Chapter Index

    Daybreak.

    When Xu Shaochen woke up, he realized Yuxiu was no longer by his side.

    After dressing, washing up, and grooming, he walked out of the bedroom and noticed Yuxiu standing on the balcony, looking outside.

    She had already changed into a red form-fitting long dress, her hair draped over her shoulders. With her pristine skin and refined features, she looked like someone straight out of a painting.

    Everyone knows that long dresses require a specific height and figure for the best look.

    Shorter people simply aren’t suited for such dresses.

    “What are you looking at?”

    Xu Shaochen walked over and glanced at Yuxiu. Her face had light makeup that made her look even more beautiful than when she had none.

    Xu Shaochen didn’t like women with heavy makeup as it gave off an artificial air, making them look overly seductive.

    Light makeup is best; it hides insignificant imperfections and makes already exquisite features appear even more flawless.

    In simple terms, it all boils down to natural beauty.

    “Looking at Liao City. Soon, I may never see it again.”

    Yuxiu said calmly.

    “Then look a few more times. I’m going to have breakfast.”

    Xu Shaochen tossed these words over his shoulder, then turned and went downstairs.

    Hearing the footsteps behind her, Yuxiu stood frozen on the spot. She blinked a few times, unable to react for a long while.

    According to novels, TV shows, and fairy-tale plots…

    Shouldn’t he be comforting me?

    Why is the gap between fantasy and reality so wide? Oh well, I shouldn’t have expected anything from this scoundrel in the first place.

    In his eyes, I’m nothing more than a pet for his entertainment at best.

    Xu Shaochen never gave this woman any illusions. His view of her was clear—she was simply a canary in a gilded cage.

    After breakfast.

    Accompanied by Long Yi and Long Er, Xu Shaochen took Yuxiu to the Yu Family.

    In Liao City, the Yu Family isn’t a prestigious clan like the Zhao Family. Well-to-do, but far from comparable to significant families.

    When Zhao Chen took a liking to Yuxiu and proposed to the Yu Family, it was seen as a massive boon. Many sought to curry favor with the Zhao Family but never had the chance.

    Thus, the dowry from the Yu Family was substantial, enough to create quite a stir in Liao City at the time.

    Many people couldn’t understand why a prominent figure like Zhao Chen would marry the daughter of the Yu Family.

    To them, it made more sense for Zhao Chen to marry someone from another prestigious family, strengthening alliances.

    But when guests saw Yuxiu in person on their wedding day, all doubts vanished.

    Beauty has always been the ruin of heroes.

    After more than half an hour of driving, the car arrived at a well-known villa district in Liao City.

    The guard didn’t even bother to stop them after seeing the car’s make.

    After all, it’s hardly likely for someone driving a luxury car worth millions to be a thief, right?

    Moreover, who would dare to stop them? At best, you lose your job. Worse, you’d face unforeseen trouble.

    After entering the villa district, the car slowed down and eventually stopped at the entrance of Villa No. 3 on the left.

    Once the vehicle came to a halt, Long Yi and Long Er quickly got out and opened the door for Xu Shaochen.

    Xu Shaochen stepped out and extended his hand to help Yuxiu out of the car.

    “Y…Young Miss.”

    The bodyguard at the door, upon seeing Yuxiu—especially with Xu Shaochen holding her hand—was stunned for a moment before reacting.

    After all, family scandals aren’t meant to be public knowledge, and most regular bodyguards weren’t aware of what had happened to Yuxiu.

    Yuxiu nodded, forcing a polite smile. “Are my parents home?”

    “Yes, the owner and madam are home, and so is the young master. Please, come in, and I’ll inform them right away.”

    With that, the bodyguard hurried toward the main villa.

    Yuxiu was anxious, but Xu Shaochen remained laid-back, leisurely taking in the scenery of the villa district.

    After visiting several villa districts, Xu Shaochen came to a conclusion.

    Pricey residential areas or villa districts all have one thing in common: excellent greenery coverage.

    “Let’s go. What are you afraid of? You’re going back to your family. If even I, an outsider, am not afraid, why should you, the eldest daughter of the Yu Family, be?”

    With those words, Xu Shaochen pulled Yuxiu toward the villa.

    Long Yi and Long Er stayed outside.

    Yuxiu rolled her eyes. Since you’re getting all the benefits, naturally, you don’t need to worry.

    As for why I’m scared, don’t you have any sense at all? Just as they reached the door…

    Yuxiu’s parents, as well as her younger brother Yu Li, appeared at the entrance, having been informed by the bodyguard.

    For a moment, it seemed like the air froze.

    “Dad, Mom, Little Brother.”

    Yuxiu forced a stiff smile, and with a tinge of unease, she spoke first to break the silence. She squeezed Xu Shaochen’s hand tighter and tighter.

    “Don’t call me Dad! I don’t have a daughter like you. You still have the nerve to come back!”

    Yu Father chided angrily, his gaze landing on Xu Shaochen. His face turned ashen as he said, “You must be that boy A-Chen spoke of, right? Let me tell you, dreaming of becoming my Yu family’s son-in-law? Dream on! Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? You’re not even worthy!”

    Faced with Yu Father’s outburst, both Xu Shaochen and Yuxiu were startled.

    But after a brief moment of confusion, they both quickly understood.

    Zhao Chen had indeed informed Yu Father, but without revealing Xu Shaochen’s true identity.

    Otherwise, regardless of what Yu Father privately thought, he certainly wouldn’t dare behave toward Xu Shaochen like this.

    As for why Zhao Chen did this?

    Of course, it’s because Zhao Chen bears resentment toward both Yuxiu and the Yu Family.

    So he intentionally kept Xu Shaochen’s identity hidden, hoping Yu Father would provoke Xu Shaochen, providing him the perfect opportunity to take out his frustrations on the Yu Family.

    It’s a simple method, almost childish and immature.

    However, Zhao Chen’s now an exile in a foreign land, so he’s not being picky. It’s like casting a wide net, hoping to catch something.

    If it works, great. If it doesn’t, there’s no real loss for him.

    Off to the side, the bodyguard who relayed the news had a strange expression on his face. It seemed he had just learned some major inside information.

    He quickly regained composure and quietly slipped away.

    After all, knowing too much can be a problem.

    A smart person knows when to play deaf—and also when to play dumb.

    “Let’s discuss this inside.”

    Yu Li’s Mother tugged at Yu Father’s sleeve as she saw the bodyguard depart.

    Only then did Yu Father snap out of it. He snorted coldly and turned to head into the living room.

    Yu Li’s Mother didn’t look particularly pleased with them either.

    “Sis, you’ve truly disappointed us.”

    Yu Li coldly remarked before following inside.

    Yuxiu anxiously glanced at Xu Shaochen, worried he might lash out at her family out of anger.

    Xu Shaochen chuckled softly. “Don’t worry. For your sake, I’ll try not to hold a grudge against them.”

    He then added playfully, “But in return, tonight, you’ll have to call me Daddy.”

    Yuxiu breathed a sigh of relief and, blushing, nodded.

    Chapter Summary

    Yuxiu reflects on her past as Xu Shaochen takes her to confront her family. Zhao Chen had stirred up tensions by misleading her father about Xu Shaochen's identity, causing an unpleasant confrontation as they arrived. Yuxiu’s family lashes out at her, especially her father, who is unaware of Xu Shaochen’s true position. Meanwhile, Xu Shaochen remains unfazed and toys with the tension. As they prepare to go inside, Yuxiu anxiously seeks reassurance from Xu Shaochen, which he gives in his typically flippant manner.

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