"But there's no helping it, the marriage arrangement stipulates the eldest legitimate daughter of the Mu family and the Xia family. If the second daughter could marry, the master wouldn't have gone through so much trouble to find the eldest daughter back." "Exactly, after not looking for her for so many years, now that they've found her, it's not without benefits." "I heard that the Xia family's business is in crisis, and it's just convenient to use the marriage alliance with the Mu family to prop it up. However, the Mu family only recognizes the identity of the eldest legitimate daughter."

Xia Qingkong nodded in the corner, now fully understanding. With this useful information, Xia Qingkong hurried back to her room and carefully checked the online materials again, combined with the information collected over the years, she roughly understood. Part of the Xia family's property was in her own name and her biological mother's, and Shen Miaoyu had always wanted to swallow these shares, but unexpectedly, the Xia family's financial crisis had been deteriorating over the years. Xia Zhenghua, with no other options, negotiated with the Mu family and found that the Mu family had not broken their promise, but they insisted on a direct descendant, the eldest miss, so Xia Zhenghua began to search for his own daughter who had been lost outside for many years. Indeed, there is no family affection in the wealthy families, only interests. Xia Qingkong sighed, for her mother, and for herself. However, since she has come this far, she must move forward fearlessly. After a good night's sleep, when she woke up the next day, Xia Zhenghua had someone prepare the things needed for the memorial service of her mother's death anniversary. Xia Zhenghua took Xia Qingkong to the cemetery to worship her mother. Along the way, Xia Qingkong didn't talk much, and Xia Zhenghua was also heavy-hearted, both went in silence and returned in silence. Just when Xia Qingkong thought that nothing had changed, she learned that Xia Zhenghua had brought several property documents for her after returning. 'You have been outside for so many years, Dad doesn't have much to compensate you for, these properties are a little token of Dad's appreciation for you, Dad doesn't have much to give you.' 'Thank you, Dad.'

"By the way, I also learned about your foster mother's serious illness. I've already arranged for her to be taken to the best hospital here for the best treatment, so you don't have to worry. However, it's strange that she doesn't want to meet with me... Your father would very much like to thank her for taking care of you all these years."

Hearing that his foster mother could receive the best treatment, Xia Qingkong was relieved and didn't take to heart the fact that his foster mother was unwilling to meet with Xia Zhenghua. Tears rolled down Xia Qingkong's cheeks as he watched Xia Zhenghua leave with a heavy heart, only then did he throw the property documents onto the table. Now that he was back, if he could form a marriage alliance with the Mu family, their influence would be enough to revive the Xia family, even making it more prosperous than before. The shares under his and his mother's name could then become substantial. If he wanted, he wouldn't settle for just the few properties in front of him. However, seeing that Xia Zhenghua still felt guilty, Xia Qingkong felt a touch of emotion. After all, the events of the past were not caused by Xia Zhenghua; what Xia Qingkong really wanted to find was the mastermind behind the scenes. His mother's death should not have been that simple. After tonight, Xia Qingkong would be following Mu Chenhao back to the Mu family, so tonight was also his last night staying at the Xia family. Although Qingkong had never met his biological mother and had no emotional attachment to her, the familial bond deep in his bones still made him feel somewhat downcast throughout the day, and he didn't eat much. By evening, his stomach was growling with hunger. So, Qingkong secretly left his room, planning to go to the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat. Just as he opened his door and was about to go downstairs, Qingkong accidentally kicked a potted plant placed at the doorway, making a slight noise, which startled him. However, looking around, there was no one; it was probably time for everyone to sleep, and there were no servants in the villa area. After righting the potted plant, Qingkong tiptoed towards the kitchen. It was already midnight, and the chefs, kitchen maids, and servants had all gone to bed. As soon as he reached the kitchen, Qingkong heard voices coming from inside a room. It sounded like Shen Miaoyu's voice. 'You need to speed up the task I asked you to do; we can't drag it out any longer. I'm afraid something unexpected might happen. That girl Xia Qingkong is a bit tricky.'

... 'Well, it's settled then...' ... Interrupted by snippets, Xia Qingkong heard some sounds, but they were not very clear. However, from the choice of words Shen Miaoyu spoke, Xia Qingkong could tell that Shen Miaoyu must be plotting something sinister! Otherwise, why would she run to the kitchen, a place where no one would possibly come, in the middle of the night? Footsteps came from the kitchen, clearly indicating that Shen Miaoyu had finished her phone call and was about to leave. Xia Qingkong quickly hid aside, waiting for Shen Miaoyu to leave before entering the kitchen. The Xia family in SH City is also a prestigious clan, having hired a five-star chef to cook at home, and the kitchen is fully equipped with all the necessities and ingredients... However, any food leftover from that day would not be kept... So after taking a round, Xia Qingkong could only sigh and prepare to cook herself. She has been independent since childhood; her foster mother was always very busy with work, trying to support her and her sister Xie Wanying, so the cooking at home was mostly left to Qingkong, who had developed excellent cooking skills from a young age. Just as she was about to turn on the tap to wash some green vegetables and then take out some meat sauce to make meat sauce noodles, Xia Qingkong saw Mu Chenhao leaning against the kitchen door, watching her with a teasing look on his face. Seeing him instantly soured Qingkong's mood, although this guy was quite handsome, the incidents that had happened before made Qingkong want to roll her eyes whenever she saw him. 'Miss is in high spirits, coming to the kitchen in the middle of the night to cook by yourself?'

"Mocheng Hao said. Qingkong glanced at Mocheng Hao, then took some minced meat to continue making meat sauce noodles, 'Still in the mood, how could you, Young Master Mu, be in the mood? Coming to the kitchen in the middle of the night to watch others cook?' After being mocked by Qingkong, Mocheng Hao wasn't angry. He slowly walked over to Qingkong's side, 'Tsk tsk tsk, aren't you going to make one for me too?' Qingkong gave Mocheng Hao a glare, then a smile appeared on her face. Seeing this smile, Mocheng Hao felt something hit his heart, an unusual sensation. Qingkong's smile was as if it had magic, mixed between charm and innocence, so special. But the following sentence made Mocheng Hao want to punch someone. 'Want to eat? Beg me. If you beg, I'll give you some noodle soup.' Qingkong wasn't fond of the arrogant man in front of her, turned her head away and ignored Mocheng Hao, continuing to make and eat her own meat sauce noodles. As the saying goes, when eating, the emperor is great, being full is what's most important. After making the meat sauce noodles, Qingkong didn't forget to wash some post-meal fruits, small tomatoes for herself. In the Xia family's kitchen, although there were no ready-made dishes, there were quite a few ingredients. And Mocheng Hao just sat on a chair beside, tilting his head to watch Xia Qingkong, silent. Qingkong felt itchy on her back from being watched, uncomfortable all over, 'I say, Young Master Mu, what are you doing here watching me eat? Could it be a special fetish of yours? Like watching people eat?'"