Chapter Three: His Tenderness Flows Like Water
Yuan Yao’er glanced at Xiang Die, who had just returned from the psychiatric hospital and still looked rather rustic. In the past, everyone had thought themselves inferior to her—lacking her talent, not as beautiful as she was. But so what? Now, she was nothing but a useless woman who had spent three years locked in a mental institution and managed only to escape. How could she ever compare to herself now?
Yuan Yao’er had long since stopped taking Yuan Xiang Die seriously. Yet, the constant reminders of the past fueled her desire to humiliate Xiang Die, to put her in her place. She pulled out two invitation cards, stuffing one into Xiang Die’s hand. “Sister, you’ve just been discharged. Let me take you out to have some fun.”
Xiang Die glanced at the invitation, her eyes lighting up. Wasn’t this for the Jin family matriarch’s birthday banquet? Though Yao’er’s intentions were certainly not good, this invitation was not something easily obtained.
“You’re giving this to me because you want me to go with you?”
Yuan Yao’er nodded. “Exactly! I want to introduce you to my best friends. There will be many partners from my brand at the banquet too! You probably didn’t know that, did you, sister?”
Xiang Die’s heart trembled. If not for those three years in the hospital, all this should have rightfully been hers. Yao’er enjoyed fame and fortune and yet still had to flaunt it before her!
“Sister, you’re not going to refuse me, are you? There will be a lot of wealthy, handsome men at the banquet. You’re older now; surely you’d like to experience a proper romance, wouldn’t you?” Yao’er well knew that the president of Jin Corporation, the renowned Mr. Jin, would be attending tomorrow night—a rare opportunity indeed! She intended to use Xiang Die as her stepping stone, especially to show the Jin family that she, the younger sister, was a hundred times better than the rescued Xiang Die.
As for romance, Xiang Die felt no such desire, but she did want to see what position Yao’er had achieved using her hard-won accomplishments.
Xiang Die smiled with gentle humility, a smile so disarming that Yao’er’s guard dropped completely. “Alright then, thank you so much.”
“See you tomorrow night! Don’t forget to prepare your evening gown, sister!” Yao’er said, beaming as she left.
As soon as she was gone, Xiang Die’s expression returned to normal. This girl—how does she never tire of smiling so much?
At the Jin family’s ancestral mansion, the night was anything but peaceful...
Little Softy ran about barefoot, trailed by seven or eight maids. “Young master! Please try on this suit! It’s for tomorrow’s banquet!”
“No! I don’t want it!” Little Softy bounced about, even running dangerously close to the window in protest. “I don’t want it!”
Jin Yuan’s elder brother, Jin Rui, crouched down, arms wide open, his tone gentle and loving. “Come here, Nana. Big brother will give you a hug.”
“No! Big brother is bad!”
Jin Rui let out a dramatic sigh, turning away in heartbreak. “It’s over. Even Nana, who’s always loved me the most, doesn’t want me now!”
Tomorrow’s banquet, hosted by the matriarch, was a grand event in the Jin family, where etiquette was paramount. Not attending was simply out of the question.
The maid cast a pleading look at Jin Yuan. “Second Master, what should we do? The little master refuses to try on his outfit or attend the banquet…”
Jin Yuan nodded, indicating he understood. He dismissed the maids, then sat down alone with Little Softy. “Let’s make a deal. Tell me what it’ll take for you to go.”
“I want Auntie!” For the third time, Little Softy demanded to go find that woman.
“Anything but that.”
“Then I won’t go!”
Jin Yuan pinched the bridge of his nose. “Fine. If you go to the banquet with me tomorrow, I’ll take you to find Auntie.”
“Pinky promise!” Little Softy stretched out a tiny finger. Jin Yuan took him into his arms and carried him out. The little one was uncharacteristically obedient.
Jin Rui eyed his brother suspiciously. “Second brother, what did you bribe him with?”
Jin Yuan arched a brow. “Promised to find him a mom.”
“What?!”
...
On the night of the banquet, Yuan Yao’er dressed early, choosing a beige gown and lilac heels. Her long hair was styled in soft waves, giving her a graceful, refined air befitting a lady of the house.
She had the driver wait outside while she watched Xiang Die descend the stairs in a white evening dress, the skirt wrapped in sheer fabric studded with sparkling crystals.
Yao’er had never seen such a design—a white dress with tulle that clashed, and rhinestones so dazzling it was hard to discern any focal point. She laughed inwardly. Clearly, three years away had turned Xiang Die from a prodigy into a rebellious, erratic girl with questionable taste—her aesthetics must still be stuck three years in the past.
Relieved, Yao’er took Xiang Die’s arm and led her to the car, heading to the banquet.
“Sister, there will be awards tonight. The most popular girl will be chosen. Do you think I’ll win?”
Xiang Die replied without hesitation, “It’s definitely yours. No suspense at all.”
She understood why Yao’er had waited until now to mention it—so she wouldn’t outshine her. Seeing Xiang Die in such a ridiculous dress, Yao’er was reassured. After three years, how could her sister possibly surpass her?
At Shuiyue Longwan, the grand hall was alive with music. Young men and women, splendidly dressed, danced in the center, while ladies sipped wine and nibbled on sweets. It was a night of revelry and extravagance.
Yao’er strode in confidently, greeting acquaintances with a brilliant smile and a captivating air that drew whistles and flirtatious glances from the sons of wealthy families. Though a bit improper, Yao’er reveled in the attention.
In these circles, everyone knew Yuan Yao’er: beautiful, kind-hearted, talented—suitors lined up from here to France.
Xiang Die followed quietly behind, unfamiliar faces surrounding her, yet she showed not the slightest hint of nervousness. Occasionally, a gentleman would inquire about her identity, to which she would simply reply with a soft smile, “Yuan Yao’er’s elder sister.”
The man would pause, “But I think you look more like her younger sister.”
Xiang Die merely smiled, the meaning of his words known only to her.
White could conceal any flaws, the layers of tulle adding depth and movement, the contrast of black and white both trendy and challenging. Instead of stiff fabric, she chose airy tulle to avoid looking old-fashioned, and the scattered rhinestones shone like a starry sky. Xiang Die looked exquisite—so much so that she appeared even younger than Yao’er.
Jin Yuan could hardly believe the coincidence when he spotted Xiang Die in a secluded lounge at the banquet. Among the riot of color, that hint of white caught his eye. Her hair was swept up in a bun, her neck slender, her white gown making her look like a graceful swan in the crowd.
She smiled with restrained elegance, every gesture radiating a natural poise. Jin Yuan realized that if it weren’t for this dress, he would never have guessed how stunning her figure truly was.
Xiang Die paused for two seconds before realizing he was offering her compensation. So this was how the wealthy conducted their affairs—simple, direct. She liked it! But she had to refuse!
A faint, springlike smile appeared between her brows, warm and soothing. “That won’t be necessary. You saved me before as well. We’re even.”
Most women would seize such an opportunity for a hefty reward… but she refused, and so decisively!
The man propped his chin on his hand, staring intently at her face, as if trying to discern whether she was being polite or hiding something.
Yet… she seemed genuine, sincere. He had seen countless false gazes, but hers were the clearest he had ever known.
His hand, holding out the check, froze in midair. He regarded her coolly. “Saving you had nothing to do with Xiao Xing. I did it of my own free will.”
“Oh? Why?”
Jin Yuan stared at her, making the bodyguards behind him nervous. “Oh no! I forgot to warn her—Second Master hates being asked why!”
“Because I like you.”
“…”
“…”
The air froze. Behind him, the bodyguards were petrified, whispering what they’d just heard.
Bodyguard A: “Did Second Master just say he likes her?”
Bodyguard B: “I think so…”
Bodyguard C: “But… didn’t he say he wasn’t planning to date or marry anyone?”
Bodyguard D: “Oh my god! Second Master even says love confessions with a poker face!”
Xiang Die scratched the back of her head, then smacked Jin Yuan’s hand, sending the check flying. “Come on, big brother, don’t joke!”
Her raised brow, the smirk on her lips, the piercing look in her eyes—was this Jin Yuan really not toying with her?
“You dislike me?”
Jin Yuan arched a brow, and Xiang Die’s hair stood on end. “No, no, that’s not what I meant…”
His brow drew together as if angered. “If you refuse the money, you must want me instead. Why hesitate?”
Xiang Die panicked—could she pick Little Softy instead?
“Re-really, there’s no need!” she blurted, grabbed her bag, and dashed away.
Little Softy, left behind, stared in shock, turning to Jin Yuan with a wounded look. “I want Auntie…”
Jin Yuan pinched his brow. “Don’t look at me like that. I tried—she’s just not willing.”
…
Xiang Die, backpack slung over her shoulder, hurried out of the hospital, trying to hail a taxi home. Yet a familiar car pulled up, its butler stepping out. With a gesture, bodyguards seized her.
“What are you doing?”
“Miss Yuan, you must return home at once! Your attempt to run away has angered Madam!”
Xiang Die understood all too well. Zhang Xi was a control freak. Back when she and Yao’er had schemed to get her committed, there was no way they’d let her roam free after her release.
“I can walk myself! Don’t touch me!” But no matter how strong she was, she was no match for them. They treated her not as a young lady but as a criminal, shoving her head down and forcing her into the car.
She was driven back to the Yuan family’s ancestral home—a place that no longer belonged to her.
Five years ago, everything changed here. Her mother died, and her father, without delay, married Zhang Xi, bringing home a “sister” just two years younger.
Naively, she never suspected that Yao’er was her father’s child and let her guard down. Yao’er clung to her daily, professing an interest in fashion design and an adoration for her creations, begging to be taught.
She taught her everything without reservation. But in her first year in the hospital, a genius designer named Yuan Yao’er emerged in Nancheng. The media reported that she’d never formally studied fashion design—self-taught, they said! When Xiang Die saw her works displayed on screen, she smashed her sketch board in fury.
Yao’er had shamelessly stolen her designs to start their brand, gaining both fame and fortune. All the glory that should have been hers became someone else’s.
From the hospital, she wrote countless complaints, legal letters, and pleas to lawyers, intent on suing Yao’er. No one believed her—who would trust the ravings of a mental patient?
Inside, she found Zhang Xi and Yao’er sitting elegantly at the table, sipping afternoon tea, exuding haughty grace.
In contrast with Xiang Die’s dusty appearance, Zhang Xi shot her a look of utter disdain. “You get out of the hospital and don’t even come home first. What are you so eager to run off for? Is your madness returning?”
Yao’er, clad in lace, sat demurely, her face adorned with her usual fake smile. “Mom, how can you say that about my sister? She just got out—of course she wants to go out for a walk. Don’t blame her.”
Xiang Die forced a stiff smile and addressed them. “Hello, Auntie. Hello, little sister.”
She would die before calling that woman her mother.
Yao’er, seeing her so polite and “well-behaved,” assumed her years in the hospital had finally taught her humility, swelling with pride. Xiang Die avoided them and hurried upstairs, fists clenched, recalling her ordeal in the hospital and the child she lost. She seethed with hatred, longing to tear Yao’er’s face apart.
But reason kept her calm. She would have her revenge—but not yet. The time was not right.
In her room, she found only a bed and a desk thick with dust. Her sketches, notes, books, and wardrobe of jewelry and dresses—all were gone.
Yao’er appeared at the door, poking her head in. “Sister, looking for something?”
“My things—where are they?”
“Oh, those… Mom sold them off. She thought you’d be too fat to wear them now that you’re out. You’re not angry, are you?”
It was no surprise; Xiang Die had expected as much.
Xiang Die’s expression was calm, her smile light and chilly. “Not angry. The best things are always kept in your mind.”
A frosty smile tugged at her lips. Very well. Afraid she’d rise again, are they?
Yao’er stared at her sister, who, though just back from three years in the psych ward and looking rather plain, in the past had always outshone her in both talent and beauty. Hmph, but what did that matter now? She was nothing but a ruined woman who had escaped from an asylum—how could she compare to herself?
Yao’er had ceased to care about Xiang Die long ago, but she still wanted to humiliate her, to show her who was superior. She produced two invitations, pressing one into Xiang Die’s hand. “Sister, you’ve just been discharged. Let me take you out for some fun.”
Xiang Die’s eyes lit up at the sight of the invitation. Wasn’t this for the Jin family matriarch’s birthday banquet? Even if Yao’er’s motives were suspect, this invitation was not easily obtained.
“You want me to go with you?”
Yao’er nodded. “Yes! I want to introduce you to my best friends. Many of my brand’s partners will be there, too! You didn’t know, did you, sister?”
Xiang Die’s heart trembled. If not for those three years, this would have been hers. Yao’er basked in fame and fortune, yet still flaunted it before her!
“Sister, you’re not going to refuse, are you? There will be many handsome, wealthy men at the banquet. Sister, you’re getting older—surely you want a proper romance?” Yao’er knew that tomorrow night, the president of Jin Corporation would attend—a rare chance indeed! She meant to use Xiang Die as a stepping stone, especially before the Jin family, to prove herself a hundred times better than the rescued Xiang Die.
As for romance, Xiang Die had no such intention. What she wanted was to see the heights Yao’er had reached, standing on her hard-won achievements.
Xiang Die smiled with gentle humility, so disarming that Yao’er’s guard dropped entirely. “Alright, thank you so much.”
“Then, tomorrow night—don’t be late! Remember to prepare your gown!” With that, Yao’er left, grinning.
Once she was gone, Xiang Die’s face returned to normal. That sister of hers—how did she never tire of smiling?
At the Jin family mansion, the night was anything but peaceful...
Little Softy ran barefoot, chased by seven or eight maids. “Young master! Please try on your suit for tomorrow’s banquet!”
“No! I don’t want it!” Little Softy hopped about, even running to the window in protest. “No!”
Jin Yuan’s brother, Jin Rui, crouched down, arms open in a friendly gesture. “Come here, Nana. Big brother will give you a hug.”
“No! Big brother is bad!”
Jin Rui gasped, turning away in mock heartbreak. “It’s over. Even Nana, who’s always loved me, doesn’t want me now!”
Tomorrow’s banquet, hosted by the matriarch, was crucial for the etiquette-obsessed Jin family. Attendance was mandatory.
The maid looked at Jin Yuan for help. “Second Master, what should we do? The little master refuses to try on his suit or go to the banquet…”
Jin Yuan nodded, dismissing the staff. Alone with Little Softy, she said, “Let’s make a deal. What will it take for you to go?”
“I want Auntie!” For the third time, Little Softy made this demand.
“Anything but that.”
“Then I won’t go!”
Sighing, Jin Yuan relented. “Fine. Go to the banquet with me, and I’ll take you to find Auntie.”
“Pinky promise!” Little Softy held out a tiny finger. Jin Yuan picked him up and carried him out, the child unusually obedient.
Jin Rui eyed his brother suspiciously. “Second brother, what did you bribe him with?”
Jin Yuan arched a brow. “Promised him a mother.”
“What?!”
...
That night, Yuan Yao’er dressed early, choosing a beige gown and lilac heels. Her hair was styled in gentle waves, giving her the air of a true lady.
She waited for Xiang Die, who descended in a white gown, its skirt wrapped in sheer tulle adorned with sparkling rhinestones.
Yao’er had never seen such a dress—white on white, the rhinestones dazzling and confusing. She laughed inwardly; clearly, three years away had left Xiang Die’s taste behind the times.
Relieved, Yao’er took her sister’s arm and headed to the banquet.
“Sister, there’s an award tonight for the most popular girl. Do you think I’ll win?”
Xiang Die replied, “Of course. No contest.”
She knew Yao’er had waited until now to mention it, fearing she’d be outshone. Seeing Xiang Die’s ridiculous dress, Yao’er was reassured. After three years, how could her sister possibly surpass her?
At Shuiyue Longwan, the grand hall pulsed with music. Young men and women danced, while ladies sipped wine and enjoyed desserts. It was a night of luxury and indulgence.
Yao’er strode in, greeting acquaintances with a dazzling smile, her allure drawing whistles and flirtatious looks from wealthy heirs. Though improper, Yao’er was in her element.
Everyone in these circles knew Yuan Yao’er: beautiful, kind, and talented, with suitors stretching from here to France.
Xiang Die followed quietly, unfazed by the unfamiliar faces. Occasionally, a man would ask her name, to which she replied softly, “Yuan Yao’er’s sister.”
The man would pause, “But you look more like her younger sister.”
Xiang Die smiled knowingly.
White flattered her figure, the layers of tulle adding movement, the black-and-white combination both trendy and challenging. She chose tulle over fabric to avoid looking old-fashioned, and the rhinestones sparkled like stars. She looked so refined, she seemed even younger than Yao’er.
In a secluded lounge, Jin Yuan was taken aback to spot Xiang Die. Among all the colors, her white dress drew every eye. Her hair was in a bun, her neck elegant, her gown making her a swan among the crowd.
Her smile was modest, her every gesture graceful and natural. Jin Yuan realized that if not for this gown, he’d never have known how beautiful her figure truly was.