Chapter 4: Don't Accept the Toast

The next day, outside the imposing gate of the Zhang family's villa, Gu Li stood casually, chewing gum with one hand in her pocket. She made a move to stride in first but was abruptly stopped by Su Hong.

"Su Zheng, spit that out right now!" Su Hong barked, his face dark with disapproval. "Look at yourself—completely undignified! Do you have any idea who the Zhang family is? They're a family of scholars. Don't embarrass yourself before you even step inside!"

Gu Li lazily tilted her head and cast Su Hong a disdainful glance. "And you’re a nouveau riche. No matter how much you try, they know exactly who you are—vulgar and desperate. Why are you so eager to put on a show?"

Her words struck like a whip. Both Su Hong and Zhao Ruolan's expressions twisted with anger.

Today’s banquet, hosted by the prestigious Zhang family, was a major event in the imperial capital, drawing all the elites of the upper class. If not for the fact that the Zhang family's daughter had taken a fancy to Su Zheng, the Su family wouldn’t even have qualified to set foot in such a gathering.

Zhao Ruolan’s glare was venomous, her eyes flashing with hatred. How could someone as unworthy as Su Zheng catch the eye of the Zhang family’s daughter? And yet this ungrateful brat dares to resist such a marriage opportunity?

On the surface, the engagement had been arranged by Zhao Ruolan and Su Hong, but in truth, it had been sparked during a mahjong game among the wealthy socialites. Someone had offhandedly mentioned Zhang Jingsi’s infatuation with Su Zheng, adding that Zhao Ruolan, as the stepmother, would surely benefit from the connection.

The wheels began turning then. Zhao Ruolan had pressed Su Hong to agree to the match, dreaming of how the Su family might solidify their place among the elites by linking themselves to the Zhang family.

Meanwhile, Gu Li paid no attention to their simmering anger. She had already walked past them and entered the Zhang family’s estate.

Zhao Ruolan’s daughter, Su Ying, stood at her side, dressed immaculately, her delicate features touched with a mocking smile. Tugging lightly on her mother’s sleeve, she murmured, "Mom, let’s head in too. We can’t let Brother make a scene."

Zhao Ruolan glanced at her daughter, then gave a subtle nod.

Today wasn’t just about Su Zheng; Zhao Ruolan had her own ambitions. She had intentionally dressed Su Ying to perfection, hoping to draw the attention of the Zhang family—or perhaps other powerful families present.

Su Ying’s outfit was a classical oriental-inspired dress that clung to her waist, accentuating her graceful curves. Paired with her exquisite makeup, she radiated elegance and sophistication, undoubtedly one of the most stunning women at the banquet.

"Yingying, you’re right. Let’s go." Su Hong, unaware of the exchange behind him, strode in first, leading the way.

Inside the Zhang family’s expansive garden, Gu Li paused, taking in the space. The garden’s design reflected traditional Chinese elegance—every element was meticulously arranged, in harmony with the Zhang family’s scholarly reputation.

Before she could take another step, a bright, melodic voice called out, "Su Zheng!"

Gu Li turned her head just in time to see a young woman in a pink dress rushing toward her, arms outstretched.

The girl, Zhang Jingsi, was about Gu Li’s age. Her pink skirt and soft curls gave her the appearance of a pampered princess—completely out of place amid the refined ambiance of the garden.

As she charged forward to embrace Gu Li, Gu Li smoothly sidestepped her.

Zhang Jingsi stumbled, was caught off guard, then whirled around to glare at Gu Li, pouting. "Su Zheng! Why didn’t you catch me?"

Gu Li recognized her immediately. She was the Zhang family’s daughter—persistent, spoiled, and utterly infatuated. But Gu Li’s brother had made it clear: his heart belonged to someone else, and he wanted nothing to do with Zhang Jingsi.

Chewing her gum nonchalantly, Gu Li retorted, "You’re too heavy. I didn’t want to risk breaking my arm."

The words hit Zhang Jingsi like a slap. Her eyes widened, and she stared at Gu Li in disbelief. "Are you calling me fat?"

Flustered, she glanced down at herself, scrutinizing her figure. Was she really fat?

Gu Li seized the opportunity to walk away, but before she could get far, Zhang Jingsi suddenly clung to her arm.

Turning to look at the girl, Gu Li saw her eyes turning red, on the verge of tears.

A warning bell rang in Gu Li’s mind. Something felt off.

Sure enough, Zhang Jingsi leaned in close, her soft voice laced with menace. "Su Zheng, don’t refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit. Don’t forget—Yue Xiaoqing is still in my hands. If you don’t cooperate, I can destroy the girl you care about in an instant."

Gu Li’s face darkened, her chewing slowing as her jaw clenched. This spoiled little tyrant wasn’t just a nuisance—she was a threat.

(End of Chapter 4)

Chapters