Downstairs.
After breakfast, Cheng Yuqi went to great lengths to bring joy to Qiao Xinhui and Cheng Ye. She massaged them and engaged in lively conversations, eliciting laughter from them.
As lunchtime approached, Cheng Yuqi breathed a sigh of relief when Cheng Ye and Qiao Xinhui returned to the kitchen.
At that moment, Auntie Wang entered the room with a plate of fruit slices. "Lady Yuqi, you've been working all morning. How about having some fruit to refresh your throat?"
Before Cheng Yuqi could respond, Auntie Wang lowered her voice and said, "Lady Yuqi, let's talk privately."
Cheng Yuqi glanced at her and understood the implication. Noticing the nearby servants, she stood up and suggested, "Auntie Wang, let's take the fruits to the garden. I'll eat there."
"Of course!" Auntie Wang accompanied Cheng Yuqi to a secluded corner of the garden with the fruit. Once they were alone, Auntie Wang expressed her concern, "Lady Yuqi, you've endured so much! In the past, you never had to resort to such tactics to please Old Master and Madam."
Cheng Yuqi bowed her head, her long eyelashes concealing the sadness in her eyes, though her aura of sorrow remained palpable. Truth be told, she didn't wish to engage in such behavior, but if she didn't, Fang Yuan's position in the family would continue to rise. She needed to safeguard her own status within the family before it was too late.
"Lady Yuqi, these fruits are imported, and I've prepared them specifically for you. Please eat them quickly. You haven't had anything to eat this morning…" Auntie Wang voiced her concern. "By the way, I wanted to inform you that your engagement with Young Master Bo is still recognized by the public, even before we disclose the identity of the Sixth Miss…"
Cheng Yuqi's eyes lit up. Yes, she had Bo Yi! The daughter of the Cheng Family held no significance. As long as she could marry Bo Yi, the entire world would be at her feet!
"Lady Yuqi grew up alongside Young Master Bo, and although they haven't spent much time together, the Sixth Miss has never even met Young Master Bo!" Auntie Wang reminded her.
"Auntie Wang, what are you implying?" Cheng Yuqi already knew the answer, but she dared not voice it herself.
"I happen to know a few people in the Bo Family, and they're currently working at Old Master Bo's residence. I heard that Old Master was on the verge of passing away at the hospital just to coax Young Master Bo into returning!" Auntie Wang disclosed, shocking Cheng Yuqi.
"What?" Cheng Yuqi gasped, her hand covering her mouth in disbelief.
"Thankfully, he regained consciousness in time. Now, he wants both you and Young Master Bo to visit him. Lady Yuqi, you have Young Master Bo's contact information, don't you? Why not take the initiative and invite him?" Auntie Wang suggested.
"But…" Cheng Yuqi hesitated.
"Even though Young Master Bo must be incredibly busy managing his vast company, at the end of the day, he's still a regular man! Imagine a stunning girl like you, Lady Yuqi, taking the initiative to invite him. It's bound to move him," Auntie Wang expressed confidently.
"Even if Young Master Bo is a bit clueless when it comes to matters of the heart and doesn't want any interruptions at the moment, there's no rush. Lady Yuqi, spend more time with him, nurture a strong bond. Once you have a solid relationship with Young Master Bo, what more is there left for you to do, Sixth Miss?"
"Old Master Bo has always wanted to arrange a match for you. Once you have his support, you'll undoubtedly become the daughter-in-law of the Bo Family!"
These words ignited a fiery desire within Cheng Yuqi to rise like a phoenix. However, she still maintained a sense of rationality.
"Auntie Wang, although the Cheng and Bo Families are engaged, we both know that the engagement ultimately belongs to Sister… I am just an adopted daughter."
"But what if Young Master Bo develops feelings for you?" Auntie Wang spoke resolutely. "Old Master Bo's only concern is for Young Master Bo to be happy and for him to have a great-grandson as soon as possible. To him, it doesn't matter who becomes the granddaughter-in-law. What matters is who Young Master Bo loves and wants to marry!"
Cheng Yuqi became convinced.
"At present, the Bo Family isn't aware of your position, Lady Yuqi. Seize this opportunity and take action. It's your best chance!"
Auntie Wang had witnessed Cheng Yuqi's growth and didn't want to witness her downfall. She believed that if Cheng Yuqi could win Young Master Bo's favor, she would have the power to achieve anything in the entire country, let alone just in Jing City.
"Sixth Miss holds a prestigious position and will undoubtedly marry into a respectable family. However, your circumstances are different," Auntie Wang emphasized.
"You have no parents, no influential connections. You're merely the adopted daughter of the Cheng Family. I wonder if the Cheng Family will fully accept you in the future."
"You're aware of how challenging it is for an adopted daughter to marry into a family of good standing."
"If you don't marry Young Master Bo, you'll forever be overshadowed by Sixth Miss."
Under the persistent persuasion of Auntie Wang, Cheng Yuqi retrieved her phone and opened Bo Yi's WeChat profile. She navigated to their previous conversations and saw the messages she had sent him—simple inquiries like "Are you asleep?" and "Good night?" However, Bo Yi hadn't responded to any of them. The last message she had sent was yesterday, immediately upon her return to the country, asking if he was busy. Yet, he had remained silent.