The next few days passed in a blur for Qingxue. The Xu family had insisted on her moving into the estate to "properly adjust" to her new life, and despite her initial hesitation, Qingxue eventually agreed. She couldn't deny her curiosity about the world she was meant to belong to.
Her modest belongings felt out of place in the luxurious guest room she was assigned, which was larger than her entire apartment. The room had an ensuite bathroom with gold-plated fixtures, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a pristine garden, and a walk-in closet already stocked with designer clothes chosen by Xu Meilin.
Standing amidst the opulence, Qingxue couldn't shake the feeling that none of this was hers—not really.
On her first morning in the estate, Qingxue arrived at the grand dining hall for breakfast. The table was laden with an elaborate spread: fresh pastries, exotic fruits, imported teas, and more dishes than she could count.
Yanran, already seated and dressed in a pastel outfit that seemed effortless, greeted her with a bright smile. "Good morning, Qingxue! I hope you slept well. I told the staff to prepare your favorite—though I'm sure it'll take some time for us to learn your tastes."
Qingxue ignored the subtle jab and took a seat across from Yanran. "The room is very comfortable. Thank you for the arrangements."
As the two began eating, Xu Meilin joined them, beaming at Qingxue. "Qingxue, I've arranged for a stylist to visit this afternoon. We need to update your wardrobe for the upcoming charity gala. It'll be your first public appearance as our daughter, and I want you to look perfect."
Qingxue paused mid-bite. "A charity gala?"
"Yes," Meilin said, her tone excited. "It's an annual event our family hosts. All the influential families will be there. It's the perfect opportunity to introduce you to society."
Yanran's smile tightened ever so slightly, but she quickly masked it. "I'll help you prepare, Qingxue. These events can be overwhelming for newcomers."
Qingxue matched Yanran's sweet smile with one of her own. "That's kind of you, Yanran, but I'm sure I'll manage."
That afternoon, the stylist arrived with racks of clothing, shoes, and accessories. As Qingxue tried on various outfits, she noticed how closely Xu Meilin monitored every detail, adjusting a hemline here or a necklace there. Meilin's desire for perfection was evident, and it made Qingxue feel more like a doll than a daughter.
"Perfect," Meilin said finally, stepping back to admire Qingxue in a sleek emerald gown. "This color complements your complexion beautifully. You'll outshine everyone."
Qingxue glanced at herself in the mirror. The gown hugged her figure elegantly, but the person staring back didn't feel like her.
As the stylist packed up, Yanran sauntered into the room, casually flipping through the remaining dresses. "That's a lovely gown, Qingxue. It's bold for a first appearance, don't you think? It'll definitely draw attention."
"I think that's the point," Qingxue replied evenly.
Yanran's lips twitched, but she quickly recovered. "You're right. First impressions are everything. Let me know if you need any advice about the guests—some of them can be… difficult to deal with."
"I'll keep that in mind."
That evening, Qingxue stood on the balcony outside her room, staring out at the sprawling gardens bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. The events of the day had left her mentally exhausted. Yanran's subtle jabs, Xu Meilin's perfectionism, and the pressure of fitting into a world so far removed from her own were beginning to weigh on her.
Her phone buzzed, breaking her thoughts. It was a message from her childhood friend, Chen Yuehan:
"Hey, how are you holding up? Still trying to process everything?"
A small smile tugged at Qingxue's lips.
Yuehan had always been her rock, the one person who understood her completely.
She quickly typed a reply:
"Surviving. It feels like I'm living someone else's life. I don't even know who I am anymore."
His reply came almost instantly:
"You're still the same Lin Qingxue I've known since we were kids. Don't let them change you."
Her chest tightened at his words, a small comfort in the whirlwind of her new reality.
The next morning, Qingxue was drawn into another chaotic round of preparations for the gala. By now, she had started to notice patterns in the Xu household. While Xu Meilin showered her with attention, Xu Zhaoyang remained distant, observing her with a critical eye but saying little. Meanwhile, Yanran continued her subtle campaign to remind everyone that she was the perfect daughter.
During breakfast, Xu Zhaoyang finally broke his silence. "Qingxue, your appearance at the gala is important. There will be business partners and investors attending. I expect you to conduct yourself appropriately and avoid any unnecessary drama."
The sharpness in his tone caught her off guard, but she nodded. "Of course. I'll do my best."
Yanran smiled sweetly. "Don't worry, Father. I'll keep an eye on her and make sure everything goes smoothly."
Qingxue bit back a retort, focusing instead on her food. She was quickly learning that every word spoken in this house came with hidden layers.
Later that afternoon, while Qingxue was exploring the estate, she found herself in the library—a massive room lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books. It was quiet and calming, a rare escape from the constant pressure she felt in the Xu household.
She was perusing the shelves when a deep voice startled her.
"Didn't expect to find you here."
Qingxue turned to see a tall man leaning casually against the doorframe. He was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, his sharp features accentuated by a confident smirk.
"And you are?" she asked, keeping her voice neutral.
"Zhang Tianhao," he replied, his gaze assessing her. "I'm surprised you don't know. Our engagement has been the talk of the business world ever since you were found."
Her stomach dropped. Engagement?
"I wasn't informed about any engagement," Qingxue said, crossing her arms.
Tianhao chuckled, stepping closer. "You've been away for too long. The Xu and Zhang families arranged it years ago, before you were… misplaced. Yanran and I were holding the engagement in your absence, but now that you're back, it seems plans have changed."
Qingxue's mind reeled. The idea of being betrothed to someone she had just met felt absurd. "And how do you feel about that?"
Tianhao tilted his head, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I find it intriguing. You're nothing like Yanran, and I like that. But don't think I'm easily impressed."
"Don't worry," Qingxue replied coolly. "I wasn't trying to impress you."
Tianhao's smirk widened, and he gave her a slight nod before turning to leave. "See you at the gala, fiancée."
As the door closed behind him, Qingxue let out a frustrated sigh. Her new life seemed to grow more complicated by the minute.