Chapter Five: A Scene of Utter Chaos

Jin Yuan arched an eyebrow. He had looked into this Yuan Yao’er before—not out of any particular interest, but simply because she was Yuan Xiangdie’s younger sister. As for the affairs of Yuan Xiangdie’s family, he knew more or less a little.

“No need for that. Miss Wan’er, you’re so dazzlingly beautiful—how could I bear to punish you?”

At such praise, Yuan Yao’er blushed shyly, her body shifting restlessly. But when she looked up again, she found that Jin Yuan had already walked away to take Yuan Xiangdie’s hand.

“Come here,” Jin Yuan reached out to her. “Did you hurt yourself?”

Yuan Xiangdie stood dazed for a couple of seconds, only realizing after a moment that he truly was concerned for her and not just seeking to retaliate. She shook her head in a slight daze. “No.”

“Can you dance?”

“Yes!” Yuan Xiangdie placed her slender hand in Jin Yuan’s, and together they walked straight to the center of the dance floor. The earlier slip had not thrown her off; she quickly adjusted her mood and danced with Jin Yuan in the middle of the crowd.

He was half a head taller than her. Yuan Xiangdie, her heart in her throat, dared not look up at his face, but she could feel the gentle warmth of his breath from above.

She had learned to dance, often competing at school, and her body was supple and flexible. Such an occasion did not faze her at all. When the music began, it was as if magic flowed into her feet—she moved with natural grace and agility.

The black dress hugged her slender figure, white gauze wrapped around her soft waist. The rhinestones on her dress, which at first seemed so cumbersome and heavy, now caught the light as she moved and sparkled like a filter—brilliant and ethereal.

It was only then that Yuan Yao’er realized the supposedly burdensome gown had been chosen specifically for dancing at such banquets! No other woman’s dress on the floor looked so stunning in motion.

At that moment, she was the center of attention.

Even Situ lifted his top hat and stared wide-eyed, afraid to miss a single second of the spectacle. The woman dancing like a fairy was truly enchanting beyond words.

In the lounge, Little Ruan woke with a start. Rubbing his sleepy eyes from the corner of the banquet, he wondered, Huh? What’s going on? Who’s Daddy dancing with? Huh? Why is it Auntie? Why is she here?

Wait—Daddy’s actually keeping Auntie all to himself! Outrageous! Little Ruan’s face scrunched into a knot. He pouted, determined not to talk to Daddy anymore!

When the music ended, Yuan Xiangdie let go and, after bowing politely to the crowd with Jin Yuan, they bowed to each other.

“You dance well.”

“Thank you. It’s only because you were such a considerate partner.” Yuan Xiangdie knew that if Jin Yuan’s hand hadn’t rested protectively near her waist, she wouldn’t have felt so free and bold.

Yuan Yao’er clenched her fists in frustration. She had thought Yuan Xiangdie would be meek and obedient, but from the moment she agreed to attend the banquet, she had been calculating every step!

“Would you like to come see Xiao Wei? He says he misses you.”

“Misses me?” Yuan Xiangdie just had time to reply when suddenly Yuan Yao’er came over, grabbed her arm tightly, as if afraid she might speak to Jin Yuan again.

“Sis, you danced so wonderfully just now, I was mesmerized!” Yuan Yao’er clapped her hands and leaned on Yuan Xiangdie’s shoulder, putting on the appearance of doting sisterhood. She continued, “But we really should go home now. Mom just called and said not to stay out too late.”

“All right.” Yuan Xiangdie agreed and apologized to Jin Yuan, “I’m sorry, Mr. Jin, it’s getting late and I have to go home.”

Jin Yuan noticed the hint of difficulty in Yuan Xiangdie’s eyes. She had no true relatives left in this world; he knew that stepmother of hers only wanted to control her, so he did not press her.

He felt that tonight had already yielded enough surprises—this woman had astonished him more than once.

Yuan Xiangdie and Wan’er left together by car, while Jin Yuan returned to the lounge, only to be met by a furious Little Ruan! The boy turned his back, arms folded: “I’m mad!”

Jin Yuan took off his jacket and sat on the sofa. “Auntie really liked the paper rose you made her.”

“Really?” Little Ruan turned, staring at Jin Yuan in a daze.

“Weren’t you mad and ignoring me?”

Pouting, Little Ruan mumbled, “Since you helped me give her the rose, I’ll let you off.”

Jin Yuan ruffled the boy’s hair. Though he looked reluctant, he picked him up and held him in his arms. Little Ruan grumbled, “Don’t forget what you promised me!”

“I haven’t forgotten.”

That night, when Yuan Xiangdie returned home, she carefully packed her gown and placed it in the closet. At that moment, Yuan Yao’er barged in—she never knocked. In this house, Yuan Xiangdie had no privacy, and she knew perfectly well that her every move was watched. She didn’t bother to argue.

“Sis, you must be exhausted, stealing the spotlight like that.”

Without looking up, Yuan Xiangdie continued tidying her dresses as if she couldn’t care less about Yao’er’s words. “I’m fine.”

Yuan Yao’er entered, sitting grandly on Yuan Xiangdie’s bed as if she were the elder sister. “I just discussed your marriage with Mom.”

“My marriage?” Yuan Xiangdie finally turned her head. “Why are you two discussing my marriage?”

Yuan Yao’er explained with feigned kindness, “Sis, you’re not getting any younger. It’s time you settled down.”

“Thanks for your concern, but it’s not necessary.”

“Too late! My mom has already contacted the Ou family. Their eldest son, Ouyang Xiao, is in a hurry to marry.”

Yuan Xiangdie shot to her feet. “I won’t marry him!”

“That’s not up to you. Sis, at your age, after having stayed in Bolei Asylum, you’re lucky to have such a match. My mother secured this for you, so don’t be willful.”

“If you think it’s such a good match, why don’t you marry him?”

“You’re the elder sister, you marry first, then I’ll follow. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to be?”

Yuan Xiangdie let out a snort. “And what if I refuse?”

“Then be prepared to be forced into it by the Yuan family!” Yuan Yao’er was utterly ruthless; the family had no shortage of ways to force Yuan Xiangdie’s hand.

Yuan Xiangdie knew that if it weren’t for appearances, Lin Ling and Yuan Yao’er would have had her banished to the countryside to live in misery long ago.

“So it’s settled. I’ll tell Mom you’re delighted with the arrangement. Sis, you’re in no position to be picky. With your reputation, no better man will come along.” With that parting curse, Yuan Yao’er left.

No better man…

Indeed, accused of poisoning her relatives, locked up in Bolei Asylum—her reputation in ruins—who would dare marry her? The Ou family’s Ouyang Xiao was notorious: in his early twenties, he broke a man’s legs over a girl at school, leaving him in a wheelchair for life. The family spent a fortune to hush it up. Now he drifted between bars and nightclubs, racing cars, chasing women, indulging in every vice. His reputation in Nancheng was appalling, and his mother, unable to find a suitable wife for him, was easily convinced by Zhang Xi to accept Yuan Xiangdie.

So when Lady Ou brought Ouyang Xiao to visit, and he sat there cocky, whistling and waggling his brows, Yuan Xiangdie wasn’t the least bit surprised.

She put down her knife and fork and abruptly stood up. Zhang Xi thought she was about to lose her temper, just as she hoped—making her daughter appear all the more gentle and sensible by comparison.

But after a moment’s struggle, all Yuan Xiangdie said was that she needed to visit the restroom. Sensing something was off, Zhang Xi whispered to her daughter, “Go see what’s wrong. If she refuses, we’ll force the issue.”

Yuan Yao’er nodded and followed.

She knocked on the bathroom door. “Sis, you’ve been in there twenty minutes. It’s rude to leave the guest at the table.”

Yuan Xiangdie opened the door with a dark expression. “Nature calls. Or would you rather I did it at the table?”

“Sis, that’s not what I meant. See how sincere the Ou family is? Lady Ou even brought you boxes of jewelry—who wouldn’t envy that?”

“If you like them, take them.”

“No, no, that’s your gift. Besides, the Ou and Yuan families have been friends for years. You can’t refuse and spoil the relationship.”

In other words, take them, or you’ll have to take them anyway. But Yuan Xiangdie understood: accepting meant tacitly agreeing to the marriage.

She’d only just learned of the Ou family’s visit—no one had told her in advance. Zhang Xi wanted to catch her off guard.

A fine ambush indeed. Yuan Xiangdie massaged her aching brow. If she really married Ouyang Xiao, she’d spend her life dealing with his mistresses. Impossible! Yet there was no way out.

Together, she and Yao’er returned to the table. Lady Ou, seeing Yuan Xiangdie back, assumed she’d been persuaded and smiled, “Since you both agree, let’s set a date.”

Already? Lady Ou was in a hurry!

“No,” Yuan Xiangdie suddenly declared.

All six eyes at the table turned to her. Ouyang Xiao, humiliated by the rejection, sneered, “What, you think you’re too good for us?”

Lady Ou hastily scolded her son, terrified he’d ruin the match.

“No, no,” Yuan Xiangdie replied, affecting seriousness. She spoke slowly, deliberately, “I’m a slow-to-warm-up person and value the rituals of life. Honestly, I’ve hardly dated before. I yearn for a passionate romance, especially with someone as handsome as Young Master Ou.”

Ouyang Xiao was thrown off by her sudden flattery, crossing his arms and striking a cockier pose. “Then why not accept?”

“Precisely because you’re so outstanding, I’m afraid I can’t compete with your admirers. Look at me—I’m so slender, I could never keep up.”

Lady Ou quickly interjected, “Nonsense! Once you’re married, he’ll only have eyes for you! Right, son?”

Ouyang Xiao hesitated. He’d only agreed to this meeting because his mother said Yuan Xiangdie was pretty. He was willing to marry, but to have only one woman? No chance.

In the past, he’d have stormed out in an instant. Yet the woman before him was indeed captivating, with a unique air unlike the others.

He nodded. “That’s right. Be with me and you’ll have nothing to worry about—just focus on pleasing me.”

Yuan Xiangdie thought inwardly: As if I’d believe that!

“Old habits die hard… You’ve had countless women. If it weren’t for your… condition, how could you possibly change overnight?”

Condition? Did she just imply he was impotent?

Ouyang Xiao’s composure cracked. “What do you mean? Are you mocking me? I’m famous in Nancheng for my stamina!”

At this, Lady Ou’s face turned as green as a winter melon.

Yuan Xiangdie, inwardly triumphant, played her next card—instantly switching to a tearful tone. “Why are you being so harsh? I was only concerned about your health. After all, we’d be getting married… Oh, I see now. Young Master Ou must not like me. I won’t embarrass myself further.”

Lady Ou anxiously tried to smooth things over. “No, no… You fool, what’s got you so riled up? She was just asking!”

Yuan Yao’er was about to interject, but Yuan Xiangdie beat her to it. “I shouldn’t have upset you. Clearly, we’re not meant for each other. I’m sorry.”

She turned away, wiping her eyes as if burdened by the world’s sorrow. Yuan Yao’er was stunned—since when was her sister so melodramatic?

“Sis! Sis!” Yuan Yao’er called, but Yuan Xiangdie didn’t look back.

Now things were awkward. Yao’er hurriedly tried to appease Ouyang Xiao. “Don’t mind her, she’s just straightforward.”

“Then why not marry you instead?” Ouyang Xiao asked, a giant question mark on Yuan Yao’er’s forehead. Was this idiot serious?

“You won’t marry me either? What, do you both think I’m desperate to get hitched because I can’t play around anymore?”

“No, no, not at all…” Yao’er stammered, cold sweat beading on her brow. In the end, Zhang Xi pulled her back and forced a laugh. “Today was awkward—my fault for not explaining things to Xiangdie first. Let’s meet again another time.”

Yuan Yao’er was shaken, praying that Ouyang Xiao would never return. Yuan Xiangdie made her escape, drying her tears and straightening up as if nothing had happened. Did those two really think her so easy to trick? Such a brainless, arrogant playboy—he was nothing.

“You’re too blunt,” Zhu Li said, laughing so hard she almost cried. “You might as well have rejected him outright—what man could stand being called impotent?”

Yuan Xiangdie snorted. “If he has the gall to propose, I have the gall to refuse.” Her logic was so straightforward that Zhu Li nearly choked on her chicken wing.

“If he tries to steal you away, I’ll fight him myself,” Zhu Li said, wiping her mouth. “But be careful—Ouyang Xiao is notorious for vengeance.”

A flash of coldness passed through Yuan Xiangdie’s eyes. She smiled faintly. “Let him try. I’m not the woman I used to be. Who knows who’ll come out on top?”

The sudden glint of menace in her gaze left Zhu Li momentarily stunned. Only a true friend could understand how much Yuan Xiangdie’s experiences had changed her over the years. Zhu Li often thought that if she had been the one framed and ruined back then, she might never have survived.

Zhu Li was Yuan Xiangdie’s college confidante. Over three years, she had visited Yuan Xiangdie in the asylum, knowing her inside and out. Before her imprisonment, the two were preparing to open a studio together. Just after purchasing the storefront, disaster struck.

Zhu Li had stormed into the Yuan household in tears, only to be thrown out and slapped twice by Zhang Xi. Yuan Xiangdie would never forget how the family threatened to have Zhu Li locked up as well if she kept interfering.

Yuan Xiangdie held Zhu Li’s hand, telling her not to worry about her—first things first, they had to open their studio. It was their shared dream.

While in prison, Yuan Xiangdie drew jewelry design sketches, mailing them to Zhu Li every month in secret, with the Yuan family none the wiser. Zhu Li used these to make samples and launch new styles. Though the shop wasn’t famous, business was steady with the occasional big client.

It was only the beginning—the road to building an international brand was long.

After finishing her last chicken wing, Zhu Li downed half a can of beer and collapsed, tipsy, on the carpet. She’d gotten herself drunk again.

The fashion and jewelry design business was fiercely competitive and stressful—late nights were routine.

“Are you all right?” Yuan Xiangdie pinched Zhu Li’s round cheek in exasperation. “Is someone coming for you?”

“Yeah, my uncle’s picking me up. Help me tidy up a bit, will you?” The studio was a mess, but Zhu Li was content. Before long, her uncle arrived. Yuan Xiangdie helped her to the car and watched it drive away.

Returning inside, she dimmed the front lights, switching them to a warm glow, and hung the “Closed” sign. She bent down to pick up the cans, tidied the table, and took the clothes off the mannequin at the door.

Everything was in order, and she relished the clean, peaceful atmosphere.

Suddenly, the door opened and the bell tinkled. She didn’t turn around, only said calmly, “We’re closed. Come back tomorrow.”

There was no reply. When she looked back, she met Jin Yuan’s deep, inscrutable gaze.

He stood in a suit, his features sharp and cold, exuding a potent masculine aura. Yuan Xiangdie was momentarily stunned, forgetting even to wonder why he was there at such an hour.

Even now, seeing him, she couldn’t help but remember the night they’d danced at the banquet. He was taciturn, yet never made her feel awkward. Unlike Ouyang Xiao, his quietness was something she appreciated and admired.

Perhaps this was how a man ought to be. Not one for words, but for action.

“Mr… Mr. Jin? How did you…” Before she could finish, a small figure darted out from behind him.

“Auntie!” Little Ruan leaped into her arms. Yuan Xiangdie instinctively knelt to embrace him as he nuzzled her cheek, tickling her.

“You, you two…” she stammered.

“Auntie, you said I could visit!” Little Ruan waved the note she’d left him, eyes red as if he’d been crying.

“What happened to him? Why are his eyes red?” Yuan Xiangdie looked at Jin Yuan, who replied coldly, “He was naughty. Got spanked by the butler.”

So… Little Ruan had been punished? How could anyone bear to lay a hand on such a sweet child!

“He bit a guest,” Jin Yuan said with a look of disdain. Clearly, they were still at odds. Little Ruan must be upset that his father hadn’t taken his side. But since Daddy brought him to see Auntie, he decided to forgive him, just this once.

Yuan Xiangdie pinched Little Ruan’s cheek, puzzled. He seemed so well-behaved—how could he be as Jin Yuan said?

Jin Yuan could tell she didn’t believe him, so he gave his son a withering glance. This little rascal was always playing the angel around Yuan Xiangdie.

Little Ruan had brought her mung bean cakes—her favorite. Of course, it was no coincidence; Jin Yuan had already had her preferences investigated and knew she loved this particular treat.

As they ate, Jin Yuan sat quietly on the sofa, watching. For some reason, observing this woman gave him a rare sense of peace.

Suddenly, thunder rumbled outside, and Little Ruan, startled, dove into Yuan Xiangdie’s arms. Jin Yuan frowned slightly—this brat was certainly making himself at home. Why was he never so affectionate with his own father?

“Don’t be scared, Auntie’s here.” Yuan Xiangdie glanced outside. “It’s raining—what should I do? I still have to go back to the Yuan house.”

Jin Yuan’s brow furrowed. Every time, he saw how cautious Yuan Xiangdie was around her family. He’d long wanted to ask: why did she put up with those two, never leaving the Yuan family? With her abilities, any other woman would have left long ago.

He finally asked, “What would happen if you didn’t go back?”

Nothing much—just endless questions and scolding. Yuan Xiangdie forced a wry smile. “Mr. Jin, could you give me a ride home?”

He replied with a grim face, “No.”

“Why? Is it… inconvenient?”

“No,” Jin Yuan answered expressionlessly. “It’s because I snuck out with Xiao Wei as well.”

…