C3 The Engagement
The girl standing before him slowly merged with the memory of the one in the school uniform—timid, kind, yet full of spirit. She shyly called out, "Jee Hanxin," and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Jee Hanxin felt an urge to reach out and embrace her frail frame, but Bai Chuman seemed to snap out of a trance, quickly evading him as she stood up.
Ling Hantong had intentionally dressed Bai Chuman in a rather revealing gown to emphasize her rebellious and unruly character. At that moment, Jee Hanxin was still crouched on the sand, and as Bai Chuman wobbled to her feet, a scar that the dress couldn't quite cover caught his eye.
"What is this?"
The scar was slightly raised, with a rough, jagged texture that starkly contrasted with the surrounding smooth skin. Even though Bai Chuman quickly covered it, Jee Hanxin was certain it was a burn.
He grabbed Bai Chuman, who was trying to flee, and demanded answers.
"Tell me, how did you get these burns? When did this happen?"
Bai Chuman struggled to free herself, but Jee Hanxin noticed the different texture of her wrist's skin. He pulled her arm closer for a better look. The inner side of her delicate, pale wrist bore a particularly prominent scar, terrifying and raw, with almost no skin covering it. He could only imagine the immense pain she must have endured.
Bai Chuman seized the moment when Jee Hanxin was lost in thought to break free from his grasp, fleeing with a sense of urgency. For Jee Hanxin, fleeting memories flashed through his mind but vanished just as quickly. Watching her retreating figure, he felt an inexplicable emptiness, as if something had been lost forever.
Out of Jee Hanxin's sight, Bai Chuman gently touched the scar on her wrist, feeling a chill at the thought of his surprised and tender expression. A man so weak and indecisive was better suited for her dear sister. Whether Bai Aixue could truly enjoy the happiness exchanged for Bai Chuman's own life was yet to be seen. The performance she put on for Jee Hanxin tonight wouldn't destroy their marriage, but it was enough to plant a seed of doubt, setting the stage for future marital strife.
Bai Chuman lowered her gaze slightly. Compared to the pain she had endured over the years, this was just the beginning.
The Bai family had invested significantly in their home to maintain their prestigious status. The vintage plaques, exquisite calligraphy, and garden-like rock formations, along with pavilions and towers, created an atmosphere that was both classically charming and seamlessly integrated with modern architecture.
Chuman glanced at the porcelain teacup in her hand, a hint of disdain in her heart. If this family truly had a scholarly background, they wouldn't need to put on such airs. While she sipped her tea with a casual demeanor, Bai Hechi, sitting across from her, looked impatient.
"Have you made up your mind?" he asked.
Chuman spat out the bitter tea leaves, clearly unimpressed. "You really think this old tea is worth serving?"
Ling Hantong, with her hands resting gently in her lap, maintained a warm and caring tone as she watched Chuman's actions. "Chuman isn't used to tea. This is fresh from this year's harvest."
Bai Hechi's expression darkened, about to lose his temper, but Ling Hantong tugged at his sleeve, calming him down. "If you don't like it, don't drink it. Do you think you're Bai Aixue? Have you thought about what your mother and I just discussed with you?"
Chuman pressed her lips together and gently placed the teacup on the mahogany table in front of her, her long lashes concealing her emotions. "Dad, is it because I'm the illegitimate daughter that you think you can treat me however you want?"
