Just as she reached the study door, Wen Xuyu heard the sounds of an argument coming from inside.
She paused for a second, then walked in anyway.
*
Inside the room.
Bian Xunzhou sat in the executive chair, his hands crossed, quietly enduring Shang Rongyuan's "wrath."
The man's expression was completely blank, a faint trace of sarcasm hidden in his eyes.
"Did you hear what I said? Right now, immediately, at once, divorce that woman, or you will never get your hands on that thing!" Shang Rongyuan slammed his hand down on the desk, nearly spilling the teacup beside him.
Bian Xunzhou spread his hands, completely unbothered. "Suit yourself!"
Shang Rongyuan's face contorted in anger, leaving him momentarily speechless.
Chen Lirong was also trying to mediate, putting on an act of a deeply concerned mother figure.
"Don't get angry; it's not worth ruining your health over. Xiaozhou is a grown man now; isn't there a way to talk things out calmly?"
The corners of Bian Xunzhou's eyes lifted slightly, his gaze utterly calm and devoid of ripples as he quietly watched her performance.
After putting on an act for so many years, she really was something else.
It was at that exact moment that Wen Xuyu walked in.
The moment she appeared, all the arguing instantly ceased, as if someone had hit the pause button.
"You must be Xiaozhou's wife. What a rare and stunning beauty!"
Chen Lirong wore a gentle smile, stepped forward to greet her, and took Wen Xuyu's hand as she spoke.
Wen Lirong didn't know what to say and wanted to catch Bian Xunzhou's eye, but Chen Lirong didn't give her the chance.
"Come, sit over here." Chen Lirong pulled her straight over to the sofa, her warm demeanor making it easy for people to take a liking to her.
Bian Xunzhou just watched Wen Xuyu, silently observing what she would do.
Would she just play along or... A trace of disgust flashed in the man's eyes.
Shang Rongyuan let out a cold snort, sitting down by himself and refusing to even spare this nominal daughter-in-law a single glance.
Wen Xuyu concentrated, inwardly sensing her own emotions, and sure enough, Bian Xunzhou seemed rather displeased at the moment.
She understood immediately, and at this moment, she was somewhat grateful for this "synesthesia" ability.
Wen Xuyu looked at the middle-aged woman's face. It was fairly well-maintained, but she didn't look like Bian Xunzhou at all.
Taking a bold guess, could she be a stepmother?
The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Wen Xuyu lowered her gaze, pondering how to survive the crisis before her.
A casual glance caught sight of something, and she instantly had an idea.
*
Seeing that the person in front of her had remained silent the entire time, Chen Lirong felt a rare moment of awkwardness. Just as she was thinking of bringing up another topic, the other person made a move.
Wen Xuyu gently pulled her hand free, then picked up the teapot, poured a cup of water, and handed it to Chen Lirong.
"Auntie, you must be tired from saying so much. Have a sip of tea!"
Chen Lirong smiled pleasantly, took the cup, and took a small sip, a mocking glint flashing deep in her eyes.
It seemed this woman Bian Xunzhou newly married was just an empty-headed doll. All the better!
When Bian Xunzhou saw this, his eyes darkened.
This woman really took anyone as she came, cozying up to whoever gave her a halfway decent look!
"Xiaozhou's new wife really is dutiful and virtuous," Chen Lirong praised. "It's just a pity I came in such a rush today and didn't prepare a welcome gift."
"What welcome gift does she need?" Shang Rongyuan said with a sour expression. "How could someone from such a humble background ever cross the threshold of the Shang family?"
"Old Shang, say a little less!" Seeing Wen Xuyu lower her head, a flash of delight crossed the depths of Chen Lirong's eyes. "Since the child likes her, I say we shouldn't stand in the way of young love."
"Hmph!" In truth, Shang Rongyuan knew how stubborn this son of his was, and on the way here, Chen Lirong had already discussed this with him.
Even so, he had to try; this current woman was simply not a suitable match for him.
Even if they didn't divorce now, they would eventually find an opportunity!
"Auntie, there's no need for the trouble," Wen Xuyu suddenly spoke up, her eyes fixed directly on the bracelet on Chen Lirong's wrist as she said softly, "I think the bracelet you're wearing is quite nice."
Chen Lirong's smile froze on her face, and she instinctively covered the bracelet. This was a treasured piece Shang Rongyuan had won at an auction last year, worth a full three million!
Wen Xuyu deliberately paused, her expression pure and innocent. "I noticed the luster on this bracelet is exceptionally good. Is it an old-pit imperial green jade?"
Seeing that no one answered, her gaze dimmed, looking utterly pitiful. "Auntie couldn't possibly be reluctant to part with it, could you..."
Hearing this, Bian Xunzhou raised an eyebrow, looking with newfound interest at the woman putting on a pitiful act, and timely added a remark, though he directed it straight at Shang Rongyuan, who was sitting nearby.
"Indeed, President Shang has always been generous. Surely you wouldn't be reluctant to part with just a few million?"
A wave of suffocating frustration rose in Shang Rongyuan's chest, yet he couldn't say a word. With a disgusted wave of his hand, he spat, "Give it to her!"
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Chen Lirong had no choice but to grit her teeth and slide the bracelet off.
Wen Xuyu took it, the jade feeling cool against her skin. She deliberately examined it against the light, a faint, ghostly glow shimmering across the body of the bracelet.
"Thank you, Auntie, for your generosity." She curled her lips into a smile, stood up, and walked toward Bian Xunzhou.
Her aqua-blue skirt swayed gently with her steps, like a lake stirred by ripples.
Bian Xunzhou just watched her.
Taking advantage of the angle where Chen Lirong couldn't see them, Wen Xuyu lifted her chin slightly, her eyes brimming with a mischievous light. She hooked the bracelet with her fingertips and swung it slightly before the man's eyes, like a cat that had successfully stolen some fish, her very hair tips radiating smugness.
Bian Xunzhou felt a flutter in his chest and turned his face away, refusing to look at her.
Was she really this happy just over a broken bracelet?
Across the room, Chen Lirong clenched her back teeth in deep resentment. It seemed she had still underestimated this woman.
Shang Rongyuan covertly glared at his wife; she was truly useless, accomplishing nothing while ruining everything—not only had she failed to achieve their goal, but she had also lost a multi-million-dollar bracelet!
Having watched enough of the drama, Bian Xunzhou stood up, straightening his cuffs with an indifferent expression. "The matter is settled. Why aren't we leaving?"
The air hung heavy for a fraction of a second.
As if completely oblivious, the man suddenly pulled Wen Xuyu directly into his arms, his voice dropping low, his tone laced with ambiguity.
"Tonight is the bridal night for me and my wife. Are you certain you want to stay here and disturb us?"
Wen Xuyu's pupils contracted slightly, and she almost dropped the bracelet in her hand.
How could this man say something like this in front of other people without a shred of shame?
"You—" Once again, Shang Rongyuan was left speechless, his brow furrowing deeply.
Chen Lirong, however, suddenly smiled, her tone softening considerably.
"Xiaozhou, your father is only concerned about you. Since you're so firm, we won't force the issue. But..." She paused, her gaze sweeping pointedly over Wen Xuyu.
"Now that there's an extra person in the house, and I see Xuanshui Bay doesn't have many servants, Aunt Yu from the old estate happens to have the time and energy. Let her come over and stay for a while, just to help your new bride settle in and get used to life here."
Wen Xuyu's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't this blatantly planting someone in their home to spy on them?
This woman truly was no good; she acted all gentle on the surface, but her mind was utterly filthy.
Bian Xunzhou's gaze turned chillingly cold. Before he could speak, Shang Rongyuan chimed in with absolute finality, leaving no room for argument: "It's settled then!"
Wen Xuyu pressed her lips into a thin line. Were these two really father and son? Why did the hostility between them feel even worse than the one between herself and Wen Yuqin?
Bian Xunzhou suddenly let out a cold laugh. "If you don't want to find a corpse tomorrow morning, go ahead and send her over!"
His words carried a chill that made one's skin crawl.
Seeing that Shang Rongyuan was about to fly into a rage again, Wen Xuyu suddenly grabbed the man's slightly cool wrist. Bian Xunzhou lowered his gaze to meet her eyes, which were filled with a clear warning to stop.