Chapter 1

Xia Chuwei stood at the doorway of the private room, staring at her fiancé, Mu Beichen, and the woman he truly loved, Xu Xueqing, as they leaned close together, drinking from a shared wine glass in a wedding toast.

Her eyes stung with unshed tears. The hand that was about to push open the door paused midair.

If Mu Beichen truly loved Xu Xueqing, why had he agreed to marry her? Why give her hope over and over again, only to shatter it each time? What exactly did she mean to him?

“Beichen, just be mindful of your behavior, okay? And you guys too—stop joking around. Beichen already has a fiancée,” Lin Zian, who lived in the same military compound, frowned and voiced his disapproval.

“Alright, let’s just eat, no more drama. We’ve all worked all day. Eat and get some rest,” he said while picking at his rice.

“Brother Lin, you know full well Beichen doesn’t like that delicate Xia Chuwei. If it weren’t for that old family engagement, he and Sister Xueqing would’ve been together long ago—they’re clearly made for each other.”

“Exactly. Today is supposed to be Xia Chuwei’s birthday, and yet Beichen didn’t even spend it with her. He even gave the gift meant for her to Sister Xueqing. Isn’t it obvious where his heart lies?”

“Right! I heard Uncle and Aunt Mu asked Beichen to get the marriage certificate with Xia Chuwei today, but he skipped it just to pick up Sister Xueqing from the train station,” another chimed in.

“That’s enough,” Lin Zian finally interrupted, his tone growing serious. “Beichen, what are you really thinking? Do you even like Chuwei?”

“Come on, isn’t it obvious?” someone else laughed. “That dress Xueqing is wearing? Beichen had it custom-made a month ago. I thought it was for Chuwei. Turns out, it was a welcome gift for Xueqing. If that doesn’t make things clear, I don’t know what does.”

“Beichen doesn’t like Xia Chuwei at all.”

Xu Xueqing only lowered her gaze and blushed at the comments, saying nothing.

Mu Beichen glanced at Xueqing, paused, then finally spoke:
“Feelings aside, this marriage was arranged by my father. It’s just to repay Uncle Xia for saving his life. Why else would I marry her? She’s just like a sister to me.”

“And let’s be honest. With no parents and nowhere to go, where would she end up if I don’t marry her?” Beichen sneered coldly.

Lin Zian’s expression darkened.
“Do you even want to marry Xia Chuwei? She’s not as weak as you think. If you truly don’t like her, don’t string her along.”

Beichen scoffed. “Who else can she even marry? With no parents and no family name to stand on, who could she possibly find better than me?”

He clearly didn’t take it seriously.

“Beichen, Chuwei is a good girl. Don’t talk about her like that,” Lin Zian defended her.

“Lin, don’t tell me you’re into Xia Chuwei now. Why else would you keep speaking up for her? Or did she buy your favor with some little gifts?” someone teased.

“Shut it. If you can’t say anything decent, keep your mouth shut. No one asked you to talk,” Lin Zian shot back angrily at Luo Ran.

They were ruining Xia Chuwei’s reputation for no reason.

Beichen frowned as well, warning, “Zian, you’re defending her a little too much, don’t you think?”

Lin Zian let out a humorless laugh. “I’m just being decent. She’s been kind to me—but only because of you. When she brought food for you, she always prepared an extra portion for me too.”

“If I don’t speak a fair word for her now, then everything she gave me might as well have gone to the dogs.”

He glanced toward the door and saw Xia Chuwei standing there, stunned.

“Beichen, since everyone’s here, give us a straight answer—do you like Xu Xueqing or Xia Chuwei?” Lin Zian pressed. It was the only help he could offer her now. The rest was up to Xia Chuwei.

“Don’t compare Xueqing to Xia Chuwei. That’s enough. This is my personal business—don’t ask anymore,” Beichen replied irritably.

“Fine, just finish eating and go back to your dorms early. We’ve got surgery tomorrow,” Beichen said, massaging his temples.

Lin Zian looked at him in disbelief. “It’s Chuwei’s birthday today, and you’re really not going back to see her? Today was supposed to be your marriage registration day—you stood her up. Aren’t you going to explain?”

He looked at him, hoping Beichen would reconsider before it was too late and he lost her for good.

“No need. I called home and told Aunt Zhou to explain. I was busy and couldn’t make it. We’ll do it another day,” Beichen said casually.

She’s at home anyway—there’s no rush. The wedding date was already set for next month.

Lin Zian still wanted to say more, but he caught sight of Xia Chuwei already leaving the doorway.

Meanwhile, Beichen had turned back to chatting with Xu Xueqing.

Lin Zian sighed and fell silent. So be it—love can’t be forced.

Xia Chuwei walked out of the restaurant, eyes red with tears. She felt useless. She couldn’t even bring herself to confront him.

If Mu Beichen didn’t love her, didn’t want to marry her, then… where could she even go?

She suddenly realized—she had no home at all.

Tears fell uncontrollably.

Then, a checkered handkerchief suddenly appeared before her.

Startled, Xia Chuwei looked up—and her breath caught. She even forgot to cry.

“Xia Chuwei, do you really love Mu Beichen that much? After the way he treats you, you still want to marry him?” Gu Shisheng asked, a flicker of pain in his eyes as he looked at the tears on her face.

“He’s my fiancé,” Chuwei whispered, biting her lip.

“Do you love him?” Gu Shisheng gently pushed the handkerchief into her hands when she didn’t take it. “Wipe your face. People might think I made you cry.”

She hesitated. Did she love him?

Probably. After all, he was the man she was supposed to marry.

“I guess I do,” she replied hoarsely, her voice rough from crying.

She meant to say she had her own handkerchief, but remembered her bag had been sent home by Mu Beichen.

Left with no choice, she took Gu Shisheng’s handkerchief and wiped away her tears, feeling too embarrassed to cry anymore.

Every time she met Gu Shisheng, she seemed to be crying. It was humiliating.

Gu Shisheng crossed his arms and looked at her with a faint smirk.
“He likes Xu Xueqing. Doesn’t that bother you?”

“Brother Gu, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be going. I’ll return your handkerchief later,” she said quickly, not wanting to continue the conversation.

Her mind was a mess. She didn’t know what to do anymore.