Ch 5: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Shen Yunxuan’s outburst was spur of the moment but far from irrational.

She didn’t want to expose her secret of being reborn, but she couldn’t continue pretending to be her old self either. Instead, she decided to create a series of “disappointments,” naturally growing colder toward her family and changing her attitude. This way, even if someone investigated, they wouldn’t find anything unusual, and Shen Yunrui wouldn’t suspect her either.

Besides, her family was the one under pressure. Adding fuel to the fire could only benefit her—why not take full advantage?

After leaving the company, Shen Yunxuan didn’t return home but checked into a comfortable hotel. At this age, she naturally had friends, though some later proved to be false and others became regrets.

After being reborn, she found excuses to decline all invitations. She didn’t want to deal with the insincere friends, and for those who became regrets, she wasn’t ready to face them. She planned to resolve the family drama first before considering anything else.

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Meanwhile, Shen Yunrui had just finished dinner with Lin Huaizhi and Old Master Shen. She had barely sent him off when she saw Shen Guobang and Madam Shen returning, visibly unhappy.

Assuming they were upset at her for acting without permission, she immediately apologized, tears brimming in her eyes. “Dad, Mom, this was my fault. I’m sorry. But marriage is a big decision in life, and I want to marry someone I love. Please let me be willful just this once. I promise I’ll push Huaizhi to work hard in business and be a good son-in-law who respects you.”

Shen Guobang found her words ridiculous. “He told you he wants to do business? Is he expecting you to give him money?”

“No!” Shen Yunrui hurriedly explained. “Huaizhi never mentioned anything like that. I just saw his talent for business and believe in him.”

“Hmph, if he had any talent, his family wouldn’t still be so poor,” Shen Guobang scoffed, convinced that his supposedly obedient daughter had been duped. To him, Lin Huaizhi was clearly after their family’s money.

Madam Shen shared his sentiments, angrily patting Shen Yunrui’s back. “You’re too naïve and trusting! Marry someone like that, and you’ll regret it for the rest of your life!”

Shen Yunrui grew more anxious. “Dad, Mom, what are you saying? Haven’t you heard the saying ‘Don’t look down on a poor youth’? He simply hasn’t had the right opportunities because of his background. Once he’s exposed to more in our social circle, he’ll surely prove his talent. Trust me—I’m your daughter. How could I be so foolish?”

Hearing her emphasize “your daughter,” Madam Shen’s expression darkened. She couldn’t help but think of Shen Yunxuan’s earlier sarcastic remarks about her parenting, which reignited her frustration. “Where’s your sister? She didn’t say anything out of line, did she?”

Typically, if Shen Yunxuan was upset, she would lock herself in her room. Although they had rushed home, it was mostly to analyze the situation and discuss the pros and cons with Shen Yunxuan—not because they were afraid of her making a scene. Despite their dislike for her, they had to admit that Shen Yunxuan was low-maintenance and hardly noticeable.

But Shen Yunrui looked alarmed. “Sister didn’t come home. Wasn’t she with you? Where did she go?”

Her expression changed drastically. “She wouldn’t have gone to find Huaizhi to discuss switching the marriage, would she?”

Panicking, Shen Yunrui called and messaged Shen Yunxuan, only to discover she had been blocked. Her unease deepened.

Madam Shen and Shen Guobang exchanged worried glances. Anger and anxiety mingled as they began to feel a creeping dread. What if Shen Yunxuan really started airing their dirty laundry? It was one thing to discuss family matters privately, but if word got out, their reputation would be utterly ruined.

They quickly tried to contact Shen Yunxuan, but her phone was unreachable.

Then, Madam Shen received a message:

[From Shen Yunxuan]: I’ve finally realized no one in this family truly cares about me. You make all the decisions and never consider my feelings! I’m not a puppet! I refuse to agree to the marriage switch! Maybe I should let everyone weigh in and see what I’ve done to deserve being treated this way. Stop bullying me!

After sending the message, Shen Yunxuan chuckled, set her phone aside, and sipped her wine while browsing the latest news, reflecting on any business opportunities tied to this timeline.

Back at the Shen residence, the atmosphere was far less relaxed. Madam Shen found herself unable to respond as she had been blocked. With no way to reach Shen Yunxuan and no helpful answers from her friends, they started to panic.

From the tone of Shen Yunxuan’s message, it was clear she was furious—likely fed up after years of enduring mistreatment. But her timing was disastrous, and they couldn’t risk letting this matter escalate publicly.

Exasperated, Shen Guobang massaged his temples and sighed. “Yunrui, you’ve seen the situation. Stop being stubborn. We can’t gamble the Shen family’s reputation. Marrying you to the Huo family and your sister to the Lin family is the best solution. Nobody will be dissatisfied.”

Shen Yunrui couldn’t believe what she was hearing. After all she had done, was this the outcome? Frustrated, she snapped, “I’m dissatisfied! I like Lin Huaizhi! Do you know how painful it will be for me to see him as my brother-in-law? Even if Sister spreads rumors, we can just insist she’s lying. What are you afraid of?”

“I’m afraid of the Huo family’s anger!” Shen Guobang’s voice rose. “The company’s biggest project just failed, and we’re facing massive losses. We desperately need the Huo family’s help. If this scandal comes out, the marriage will fall through, and even if it doesn’t, the Huo family won’t help us!”

“So you’re sacrificing my happiness?” Shen Yunrui was on the verge of tears. “Besides, the Huo family isn’t guaranteed to stay prosperous. They might even fall behind us someday. Lin Huaizhi is different. I believe in his talent and potential. The Lin family might surpass the Huo family in the future. Can’t you think long-term for once? Just trust me!”

Her voice cracked with desperation. She had thought her rebirth was a golden opportunity, a chance to secure everything she wanted. But now, everything felt stifling and out of reach.

She knew the trajectory of the next twenty years, so her confidence in her words was unshakable. However, to Shen Guobang and Madam Shen, she sounded utterly ridiculous. Since when had she become so love-struck? How could she compare a poor boy to the country’s wealthiest family? And they’d only known each other for a few days—what talent or ability could she possibly see? If Shen Yunrui was really so perceptive, she should be scouting talent for the company every day!

Madam Shen, exasperated to the point of laughter, said, “Then tell me, how do we solve this now? Your sister has already said she won’t agree to switch the marriage, and if you force her, she’ll go public. Do you think only the Huo family will be angry? The Lin family will be furious too.

Didn’t your grandfather always say the Lin family is principled, proud, and ambitious? If they feel disrespected, they might even cut ties with us entirely.”

This was a scare tactic on Madam Shen’s part, as she privately scoffed at the idea of the Lin family’s so-called principles. She believed they were greedy social climbers who pursued the marriage purely to gain more.

But Shen Yunrui took her words seriously. From her past life, she remembered the Lin family as incredibly proud and self-sufficient. They rarely asked for the Shen family’s help and interacted minimally, only gathering during the Lunar New Year. If they found out the Shen family was being picky about the marriage, they might indeed sever ties, ruining her plans.

Shen Yunrui couldn’t earn money herself, nor could she easily connect with influential people. The one thing she was certain of was that the Lin family’s future was bright. This opportunity was right in front of her, and she had to seize it!

After deliberating for a long moment, she suddenly relaxed and smiled. “Mom, it’s actually easy to get Sister to agree to switch the marriage—just offer her enough money. She loves money. She’s only angry right now. She doesn’t know Huaizhi, so what difference does it make whether she marries into the Lin family or the Huo family? Marrying into the Huo family is even better for her. She has no reason to refuse if we give her enough to calm her down.”

Both Shen Guobang and Madam Shen were stunned. Shen Yunxuan loves money? Since when? No matter how much they pressed her, Shen Yunrui refused to elaborate. Instead, she emailed Shen Yunxuan, inviting her home to discuss her dowry and hinting that they’d offer her a generous one.

Seeing how determined Shen Yunrui was, the couple realized they couldn’t force her into the Huo family. If money could resolve this issue, so be it. Madam Shen even tried to reassure Shen Guobang. “Yunxuan has always been obedient. She might even be more helpful to us in the Huo family.”

“Fine,” Shen Guobang sighed. “Compile a proper list of assets. Be generous.”

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When Shen Yunxuan received the email, her lips curled into a smirk. The big fish had taken the bait. To her, the current era was full of business opportunities. In her previous life, she had stumbled her way to success after years of studying commerce, analyzing countless cases, and memorizing major opportunities. Without money, she could only watch opportunities slip away. This time, she wouldn’t miss the chance to profit easily from the Shen family. She just hoped they wouldn’t disappoint her.

Instead of returning home, she replied to the email, suggesting they meet at a business club. She knew all too well how shameless her family could be. If she went home and negotiations fell through, they might resort to locking her up in anger. She wasn’t about to take that risk.

Although the Shen family found it strange that she wanted to meet outside, they showed up at the club the next day.

Sitting opposite her parents and Shen Yunrui, Shen Yunxuan faced them with a cold expression. Madam Shen, suppressing her temper, slid a list of assets across the table and said stiffly, “This is the dowry the family is offering you, as compensation. The family has wronged you, but we promise to treat you better in the future. We’re all family. Just listen to us and marry into the Huo family so we can put this matter to rest.”

These words were straight from Shen Yunrui’s advice: emphasize the money and family care. Given Shen Yunxuan’s supposed greed, a little humility would surely make her relent.

Madam Shen’s tone, however, made her distaste for Shen Yunxuan obvious. In her mind, this daughter was inherently detestable. And the thought of having to play the role of a “loving mother” in front of the Huo family to maintain the alliance only deepened her dislike.

Glancing at the list, Shen Yunxuan found it amusing. The dowry was significantly less than what Shen Yunrui had received in her previous life. Pushing the list back, she said coldly, “This is the dowry for a marriage alliance with the wealthiest family in the country? Is this meant to humiliate me or the Shen family? Or do you think I’m ignorant enough to be bullied?”

Madam Shen’s expression darkened. “Don’t be too greedy.”

Shen Yunrui quickly snatched the list and glanced at it, furious. “Mom! Why didn’t you follow my instructions? Do you even want to resolve this? I gave you a list that was generous enough! Why did you cut it by thirty percent? What if she gets angry and refuses?”

Madam Shen’s chest tightened with anger. Who am I doing this for? Isn’t it so Shen Yunrui can have more? The company just suffered losses, and there’s only so much cash and assets available. If Shen Yunxuan gets more, won’t that leave less for Shen Yunrui?

But instead of gratitude, her favoritism earned her daughter’s ire.

Aware of the discrepancy, Shen Guobang intervened to prevent further conflict. “Enough. Yunxuan, tell me—how much do you want?”

Shen Yunxuan pointed at the asset list. “Double the value listed here.”

“Double?!” That was significantly more than what Shen Yunrui had proposed earlier. Madam Shen glared at Shen Yunxuan, about to lose her temper.

But Shen Guobang immediately agreed. “It’s settled.” Without hesitation, he picked up a pen and began adding items to the list, including a vineyard, a horse farm, antiques, and more—wanting to end this quickly.

However, Shen Yunxuan turned her gaze to Shen Yunrui. “And for deliberately stealing my fiancé, what compensation are you offering me?”

Madam Shen couldn’t hold back any longer. “Doubling the dowry isn’t compensation enough? What more do you want?”

With a cold expression, Shen Yunxuan replied, “That’s what the Shen family is offering the Huo family—it represents the family’s reputation. Shen Yunrui bullied me to this extent. Shouldn’t there be additional compensation for that?”

Furious, Shen Yunrui blurted out, “I already gave you all my assets! Isn’t that enough?”

Both Shen Guobang and Madam Shen turned to her in shock. “Yunrui, why would you give all your assets to your sister?”

Caught off guard, Shen Yunrui was momentarily speechless. Before she could come up with an excuse, Shen Yunxuan sneered. “Because she’s been dead set on Lin Huaizhi from the start and wanted to win me over to make me believe her. That happened right after we fell into the pool.”

Madam Shen’s face turned pale. “Didn’t you just meet Lin Huaizhi recently? How could you have already decided to marry him back then? How long have you known him? What’s really going on here?”

Shen Guobang’s expression darkened as his thoughts raced. “Tell me the truth. Did Lin Huaizhi deceive you? When did you two meet? You told us he saved you and was your benefactor—was that all part of his plan?”

Seizing the moment, Shen Yunxuan scoffed. “So, Shen Yunrui had her eyes on Lin Huaizhi all along. Yet when Grandpa brought up the marriage, she acted all self-sacrificing, pretending to want to fulfill Grandpa’s wishes out of concern for me. Such hypocrisy—how could I not be angry? Surely you won’t stop me from settling the score with her? I won’t ask for much. Just give me half of her dowry, and we’ll call it even.”

Shen Yunrui gasped. Shen Yunxuan had not only added a significant percentage to her own dowry but now wanted half of hers as well. That would leave Shen Yunxuan walking away with 80% of the family’s assets. Why should she agree to that?

Shen Yunxuan sat there calmly, watching her. “If you agree, sign the paperwork now, and I’ll never bring this up again. If you don’t, I’ll go straight to Lin Huaizhi and the Huo family to discuss everything.”

It was a blatant threat. But Shen Yunxuan played the part of someone deeply hurt and pushed to her limits, leaving them with no grounds to reprimand her. Worse, they couldn’t risk her actually exposing the situation.

Grinding her teeth, Shen Yunrui finally relented. It’s just money, isn’t it? Dad and Mom adore me—won’t they give me more in the future? I already have Dad’s supplementary card, and Lin Huaizhi will make money later. I won’t lack anything. As long as this gets settled and Shen Yunxuan keeps quiet, it’s worth it.

Though Shen Guobang and Madam Shen felt provoked by their daughters, they were relieved that an agreement was reached. They didn’t want to prolong the drama and silently consented.

Shen Guobang instructed his assistant to prepare the documents and send them over. He also ordered tea while they waited for the paperwork. Shen Yunxuan’s insistence on finalizing everything immediately was a clear sign of her distrust, which only darkened their expressions further.

At that moment, Shen Yunrui’s phone rang—it was Lin Huaizhi. Glancing at Shen Yunxuan, she got up and left the room to take the call. In her haste, she failed to fully close the door, leaving it slightly ajar.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆