In the bedroom, Cheng Youyi huddled under the covers, trembling. Only one thought filled her mind now: Where could she escape to?
Just moments ago, hearing the commotion outside, she had secretly cracked open the door. The scene outside was laid bare before her eyes—Grandpa, Dad, and Mom were all gathered around that man, fawning over him with eager attentiveness.
Gong Ming’s noble yet coldly aloof demeanor filled her with fear, and at the same time, it made her heart flutter with unease.
She refused to believe he had truly come to return something.
She had just rejected him last night, and tonight he was already rushing to her doorstep? Who would believe he had no ulterior motives?
If he really revealed everything that happened last night… she would surely be beaten to death by Grandpa!
At this thought, she couldn’t help but shudder all over.
Knock, knock, knock! The sound of knocking echoed. Cheng Youyi jumped in fright and immediately burrowed deeper under the covers, pretending to be dead.
“You You, what’s wrong? Why do you look so pale?” Mother Cheng pushed the door open and entered the bedroom. Seeing her daughter looking sickly and weak, she immediately asked with concern.
Cheng Youyi pretended to be in a deep sleep, not even lifting her eyelids. She was terrified now, afraid that someone would expose what had happened between her and Gong Ming, and even more afraid that Grandpa would break her legs if he found out.
Mother Cheng frowned slightly, walked over, and gently shook her. “You You…”
Cheng Youyi pretended to be disturbed by the noise, abruptly turned over, covered her head, and continued sleeping.
Mother Cheng sighed softly, gently stroking her daughter’s beautiful hair as she coaxed in a gentle voice, “You You, it’s time to get up. Uncle Gong has come to visit in person. You must put on a good show so as not to lose face for our Cheng Family. If you please him, your life in the Gong Family will be easier after you marry over, and Mom can rest assured.”
Cheng Youyi’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. Guiltily clenching her teeth, she continued pretending to be deaf and mute, still feigning deep sleep.
Seeing this, Mother Cheng shook her head and called out softly again, “You You, Mom knows you don’t want to marry, but the Gong Family is no ordinary household. Since you’re already engaged to them, you must prepare yourself and stop acting like a child. While Uncle Gong is still here, hurry up and get ready to entertain him properly. You need to leave a good impression, understand? Stop pretending to sleep.”
As soon as the words fell, Cheng Youyi suddenly threw off the covers, glaring at her mother with her clear, bright eyes, feeling increasingly wronged.
She didn’t want to marry that Gong Qianyu, nor did she care about the Gong Family. Why was everyone forcing her?
Forcing her was one thing, but now Uncle Gong was involved, making the whole situation even more chaotic.
Seeing her daughter finally open her eyes, Mother Cheng breathed a sigh of relief and quickly grabbed her hand, urging, “Hurry up and freshen up, change your clothes, and come out for dinner. Whatever you do, don’t upset Uncle Gong. It’s rare for him to visit. In the future, after you marry over, he’ll be your elder. You mustn’t offend him, understand?”
“Mom, I have a headache and didn’t get enough sleep. Can I not go?” Cheng Youyi stared gloomily at her toes, feeling utterly aggrieved. With Gong Ming stirring up trouble like this, her plan to break off the engagement was likely to be delayed.
She had every reason to suspect that this man was doing it on purpose.
Sure enough, Mother Cheng immediately retorted, “You You, don’t you understand what status Uncle Gong holds? The fact that he came to our home today shows he thinks highly of you. You mustn’t be ungrateful, or how will you fare well in the Gong family in the future? How can I rest assured with you acting like this?”
Upon hearing this, Cheng Youyi lowered her head and remained silent. She was truly exhausted and weary, unable to muster the energy to deal with anything.
“Your grandpa said that if you upset Uncle Gong, the entire Cheng Family will suffer the consequences. Can you bear to let the whole Cheng Family lose face because of you?” Mother Cheng continued earnestly, trying to persuade her.
Cheng Youyi remained silent for a moment. She knew that what was bound to come would eventually arrive. She could avoid it today, but not forever. Now that Grandpa had spoken, she had no choice but to go down and greet him, even if she was unwilling.
“Fine, I’ll go,” she sighed, pushing aside the quilt and getting out of bed.
“That’s a good girl. Once you marry into their family, your brother’s path will be much smoother in the future. His future depends entirely on you,” Mother Cheng said with a relieved smile.
Cheng Youyi, however, remained silent as she tidied herself up. From the moment she was born, she was destined to become a sacrificial pawn in the Cheng Family’s marriage arrangement.
It all started because Grandpa had arranged a childhood marriage pact with a comrade-in-arms when he was young. Since none of the previous generation had given birth to a daughter, Grandpa had set his sights on her.
Deep down, she understood that everything was because the Gong family’s current status was overwhelmingly powerful. On the surface, it was a childhood marriage pact, but behind the scenes, it was a business alliance. The goal was to use the Gong family’s influence to solidify the Cheng Group’s position.
Cheng Youyi felt utterly heartbroken. She was only nineteen, yet she had to pave the way for the entire Cheng Family and her brother’s future.
In this family, she was not allowed to have a self of her own. Every move she made was tied to the Cheng Family’s reputation and status.
She could even foresee the turbulent and difficult life that awaited her in the future…
…
In the dining room, Gong Ming sat at the head of the table, his expression indifferent as he watched the graceful figure arriving late. His thin lips were slightly pursed, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.
Cheng Youyi followed behind Mother Cheng, her heart pounding with anxiety. She dared not look directly into Gong Ming’s dark, penetrating eyes, keeping her head lowered the entire time.
Even after Mother Cheng introduced their identities, she remained hidden behind her mother, trying to shield herself.
Unaware of the situation, Grandpa Cheng, seeing her so timid and weak, immediately frowned. He gave Cheng Youyi a meaningful look and reminded her, “You You, come quickly and greet your Uncle Gong Ming.”
“…” Cheng Youyi kept her head down, silent, her back stiff with tension.
Seeing her like this, Father Cheng thought she was being uncooperative and immediately scolded her sternly, “This is your Uncle Gong Ming’s first visit to our home. How can you be so ill-mannered? Come here at once.”
Upon hearing this, Gong Ming glanced coldly at Father Cheng, his gaze icy, as if frozen shards were submerged in a frigid pool, sending chills down to the bone.
Under his cold and stern gaze, Father Cheng felt his scalp tingle. Unaware of the truth, he thought his daughter’s impoliteness had displeased the other party. He forced an awkward laugh and said, “Mr. Gong, I’m truly sorry. My daughter is still young and doesn’t know any better. Please don’t blame her. After she enters your household in the future, I’ll have to trouble you to educate her properly.”
After speaking, Father Cheng shot a meaningful glance at Mother Cheng.
Understanding his hint, Mother Cheng immediately grabbed Cheng Youyi’s arm and pulled her toward Gong Ming. “Hurry up and greet your Uncle Gong Ming.”
“I…” Cheng Youyi pursed her lips unwillingly but couldn’t resist Mother Cheng’s forceful tug. She had no choice but to walk up to Gong Ming, bow reluctantly, and murmur softly, “Hello, Uncle.”
Her voice was so faint it was almost inaudible.
Yet Gong Ming stared at her intently, his gaze carrying a hint of aggression.