C3 He Took the Initiative to Ask for a Marriage

Waner couldn't figure out what kind of game Zuoyu was playing, still watching her warily.

"I just had a nightmare," Zuoyu began. "I dreamt someone set a fire in my room. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find a way out. Just as the flames were about to reach my face, your voice woke me up. It took me a while to realize it was just a dream. When you came closer, I still thought it was real and that you started the fire..."

Zuoyu clutched her chest, her face showing lingering fear.

"You know me," she continued. "I don't care about much else, but this dream... why couldn't it be real?"

Waner felt a pang of anger at Zuoyu's nonchalant attitude, almost cursing under her breath. She was clearly more talented than Zuoyu in every way, but because of Zuoyu's looks, Yaen Ting fell for her at first sight. Even after being intimate with Waner, he refused to leave Zuoyu for her.

Waner twisted the handkerchief in her hand, but her face showed a gentle smile. "How could I blame you? That dream was terrifying. Thankfully, it wasn't real."

Zuoyu nodded, reflecting, "Yes, that's what I thought too. I've been so good to you, Waner. If you were to set a fire out of jealousy over my looks, that would be truly monstrous. Don't you agree, Waner?"

Waner’s smile froze, and she couldn’t bring herself to agree.

“Waner, why aren’t you saying anything?” Zuoyu looked at Waner curiously, jokingly adding, “Don’t tell me you’ve actually thought about setting a fire to ruin my face?”

Though the words were lighthearted, a hint of suspicion flickered in Zuoyu’s eyes as she spoke.

Waner was startled and quickly replied, “We’ve been like sisters for so many years, what nonsense are you talking about? When we were kids and you got into trouble, wasn’t it always me who took the blame for you? If anyone between us were to suffer, I’d rather it be me. Saying things like that really makes me upset!”

With that, she pretended to be angry and turned away from Zuoyu.

Ha!

A trace of cold sarcasm flashed in Zuoyu’s eyes. Waner’s silence would have been better, but her words brought back memories. Most of the trouble she got into as a child was instigated by Waner, who would then step in, offering to take the punishment on her behalf.

Over time, everyone came to believe that in the Cui family, the eldest daughter, Zuoyu, was the beauty of the city but spoiled and willful; while the younger daughter, Waner, though not as beautiful, was gentle, kind, and gracious.

Cui Waner's good reputation was built by stepping on the shoulders of Cui Zuoyu. Otherwise, as the daughter of a mere mid-level official, how could she catch the eye of the elite families?

Thinking of this, Cui Zuoyu smiled, his voice a mix of urgency and appeasement. "I misspoke, Waner. Please don't be upset."

Cui Waner huffed, intending to ignore him, but suddenly felt her right hand being gently grasped. Something cool and smooth slipped onto her wrist. Unable to resist, she raised her hand to see a beautifully carved red jade bracelet. The moment she laid eyes on it, she was captivated.

The bracelet was exquisite, with flawless, translucent jade and a vibrant color. The craftsmanship was top-notch, featuring a blooming peony carved in lifelike detail on the slender band.

"This was specially commissioned for me by my brother from Master Sheng, the most renowned jade carver from the South. His works are rare and exquisite. This pair of bracelets is worth a fortune."

Cui Zuoyu held Waner's hand, turning her to face him, his face full of warmth. "Now that you've accepted my bracelet, Waner, you can't stay mad at me."

Waner could hardly hear Zuoyu's words as "ten thousand dollars" echoed in her mind. She tried to appear reserved, but her gaze kept drifting to the bracelet still on Zuoyu's wrist.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly accept. These bracelets are a pair, and missing one would be such a shame. Sister, you should take it back."

Waner made a show of removing the bracelet, but anyone could see the reluctance on her face.

Zuoyu gently held her hand, "The bracelet is yours now. Once I give something, I don't take it back."

Waner couldn't help but glance at the bracelet on Zuoyu's wrist. Zuoyu pretended not to notice and sighed softly as she held Waner's hand.

"Soon after my wedding, Waner, you'll be getting married too. The situation with Yaen Jinying... well, it's not ideal. But with this bracelet, life at the Marquis Mansion might be a bit easier for you."

Waner stiffened, momentarily forgetting about the bracelet.

"Even though Yaen Jinying is the eldest son of the Marquis, I've heard his looks surpass even those of Brother Ting. It's such a pity that someone so promising met with misfortune while studying abroad."

As she spoke, Cui Zuoyu seemed to remember something. "You know, Waner, this engagement was initially brought up because you asked the Earl Madam to speak to the Marquis Madam about it..."

"Sister, please stop!" Cui Waner interrupted, her voice tinged with barely concealed irritation.

Yaen Jutan, the eldest son of the Marquis, was often overlooked by the Marquis Madam. So, when Jutan went traveling, the Marquis Madam planned to arrange a modest marriage for him.

This news reached Yaen Ting's mother, the Earl Madam, who unexpectedly found out about it. Determined to secure the marriage, she went out of her way to win over the Earl Madam, eventually convincing her to recommend Waner to the Marquis Madam. It took countless efforts before she finally obtained the marriage contract.

However, when Jutan returned from his travels, he had suffered a severe injury and was left in a coma, rendering all her efforts futile. Every time Waner thought about it, she was so angry she could almost grind her teeth to dust.

"Waner, you've misunderstood," Cui Zuoyu said, suddenly realizing. "I didn't mean to imply that your pursuit of the engagement was shameless or anything..."

Waner was trembling with anger, glaring at Cui Zuoyu. "Then what do you mean?"

"I just mean, if you're willing to go this far for him, you must really like him. Even if things get tough, it shouldn't be too hard to bear if you care that much."

As Zuoyu explained, her expression was a mix of joy and shyness, a sweet smile playing on her lips. "Just like how my brother is fond of me, willing to give up marrying into a powerful family, even if it means fewer career opportunities, he still finds it worthwhile."

To Waner, this smile was unbearably piercing, and she felt a surge of anger, her eyes reddening and a dull ache in her stomach.

"Stop the car!" Waner's expression shifted slightly as she took a deep breath and called out loudly.

After speaking, she forced a smile at Zuoyu. "I think I'll join Mom in her car. I don't want her to feel lonely."

Once Waner left, the sweet smile faded from Zuoyu's face, replaced by an indifferent look. Her eyes were inscrutable as she gently touched the jade bracelet on her wrist.

Whether the future would change depended on what happened next.