As Xiao Yanyan arrived home, Zhao Yuming’s video call came through. The two chatted intimately, not even skipping bath time.
“Sweetheart, shall we make it official tomorrow? I’ve even prepared the announcement, and I can’t wait to post it. I want you to be my wife, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Zhao family.”
Thinking of the ruggedly handsome Yang Jinxiu, Xiao Yanyan didn’t want him to know she was involved with another man. She feared that the softened attitude she had painstakingly achieved today would turn cold again tomorrow.
After some thought, she said, “Ah Ming, I’m just an orphan with no parents. My current status is worlds apart from yours. I don’t want you to be mocked because you married me.” She finished with a tear rolling down her cheek, feigning distress.
“Don’t think so little of yourself. My family won’t look down on you. If you don’t believe me, I’ll come pick you up and take you to my home tomorrow.”
“I know your family is very kind, but I also want to build a career of my own. I want outsiders to know that I’m not lacking either. Ah Ming, can you wait until I’m worthy of you before making our relationship official?”
“You, you’re truly ambitious. In which direction do you want to develop? I can introduce you to people.”
“Really? Ah Ming, you’re too kind.” Her face lit up like a blooming flower as she looked at Zhao Yuming on the screen. “Mom, can I enter the entertainment industry?”
Zhao Yuming was captivated, smiling dotingly. “Our family owns an entertainment company. Tomorrow, I’ll have Xianming’s agent sign you. You’ll definitely get the best treatment.”
“Is it the Zhao Xianming I’m thinking of? Will I be his junior sister from now on?”
Xiao Yanyan cried out in surprise. She was too excited. This time, she was soaring to success, achieving a ten-level jump in her life. The pie fell into her lap too suddenly; she was dazed.
“Silly girl, how many Zhao Xianmings are there in Z Country? From now on, you’ll be his sister-in-law. If you don’t understand anything in the entertainment industry, you can directly ask him.”
“Mhm, thank you, Ah Ming. You’re truly wonderful.” Thinking of another top-tier handsome man, Xiao Yanyan was too excited to sleep.
…
As soon as Mother Zhao woke up, she rushed to Jun Jiuli’s room and cried while hugging him.
“My child, you’ve suffered. Mom didn’t expect them to be so cruel, and they’re flesh and blood. It’s Mom’s fault, Mom is useless. Woohoo~”
Jun Jiuli hugged her and gently patted her back. “Mom, I’m fine. Did you have that dream too?”
“Yes, my good boy. It’s Mom’s fault for dragging you down, for not protecting you. This time, Mom will never let you suffer even a little bit.”
The next morning, the Zhao family gathered. News of Yan Yuheng’s accident arrived, and everyone’s expressions soured. Mother Zhao, recalling Jun Jiuli’s words, remained silent and offered no opinion.
Zhao Xianming said, “Dad, call off the engagement. How can you let our little sister marry a man with crippled legs? This will ruin her entire life.”
Zhao Yuanming said, “Our Zhao family isn’t unable to support our daughter. Our little sister can stay at home her entire life rather than marry into the Yan family. Yan Yuheng went from being a favored son to a cripple, making him prone to psychological distortion. We can’t gamble our little sister’s happiness on this.”
These two hadn’t met the female lead yet, so they were still capable of speaking humanely. However, it was only talk. If Father Zhao insisted on the engagement, they wouldn’t have fought for their youngest sister.
Zhao Yuming’s face was extremely dark, and he remained silent. He was still angry with Jun Jiuli about yesterday’s events.
He was waiting for Jun Jiuli to proactively humble himself, apologize, and admit his mistake. Otherwise, he wouldn’t utter a single plea.
Mother Zhao observed the expressions of her three sons, her hands tightening beneath the table.
These three ungrateful wretches, how did they grow into such rotten-hearted, liver-livered beings? They must have taken entirely after their father.
“They just received terrible news from their family, and we’re to break off the engagement. That’s really not doing things properly. Let’s wait until the Yan family’s son has recovered and his emotions have stabilized. Xin Xin, tidy yourself up, we’ll go see him together later.”
“Dad, I have a performance this afternoon.”
“I can’t go either, I have several surgeries this afternoon.”
“Dad, I have company matters.”
“Fine, very fine. You’re all busy, and you don’t even care about your own sister’s affairs.”
“Mom, aren’t you and Dad accompanying her? I know you’re worried about our little sister, but you can’t take it out on us. We all have our own careers to attend to.”
Father Zhao rubbed his temples, saying impatiently, “I just remembered I also have company matters. Later, you buy some things and accompany Xin Xin. I’ll call the Yan family and explain the situation.”
He couldn’t stand looking at this daughter any longer after yesterday. It was her lifelong happiness, after all.
Let her and her mother deal with this mess. None of the three sons cared, and he wouldn’t either. As soon as the matter was settled, the four of them slipped away from home.
“Xin Xin, no matter what you decide to do, Mom supports you. At worst, Mom has 10% of Zhao Corporation’s shares, and my private assets are enough for the two of us to live on for a lifetime.”
“Mom, I will break off the engagement, but not now. Yan Yuheng will definitely be infatuated with Xiao Yanyan. I’ll just fan the flames and propose the breakup when the time is right.”
Mother Zhao gently patted Jun Jiuli’s hand. “Go ahead and do it without hesitation. If the sky falls, Mom will bear it for you. Even if Mom has to die, Mom will die before you.”
“Mom, don’t say such foolish things. You are destined to live a long and healthy life.”
“Get ready, let’s go see that scoundrel Yan family’s downfall. Truly, karma is a cycle. His broken legs are well-deserved. It’s just a pity for your Aunt Li; she’ll be heartbroken for quite some time.”
The two drove to the hospital. Yang Yuheng had already woken up. He was emotionally distraught, lying on the bed unable to move, which brought great satisfaction to the observers.
Mother Yan deliberated before speaking, “Xiao Xin, with Yuheng in this state, Auntie is afraid he’ll hold you back. Why don’t our two families discuss breaking off the engagement?”
“Auntie Li, how could you think that of me? Yuheng Ge and I grew up together. He needs comfort right now. How could I possibly propose breaking off the engagement? I will take good care of him from now on.”
Mother Yan’s mouth opened, unsure of what to say. She knew this girl had more moves waiting for her foolish son. Who told them to bully others so relentlessly?
“Auntie is truly touched, Xin Xin. It’s good that you don’t mind Yuheng.” She said, wiping away nonexistent tears from the corner of her eye.
They were old sisters who had known each other for years. This was not the kind of thing she would say, especially not the day after her son’s accident. As their eyes met, Mother Zhao understood the underlying situation.
In the ward, the three exchanged information through glances, all shocked. Such a strange coincidence that all three dreamed of it. It seemed absolutely true.
This was a heavenly warning, letting them guard against those heartless family members in advance. Mother Yan’s gaze towards Yan Yuheng grew even more resentful.
Her son, whom she loved dearly, had brought himself to death’s door for a woman. Looking at him lying in bed, she only felt a sense of schadenfreude.