In his opulent office, Lian Guanghao paced like a caged tiger, his face contorted with fury. The usually composed businessman was seething, his mind racing with thoughts of vengeance.
"That insolent boy thinks he can simply discard years of alliance?" he muttered, his voice dripping with venom. "He'll soon learn the consequences of his actions."
With trembling fingers, he reached for his mobile, dialling a number he seldom used. When the call connected, his voice was low and menacing. "It's time. I want everything we have on Zhao Jingshen and this Jiang Meilin. Leave no stone unturned."
Meanwhile, across the city, Zhao Weimin sat in his study, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. For years, he had waited for his grandson to show any sign of genuine emotion. Now that it had finally happened, he wasn't about to let anyone interfere. With calm efficiency, he began making calls to his extensive network of contacts, setting plans in motion to protect Jingshen and the girl who had managed to crack his icy exterior.
As the powerful families manoeuvred behind the scenes, Jiang Meilin found herself unwittingly at the centre of a conflict she had never intended to join. A conflict that would require her to become Rosie Eliza Blackwood and shed the persona of the struggling artist, Jiang Meilin.
But for now, in the quiet of the hospital room, Zhao Jingshen and Jiang Meilin allowed themselves a moment of peace, savouring the newfound tenderness between them. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
As night fell, Jingshen reluctantly prepared to leave. "I'll be back first thing in the morning," he promised, pressing a soft kiss to Meilin's lips.
After he left, Meilin waited until she was certain he was gone before pulling out a burner phone hidden in her pillowcase. She dialled the number of her best friend, speaking in a low, urgent voice when it was answered.
"It's me. Jimin, I need a full briefing on the Zhao and Lian families, and I need it yesterday." She paused briefly before adding, "I don't think I can maintain a low profile anymore."
She listened to the response, her expression growing grim. "I understand. Keep me posted on any developments. And... I'll tell you everything when you return."
As she ended the call, Meilin stared out the window at the twinkling city lights. She had come to Xia City with a mission: to stay under the radar and help Jiang Meilin achieve her dreams, absolving her own guilt towards her friend. Never had she expected to find love. Now, as the web of deceit and danger tightened around her, she wondered if she would be able to protect both her heart and her secrets.
As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts turned to Li Jimin. They had grown up together, childhood best friends who understood each other in ways that sometimes surprised even themselves. When she had told her family about her plan to live as Jiang Meilin, Jimin had been the first to support her. His understanding had been instrumental in convincing her mother to agree to this risky endeavour.
Her mother's only condition had been that she take Li Jimin and two shadow guards with her. Although she was technically his superior, Jimin treated her more like a sister. "We're family," he would often say, "and your family is the only family I've ever known."
She had encouraged him to pursue a different life alongside her, allowing him to chase his dream of becoming an actor while she posthumously achieved Jiang Meilin's dream of being a painter. With Jimin already a B-list actor, their carefully laid plans seemed to be falling into place. They would leave this life behind, having achieved everything they set out to do.
Unless, of course, her carefully crafted plan was now unravelling as swiftly as she had fallen in love with Zhao Jingshen.
The following morning, Zhao Jingshen arrived at his grandfather's estate, his mind still reeling from the events of the previous day. The sprawling mansion, with its perfectly manicured gardens and imposing architecture, had always felt more like a mausoleum than a home. Today, however, it seemed particularly foreboding.
As he was led into his grandfather's study, Jingshen steeled himself for the confrontation he was sure was coming. To his surprise, he found his grandfather not at his usual place behind the massive oak desk, but seated in one of the plush armchairs by the fireplace, a serene smile on his weathered face.
"Grandfather," he greeted, his voice crisp and cautious.
"Ah, Jingshen," the old man welcomed him warmly. "Come, sit with me. We have much to discuss."
Warily, Zhao Jingshen took the seat opposite his grandfather. "I assume this is about Jiang Meilin and the Lian family?"
Zhao Weimin chuckled, a sound Jingshen couldn't remember hearing in years. "Among other things, yes. Tell me, grandson, what is it about this girl that has you so... invested?"
Jingshen hesitated, unused to discussing personal matters with his grandfather. "She's... different," he finally said. "Meilin challenges me in ways no one else ever has. She's strong, intelligent, and sees me for who I am, not just as the Zhao heir. And I actually feel something for her."
Zhao Weimin nodded thoughtfully. "And you're willing to risk our alliance with the Lians for her? Do you even know who she truly is?"
"Grandfather, the Lian alliance has been more of a burden than a benefit for years now," Jingshen argued. "I don't really care who Meilin is. I just know that I love her, and I'm going to protect her from anyone who wishes to cause her harm." His expression softened. "The Lian family's business practices are becoming a liability, and Lian Fei—"
"Is a conniving and devious little snake?" Zhao Weimin finished, surprising Jingshen into silence. The old man's eyes twinkled with amusement. "What? Did you think I was blind to her machinations? I may be old, Jingshen, but I'm far from senile."
Jingshen leaned forward, intrigued. "Then why push for the engagement all these years?"
Weimin sighed, suddenly looking every one of his years. "Politics, my boy. Sometimes we must dance with snakes to keep the mongoose at bay. But times are changing, and so must we." He fixed Jingshen with a penetrating gaze. "Besides, the Lian family is your grandmother's maternal family. She pushed for your engagement, and I just had to agree with her. Lian Fei was the only girl who could come close to you, other than your sister."