Chapter Nine: Still Unwilling to Speak

President Jin Yuan stated that he had no idea—if the boy had managed things this way, he would have wrapped him up and sent him over long ago.

“Xiaowei, don’t you recognize me? I’m the sister you met at the ball before—the one in the yellow dress, with the high ponytail. I was the prettiest one there.”

Really, this was too much. Who praises themselves so shamelessly, and with such subtlety?

Zhang Xi, who had been sitting on the sofa all this time, was convinced her daughter had lost her mind, running to the door to speak to a child.

She wore an off-white shawl, and a soft, modern qipao. She looked every bit the wealthy lady—gentle and mild-mannered. But in truth, she was quite the opposite.

“Oh my, isn’t this Jin Yuan’s child? What brings him to our doorstep?”

Xiaowei only now noticed this peculiar Aunt Yang, wondering who she’d learned from. Still, he had no desire to speak, quietly taking a step back.

Then, barefoot and without slippers, he ran downstairs from the upper floor. Xiaowei saw the Aunt Yang he most wanted to see, and thankfully did not spot the detestable man.

Relief flooded his heart, and his body went limp, collapsing to the side. Luckily, Yuan Xiangdie’s quick reflexes caught his small frame. Yuan Yaoyao’s eyes were filled with resentment.

This woman again, causing trouble. “Yuan Xiangdie, clearly the lesson before wasn’t enough. Now you’re seducing people? Especially such a small child—have you no shame? Do you realize if you dare lay hands on this child, you’ll pay bitterly for it?”

What’s Jin Yuan’s reputation in the circles? No one dares speculate, but as a devoted child-lover, Jin Yuan is absolutely second to none.

Xiangdie wasn’t the least bit afraid of Jin Yuan coming to make trouble for her. In fact, the thought put her at ease; she’d already greeted this big shot, and just seeing his handsome face made her appetite grow.

Compared to Ouyang Xiao, the scoundrel, the big shot was miles ahead—hardly worth mentioning.

“You’re too loud. You’re disturbing the child.”

She shot a cold glance; Yuan Yaoyao’s little face was nearly exploding in anger. The outfit she wore didn’t suit her complexion. She wasn’t as fair as she pretended to be—her whiteness was all artificial, the result of aggressive laser treatments.

Insisting on wearing colors that made her look even darker—now she looked neither here nor there, imagining herself a pristine lotus, when in truth she was nothing of the sort.

“And that outfit you’re wearing is hideous. Did your designer draw the sketches with their feet?”

Perhaps Xiaowei’s arrival had brought a touch of relief to the previously heavy atmosphere.

Cradling the soft child, Yuan Xiangdie placed him on the bed, then fumbled for her phone. Upon opening her contacts, she realized she had only stored one number...

“I don’t have Jin Yuan’s phone number at all…”

Her heart was howling in despair. She’d just decided to seek help from the big shot, only to find she didn’t even have his contact info—her plans foiled before they began.

But that didn’t deter the big shot’s determination to find Yuan Xiangdie.

Jin Yuan had already investigated thoroughly—turns out the woman wasn’t acting of her own accord. The old man was useless, and thankfully Jin Yuan had concealed his identity, preventing the old man’s circle of adopted sons from discovering anything.

Just as this matter was reaching a peak, another bombshell dropped, grabbing everyone’s attention. On the trading network, a new fashion trend was rapidly spreading.

No one knew which wealthy family had decided to host this season’s fashion week domestically, drawing in many international luxury brands.

This was a trial ground, highly visible and full of style and opportunity. Mina, upon hearing the news, wanted instantly to share it with her best friend. But then she recalled the morning’s headlines.

She hesitated—not unwilling, but the timing of fashion week coincided exactly with Yuan Xiangdie’s wedding to that scoundrel.

Julie, upon hearing the news, grabbed her keyboard, passionately typing away. She would be the most ruthless keyboard warrior, fighting against such unfair treatment, her fingers flying over the keys.

Watching the serene sleep of Xiaowei, Young Master Ou, Yuan Xiangdie gradually emerged from her confusion, realizing she was powerless to resolve everything—there was nothing to be done.

But even if one must fall from grace, let it be a fall so complete that they can rebound with force.

The once fragile face now radiated determination. At her side lay a complete set of design sketches.

From her professional perspective, as long as the garments from these sketches could be produced, even hiring the cheapest, most unremarkable model would make the clothes shine brilliantly.

Though it sounded exaggerated, Yuan Xiangdie felt no embarrassment.

While her obedient child slept, she secretly pulled out the tablet and drawing board she’d hidden earlier, recreating her designs one by one on the screen, tirelessly revising the most crucial details.

“Don’t think this will make me surrender. Even if you suppress me, I have ten days to prepare.”

When the time comes, she must stun the entire venue. The city’s ladies would never let such an opportunity pass—the chance to be the most distinctive or acclaimed designer at fashion week would secure a place among the social elite.

Then, even if she didn’t want to marry, it would be no problem. Even if Ouyang Xiao pooled his family’s resources, he couldn’t stop the wealthy ladies flying in from all over to beg for her designs.

Coincidentally, Jin Yuan was thinking the same. Having decided to protect Yuan Xiangdie—and yes, it was for the child—he wouldn’t let anyone be an obstacle. Businessmen are always the most distinctive people.

Situ had already received a complaint call from a certain president.

“Yuan Yaoyao’s fashion weekly…”

“Why is it so shoddy? It couldn’t possibly qualify for President Jin Yuan’s fashion week. As one of the key executives of this exhibition, I will be diligent, carefully screening entries—we won’t let anything slide.”

Situ’s decision was final—such trash would never appear before him. Moreover, a small workshop had suddenly exploded in popularity online, catching everyone’s eye.

“Yuan Xiangdie… small workshop… got it.”

He had to get it—only now did Situ recall the beautiful lady he’d chatted up before.

The outfit she wore, dazzling on the dance floor, was like a star descending to earth, falling before a domineering president and suddenly claimed by him, leaving the crowd heartbroken.

“You mean that small workshop was founded by Miss Yuan Xiangdie?”

Hearing Situ’s delighted tone, Jin Yuan coldly snorted on the other end. Though not in person, Mr. Situ felt a chill down his spine.

Before he could respond, the line went dead...

“What’s going on? Why wasn’t our brand selected for fashion week? Did you even try? Didn’t we agree that the judges would approve us? You promised me!”

Yuan Yaoyao’s voice was truly loud. Yuan Xiangdie sat upstairs, sketching as she listened.

“If his voice were any louder, he could be a broadcast speaker—no need for amplification, everyone in the venue would know what he’s saying.”

Distracted while drawing, an extra stroke appeared on the screen. Little Xiaowei had woken up, lying on a pillow nearby.

The brush in Yuan Xiangdie’s hand was gripped by Xiaowei, and the once smooth sketches were suddenly covered in scribbles.

“Aunt Yang, look.”

Yuan Xiangdie’s heart clenched. Those were her design sketches!

Internally she wept bitterly, but upon seeing the little darling’s angelic face, her tears flowed even more fiercely—one hand on her chest, mourning like a mother.

Why must the world have such adorable children? Surely fate meant to torment her, this strange Aunt Yang.

“President Jin, hello. This is our upcoming collaborative design project, but is it wise to commence at this time?”

Young Master Ou, the group’s top leader, personally came to greet him—a rare honor. Yet Jin Yuan refused to give face, making things awkward. Still, he was capable enough not to worry.

He flicked a glance at Young Master Ou, who had no idea what had provoked this menace.

Under everyone’s awkward stares, he coughed twice and tugged at his tie.

“Please proceed to the conference room. We have… the plan ready… please, for your selection.” Ge Xiaomeng, the sole assistant accompanying them, was well aware—your son has taken our president’s new daughter-in-law.

And our young master’s new mother. How could you expect a warm welcome? It was wishful thinking.

Better resolve this quietly—our president is in a foul mood. “Young Master Ou, please this way. Our president dislikes anyone blocking his sunshine.”

It was the strangest excuse Young Master Ou had ever heard, but there was no helping it—after all, the other party was influential.

“Oh, sorry, I really didn’t know…”

“Blocking others is bad. Not knowing is worse.”

Jin Yuan had no intention of showing Young Master Ou any courtesy, exactly as Assistant Tian had predicted.

“Your son’s fiancée is quite impressive.”

A few steps later, Jin Yuan turned back to add this remark.

Young Master Ou was now certain: this woman had brought disaster upon him!

He should never have agreed to let his wife take that brat matchmaking. They all came from that place—how could it be auspicious?