Chapter 16: Unfit for the Limelight

Chapter 16: Unfit for the Limelight

As Chunya was wheeling Su Youyue toward Fu Shou Garden, they were suddenly blocked.

After a few days of absence, Su Rong once again displayed a smug demeanor in front of Su Youyue: "Su Youyue!"

Su Youyue raised an eyebrow, too lazy to scold her for the way she addressed her. After all, this brat had never called her 'Big Sister' in private since she was young, much less treated her like one.

She was now too indifferent to bother with her because Su Rong's foolishness and malice were all too evident on her face. Even if there were ten more like Su Rong, they would not make up for a single cunning mind.

Next, Su Rong is only twelve years old now. In the eyes of her past self who lived nearly thirty years, she appears to be a foolish and mischievous child.

Seeing that Su Youyue showed no reaction, Su Rong curled her lips disdainfully and immediately threw out her trump card: "Let me tell you, our second sister has already returned and is currently making our grandmother happy. You just wait for the consequences!"

Has Su Qian returned?

This time, Su Youyue finally reacted, but it was merely with a teasing smile. "Oh? Second Sister returned so early?"

Indeed, it's early – ten days earlier than in my previous life!

As a child, Su Youyue was not yet known as a calamity-bringing star.

That was because her mother had left early, but it happened a month after her birth.

Her reputation as a calamity-bringing star first emerged shortly after Su Qian gained the title of a fortunate star. As she grew older and several nurses around her died one after another, the nickname spread widely, making Su Qian appear even more exceptional in contrast.

In her previous life, Su Youyue had indeed suspected that she was truly a calamity-bringer and had secretly envied Su Qian.

But later, she discovered that those nurses who had died around her were victims of Lady Liu and Su Qian's schemes. Even on the day when she was crippled, it was Su Qian who had suggested drugging the horse...

Knowing all this, she did harbor hatred, but by then, Su Qian had already married into a noble family as a princess, while Su Youyue was entangled with the entire Lu family. There was no time for revenge. However, after realizing the origin of her ill-fated nickname, Su Youyue seriously doubted the authenticity of Su Qian's fortunate star status.

Reborn, she wouldn't let this mother-daughter pair who had climbed the ranks at her expense off easily.

Su Qian could pull off so many tricks due to Lady Liu's authority over the household management. Thus, when Su Youyue demanded that authority, how could Su Qian not rush back?

Not receiving the anticipated response, Su Rong looked suspiciously at her sister, "Yes, your Second Sister would know you disrespected her concubine mother and intentionally provoked her. Of course, she'd hurry back."

Didn't Su Youyue used to dread being compared with her Second Sister in the same place? Unless Lu Song was present, she wouldn't dare show up in front of her sister.

Su Youyue curled her lips. "Pay respect to an aunt? She's not worthy! Sister Three still has the leisure to worry about me; it seems she's almost ready to return my belongings. I'll come fetch them tomorrow."

With that, she turned around. Chunya immediately understood her intentions and urged her on toward Happiness and Longevity Garden.

Su Rong stomped her feet in frustration. These past few days, she hadn't dared to pressure Su Youyue, for fear that the latter would mention the return of her belongings. It was only after Su Qian returned that she dared to approach. She had assumed that with Su Qian back, Su Youyue would put on a magnanimous front and renounce those possessions. Who knew that Su Youyue would bring it up again!

Those items were already hers. Why should she return them? Su Youyue could dream on!

After some internal struggle, she decided to witness Su Qian outshine Su Youyue. With a hesitant gait, she hurried after them.

As soon as Su Youyue arrived at Happiness and Longevity Garden and entered the hall, she saw her grandmother laughing heartily. Beside her sat a young maiden, her appearance outstanding, as captivating as a water lily with a jade hairpin adorned diagonally in her bun.

Her gaze lingered on the hairpin for two seconds before she managed a smile. "Grandmother."

Wasn't that hairpin the grand prize from the horse race, the very day her legs were crippled?

How amusing of Su Qian, trying to make her feel as insecure about her legs as in her previous life, so much so that she couldn't even mention wanting control over the household affairs today?

"Nuannuan is here too. Come, we were just talking about you." Lady Su stroked her hand, relieved to find it warm. "I heard from your Second Sister that you want to learn how to manage the household?"

Su Youyue cast a glance at Su Qian.

Upon the person's face was a seemingly flawless smile, polished to perfection as if they had rehearsed it countless times before a mirror, always accentuating their finest features.

Once upon a time, she found that smile flawless, so much so that she dared not linger her gaze upon it.

Now, it all seemed so insincere. The mere mention of the estate manager had prompted her to rush back in the middle of the night, revealing that she was not as gentle and selfless as rumors portrayed. Instead, she held a tight grip on wealth and possessions.

"Grandmother, I am now fifteen. In the past, due to my immaturity, even someone like Lu Jia could deceive me. Therefore, I wish to learn how to manage the household affairs, and at the same time, take care of Mother's dowry."

Su Youyue remained composed; she might have been flustered in the past, but now, as the "Madam Lu" who had once managed over a hundred servants and operated several shops, if she were truly that easily fooled, the Lu household wouldn't be running so smoothly, nor would the Lu family members have pretended for her sake for ten long years.

"It's admirable that Eldest Sister wants to learn housekeeping, but you were previously unfamiliar with these matters. At the start, you won't be able to handle everything at home and might even fall prey to deceitful servants. I've just discussed with Grandmother – I've learned much from Aunt. Let me teach Eldest Sister first, and then you can take over when you're ready."

"As for your mother's dowry, Eldest Sister can start by managing one or two shops to learn the ropes. The cosmetic shop in East City is a good choice. The owner is trustworthy. What do you think, Eldest Sister?"

Each of Su Qian's words was gentle and thoughtful, as though she had Su Youyue's best interests at heart.

Listening on the side, Old Lady Su was highly pleased and couldn't find any fault. The servants in the room felt even more so – they believed that the Second Miss, despite her young age, was intelligent and capable, far surpassing the Eldest Miss.

When everyone assumed Su Youyue would agree, she indeed smiled as they expected. However, in the next moment, she spoke two words that surprised everyone.

"Not good."

There was a brief stiffness on Su Qian's face, but it quickly returned to normal. A hint of grievance appeared on her countenance as she asked, "Does Elder Sister not approve of my suggestion?"

"Of course not," Su Youyue replied straightforwardly.

Madam Su was taken aback but didn't immediately stop her. It seemed like she wanted to hear what her eldest granddaughter had in mind. In contrast, the servants standing by looked furious.

How thoughtless the Eldest Miss is! Second Miss has her best interests at heart, yet she hurts her in such a manner. Not to mention, her words are so biting.

Observing the displeased expressions on everyone's faces, Su Youyue maintained her smile. "A younger sister teaching her elder sister how to manage the household? How would that look? Would I still have any face left if it were to get out? Of course, Lady Liu is out of the question too. I wouldn't want people to say that I was taught by a concubine in the future."

Upon hearing this, Su Qian's smile faltered.

The servants in the room exchanged glances, suddenly realizing that the Eldest Miss had a point.

They hadn't pondered deeply earlier, but now they realized that it was indeed inappropriate for a younger, illegitimate sister to tutor an elder, legitimate one. As for Lady Liu, she was even more unqualified to teach a daughter of the main wife.

Surely this wasn't because Madam Elder was in frail health and mostly kept to herself, so they didn't consider her? Does Miss Eldest want Madam Elder to teach?

How un filial of the young miss! Knowing full well that Madam Elder's health is delicate, she still wants to burden her with such worries... Madam Elder dotes on her the most. She can't just act recklessly because she's wheelchair-bound, thinking that her sincere withdrawal from the engagement that day meant she had become more sensible.

In an instant, the servants who had served Madam Elder for years looked at Su Youyue with different eyes.

This eldest miss simply can't hold a candle to the second miss!