In her past life, Feng Suyin never participated in the banquets hosted by her adoptive mother. Li Xinlian believed in extravagance and opulence, filling their home with treasures from all corners of the world. Feng Suyin, however, found solace in the quiet corners of the garden. Away from the chatter and superficiality that filled the halls during these events.
Everyone knew that Feng Xian and Li Xinlian had trouble conceiving a child during the early years of their marriage. That led to their adoption of Feng Suyin.
When she was young, Li Xinlian treated her tenderly, with deep affection—as if she were a child of her own flesh and blood. But as time passed and the failed attempts to conceive continued to weigh heavily on Li Xinlian, her demeanor shifted. She began to see the girl not as a daughter but as a reminder of her own shortcomings and failures.
Then everything changed.
Li Xinlian got pregnant and gave birth to Feng Yilan. Feng Suyin was cast aside even more. Li Xinlian now had a biological daughter to dote on. Feng Yilan was the epitome of everything Li Xinlian had hoped for—a beautiful and charming girl who effortlessly captured the attention of all who laid eyes on her.
The arrival of Feng Yilan brought a newfound light to the household. Her laughter echoed through the halls. Her presence commanded attention. Feng Suyin watched from a distance, invisible to her family, as they doted on the long-awaited child.
As the years passed, Feng Yilan grew into a beautiful and spirited young woman, adored by all who knew her. Her beauty was matched only by her intelligence and grace. She effortlessly charmed everyone she encountered.
Meanwhile, Feng Suyin remained in the background. A mere afterthought in her own home.
Feng Suyin looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was a doctor. Unlike Feng Yilan, she didn't own lavish evening dresses for glamorous events. She was wearing a little black dress Xia Lingling had gifted her a year ago—but she had never had a chance to wear it. It hugged her frame modestly, a far cry from the extravagant gowns Li Xinlian and Feng Yilan adorned for every occasion.
Tonight was different, though.
Tonight, a glint of determination shone in Feng Suyin's eyes as she looked at herself in the mirror. She smoothed down the simple fabric of her dress, straightened her shoulders, and took a deep breath.
This banquet was the same one her mother had hosted in her previous life.
When Feng Yilan asked her to come home according to their mother's order, Feng Suyin had been caught off guard. She arrived at the estate to find it filled with distinguished guests and prominent personalities of Longyu City.
Her face had reddened in embarrassment as she looked at her attire. She had just finished a twelve-hour surgery and gone straight home without changing—not expecting to be thrown into the midst of a grand event.
Li Xinlian had dragged her away and scolded her in the corner.
Thinking about it now, Feng Suyin had no doubt that Feng Yilan purposely never mentioned the banquet was being held that night. She only said to come home.
Feng Yilan had apologized and allowed her to borrow one of her evening dresses. It looked too revealing and uncomfortable for Feng Suyin's taste. But Feng Yilan insisted. With no other option, Feng Suyin reluctantly changed into the extravagant gown.
As she entered the grand ballroom on her sister's arm, all eyes turned to the unexpected guest. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as they took in Feng Suyin's presence—clad in a dress that seemed out of place among the sea of luxurious fabrics and glittering jewels.
Li Xinlian's disapproving gaze bore into her. A silent reprimand for not meeting her standards. Again.
Throughout the evening, Feng Suyin felt like an outsider in her own home. She watched Feng Yilan effortlessly charm the guests, her laughter ringing like silver bells in the opulent hall. Despite her discomfort, Feng Suyin couldn't help but feel a pang of envy toward her sister's natural charisma and beauty.
That same night, the Feng family announced her engagement to Ji Hanjun. Throwing her into the limelight without warning.
Feng Suyin stood frozen in the center of the ballroom, the announcement ringing in her ears. She felt as though the world around her had suddenly shifted, leaving her unmoored and adrift in unfamiliar waters. Ji Hanjun stood beside her, a smile plastered on his face, oblivious to the turmoil within her.
She had thought her marriage to Ji Hanjun was a private matter. She had never expected it to be announced in such a public and extravagant manner.
Panic rose within her as guests congratulated her, their words of well-wishes falling on deaf ears. She searched the crowd for a familiar face, seeking solace or guidance.
But all she found were strangers and acquaintances, their smiles painted with false warmth. She saw Feng Yilan laughing with her friends in the corner, never bothering to help. Feng Suyin stood there in shock as the reality of her situation sank in.
She had always felt like an outsider in her own family. But the public announcement of her engagement highlighted that fact even more. Ji Hanjun's presence beside her felt stifling. His eagerness and enthusiasm for their engagement stood in stark contrast to her feelings of apprehension and doubt.
The next day, news about the adopted daughter of the Feng family spread like wildfire. People deemed her Cinderella. Lucky to be adopted by a prestigious family and marry one of the most eligible bachelors in Longyu.
But not every news was flattering.
Rumors began to circulate about her true origins. Whispers of a mysterious past that cast doubt on her place in the Feng family. Some speculated she was a beggar's child taken in out of pity. Others assumed she was a victim of human trafficking, the story spun into rags to riches.
And then came the constant comparisons. Between her and Feng Yilan. From their looks to their personalities, everything about Feng Suyin was scrutinized and judged against her sister.
The once overshadowed adopted daughter was now under the harsh spotlight of public opinion. Her every action dissected and analyzed by those eager to uncover any flaw or misstep.
But tonight was different.
Tonight, she knew the truth.
And she was done being invisible.