Dramatic Reversal

The photographs that Mu Jingchi had thrown onto the table were not captured by the stables’ security cameras, but rather taken through the rear cameras of numerous mobile phones. In other words, someone had used the phones of many people, from various angles, to surreptitiously record the entire equestrian competition today.

And then, from that seemingly ordinary kraft paper envelope, Si Qingchen “accidentally” discovered the exclusive insignia belonging to “No Trace”—their unique emblem!

This matched perfectly with the employee found in the warehouse earlier today.

But what was No Trace’s true purpose in appearing here?

At that moment, Mu Qingcheng, standing nearby, picked up one of the photographs with a hint of surprise. She blinked in a daze at the image, pondered for a moment, and then spoke:

“Sister Siya, the needle you mentioned earlier... was it really you who placed it there?”

“I…” Ran Siya, confronted with the photograph held before her, found herself utterly speechless. At the same time, resentment welled up in her heart—

‘Mu Qingcheng really has sharp eyes. Out of hundreds of high-resolution photographs, she managed to pick the most damning one at a glance. What unbelievable luck...’

Ran Siya looked on, terrified and incredulous at the turn of events. She simply could not comprehend how something she had been certain would be glossed over could take such a dramatic twist.

Tears still stained the rims of Ran Siya’s eyes, and as she stared at the photograph so close at hand, her eyes quickly reddened again.

She bit her lip in secret, then suddenly grasped Mu Qingcheng’s hand—the one holding the photograph—and, tears streaming down her face, began to confess loudly:

“I’m sorry, I lost my head, I was momentarily foolish. Qingcheng, please don’t blame me. I really... I was just jealous of you, I never meant to hurt you on purpose!”

Yet Mu Qingcheng remained silent, showing no reaction at all. Her expression was as calm as ever, almost indifferent.

Only Si Qingchen noticed the subtle narrowing of the girl’s eyes—a fleeting trace of cold determination flashed through them.

On the other side, seeing that Mu Qingcheng said nothing, Ran Siya seized the opportunity to continue her confession:

“You saw it yourself—it was only half a needle, it couldn’t have caused much harm. I... I really didn’t want anything bad to happen to you. After all, you’re my sister. And, Qingcheng, look—Third Brother adores you, Grandfather does too. I admit, I was truly jealous. The moment you came home, you received a warmth I never had. I... I...”

At this point, Ran Siya seemed to break down completely. Her voice grew quieter and quieter until, finally, she let go of Mu Qingcheng’s hand and covered her face, sobbing.

The servants around them all sighed and exchanged glances, and even the Old Master Mu’s expression betrayed a hint of hesitation.

Only Mu Jingchi, Mu Qingcheng, and Si Qingchen, who sat at the back, remained utterly unmoved.

“Ran—”

At that moment, Mu Jingchi, frowning and ready to scold Ran Siya for her performance, had only spoken a single word before his arm was suddenly tugged.

Mu Qingcheng turned to look at her fiery-tempered third brother and gently shook her head—a gesture of restraint that fell perfectly into someone’s intended scheme.

Ran Siya seized the moment, lifting her head and adding more weight to her plea. Between broken sobs, she said,

“And... and Qingcheng, aren’t you skilled in equestrianism? That’s why... I knew you would be fine. You’re so capable—can’t you forgive me?”

“Qingcheng... are you really skilled in equestrianism?”

Mu Jingchi looked surprised at these words.

Mu Qingcheng nodded, then reached once more toward the scattered photographs on the table.

A chill ran through Ran Siya’s heart for no reason.

At the same time, Mu Qingcheng replied in her usual calm tone,

“Sister Siya, did you know, aside from equestrianism, I also know... quite a bit about medicine.”