C5 From the Beginning
It sounds impressive, yet she lacks the power to announce to the world or hold a wedding. She's merely a pawn in the dealings between the Bai and Jiang families, with no stake in their interests. She gazes at her pale, haggard face in the mirror, a cold glint passing over her features.
Even if she's just a tool in a transaction, she'll do everything she can to make sure the Bai family doesn't get off easy. From today, she can finally break free from their control and start anew.
In the Bai family’s living room, Bai Hechi and Ling Hantong wear forced smiles as they carefully entertain the Bai family’s distinguished guests. They meticulously describe the Bai family's collection of books and paintings, quoting classics and speaking eloquently, oblivious to the visitors' growing impatience.
"Isn't she ready yet? Yichen is waiting," Jiang Yudong, a cousin of Yichen, remarks. Since Chuman isn’t officially marrying into the Jiang family, only Yudong, who loves a good spectacle, is sent along with the Jiang family’s butler to pick her up. His face shows clear impatience as he taps the carved wooden armrest, feeling uneasy with Bai Hechi's pretentious demeanor.
"Almost, almost. Chuman is just finishing up. She'll be down soon," Ling Hantong quickly reassures, knowing that even a branch of the Jiang family is not to be trifled with given their wealth.
"Go check on what Chuman is doing."
A servant quickly obeyed, heading upstairs. Jiang Yudong tapped his custom-made leather shoes lightly on the marble floor, glancing at his watch from time to time.
Soon, the servant hurried back down, nearly knocking over a decorative porcelain vase by the grandfather clock. The servant's face was pale with fear.
"She... she's not doing well," the servant blurted out, oblivious to the guests present. "She said if you don't go up, she'll jump from the second floor. She wants the Jiang family to take a body back."
The Jiang family members' expressions darkened at this. In Araamouth, their status was unchallenged, and they never resorted to coercion. When Bai Aixue broke off the engagement, they accepted it without complaint. But the Bai family, eager for the Jiang family's substantial dowry, was now pressuring them, risking a scandal that would tarnish the Jiang name. This required careful consideration.
The group ascended to the second floor, entering Chuman's room in a formidable procession. Chuman sat on the windowsill in a flowing red dress, her long black hair cascading down her back, swaying with the breeze as if she might drift away at any moment. Despite the room's opulent decor, it was clearly a guest room. It was curious that Chuman didn't have a proper bedroom. Jiang Yudong surveyed the room, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes.
Bai Chuman wore light makeup, but her eyes were swollen and red. Her fingers rested gently at her side, not holding onto anything, as if she had lost all will to live.
"Chuman, what are you doing? Didn't we agree on this just a few days ago?" Bai Hechi's face was full of concern.
"Who agreed to anything? Yes, I'm your illegitimate daughter, but I'm still a person. What gives you the right to treat me like this? My sister stole my boyfriend, and you!" Bai Chuman pointed angrily at Ling Hantong. "You caused my mom's death, and now you're targeting me to make money. Why?"
Bai Chuman's voice wasn't loud, but every word was filled with anguish. Tears silently streamed down her cheeks, her hair blowing messily across her face. Her red dress was whipped by the wind, making her look like an angel on the brink of despair.
"Miss Bai, please calm down. Our family never intended to force you. If you feel wronged, I can contact the elders right now."
"No..." Bai Hechi and Ling Hantong panicked immediately. If they hadn't seen how tempting the Bai family's dowry was, they might have let this go. But the contract was clear...
"I have no intention of defaming the Bai family or rejecting someone as outstanding as Jiang Yichen. Today, I just want to seek justice in front of the Jiang family."
