Shen Yue said, "A Xiao, can't you just leave Cheng Yuan? He's really too awful. I don't want to see you sad."
"I love him," Jiang Xiao said. "What can I do?"
"Just find someone else to like," Shen Yue remembered something. "I have photos of some guys here. I'll send them to you. See which one you like. Let's forget about Cheng Yuan and move on."
"A Yue," Jiang Xiao called softly. "I know you mean well, but I can't."
Liking someone isn't about finding someone suitable—it has to be about the heart.
"Why not? Just give it a try," Shen Yue persuaded. "I really can't bear to see you so sad every day. It breaks my heart."
Shen Yue genuinely cared.
Jiang Xiao knew Shen Yue's intentions. "Yue Yue, I've tried, but it doesn't work."
She had run away from home before. At that time, she thought she'd give herself half a month. If she could forget, she'd separate from Cheng Yuan.
But it didn't work. That half month nearly killed her.
She admitted she had no backbone, but there was really nothing she could do. She couldn't do it.
"Try again. I'll be with you," Shen Yue said. "Let's go abroad for a vacation. Didn't you want to see a meteor shower? Let's go watch one, or go see cherry blossoms. Do anything, just leave."
Jiang Xiao grabbed a throw pillow, hugged it, and tugged at the tassels. Her eyes reddened. "I can't leave Cheng Yuan."
Shen Yue was silent.
Some said Jiang Xiao's situation was her own fault—if she were tougher, it wouldn't have come to this. She herself knew that if she tried harder, she could escape her current predicament.
But she really couldn't bear to give up.
She had loved Cheng Yuan for years. For him, she had nearly lost her life once. She couldn't bear to leave like this. She always thought that if she tried a little harder and made him like her, everything would be perfect.
"Xiao Xiao, Cheng Yuan doesn't deserve your deep love," Shen Yue finally said.
Jiang Xiao choked and couldn't speak.
Shortly after the call ended, Jiang Xiao received a few photos.
In the Western restaurant, a man and a woman gazed deeply at each other, only seeing each other.
The message came from an unknown number. If she wasn't mistaken, the sender wanted her to back off and give up Cheng Yuan.
Jiang Xiao wasn't smart, but she guessed instantly because she had seen such tricks too many times.
She had even seen more intimate photos.
She had gotten used to it.
Her mind was used to it, but her heart wasn't. It still ached in spasms.
The maid brought milk, but she had no appetite and sent it away.
She didn't feel like eating lunch either. She went back to the bedroom to sleep.
Even her dreams were nightmares.
Cheng Yuan pinned her against the wall, kissing her deeply, tearing at her clothes, saying she was bad.
Jiang Xiao couldn't escape and let him have his way. In the end, he was satisfied, and she crouched on the ground, weeping.
She had had such dreams before, but this time she cried more bitterly than ever.
When Jiang Xiao woke up, her eyes were swollen. She grabbed her phone to check the time—three in the afternoon.
Over a dozen missed calls.
She called back. "What's up, Xiao Yu?"
Xiao Yu was her assistant. Jiang Xiao ran a studio that dealt in clothing, targeting wealthy wives and daughters from high society.
Her family knew about her studio but didn't participate or help. Whatever she had achieved, she had done on her own.
Xiao Yu said urgently, "Boss, something's wrong. Our designs have been stolen. The other party came to us accusing us of plagiarism and demanding compensation."
Jiang Xiao wiped away her tears, sat up, and said, "Wait for me. I'll be right there."
*
On the way to the studio, Jiang Xiao received a call from Cheng's mother. "Mom, what's wrong?"
Cheng's mother said, "I'm hosting a banquet tonight. Come over early."
"I have some things to take care of today. I'm not sure when I can make it. I'll try my best," Jiang Xiao said softly.
"What's wrong with you? Didn't I tell you? I'm hosting a banquet. If you don't come, who will cook?" Cheng's mother scolded. "Jiang Xiao, you're the Cheng family's daughter-in-law. Is there anything more important than the Cheng family's affairs? I don't care. You need to be here within half an hour."
"Don't we have servants?" Jiang Xiao said. "They can handle it."
"I said no, and that's final," Cheng's mother said unreasonably. "If you don't want to come, then never come again."
"..."
Jiang Xiao bit her lip. "Mom, I'll be there within half an hour."
"I'll send you the recipe later. Stop by the supermarket on the way and buy some ingredients," Cheng's mother said. "The people I'm hosting tonight are very important. Don't slack off."
Jiang Xiao said, "Okay, I'll buy them."