The Little Brat's Sweet And Sassy Chapter 3

~5 minute read · 1,349 words
Previously on The Little Brat's Sweet And Sassy...
After traveling to Yunzhou to reunite with her family, Ning Li faces a strained reception from her mother, Su Yuan, who expects her to conform to the family's expectations and prepare for a challenging entrance exam at a prestigious school. As they arrive at their wealthy estate, the household is on high alert, creating a tense atmosphere. Their arrival is interrupted by an unexpected and influential visitor parked on the porch, whose presence leaves the Ye family visibly intimidated while catching Ning Li's attention.
Lu Huaiyu. He hailed from the prestigious Lu family of the capital, a household renowned for generations. The second master of this esteemed clan possessed an even more legendary reputation. Though blessed with striking, mesmerizing features, Lu Huaiyu remained an enigma that few dared to approach. Despite his penchant for laziness, arrogance, and a hedonistic lifestyle, high-society figures across the capital still fixated on him. Yet, he was far more infamous for his ruthless and electrifying maneuvers in the business world. He held complete authority within his family, yet he remained famously single, with not a single scandalous rumor ever attached to his name. Ning Li had encountered him twice in her previous life. The first meeting took place in Yunzhou, though notably not at the Ye estate. Back then, she had merely heard whispers of him, sparking her curiosity as to why someone of his stature would travel all the way from the capital to a place like Yunzhou. Only later did she discover that his journey had been prompted by a medical consultation. The specifics remained obscure, and Ning Li had only caught wind of a few scattered rumors; even a man as seemingly gifted as him was not immune to trials. Never in her wildest dreams, however, had she imagined encountering him at the Ye residence. While the Ye family held power and respect within Yunzhou, they were quite beneath the standing of the capital’s Lu family. In her past life, Ning Li recalled zero interaction between Lu Huaiyu and the Ye family. Had there been any connection, the Ye family would have undoubtedly paraded it to bolster their own status. Why, then, would Lu Huaiyu stoop to pay a visit alongside Cheng Xiyue? Regardless, the fact remained that he had arrived yet refused to exit his vehicle, showing an utter disregard for his hosts. Such haughtiness would normally incite fury, yet because it was Lu Huaiyu, the reaction differed. Su Yuan, too, felt a chill of disbelief upon hearing Aunt Zhao clarify who was waiting outside. “He is an honored guest. Why have we not welcomed him indoors?” Su Yuan frowned, her tone laced with concern. “That is terribly impolite.” Aunt Zhao hastily intervened, “Madam, these are Master Cheng’s explicit instructions. He mentioned that Second Master Lu has been deprived of sleep lately. He is currently resting in the car, and we were told not to disturb him.” While Cheng Xiyue was the one to speak the orders, it was clearly Lu Huaiyu’s will behind them. Su Yuan found the situation peculiar but refrained from pressing further. Given his immense status, he could find rest wherever he pleased; offending him by rousing him from his slumber would be a catastrophic mistake. “We are heading inside, then,” Su Yuan said softly, beckoning Ning Li. Ning Li pulled her gaze away and stepped from the car with her backpack in tow. As they walked toward the entrance, Lu Huaiyu sat inside his vehicle, eyes narrowed. A faint laugh escaped his lips. Just yesterday, Cheng Xiyue had provided him with a detailed file on the young woman, warning him to go easy on her due to the hardships she had endured. Yet, observing her now, Lu Huaiyu realized this was no damsel easily trampled upon—her spirit carried an edge she struggled to conceal. ... “Mommy, you’re back!” As soon as they stepped inside, a bright, cheerful voice echoed through the foyer. The sound was so jarring that Ning Li’s eyelids twitched. Maintaining her composure, she looked ahead to find a young woman in a crisp white dress striding toward them. The well-fitted garment clung perfectly to her frame, and her silky black hair cascaded past her waist. She was captivating, with eyes as clear as glass. She radiated a warm, aristocratic aura, tempered with the natural affection reserved for loved ones. Su Yuan’s expression softened instantly at the sight. She opened her arms for a hug, patting the girl’s shoulders gently. “Little Ci, I thought you went to the art gallery with Xiangxiang? Why are you still here?” Ye Ci nuzzled into her embrace, cooing, “I was too worried about you!” Pulling back, Ye Ci wore a look of genuine concern. “I saw the news about the highway pile-up yesterday. Even though I knew you were staying in Lincheng for the night, I couldn't help but fret. I’ve been waiting here just for your return.” Su Yuan caressed her daughter's face, her heart aching when she spotted the dark circles under Ye Ci’s eyes. “You didn't sleep all night? You really shouldn't have worried yourself on my account...” Ye Ci offered a sweet, weary smile. “I just wanted to see you safe.” Su Yuan sighed, “I won’t let you worry like this again. It breaks my heart to see you neglecting your health. Do you understand?” Ning Li stood to the side, observing the display with cold, cynical eyes. What a touching mother-daughter performance. Anyone watching would assume they shared the same blood. Su Yuan was devastated that Ye Ci had stayed up just one night, yet Ning Li had suffered through eleven long years of indifference without ever receiving a single word of regret. Ye Ci shifted her gaze, appearing to only just notice Ning Li. However, her pleasant expression faltered the moment her eyes met Ning Li’s. The girl standing there wore nothing but a simple white T-shirt and black jeans, a backpack slung over one shoulder. It was a plain, unremarkable ensemble, yet it somehow looked elegant on her. Her shoulder-length hair highlighted the slender, fair curve of her neck. Most striking, however, was her face—delicate and refined. Her eyes gleamed with a lazy, untamed light that commanded attention, regardless of whether she tried or not. Ye Ci forced a smile. “Mommy, is this Big Sister Ning Li?” Su Yuan felt a flicker of awkwardness. Over the years, she had barely spoken of Ning Li to the rest of the family. “Yes. From now on, Ning Li will be living here. Where is your father?” Ye Ci gestured toward the second floor, “Daddy is upstairs. Brother Xiyue is there as well.” While both the Ye and Cheng families were wealthy Yunzhou clans, their ties were not particularly deep. The Ye family had once been second-rate players in the hotel business before hitting a lucky streak a few years prior, though they still paled in comparison to the well-established heritage of the Cheng family. Still, because of her close friendship with Cheng Xiangxiang, Ye Ci felt comfortable addressing him as Brother Xiyue. Su Yuan nodded to Aunt Zhao, “Take Ning Li to her room.” With Cheng Xiyue visiting and Second Master Lu waiting outside, Ye Ming clearly had no bandwidth for Ning Li’s affairs. Before Aunt Zhao could move, Ye Ci interjected, “Mommy, her room is right next to mine. Why don’t I show her the way?” Su Yuan felt comforted by Ye Ci’s display of maturity. “Very well. Get some rest once you are done.” Ye Ci motioned for Ning Li to follow her upstairs. But just as Ning Li took her first step, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the room. Ning Li narrowed her eyes and pivoted with nimble, practiced grace to dodge. A sharp clatter rang out as something skidded across the floor, colliding with the blue-and-white porcelain vase on the coffee table. Crash! The artifact shattered into a hundred jagged pieces instantly! A ten-year-old boy screamed, charging out from behind the sofa to point an accusatory finger at Ning Li. “Hey! You broke my daddy’s favorite vase! You’re going to pay for this!” Startled, Ning Li turned to look. No one had noticed, but Lu Huaiyu had slipped inside and was now leaning casually against the doorframe, a faint, amused smile playing on his lips as he watched the boy. “What a coincidence,” Lu Huaiyu remarked lazily. “Your father’s porcelain vase chipped my watch. Are you planning to pay for that, too?”