Stepdaughter of a wealthy family? The little darling of a Beijing tycoon

Mo Xi's words slipped out, her tone blatant and jarring with disdain. As soon as she finished speaking, she feigned panic, covering her mouth and feigning remorse: "I'm sorry, Sister Jing Shu, I spoke without thinking. I just returned to Beijing, and everyone I know is a veteran socialite; I didn't recognize them and that's why I misspoke."

Shen Jingshu took in her affected manner and sneered inwardly. This pretentious innocence and hidden sense of superiority was exactly the same as Shen Xinyi from the Shen family.

Too lazy to engage in pleasantries with Mo Xi, she shifted her gaze to the silent Mo Chu beside her. The two were identical twins, their facial features almost identical, making it difficult for strangers to tell them apart. However, Mo Chu had a darker complexion, a healthy tan from years of outdoor activities, and possessed a calm and reserved demeanor.

Shen Jingshu was secretly puzzled. As twin sisters carefully raised by the Mo family, how could their personalities, auras, and even outward appearances be so different?

Although Shen Jingshu was proficient in metaphysics and physiognomy, she would never casually perform divination or pry into someone's character upon first meeting them. She simply felt that the twin sisters' temperament and personality were completely different. Compared to the deliberately flamboyant and superior Mo Xi, she preferred the quiet, composed, and reserved Mo Chu.

A moment later, Shen Jingshu stood up and politely said goodbye: "Grandpa Mo, I'll head back now. I'll come back in three days to give you a follow-up acupuncture treatment."

"That won't do," Old Master Mo immediately said, turning to instruct, "Hanzhou, go and see Jing Shu off."

"No need to trouble Mr. Mo." Shen Jingshu waved her hand slightly.

Mo Hanzhou had already stood up, his tone firm and gentle: "Of course, no trouble at all, I'll see you off. Miss Shen, please."

Unable to refuse any longer, Shen Jingshu left the Mo residence with him.

Once the two figures had completely disappeared from sight, the warm atmosphere in the living room vanished instantly.

The smile on Old Master Mo's face vanished completely, replaced by a stern expression. His gaze fell on Mo Xi, and his tone became harsh: "Xiao Xi, I never hold your usual misbehavior and willfulness against you at home. But today, with distinguished guests present, your behavior is disrespectful and blatant. Where has your manners and upbringing gone?"

Mo Xi's face suddenly turned pale, feeling both wronged and resentful.

She was always like this, and her grandfather had always doted on her, never uttering a single harsh word against her. But today, he reprimanded her in public for the sake of a stranger he had just met.

She bit her lip, protesting with resentment, "Grandpa, what I said is the truth. She was originally the Li family's stepdaughter... I didn't do anything wrong."

As she finished speaking, tears welled up in her eyes, and with a touch of childish defiance, she asked, "Grandpa, do you like that stepdaughter of the Li family more, and not Xiaoxi anymore?"

As soon as she finished speaking, without waiting for the old man to say another word, she turned around in a huff and ran upstairs in her high heels.

Watching her willful departure, Old Master Mo sighed helplessly, then turned to look at Mo Chu, who had been standing quietly to the side, and softened his tone: "Xiao Chu, you are the older sister, so you should guide and be more tolerant of your younger sister in the future."

He carefully examined Mo Chu, noticing her complexion was much darker than usual, and asked softly, "Where have you been traveling to lately? You look much darker and thinner."

Mo Chu lowered her eyes slightly, her tone calm and obedient: "Grandpa, I recently went into the mountains to participate in scientific research and just returned to the capital."

"You're so sensible and easy to take care of."

Grandpa Mo sighed again, filled with emotion: "They are identical twins, born on the same day, yet their personalities, temperaments, and perspectives are worlds apart."

He knew perfectly well that the disparity between his two children was ultimately due to the favoritism shown by his second son and daughter-in-law.

Mo Xi was frail and sickly as a child, and was pampered and indulged by her parents from childhood to adulthood, which fostered her arrogance and pride.

In contrast, Mo Chu was not favored by his parents from a young age and was neglected and ignored for many years. If his father had not taken Mo Chu in and raised him for a few years when he was young, the child would probably have had a much harder life.

Over the years, he has often reprimanded his second son and his wife, but his deep-rooted favoritism is ultimately difficult to change.

Mo Chu was deeply grateful for the old man's kindness. During her most helpless and vulnerable years as a child, only this grandfather had protected and cared for her.

She looked up at the old man, her eyes filled with genuine worry, and asked softly, "Grandpa, how is your recovery today? Was that Miss Shen's medical skill really that amazing?"

"Of course!" Old Master Mo's eyebrows relaxed, and his tone was full of genuine joy. "Look at my energy and spirit now, it's completely different from before. After Jing Shu treated me with acupuncture today, my meridians are clear, my body is light and strong, and most of the old ailments that have been accumulating for many years have disappeared."

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed across Mo Chu's eyes, then she nodded sincerely: "That's good. I'm relieved that Grandpa is in good health."

Afterwards, the grandfather and grandson chatted for a while, with the old man inquiring in detail about Mo Chu's recent studies and daily life during the field research. Mo Chu responded gently and appropriately, her words clear and calm. The question-and-answer session between the old man and the young girl created a peaceful and warm atmosphere, completely unlike the helplessness and distress she had felt when facing Mo Xi earlier.

On the other side, when Shen Jingshu returned to the Li family villa, it was already close to evening.

The three members of the Li family were usually busy with official duties and rarely returned home before late at night, making the villa exceptionally quiet. She decided to have dinner alone in her room.

Today, she took his pulse, administered acupuncture, and channeled her spiritual energy to treat Old Master Mo's body. She had exhausted a lot of her own spiritual power, and her whole body was slightly tired, with a hint of weariness in her eyes.

After dinner, Shen Jingshu leaned against the sofa by the window for a short rest, and Lu Jingxing's image naturally came to mind.

If only Lu Jingxing were here with me right now.

The purple aura emanating from him was the most gentle and mellow nourishing energy in the world. Just a little bit of it could help her quickly soothe her spiritual energy depletion and relieve her fatigue.

Shen Jingshu gently stroked the windowsill with her fingertips, secretly making plans in her mind.

Lu Jingxing was always busy with a tight schedule and rarely had time to actively seek her out. If she kept waiting for him, she didn't know how long she would have to wait.

It seems that she'll have to take the initiative to find him tomorrow.

Having such a unique and exclusive "source of spiritual energy" shouldn't be wasted.

In the heart of Beijing, a highly private upscale Western restaurant boasts exquisite and elegant decor, with warm, soft, gilded lighting casting a tranquil and refined ambiance. Every corner exudes the luxury and sophistication of the elite, making it a leisure destination exclusively for the powerful and famous.

Shen Xinyi and Lu Ze sat facing each other in the window seats.

In her efforts to arrange a date with Lu Ze, Shen Xinyi made several attempts, all of which ended in failure. Now that Lu Ze has officially joined the Lu Group and entered the core circle, he has a lot to learn. He is constantly busy with social engagements, meetings, and official duties.

He had an important business engagement scheduled for tonight, but he couldn't resist Shen Xinyi's repeated invitations over the past few days, and she even went to wait for him downstairs at the Lu Group building. Lu Ze had no choice but to cancel his scheduled engagements and make time to attend the meeting.

The two had been seated for quite some time, but the food hadn't arrived yet, and Lu Ze's phone kept ringing. Work calls came one after another, and messages kept popping up. He was communicating and handling official business with a furrowed brow the whole time, his eyes full of fatigue and busyness.

Shen Xinyi tried to speak several times, but was interrupted by the ringing of the phone. She could only sit silently, her heart filled with grievance and anxiety.