Chapter 3: Refusal

Guan Yueyue played the role of a docile, obedient little rabbit in front of Xu Ziyu, a performance that left him filled with pity and completely changed his impression of her.

Reborn into this life, she knew exactly what Xu Ziyu favored. Before that "white lotus" could appear, she seized the initiative and claimed the persona for herself.

In her past life, Xu Ziyu and Shang Meixiang had carried on an affair behind her back. When she discovered it, Xu Ziyu—determined to leave her without any excuse to reproach him—actually drugged her, leaving her to spend the night with a man whose identity remained unknown to her.

In this life, she would make Xu Ziyu fall completely in love with her, only to cast him aside mercilessly. She wanted him to taste the bitterness of having his own feelings trampled upon.

When it came time to cut the cake, amidst a chorus of well-wishes, Guan Yueyue gripped the knife. As she prepared to slice into the tiered creation, Xu Ziyu stepped up behind her and covered her hand with his own. "Yueyue, let's cut it together."

The moment he spoke, the room erupted in cheers.

"The Third Miss and the Second Young Master are truly a perfect match. Their appearance, their status—and this chemistry is just off the charts."

"Indeed!" Yuan Wu beamed with pride, feeling even happier for the Third Miss. She sensed that the Third Miss had changed; she was different from before. And the Second Young Master, who had always been so impatient with her, was acting so differently today.

How did all of this come to be?

As the banquet drew to a close and guests began to depart, Guan Yueyue caught snippets of gossip among the crowd.

"The Third Miss is elegant and refined, with such a gentle temperament. She’s nothing like the 'wicked woman' the rumors describe. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I almost would have believed them."

"Right? Those rumors are lethal. I suspect someone is deliberately trying to smear her name."

"How truly vicious!"

Hearing this, Guan Yueyue couldn't help but curl her lips into a faint smile.

"What’s so funny?" Xu Ziyu approached and instinctively reached for her hand.

Guan Yueyue pulled her hand away unobtrusively to reach for her phone. Just then, Sheng Lan walked over with her son, Guan Ye.

"Yueyue, are you satisfied with the birthday banquet Mom prepared for you?" Sheng Lan’s eyes were brimming with doting affection.

In the past, she would have immediately thrown herself into her arms. Now, she merely offered a smile. That woman’s acting skills were nothing short of masterful.

Sheng Lan was not her biological mother, but her stepmother. In her previous life, she had played the role of a perfect mother, molding Guan Yueyue into a detestable, good-for-nothing "wicked woman." Aside from the beauty and figure her parents gave her, she had been useless in every way—hardly even worthy of being called an empty vessel.

When the time was right, Sheng Lan had dealt her a final, crushing blow, stripping her of everything overnight.

"Brother Ziyu," Guan Yueyue leaned into Xu Ziyu’s arms, her voice soft and fragile. "I’m tired. Can I go to your place?"

Sheng Lan looked worried. "Yueyue, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell, or..."

Guan Yueyue shook her head, sounding breathless. "Mom, I’m fine. I just want to be with Brother Ziyu."

"As long as you're fine, that's good," Sheng Lan said, seemingly relieved. "Ziyu, please take good care of my Yueyue."

"I will, Aunt Sheng. Don't worry," Xu Ziyu said, stroking Guan Yueyue’s hair. "Yueyue, let’s go."

"Okay," she replied obediently.

After they left, Sheng Lan’s expression shifted instantly. "What is going on with Guan Yueyue?"

Guan Ye looked equally bewildered. "Did she take the wrong medicine?"

Sheng Lan narrowed her eyes. "And this Xu Ziyu, he’s actually changed his attitude toward her as well."

***

At the Xu residence, Guan Yueyue was stunned the moment she saw Shen Zhi in the living room. How could he be here?

Shen Zhi was equally surprised that Guan Yueyue had come home with Xu Ziyu. A heartless woman, indeed.

"Dad, who is he?" Xu Ziyu asked, instinctively sizing Shen Zhi up.

Xu Zewen smiled. "We are all family. Ziyu, this is Shen Zhi, your older brother."

"Brother?"

Not only was Xu Ziyu shocked, but Guan Yueyue was also taken aback. In her past life, there was never any mention of Shen Zhi being Xu Ziyu’s brother.

Xu Ziyu found it impossible to accept. "Dad, is there a mistake? He’s just a waiter; how could he be my brother? This is..."

Xu Zewen’s brow furrowed immediately. "I have confirmed it. He is indeed your brother, the eldest young master of the Xu family."

"So that’s how it is." Xu Ziyu finally understood. He had always wondered why, as the only son, he was still referred to as the "Second Young Master." It turned out the position of the eldest had always been reserved for someone else.

Though Xu Ziyu felt aggrieved, he could not change the facts. "Is he mother’s son?"

To ensure Shen Zhi would not be ostracized by Xu Ziyu, Xu Zewen lied intentionally. "Yes. He is your own brother."

Shen Zhi remained silent.

Xu Ziyu still couldn't fathom it. "Dad, this doesn't make sense..."

Xu Zewen didn't want to explain further. "Since your brother has returned, hand over that new energy research project you’re working on to him."

Xu Ziyu was naturally unwilling. "Dad, that project is..."

"I said give it to him." Xu Zewen felt he owed Shen Zhi so much that he would have gladly handed over the entire company, but Shen Zhi only wanted this one project.

Guan Yueyue stood there feeling incredibly uncomfortable. Seeing the dark expressions on both father and son, she could no longer stay. "Uncle Xu, Brother Ziyu, I have something to attend to, so I’ll be heading back now."

"I’ll take you," Xu Ziyu said hastily.

Xu Zewen stopped him. "You don't need to take her. Let your brother do it. Xiao Zhi, you take Yueyue home."

Shen Zhi replied, "Very well."

"No need," Guan Yueyue refused sharply and fled as if escaping a trap.

Xu Zewen: "..."

Xu Ziyu: "..."