Chapter 1 The Reluctant Groom
Shen Zhiye had smashed a teacup the moment he heard his betrothed had been switched to a country girl freshly retrieved from the countryside.
He threatened to call off the engagement with the Gu family.
I had just finished packing my bags when I saw the Shen father and son already seated in the living room, tension thick in the air.
"Xiaoye, Jiao is my real daughter after all. She's the one you're betrothed to."
My father's tone sounded gentle, like he had my best interests at heart.
But the night before, I had clearly heard his adopted daughter, Gu Qingqing, crying pitifully.
"Dad, I don't want to marry that playboy Shen Zhiye..."
So they pushed me forward instead, claiming it was only right for the true daughter to marry the true heir.
I clenched the hem of my clothes and said nothing.
Compared to my rural foster parents who were ready to sell me to an old bachelor in the village for bride price money, the Shen family at least wouldn't mistreat me on the surface.
Only, Shen Zhiye clearly didn't want to marry me.
He had his back to me, so I couldn't see his face.
I only heard his icy roar.
"I'd rather stay single forever than marry that Country Bumpkin!
"You really think I'd settle for anything, Shen Zhiye?"
My father's face grew awkward.
Gu Qingqing stood to the side, her lips curving almost imperceptibly.
I took a deep breath, forcing down the tremor in my voice.
"Dad, it's me who isn't worthy of the Shen family. I've embarrassed you."
The air froze.
Shen Zhiye whipped around, the fierce anger still lingering between his brows.
But the instant his eyes met mine, his breathing hitched.
The rage on his face stiffened.
His ears flushed red at a visible speed, and even his words stumbled.
"You're Gu Jiao... the sister from the countryside?"
His Adam's apple bobbed, his voice suddenly softening.
"Truly stunning!"
The room fell dead silent.
I stood stunned, wondering if I'd heard wrong.
Gu Qingqing's smile froze on her face.
Shen Zhiye fumbled to straighten his collar, as if he suddenly couldn't breathe.
His dark eyes locked on me, words rushing out.
"Don't mind that I'm a good-for-nothing—my dad is loaded! Marry me, and you'll live off him until the end of time!"
He turned to his father.
"Dad! Send two villas to your daughter-in-law! Ten Porsches!"