The melody in the coffee shop flowed softly.
Yu Ruohuan gently stirred the cappuccino in her cup, watching as the coffee and fresh milk blended into a creamy brown. The corners of her lips curved faintly.
Yao Huia approached, saying, "Apologies, Miss Yu, for keeping you waiting."
Yao Huia sat down across from her and ordered a latte.
Outside the booth, green plants served as a barrier, ensuring privacy and keeping their conversation from being easily overheard.
Yu Ruohuan tossed the small spoon into the coffee cup, the collision producing a crisp sound. Yao Huia reflexively flinched, her nerves momentarily jarring.
Yu Ruohuan crossed her arms and lazily leaned back into the sofa.
"Spit it out. Why are you looking for me?"
Yao Huia chuckled politely, "Miss Yu, you and our Bichen are undoubtedly the perfect match—a pair of golden lovers destined for each other. If you two don’t end up together, it would truly be a shame."
Yu Ruohuan scoffed dismissively. "Oh? Wasn’t that day’s spectacle amusing enough? You still want to watch me humbly chase after someone indifferent to me? If you invited me just to say this, sorry, but I’m very busy."
As the words fell, she made to rise and leave.
"Don’t be hasty, Miss Yu."
Yu Ruohuan narrowed her eyes and glanced over. Yao Huia picked up her coffee cup, took a graceful sip, composed and self-assured, utterly in control.
Yu Ruohuan sat back down. "What do you mean?"
Yao Huia placed her coffee cup down, smiling as she looked at Yu Ruohuan. "Miss Yu, have you truly thought it through? Are you sure Bichen is the one you want to share your life with?"
Yu Ruohuan slightly raised her chin, her expression exuding a pride that was both silent and deeply ingrained in her bones.
"He’s the only one whose status matches mine."
Yao Huia arched a brow.
On this point, Yu Ruohuan wasn’t wrong; her judgment was undoubtedly sharp.
Looking across all of Jingzhou and even Hua Country, Gu Bichen was indeed the only one whose status could align with Yu Ruohuan’s.
Not to mention, Gu Bichen wasn’t just of noble lineage; his talent and appearance were equally unparalleled.
Conversely, the only one who could truly match Gu Bichen was Yu Ruohuan.
Unfortunately, the Gu family devoted themselves to scientific research. Their core values were rooted in aloofness and detachment, and they held the "upstart" demeanor of the Yu family in disdain. Gu Bichen’s recent public rejection of the arranged marriage had already made this clear.
Yao Huia simply felt her aunt had aged into senility. No matter how elevated the Gu family’s social standing or upright their character, they couldn’t compare to a powerhouse like the Yu family. Should the Yu family bear a grudge, they could make things plenty difficult for the Gu family.
"Miss Yu indeed has keen eyes. Our Bichen—not to toot my own horn—is talented, handsome, and has an excellent temperament. For a woman, the greatest success in life is marrying a good husband. Say no more; our Bichen is undoubtedly the ideal partner."
Yu Ruohuan replied impassively, "As for Gu Bichen, I wouldn’t say I really like him. I just don’t want someone else to benefit from him."
Yao Huia froze for a moment. "Someone else? Benefit?"
What did Miss Yu mean by that?
Yu Ruohuan raised a brow, shifting topics. "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Yao Huia cleared her throat lightly, cautiously looked around, then leaned forward slightly, with a hint of secrecy in her movements.
"Miss Yu, last time we acted hastily and caught Bichen off guard. But now, he’s thought it through. He likes Miss Yu, and the marriage agreement still stands—it’s just up to Miss Yu’s decision now."
Yu Ruohuan curved her lips into a smirk. "Mrs. Xu, do you take me for a fool? Gu Bichen is hardly someone who easily changes his mind."
Yao Huia grinned smugly. "Miss Yu, just trust me on this."
Yu Ruohuan squinted slightly, scrutinizing the woman before her closely. "What did you do?"
Yao Huia chuckled. "Miss Yu only needs to know that I can help you achieve your wishes. In the future, I hope you’ll lend a hand for my unworthy son. That way, my efforts wouldn’t be wasted."
Yu Ruohuan furrowed her brows. "Are you sure?"
Yao Huia’s smile brimmed with confidence. "Absolutely."
Yu Ruohuan slowly smiled. "Mrs. Xu, you’d better keep your word. If you dare deceive me, you know the consequences."
"I remember Miss Yu enjoys attending concerts."
Yao Huia retrieved a concert ticket from her bag and slid it toward Yu Ruohuan.
"Please return home and dress beautifully for the event. I promise the outcome will not disappoint you."
Yu Ruohuan stared at the concert ticket for a moment, then reached out to take it.
"Fine, I’ll trust Mrs. Xu once more."
Yu Ruohuan pocketed the ticket and stood to leave.
Yao Huia watched as Yu Ruohuan’s figure disappeared through the coffee shop’s doors, her lips curving upward in triumph.
The young master of the Gu family and the young lady of the Yu family—what good is their noble status if they still end up under her thumb?
Aunt, who told you to be so heartless and kick me out? Since you were merciless, don’t blame me for being unkind.