In the hospital corridor, the sharp scent of disinfectant mixed with suppressed sobbing.
Shen Xingyao's legs had long gone numb from kneeling. Her face was pale as paper, cold sweat beading across her forehead, her body swaying as if she might collapse at any moment. Zhou Yaqin hovered beside her anxiously, trying several times to rush over and help her up, only to be blocked each time by the impassive bodyguards Shen Yunmian had left behind.
"Yaoyao! Just hold on a little longer! Mommy's here…"
Zhou Yaqin's voice trembled with tears, her eyes full of resentment as she glared at the bodyguards, yet she could do nothing.
Finally, the ICU doors opened, and the attending doctor stepped out, a trace of relief softening her tired expression. "The patient is out of danger. She's regained consciousness, her vital signs are stable. She can be transferred to a regular ward."
The moment those words fell, Shen Xingyao's vision went black, and she collapsed straight to the ground.
"Yaoyao!" Zhou Yaqin screamed, rushing forward. This time, the bodyguards didn't stop her. She struggled to lift her nearly limp daughter, tears streaming down her face, her hatred toward Yu Sheng reaching its peak.
—
Although Shen Yunmian was emotionally shaken, she handled the aftermath with her usual efficiency.
She personally called Lin Xiao's attending doctor to confirm the best treatment plan, then instructed Secretary Li to deposit a sum far exceeding the estimated cost into the hospital account, ensuring Lin Xiao would receive the most comprehensive care and rehabilitation.
Next, she contacted the school administration.
Over the phone, her voice regained its usual businesslike composure. "Principal Li, regarding this incident, the Shen Group will establish a dedicated public welfare scholarship fund in Lin Xiao's name at your school, aimed at supporting underprivileged yet outstanding students like her. The initial funding will be arranged immediately to ensure Lin Xiao's tuition and living expenses are covered through her higher education."
Naturally, the school welcomed the proposal—it wasn't just compensation, but a charitable initiative that would enhance the school's reputation.
Though the matter seemed settled on the surface, turmoil within the Shen family was far from over.
After being brought home, Shen Xingyao no longer received the indulgence she was used to. Instead, she was handed a cold notice of suspension and assigned a private tutor arranged by Shen Yunmian to teach her law and ethics daily.
"What? Suspension? And I have to study this useless stuff?" Shen Xingyao shrieked in disbelief, sweeping a teacup off the table. "I won't do it! I'd rather go back to school!"
"You don't get to throw a tantrum," Shen Yunmian's icy voice came from the doorway. She didn't even step inside, only standing at a distance, looking at her spoiled sister with detached eyes. "Until you truly understand your mistake and learn to take responsibility for your actions, you're not going anywhere."
Meanwhile, Zhou Yaqin's life had also taken a sharp downturn.
Used to a life of luxury, she now found all her credit cards frozen. Only a modest allowance was periodically deposited into her account—barely enough to cover basic living expenses. The designer bags she wanted and the overseas trips she dreamed of had all become unattainable.
Mother and daughter sat in the vast living room, staring at each other, their resentment boiling over.
"Mom! It's all Yu Sheng's fault! If she hadn't meddled and blown things up, my sister wouldn't be treating us like this!" Shen Xingyao gritted her teeth, pushing all the blame onto Yu Sheng.
Zhou Yaqin immediately agreed, "Exactly! That jinx! Ever since she married into this family, we've had no peace. Now she's even turned Yunmian against us! That vicious woman—I won't let her off!"
United by a common enemy, the two temporarily forgot their own grievances and focused all their hatred on Yu Sheng, showing not the slightest intention of reflecting on themselves.
Meanwhile, Lin Ruoyan—who also harbored deep resentment toward Yu Sheng—was having an increasingly difficult time.
Her studio had grown deserted. The brands and producers who once flattered her now wouldn't even take her calls.
At the same time, Qiyun Film—snatched away by Yu Sheng—was thriving, with one hit short drama after another, gaining both fame and profit.
She couldn't sit still any longer.
After hearing about the Shen family's situation, she immediately brought gifts and hurried over to ingratiate herself with Zhou Yaqin.
"Aunt Zhou," she said softly, handing the gifts to the servant, "I heard things haven't been peaceful at home lately. I was worried, so I came to check on you."
Already frustrated, Zhou Yaqin brightened at the sight of the gentle and considerate Lin Ruoyan, as if she had found a kindred spirit. She quickly pulled her to sit on the luxurious leather sofa.
"Ruoyan, you're the only one who cares!" Zhou Yaqin sighed deeply, resentment etched across her face. "Things at home are a mess—all because of that Yu Sheng!"
Lin Ruoyan's eyes flickered with hidden satisfaction, though her expression remained concerned. "Sister Yu Sheng? What happened? Aunt Zhou, don't get upset, tell me slowly."
That single question lit the fuse.
Zhou Yaqin immediately became agitated, her voice sharp with accusation. "That vicious woman! Cold-hearted like a snake! Yaoyao just had a small conflict at school, and she slapped her twice in front of everyone! And even had bodyguards force her to kneel in the hospital corridor—my daughter has never suffered such humiliation!"
The more she spoke, the angrier she became. "And that's not all! Who knows what kind of spell she cast on Yunmian—she actually froze my cards and locked Yaoyao at home on suspension. This family is falling apart because of her!"
Lin Ruoyan listened quietly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.
She gently patted Zhou Yaqin's back. "Aunt Zhou, calm down. Sister Yu Sheng… maybe she just acted impulsively. After all, you're family. If things get too tense, Sister Yunmian will be caught in the middle."
Her seemingly conciliatory words only added fuel to the fire.
"Family? Who's family with her!" Zhou Yaqin snapped. "I will make Yunmian divorce her. A woman like that is nothing but trouble!"
Looking at the gentle and considerate Lin Ruoyan before her, and comparing her to Yu Sheng's "arrogance," Zhou Yaqin felt her dissatisfaction grow stronger. She blurted out, "If only Yunmian had married you instead! You've always been sensible and considerate—unlike Yu Sheng…"
Lin Ruoyan lowered her head at the right moment, her lashes hiding the calculating gleam in her eyes, her voice tinged with just the right amount of self-deprecation. "Aunt Zhou, please don't say that. I… come from an ordinary background, I can't support Sister Yunmian in any way. How could I be worthy of her? Sister Yu Sheng has a good family background and is beautiful—they're well matched."
Her "understanding" demeanor only struck deeper into Zhou Yaqin's heart. In her eyes, the Yu family was just an empty shell now, relying entirely on her daughter, yet Yu Sheng didn't even bother to curry favor with her as a mother-in-law—far inferior to someone as "thoughtful" as Lin Ruoyan.
"What 'well matched'? Does Yunmian need the Yu family's support?" Zhou Yaqin scoffed, gripping Lin Ruoyan's hand. "I've always known you're a good girl. It's Yunmian who's unlucky!"
Just then, footsteps sounded from the staircase.
Shen Xingyao, who had been confined at home for days, came down listlessly, catching the tail end of the conversation.
Immediately finding an ally, she rushed over and sat beside Zhou Yaqin, pouting. "Mom, you're right! That Yu Sheng is vicious and annoying, always controlling everything. If Sister Ruoyan were my sister-in-law instead, she'd definitely treat me well—not bully me like her!"
Her words only strengthened Zhou Yaqin's resolve.
Looking at Lin Ruoyan, her eyes lit up with eagerness, as if she had found the last straw that could turn things around.
Sensing the moment was right, Lin Ruoyan let out a soft sigh, her voice filled with wistfulness. "My feelings for Sister Yunmian… have never changed. It's just… we were never meant to be."
That statement was as clear as a confession.
Zhou Yaqin's eyes brightened with hope. She couldn't allow Yu Sheng to continue driving a wedge between her and her daughter. And this devoted, easily controllable Lin Ruoyan was undoubtedly the perfect replacement.
She immediately said eagerly, "Ruoyan, good child, listen to Auntie! As long as you're willing, I'll help you. You just need to find a way to win Yunmian's heart, make her divorce that vicious woman, and marry you properly!"
Lin Ruoyan was overjoyed inside, but on the surface she hurriedly waved her hands. "Aunt Zhou, this… this wouldn't be right! Better to demolish ten temples than ruin one marriage. How could I… how could I destroy Sister Yunmian's family?"
"What do you mean destroy?" Zhou Yaqin immediately retorted, her tone completely justified. "You and Yunmian knew each other first—it was Yu Sheng who cut in halfway! If anyone's the third party, it's her. Don't burden yourself with that!"
That was exactly what Lin Ruoyan wanted to hear.
Seeing Zhou Yaqin so firm, she knew the timing was right. She let a hint of vulnerability and confusion show, her voice catching slightly with grievance. "But… Aunt Zhou, I accidentally upset Sister Yunmian last time. She won't even talk to me anymore… I don't know what to do…"
The moment Zhou Yaqin heard that, she thumped her chest in assurance. "Don't be afraid! As long as you have the heart for it, Auntie will definitely create an opportunity for you!"
She leaned in close to Lin Ruoyan's ear and whispered a few quick words.
Lin Ruoyan's cheeks instantly flushed red, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes, her voice barely above a whisper. "Auntie… this… isn't that a bit… too embarrassing…"
Seeing her shy, "untouched" demeanor, Zhou Yaqin felt even more satisfied, convinced she had made the right move. Without giving her room to refuse, she grabbed Lin Ruoyan's hand firmly. "Just listen to Auntie. You can't go wrong. I'll handle Yunmian's side—you just do as I say."
Half resisting, half yielding, Lin Ruoyan finally nodded as if making a huge decision. "Okay… I'll listen to you."
After chatting a bit longer and soothing their emotions, Lin Ruoyan finally stood to leave.
Zhou Yaqin personally walked her to the door, holding her hand and repeatedly promising, as if she could already see Yu Sheng being driven out and Lin Ruoyan becoming the new daughter-in-law.
The moment she stepped out of the Shen residence, the gentle expression on Lin Ruoyan's face vanished, replaced entirely by calculation.
Yu Sheng…
She silently rolled the name over in her mind, filled with bone-deep hatred.
I will never let you stay above me forever.
—
T/N: If you're enjoying this translation, feel free to check out my Patreon. If you're unable to support financially, you can still subscribe for free and receive chapters two hours earlier, along with updates and announcements. Paid tiers offer early access and daily chapters.
Thank you so much for reading!
patreon.com/Baenz