In her past life, Feng Suyin never participated in the banquets hosted by her adoptive mother. Li Xinlian believed in extravagance and opulence, filling their home with treasures from all corners of the world. Feng Suyin, however, found solace in the quiet corners of the garden, away from the chatter and superficiality that filled the halls during these events.
Everyone was aware that Feng Xian and Li Xinlian had trouble conceiving a child during the earliest years of their marriage, which led to their adoption of Feng Suyin.
When she was young, Li Xinlian treated her tenderly with deep affection, as if she were a child that came from her own flesh and blood. But as time went by and the failed attempts to conceive continued to weigh heavily on Li Xinlian, her demeanor towards Feng Suyin shifted. She began to see the girl not as a daughter but as a reminder of her own shortcomings and failures.
However, everything changed when Li Xinlian got pregnant and gave birth to Feng Yilan. Feng Suyin was cast aside even more by Li Xinlian, who now had a biological daughter to dote on. Feng Yilan was the epitome of everything Li Xinlian had hoped for—a beautiful and charming girl who effortlessly captured the attention of all who laid eyes on her.
The arrival of Feng Yilan brought a newfound light to the household. Her laughter echoed through the halls, and her presence commanded the attention of all who crossed her path. Feng Suyin watched from a distance, invisible to her family, as they doted on the long-awaited child.
As the years passed, Feng Yilan grew into a beautiful and spirited young woman, adored by all who knew her. Her beauty was matched only by her intelligence and grace, and she effortlessly charmed everyone she encountered. Meanwhile, Feng Suyin remained in the background, a mere afterthought in her home.
Feng Suyin looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was a doctor, and unlike Feng Yilan, she didn't own lavish evening dresses to use for glamorous events. She was wearing a little black dress Xia Lingling had gifted her a year ago but had never had a chance to wear. It hugged her frame modestly, a far cry from the extravagant gowns Li Xinlian and Feng Yilan adorned for every occasion.
Tonight was different, though. Tonight, there was a glint of determination in Feng Suyin's eyes as she looked at herself in the mirror. She smoothed down the simple fabric of her dress, straightened her shoulders, and took a deep breath.
This banquet was the same one her mother hosted in her previous life. When Feng Yilan asked her to come home according to their mother's order, she was caught off guard when she saw their estate filled with distinguished guests and prominent personalities in Longyu.
Her face reddened in embarrassment as she looked at her attire. Feng Suyin had just finished a twelve-hour surgery and went straight home without changing her clothes, not expecting to be thrown into the midst of a grand event.
Li Xinlian dragged her away and scolded her in the corner. Thinking about it, Feng Suyin did not doubt that Feng Yilan purposely never mentioned that the banquet was being held that night and only mentioned that she would come home.
Feng Yilan apologized and allowed her to borrow one of her evening dresses, which looked too revealing and uncomfortable for Feng Suyin's taste. But Feng Yilan insisted, and with no other option, Feng Suyin reluctantly changed into the extravagant gown.
As she entered the grand ballroom on her sister's arm, all eyes turned to the unexpected guest. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as they took in Feng Suyin's presence, clad in a dress that seemed out of place among the sea of luxurious fabrics and glittering jewels.
Li Xinlian's disapproving gaze bore Feng Suyin a silent reprimand for not meeting her standards once again.
Throughout the evening, Feng Suyin felt like an outsider in her home. She watched Feng Yilan effortlessly charm the guests, her laughter ringing like silver bells in the opulent hall. Despite her discomfort, Feng Suyin couldn't help but feel a pang of envy towards her sister's natural charisma and beauty.
The same night, the Feng family announced her engagement to Ji Hanjun, throwing her into the limelight without a warning.
Feng Suyin stood frozen in the center of the ballroom, the announcement of her engagement ringing in her ears. She felt as though the world around her had suddenly shifted, leaving her unmoored and adrift in unfamiliar waters. Ji Hanjun stood beside her, a smile plastered on his face, oblivious to the turmoil within her.
She thought her marriage with Ji Hanjun was a private matter and had never expected it to be announced in such a public and extravagant manner. Feng Suyin felt panic rising within her as the guests congratulated her, their words of well-wishes falling on deaf ears. She searched the crowd for a familiar face, seeking solace or guidance in this unexpected turn of events.
But all she found were strangers and acquaintances, their smiles painted with false warmth as they approached her. She saw Feng Yilan smiling with her friends in the corner and never bothered to help her. Feng Suyin stood there in shock as the reality of her situation sunk in.
She had always felt like an outsider in her own family, but the public announcement of her engagement highlighted that fact even more. Ji Hanjun's presence beside her felt stifling, his eagerness and enthusiasm for their engagement starkly contrasting her feelings of apprehension and doubt.
The next day, news about the adopted daughter of the Feng family spread like wildfire. People deemed her Cinderella, lucky to be adopted by a prestigious family and marry one of the most eligible bachelors in Longyu.
However, not every news was flattering. Rumors began to circulate about her true origins, whispers of her mysterious past that cast doubt on her place in the Feng family. Some speculated that she was a beggar's child taken in out of pity, others assumed she was a victim of human trafficking spun into a stroy of rags to riches.
And then there was a barrage of constant comparisons between her and Feng. From their looks to their personalities, everything about Feng Suyin was scrutinized and judged compared to her sister, Feng Yilan. The once overshadowed adopted daughter was now under the harsh spotlight of public opinion, her every action dissected and analyzed by those eager to uncover any flaw or misstep.