25 – Chapter 25
She Was Merely Prey
Si Nian stood beside Master Si, the young and old together holding a knife to cut the cake. The crystal chandelier shone upon her, the diamonds at her neck and wrists emitting a dazzling brilliance, making her appear even more exquisitely elegant, noble, and radiant.
Below the stage, many scions of prominent families watched with bated breath, eager and restless.
As soon as the cake was cut, a crowd had already gathered around Si Nian.
“Oh my, Si Nian has grown even more beautiful, and her demeanor has improved so much. I wonder if she has a boyfriend? My son is 28 this year and just returned from studying abroad with a Ph.D.…”
“Has she and that actor Xie Zhi… settled things between them?”
“Master Si, this is my child. He’s 26 this year and helps out in our family business. He’s very capable…”
“Oh, why are you all in such a hurry? Times are different now—what matters most is that the young people like each other. Look at ours, he’s quite handsome…”
The elderly love to hear flattery. Master Si smiled broadly, his arm draped over his granddaughter’s shoulder. Though his words were modest, the corners of his mouth practically reached the sky. “She’s not as perfect as you say. Matters of the heart are for her to decide—I can’t interfere much.”
Feng Xuelin and Bai Yanlin stood not far away, their hearts growing increasingly unsettled at the sight.
Especially Feng Xuelin, who couldn’t swallow his resentment. How could an illegitimate child land such a favorable marriage?
Looking around the upper-class circles of Rong City, there were very few young women like Si Nian who were both of the right age and from a suitable family background.
Moreover, the Si and Bai families had business dealings. If Bai Yanlin and Si Nian were to marry, no other family in Rong City would likely surpass them…
“What a bargain for Xie Zhi. With his shady, illegitimate status, he actually gets to marry the Si family’s daughter. Hah…” Feng Xuelin turned to admonish Bai Yanlin, “Take advantage of today’s opportunity and find someone from a suitable family background. Looks and character are secondary—just make sure she gets pregnant quickly, before Si Nian and Xie Zhi…”
Bai Yanlin remained silent.
Feng Xuelin rambled on, “Look at Xie Zhi—his demeanor is clearly different from before! He used to be nothing but an ant we could crush underfoot. Now, he’s probably going to oppose us openly!”
The two of them glanced toward Xie Zhi, who sat leisurely on the sofa, their eyes filled with displeasure.
Just then, Xie Zhi looked up and met their gaze.
His eyelids lifted slightly, his glance passing over them casually, as if he didn’t even regard them as worthy of attention.
Feng Xuelin was so furious he nearly lost his temper. Bai Yanlin, recalling how Xie Zhi and Si Nian had teamed up to mock him earlier, also felt a surge of anger.
A moment later, Xie Zhi stood up and seemed to be walking in their direction.
Bai Yanlin sneered inwardly, curious to see what Xie Zhi intended to do.
To his surprise, Xie Zhi passed by the two of them without any intention of stopping. Bai Yanlin tightened his grip on his wine glass and suddenly said, “She’s just someone I discarded. Do you think you’ve found a treasure? And what difference is there between you now and a live-in son-in-law of the Si family?”
He thought such words would easily provoke Xie Zhi, but Xie Zhi showed no reaction. He continued walking out, pushed the door open, and left.
The phone in his inner suit pocket vibrated incessantly. Xie Zhi sat on a stone bench outside and finally pressed the answer button.
“What is it?” His tone was different from usual, clearly impatient.”What else could it be? I just wanted to chat with you, young master. How have things been lately? Any new movies coming out? I’ll definitely go support them…”
“Get to the point. And stop calling me young master.”
“Nothing escapes your notice. The old madam hasn’t been well. When would you have time to visit?”
“She has a daughter and a granddaughter.”
“But you’re her biological grandson! Back when the old madam and your mother had that argument, neither would back down, causing mother and daughter to live apart. They missed so much… Her only wish now is to reconcile with you!”
“She’s been following your variety show livestreams for ages. Even when she’s sick, she keeps saying she wants to see you and Miss Si Nian. She hopes to see you married with children in her lifetime, so she can rest easy when meeting your mother again…”
“I’m busy…”
Hearing this, the person on the other end suddenly became excited. “That’s fine, that’s fine! Focus on your work! Just don’t intentionally avoid us when we come!”
“As you wish…”
“Great! Young master, you focus on work and your relationship. We swear we won’t disturb you!”
Master Si was getting old and had returned to rest after eating cake. The banquet was winding down. Just as Si Nian was about to leave with Xie Zhi, Si Lin stopped her.
“My regular residence is undergoing renovations starting tomorrow, and my other properties are too far from the company. I recall your marital home is in a good location – mind if I stay there for a while?” Si Lin was concerned and thought it best to keep an eye on them for a few days.
“Ah?” Si Nian was momentarily stunned, staring deeply at Si Lin, unable to figure out his intentions.
Si Lin countered: “Afraid I’ll disturb you two?”
“Not at all.” Si Nian shook her head.
It’s just that they hadn’t moved into the marital home yet. If Si Lin came to stay, the two of them would inevitably have to live together.
She was actually delighted about this – she just didn’t know how Xie Zhi felt?
Xie Zhi then spoke up: “Welcome, brother.”
Si Lin snorted.
Si Nian breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Xie Zhi didn’t mind cohabitation either.
A relaxed smile appeared on her face, thinking she had resolved a major issue, unaware that in this situation, she herself was also prey.
After the birthday banquet ended, Bai Yanlin didn’t return with his parents.
Previously, Feng Xuelin had only been pressuring him about marriage, but now she’d started pushing for grandchildren. He found it utterly unreasonable.
The black Bentley moved through the late-night streets, with Bai Yanlin watching the scenery from the back seat. Passing by a university district, he spotted Lin Yulan sitting by the entrance of a convenience store.
She was wrapped in a white down jacket, still wearing the same dress from earlier, with light makeup that made her look pure and clean.
Having seen too many exquisitely dressed socialites at the banquet, this sight was refreshing and lifted his depressed mood.
Having the driver stop the car, Bai Yanlin entered the convenience store.
Dressed in his tailored suit and leather shoes, he stood out conspicuously in the convenience store, especially having just stepped out of a Bentley – it was clear he was someone important.
The two convenience store clerks became extra alert and began whispering to each other.
Bai Yanlin sat beside Lin Yulan and immediately said, “Sorry about what happened earlier.”
Lin Yulan shook her head: “It’s fine. That kind of occasion isn’t somewhere I can just casually enter anyway.”
She had been spacing out ever since receiving that phone call earlier.Because her agent told her over the phone that Bai Yanlin, who had gotten along quite well with her on the show, was actually the CEO of the entertainment company she had signed with.