In this world, it’s incredibly challenging for men to find love. The gender imbalance is stark, and even prestigious families like the Fu family aren’t immune to the pressure. To secure an exceptional daughter-in-law, the Fu couple played a clever trick. They had already, a few years ago, declared that Chen Xuanzhu was their chosen bride, hoping to reduce competition in a move reminiscent of the emperor’s decree of a crown princess. Unfortunately, the Fu family’s influence in Donghui City isn’t absolute. As Chen Xuanzhu’s reputation spread, suitors began to appear. The Fu family, watching anxiously, decided to seize the opportunity during a sensitive period when the contracts between the two families were up for renewal. They intended to make their intentions clear, but since they hadn’t kept it a secret, most of the guests tonight already knew. In essence, this evening was less a birthday celebration and more of a forced engagement party, albeit less formal because Chen Xuanzhu hadn’t yet come of age. Fu, seeing the Chen family’s lack of courtesy, struggled to keep his expression neutral, his face tightening with anger. He could barely contain his frustration.
“No, no, health is the priority.”
His wife, Jiang Yunmei, stepped in to smooth things over, her smile as radiant as ever, though her eyes betrayed a hint of disappointment. It was unclear whether she was disappointed that their chosen daughter-in-law hadn’t arrived or that the future daughter-in-law lacked the wisdom to consider the bigger picture. Fu, being a shrewd man, knew when to keep his composure. He coolly invited, “You can find your own seats.”
The Chen couple, feeling the chill, awkwardly retreated to a corner to sit.
“Where’s the future daughter-in-law? I heard she’s a beautiful mixed-race girl.”
“She isn’t here.”
“Really? That’s quite rude, isn’t it, for the future daughter-in-law to miss her future father-in-law’s birthday?”
“Future father-in-law? That’s just wishful thinking. Nothing is set in stone yet.”
“Does the girl have other plans? The Fu family is one of the top families in Donghui City.”
“You haven’t met her. If you had, you’d understand. If she wanted to, she could marry into not just any family in Donghui, but even the top families in the capital.”
“She’s that stunning? No wonder she has second thoughts. I wonder how the Fu family will save face.”
…
Amid the noisy crowd, the neighbors didn’t notice the Chen couple, and they whispered among themselves.
“Dear, things seem to be turning ugly.”
Melissa fidgeted nervously, her pink-manicured hands fidgeting with the arm of the single sofa.
“Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”
Chen Degao held his wife’s slender hand reassuringly, though his smile was forced, considering the family business was at stake.
“Dear, perhaps we should bring our daughter. With so many people and the protection of the police and bodyguards, it should be safe enough.”
Melissa’s green eyes flickered, clearly not her genuine thought.
“Even the slightest risk, and I won’t let her come.”
Chen Degao remained resolute.
“How about this? I’ll find a chance to speak privately with Mrs. Fu, explain the situation, and express our apologies, hoping they’ll be understanding.”
Melissa pondered, then suggested.
“That would be great, Melissa!”
Chen Degao thanked her, knowing this was their best option.
Melissa knew time was of the essence, so she followed Mrs. Fu to the restroom.
…
Meanwhile, Chen Xuanqiu had arrived in the city. Instead of going directly to the Donghui Hotel, he stopped midway at a restroom to change into the clothes his sister had packed.
Chen Xuanqiu waited patiently outside, ensuring no one was in the women’s restroom before nervously entering, not because he preferred it, but because his current appearance didn’t allow for the men’s restroom.
Chen Xuanqiu, being a straightforward person, didn’t do anything inappropriate. He simply opened a stall door and closed it behind him. Then, he began putting on the clothes his sister had prepared. Although a skirt wasn’t ideal for the occasion, he had no other female clothing options.
After dressing, Chen Xuanqiu took out his makeup kit, intending to cover the mole on his face with foundation. Suddenly, footsteps echoed outside.
Chen Xuanqiu’s heart raced, but seeing his reflection in the mirror, he managed a self-deprecating smile and calmly applied the foundation. Despite his lack of makeup skills, he could handle covering a mole.
Once ready, Chen Xuanqiu double-checked in the mirror, ensuring there were no mistakes, before exiting the stall. Outside, a plump middle-aged woman was washing her hands. Seeing Chen Xuanqiu, she gasped, her sausage lips widening, but quickly frowned, her envy clearly on display.
Chen Xuanqiu, not in the mood to mind, hurried out of the restroom, breathing a sigh of relief once he reached the street.
“Thank goodness nothing happened!”
Chen Xuanqiu thought, realizing that women’s restrooms were different from men’s, at least in terms of air quality, possibly due to fewer users or better hygiene.
Chen Xuanqiu waited on the street, and soon, a women-only bus arrived. He quickly boarded, familiar with the process from his previous rides.
Inside, there were only a few women. One, in particular, caught his attention. She was in her late twenties or early thirties, strikingly beautiful, though not as stunning as Chen Xuanqiu’s current appearance. However, she was an eight out of ten, with long, flowing hair, curved eyelashes, and a delicate, oval face. Despite her modest, short black dress, her tall, slender figure was undeniably alluring, with a near-perfect hourglass figure.
Chen Xuanqiu, accustomed to his sister’s beauty, was momentarily captivated by the woman’s charm and appearance. Fortunately, his female attire prevented any assumptions of impropriety.
Chen Xuanqiu averted his gaze, only to see the woman rising and walking towards him.
“What’s happening? Are women just as predatory as men?”
Chen Xuanqiu panicked, not wanting any complications at this critical moment.
“Chen Xuanzhu, isn’t it rude not to greet your teacher?”
The woman didn’t confront him but sat beside Chen Xuanqiu.
“Great, just what I needed, a familiar face.”
Chen Xuanqiu sighed inwardly, unsure of how to react, especially since he didn’t even know her name.
“Sorry, teacher. I have a bit of nearsightedness, so I didn’t recognize you.”
Chen Xuanqiu stammered, using his sister’s habit of wearing glasses as an excuse.
“Oh, is that so? I’m sorry for being so abrupt.”
The beautiful woman quickly apologized.
“It’s… it’s okay.”
Chen Xuanqiu let out a mental sigh of relief, thinking he had successfully pulled off the deception.
“You’re still so young, but your vision is already deteriorating. Take care of your eyes, alright?”
The attractive woman gently advised.
“Yes, yes, of course.”
Chen Xuanqiu nodded vigorously, agreeing with whatever she said.
“Can you tell me, Miss Chen, why you’re accompanied by bodyguards at school?”
The woman abruptly changed the subject.
Ps: The battery died, so this was written on a phone. Please support the author, and I’ll continue with two chapters tomorrow.