The Su family is a prestigious lineage renowned for their expertise in antiques and cultural artifacts. In the hearts of the elder members, the continuation and glory of the family are as invaluable as the treasures they cherish, requiring careful nurturing and transmission. To them, the marriages of family members are not merely unions between two individuals; they represent a fusion of two families' culture and heritage.
Growing up in this rich cultural atmosphere, Su Siyu developed a unique appreciation for ancient artifacts. He silently adhered to the traditions of his family and the expectations of his elders. Throughout his life, he had been taught that someone from a scholarly background, a refined young lady with an air of elegance, was the ideal match for him—this notion echoed in his mind like a family motto.
The earnest expressions of his elders left a deep imprint on his memory, akin to an invisible shackle yet imbued with the warmth unique to his family. For a time, he believed that Zhi Mu Jiu was the perfect match his elders spoke of. However, as events began to spiral further away from their original course, Su Siyu came to realize a harsh truth: the person you like may not necessarily like you back.
"Siyu! Siyu!" The calls pulled Su Siyu from his reverie.
At the family banquet, the elders of the Su family wore furrowed brows as they looked at him. He felt a slight jolt and raised his head to meet their reproachful gazes, a wave of guilt washing over him. Hastily adjusting his attire, he picked up the exquisite teacup beside him and stood up to toast Yan Yu, who sat across the round table.
"Miss Yan," he began, his voice somewhat subdued yet still carrying the refined air expected of a young gentleman. "If I have been lacking in courtesy during our first meeting, I hope you will forgive me."
He inclined slightly, his gaze resting on Yan Yu. This gathering was ostensibly a family banquet but was actually arranged by the elders as an opportunity for him to meet her.
Yan Yu's beautiful eyes sparkled as she smiled gently, revealing two charming dimples. With her delicate fingers, she gestured for him to continue speaking and softly replied, "I have heard that Young Master Su is exceptionally talented and handsome. It is indeed an honor to meet you; I must say that rumors do not do justice."
Truly, she was a cultured young lady from an esteemed family.
The banquet proceeded harmoniously until its conclusion, with laughter and lively conversation among the elders. They were quite pleased with Su Siyu and Yan Yu's performance. Yet only Su Siyu understood that beneath this seemingly beautiful facade, he alone bore the weight of sorrow.
It was during that banquet that he finally grasped the helplessness and pain Zhi Mu Jiu must have felt when she was forced into an engagement with him.
Ke Chi Mu Jiu dared to slam the table and point at her father, cursing him, while he himself was a coward who didn’t even dare to show his displeasure. Even when it came to discussing his lifelong commitment, he didn’t utter a single word of objection.
Perhaps in the past he would have, but now it seemed whatever was said was accepted without question.
As time went on, the number of private meetings with Yan Yu increased. After all, their families had already arranged the marriage, and they needed to cultivate their relationship quickly to meet family expectations.
In Su Si Yi's initial impression, Yan Yu was a young lady with a temperament that was neither warm nor cold. She always carried herself elegantly, speaking softly, with every movement resembling a meticulously choreographed dance filled with grace.
However, after he deliberately ignored her a few times, Yan Yu noticed Su Si Yi's attitude, and a hint of displeasure flashed across her previously calm face.
She gracefully stepped forward and suddenly transformed from her usual gentle demeanor, cornering Su Si Yi against the wall. Her once gentle eyes now burned with anger, revealing a fiery expression as she exclaimed:
“Su Si Yi, you better behave yourself! It’s not easy for me to pretend to be demure and gentle!”
Su Si Yi was taken aback by Yan Yu's sudden outburst, his eyes widening in shock. He had never imagined that this woman, who usually appeared as gentle as water, could display such fierce intensity.
Yet Yan Yu showed no signs of restraint. She lifted her leg to block Su Si Yi's escape route. The movement raised the hem of her light pink qipao slightly, revealing her long legs adorned with delicate light pink undergarments.
From this angle, it was impossible for Su Si Yi not to look. His face instantly flushed crimson, the heat spreading from his cheeks to his ears as his heart raced uncontrollably.
It was only then that Yan Yu realized she might have exposed herself. A hint of embarrassment crossed her face but was quickly masked by her stubbornness.
Seeing Su Si Yi’s face turn as red as if he could fry an egg on it made her both angry and amused.
“Why are you blushing?” she couldn’t help but ask.
Su Si Yi felt even more awkward at her question and stammered in response: “I’m just… blushing for you.”
As he spoke, he closed his eyes tightly, unable to bear looking at Yan Yu again. When he finally opened his eyes...
Yan Yu rolled her eyes in disdain.
"Miss Yan, if you have something to say, I won't mind listening with my eyes closed."
But as soon as Yan Yu spoke, the other party squeezed their eyes shut even tighter, their body trembling slightly, unsure if it was from nervousness or shyness.
"A business marriage, what do you think?"
"??? That's not an option?"
"Miss Yan, it's best not to be too impulsive."
"Shut up! Not an option? Let's make a deal. If you're willing, after we marry, we can live our own lives, just to appease the old folks at home. Once we get through that, we'll have plenty of time to enjoy life."
Even with his eyes closed, Su Siyu could feel the other person's face inching closer.
"If you're not willing, I think someone like you, who hasn't cleared your mind, won't find anyone more suitable than me."
The fragrance of orchids filled the air around him. After considering for a moment, Su Siyu nodded.
"Then we have an agreement—nominal spouses."
"Now, Miss Yan, can you lower your legs?" Su Siyu said softly.
"Oh."
Yan Yu lowered her legs and slowly adjusted her qipao.
After a brief silence, Su Siyu finally opened his eyes slowly.
What met his gaze was not Yan Yu's iconic beautiful face but an empty tea room.
Su Siyu felt a bit dazed, as if everything he had just experienced was merely a bizarre dream.
On the table lay a copy of the agreement; the elegant handwriting in the 'intent' section made it hard for him to associate Yan Yu's private personality with such boldness and openness.
A beautiful woman has many faces.
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