The words fell from Wang Wei's mouth like a sledgehammer, smashing into the quiet room with a harsh finality. "Marriage alliance," he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"Between you, Xiaoyun, and William Chen."
Xiaoyun's world spun before her eyes as her mind struggled to process the unexpected announcement. Marriage? To William Chen? She barely knew him, and after the betrayal of Lan Feng, the thought of another arranged relationship felt like a crushing weight on her chest.
"Are you out of your mind?" Yuhan lashed out protectively, placing herself in front of her sister as if shielding her from harm.
"Grandfather, this is insane. After everything Xiaoyun has been through recently, you want to force her into a loveless marriage?"
Wang Wei's face remained stoic and unmoving as he replied, "I am deadly serious. This marriage will not only stabilize our family's position in the business world but also erase the shame brought upon us by this scandal. Chen Liang has the power and influence to protect Xiaoyun from any further disgrace and raise our family's status."
Xiaoyun's head was reeling, unable to process the sudden turn of events.
It felt as though she was drowning in a sea of expectations and obligations, struggling to come up for air amid a room full of people who were deciding her fate for her.Chen Liang moved towards her, his gaze locking onto hers.
He spoke gently as if trying to ease any shock she may be feeling. "I know this may be unexpected for you, Ms. Wang," he said in a sympathetic tone.
"But I want you to understand that this isn't just about business for me. I've admired your work for a long time, and I truly believe that our partnership can be beneficial for both of us on a personal and professional level."
Xiaoyun's eyes widened in shock as Liang's words registered. His faint smile didn't reach his eyes, which were watching her closely.
Chen Liang's gaze was also fixed on her, his expression sympathetic.
Xiaoyun's vision blurred for a moment as she stared at William, his chiseled features softened by a small smile. His perfectly tailored suit, the glint of his expensive watch, and his confident posture exuded power and success.
Xiaoyun's hands felt clammy and her throat constricted as she watched Chen Liang lean in, his penetrating gaze making her feel like he could see right through her.Her grandfather stood, ending the discussion.
"Arrangements will begin immediately," he declared firmly. "The marriage will take place as soon as possible. Chen Liang, I trust you'll handle preparations on your end?"
He nodded, never breaking eye contact with Xiaoyun. "I'll handle everything discreetly and efficiently, Mr. Wang."
Xiaoyun felt the world spinning too quickly for her to catch her breath. William Chen or Chen Liang as her grandfather called, a man she barely knew, was being forced into her life. She tried to protest, but Wang Wei had already turned away."It's my final decision," he said firmly.
"You will marry Chen Liang for the good of the family. I expect you to approach it with the same dedication as your business endeavours."
As Wang Wei left the room, a heavy silence fell.
Xiaoyun stood frozen, feeling a mix of emotions - shock, anger, fear, and helplessness. Yuhan held onto her shoulder for support.
Zhiqiang's hand trembles as he tries to reach out to his daughter, but she steps away from him. Xiaoyun's heart beats rapidly against her ribcage, her whole body tense with anger and uncertainty.
Xiaoyun's hand came up to grip her shoulder, her nails digging into her skin with the force of her emotions.
Zhiqiang's hand hovered in the air between them, as if unsure whether to offer a comforting touch or keep his distance.
Xiaoyun feels the fabric of her dress bunching in her fists, the smooth silk no match for her tightly clenched hands. On her shoulder, Yuhan's grip is a reassuring pressure.
"Chen Liang stepped forward. "I know this is overwhelming, but I have no intention of treating you like an asset," he said softly to Xiaoyun. "Let's build something meaningful together in business and in life."
Xiaoyun turned to him, her eyes blazing.
"You don't know me well enough to decide my future."
Liang nodded, accepting her anger with grace. "You're right. Let's get to know each other more."Yuhan finally spoke up. "This is insane, Xiaoyun. We'll find another way to deal with the scandal."
But Xiaoyun was already analyzing the situation, considering all possibilities.
She took a deep breath and calmly responded, "I appreciate your proposal, Mr. Chen, but I'll need time to consider it before making a decision."
Liang's eyes lit up with admiration. "Let's discuss the terms of our potential alliance over dinner tomorrow, just the two of us."
After much thought toward, Chen Liang's words, Xiaoyun agreed turning to warned her sister not to assume she accepted the arrangement.
As Chen Liang left, Yuhan couldn't believe Xiaoyun was considering it.But Xiaoyun was determined to survive and would play the game if necessary.
As the sisters left the study, leaving their father alone with his thoughts, the weight of the future hung heavy in the air. The Wang family was on the brink of transformation, and Xiaoyun – caught between tradition and ambition, duty and desire – found herself at the centre of a storm that would reshape not just her life but the entire landscape of Qingyun City's business world.
The next day, as the sun set behind the towering skyscrapers, the city came alive with neon lights and bustling streets. Unbeknownst to them, this seemingly normal evening would mark the start of a tumultuous journey for both the Wangs and the Chens.
Xiaoyun smoothed down her dress and took a deep breath before stepping into the luxurious restaurant. She couldn't ignore the sense of unease that lingered in her stomach - a feeling that this dinner with William Chen would change everything.
Meanwhile, back at the office earlier that day, Wang xiaoyun sat at her desk, meticulously laying out her plans like a chessboard. As she sipped on her tea, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of what was about to unfold. After all, she was no stranger to playing the game and coming out victorious.