Let it simmer for a while—it will be even better.

Mur Qingcheng was not surprised at Ran Siya’s arrival. On the contrary, after today’s events, if Ran Siya could endure and never come, that would truly worry Mur Qingcheng.

At this moment, the two, master and servant, moved in perfect harmony, lightening their steps as they quietly descended the stairs. Meanwhile, they clearly heard voices drifting up from below.

Ran Siya sat coquettishly beside Grandfather Mur, feigning meekness with a sweet, delicate tone. “Grandfather, I came to see you and brought your favorite pastries.”

“Thank you, child.” Grandfather Mur replied immediately, but his warmth was tepid at best.

Ran Siya seemed accustomed to this, showing no sign of grievance. She continued, “I won first place in today’s competition. Look.” As she spoke, she pulled a medal from her chest and held it up proudly before Grandfather Mur.

He glanced at it, nodded, and finally showed a hint of satisfaction. “Very good. Your equestrian skills have always been excellent. If only your academic performance would improve a bit more.”

Ran Siya’s eyes darted about, subtly probing to discover that Mur Qingcheng had not returned to report anything. She finally breathed a sigh of relief, excitement flickering in her eyes as she hugged the medal to her chest and replied, “Of course, I’ll definitely work hard.”

While the two spoke, Mur Qingcheng stepped into the dining room. At her arrival, Grandfather Mur’s smile blossomed, his expression tender as he reached out and patted the seat beside him. “Qingcheng, come sit by Grandfather.”

“All right.”

Mur Qingcheng had always been gentle, never competing or seeking attention, always composed. As she moved, she glanced at Ran Siya on the other side, nodded slightly, and took the initiative to greet her. “Sister Siya, congratulations.”

Ran Siya’s medal lay conspicuously on the table. Mur Qingcheng glanced at it briefly, her eyes narrowing slightly. But she quickly moved on, attracting no one’s notice.

Ran Siya was already uncomfortable. Mur Qingcheng had “come home” after her, yet had effortlessly moved into the ancestral house. More than that, Grandfather Mur’s attitude was obvious—one cold, one warm. How could she be content with that?

Yet, with so many eyes watching and after today’s many events... Ran Siya, guilty at heart, had no strength to defend herself. Jealous as she was, she could only swallow it down.

When Mur Qingcheng called to her, Ran Siya responded with a bland nod, perfunctorily saying, “Thank you.”

Mur Qingcheng said nothing more, quietly taking her seat.

Sometimes, letting things simmer achieves more than an outright confrontation. Unfortunately, some people never seem to learn this.

Around the dinner table, the family ate in silence, even Ran Siya, who usually tried to curry favor, said little. Her expression flitted subtly, her gaze frequently drifting to Mur Qingcheng.

This behavior stirred some suspicion in Grandfather Mur’s heart. He knew well that Qingcheng was mild-tempered, rarely complaining even when wronged. Years spent alone had made her resilient and capable of enduring hardship.

Now... something seemed amiss.

After a while, Grandfather Mur set down his bowl and chopsticks, sipped his hot tea. Mur Qingcheng, feeling unwell, ate only a little before also putting hers down. Half a bowl of rice remained, and the dishes served to her were barely touched.

Seeing this, Grandfather Mur frowned, concern in his voice. “My precious Qingcheng, why aren’t you eating? Are you feeling unwell?”

He paused, then added in a low tone, “Or did something happen today at the riding grounds?”

Clatter—

At that moment, the sound of dropped chopsticks came from behind.

Ran Siya, somewhat embarrassed, said, “Sorry, Grandfather, I... I didn’t hold them properly.”

Grandfather Mur said nothing, continuing to gaze steadily at his beloved granddaughter, his expression gradually growing colder.

Just then, the sound of the butler’s voice was heard outside the door, mingled with hurried footsteps. He reached the dining room entrance, slightly out of breath, and announced, “Sir, a distinguished guest has arrived!”