“Xiao Li, go to the domestic service agency and find a few reliable aunties—the kind who are particularly good at cooking, preferably with nutritionist certifications.” Sitting in the back seat surrounded by a pile of nutritional supplements, I thoughtfully instructed Xiao Li after careful consideration.
“Yes, Madam.” Xiao Li replied.
After marrying Pei Heng, both sets of parents had suggested hiring several servants for cleaning, gardening, and cooking, but I—in the late stages of my love-struck foolishness—had refused.
In my love nest with Pei Heng, I felt that even one extra person would be an eyesore, potentially disrupting our intimate moments, like moving from the living room to the kitchen.
The outcome was predictable: I lived in a state that was neither truly widowed nor fully married.
Since I’ve been reborn, I shouldn’t continue dreaming such muddled dreams.
Arriving home, I walked in front carrying my Prada handbag while Xiao Li followed behind with an armful of nutritional supplements. As soon as I opened the door, Pei Heng was coming downstairs, adjusting his cuffs as he descended—the most captivating gestures are often the most casual ones.
“Xiao Li, you may go.” I set down my handbag and dismissed Xiao Li.
Xiao Li arranged the nutritional supplements on the table, then bowed respectfully to Pei Heng before hurriedly leaving.
“There’s a banquet in one hour. Your parents will be attending too. Get ready to come with me.” Pei Heng showed no interest in what I had brought back, merely delivering this bland notification.
He never willingly took me to any events unless I served a purpose there—such as when my parents were attending.
Since my rebirth, I hadn’t visited my parents yet. It wasn’t due to lack of filial piety, but because of what happened in my previous life, I still felt too ashamed to face them.
“Oh, alright.” I got up and headed to the second floor.
I hadn’t been idle these past two weeks—I’d purchased a new wardrobe completely different from my previous monotonous and dull style, both in fashion and cut.
I selected a little red dress with a one-shoulder design and a rather daring V-neckline, though with a layer of sheer fabric sewn in to create a suggestive effect. The lower part featured a mermaid silhouette that revealed my slender, straight calves.
Although I was excessively thin, my fair complexion and 168cm height compensated for it. Aside from my chest’s shortcomings, I felt quite good about myself.
As for Wei Lan’s innocent, pure style—I didn’t think it suited me at all. I’m no longer twenty years old.
After doing my makeup, I put on a set of crystal earrings with a matching necklace that would absolutely dazzle under spotlights. However restrained I was before, that’s how flamboyant I would be now.
Pei Heng was waiting downstairs. He was on a phone call and showed no reaction when he heard me coming down—not even the desire to glance my way. I didn’t mind either, going ahead to wait in the car alone.
A few minutes later, Pei Heng emerged. From getting in the car to our departure, his gaze never once fell on me.
Throughout the journey, Pei Heng and I didn’t exchange a single word.
He focused on his driving while I played with my phone. I had added Qi Zhouyang on WeChat and was sending him thoughtful messages.
Me: Xiao Qi, if you find the hospital cafeteria food unpalatable, I can have someone deliver meals to you.
Qi Zhouyang: No need, no need, sister. The food here is fine.
Me: I forgot to buy you some nutritional supplements today. How about tomorrow? I’ll visit you and bring some then.
Qi Zhouyang: Really, there’s no need to be so polite!
Me: It’s not about politeness. I was the one who hit you and caused your hospitalization. Don’t feel embarrassed—if you need anything, just tell me directly.
Qi Zhouyang and Wei Lan came from similar family backgrounds. In Wei Lan’s eyes, Pei Heng was a wealthy, handsome, and tall man—a perfect catch. Well, I could play the part of the beautiful, rich, and elegant woman in front of Qi Zhouyang too.
Thinking about it, it felt quite balanced—a fair match, really—and a subtle sense of equilibrium settled in my heart.
The car stopped at a red light. Pei Heng finally moved his neck, glancing sideways at me. Belatedly, he noticed something different about me today, but as usual, his words were far from pleasant. “That outfit is wasted on you.”
Sure enough, those TV dramas where the female lead changes her style and leaves the male lead in awe? Pure fiction.
I put down my phone, cupped my chest with my hands, and retorted, “Is it really that small? I even wore extra padding today.”
My overly bold gesture successfully darkened Pei Heng’s expression again. He said coldly, “Xu Zhiyi, can’t you pay a little attention to your words and actions?”
“Why should I?” I shot back.
I’d been careful for so many years—had it done any good? Having died once, I’d learned to see things more clearly. Rather than restraining myself, I’d rather let my heart soar.
“Don’t forget your status,” Pei Heng’s tone was already sharp.
He never treated me as his wife, yet he expected me to discipline myself according to that role.
I turned to look out the window, not wanting to speak. In the past, if Pei Heng had initiated even a couple of sentences with me, I would have been overjoyed, scrambling to keep the conversation going.
At the banquet venue, Pei Heng and I played the part of the perfect couple for a while. After chatting briefly with a few familiar business partners, I found a quiet spot to sit and rest alone.
As luck would have it, a young woman was seated nearby. Upon closer look, wasn’t she the delicate, innocent type who had recently made headlines for checking into a hotel with Pei Heng?
“Qingqing, why are you sitting here alone?” Another woman approached, addressing the delicate Pan Qingqing.
“I’m just resting for a bit, Xiaolu. Come keep me company for a while,” Pan Qingqing’s voice was incredibly sweet.
I realized Pei Heng seemed to have a thing for women with pleasant voices—Wei Lan was no exception, and every one of his rumored flings had been the same.
The two began chatting beside me, seemingly unaware of my presence.
Chen Xiaolu teased Pan Qingqing, “Your Mr. Pei is right over there. Aren’t you going to say hello?”
“Don’t talk nonsense. What ‘my Mr. Pei’? He has a wife,” Pan Qingqing replied with feigned reproach.
“His wife? She’s practically invisible—no one’s seen her in ages. Everyone knows you’re the one he’s been closest to lately. I heard he bought you an apartment?” Chen Xiaolu’s tone was dripping with envy and jealousy.
“Mhm, he’s been very generous to me,” Pan Qingqing’s words oozed with pride. “I don’t even know why he treats me so well. Meeting him has been such a stroke of luck.”
Pei Heng was generous to everyone—except me, his invisible wife.
Every woman he’d been linked to sang his praises after they parted ways. Such was the charm of money.
Just then, my parents walked over. Seeing me sitting alone, they asked, “Yiyi, where’s Pei Heng? Why isn’t he with you?”
Hearing Pei Heng’s name, Pan Qingqing and Chen Xiaolu immediately turned to look at me. Their expressions must have been a sight to behold.
I stood up, linking arms with my mother, and said coquettishly, “What’s the fun in being with him? It’s all business talk with a bunch of people. I’d much rather chat with you two.”
My mother gave me a surprised look—it had been years since I last acted coquettishly with her.
“You two have a mother-daughter chat. I’ll go catch up with Old Qin and the others for a while.” My father, a typical straight guy, completely failed to notice the change in my demeanor and cheerfully went off to find his old friends.