When her mother became pregnant, she discovered her father had an illegitimate child outside the marriage, which led to a massive argument.
It was the grandfather who stepped in to reprimand her father and ordered him to cut ties, thereby saving the marriage.
However, even though the affair outside the family was severed, her father's heart did not return.
He deliberately neglected her mother, showing no involvement from her pregnancy to her delivery.
On the day of the birth, her mother experienced severe bleeding and, with great difficulty, gave birth to Zhan Bei Jue.
The grandfather was overjoyed and immediately had someone take the grandson aside to entertain him.
She spent another half hour alone in the hospital room before finally giving birth to her daughter.
Out of resentment towards the Zhan family, her mother impulsively asked the doctor to conceal Melody's birth.
Everyone assumed she only had one child, Zhan Bei Jue, unaware that their twin daughter had been sent to Northern Europe from a young age.
It wasn't until her mother fell from upstairs and, upon waking, feared her time was short, that she told Zhan Bei Jue the truth.
At that time, Zhan Bei Jue was overwhelmed, physically injured, and had to manage company affairs while also worrying about Jiang Nan Fang's situation.
Unable to find someone trustworthy to care for his mother, he brought Melody back.
The two bore a resemblance, and Melody, having grown up abroad, had a bold and unrestrained personality, with an accent that immediately marked her as an outsider.
Zhan Bei Jue, fearing she would attract attention, forbade her from leaving the house.
In a year, Melody had very few occasions to go out.
Each time, it was Zhan Bei Jue who secretly took her out at night, nearly driving her to madness.
It wasn't that Zhan Bei Jue was unfilial or didn't care for his mother's health; it was just that their situation made it inconvenient to be too conspicuous.
Therefore, he didn't say much else after Melody spoke.
Important matters like hospitalization would be arranged by him personally.
"Got it. The things have been delivered, and I've seen the person. I'll be going now."
Melody reached out and grabbed his arm.
"Didn't you notice I'm all ready?"
Zhan Bei Jue hadn't looked closely at her face, so naturally, he couldn't tell.
"Ready for what?"
Melody rolled her eyes at him.
"Makeup! I changed into a pretty dress and put on perfect makeup. Can't you tell?"
"From the moment you said you were coming, I was preparing to go out tonight. You're not just going to leave, are you?"
She was an adult woman.
Being alone in the room all day, cooped up with a sick person without socializing or going out, would make anyone feel lonely and miserable, something Zhan Bei Jue could understand.
So, he tried to satisfy her in material terms as much as possible.
When she wanted to go out, he would also try to accommodate her.
However, any other time would be fine, but not today.
"I told you, my wife hasn't been well and is in a bad mood lately. I need to go back and take care of her. Let's do it another day."
"What?" Melody was so angry she rolled her eyes.
"You didn't come to see me for half a year before, and then you told me you were in trouble, almost driving me crazy."
"Now that everything's okay, you're making excuses?"
"Your wife is sick and in a bad mood, so I can't go out? I don't understand your logic."
"Your wife is human, and so am I. If she needs someone to accompany her when she's in a bad mood, don't I?"
"I'm just your sister. I don't owe you anything. If this continues, I can't guarantee I'll keep cooperating."
It was always like this.
When Zhan Bei Jue refused to take her out, she would threaten him with such words.
Although they were siblings, they had only known each other for a short time and rarely communicated.
When they threatened each other, they were quite ruthless.
Melody's temper was somewhat like her mother's, willful and stubborn.
Zhan Bei Jue understood what a woman might do when she was in a frenzy, so he always ended up being threatened.
"Don't get agitated. Let me make a call to let them know at home first."
He called Jiang Nan Fang, saying that Lu Ming Zhe was in a bad mood and he might be staying with him longer today, so she shouldn't wait for him.
Jiang Nan Fang understood, they exchanged a few intimate words, and the call ended.
Melody went to change into high heels and asked him where he was taking her today.
Because their identities were both very sensitive, if Zhan Bei Jue openly appeared with another woman, people who didn't know the truth might speculate.
Therefore, taking her out each time was a difficult task, and today was no exception.
Fortunately, a couple of days prior, the company had organized an internal executive professional skills training session, and the logistics department had reported a hot spring resort.
The place was quite secluded and newly built, with beautiful surroundings, making it inconspicuous.
He then thought of that place.
Of course, the hot spring resort had many people and watchful eyes, and registration was required, so Zhan Bei Jue wouldn't take her there.
He took Melody to a dimly lit bar in a subordinate county town.
It was the same in the past; they would find an obscure small county town and go to a local bar for a few drinks.
Let her dance on the dance floor for a while, be approached by men a few times, satisfy her vanity, relax, and then go home.
But today, Melody spotted a handsome guy at the bar.
The young man was tall and slender, with handsome features and good taste in clothes.
He looked like a university student or a young person just starting out in society.
Not only was he not greasy, but he also looked fresh and appealing in such a setting.
They sat together and had two drinks, seeming to fall in love at first sight.
Half an hour later, Melody went to Zhan Bei Jue to discuss.
"Can I not go back tonight? I've taken a liking to that guy over there."
"Either he comes with me, or I go with him. I want to spend the night here."
She was a 30-year-old woman who hadn't been with a man in a year, so having such thoughts was quite normal.
The problem was that the current situation didn't permit it!
Zhan Bei Jue was uneasy about leaving her alone with someone else, nor could he wait here with her all night.
"Don't joke around. You two can't be together, so why waste your feelings?"
Melody raised her eyebrows: "Why? What do you mean we can't be together? Do you think I look older than him?"
A woman's thought process was always different from a man's. Zhan Bei Jue meant that based on circumstances, it was impossible, and there was no point in starting.
"I mean, what if you get addicted to it, or he takes a liking to you, and you two want to date, or even get married in the future..."
Melody didn't want that either.
She couldn't stay in Nancheng and just wanted someone to have fun with.
"So, until Mom gets better, I can't be with any men?"
This was indeed cruel, Zhan Bei Jue thought for a moment.
"If you really want someone, I'll find one for you."
"? Are you that kind-hearted? Aren't you afraid of being exposed?"
"I'll arrange it."
"Okay. Then I'll trust you this time. But my requirements are high. Not just any man will do. Don't fool me."
"Tell me your requirements."
"Find someone with your looks, with an eight-pack, and preferably someone who looks like Song Joong Ki."
"No problem. If I find him for you, you have to guarantee me that you won't ask to go out for the next three months."