The Beauty Is Seducing Me Again Chapter 13
byChapter 13 013 “She is destined to be my daughter.”
“Uncle Zheng, what is the usual sentence for this kind of situation?”
Zheng Guo’an replied, “Attempted rape, if the circumstances are severe, carries a sentence of three to ten years.”
Shen Qing’an was silent for a moment, then looked up at Zheng Guo’an and said, word by word, “Uncle Zheng, I hope this matter can be handled more thoroughly.”
Zheng Guo’an was startled, understanding the implication of Shen Qing’an’s words.
A more severe punishment meant ensuring these three individuals paid the heaviest price, allowing no possibility of a light sentence or oversight.
His expression turned serious, and he nodded solemnly.
“The nature of this incident is extremely vile—attempting to commit a crime in broad daylight, causing a serious social impact. We will definitely handle it strictly according to the law. We will not allow these scumbags to escape justice and will provide a satisfactory account to your mother and Miss Chen.”
“Thank you, Uncle Zheng.” Shen Qing’an’s expression softened slightly, and her tone eased. “I’ll invite you to dinner at home another day.”
“No problem, no problem,” Zheng Guo’an accepted.
Just then, the statement taking was nearly finished, and Yuan Yanyu helped Chen Xiaonuan stand up.
Chen Xiaonuan’s steps were still weak, and she leaned dependently on Yuan Yanyu, her eyes still teary as she looked at Shen Qing’an.
Yuan Yanyu said, “Qing’an, the rental apartment Xiaonuan lives in is truly unsafe. Now that something like this has happened, she can’t go back there. I plan to take her home. From now on, Xiaonuan will live with us.”
If it were under normal circumstances, Shen Qing’an would definitely refuse; how could she allow an outsider to live permanently in the Shen Family Villa?
But at this moment, Shen Qing’an looked at Chen Xiaonuan’s swollen cheeks, her eyes still filled with fear. She thought of that dirty, dangerous alley, and the slight resistance in her heart was completely crushed.
Shen Qing’an didn’t hesitate: “Alright.”
“I will arrange for someone to handle the lease termination and packing her belongings.”
Shen Qing’an’s gaze fell again on the trembling figure. The girl’s pale, fragile face contrasted sharply with the cold surroundings.
The girl was indeed too pure and beautiful, like a delicate flower that needed careful nurturing, and should never be exposed to such filth and danger.
That dilapidated alley, the simple rental room, the chaotic environment—none of it was worthy of her.
A protective instinct, stronger than ever before, took root in Shen Qing’an’s heart.
She thought, perhaps her mother was right. Only by taking this frightened little bird under her wing, keeping her close, could she ensure her safety.
The three walked out of the police station as night had quietly fallen.
The city’s neon lights flickered, but they couldn’t dispel the shadow hanging over Chen Xiaonuan’s heart.
*
The Shen Family Villa was brightly lit.
Aunt Liu had been waiting at the door early, and when she greeted them, her face was full of worry: “Madam, Young Miss, Miss Chen, you’re finally back. Nothing happened, did it? You scared me half to death.”
“It’s nothing, Aunt Liu, don’t worry,” Yuan Yanyu reassured her, still tightly holding Chen Xiaonuan’s slightly cold hand. “Please call Doctor Li over to examine the injuries on Xiaonuan’s face.”
The family doctor arrived quickly and carefully examined the wounds on Chen Xiaonuan’s face, as well as some minor scrapes on her body.
“Madam, please rest assured, these are all minor superficial injuries. Apply the ointment twice a day; it’s very effective for reducing swelling and bruising. They will disappear in a few days.” Doctor Li left the ointment, gave a few instructions, and then departed.
The atmosphere at the dining table was somewhat silent.
Today’s meal was entirely prepared according to Chen Xiaonuan’s preferences—the dishes were exquisite, fresh, and delicious—but Chen Xiaonuan clearly had little appetite.
She ate very little, her eyes seemed unfocused, and she was startled by even slightly loud noises.
Yuan Yanyu kept putting food on her plate, comforting her gently.
Shen Qing’an ate in silence, though her gaze occasionally swept over Chen Xiaonuan’s swollen cheek, her eyes deep, revealing no discernible emotion.
After dinner, Yuan Yanyu took Chen Xiaonuan’s hand and spoke softly.
“Xiaonuan, just settle down and live here. The bedroom next to Qing’an’s will be your room from now on. If you need anything, just tell Aunt Liu or me, alright?”
Chen Xiaonuan nodded obediently and whispered, “Thank you, Auntie. I’m causing you trouble again.”
“Silly child, don’t talk about trouble.” Yuan Yanyu affectionately stroked her hair. “You watch TV in the living room for a while. Qing’an and I need to discuss something in the study.”
“Mhm.”
Chen Xiaonuan obediently walked to the living room sofa and curled up in the corner. She hugged a soft cushion and turned on the television, but her gaze wasn’t focused on the screen, revealing a lingering sense of fear.
Inside the study.
As soon as the door closed, the warmth instantly faded from Yuan Yanyu’s face, replaced by an expression of absolute determination.
She looked at Shen Qing’an and went straight to the point: “I want to formally adopt Xiaonuan. From now on, she will be the second young miss of the Shen Family.”
Shen Qing’an paused while pouring water, nearly spilling it.
She looked up, her eyes wide with disbelief, as if she had heard something preposterous: “Mom, what are you saying? Are you crazy?”
Shen Qing’an put down the glass, her tone hardening: “I disagree.”
“You disagree?” Yuan Yanyu’s emotions suddenly became agitated. She said, “Why disagree? Xiaonuan is an orphan, alone and helpless, and she saved my life. After spending more than a month with her, you know Xiaonuan is a kind-hearted child. She has a good personality, and I genuinely love this child.”
“Moreover, something like this happened today. What does that prove? It proves that even God can’t bear to see her suffer alone outside. This is fate arranging for her to be with us. She is destined to be my daughter.”
“Isn’t having me as your daughter enough?” Shen Qing’an’s voice rose slightly. A voice deep inside told her that she didn’t want Chen Xiaonuan to be her sister. As for why, Shen Qing’an didn’t dwell on it.
Shen Qing’an had a headache: “Mom, she can stay here temporarily. We can provide her with the best life and protection, but becoming the Shen Family’s adopted daughter is absolutely out of the question. The Shen Family is not a place just anyone can enter.”
“What do you mean, ‘just anyone’? In my heart, Xiaonuan is already like my own daughter,” Yuan Yanyu refused to back down. “If Xiaonuan hadn’t been lucky today, I don’t dare imagine the terrible consequences. In short, I will give Xiaonuan a legitimate identity to live in the Shen Family, allowing the Shen Family to shelter her for life.”
“A legitimate identity?”
Shen Qing’an sneered, “Mom, you’re thinking too simply. Can the identity of an adopted Shen Family daughter truly ward off all storms? Have you considered how much scrutiny, criticism, and pressure she will face once Chen Xiaonuan is announced as the second young miss of the Shen Family? Is being a Shen Family heiress really that easy?”
“That’s why she needs our family’s protection even more,” Yuan Yanyu argued. “Qing’an, just grant your mother this one wish. You are the older sister, so you should protect your younger sister.”
Shen Qing’an watched her mother’s chest rise and fall violently with emotion, as if she might faint right there if Shen Qing’an didn’t agree.
She remained silent for a long time.
The air in the study seemed to solidify, and the night outside the window was thick as ink.
Finally, Shen Qing’an took a deep breath, making what felt like a huge compromise: “…Fine, I can agree to moving her residency registration into the Shen Family.”
Yuan Yanyu’s face had just brightened with joy when she heard Shen Qing’an state the condition.
“But there will be no adoption ceremony. I do not want the matter of the Shen Family gaining an adopted daughter to be publicized externally, to avoid attracting unnecessary disturbances and scrutiny. Furthermore, given Chen Xiaonuan’s personality, she simply cannot adapt to those hypocritical social occasions. If you insist on holding a banquet, I will absolutely not agree to moving her residency registration.”
Yuan Yanyu wanted to hold a grand banquet to announce Chen Xiaonuan’s identity to everyone. But if she remained stubborn, she might not even be able to move the registration. She knew this was the greatest concession her daughter would make.
She weighed her options, and ultimately, her affection for Chen Xiaonuan won out. A formal status was more important than a fleeting reputation.
“Alright, no banquet then,” Yuan Yanyu also compromised, sighing. “I’ll talk to Xiaonuan about this in a couple of days, once her mood improves.”
“As you wish.”
Shen Qing’an’s voice was flat as she turned and walked toward the door.
The two left the study one after the other.
In the living room, Chen Xiaonuan was still curled up in the corner of the sofa. A lively variety show was playing on the television, but her eyes were filled with lingering fear.
Yuan Yanyu looked at her with heartache and said to Shen Qing’an beside her, “Qing’an, stay with Xiaonuan these next few days. Don’t leave her alone. After going through something like this, she must be scared.”
Shen Qing’an did not object, nodding her head.
“Xiaonuan, let your sister stay with you tonight.”
“Ah?” Chen Xiaonuan snapped back to attention, looking at Shen Qing’an and then Yuan Yanyu with some confusion. “No, no need. It’s too much trouble for Miss Shen.”
The body’s instinct was far more honest than her words.
Though Chen Xiaonuan refused verbally, her body subconsciously moved closer to where Shen Qing’an was sitting, inching closer, seeking a sense of security.
Shen Qing’an took in her reaction, seeing her look of wanting to refuse yet being unable to stop relying on her. The refusal she was about to utter was swallowed back down.
She was silent for a few seconds before answering: “…Alright.”
Yuan Yanyu smiled, relieved, and said to Chen Xiaonuan, “Don’t call her Miss Shen anymore. It’s too distant. You should call her Sister Qing’an.”
A question mark appeared over Chen Xiaonuan’s head. She secretly glanced at Shen Qing’an and saw that Shen Qing’an had no intention of objecting.
She called out softly, “Jiejie (Sister).”
The voice was very small and gentle, but Shen Qing’an still heard it.
“Mhm.”
Chen Xiaonuan muttered internally that the sister’s response was a bit cold.
Seeing the two getting along harmoniously, Yuan Yanyu was very satisfied: “Qing’an, take good care of your sister. I’m going upstairs to rest now.”
Only the two of them remained in the living room, and the atmosphere became subtly awkward for a moment.
“Let’s go.” Shen Qing’an was the first to stand up.
Chen Xiaonuan asked quietly, “Go, where?”
“My room,” Shen Qing’an said concisely. “Shower, sleep.”