Who wears a demon mask, thick pajamas, and flip-flops to seduce someone?

If Yan Xi knew what Gu Qinghan was thinking, she would definitely be speechless.

Raising the small bowl in her hands, Yan Xi hesitated and reluctantly asked, “Do you want to eat this?”

Afraid that Gu Qinghan might suddenly agree, she quickly added, “Someone as noble as you probably wouldn’t want to eat junk food like instant noodles. Sigh, it’s my fault. I should’ve prepared a nutritious and delicious late-night snack for you.

Never mind, this bowl of noodles doesn’t suit you. I’ll just take it back.”

With that, she decisively turned around and left, moving so quickly that she vanished in the blink of an eye.

Only the lingering aroma and a stunned Gu Qinghan remained in the doorway.

This damn woman!

Gu Qinghan’s face darkened, his jaw tightening as he struggled to suppress his anger. “What the hell is she doing? Bringing me a midnight snack only to take it back? Was she just here to tempt me?”

What infuriated him even more was that her plan had actually worked. Whatever she had added to that bowl of noodles smelled so incredibly appetizing that the aroma refused to leave his nose.

Even after shutting the door, the faint scent lingered in the room, making him restless.

Gu Qinghan frowned, trying to suppress the craving rising in his heart. However, no matter how strong his willpower, the desire to eat only grew stronger.

It was truly annoying.

His expression turning icy, Gu Qinghan stood up and decided to head to the kitchen.

As he passed by Yan Xi’s room, he noticed her door was slightly ajar. On impulse, he glanced inside.

There she was, sitting casually without the slightest bit of decorum, holding a large bowl of noodles, eating with unrestrained delight.

As if enjoying herself, one of her pale, delicate feet was even propped up on a nearby chair.

It was an utterly uncouth and vulgar pose, but when she did it, it somehow exuded a natural elegance and grace.

Gu Qinghan frowned, feeling a sudden wave of irritation rise within him.

He quickly averted his gaze and left.

Inside her room, Yan Xi was blissfully unaware of everything that had transpired outside. She was entirely immersed in the heavenly taste of her noodles.

So good!

Having been in a vegetative state for a year, sustained only by nutrient drips, Yan Xi now deeply appreciated the value of life.

As long as she could stay alive, eat delicious food, see beautiful scenery, and sleep in a soft bed… things like men and love were completely meaningless.

What a waste her past life had been.

Yan Xi used to push herself too hard, wanting to handle everything perfectly—caring for her grandfather, guiding her younger sister, loving Lu Huaichen deeply, and supporting the Su family business.

But despite all her efforts, she had failed on every front, leaving everyone dissatisfied with her.

Forget it. She was done trying.

Yan Xi decided to embrace her inner slacker. She wouldn’t overthink, wouldn’t fight for anything. She’d just live lazily, savoring each day as it came.

Life at the Gu household was surprisingly carefree. The big boss, Gu Qinghan, was rarely home, likely because he found her presence so unbearable. He was gone for days at a time, leaving the house tranquil.

The housekeeper, Aunt Liu, was kind and gentle, not at all strict. As long as Yan Xi’s requests weren’t excessive, Aunt Liu would usually oblige.

Then there was little Shu Yue, who had a great relationship with Yan Xi and would chatter away excitedly with her after school.

Every morning, Yan Xi slept until 10:30. After a quick wash, she would combine breakfast and lunch into one meal, followed by a leisurely half-hour walk. In the afternoons, she’d lounge in a rocking chair under the warm sunlight, a different juice by her side each day.

This lifestyle was blissful, like living as a god.

Yan Xi couldn’t fathom why the original owner of this body had chosen to commit suicide. Wasn’t life great? This was a good life.

Unfortunately, her idyllic days didn’t last. One morning, Yan Xi was rudely awakened by a servant shaking her.

Groggily opening her eyes, she saw it was barely 8 a.m. Who wakes up so early?

She didn’t go to school, didn’t work, didn’t do house chores, and didn’t even have to care for a husband. What was the point of getting up so early?

Aunt Liu sighed helplessly, “Madam, your parents have come to visit. They heard about your fall into the water and came to check on you.”

Yan Xi blinked in surprise.

I fell into the water nearly half a month ago. Why are they only visiting now? Did their reflexes operate in slow motion?

No matter how many questions swirled in her mind, Yan Xi still had to go downstairs.

These were, after all, the original owner’s parents, and they surely knew her better than anyone else. Worried she might slip up and reveal herself, Yan Xi deliberately dressed in the bright yellow dress the original owner loved and put on a frail, sickly demeanor.

That way, she could minimize conversation.

“Mom, Dad,” Yan Xi greeted softly before sinking onto the sofa, feigning weakness and exhaustion.

But her supposed frailty didn’t escape her mother’s sharp eyes.

Her mother, Huang Suzhen, barely glanced at Yan Xi’s pale complexion before frowning and scolding her:

“I’ve been busy lately and couldn’t visit earlier. But you, how could you cause such a scene? Attempting suicide, of all things—how shameful! Do you realize that the only reason you’re married to Mr. Gu is because of Miss Ning? I never asked you to bring glory to Miss Ning, but the least you could do is not disgrace her!”

The more she spoke, the angrier Huang Suzhen became. Finally, she raised her hand and pinched Yan Xi’s arm hard, snarling, “You wretched girl! Do you know how embarrassing this is? If you’d really succeeded in killing yourself, people might think it was Miss Ning’s fault, as if she introduced you to an unworthy marriage!”

Yan Xi was dumbfounded, too shocked to respond.

Was her own daughter’s life worth less than someone else’s reputation?

Even Yan Xi’s father felt Huang Suzhen’s words had gone too far. He scolded, “Enough! Can’t you see our daughter is still unwell? Look at how pale she is.”

But Huang Suzhen refused to back down. “Well, it’s her own fault for acting out! Why would she try to kill herself for no reason?”

Seeing Yan Xi’s stunned expression, Huang Suzhen softened her tone slightly:

“Yan Xi, don’t blame your mother for being harsh. It’s just that you’ve been too selfish, never thinking of others!

From a young age, I taught you that the Xia family is our benefactor. Your father was their chauffeur, and I was their housekeeper. Everything we’ve eaten, worn, and used over the years comes from the Xia family. We owe them everything!

Miss Ning has been so kind to you. Every piece of clothing you wore growing up, every privilege you enjoyed, came from her. Even your expensive schooling was thanks to her.

Yan Xi, you must repay Miss Ning’s kindness. When you married into the Gu family, what did I tell you?”

Huang Suzhen looked around to ensure no one else was present before lowering her voice:

“I told you to serve Mr. Gu well. Keep him by your side, but only so he wouldn’t forget Miss Ning. Later, if Miss Ning can’t find a suitable husband, you must divorce Mr. Gu willingly and return him to her.

If Miss Ning does marry someone good, then have a child with Mr. Gu, and just like you, dedicate your life to taking care of her child.”

Yan Xi: …

Was this some lifelong servitude contract to the Xia family?