021 Noble or Merely Pitiful?

Mu Qingcheng wandered alone through the stables, circling around and taking a long detour. Along the way, she encountered quite a few staff members, and she “casually” asked for directions to the main venue.

At that moment, the young girl wore an innocent expression, dressed in a white equestrian outfit, her figure slender and delicate. The black-rimmed glasses on her face seemed a bit clumsy, yet somehow made her look all the more endearing. Her long hair, braided into two neat plaits—one in front, one in back—added to her gentle and charming appearance.

Today’s guests were all scions of wealthy families, so the staff were already careful not to offend. Seeing her so soft and sweet, their manner grew even warmer, unconsciously treating her with extra kindness.

“Thank you,” Mu Qingcheng replied with a gentle smile, perfectly embodying the poise of a well-bred lady. Yet she was not at all like those other rich girls. She seemed more like someone from a distinguished family, secluded from the world, exuding a noble air that was both unattainable and unparalleled. Her elegance was effortless, untouched by worldly dust.

On the other side—

A man cloaked in somberness restrained the sharpness in his gaze. With two of his personal attendants, he made his way toward the warehouse. But just as they turned onto a long, narrow path, a faint, shrill voice carried from nearby, laced with brazen mockery and scorn, harsh to the ear.

The man instantly halted.

Si Nan and Si Bei stopped a step behind, exchanged a glance, and one of them leaned forward.

“Boss, I’ll go check it out.”

“Alright,” the man replied quietly, hands in his pockets.

Si Nan, suspecting nothing, strode quickly toward the commotion. After a moment, the man who had been standing still suddenly moved, following as well.

Not far ahead—

Mu Qingcheng encountered this person on her way to the venue. As they passed each other, her shoulder was suddenly seized by the other. Hidden beneath her glasses, her brows furrowed instantly, but recalling the rules of these stables... Mu Qingcheng forced down the anger rising within, paused briefly, composed herself completely, then turned back with a look of confusion and asked,

“Is there something you need?”

At the same time, she stepped back, discreetly slipping free from his grasp. Mu Qingcheng had always despised being touched by others, no matter which part of her body.

This person seemed oblivious to her discomfort, his gaze—shaded by tinted glasses—sweeping over her with unabashed scrutiny. Then, with disdain in his voice, he urged her impatiently,

“Well, I finally found you. What were you doing running all over the place? Everyone’s already gathered at the venue—only you’re missing.”

“Sorry, I got lost,” Mu Qingcheng replied quietly, lowering her head as if admitting fault.

The man grew even more arrogant, his voice doubling in volume as he sneered,

“Hmph—people from small towns really can’t handle themselves, can they? This isn’t your village. If you don’t know your way, don’t wander about. If you damage anything here, you won’t be able to pay for it.”

Mu Qingcheng did not respond this time. Her hands, hanging at her sides, slowly clenched, and her eyes—hidden beneath her bangs—flashed coldly.

Did he really take her for a country bumpkin?

Just then, footsteps sounded behind them—steady but hurried. Mu Qingcheng instantly released her clenched fists, bringing her hands together in front of her, twisting them nervously. From outward appearance alone, she looked like a pitiful girl being bullied, her whole body radiating grievance.

Anyone passing by would likely feel compelled to stand up for her.