Chapter 114: Shen Youchu Walking on Thin Ice
Cheng Yuan waved and left. The heavy weight on Gao Guangbo’s heart finally lifted, and he bowed deeply to Cheng Yuan’s retreating figure.
At that moment, Gao Guangbo no longer dared to look down on Cheng Yuan, the ex-convict. He finally believed Cheng Yuan’s words—that he had been wrongfully imprisoned.
Cheng Yuan hailed a cab and headed home with Shen Youchu. On the way, he gave Lin Ruoxi a call.
Lin Ruoxi’s voice sounded a bit listless. "Cheng Yuan, what’s up?"
"I’m just calling to let you know that Youchu’s adoption papers have been processed. Can I bring her home? If you’d rather not, I can take her to my parents’ place."
Hearing this, Shen Youchu nervously clutched the corner of her clothes, terrified that Lin Ruoxi would dislike her.
Lin Ruoxi’s spirits clearly lifted a bit. "Is the Luocheng Civil Affairs Bureau really that fast? It’s only been one morning, and the adoption is already finalized? I thought it would take ten days to half a month."
"Hahaha, I knew someone."
"Forget it. We probably won’t be able to hire an Antique Appraiser today anyway. Mom and Dad can keep an eye on the company. I’ll help you get Youchu settled. Take a cab to the office."
"Okay."
Cheng Yuan said gently to the driver, "Sir, we’re not going to Renhe Court anymore. Please take us to the office building at Futai Square."
"You got it."
The driver quickly found a place to turn around and headed straight for the Futai Square office building.
After getting out of the car, Shen Youchu was clearly nervous. She carefully gripped Cheng Yuan’s sleeve, her expression timid and full of anxiety about the future.
Cheng Yuan gently ruffled Shen Youchu’s hair and said softly, "Don’t worry, Youchu. Your Sister Ruoxi is very kind and easy to get along with."
Shen Youchu gave a small nod, but she was still very tense.
Between the rivalry between Yuanxi and Huanya, and the fact that Lin Ruoxi was so beautiful, she had become a local celebrity at Futai Square over the past few days.
Passing office workers all turned to look at her.
"Look, that’s Lin Ruoxi, the general manager of Yuanxi Auction House."
"I’ve always heard Lin Ruoxi was beautiful, and now I see it’s true. She puts all those popular starlets to shame!"
"It’s a shame. A woman that beautiful, who knows how she offended the massive Huanyu Group. She’s being suppressed so badly. Everyone’s waiting for the joke tomorrow."
"Sigh, poor Lin Ruoxi. She hasn’t even managed to hire a single Antique Appraiser. Huanya Auction House is going to crush her into dust tomorrow!"
Lin Ruoxi was long used to this. Like a queen, she strode confidently out of the Futai Building, not even bothering to glance their way.
The ignored office workers could only fume with impotent rage.
"What’s she so arrogant for? She’s going to be completely crushed tomorrow!"
"Tch, does she really think she’s hot stuff for opening an auction house? When the time comes, there’ll be barely anyone there. Just wait for the humiliation!"
From a distance, Cheng Yuan saw his wife. A brilliant smile spread across his face, and he waved enthusiastically.
"Ruoxi, over here."
Seeing Cheng Yuan, Lin Ruoxi’s troubled mood finally eased somewhat. A faint smile touched her lips as she walked quickly over to him and looked at the timid Shen Youchu beside him.
Shen Youchu was wearing worn-out clothes, her face was smudged with grime, and her messy hair was stuck to her forehead.
Lin Ruoxi was a bit of a germaphobe, and seeing Shen Youchu looking so disheveled, she instinctively frowned.
Children who have lived through hardship mature early. Shen Youchu was just like that, exceptionally good at reading people.
When she saw Lin Ruoxi frown, her heart skipped a beat. ’Does she not like me?!’
Cheng Yuan didn’t notice these details. He said gently, "Ruoxi, this is Youchu. Youchu, hurry and greet your sister."
Afraid that Lin Ruoxi would say something to reject her, Shen Youchu immediately laid on the flattery. "You’re so beautiful, Sister! Just like a fairy! This is the first time Youchu has ever seen such a beautiful lady. Big Brother is so lucky!"
Shen Youchu’s big eyes sparkled, revealing an innocence and sincerity that naturally evoked a sense of pity and affection.
Lin Ruoxi’s brow gradually smoothed out. ’This child’s gaze is so clear. She must be a good kid with no ill intentions!’
’She grew up in an orphanage, so it’s normal that she hasn’t developed good personal hygiene habits.’
’With a little guidance, she should be able to change.’
"You’re very cute too, Youchu. I hope we can get along well."
Shen Youchu let out a small sigh of relief and said cautiously, "Sister, if I do anything wrong in the future, please don’t hesitate to criticize me. I’ll be sure to correct it."
Seeing Shen Youchu acting so cautiously, a string in Lin Ruoxi’s heart was plucked. ’Just how much has Youchu suffered to become so timid, as if she’s walking on thin ice?’
"Cheng Yuan, first, let’s take Youchu for a bath and a haircut, then buy her some new clothes. We have to get her all dolled up and looking beautiful."
"Alright, you’re the boss."
"Then let’s go. There’s a women-only place in Futai Square called the Bauhinia Clubhouse. We can get her a bath, beauty treatments, a haircut, and clothes—a one-stop shop."
Lin Ruoxi turned and started walking, and Cheng Yuan quickly led Shen Youchu to keep up with her.
Soon, the elevator reached the fifth floor. Lin Ruoxi, knowing the way well, led them to the entrance of the Bauhinia Clubhouse.
"Cheng Yuan, I’ll take Youchu inside. You can wander around for a bit. We won’t be long."
Cheng Yuan nodded, then let go of her hand. He said gently, "Youchu, go on in with your sister. The Bauhinia Clubhouse doesn’t admit male guests."
Shen Youchu nodded obediently, then timidly followed Lin Ruoxi into the Bauhinia Clubhouse.
Having grown up in an orphanage, Shen Youchu had never been to such a high-end establishment. She trembled slightly with nervousness and instinctively reached out to grab Lin Ruoxi’s sleeve.
But then, afraid of dirtying Lin Ruoxi’s clothes, her small hand froze awkwardly in mid-air.
Seeing Shen Youchu’s pitiful look, Lin Ruoxi’s maternal instincts flared, even overcoming her germaphobia in that moment.
Lin Ruoxi reached out and took Shen Youchu’s small hand, comforting her softly, "Youchu, we’re the customers here, the ones they’re here to serve. Don’t be nervous."
Lin Ruoxi’s hand was very soft and warm. For the first time, Shen Youchu felt such a strong sense of security!
’Is this what it feels like to have a mother hold your hand?’
’I really wish she was my mom!’
The staff didn’t look down on Shen Youchu for her dirty clothes. After all, Lin Ruoxi was decked out in designer brands, clearly a woman of wealth and status.
"Welcome. A party of two?"
"My little sister needs a bath, a simple full-body treatment, and a suitable hairstyle designed for her."
"Of course. This way, please."
While Shen Youchu was bathing, Lin Ruoxi browsed the clothing section, selecting several simple yet elegant outfits.
She picked out a variety of styles, including a princess dress, a tracksuit, and casual wear...
Lin Ruoxi was very thoughtful, even preparing several sets of sleepwear and underwear.
Not daring to keep Lin Ruoxi waiting long, Shen Youchu quickly finished her bath and stepped out of the bathroom.
A staff member in the changing room was stunned, unable to believe her eyes!
’Are you sure this is the same grimy, disheveled little girl from before?’
’She looks just like a runaway princess!’
’She’s so beautiful!’
’She’s not the least bit inferior to the beauty outside!’
’Could they really be biological sisters?’