The next morning, Su Yue woke up early, stirred from sleep by the sting of a minor scrape.
Though the injury was just a brush against the skin, the pain still lingered sharply. She sat up with a slight wince, cautiously curling back the leg she had slept on. Her gaze landed on Jiang Ci lying beside her, rigid and straight as a board. She pouted slightly. When he slept, he stayed in the same exact posture all night—as if molded in stone. It was honestly… a little creepy.
Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she slipped into her slippers and padded off to the bathroom.
Standing before the mirror, Su Yue blinked at her reflection in surprise. Just yesterday, she had weighed 125 pounds—her face still round and soft with baby fat. Her weight loss until now had mostly shown on her waist and thighs. But this morning…
She leaned in closer.
Her face looked noticeably slimmer.
Before, when she was heavier, her features had been crowded together, squeezed tightly by the flesh. Now, with the puffiness fading, the bones of her face began to emerge. She discovered for the first time that her facial features were actually… quite attractive. Not the breathtaking, heart-stopping kind of beauty, but delicate, harmonious, even charming.
And her complexion! It had changed too. Gone was the dull, yellowish tone. In its place was a healthier glow, faint but unmistakable. She’d always felt her skin was rough and dusky, but today, looking in the mirror, she could finally imagine someone describing her as beautiful.
Her eyes, which used to be lost in the puffiness, now gleamed with clarity. No longer were they mere slits—dark, luminous, and full of life, her irises sparkled like clear water under sunlight.
She clicked her tongue thoughtfully.
The original owner of this body had almond-shaped eyes—like a shy, docile little deer. But now, after the transformation, they resembled charming peach blossom eyes, laced with natural allure and grace.
Su Yue was both stunned and delighted.
This face had potential. Real, striking potential. Once she shed another twenty pounds and her skin tone evened out, she might actually turn heads. At this rate, she could end up being… a real stunner.
Brimming with confidence and excitement, Su Yue’s mood soared. She hummed a cheerful tune as she stepped out of the bathroom—only to freeze in her tracks at the sight before her.
The man in front of the wardrobe was undoing the last button of his black pajamas.
Her footsteps came to a halt. The tune on her lips vanished into thin air.
Jiang Ci’s fingers, long and well-defined, moved slowly, methodically. His chest was revealed inch by inch as he shrugged off the black silk fabric. Su Yue didn’t even try to look away—her eyes grew wide, fixed on him as if spellbound.
She had always assumed that someone like Jiang Ci—quiet, always holed up indoors, barely moving—must be pale and thin, maybe even fragile-looking. The sickly, melancholic sort of handsome.
She couldn’t have been more wrong.
As the pajama top fell away and he reached for the fresh clothes on the hanger, Su Yue’s gaze trailed down his body. His chest was broad, his shoulders strong. The lean muscles under his skin moved subtly, sleek and tight. Not the exaggerated, over-trained kind she’d seen on male actors at film sets, but clean, perfectly shaped, and incredibly attractive.
When clothed, he looked slender—refined, almost scholarly.
But when the clothes came off… Tsk. Perfectly balanced. Just right.
Jiang Ci’s fingers began fastening his buttons, one by one, calm and unhurried.
Su Yue’s eyes followed his every movement, her mind momentarily blank. If not for the scars marring his face, this man would be nothing short of god-like. Her thoughts had drifted somewhere they shouldn’t when his voice suddenly cut through the silence.
Those cool, scarred features lifted toward her, the corners of his lips curling into a wicked smirk. His voice was slow and low, laced with danger. “You’ve been staring for quite a while. Satisfied?”
Su Yue’s cheeks instantly burned.
But she didn’t lie.
“Very,” she replied earnestly.
Jiang Ci’s expression didn’t change, but the look in his eyes darkened ever so slightly. The disfigured side of his face twitched, making the scars seem even more fierce. He took a step forward, voice laced with amusement, “Oh? Then… want to keep watching?”
Su Yue coughed awkwardly, her face turning even redder. “I-I’ll go check if Xiao Haohao is up yet.”
She turned and fled, escaping the room with all the grace of a startled rabbit.
Jiang Haoyan’s room was just next door. As Su Yue pushed open the door, she found the little one already awake and busy.
Toys were scattered on the floor—some of which she had bought for him. Coriander, their lazy feline companion, was curled up nearby, opening one eye lazily at her arrival before going right back to sleep.
From the bathroom came the soft sound of water.
Su Yue followed it and found Jiang Haoyan standing on a small footstool, brushing his teeth diligently. His little hands gripped the toothbrush, and his tiny mouth was full of foam. When he spotted Su Yue in the mirror, his big round eyes widened in surprise.
“Why did you come into Haohao’s room?” he asked with a mouthful of bubbles, his voice adorably muffled and milky.
“I came to wake you up,” Su Yue smiled, “but I didn’t expect you to be up already. Such a good boy.”
“Haohao can wake up by himself!” the little guy declared proudly, spitting into the sink.
Su Yue’s heart softened. This three-year-old had no one else to rely on. He had learned to dress himself, put on shoes and socks, and even get ready in the morning—all without help. He was mature beyond his years.
“You’re amazing, Xiao Haohao,” she praised sincerely.
The little boy’s pale face lit up. Though he tried to remain composed, the glimmer of shyness and joy in his eyes gave him away.
After he finished washing up, he jumped off the stool with ease. Su Yue stepped forward and gently held his small hand. “Come on, your dad’s waiting for us to have breakfast.”
This time, Jiang Haoyan didn’t pull away.
In fact, a part of him was already growing used to this—maybe even fond of it. If this pretty sister came to see him every morning, he thought, he wouldn’t mind at all.
—
Lately, the Jiang household had been buzzing with activity. The mansion was undergoing a full sweep, and the servants were running around preparing for the upcoming birthday banquet. Laughter and noise filled the main house.
Only in the quiet, secluded Xiaoyang Building did peace remain.
Other than the occasional servant who delivered meals, no one came near. Su Yue felt it was a blessing—her sudden weight loss remained unnoticed by prying eyes.
She spent her days reading beside Jiang Ci, soaking up the sun, enjoying a quiet that felt like borrowed tranquility. Life here was unexpectedly… pleasant.
—
The day of the birthday banquet arrived.
The Jiang family estate was more lively than ever. Luxury cars lined the driveway, and elegantly dressed guests poured in, wearing polished suits and glittering gowns. The air was heavy with the aroma of gourmet dishes and subtle perfume.
Inside, in one of the upper rooms, Jiang Muhang stepped through the doorway.
His gaze fell on Jiang Xuan, dressed in a flowing white gown that sparkled under the light. Pure and sweet, she looked like a dream. His breath caught.
“You’re ready?” he asked, though his eyes were already filled with wonder.
Jiang Xuan nervously tugged at her skirt hem. His gaze was too intense—hot enough to burn. Her fair cheeks flushed softly. “Don’t look at me like that.”
With a chuckle, Jiang Muhang pulled her into his arms and kissed her lightly. “You’re so beautiful,” he murmured. “I want to hide you away.”
Jiang Xuan’s watery eyes fluttered shyly. The man before her wore a tailored sapphire-blue suit, every inch the picture of elegance and strength. He was always aloof, always cold—but with her, he became someone else.
“The banquet’s started,” she said quietly. “Mu Hang… I’m nervous.”
She hadn’t attended a social event in years. In her past life, she’d been locked away in the Xiaoyang Building, hidden like a stain. The Jiang family might still be wealthy, but her confidence had long since withered. What if she embarrassed herself?
“Stay close to me. I’ll be right by your side,” Jiang Muhang said, his voice low and reassuring, laced with an intimacy that settled her nerves.
Jiang Xuan hesitated for a moment, then softly said, “Mu Hang… do you think we should invite Su Yue to the banquet? Mother told her not to wander around, but… on such a happy day, she’s still alone in the Xiaoyang Building. It’s a little pitiful, isn’t it?”
Her voice was light and gentle, sweet like her appearance—but behind those words, there was something unreadable in her bright eyes as they looked up at him.“Since it was my mother’s suggestion, you went ahead and invited Su Yue without telling me. Aren’t you worried she’ll be upset with you?” Jiang Muhang looked into her clear eyes, a hint of helpless indulgence in his gaze. His little wife was truly too kind—always thinking of others before herself.
Jiang Xuan smiled sweetly and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m not afraid. Not with you here,” she said coquettishly. Back when she lived in Xiaoyanglou, she had once longed for someone—anyone—to remember her, to invite her to the Jiang family’s banquets. But she was like a forgotten corner of the world—no one ever reached out to her, not even once.
Now, Su Yue had married Jiang Ci because of her and suffered for it. Guilt weighed heavily on Jiang Xuan’s heart, and she simply wanted to make up for it in whatever way she could. If Su Yue knew she was being invited to the banquet, she would probably be very happy.
“Is that okay?” she asked softly, her voice tender as she leaned into Jiang Muhang’s arms. Today, she had taken time to do her makeup, making her already delicate features appear even more enchanting. Jiang Muhang lowered his head and kissed her, unable to hide his jealousy. “Why are you treating her so well? You should save more of that effort for me. Besides… Su Yue might not even be yours to pity.”
“I just sympathize with her.” Jiang Xuan blinked, a gentle sadness lingering on her fair, innocent face.
Jiang Muhang let out a sigh, eyes filled with indulgence. “I find it harder and harder to say no to you.”
Her shy smile returned, soft and glowing, as happiness bloomed in her heart. More and more, she felt grateful to heaven for giving her a second chance at life.
As the birthday banquet drew near, Jiang Muhang held Jiang Xuan’s hand and led her down the stairs. The two of them were a striking pair—handsome and beautiful, elegant and refined. The moment they appeared, they drew the eyes of every guest present.
Everyone knew Jiang Xuan had once been just a poor girl from the lesser Jiang family. Because her grandfather had saved the old patriarch of the wealthy Jiang clan, the two families had formed a deep bond. Whether out of gratitude or sentiment, the two elders had arranged a childhood engagement between their grandchildren. That was how Jiang Xuan had become Jiang Ci’s fiancée.
But after Jiang Ci’s accident, everyone had thought Jiang Xuan’s prospects were ruined. Yet against all odds, she had married Jiang Muhang—and she looked radiant. Tonight, many of the other young socialites couldn’t hide their envy and jealousy.
With her arm looped gently through Jiang Muhang’s, Jiang Xuan maintained a graceful, serene smile. Her pale face seemed to glow under the lights. This life was different from the last—this time, she was determined to live happily.
After greeting a circle of guests, Jiang Xuan found a moment of quiet and ordered a servant to relay her invitation to Su Yue.
The front courtyard was bustling, brimming with people and noise. Though a bamboo forest stood between the villa and Xiaoyanglou, it wasn’t enough to muffle the distant clamor.
At that moment, Su Yue was in the small kitchen, just finishing a mango cake. When the servant arrived, her face lit up in surprise. “Thank you for Jiang Xuan’s invitation,” she said politely, “but my mother asked me to take care of Jiang Ci. I won’t attend.”
She hadn’t expected Jiang Xuan to remember her, let alone send someone for her. But she wasn’t in the mood to join in the festivities anyway.
The young servant stood frozen for a moment, stunned by the sight before her. Su Yue had flour dusted lightly across her cheeks, and she was wearing a light blue checkered skirt. It gave her the air of a quiet spring day—fresh, gentle, almost ethereal.
Su Yue had chosen the outfit with care, hoping to look nice for Jiang Ci’s birthday. Though the skirt was a size too large, she’d cinched it with a belt, revealing the soft curves of her waist. Compared to her old self, she looked entirely different—thinner, fairer, and blooming with life.
The servant finally snapped out of her daze. Her eyes fell on the cake on the table, and she asked, “Is Miss planning to celebrate Young Master Jiang Ci’s birthday?”
Su Yue nodded slightly. “Yes.”
“Young Master Jiang Ci loves mango cake the most. The mangoes are especially fresh right now—I saw Mei Si bought quite a few this morning.” The servant smiled and added gently, “He’s lucky to have someone like you.”
Su Yue didn’t respond, just gave a small nod. “You can go now.”
She carried the cake back to the room. Inside, Jiang Ci sat in a chair, while little Haohao sat on the floor nearby, happily playing with his new toy car.
Compared to the vibrant, crowded villa, Xiaoyanglou felt peaceful—almost like another world.
“Jiang Ci, I made you a mango cake,” Su Yue said gently. “It’s your birthday today, so I made an extra-large one just for the occasion.”
“Bang bang! Haohao likes cake!” Little Haohao exclaimed, raising his head with a beaming smile.
Jiang Ci was dressed in the white shirt Su Yue had given him earlier. That morning, she’d offered him a black shirt out of habit, but he had sneered at her—mocking her for treating him like an old man with amnesia.
Yet now, he was wearing the shirt she picked.
In that simple white shirt and black slacks, Jiang Ci looked sharper, more refined. He had shed the dark gloom that usually clung to him.
But when Su Yue finished speaking, he barely raised his eyes and sneered lazily. “I never said I wanted a birthday celebration. You just love being clever.”
Su Yue placed the cake on the table, then exhaled softly. Forget it. He’s always like this. Let me coax him a little.
She walked to his side, gently took his arm, and pulled him to his feet. Her voice softened into a gentle whisper, tinged with a trace of coquettish charm. “I added lots of mango just for you. I started early this morning—it took me hours. Just take one bite, okay? Try a little of my sincerity. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to eat anymore. Please?”
Jiang Ci was about to toss out another sarcastic remark, but the faint scent of milk from her skin brushed his nose, and he paused. The words stuck in his throat. With a grumble, he muttered irritably, “It’s probably not that great.”
Still as annoying as ever, Su Yue thought silently, biting her tongue.
“I’ve made more cakes for you than I’ve ever made in my life,” she muttered under her breath, half grumbling. “Do you think cake-making is easy? Even my family never got a taste of one I made with my own hands. But you? You still don’t appreciate it. You don’t even have a shred of conscience.”
Though his expression didn’t change, the corners of Jiang Ci’s lips curled upward, ever so slightly.
Su Yue had wanted to light candles, but knowing how much Jiang Ci would hate it, she wisely cut the cake directly.
“Big mango!” Xiao Haohao stuffed a huge bite into his mouth, cheeks bulging with creamy joy. “Daddy, happy birthday!”
Jiang Ci, chewing slowly, paused and glanced down at the little boy, who was grinning up at him.
He didn’t reply in words—just a soft hum.
Then, Xiao Haohao suddenly scrambled off his chair and dashed to his room. He returned moments later, cradling something in his chubby hands.
It was a birthday card—the one Su Yue had helped him pick out. Tugging at Jiang Ci’s sleeve, the little boy looked up with sparkling eyes. “Daddy, this is Haohao’s birthday gift for you!”
As he opened the card, cheerful electronic birthday music began to play.
Though Jiang Ci couldn’t see it, he could hear it.
Su Yue glanced down. The card was filled with two circles—one large, one small. It was probably supposed to be Jiang Ci and Haohao.
Jiang Ci froze. He reached out to touch the card, but the moment his fingers brushed it, he suddenly sneezed—again and again.
His eyes began to itch. Then his skin began to itch.
In an instant, his face darkened. “Su Yue,” he growled, his voice low and dangerous, “what did you put in that cake?”
Su Yue’s smile vanished. She stared at him in shock.
Jiang Ci’s breathing grew ragged. He tried to stand, to grab his phone, but his limbs went weak.
“What’s wrong, Jiang Ci?” Su Yue rushed over, panic flooding her voice. She saw red splotches blooming across his skin and realized something was very wrong.
Jiang Ci’s dark eyes locked onto her, unfocused and chilling. “So this… this is your heartfelt sincerity…”
Before she could respond, he collapsed.