Upon seeing Lin Xiyue, Sun Li flinched and hurriedly let go of Luo Xiu, stumbling back a few steps. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into. She awkwardly explained, "I, uh... I was just bringing Mister Luo to change his clothes."

"Mister Luo, you two carry on. I'll go greet the other guests." With that, she fled.

Luo Xiu, however, remained as calm as ever. He simply adjusted his collar in the mirror as if nothing had happened.

"Mom, you go on ahead. I'll be over in a bit."

Zhang Cui shot Luo Xiu a fierce glare before leaving.

Lin Xiyue stood beside Luo Xiu, watching his reflection in the mirror. Her lips pursed slightly as she said, "I have to admit, you clean up pretty well."

"Do you need something?" Luo Xiu asked.

"Do you know Sun Li?" Lin Xiyue countered.

"We just met."

"How? What's your relationship?"

Luo Xiu glanced at her, a faint smile on his face. "And what does that have to do with you?"

Lin Xiyue's eyes grew cold. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Luo Xiu paused to think. "I don't like you, and you don't like me. There are no feelings between us. This is just an act, a sham marriage. Besides, you're the one who said we shouldn't interfere in each other's private lives. Therefore, I have nothing to explain to you."

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xiyue said, "But we are still husband and wife in name. You should be more careful in public. Otherwise, what will people think of me?"

Luo Xiu met her gaze and laughed. "Countless people mock you for marrying a country bumpkin, and you've never cared. Why start now?"

"If you really can't stand it, give me back the Jade Pendant, and we'll get a divorce immediately."

Lin Xiyue glared at him. "Are you doing this on purpose?"

Luo Xiu turned to leave, saying over his shoulder, "Miss Sun is your equal in looks and figure, and she has a wonderful personality. She's the young lady of a prominent family, yet she has no airs and is very easy to get along with."

Lin Xiyue watched his retreating back, her fists clenched tightly. Then, with a sudden sigh, her hands relaxed. "I have my reasons. Just for half a year."

But Luo Xiu was unmoved. "Everyone has their own joy and sorrow. I can't understand your reasons, nor am I interested in trying. People who make others miserable because of their own problems are truly detestable."

"..."

Returning to the main hall, Luo Xiu walked directly to the Sun Family's table and sat down right between Sun Li and Su Shenyun, startling Sun Li.

They had just been caught by Lin Xiyue, and now this guy had the audacity to brazenly sit here. Isn't he afraid of facing his wife's wrath tonight?

"Luo Xiu, are you sure this is a good idea?" Sun Li whispered, sneaking a glance at the Lin Family's table.

Luo Xiu simply shook his head. "Pay her no mind."

Su Shenyun observed Luo Xiu for a moment before looking at Sun Gaozhi. Father and daughter exchanged a knowing glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

They were now certain that Luo Xiu's relationship with the Lin Family was poor. It was likely because Luo Xiu was modest and didn't show off his abilities, while the opportunistic Lin Family looked down on him. For the Sun Family, however, this was a golden opportunity.

"Come, Mister Luo, allow this old man to offer you a toast."

...

「Meanwhile.」

Lin Xiyue had also returned to her seat. She sat there in silence, replaying what Luo Xiu had said in the hallway. She seemed oblivious to the hushed discussions of her family members around her.

"What is wrong with him? He gets lucky and saves Miss Sun once, and now he's clinging to them like a shameless stray. He has no dignity at all!"

"Exactly! The Sun Family has already given him immense face by inviting a hick like him to an event like this."

"Xi Yue, how could you marry such an ungrateful wretch?"

"He's been living in our house, eating our food, and drinking our wine. The moment he sees the Sun Family, he runs over to suck up to them like a dog. Even a dog knows not to forsake a poor home!"

"Hmph. Who do you think Grand Elder Sun is? You really think a country bumpkin like Luo Xiu is even qualified to be the Sun Family's dog? They wouldn't give him the time of day!"

...

Amidst the whispers, Guan Hao approached with a glass of wine. His face was still red and swollen, and his eyes glinted with malice.

If it weren't for Luo Xiu, he wouldn't have been slapped in public. He swore to get his revenge on Luo Xiu, and he would start with Lin Xiyue!

Seeing him approach, Zhang Cui tactfully stepped aside, making room for Guan Hao to sit next to Lin Xiyue.

"Xi Yue, surely you see what kind of trash he is now. Did he really think he could suck up to the Sun Family?"

"Divorce that loser. I can give you anything you want."

Lin Xiyue merely glanced at Guan Hao without a word.

Guan Hao, however, remained patient in the face of her attitude. He had known Lin Xiyue for a long time and was familiar with her icy demeanor. But conquering a woman like her, getting her into his bed, and training her to be completely submissive... that would be the ultimate achievement.

Lin Xiyue glared at him. "Are you going to keep bothering me? Get lost!"

Guan Hao's expression shifted. He slammed a hand on the table, startling the members of the Lin Family. They all flinched before quickly looking away, pretending they hadn't seen a thing.

Guan Hao stared at Lin Xiyue. "I don't know if you've heard, but the Sun Family will be choosing a partner for a new project during this birthday banquet. And that project is related to liquor."

"Your Lin Family's main business is liquor. Once the Sun Family enters the market, do you think your family can survive in Sea City?"

Hearing this, everyone at the table was stunned. They all looked at Guan Hao, their eyes filled with panic. His words were an unmistakable threat.

Lin Xiyue replied coolly, "The Lin Family has always held over sixty percent of the liquor market share in Sea City. If the Sun Family wanted to enter this business, they wouldn't have waited until now."

Guan Hao shrugged. "So you don't believe me?"

"Whether I believe you or not has nothing to do with you."

Guan Hao smiled. "Well, let me tell you something else in advance. The family the Sun Family will choose as their partner is my Guan Family. Looking across all of Sea City, only we have what it takes to land this project."

"As for small families like yours, you won't even be qualified to get the scraps."

Lin Xiyue's expression remained unchanged, but she felt a bitter taste in her mouth. For those all-powerful families, this was just another business venture. But for the Lin Family, it was their very livelihood.

Guan Hao smiled. "Right now, only my Guan Family can save you. Become my woman, and I will ensure the Lin Family prospers. Otherwise... I'm afraid your family will have to leave Sea City for good."

At his words, the Lin Family members grew anxious. Lin Youpeng forced a smile. "Now, now, Young Master Guan, let's talk this through. Surely we can discuss this."

Zhang Cui nudged Lin Xiyue hard. "Xi Yue, hurry up and have a drink with Young Master Guan! Apologize to him!"

Lin Daqi remained silent, feeling utterly powerless and hating his own uselessness. Guan Hao's intention was clear: he wanted to trade Lin Xiyue for the entire family's survival.

Just then, Ah Qian walked onto the stage and picked up the microphone.

"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to attend my master's eightieth birthday banquet..." He finished with a deep bow, and the hall erupted in applause.

On stage, after a few brief pleasantries, Ah Qian got straight to the point and began to introduce the Sun Family's new project.

When the audience heard that the Sun Family intended to enter the liquor market, a murmur went through the crowd. The faces of the Lin Family members, however, turned deathly pale.

Guan Hao gave Lin Xiyue a meaningful look. "Well, Xi Yue? I wasn't wrong, was I?"

"If you don't nod your head now, you'll lose your chance. After this, the only way for the Lin Family to keep its livelihood will be for you to come crawling to me on your knees."

Lin Xiyue bit her lower lip, her body trembling.

The other members of the Lin Family looked at her with pleading eyes, all hoping she would sacrifice herself for the family's sake.

"Xi Yue, just agree! What's so bad about Young Master Guan?"

"Divorce that country bumpkin tomorrow!"

"Sacrificing yourself can benefit the whole family and even help us grow stronger! What is there to hesitate about?"

...

Just then, Ah Qian spoke again from the stage.

"And the family that we, the Sun Family, wish to invite as our partner is..."

The entire hall fell silent. All eyes were fixed on Ah Qian's lips as he deliberately paused, his gaze sweeping slowly across the audience.

At that moment, Guan Hao placed a hand on Lin Xiyue's smooth, pale shoulder, a triumphant smirk spreading across his face. To him, Lin Xiyue was already his prey!

Suddenly, Ah Qian declared, "The family the Sun Family wishes to invite as its partner... is the Lin Family!"

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