"Hiss…"
Shen Wanxing finally jumped onto the neighboring balcony, her clothes completely soaked. She wiped her face, only to see a warm yellow light turned on in the room, quiet as if no one was there.
She pushed the door and entered with trepidation. The balcony led to the living room, which was partially hidden by a small screen. It blocked her view, so she couldn't see clearly.
The room was spacious, but its decor was starkly different from He Xizhou's style. He Chengze obviously preferred something more luxurious—all European-style handcrafted furniture sets, with the bedroom door closed, indicating it was a suite.
"Young Madam."
A sudden voice rang out.
Shen Wanxing felt as if her throat had been gripped, mechanically turning her head to see Uncle Fu, the smiling butler, come around from behind the screen.
She broke out in a cold sweat, feeling chilled to the bone.
"Did I startle you? You just came from the gentleman's room, didn't you?"
He knew!
Uncle Fu pushed the screen aside, and seated in the small living room was an old man with graying hair dressed in a Tang suit. His gaze was fierce, his back straight, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, scrutinizing her. Shen Wanxing felt an overwhelming sense of intimidation.
It was over!
She was done for!
Caught with another man in a room on her wedding night.
Uncle Fu must have heard the noises from the room. She had truly sealed her own fate!
How would the He family members deal with her?
"Mr. He Sr…" She struggled to stabilize her trembling voice, calling out with clenched hands.
"Mmm, Xizhou is quite satisfied with you," the old man's voice was deep, filled with years of experience.
What did that mean?
Perhaps sensing Shen Wanxing's confusion, Uncle Fu spread out two marriage certificates in front of her, with photos of her and the man from next door!
He was actually He Xizhou!
He Chengze's younger uncle!
"I am married to He Xizhou?"
She was at a loss for words, managing to squeeze out a smile more awkward than crying.
"You are nominally married to my grandson He Chengze for good fortune, but legally, you are married to my son He Xizhou. He is unaware of this, and I hope he never finds out. If he does, you will be worthless to us."
"Why?" Shen Wanxing asked, frowning slightly.
"His older brother died saving him, so he is very indulgent with Chengze, and will be more tolerant towards you. He detests women and no one can get close to him. But your performance just now was good…" Clearly, Uncle Fu had told Mr. He Sr. about her encounter in He Xizhou's room.
So, she was nominally He Chengze's good-fortune wife, and that meant He Xizhou wouldn't easily push her away?
"Was me being in He Xizhou's room your arrangement? Were you testing me?"
Shen Wanxing's heart sank. The maid's appearance had been arranged by Mr. He Sr. If she had failed that test, if He Xizhou had not let anything misunderstanding occur, what would have been the consequence?
They now all assumed she had been intimate with He Xizhou.
"Yes, if Xizhou had not shown interest in you…" The old man's voice was cold, its piercing chill seeped into Shen Wanxing's bones.
If he had not been interested, what then?
So this fortune wasn't a windfall, it came with a price.
Uncle Fu placed a document in front of her, "Please take a look, Young Madam."
There were two copies. Shen Wanxing's pupils shrunk when she saw the title of the agreement.
She knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.
The rain from her hands soaked the edges of the paper. Biting her lip, she read the agreement from start to finish, pinching the corners until they were creased.