"Aunt, please don't be sad. My cousin just needs some time to adjust," Meng Yuxin reassured her.
Meng Qingyan nodded; she understood that her daughter needed time.
Chu Ci looked at them calmly and said, "Could you please move aside? I want to go eat something."
They were blocking her way.
Chu Ci was not interested in the conversation between the two; her only concern was food. After not having a decent meal in three years, the variety of food provided by the Chu family was her greatest desire.
Chu Ci's indifference made Meng Qingyan feel an insurmountable barrier between herself and her daughter. She felt helpless and sad.
Meng Yuxin quickly shifted the conversation and said, "Aunt, the results of the senior high school monthly exam are out, and I placed third in the whole school!"
Upon hearing this, Meng Qingyan's expression brightened, and she eagerly responded, "You made it into the top three in your grade again? Our Yuxin is truly outstanding! What reward do you want this time?"
Meng Yuxin has consistently ranked among the top ten students at Huayue High School, and she occasionally makes it into the top three. Huayue High School is the best high school in Tonghai City and boasts the highest university admission rate.
There are many talented students at Huayue High School. If you rank among the top ten in your grade, gaining admission to the best university in the country through the college entrance examination will be within your reach.
Meng Yuxin smiled and shook her head, saying, "There's no need for rewards; I deserve good grades. This is my future, and I'm working hard for myself."
Meng Qingyan felt deeply comforted by Meng Yuxin's sensible outlook. Her mood also improved significantly.
When she looked at Chu Ci again, Meng Qingyan thought that as long as she kept her close and taught her more, even if Chu Ci couldn't be as obedient and sensible as Yu Xin, she could at least help her change some of the bad habits she had picked up in the slums.
At that moment, the maid, Mrs Zhang, hurried over.
When she saw the servant, Meng Qingyan quickly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes. She was concerned about her reputation and wouldn't easily show her embarrassment in front of others.
"Second Madam, a few police officers have come downstairs," Mrs. Zhang announced.
"What is it about?" Meng Qingyan asked, maintaining her dignified and calm demeanour.
Beside her, Meng Yuxin briefly displayed an expression of discomfort, but it quickly faded, and no one noticed the change.
"They said they are here to arrest a suspect in a theft case," Mrs. Zhang explained.
"Theft? Was it one of the servants in the house who committed the crime?" Meng Qingyan inquired.
"They said that a young lady in my family had committed a crime and asked us to call her downstairs. They claimed they would take her to the police station for interrogation," Mrs. Zhang replied.
"What nonsense are you talking about? How could the young lady of our Chu family commit a crime? I will go downstairs and ask the police if they made a mistake," Meng Qingyan's first reaction was disbelief, thinking the police must have erred.
Mrs. Zhang didn't dare to respond and looked cautiously in the direction of Chu Ci. Normally, it would be impossible for a young lady from the Chu family to steal. However, there is one rather special young lady currently residing in the Chu family.
Mrs. Zhang's gaze left Meng Qingyan momentarily stunned as she turned to look in the direction of Chu Ci.
Still in shock, Meng Qingyan directed her frustration at Mrs. Zhang, saying, "Don't think too much of it. Ah Ci is my daughter; she would never do something like that!"
Meng Yuxin stole a glance towards Chu Ci, fully aware that the police were looking for her. Regardless of whether Chu Ci was involved in the incident or not, the item in question had been included in the express delivery sent to her, meaning she could potentially be implicated as well.
Meng Qingyan went downstairs, and Meng Yuxin followed closely behind. Meanwhile, Chu Ci descended calmly, intending to head to the kitchen in search of something to eat.
Every afternoon, the chef for the Chu family would prepare snacks for their afternoon tea. Chu Ci enjoys these desserts very much. In life, the only things that should never be neglected are delicious food and a good, lazy sleep.