"Sheng Shi Huang Zu," or "Prosperous Royal Family," was one of Sheng Chenjin's many enterprises.
It was said to have been founded by the world-renowned architect, "Qiao An."
This was a top-tier luxury private estate, sprawling across an immense area. It was not only opulent but also boasted numerous recreational facilities, rivaling the extravagance of a five-star hotel.
Rumor had it that successfully residing in Sheng Shi Huang Zu was akin to ascending into high society.
"Xinxin? Xinxin!"
A familiar voice called out beside her ear.
"Ah?" Shi Xinxin looked up blankly, "What is it, Mommy?"
Shi's mother walked to her daughter's side, her hand resting on her daughter's shoulder with concern. "What's wrong?"
"I..." Shi Xinxin paused, "Nothing, I was just startled."
Shi's mother observed her daughter's expression carefully.
"Xinxin, tell Mommy honestly," Shi's mother asked, "What's going on between you and that child from the Sheng family? Is he really married?"
"Mommy, why are you suddenly asking this?"
"Because your father said that the Sheng family child is very handsome. Our Xinxin is so beautiful, the two of them standing together would be a perfect match..."
"Mommy, stop talking nonsense," Shi Xinxin frowned, "He's already engaged."
"Engaged?" Shi's mother's face instantly turned pale. "This... how is this possible? Xinxin, how could a family as powerful and influential as the Shengs agree to an engagement? Is your father mistaken?"
"Mommy, I am indeed Sheng Chenjin's fiancée!" Shi Xinxin explained helplessly, "Grandpa Sheng proposed this, and I agreed."
"Is that so..." Shi's mother murmured, "How could the Sheng family possibly agree..."
"Mommy, I really like him," Shi Xinxin clutched her mother's arm, "So, if he doesn't mind that I've been to prison, I will marry him."
"Oh, you silly girl..." Shi's mother smiled with relief. "Mommy naturally wants you to be happy. But, what if... what if he doesn't love you?"
Shi Xinxin shook her head, "He does. He's quite good to me. And he doesn't have any scandals, so he should be a man of integrity."
"But what about his family? Will his parents agree?" Shi's mother worried, "His family background is probably even more complicated than ours."
"Regardless of whether his family is willing to accept me, I will insist on marrying him," Shi Xinxin gritted her teeth, "Even if the whole world opposes it, I will be with him."
"Alas, alright..." Shi's mother sighed. "Since you've made up your mind, then Mommy can only wish you well."
Shi Xinxin nodded, "Mm."
"By the way, when are you having the wedding?"
"The exact date hasn't been decided yet. I'm still pursuing my master's degree. We'll have the wedding after graduation, and that should be enough time."
"Good, then send me an invitation when the time comes. I must attend."
Shi Xinxin nodded, "Okay."
"Xinxin." Shi's mother hesitated for a moment, "If you feel wronged, or... Mommy can help you choose someone better..."
Shi Xinxin glared at her mother abruptly, "Mommy, what kind of nonsense are you talking about! I won't allow you to do this!"
"You... you child, how can that be nonsense?" Shi's mother said earnestly, "Xinxin, listen to Mommy. The Sheng family isn't suitable for you. You're still young, and Mommy just wants you to be happy and joyful in the future. If you refuse to leave that man, Mommy will help you drive him away."
"Mommy!" Shi Xinxin became agitated, "How can you do this? He is my savior; I owe him my life. I will never leave him. Not unless I die."
"You... how can you speak like that?"
"Mommy, ever since I was little, you taught me not to disappoint others casually. Especially a savior. I remember that."
"Then how can you be so willful! The Sheng family is one of the top noble families in A City, and they don't lack money. Sheng Chenjin is such a good person, marrying him would be a match made in heaven."
"No matter how good his character is, it doesn't change the fact that he's gay. Mommy, I really can't leave him!"
"..." Shi's mother froze, sitting on the edge of the bed in a daze, unable to react for a long time.
**
Early morning, Shi Xinxin woke up groggily.
The bedroom was silent, the curtains drawn tightly. The room was dimly lit, with only a warm yellow bedside lamp casting a soft, cozy glow.
She opened her eyes and found herself lying in a spacious and bright room. She rubbed her eyes and got up to dress and wash.
After getting drunk last night, she vaguely remembered that someone had sent her back...
Could it be her brother?
No, how could her brother send her home?
She remembered encountering several men in black on the road and was about to escape when she was knocked unconscious.
So, someone had helped her escape and brought her back home?
Who was it?
Shi Xinxin was confused and pushed open the bathroom door.
Splash—
The icy cold water hit her face, extinguishing her burning curiosity.
"Ah—"
Shi Xinxin screamed, clutching her chest, and turned to hide in the corner, staring at her drenched and disheveled reflection in the mirror with panic, wishing she could disappear into the ground.
"Sis, you're awake!"
From behind her, Shi Jiayu's lazy voice rang out, "I specially ran hot water for you. Go take a bath quickly."
Shi Xinxin blinked.
Hot water?
How could there be hot water in her room!
Could it be...
"Brother..." Shi Xinxin's lips trembled, "Did you run the hot water?"
"Yes, you drank too much, didn't you?" Shi Jiayu said as a matter of course, "I was afraid you'd catch a cold if you soaked for too long, so I ran you a bath."
"Brother..." Shi Xinxin looked at Shi Jiayu, her eyes reddening, "How could you do such a thing?"
"How could I not?" Shi Jiayu shrugged, his expression nonchalant, "I'm your only family. It's only right that I do things for you."
"I don't need you to do anything for me," Shi Xinxin choked out, "You can go pursue your own happiness..."
"Happiness? Heh heh..." Shi Jiayu scoffed, "If happiness means you marrying Sheng Chenjin, I'd rather not have happiness."
Shi Xinxin stared at him in disbelief.
"Sis, don't forget your vow," Shi Jiayu chuckled lightly, "You have to marry Sheng Chenjin, and you're not allowed to back down for the rest of your life."
Shi Xinxin lowered her gaze, concealing the pain in her eyes, "I understand. Thank you, brother..."
"You're my sister, you don't need to thank me," Shi Jiayu glanced at her indifferently, "But, I still have to remind you. You and Sheng Chenjin are from completely different worlds. Sheng Corporation is the top commercial behemoth in the country, while your studio hasn't even been heard of. Do you think you're worthy of him?"