Hidden Shadow – CH 034

Chapter Thirty-Four: Illness

As if something within her blood began to stir, a sudden, unfamiliar emotion made Mei Jiu feel uneasy. She gripped her clothes tightly, suppressing the urge to destroy things.

Mei Jiu’s restraint immobilized An Jiu, reminding her of the physician’s hands. Whenever she wanted to destroy or kill, they would hold her back tightly.

The scene blurred.

Two hands held her down firmly, and someone above her shouted, “Quickly, gag her! Do not let her hurt herself!”

Something forced her mouth open as wide as possible.

“A tranquilizer!” Through An Jiu’s violently shaking, blurry vision, she could only see white hems of clothing.

Then, darkness enveloped her. In the darkness, someone whispered, “Kill that person, and I will release you. You can do it. You were born a perfect weapon. Do not disappoint me…” Mei Jiu’s eyes widened. She clearly saw a dagger plunge into a person’s body, blood splattering everywhere, everything turning crimson. She was so terrified she could not even scream!

“Jiu’er! Jiu’er!” Mei Yanran saw Mei Jiu’s unfocused eyes and terrified expression, and her heart ached. She should not have told her all this so suddenly. But she had no choice, because if she really followed the Grand Madam in the future, she would experience things a thousand times more terrifying than this.

“Mother!” Mei Jiu called out dazedly.

Mei Yanran pulled her into her arms and gently stroked her back. “You must have been terrified.” The warm embrace and gentle caress gradually calmed her fear and agitation.

An Jiu calmed down.

That memory was both strange and familiar. An Jiu clearly did not remember it, yet she was certain it was her! These memories clearly pointed to one thing—

She had been a mental patient.

It was a hereditary disease. After her parents died, An Jiu’s mental state became extremely unstable. From the supervision center to the mental hospital, she was always considered a high-risk individual, under strict surveillance, controlled by medication, and subjected to psychological counseling. Despite all the methods they used, her mental condition only worsened.

Later, she found release in killing, waiting like a venomous snake for her prey, then pulling the trigger, watching her target die from afar—this became her favorite game.

From that time on, An Jiu never showed her cruel side again in her daily life. She even began to enjoy gardening and caring for small animals, and her smile when happy was as pure as a child’s.

Extreme cruelty and absolute innocence coexisted within her.

“Jiu’er,” Mei Yanran said, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

Unable to bear seeing Mei Jiu like this, she stood up and said, “Get some rest. I will ask for leave from the clan school for you. Do not go tomorrow; I will go see Ruyan first and then come back.” An Jiu looked up, staring at Mei Yanran’s still pale face, and for a moment, she seemed to be transported back to that stormy night. She could not help but want to pull Mei Yanran back.

Seeing An Jiu’s bewildered outstretched hand, Mei Yanran grasped it. “Mother will be back soon.”

It seemed… An Jiu suddenly felt a connection between Mei Yanran and her mother; both wanted to sacrifice everything for their daughters, yet even death could not change reality.

“Jiu’er?”

Mei Yanran was about to speak when An Jiu stood up and pressed her head against her chest, hearing a strong heartbeat, as if finding salvation.

An Jiu’s mother had suffered a mental breakdown before her death. Her erratic behavior, coupled with the terrifying appearance caused by medication, prevented young An Jiu from approaching. Only after her mother’s death did An Jiu think of preserving the warmth of her heartbeat, but it was too late.

At this moment, An Jiu understood that she had simply chosen not to recall that memory, but the fear, despair, and loneliness her mother displayed before death were deeply etched into her soul.

If only she had been brave enough to comfort her then; if only she had given her mother some warmth before her death…

She realized that she hated not only her father but also herself for being afraid of her mother, for doing nothing for her, for only blaming her for her cowardice, unaware that her mother had bravely given everything. Perhaps this was fate granting her a chance to make amends?

“We will be alright.” An Jiu pulled away from Mei Yanran’s hand, gave her a light hug, and hurried away.

Mei Yanran turned back to watch her fleeing figure, a sense of unease in her heart. Mei Jiu never walked with such long strides nor spoke with such a calm and decisive tone.

After a moment’s thought, Mei Yanran attributed it all to the recent upheavals. No matter what her daughter became, she was still her daughter.

“Yao-Ye?” Mei Yanran asked.

“Master.” Yao-Ye’s figure appeared at the door.

Mei Yanran had already regained her composure and elegance. “Take good care of Jiu’er.”

“Yes.” The maidservant who had prepared the medicine was already waiting in the courtyard. Mei Yanran led her to Mei Ruyan’s residence.

Outwardly, Mei Yanran and Mei Jiu seemed to be the same type, but their inner selves were completely different. Mei Yanran was selfish; she would not be kind to anyone for no reason.

If necessary in the future, she could sacrifice Mei Ruyan without hesitation…

The next day.

Neither Mei Jiu nor Mei Ruyan had attended the clan school, so Mei Yanran simply called them together and explained the situation within the mansion to them in detail, then began teaching them breathing techniques.

An Jiu listened intently, forcibly controlling her body to practice. Mei Jiu subconsciously followed Mei Yanran’s instructions, but her comprehension was far inferior to An Jiu’s, resulting in inconsistent breathing methods.

“Do not worry, you will get used to it in a few days,” Mei Yanran comforted her.

“Master, Young Master Mo heard that the two ladies are ill and has come to see them,” Yao-Ye said from outside the door.

Mei Ruyan was surprised. Mo Sigui was living under someone else’s roof, and the incident of being thrown into the lake was known throughout Mei Mansion. Having suffered such humiliation, should he not hate them?

Mei Yanran said, “Very well, please invite him in.”

She then turned to Mei Ruyan and said, “Sigui’s medical skills are quite good. He’s just checking your finger. Although it’s not a serious injury, the fingers are still very sensitive, and a good physician will help you avoid further suffering.”

“Thank you, Mother,” Mei Ruyan said gratefully.

Mei Jiu was very happy to see her mother’s concern for Mei Ruyan.

Mo Sigui entered and saw the harmonious scene of the three women smiling. He bowed to Mei Yanran. “Greetings, Aunt.”

Mei Jiu and Mei Ruyan stood up one after the other and greeted their cousin.

“No need for formalities among family, please sit down,” Mei Yanran said with a smile, carefully observing Mo Sigui.

He originally had a pair of charming, amorous eyes, but today he wore an elegant blue robe, and with his composed demeanor, he appeared quite dignified and composed.

“The last time I saw you, you were still a child,” Mei Yanran sighed.

Mo Sigui said, “Aunt’s appearance has not changed at all. When I first saw you, I felt as if I had returned to more than ten years ago.”

Mei Ruyan was amazed. This Cousin Mo was really good at acting. If he had said these words in his previous tone, it would have been obviously flirting.

Mei Yanran smiled, but a hint of melancholy appeared in her eyes. “You certainly know how to coax people.”