“How is Li Jiao doing?”
“She’s already awake and should be fine.”
Upon hearing Song Li Sheng’s words, the old master Song stroked his white beard and said, “It’s good that the wedding can proceed as scheduled.”
He turned to look at his grandson with a kind expression, yet his eyes revealed an unquestionable sharpness. “Xiao Sheng, I know you might not be fond of this marriage arrangement in your heart.”
“But no matter how capable you are, your status remains illegitimate. Although Li Jiao is somewhat willful, she is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Li family. Marrying her brings you more advantages than disadvantages.”
Song Li Sheng listened to these words with calm indifference in his eyes, merely curling the corner of his mouth as he responded, “Don’t worry, I’ve never been dissatisfied.”
“I’ve already sent people to watch over Li Jiao to ensure no further incidents occur before the wedding.”
After saying this, he left the Song family ancestral home without looking back.
His status as an illegitimate child had always made Song Li Sheng the subject of gossip and criticism.
But what did it matter?
He had still become the actual power holder of the Song family. In due time, after gradually eroding the remaining authority in Old Master Song’s hands, no one would dare bring up his illegitimate status again.
The marriage alliance with the Li family was merely a smokescreen – a way to make Old Master Song believe he was still under control, letting his guard down while feeling self-satisfied.
As for Li Jiao, her dislike for him worked in his favor. They could simply divorce amicably when the time came.
Sitting in the Maybach, Song Li Sheng closed his eyes and rhythmically tapped his fingers on his knee. Shedding the gentle facade he showed to others, his expression hidden in the car was utterly gloomy.
…………
“Enough, are you done with your unreasonable behavior? If you’re finished, please leave. I need to rest.Li Jiao, wearing the blue and white patient gown, said this and directly closed her eyes and lay back on the pillow, completely ignoring Li’s Father’s alternating pale and flushed expression.
Ever since Song Li Sheng and the doctor had left one after another, Li’s Father had been chattering incessantly in her ear, disturbing Li Jiao’s peace.
Having grown up never tolerating disrespect, she had only refrained from throwing him out immediately out of consideration for the original host’s circumstances.
Ah, but according to her memories, Li’s Father had never treated the original host well anyway.
Li Jiao decided that if Li’s Father continued his endless nagging, she wouldn’t bother showing even this minimal respect.
“Enough!” Before Li’s Father could speak again, Li’s Mother suddenly erupted. “My daughter is in this state! And you still want to pressure her?”
“Didn’t you hear what the doctor said? She still has blood clots in her head and needs quiet rest!”
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face.
Caught off guard by Li’s Mother’s sudden outburst of tears, Li’s Father was momentarily speechless, allowing his wife to half-push, half-pull him out of the hospital room.
The door closed completely.
Peace finally returned to the world.
With her eyes closed, Li Jiao could finally properly sort through the memories belonging to “Li Jiao” in her mind.
“Good heavens…”
It was only upon recollection that she realized how shocking it was.
The world this body now inhabited actually had reversed the status positions of women and men compared to their Great Zhou dynasty?!
Li Jiao couldn’t comprehend it.
And the original host turned out to be a weepy, pitiful, and weak little delicate flower.
Because Li’s Mother had only given birth to two daughters, Li’s Father used the excuse of having no one to inherit the family business to openly bring an illegitimate son from a mistress into the spotlight.
Not only did he allow the mistress to openly and covertly cause trouble for the original host and Li’s Mother…
The most outrageous part was that Li’s Father not only didn’t grant the original host any power but was now forcing her into an arranged marriage…
What bullshit!
Fuming with indignation, Li Jiao abruptly sat up.
“No, no…” she muttered, throwing off the covers and preparing to get up.
Just recalling it made her feel suffocated. What kind of damned life was the original host living? Li Jiao didn’t want to stay here for even a second longer.
Who would choose to be a little punching bag when they could live comfortably as the Daughter of Duke?
However…
“Jiaojiao, please, Mom is begging you, stop making trouble, okay?
I’ve seen that child Li Sheng too. Although he’s an illegitimate son, he’s not a bad person—at least much better than your father…
Anyway, aren’t all wealthy arranged marriages like this? When the time comes…”
Li Jiao leaned against the headboard, utterly resigned, listening to Li’s Mother’s tearful “comfort.” Her temples throbbed violently.
How could she explain that she had run out to buy alcohol not to escape the marriage but to escape this body?
Theoretically, she had woken up drunk and become “Li Jiao,” so if she got drunk again, she should wake up as herself again.
But…
Li Jiao glanced at the empty spot on the floor where the alcohol had been, now only leaving behind a receipt, then stole a look at Li’s Mother, who was still dabbing her tears and chattering endlessly.
She thought, forget it, let it all burn.
“Ah, alright, alright, you’re right about everything.”
She understood, she understood—she couldn’t explain it clearly, so she simply resigned herself to giving up.
Anyway, she only had to endure three more days. There would definitely be alcohol at the wedding.
Revenge is a dish best served cold.
The Daughter of Duke returns to her mansion—three days is not too long to wait.
“Shortly after you left, Miss Li attempted to escape the hospital but failed. Then she went to the supermarket and bought a bunch of alcohol…”
“Enough, no need to report in such detail. As long as she hasn’t run away, there’s no need to tell me.”
Song Li Sheng rotated the dial of the black Omega watch on his wrist, interrupting his subordinate impatiently.
“Uh… yes, President Song. I’ll continue keeping an eye on her then.”
Song Li Sheng didn’t respond further, simply swiveling the rocking chair around until his back pressed firmly against it.
His elbows rested on the armrests, his slender, well-defined fingers interlaced and lightly clasped, hovering above his abdomen.
Then, his gaze drifted distantly through the floor-to-ceiling window, aimlessly watching the hurried passersby below.
As the sound of the door closing reached his ears, Song Li Sheng murmured softly, as if to himself:
“Drowning her sorrows in drink? Hah, is marrying an illegitimate child so shameful and unacceptable?”
The sunlight outside the window was blinding. He lowered his eyes, concealing all expression in the backlight.
Only his right thumb rubbed forcefully against the webbed space of his left hand, continuing until the area turned red and swollen, yet he showed no reaction.