the light meal, she brought it to the dining table and glanced at Chi
Nian without speaking.
Chi Nian continued flipping through channels, as if passing time out of boredom. The rampant news, wild speculations from netizens,
and sensationalized rumors about the missing heiress seemed like jokes to her.
Her expression remained faint, lips curled in a barely-there smile, eyes holding unspoken words in silence.
“Food’s ready,” Zhang Yuning said.
Chi Nian turned off the TV and walked over, pausing in surprise at the table. “Why two servings?”
“Did you think I don’t eat?”
“You don’t like this, do you?” Chi Nian said, then froze as Zhang Yuning stared at her with suspicion-filled eyes, though she
didn’t voice any questions.
Chi Nian calmly took her seat: “Most people prefer adding sauces. I didn’t think anyone would eat it plain like me.”
“Right, I don’t like it. Your ‘ordinary’ guess is quite accurate.” Zhang Yuning deliberately emphasized the word “ordinary.”
Perhaps Chi Nian had investigated her background, but she truly had no notable history that could be uncovered.
But then again, how would a background check reveal dietary preferences? She preferred spicy, bold flavors and disliked light
meals, detesting boiled vegetables most of all. Yet because Chi Nian was eating this, she reluctantly went along to avoid making
something else.
Chi Nian narrowed her eyes, picked up her utensils, and said, “Let’s eat.”
Her manners were impeccable, her etiquette refined. Not a single word was spoken throughout the meal. Zhang Yuning ate quickly and
went to clean up first, while Chi Nian remained entirely focused on her food—no phone, no distractions, no conversation.
By the time Zhang Yuning had finished tidying the kitchen, Chi Nian was still eating.
“Go shower first.” This was the first time Chi Nian spoke before finishing her meal. Zhang Yuning checked the time, not even 8 p.m.
Given her active lifestyle and tendency to tinker with things, she never showered before midnight.
“It’s too early.”
Chi Nian looked up and repeated patiently, “Go shower. There’s something to do afterward.” Her gentle “command” was hard to refuse.
Thinking they might finally take action, Zhang Yuning agreed.
She hadn’t showered or slept since returning last night. She was bound to start smelling.
Only when she reached the bathroom did Zhang Yuning realize she had no change of clothes. Just as she wondered if she should go out
to buy some, she spotted brand-new underwear and a long T-shirt-style pajama set inside.
The clothes had faint creases and carried a light fragrance, clearly freshly laundered. The style and size were unmistakably hers,
not Chi Nian’s. Had these been prepared in advance?
So, Chi Nian had her eye on her long ago. Was that day a setup?
But how could she have predicted Zhang Yuning would find that villa? It didn’t make sense. The more she thought, the more confusing
it became.
Zhang Yuning closed her eyes under the shower spray, images of Chi Nian flashing through her mind. Maybe these clothes weren’t
meant for her? Perhaps it was just a coincidence.
Normal logic didn’t apply to Chi Nian. Everything was unreasonable, unrealistic, impossible leaving Zhang Yuning’s understanding of
her at a standstill.
Well, it had only been two days. There was plenty of time to figure things out.
She finished quickly and stepped out, only to realize there was no towel. Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Before Zhang
Yuning could respond, Chi Nian opened it: “Forgot to leave you a towel.”
Zhang Yuning turned away hastily, reaching out. “Thanks!”
But Chi Nian pulled back, making her grab at air, and said with amusement, “What’s there to hide? It’s not like I haven’t seen you
before.”
“Seen or not, you shouldn’t just barge in.” Water still dripping from her hair, Zhang Yuning turned and snatched the towel,
wrapping herself tightly.
They were both women, why be so self-conscious? Zhang Yuning knew she was overreacting. She smoothed her wet hair as Chi Nian
handed her a dry hair towel with her other hand. “If I’m bringing you this, how can you call it ‘barging in’?”
“Thank you then.” Zhang Yuning took the items with a hint of annoyance, noticing Chi Nian hadn’t left yet. “Is there something else
you need?”
“Don’t blow-dry your hair. Get dressed and come to the dressing room.”
Zhang Yuning deliberately teased, “For a moment I thought you were going to help me dry my hair.”
“If you’d like, I don’t mind.” Chi Nian crossed her arms, her smile unwavering.
“No need for the young miss to lower herself. Please go ahead.”
Chi Nian smiled without responding and released the sliding door handle. Zhang Yuning exhaled deeply. What kind of strange
instruction was this, forbidding her to dry her hair? Though she did prefer letting it air-dry naturally.
The clothes fit perfectly, comfortable homewear that Zhang Yuning preferred; a loose oversized T-shirt and shorts that allowed
complete freedom of movement. After drying her hair and smoothing it out, she tidied the bathroom before going to find Chi Nian.
The living area wasn’t particularly large, and Zhang Yuning wasn’t sure where the dressing room was. But as she passed another
room, she discovered it was a combined wardrobe and dressing room meaning this house only had one bedroom. So where was she
supposed to sleep?
“Come in.” Chi Nian, who had been sitting at the vanity, stood up and offered the seat. “Sit here.”
Uncertain of Chi Nian’s intentions, Zhang Yuning complied and took the seat. The vanity mirror resembled those in hair salons,
lined with skincare products, cosmetics, hairpins, and more. Lights above, cabinets below; sitting there, she faced a clear mirror
with Chi Nian standing behind her.
What exactly was she planning? Zhang Yuning watched Chi Nian’s reflection warily. Having someone at her back required caution she
had to be alert for potential sneak attacks or other dangers.
Having been tricked once, she couldn’t afford a second time at least not losing consciousness and risking uncontrollable
situations.
Their eyes met in the mirror as Chi Nian placed her hands on Zhang Yuning’s shoulders, then pinched the highlighted strands of hair. “This looks terrible. I’ll dye it back for you.”
“Dye my hair?” Zhang Yuning almost thought she’d misheard.
“Black and straight suits you best. You don’t need coloring to look beautiful.” As she spoke, Chi Nian wrapped a towel around Zhang
Yuning’s neck, then picked up the prepared hair dye, stirring it deftly before applying it with a dye brush.
True to her word, Chi Nian worked without hesitation, fully focused on Zhang Yuning’s hair.
Zhang Yuning sat motionless and silent, her initial surprise giving way to resigned acceptance.
“Aren’t you going to resist?”
“Would you stop if I did?”
“No.”
“Then what’s the point of resisting?”
Chi Nian glanced up at the mirror, smiling faintly. “You’re a woman of your word. If you promised three months of obedience, you’ll
follow through.”
“That’s because you think you’re at a disadvantage and want so-called responsibility.”
“You disagree? Or do you think you’re the one at a disadvantage?”
Zhang Yuning replied expressionlessly, “I don’t feel disadvantaged. But stop bringing it up all the time. We’re both adults, and
you’re so experienced.”
The moment the word “experienced” left her lips, Chi Nian’s hands stilled, her expression cooling. Though Zhang Yuning kept her
eyes on the reflection, Chi Nian didn’t look up, calmly setting down the dye and wrapping Zhang Yuning’s hair in cling film
instead. A faint smile touched her lips. “Wash it out in an hour. You can move around until then.”
She said nothing more, and their conversation ended abruptly as Chi Nian turned and left the dressing room.
Zhang Yuning furrowed her brows, unable to comprehend Chi Nian’s sudden mood swing. If she didn’t care about this matter, why would
she react like this?