Ch 10: Is There Really Such a Good Thing? [QT]

Several of the friends who had initially sided with Shen Yunrui now realized they had been used. Their expressions grew darker, and a few couldn’t help but voice their complaints.

This revelation spread quickly, and soon everyone understood that it was Shen Yunrui who had leaked the news about Shen Yunxuan’s failed investment. She had claimed that Shen Yunxuan impulsively made the investment to match the Huo family and called their marriage a cold business deal, implying Huo Siheng would neglect his wife.

No one was naive. Considering the earlier drama and Shen Yunrui’s actions, her motives became crystal clear. Speaking such things on this day could hardly be out of goodwill.

One guest sneered, “So Shen Yunrui was originally set to marry into the Huo family. Then, her so-called chance encounter with the Lin family boy was actually her meeting her future brother-in-law? Falling in love at first sight and bringing him home? Shameless!”

“Madam Shen always praised her youngest daughter as sweet and sensible. Who would’ve guessed she’d act so recklessly behind the scenes?”

“And Madam Shen? Such a good actress! She put on a completely different face earlier. With a mother like that, can her daughters be much better?”

Shu Yue quickly defended, “Don’t lump Yunxuan with the rest of them. Didn’t you hear the recording? Shen Yunxuan is the only decent one in the Shen family. She’s been too caring about family and has always compromised. I’ve been her friend for years, and I’ve never seen her parents genuinely support her. She’s more like an outsider in her own family.”

A few other acquaintances, who had hoped to gain benefits by associating with Shen Yunxuan, also spoke up for her.
“Think back to what Shen Yunxuan and Shen Yunrui said earlier. The Shen family gave Shen Yunrui a substantial dowry but gave nothing to Yunxuan. Those of us who’ve been out with her know she didn’t have any money to spend.”

“Not to mention, the household staff fawned over Shen Yunrui but disrespected Yunxuan. And the whole family only cared about Shen Yunrui’s reputation, ignoring Yunxuan entirely.”

Hearing this, the guests began connecting the dots. The recording and the Shen family’s reactions confirmed the truth. Madam Shen’s outburst earlier—scolding Shen Yunxuan for adding to the chaos even though Shen Yunrui caused it—was glaringly biased.

Reflecting further, they realized they’d hardly seen Shen Yunxuan accompany Madam Shen to events or receive any public praise. The spotlight was always on Shen Yunrui. Previously, they assumed Shen Yunxuan wasn’t presentable. However, today’s contrast revealed the truth: while Shen Yunrui panicked and stumbled, Shen Yunxuan remained composed and confident. The difference was stark.

No wonder Madam Huo seemed unbothered and willingly drank the tea Shen Yunxuan served. Perhaps she had known the truth all along and deliberately chose Shen Yunxuan for her qualities, overlooking the Shen family’s behavior.

The power of comparison became evident—not in Shen Yunrui’s favor. Instead of elevating herself by putting Shen Yunxuan down, Shen Yunrui only highlighted Shen Yunxuan’s competence and grace. Even the slightest display of excellence from Shen Yunxuan now shone even brighter.

When Shen Yunxuan returned wearing a custom-made gown adorned with delicate diamonds, her poised smile and effortless integration into conversations beside Huo Siheng left guests amazed.

“Look at her! She’s stunning! How did we not notice Shen Yunxuan’s beauty before?”

“No matter the Shen family’s issues, I have to admit—Shen Yunxuan has the perfect aura for a wealthy family.”

“Did you hear her earlier? She’s no shallow vase. She even followed the collaboration talk between Huo and Li just now. She’s knowledgeable.”

“But didn’t she lose a billion in an investment?”

“Who knows if that’s even true? Shen Yunrui said it, after all. And anyway, with her wealth, does it matter? Investments always carry risk.”

Shu Yue, relieved that the negative rumors hadn’t taken hold, felt genuinely happy for Shen Yunxuan. When Shen Yunxuan caught her gaze, she smiled slightly, lifting her glass in a distant toast to Shu Yue before continuing her rounds with Huo Siheng.

Shen Yunxuan had intentionally kept the toasting ritual, as it allowed Huo Siheng to introduce her to guests. Establishing herself as “Mrs. Huo” during the wedding was crucial for building connections. These early impressions could evolve into personal networks, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.

Throughout the evening, Shen Yunxuan maintained her grace and charm. Even Madam Huo, initially skeptical, acknowledged her capabilities with subtle approval. By the end of the wedding, most guests had formed a favorable impression of Shen Yunxuan as a poised and impressive woman.

When the guests dispersed, the Shen and Lin families were still locked in heated arguments in the conference room. Shen Yunxuan approached Shu Yue, shared a few words, and arranged a meeting in a couple of days before leaving with Huo Siheng.

Shu Yue later went to the conference room to inform the Shen family that the wedding had concluded and that they should leave quietly afterward.

Madam Shen frowned, disgruntled. “She just left us here like this? Didn’t Huo Siheng even check on her?”

Shu Yue replied flatly, “Yunxuan left a message: ‘Concede where needed. Don’t create scandals that might affect the Shen family’s future prospects.’ That’s all. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now.”

“Future prospects” clearly referred to their partnership with the Huo family. Realizing the potential risk of escalating the conflict, the Shen family quickly offered to give Shen Yunrui her full dowry, buy the newlyweds a home, and secure positions for them in the Shen Corporation.

Who would have thought that the Shen family’s attempt at appeasement would set off Grandma Lin like a powder keg? She slammed her cup down and said furiously, “Do you think my Lin family is greedy for money? Back when your father-in-law offered to pay for us to move to the capital, we didn’t take a single penny. And now you want to humiliate us with this? There’s nothing more to say. Since you can’t admit your mistakes or apologize sincerely, my Lin family will cut ties with yours. Huaizhi, let’s go!”

Grandpa Shen hurriedly tried to stop her, coughing a few times as he stood and held onto Lin Huaizhi’s arm, appealing to his emotions. Recently, he had been particularly kind to Lin Huaizhi, and his words made Lin Huaizhi hesitate. “Grandma, Yunrui and I are already legally married. If I leave her now, it would hurt her deeply. And… perhaps the recording was just a disgruntled servant’s revenge.”

That last sentence sounded weak, but it was clear to everyone that Lin Huaizhi couldn’t let Shen Yunrui go. After all, as a young man from the countryside, even though he attended university in the capital, he rarely had the chance to interact with elite families like the Shen family. Marrying someone like Shen Yunrui, a true socialite, was a massive leap for his status.

Besides, Shen Yunrui was so devoted to him. His male ego and pride were completely satisfied. To leave her now would not only tarnish his reputation but also make him a divorced man—a significant personal loss.

Grandma Lin quickly caught on and decided she couldn’t let her grandson take such a hit. Glaring sharply at Shen Yunrui, she declared, “Once you’ve entered the Lin family, you’re one of us, and you’ll follow our rules. You won’t take even a needle or thread from the Shen family. You’re coming with us now. If you don’t agree, we’ll go straight to file for divorce.”

Shen Yunrui was both aggrieved and furious, but she knew that maintaining the Lin family’s approval was paramount. Her reputation was already in shambles—losing Lin Huaizhi now would be devastating. Despite Grandma Lin’s harsh words, she obediently lowered her head and followed Lin Huaizhi, signaling her willingness to go with them.

Madam Shen, watching her once-cherished daughter humbling herself before that sharp-tongued old woman, was so enraged that she fainted on the spot.

Shen Yunrui cast a glance back, but with the Lin family already leaving, she had no choice but to follow them. Her cold indifference enraged Shen Guobang, who muttered a curse before urgently arranging for Madam Shen and Grandpa Shen to be taken to the hospital. Not only did Madam Shen need medical attention, but Grandpa Shen, who had been struggling with chest discomfort and had taken medication several times, also needed a thorough checkup.

What should have been a joyful double wedding day for the Shen family sisters turned into a fiasco. While the newlyweds were absent, the Shen family spent the day in the hospital, with neither daughter offering a single word of concern. Shen Guobang vented his frustration by scolding both daughters in front of Grandpa Shen.

Shen Yunrui, however, remained unfazed. She believed she was enduring humiliation and making sacrifices for a greater goal. Once she entered the billionaire rankings and the Shen family depended on her in the future, everything would fall back into place. After all, in her previous life, didn’t the Shen family flock back to Shen Yunxuan once she became successful?

Returning to the Lin family’s temporary hotel residence, Shen Yunrui endured constant ridicule from the Lin family members. Grandma Lin berated her at every opportunity, insisting she adhere to family rules. Mother Lin made it clear she thought Shen Yunrui was unworthy of her son, while Lin Jiaojiao rolled her eyes so often it seemed they’d get stuck. Even the Lin family’s extended relatives chimed in with gossip and critiques. Shen Yunrui felt like screaming for everyone to shut up.

In both her lives, she had never suffered such indignity or hardship. The only thing keeping her going was the thought of Shen Yunxuan. She was convinced Shen Yunxuan was even more miserable. By now, Huo Siheng had surely presented her with divorce papers. Shen Yunxuan, so greedy for money, would’ve realized she had no access to the Huo family’s wealth and would have to agree to a humiliating three-year marriage before divorce. How bitterly Shen Yunxuan must regret everything!

But at that moment, Shen Yunxuan was indeed reading a contract—not a simple divorce agreement, but a meticulously detailed marriage agreement.

The agreement clearly stated that their union was arranged by their elders and lacked any emotional foundation, nor would they develop any feelings during their marriage. They were to present themselves as a model couple in public. In return, Huo Siheng would provide Shen Yunxuan with a monthly allowance of ten million yuan, additional gifts for holidays and anniversaries, and cover any reasonable expenses exceeding that amount.

Her primary responsibilities were to keep Madam Huo happy and maintain a favorable image as Mrs. Huo. After three years, at an appropriate time, they would divorce, and she would receive a substantial parting settlement.

Sitting across from each other on the sofa in their suite, Shen Yunxuan finished reading the agreement. She wasn’t upset or aggrieved like Shen Yunrui had imagined. Instead, she found the whole situation amusing. Tossing the agreement onto the table, she smiled.

Huo Siheng frowned slightly. “You disagree?”

Shen Yunxuan looked at him with a playful smile. “It’s not that I disagree, but since this is our marriage agreement, you shouldn’t be the only one setting terms. I have the right to make some requests too, don’t I?”

Huo Siheng was surprised but found her reasoning valid. Nodding, he said, “Go ahead. What are your terms?”

Shen Yunxuan thought to herself, Well, if such an opportunity has been handed to me, I’d be remiss not to make the most of it as Mrs. Huo.

🌸˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧🩷˚⋆