Chapter 22: No One Is More Shameless Than You

Xia Yangyang was stunned. Before her stood Mu Liancheng. She couldn't believe it. Wen Xiaochu, the Mu family's foster daughter-in-law, known to the town but unseen, was right here.

Wen Xiaochu approached, asking, "Do you two know each other?"

Xia Yangyang nodded. "I was at Gu Qichen's birthday party."

Wen Xiaochu wrinkled her nose. "Let's go upstairs. We don't need to worry about him."

However, Mu Liancheng intercepted them. He looked as if he'd just bathed, wearing a grey robe, his hair wet, his usually extravagant face serious.

"What's going on?" he asked Wen Xiaochu.

"Mu Liancheng," Wen Xiaochu retorted, "Yangyang is my friend and will be staying temporarily. You have no right to interfere. Don't tell anyone, or I'll throw your luggage out."

Mu Liancheng frowned. "Don't act impulsively. It'll be hard to explain later."

Turning to Xia Yangyang, he said, "Sister-in-law, is it alright to be out all night? Does Ah Chen know you're here?"

Xia Yangyang looked fearful. "Did I disturb you? I should leave." She knew, despite their apparent conflict, they were a married couple living together. Their relationship was uncertain, and she was intruding.

But Wen Xiaochu grabbed her hand. "Where would you go? Ignore him. This is my house; stay as long as you like." She pulled Xia Yangyang upstairs.

Mu Liancheng frowned but followed, returning to his room. Wen Xiaochu prepared a guest room. She brought over some clothes. "You're about my size. Wear these for now."

Xia Yangyang felt awkward. "I'm troubling you."

"Nonsense! I'm thrilled to have you. I'm sick of Mu Liancheng. I'm going crazy living with him!"

Xia Yangyang chuckled. "You really hate him?"

"Of course! We argue within three minutes of being together! I don't know why the old lady chose me—she must not fear upsetting her precious grandson!"

Xia Yangyang smirked. "But you didn't fight back when he tried to kiss you."

"I was surprised! Usually, I'd fight back."

"Okay, okay, no need to explain. Mu Liancheng is actually decent. He's Gu Qichen's friend; I've heard him mention him. He may seem extravagant, but he's not a playboy. Countless beautiful women were at his birthday party, but none were close to him."

Wen Xiaochu's eyes darkened. "Don't defend him. We're bound together without destiny, and we'll divorce soon."

Xia Yangyang, unaware of their situation, couldn't offer advice. What undercurrents lay beneath their seemingly calm marriage?

Xia Yangyang sighed. "No matter what, thank you for taking me in."

"Settle in. But I can't guarantee Mu Liancheng won't tell Gu Qichen."