Every second spent in Shen Ruoyu’s room filled Shen Xinghuai with unease. He felt utterly out of place. She had always detested him, refusing even to share a table at mealtimes. Why this sudden, inexplicable warmth?

Shen Ruoyu nodded. “Alright, you may go. I’ll have Steward Liu arrange some new clothes for you. If you need anything in the future, just tell your sister.” 

As the legitimate daughter, Shen Ruoyu had been raised in the lap of luxury, her father, Master Shen, practically worshipping her. Master Shen, superstitious and easily swayed by fortune tellers, had nearly strangled Shen Xinghuai after a soothsayer declared the boy a harbinger of misfortune and ill-fated relationships.

Only his mother’s desperate intervention had saved the child. From that day forward, Shen Xinghuai had walked on eggshells within the manor walls. Master Shen conveniently turned a blind eye to Shen Ruoyu’s treatment of her younger brother.

“Then, sister, take care. I’ll be going.” Shen Xinghuai hastily departed, not lingering for even a moment.

“Was that really necessary? I’m not a monster. I won’t eat him...” 

The first step was always the hardest. Shen Ruoyu, in her attempt to mend their fractured sibling bond, had been met with a cold shoulder.

After tossing and turning on her bed, she called for her maid, Xiao Chun. “Xiao Chun, has Father returned yet?”

Xiao Chun shook her head. “Not yet, Miss. However, a messenger just arrived from Master, saying he’s at the Rong residence, discussing important matters with Young Master Rong Yan.” She emphasized the words “important matters” and playfully teased, “Miss, do you think the important matters Master speaks of could be concerning your marriage? If so, Xiao Chun congratulates Miss on having her wishes fulfilled!”

Shen Ruoyu and Rong Yan were considered a match made in heaven, the envy of everyone in the capital. Their betrothal had been arranged in their youth. A beautiful couple, indeed. Xiao Chun knew Shen Ruoyu was fond of Rong Yan, and, remarkably, Rong Yan seemed equally smitten, his affection extending even to Shen Xinghuai.

Had she not been reborn and awakened to the truth, Shen Ruoyu would have blushed, lowered her head, and responded with a playful, “Don’t tease me, you silly girl…”

Now, however, she saw through Rong Yan’s facade. The realization that his years of gentle affection and concern were merely a ploy to get close to Shen Xinghuai was unbearable.

“Xiao Chun, he and I are not suited for each other. He's better off alone, destined for a solitary life, growing old all by himself.” 

The implication was clear: marrying Rong Yan would be a misfortune.

Thinking about it, breaking off the engagement was doing him a favor. He harbored feelings for her younger brother but kept them hidden due to their familial ties, enduring years of restraint. He was quite unlike the unrestrained Lu Zhixing, whose possessiveness toward Shen Xinghuai was blatant, wanting the whole world to know. If Lu Zhixing were to discover Rong Yan’s feelings for Shen Xinghuai, what would he do?

“I’d love to see them at each other’s throats…” Shen Ruoyu relished the thought of their confrontation. If Qi Ziyi could be dragged into the fray, even better.

A vague plan began to form in her mind. Just as she was pondering how to put it into action, a key player appeared.

“My, my, why the long face? It’s a beautiful spring day. Tell me, what troubles you so, sitting here in your chambers?”

Shen Ruoyu looked up to see a familiar figure had slipped into her room unnoticed.