Chapter 69: Like a beautiful lady
"Young Master, hello."
"Young Master, hello."
The maids bowed their heads in greeting as they saw the approaching man.
Ji Huaixi did not like extravagance and waste. Earlier, Ji Family Manor had only employed five servants. Since Ji Huaixi’s death, Yun Shen found an excuse to dismiss the original servants and then hired twelve more, each with their specific duties. Yun Shu loved all kinds of flowers and plants, so there were three gardeners just for that purpose.
Ji Family Manor was a typical combination of Chinese and Western styles, with a straight main road, lush forests, and a Gothic red spire nestled at the base of Qingshan Mountain, blending the luxurious British style with classical Chinese to perfection, natural and romantic, as if wandering through mountains and rivers, freely breathing in every inch of air.
Walking toward the living room meant passing through the garden, which occupied nearly half the mountainside. At this time of year, the hillside was awash with a sea of flowers, splashed with purples and reds, and fluttering green butterflies—too beautiful for words.
Within this bloom of vibrant flowers stood a delicate figure, already displaying the grace of a young lady as she bent over to sniff a lily tenderly. Her profile was so pale in the sunlight it was nearly transparent, and those clear eyes and brows sparkled more than the glistening petals, refreshingly new.
Yun Shen paused, glancing her way.
The girl seemed to be intoxicated by the fragrance of the flowers, her delicate features relaxing into a comfortable spread, eliciting a spontaneous smile from anyone who saw her. It was as if it was the flowers’ greatest fortune to bring out such a smile from her.
Caught off guard, the girl’s eyes snapped open and she unexpectedly caught sight of the tall, imposing man standing still in the distance, the dazzling light radiating behind him, yet his deep, dark eyes seemed to pierce into the depths of her soul.
The girl was startled, and like a frightened rabbit, she quickly dropped her head, while her ears turned a shade of crimson, displaying an air of appealing shyness, as delicate as a gentle breeze.
Her fingers nervously fidgeted with the hem of her dress. Who was this man, so strikingly handsome? Yet his gaze made her heart almost stop beating.
Unable to control herself, she stealthily lifted her eyes again, only to meet his gaze directly. Like an electric shock, she swiftly cast her eyes downward, her heart thumping uncontrollably.
In that fleeting glance, she thought she saw a hint of amusement flash through his eyes.
Could he be my sister’s boyfriend?
He’s so good-looking, just one look at him made her entire being feel numb, an entirely new sensation for her.
The man gave her a glance and then moved on. Watching his tall figure recede into the distance, a sense of loss overcame her, filling her mind with the image of his deep, starry eyes.
Yun Ya’s lips curled into a cool smile as he turned away indifferently, moving against the sunlight, his lowered gaze colder than the deepest ocean’s edge, filled with biting sarcasm.
Ji Lanyi, you poor woman, you’ve given everything for such a man, you’re truly the biggest fool in the world.
If you have the nerve, never return. Watch as his beautiful consort stays by his side, wealth and power at his beck and call, while you, his wedded wife, have long been forgotten. What’s the point of your return?
Me and Miaomiao won’t need you anymore. You—selfish and weak woman—just spend the rest of your life in remorse in some cold, dark corner of the world. All of this is your retribution.
As a grace for giving birth to you, I will, on your behalf, claim what’s owed from Yun Shen. From now on, in my heart, you’re as good as dead.
Me and Miaomiao, we have no mother, no father—only each other in this cold world.
——
Kang Jinse was dazed by a sudden, overwhelming surprise as she stared at Yun Shu, almost believing she was dreaming.
"Jinse, Auntie has always liked you the best. But your status..." She shook her head with a sigh.
"You know about Shenshen’s status. The wife he must marry one day has to match his status. Although Auntie likes you, I have to consider Shenshen’s future. I was thinking, once his career is stable, and if Shenshen really likes you, Auntie will grant you two my blessing. But now, Bai Ran has ruined everything."
Mentioning Bai Ran made Kang Jinse grit her teeth in anger. "What about Bai Ran?"
Yun Shu hesitated before speaking with an air of helplessness, "She’s pregnant. She says it’s Shenshen’s child, but as you know, her private life is chaotic. Who knows whose bastard child she’s pinning on our Shenshen? She’s even threatening to leak it to the media; obviously, she’s seeking to force a marriage."
"That shameless woman." Kang Jinse cursed.
Suddenly, Yun Shu took her hand, speaking earnestly, "Jinse, Auntie wants to tell you something from the bottom of my heart—you’re the daughter-in-law I prefer the most. If it were possible, I’d rather have Shenshen marry you than a woman like Bai Ran."
Kang Jinse was nearly moved to tears, "Aunt Yun, I... I... ."
"If you can take care of this problem with Bai Ran for me, Auntie promises you—I’ll let you marry Shenshen," Yun Shu offered her terms.
As Yun Shen walked in from outside the living room, Kang Jinse gazed at his handsome face almost obsessively. Almost a month without seeing him, heavens knew how she had been coping daily.
Yun Shu, smiling, patted Kang Jinse’s hand and teased, "All right, you young people talk quietly. I don’t need to be the third wheel here."
"Shenshen, keep Jinse company. I’ll go check on the kitchen, I’ll cook something special for you tonight."
Kang Jinse shyly looked down, "Aunt Yun, please don’t make fun of me," her heart swelling with sweetness in contrast.
Unexpectedly turning the tables with Bai Ran’s meddling, and now Yun Shu taking her side again. Deep down, she knew Yun Shu was unsatisfied with her background; she was just being used as a pawn, since Yun Shu cherished her reputation and was afraid of getting her hands dirty, but what did it matter? This was an opportunity.
From a rural girl to where she stood now, her single greatest advantage was seizing every opportunity that came her way.
And this time was no exception.