C10 Should I Accept It or Not?

"Xinxiao, I genuinely want to marry you," Shen Yunsheng declared earnestly. "If you agree to be my wife, I'll use all the resources of my family to help you uncover the truth about your brother's disappearance and your mother's passing."

"Shen Yunsheng, I don't love you. In fact, I find you somewhat annoying."

"Then consider our marriage a transaction, a contract. Even if you dislike me, it doesn't matter as long as you're willing to marry me."

The memory of Shen Yunsheng's proposal, accompanied by a ring, still echoed in Pei Xinxiao's mind after returning from the Pei family home. Yet, she was unsure of what to do.

Should she agree to marry Shen Yunsheng? Her heart lacked the impulse. Should she refuse? She didn't feel the urge to reject him outright.

There was no denying that Shen Yunsheng's offer was tempting, but the thought of exchanging her entire life for it made Pei Xinxiao hesitate.

While Pei Xinxiao was still wavering, Shen Yunsheng left the country for business. As she pondered, a wave of nausea hit her. Rushing to the bathroom, she was sick for a while. Staring at her pale reflection in the mirror, she decided it was best to get checked out at the hospital that afternoon.

By evening, Pei Xinxiao returned from the hospital, feeling lost and despondent. It wasn't until midnight that she suddenly got up, quickly packed her bags, and as she reached the door with her suitcase, she turned back to take the ring Shen Yunsheng had given her.

Three days later, Shen Yunsheng wrapped up business matters and headed to the hotel, only to find a note left by Xinxiao.

"I'm gone. Don't look for me, or you'll regret it for the rest of your life!"

"Damn it, Xinxiao, I will find you!"

Six years later, at the international airport in H City.

Xinxiao, sporting a sleek bob and dressed in a black jumpsuit, walked briskly toward the exit, sunglasses perched on her nose and luggage in tow.

Standing outside the airport, she looked up at the sky. After six years away, the sky in H City was still as blue as ever. No matter where you go, home is always where the heart is.

If it weren't for learning about Pei Zhengjun's declining health, Xinxiao wouldn't have returned to this place of past humiliation. Despite being thrown out of the Pei family six years ago, she still felt a deep connection to her father.

Xinxiao, you're just too soft-hearted! Who knows if they'll even want to see you this time?

With a wry smile, she shrugged it off. Do your best and let fate decide. Coming back was her choice; whether or not they meet is his.

"Are you... Miss Pei?"

"Yes, I am. And you are...?"

A man around forty, holding a photo, hesitantly approached Xinxiao. Once he received confirmation, his face broke into a wide smile.

"Miss Pei, Chairman Pei knows you're back in the country, so he sent me to take you to the Ren'ai Care Center."

"The Ren'ai Care Center?"

Pei Xinxiao seemed skeptical of the man's words, peering at him cautiously through her sunglasses. The man remained unfazed and pulled out an ID badge.

"Chairman Pei hasn't been in the best health these past two years. The Ren'ai Care Center is located on the outskirts, where the environment is particularly nice. Chairman Pei and Mrs. Pei have been living there."

After glancing at the man's ID, Pei Xinxiao was about to ask a question when the man's phone rang. He gave her an apologetic smile before answering.

"Yes, that's right, I've picked up Miss Pei. Okay, please hold on!"