Chapter 1

Inside the upscale café, a well-trained waiter balanced a tray in one hand, bending slightly to gently set two cups of coffee on the guests’ table one after the other.

“Please enjoy, ladies.”

Wen Jingyi nodded politely to the waiter, her composure and grace so deeply ingrained that she remained serene and courteous no matter the time or place. Once the waiter withdrew, she turned her gaze to the girl seated across from her and gestured lightly, “Miss Shen, do have a taste.”

The reputation of Nancheng’s prominent families for decorum was well deserved.

Today, Shen Baoning saw it firsthand.

The girl before her was poised in every movement and word, elegant and dignified, impossible to find fault with. Yet, to Shen Baoning, it all seemed pretentious. Who could be so perfect? She dressed herself up like a mannequin, all for the sake of marrying well into a distinguished family.

And now, she was about to succeed.

Yet, as moments passed and the girl opposite made no particular move, Wen Jingyi’s delicate features showed not the slightest trace of displeasure. She remained gentle and polite, her voice soft, “Is it not to your taste, Miss Shen?”

Shen Baoning’s gaze was haughty and dismissive, her meaning pointed: “After all, this is something from Nancheng. I’m from Jingjiang City—of course, I’m not used to it.”

Wen Jingyi smiled faintly; her already striking features and fair, luminous skin seemed even more vivid with that subtle smile.

Shen Baoning’s expression darkened at once.

“In that case, shall I have the waiter bring you some Jingjiang specialties, Miss Shen?”

“That’s unnecessary.”

Wen Jingyi hesitated briefly. Catching the hostility in Shen Baoning’s eyes, she responded politely, “Is it that you don’t care for this place, Miss Shen?”

Was the next suggestion going to be a change of venue?

Suppressing her impatience, Shen Baoning adjusted her words to avoid seeming too difficult, “It’s clear that Miss Wen is a woman of strong mind, not one to go with the flow or be manipulated, in life or in marriage. After all, this isn’t what Miss Wen truly desires, is it?”

Wen Jingyi understood most of her implication, but since it wasn’t stated outright, she wouldn’t mention it herself. “It’s an honor, Miss Shen, to receive such a high appraisal on our first meeting.”

Honor? For what?

Shen Baoning nearly choked on her breath.

“Wen Jingyi, what do you mean by that?”

“…Excuse me?”

“Are you pretending not to understand me?” Shen Baoning could bear it no longer. She found Wen Jingyi’s refined manner insufferably false—a hypocrite through and through.

Wen Jingyi couldn’t help but find it amusing.

It was Shen Baoning who had asked for this meeting, and she had treated her hospitably, yet the other woman seemed to take offense at her every gesture. What logic was there in that? If she recalled correctly, this was their first meeting; she couldn’t possibly have offended Shen Baoning before now.

Originally, her plan for the day had been to go for a bridal fitting. Just as she was about to leave, her mother had informed her that her fiancé’s cousin had come from Jingjiang City specifically to see her. She had immediately changed her schedule to meet her. Shen Baoning complained that the house was too dull, so Wen Jingyi suggested meeting elsewhere. Upon learning that Shen Baoning liked coffee, she chose this high-end café.

As a host, she had done her best to make her guest feel welcome.

But how could she change the mind of someone already prejudiced against her?

If she guessed correctly, Shen Baoning’s displeasure stemmed from Wen Jingyi’s engagement to Xie Jinnan.

She didn’t want Wen Jingyi to marry into the family.

But why?

“You don’t even like my cousin, so why marry him?” Shen Baoning’s tone was sharp, as if Wen Jingyi could call off the engagement with a word.

Wen Jingyi only replied calmly, “Mr. Xie may not like me either—so why should he marry me?”

Shen Baoning faltered, “My cousin—”

Wen Jingyi’s gaze was gentle, her voice soft, “Miss Shen, if love were a requirement, alliances wouldn’t be called alliances.”

Marriage between prominent families was about mutual benefit. Since they united for advantage, there was little point in fixating on true affection.

Born into an influential family, Wen Jingyi had known from childhood that after decades of her family’s careful nurturing, she would one day marry someone of equal standing. Even if she wasn’t to be a formidable matriarch, she was still expected to contribute to the family’s legacy.

When the engagement was announced three months ago, Wen Jingyi had been shocked.

People in Nancheng were always cautious about marriage, especially when it came to marrying off daughters. They feared their daughters would be too far away to care for, or that a wealthy son-in-law would be of no benefit to the family. As a result, heiresses rarely married outside the local circle.

Wen Jingyi had expected to marry a prominent son from Nancheng. She had even tried to discern her family’s intentions, keeping an eye on the businesses with close ties to their enterprise. In the end, she simply waited for her parents’ arrangement, knowing it would make little difference whom she married within such a small circle.

Yet, when the time came, it was a famous, aristocratic family from Jingjiang— the Xie family.

Her betrothed was Xie Jinnan, the future heir to the Xie clan.

Not only was she surprised, but all of Nancheng was likely in an uproar.

She knew her father and brother were ambitious. They would not confine themselves to Nancheng forever; given a chance, they would broaden their business horizons. She simply hadn’t expected it to be Jingjiang, or that her marriage would be to a family wealthier than any in her city.

Still, she didn’t care much whom she married. If she had to leave home, she would adapt.

That was all.

To marry into such a family meant she had been deemed worthy—a form of recognition.

Love or no love, to enjoy endless wealth, one had to make sacrifices.

She had never expected to share deep affection with her future husband. Dignity and propriety would suffice.

Finding herself unable to reason with Wen Jingyi, Shen Baoning decided to be blunt, “I don’t care—just don’t marry my cousin!”

Wen Jingyi took no offense, lifting her coffee cup with elegance. The rich aroma drifted between them, and she smiled lightly, “Does Mr. Xie know your intentions, Miss Shen?”

Of course not.

Shen Baoning realized that, for all her youth—barely older than herself—Wen Jingyi’s demeanor was chillingly composed. Using her cousin as a shield, she quickly left Shen Baoning speechless.

Was this not a veiled warning?

Such a woman must not become her sister-in-law.

Now that they had fallen out, if Wen Jingyi truly became mistress of the Xie household, what status would Shen Baoning have? She might even be bullied under the guise of “nobility.”

Fuming, Shen Baoning demanded, “What will it take for you not to marry him?”

Wen Jingyi regarded her as a child, not taking her words seriously, and replied with courteous indifference, “Unless Mr. Xie refuses to marry.”

Shen Baoning bristled, “You—!”

How could he possibly refuse?

The Xie family had searched long and hard for a suitable bride, one handpicked by their grandfather, whose word was law. Even Xie Jinnan himself would find it difficult to change his mind. So her only chance was to persuade the Wen family; if they refused, her grandfather would not force the match.

After all, he’d called off an engagement with the Lin family once; surely he could do the same with the Wen family.

But Wen Jingyi seemed determined to go through with it.

A marriage based on interest, without love—how could Wen Jingyi agree so lightly, not caring for her own happiness? Was she incapable of rebelling against her parents’ wishes?

Wen Jingyi signaled for the waiter, then turned to Shen Baoning, her voice gentle, “Shall I order you some Jingjiang pastries, Miss Shen?”

Pastries? She was already full—of anger.

Shen Baoning sprang to her feet, snatched up her bag, and snapped, “No need,” before storming out without another glance. As she passed the staff, her fury was so palpable that even the waiters shrank back, hoping not to draw her ire.

When Shen Baoning had gone, a smiling waiter approached Wen Jingyi, asking respectfully, “Miss Wen, would you like to order?”

Wen Jingyi was a regular here, often stopping by with friends. The staff preferred her to the nouveau riche who looked down on everyone—she was pleasant, courteous, and never made trouble.

Wen Jingyi smiled, “Not now. Please bring me the bill.”

“Of course.”

The summer heat was stifling, even the wind carried warmth.

After paying, Wen Jingyi stepped out of the café. Without the shelter of air conditioning, the wave of heat made her pause.

A young bodyguard, already waiting by the door, hurried over with an umbrella, holding it above her head. Bai Heng deftly took her bag, asking dutifully, “Miss, shall we return to Qingshui Bay?”

Qingshui Bay was a renowned villa district in Nancheng, where the Wen family’s home was.

Wen Jingyi hesitated for a moment. “Let’s go to Rongyuan.”

Though Shen Baoning’s visit had delayed her, it was only three in the afternoon; there was still time for her bridal fitting.

A custom wedding dress was a complicated affair—from the initial sketches to the tailoring and now the finished piece, three months had passed. If she didn’t try it soon, there might not be time for alterations.

This marriage linked two families; Wen Jingyi wanted to leave nothing to chance.

Bai Heng opened the car door for her. “Very well.”

Rongyuan was a fair distance from the café. Fortunately, traffic was light outside rush hour; aside from waiting at a few red lights, the journey was smooth, but it would still take about an hour.

Sunlight streamed in through the window as the car glided along, scattering patterns across Wen Jingyi’s refined features. She looked down at her phone, her long hair falling around her face, a slight frown on her brow.

[Wen Jingyi]: Do you know Shen Baoning?

[Ren Sisi]: Who?

[Qiao Ran]: Don’t you remember Shen Baoning? The one at the Gaoshang Auction two years ago, who outbid Zhao’s daughter for an antique enamel watch at five million.

[Ren Sisi]: Ah, now I remember.

Wen Jingyi recalled the incident. Two years ago, indeed, Zhao’s heiress had been so infuriated she never returned to an auction.

[Qiao Ran]: In short, it’s best to avoid those Jingjiang heirs if you can. They hold grudges. They don’t know when to let things go. Even a rabbit will bite if pushed.

Wen Jingyi: “…”

Too late.

She’d already crossed the line.

Yet she still didn’t understand why Shen Baoning, with whom she had no enmity, wanted to stop her marrying Xie Jinnan.

Staring out at the cityscape flashing past, Wen Jingyi hesitated before instructing the driver, “Bai Heng, look into Shen Baoning for me.”

Bai Heng promptly replied, “Yes, Miss.”

Afraid he might misunderstand, Wen Jingyi added, “Just look into her relationship with Xie Jinnan. As detailed as possible.”

“Understood.”

Wen Jingyi hummed softly, returning to her chat.

After a while, Bai Heng ventured, “Isn’t Miss Shen Mr. Xie’s cousin?”

He thought Wen Jingyi suspected something improper.

If that were true, there would be no need to investigate—she wouldn’t want to marry into such a situation.

She could accept a marriage without love, but not a husband with a chaotic private life.

“I know.” Wen Jingyi wasn’t naïve; she could see what Shen Baoning felt for Xie Jinnan. She simply didn’t want to step into the unknown—best to be prepared.

“Shen Baoning doesn’t want me to marry in—there must be a reason.”

Bai Heng frowned but asked no more.

The hour passed with Wen Jingyi chatting with friends and napping behind her eye mask. When they arrived at Rongyuan, Bai Heng gently woke her.

“Miss, we’re here.”

Wen Jingyi roused drowsily, removing her mask. The sudden brightness made her squint, but within seconds, a shadow fell over her, blocking the glare.

She looked up to see Bai Heng standing against the light, shielding her.

When her eyes had adjusted, Wen Jingyi stepped out of the car. “Thank you.”

Bai Heng nodded respectfully.