Chapter 458: The Mysterious Lady

Chapter 458: The Mysterious Lady

On the asphalt road in the southern suburbs, Ji Shu, dressed in luxury brands, was limping barefoot toward the Shangguan family villa, holding her high heels in her hand.

With every step, she complained in her heart, wondering why the Shangguan family had to live so far out in the suburbs.

At the same time, she was anxious. What if she arrived too late and Yunzhe had already taken action against Yun Mu, making an irreversible mistake?

To be honest, a little voice inside her was gleefully cheering, thinking it would be better if Yunzhe and Yun Mu had a falling out—that way, she would have a better chance.

But then another part of her, with a saintly heart, intervened to stop that thought. No, that was a tiny life! And she couldn’t just stand by and watch Yunzhe continue to spiral into madness. She had to save Yun Mu’s child, and she had to save Yunzhe!

Whether the heavens were favoring Yun Mu or herself, in the next moment, she heard the sound of a car horn behind her.

"Stop! Stop!"

Ji Shu immediately rushed over, throwing her arms wide to block the middle of the road.

"Screech—"

A sharp, screeching brake.

The car window rolled down, revealing Yi Jue’s handsome yet stern face, glaring at Ji Shu with disdain.

"Are you trying to get yourself killed out here in the wilderness at night?"

Ji Shu quickly climbed into the car, breathlessly pointing ahead, "Hurry! Yun Mu and the baby are in danger!"

Yunzhe was also at the Shangguan family banquet?!

Yi Jue’s eyes narrowed.

In the next moment, he slammed the accelerator.

...

Under the night sky, the Shangguan family villa was glowing with light, as bright as day.

The night wind, though cold, carried the enticing aroma of wine.

The banquet hall was alive with noise and excitement, everyone toasting and chatting, the atmosphere lively.

Yun Mu, dressed in a light purple lace evening gown, her dark hair loosely tied, and a veil swaying gently, made her entrance under the gaze of the crowd, walking straight toward Grandpa Shangguan.

The moment Grandpa Shangguan saw her, he immediately smiled warmly and moved forward to greet her, saying kindly, "Amu’s here, come, let me see you."

This was the first time Yun Mu had seen Grandpa Shangguan since returning to the Nanming continent. He looked her up and down, his heart aching, he said, "You’ve lost weight! Is the Yun family keeping you too busy? You’re not getting enough rest."

Yun Mu chuckled lightly, "It’s not like that. Yunzhe is managing most of the Yun family affairs now."

As she spoke, Yun Mu took out the birthday gift she had prepared in advance.

Grandpa Shangguan loved paintings, and Yun Mu was a master artist, so she had specially painted a traditional ink wash piece for him.

"This painting, ‘Water and Sky as One,’ is something I finished recently. I hope Grandpa Shangguan won’t think it’s too shabby."

Grandpa Shangguan unrolled the painting, and his eyes lit up with delight. He couldn’t stop praising it!

"How could I ever disdain a masterpiece from the Yun Shui Hermit? I’m thrilled to receive it!"

Grandpa Shangguan happily unfurled the painting, inviting those around him to admire it together.

Everyone was shocked!

Yun Shui Jushi?

Yun Mu was actually the celebrated painting master Yun Shui Jushi of the Nanming Continent?!

Who in the Nanming Continent didn’t know that the head of the Yun family, Yun Mu, was a formidable and decisive warrior? But who would have thought she was not only a warrior but also an artist!

For a moment, the crowd’s gazes toward Yun Mu were filled with admiration, especially since many present were admirers of Yun Shui Jushi.

Unfortunately, given Yun Mu’s status, no one dared to approach her casually.

"Amu, I really like this painting of yours. I’ll have it displayed in my study so I can look at it every day!"

Yun Mu didn’t expect Grandpa Shangguan to publicly unveil her identity as Yun Shui Jushi, but she quickly understood.

Grandpa Shangguan had understood her desire to step back and live a simpler life, so he wanted everyone to know that Yun Mu was not just a warrior leader but also a talented young woman skilled in the arts.

In fact, since childhood, Yun Mu had little contact with Grandpa Shangguan, but he always seemed to understand her.

Seeing that Yun Mu had finished presenting her birthday gift, the other guests also began to give their gifts, and Yun Mu was soon pushed to the sidelines by the crowd.

Yun Mu glanced at the time; Yi Jue wouldn’t arrive for a while. Just then, a waiter passed by with cocktails, and Yun Mu casually picked up a glass, planning to sit on the balcony and wait.

She walked regally, holding her long skirt and carrying the wine, and the people around parted for her.

Yun Mu was already weary of the wary glances from the crowd, and she raised her glass in irritation.

But at that moment, a figure dressed in light green flashed by, knocking the glass right out of her hand.

The wine splashed all over Yun Mu.

"Who is it, didn’t you see..."

Yun Mu looked up, ready to lash out.

But when she saw the woman’s face, her heart raced.

Their eyes met.

The woman looked startled, quickly lowered her head, stepped back, and apologized in panic, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to!"

"Who are you..."

Yun Mu stepped forward, wanting to see the woman’s face clearly.

But the woman, like a startled bird, hurried away, clutching her skirt.

"Wait!"

Yun Mu put down her glass and chased after her. She didn’t even know why she was chasing, as she hadn’t even had time to clearly see the woman’s features.

But she felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity from this woman, as if she had seen her long ago! And this woman seemed very important to her!

So before she could think, her feet had already started chasing.

Yun Mu followed the woman out of the banquet hall and into the back garden.

Just as she was about to catch up with the woman, a little kid suddenly appeared out of nowhere and got caught on Yun Mu's dress.

"Thud"

The little one fell to the ground, and in the next moment, a loud wail erupted.

"Oww— it hurts! Waaah—"

The little one held onto the hem of Yun Mu's dress tightly while crying, and no matter how many times Yun Mu tried to pull it away, she couldn't free herself. By the time she looked up again, the woman had already vanished without a trace.

Damn it!

Yun Mu, with a throbbing headache, bent down and helped the little one up.

The little one was dressed in a cream-colored suit with a bow tie at the collar, looking as cute as a porcelain doll.

Unfortunately, the crying face wasn't so cute.

"Stop crying, or I'll spank you!"

The little one: "..."

In the next moment, an even louder wail erupted, making Yun Mu's head pound!

"Waaah—"

Yun Mu let out a frustrated sigh and finally softened her tone, "Alright, alright, I won't hit you. Can you stop crying? If you stop, I'll give you some candy, okay?"

Sure enough, the little one immediately stopped crying, blinking a pair of big, dark eyes at Yun Mu, asking in a sweet, little voice.

"Sister, can I have ice cream?"

"..."

This effortless emotional control made Yun Mu, who had been an actress, feel ashamed of herself.

"Sure, sure! I'll buy you as much ice cream as you want, as long as you stop crying!"

The little one instantly beamed with joy, "Sister, you're the best!"