Chapter 23: Return After Transformation, Part Two

“The heroine’s stunning encore entrance is full of presence!”
“I want a whole stack of heroines like this, please.”
“Did you see the second female lead’s face, turning pale and then flushed?”
“That’s the vibe, it’s thrilling to watch.”
“This is the proper way for a wealthy heiress to make an entrance.”
“The male lead is so rich!”
“This mansion is so huge, I’d probably get lost if I lived here.”
“I want the heroine’s necklace, too.”

The live comments scrolled excitedly before Shen Mengxia’s eyes.

At that moment, Qiao Wanwan deliberately raised her voice, theatrically stepping into the crowd. She said, “Oh, who do we have here? Isn’t this the Fu family’s adopted daughter? How come you look so different? What have you been doing all this past year? You seem much more mature now. No longer the girlish charm from before—have you been some old man’s kept woman, hidden away in a gilded cage?”

Her words immediately sparked murmurs among the crowd. Shen Mengxia remained calm and did not rush to explain.

Just then, Fu Yancheng and Ye Huaiting descended the stairs. Seeing Shen Mengxia stride quickly toward the center of the crowd, everyone instinctively parted to make way for the two brothers.

Qiao Wanwan coquettishly approached Ye Huaiting, grabbing his arm just as he was about to embrace Shen Mengxia. “Look at your sister—hasn’t she matured? Maybe she’s been a kept woman for some man all this time.”

Fu Yancheng feigned joy at his missing sister’s return and immediately embraced her tightly, unwilling to let go. He greedily savored every moment of having her near, inhaling her intoxicating scent.

“Looks like Fu Yancheng’s taking advantage of the situation,” someone remarked.
“Trying to get close to the heroine.”
“Let go of the heroine, I’ll take over.”
“Step aside, heroine, this one’s mine.”

What’s going on with these comments? They couldn’t speak up before, but now they jump in at every chance to stir the pot. Shen Mengxia cursed silently at the chaotic barrage.

Ye Huaiting scrutinized Shen Mengxia carefully. Indeed, she was different—less of the youthful awkwardness, more of a mature woman now.

“Shen Mengxia, where have you been all this past year? Explain yourself.” Ye Huaiting’s tone was sharp.

Grandpa Fu looked at Shen Mengxia gently. “Xiaxia, Xiaochen says you went away for secluded study. Tell everyone about it. Don’t let them slander you or the Fu family’s name.”

“Look at her—she’s obviously guilty, no doubt she’s lost her innocence. How dare she come back with such a face.”
“Yeah, you can tell a girl from a woman at a glance.”

“Shameless,” Qiao Wanwan and her so-called close friends began to fan the flames.

Fu Yancheng’s face darkened. He cleared his throat. “Humph, please watch your words. Don’t make baseless accusations.”

No one noticed that the usually ruthless and fiercely protective brother was only politely warning them this time.

Qiao Wanwan was incensed. “Isn’t this blatant bullying? You won’t even let us speak. If she hadn’t done anything wrong, why would she be afraid of us talking?”

Ye Huaiting and Grandpa Fu grew impatient, urging Shen Mengxia to explain herself and clear her name.

“I owe no one an explanation for my actions. Grandpa, please trust Xiaxia. I have done nothing shameful,” Shen Mengxia responded firmly.

“Today is Grandmother Fu’s birthday. Why are you all relentlessly questioning this young lady?” A woman in an elegant gown pushed through the crowd and stood beside Shen Mengxia. Leaning close, she whispered, “Don’t worry, you have me.”

“Xiaxia, honestly, it’s nothing to be afraid of. Just tell them what you’ve done this past year, and it will all be over,” said Shen Mengqing. Her words only made the situation more unpredictable.

At that moment, Jiang Zeyu pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message.

“Exactly! She’s been missing so long, she owes an explanation—even to the police. Report it, let her explain to them.”

Jiang Zeyu, blending in with the crowd, suddenly shouted, “I’ve already reported it to the police.”