"You know my mother?" Bai Wenxi was very surprised. Her mother had been dead for a long time, yet there was an outsider who still remembered her.
"Not only do I know her, we're even friends across generations." Grandma Jiang stared intently at Bai Wenxi, as if trying to find the shadow of the old acquaintance on her face.
"Your mother also contributed to the development of Zhenyu Group." She let out a soft laugh, as if mocking herself, "The mother built the empire, and the daughter enjoys the wealth. Good, very good."
Then she mumbled to herself a few words. Even though Bai Wenxi was standing so close, she couldn't catch what was said.
"My mother was a painter. I didn't know she had business acumen." Bai Wenxi felt a bit happy and a bit regretful.
Her parents had separated when she was very young, and as she grew older, Su Xingfei became more and more distant from her daughter.
Bai Wenxi recalled that later her mother had moved to the countryside, and they had hardly seen each other since. She didn't know what her mother liked to do besides painting.
"Child, come be my granddaughter - in - law. I won't treat you badly." Grandma Jiang promised gently.
Before Bai Wenxi could reply, the door was suddenly pushed open, and Yao Chunmei entered, bowing and scraping.
"Madam, are you satisfied with my daughter?" She flattered as she sat down beside Grandma Jiang, constantly singing praises about her step - daughter.
Bai Wenxi even laughed inwardly. The compliments she was hearing now were more than what she had heard from Yao Chunmei in all the years they had been together!
Yao Chunmei rambled on and on. Grandma Jiang just nodded reservedly and very coldly said, "She's okay. After all, she comes from a good family, and the girl is very polite."
Not getting the answer she wanted, Yao Chunmei was so anxious that she scratched her head and cheeks. "Madam, I'm not exaggerating. My late husband loved this daughter the most. She has good grades, is well - behaved, and is very good at painting. She has a lot of artistic talent..."
Grandma Jiang stood up and snapped, "That's enough. You talk too much! I'll have my secretary contact you if there's anything."
Then she nodded to Bai Wenxi and walked out of the room. Ignoring her step - mother's obvious disappointment, Bai Wenxi quickly saw the old lady off.
Seeing her mother being scolded, Bai Yunxi felt very heart - broken. "Mom, why do you want that dead girl to marry into the Jiang family and be treated coldly?"
"Is she worthy? I've already arranged a poor guy for her. Why do you still want to introduce such a good marriage to her?"
Yao Chunmei patted her daughter's chubby face and sneered sinisterly. "Do you think I'm doing this for her? Do you know what kind of person that guy from the slums is? They say he has a violent temper and refuses to be disciplined at all."
"I've inquired. Some people say he killed his ex - girlfriend!"
"Ah!" Bai Yunxi covered her face, looking both proud and curious. "Really? Then quickly get her into it. If we can get that girl killed, we can extort a huge sum of money from the Jiang family!"
Yao Chunmei lovingly tucked the loose hair behind her daughter's ear. "My child, mom only worries about you. That bastard's child is not worthy to be compared with you!"
The mother and daughter looked at each other and laughed. Bai Yunxi was even more vicious. She thought to herself, "Good elder sister, I did a great thing for you this morning. Your life won't be boring from now on!"
Although Grandma Jiang was very rude to Yao Chunmei, she was like a cockroach that couldn't be killed. She kept going to Zhenyu Group and finally managed to get the old lady's approval.
However, it was hard to tell whether the Jiang family took this marriage seriously or was just being perfunctory. The groom never showed up, and it was the old lady's secretary who came to the Bai family to discuss the marriage.
But the Jiang family did offer generous betrothal gifts, and the meeting gift for the bride was a complete set of diamond jewelry, which also demonstrated the strength of the wealthy family.
Even though Bai Yunxi knew that the young master of the Jiang family was not a good person, she still envied her elder sister for marrying into such a wealthy family.
She could only secretly curse Bai Wenxi every day, hoping that she would be beaten after getting married.
With the approval of the elders from both families, everything went smoothly. The alliance between the Jiang and Bai families also caught the attention of the business tycoons.
Although Bai Wenxi had broken off the engagement with the Zhang family, her wedding was even more luxurious than what the Zhang family could have provided. So in the eyes of outsiders, they envied the good fortune of the eldest daughter of the Bai family even more.
Bai Yunxi and Zhang Fuwen quickly got engaged. They even got their marriage certificate and went abroad for their honeymoon before her elder sister's wedding.
Neither of them attended Bai Wenxi's wedding banquet. Bai Yunxi even kept privately sending intimate photos of herself and Zhang Fuwen to Bai Wenxi's account, constantly expressing her satisfaction and praise for the tourist attractions.
Bai Wenxi simply ignored her. Her mood as a bride - to - be was not affected by this thick - skinned younger sister at all.
The sacred church was filled with people. Bai Wenxi was wearing a complicated and expensive wedding dress, holding a bunch of bright red roses.
The layers of veils covered her delicate and petite face. Standing quietly in the middle of the church, Bai Wenxi felt sad and nervous.
Mom, can you see from the sky? Your daughter is getting married today, becoming someone's wife, but a bride of the Jiang family.
Dad, as soon as something happened to you, those bad guys tried every means to trample on your art gallery and bully your daughter...
Although this is a marriage of interests, I will definitely manage it well. You should also be well in the other world!
Dad, Mom! Your daughter misses you so much...
Strings of tears rolled down from her eyes. Bai Wenxi dared not cry out. She bit her lower lip hard to hold back her sobs.
The clear bell rang, and the big door of the church slowly opened. A tall and imposing figure appeared against the light.
Through the veil and the misty tears in her eyes, Bai Wenxi couldn't see the man's face clearly. But when he walked towards her, the gloomy and cold pressure made her heart pound uncontrollably.
The priest began to pray in a low voice, sending sincere blessings to the newly - weds. The holy candles were lit one by one, symbolizing a bright future for the newly - married couple.
All the beauty and longing were shattered in an instant. The man's well - defined hand grabbed Bai Wenxi's neck.
From a distance, it looked like the groom was lovingly holding the bride's cheek.
His cruel action was covered by the piled - up veil. Bai Wenxi immediately felt short of breath, but no one noticed her situation.
Her pure and soft fingertips touched the man's forearm. She struggled desperately but only managed to pull off a small golden cufflink.
"Groom, whether in sickness or in health... will you be faithful to her until the end of your life?" The priest asked the solemn vow.
The guests were immersed in the joy, and the thunderous applause drowned out Bai Wenxi's low groans.
A deep and hoarse male voice sounded, "I do."
The iron - like grip finally loosened. Bai Wenxi staggered a few steps and barely managed to steady herself.
The handsome groom tightly held the petite bride in his arms. Looking at this beautiful couple, the priest showed a knowing smile.
The young master of the wealthy family and the daughter of a prominent family were truly a perfect match!
He turned to the bride and asked happily, "Do you take this man to be your husband, to enter into marriage with him..."
There was a silent stillness. The guests were eagerly waiting for Bai Wenxi's response.
She couldn't help but tremble. The man's strong arm wrapped around her waist and tightened forcefully as a warning.
A clear tear cut through the air and landed on the man's hand. He heard the soft sobbing of the woman beside him.
"I... I do..."
The bride's voice was hoarse, showing no sign of excitement.
The guests looked at each other in surprise. The second aunt of the Bai family tightened the handkerchief in her hand.
Yao Chunmei quickly tried to smooth things over and said cheerfully, "Awen is too sensible. She can't bear to leave me and her younger sister. She's cried several times."
Only then did everyone suddenly understand. Then the church was filled with the happy laughter of the guests.
The fresh petals bought at a high price by the Jiang family fell like rain.
Bai Wenxi was covered in the gorgeous petals, but in her empty eyes, there was only endless pain.