To be precise, since Xuan Yao returned to the Xuan family, Xuan Yang had become a dispensable presence in the household. Her comings and goings, whether she was there or not, didn't matter to the Xuan couple. And before Xuan Yao's return, their so-called 'concern' was nothing but a desire for control. They only wanted her to obey and follow their plans, never caring whether she was happy or tired.
Xuan Yang remained calm. For her, Xuan Yao's return was actually a kind of redemption. At least she no longer had to live under the high-pressure environment of her adoptive parents' total control.
"Harsh, sis." Xuan Yang glanced at Xie Xinglan in the passenger seat, motioning for her to fasten her seatbelt.
Xie Xinglan felt a bit awkward, realizing she had gone too far. "Sorry, I was angry and spoke without thinking."
Xuan Yang nodded. "I know. Miss Xie cares about me the most."
Xie Xinglan blushed slightly, shooting her a reproachful look. "You're so good at sweet talk. Your future husband is a lucky man."
Xuan Yang: "..."
An hour later, they arrived at the high-end Jinshui Bay residential area, the priciest part of the city. Xuan Yang and Xie Xinglan returned to her place. Before bed, Xuan Yang sent a message to her adoptive mother to check in.
The next morning, Mother Xuan called, waking Xuan Yang up.
"Hello, Mom." She was in the guest room, with blackout curtains drawn, making it impossible to tell day from night. The phone showed it was just eight in the morning. Recently, Xuan Yang's work hadn't been settled, so her schedule was flexible. She would have liked to sleep in, but Mother Xuan clearly had other plans. "Xuan Yang, do you even have us in your eyes?"
The abrupt accusation caught Xuan Yang off guard. Then her adoptive mother brought up how Zhou Dang had defended her at the banquet, apparently having read too much into it. "You're not satisfied with marrying Xingyue? Do you think you can reach for the Zhou family?"
"Let me make it clear today. Even if there's a chance for a marriage alliance with the Zhou family, your father and I have already planned for Yaoyao to marry into it, not you!"
"Stay in line and marry Xingyue obediently, become the Chen family's daughter-in-law. Do you hear me?"
Xuan Yang heard her loud and clear, and she understood the underlying message—she wasn't worthy.
Strangely, the usually compliant Xuan Yang felt a rebellious streak rise. Coldly, she asked through the phone, "What if I refuse?"
Refuse to marry Chen Xingyue, refuse to be the Chen family's daughter-in-law, refuse to be content, and instead aim for the Zhou family. What would they do to her then?
"Xuan Yang!" Mother Xuan was furious, her breathing growing more rapid.
Xuan Yang closed her eyes, but still, remembering her adoptive parents' kindness, she tried to soothe her. "I was just talking. It's not up to me—or you and Dad—who Zhou Dang will marry."
Mother Xuan was choked with anger and finally snapped, "Ungrateful girl!" before hanging up.
Xuan Yang sat on the bed, listening to the dial tone, and rubbed her tangled hair tiredly. After a moment of silence, she pulled up Zhou Dang's WeChat, which she had added the night before, and sent a message.
X Yang: [President Zhou, when are you free? Let me treat you to a meal.]
Just as it sent, a Weibo notification popped up—an obscure artist she followed had posted. Xuan Yang hesitated, then clicked in. Before she could see the new work, a trending topic caught her eye:
#Huo Yuntang's marriage alliance partner is so handsome#
Xuan Yang tapped the hashtag and saw a photo of Huo Yuntang with a man at the airport. The caption read: "Ahhh! Tangtang is back for a marriage alliance! Brother-in-law is a perfect match! I heard he's a Sino-Russian mix! So handsome!"
Perfect match, Sino-Russian mix, handsome. Just those words were enough for Xuan Yang to pinpoint Zhou Dang. She looked closer at the candid photo. It only showed his profile, but from the clothing, it was indeed what he wore to He Chen's birthday party last night.
So he was going to be in a marriage alliance with Huo Yuntang.
Realizing this, Xuan Yang sighed, quickly switched back to WeChat, and recalled the message she had just sent.
Author's note:
---------------------
President Zhou seeing the recall notification: ???
Yangyang: This one won't do. Time to pick another candidate. [helpless]