Chapter 11: The Seal

The exposed calf was straight and white, its lines graceful—no less impressive than those seen on the runway. Xu Yu rarely dressed up, nor did she favor skirts; her usual attire was a T-shirt or casual top paired with long denim jeans. Her slender, well-proportioned figure was like a precious gem, locked away by her own hand.

Thus, the Wen family, including Shen Yue, always commented: “She dresses like a country bumpkin, has a poor figure, just a foolish tall girl.” Only Shen Liangyan knew that those cheap clothes could never do justice to her beauty.

As soon as Xu Yu stepped through the Wen family’s gates, she sensed a change in the servants’ demeanor. Where once there was contempt and disdain, now, almost unanimously, their eyes flickered with astonishment. Even after she walked inside, the servants behind her whispered among themselves.

“Is that really the silly girl? She seems like a completely different person.”
“Clothes make the man, right? That dress must be expensive.”
“But it’s not just the dress—that waist is so slender. What man wouldn’t be dazzled by her?”

The servants noticed Xu Yu’s transformation; Shen Xianglian could not possibly miss it. Yet the amazement in her eyes lasted only half a second before it hardened into annoyance.

“Take it off!” she snapped, her tone sharp. “What did I warn you about? Have you forgotten everything?”

Xu Yu had not forgotten. On the contrary, she remembered every detail. Her invisibility in the Wen household was thanks to Shen Xianglian’s careful arrangement. Rather than gaining status through Wen Zhongnian, becoming the Wen family’s eldest daughter,

it would be more accurate to say she was just another servant in the Wen household. The irony was that servants were paid, but she received nothing—except the reputation for servility.

Xu Yu did not move.

She had returned early; Wen Han was not home yet. Shen Xianglian, fearing Wen Han’s anger if she saw Xu Yu like this, moved to strip her herself. Xu Yu dodged.

“Aren’t you the one who wants me to marry Shen Yue?” she said coldly. “If I always look like a servant, how is he supposed to like me?”

Shen Xianglian’s expression darkened. “Has he touched you yet?”

Xu Yu glanced at her, disappointment flashing in her almond eyes. She inherited her height from Xu Huaimin; Shen Xianglian, barely one meter sixty-five, was petite and had to look up at her.

She didn’t know if other mothers could be so ruthless, but she knew Shen Xianglian could. She reminded herself to endure just a little longer—only one more month, and she could move out, finally escape Wen Zhongnian and Shen Xianglian’s control.

She lowered her eyes and smiled lightly. “Shen Yue has liked Wen Han for years. Isn’t that something you know best?”

Shen Xianglian’s face grew colder. “That’s only because you’re useless.”

“Don’t forget, you agreed to let me into the Wen family because I promised to become Shen Yue’s wife and help the Wen family through its crisis.”

Xu Yu sneered inwardly.

A fair deal should at least come with a stick and two sweet dates.

But Shen Xianglian only ever demanded, never gave.

Xu Yu played for time. “Of course I’ll become Shen Yue’s wife. Even if it’s just this body I use to trade for it, it will work.”

Shen Xianglian looked her up and down, brows furrowing, about to speak—when suddenly the sound of high heels echoed from outside, followed by the door swinging open.

“Auntie.”

It was Wen Han.

“Xu Yu? You’re here too?”

Shen Xianglian signaled Xu Yu to leave, then warmly took Wen Han’s hand.

Xu Yu did not pause, quickly stepping out of the room, leaving Wen Han’s noisy chatter behind her. She lowered her gaze, walked to the staircase, and was suddenly seized tightly by a powerful force.

The next moment, the door shut.

Xu Yu felt a chill at her waist.

Scorching lips and tongue descended upon her with feverish urgency.