Chapter 1: Wedding Pressure

In late May, gazing towards the southern city, gentle sunshine swept across the winding mountains, casting light on the babbling brook flowing eastward.

At the foot of the mountain, the Wen family was bustling.

In their spacious courtyard with white walls and gray tiles, a flurry of activity ensued. “Be careful, the imported crystal vases—don’t break them.”

“Peonies go at the entrance, roses inside the house. Don’t mix up the colors.”

Workers shuffled back and forth, bringing fresh flowers—cool white roses, vibrant peonies—into the villa, decorating the courtyard.

Returning home, Wen Shuyu saw the butler, Uncle Song, directing the setup. “Uncle Song, why such a grand affair this year?”

Uncle Song replied with a smile, “It’s the 30th anniversary; Mr. and Mrs. Wen are making it special.”

Such grandeur was unusual for the usually low-key Wen parents. But, considering it’s their 30th anniversary, a bit of extravagance was understandable.

Wen Shuyu thought no more of it and carried a stack of documents into the house. Entering the main hall, she was taken aback—the entire layout had changed.

Her mother’s favorite leather sofa was now tucked in a corner, replaced by velvet red roses covering the wall, with a large “30” in the center.

It looked nothing like before.

Compared to previous years’ simple dinners and gifts, this year was indeed more heartfelt. Wen Shuyu mused, “Dad really put in the effort this time.”

Her mother, draped in a light blue silk shawl, descended the stairs and looked Wen Shuyu up and down with a sigh.

Today, she looked disheveled.

Her mid-length hair hastily pinned up, her black pants stained with mud, and her shirt sleeve smeared with unknown stains. Her mother frowned, “Yuyu, go upstairs and change into something nicer and don’t forget to put on makeup.”

Wen Shuyu took her mother’s arm and joked, “It’s your and Dad’s anniversary; I’m just a little green leaf. No need to dress up.”

Sweat droplets rolled down her forehead, and her bangs stuck to her temples. Her mother, more concerned, wiped her face with a tissue. “I told you not to take on those legal aid cases. They’re thankless and exhausting. But you wouldn’t listen. You’re out early in the morning meeting clients, look at you all sunburned.”

Her once fair skin had turned red, sweat leaving splotches like a patchy cat.

Since starting her legal aid work, her mother’s persistent suggestions to change jobs were relentless.

Wen Shuyu, hearing the same advice over and over, quickly shifted the subject. “Mom, I’ll shower and change. I’ll make sure to look good and not embarrass the Wen family.”

Her mother, with a resigned sigh, said, “You always play dumb when we talk about this.”

Wen Shuyu, caught, teased, “Oh, Mom, don’t worry. I’ve got it covered. I’m all sweaty and greasy; I need to wash up.”

“Go on then.” Her mother waved her off.

With the permission granted, Wen Shuyu quickly escaped the main hall, hoping to avoid her father’s doubling down on the lecture.

She placed the heavy stack of documents on the table, collapsed onto the bed, and sighed in frustration over her case.

A divorce case: the husband had abused his wife, and despite evidence and witnesses, the court had rejected the divorce request.

With a report of injuries and witnesses, why was getting a divorce so difficult?

Wen Shuyu closed her eyes, lost in thought, trying to find a breakthrough for her case. However, she turned over and fell asleep, dreaming of courtroom debates, with the focus always on another rejection.

She felt she had exhausted all options and was stuck in a dead end, doing her best but feeling frustrated.

With her parents’ anniversary more pressing, as the only daughter of the Wen family, she couldn’t afford to embarrass herself. Wen Shuyu sat up and opened her wardrobe to find a suitable dress.

Returning to the old house two to three times a week, the wardrobe was filled with a plethora of new dresses she didn’t recognize. Her mother had clearly added these recently.

From mermaid cuts to floral patterns, A-line to every style imaginable, Wen Shuyu was overwhelmed. After much consideration, she finally picked a water-blue gown.

The dress was simple, with minimal decoration—a straight-cut, off-the-shoulder design.

She chose a modest diamond necklace, less than a carat, for a touch of understated elegance.

As Wen Shuyu emerged from her room, her mother frowned at the choice. “Sweetie, this one’s too plain. Try the new one from the far end of the wardrobe—the lotus pink mermaid gown. And change the necklace. Actually, let’s just pick it together.”

A glamorous look wasted on a plain gown.

“Alright, Mom,” Wen Shuyu said, embracing her mother and indulging in a bit of charm.

On her parents’ special day, whatever her mother said went.

Wen Shuyu, like a doll, allowed her mother to dress her up. Her mother retrieved a pink diamond set from the safe.

The set featured 11 top-quality pink diamonds surrounded by white diamonds, exuding both gentleness and luxury.

It was a gift for her 18th birthday, bought at an auction by her parents, and had been worn only once.

With such high-end jewelry out, who was the star of today’s celebration?

Wen Shuyu couldn’t sit still. “Mom, the white Midsummer Night’s Dream will be fine.”

The Midsummer Night’s Dream set was on the top shelf of the safe and easy to find.

Its delicate design and exquisite craftsmanship were composed of different flower shapes, making the necklace come alive.

The matching earrings and bracelet simplified the ensemble.

Her mother relented, “Alright, but wear the pink diamond ring too, or people might think we’re bankrupt.”

“Sure.” Precision mattered to these discerning individuals; no detail could be overlooked.

Wen Shuyu, accustomed to being shielded by her parents, had become quite careless about these details.

Her mother helped her with her hair, inevitably becoming chatty. “You’re not getting any younger. When are you going to find a partner? Your father and I are getting older; we hope to see you settled soon.”

It was the usual topic of work or marriage.

Wen Shuyu smiled and replied, “I’m letting things take their course.”

Her mother accelerated, “Let things take their course? That means you’re not looking. Do you expect someone to fall into your lap? Starting tomorrow, you’re going on blind dates. If that doesn’t work, we’ll arrange a marriage. Your father and I will choose.”

To Wen Shuyu, arranged marriages and blind dates were the same, but blind dates at least offered some choice. “Mom, I’ll take the blind dates.”

She would face challenges as they came.

Her mother grinned, “You have another option—marrying Huaiyu.”

That irritating name again. Wen Shuyu cut her off, saying angrily, “Mom, Jiang Huaiyu is out of the question. I’d rather stay single than marry him.”

Her mother retorted, “Nonsense. Huaiyu is a great match—handsome, tall, comes from a good family, has a solid career. What’s not to like?”

Everyone around her had always praised Jiang Huaiyu, almost as if they wished to bestow all the good qualities on him. “Yes, he’s great in every way except one: I don’t like him.”

Whenever Jiang Huaiyu was mentioned, the mother-daughter duo always ended up in an argument.

At six in the evening, guests began arriving, starting with Jiang Huaiyu’s family from the neighboring building.

The distance between the two villas was less than 30 meters.

Wen Shuyu took on the role of greeter, politely saying, “Good evening, Uncle Jiang, Auntie Jun, Huaiyu. Auntie Jun, you look even more beautiful.”

Auntie Jun smiled and replied, “Yuyu, you’re so sweet. You look lovely tonight, don’t you think, Huaiyu?”

From childhood, anyone slightly familiar had called her Yuyu, including Jiang Huaiyu’s parents.

Jiang Huaiyu’s mother, in particular, treated Wen Shuyu as if she were her own daughter.

As the orange sunset bathed her pink mermaid gown, Wen Shuyu’s hair was pinned up, revealing her graceful neck. Every smile and glance was lively, like a radiant mermaid.

Dozens of clear diamonds adorned her butterfly-shaped earrings, sparkling brightly, just like her.

Jiang Huaiyu observed from the corner of his eye, his expression calm. “Yes.”

The elders were eager to see Wen Shuyu and Jiang Huaiyu together, hoping for an even closer bond. Both parties were well aware.

In late summer, as the sun set, Wen Shuyu ushered Jiang’s parents inside.

Jiang Huaiyu greeted politely, “Good evening, Uncle Wen, Aunt Lin.”

Wen’s mother and Jiang’s mother were close friends, their friendship stretching from their teenage years to the present.

They were more like sisters than friends, and it was hard for Jiang Huaiyu and Wen Shuyu to call each other by anything other than ‘auntie.’

Wen’s mother smiled, “Huaiyu, it’s been a while since we last saw you.”

It was sincere, the last meeting being during the New Year.

Jiang Huaiyu replied courteously, “I’ve been quite busy lately. Aunt Lin, Uncle Wen, I brought you a gift—a set of purple clay teapots I happened to see while traveling. I hope you like it.”

He handed over an elegantly wrapped gift.

Wen’s mother received it with a smile, “How thoughtful.”

The couple had no particular hobbies, except for their passion for tea and teapots. They spent considerable time and effort collecting exquisite tea sets.

As guests arrived one after another, they exchanged pleasantries with Wen’s parents.

Jiang Huaiyu glanced towards the door, noticing Wen Shuyu handling greetings and recording details by herself. Wearing high heels, she was constantly sitting down, getting up, and occasionally rubbing her calves. “Uncle Wen, Aunt Lin, Dad, Mom, I’m going to help Yuyu.”

Jiang’s mother nodded, “Go ahead.”

The Wen family wasn’t among the top aristocracy, but they were notable in the southern city, with a complex network of connections.

Many people from the business world and relatives had come to offer their congratulations.

Wen Shuyu was busy managing the guests when she noticed a familiar bamboo and wood fragrance beside her.

It was Jiang Huaiyu.

Standing outside, he shielded her from the last remnants of the orange sunset.

Wen Shuyu looked up and froze.

The man beside her was dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, without any extra color, his tall and upright figure standing out.

He exuded a gentle, jade-like aura in his every movement.

His sharply defined face featured starry eyes, sword-like brows, a high nose, and thin lips.

The soft orange twilight bathed his refined and noble face, softening his aloof demeanor.

His hand, with pronounced veins and clean, distinct fingers, contrasted sharply with the red bracelet on his left wrist.

The bracelet, if Wen Shuyu remembered correctly, had been worn for over ten years.

Despite knowing him for 26 years, she had always overlooked his superior appearance and bearing.

A gust of evening breeze pulled Wen Shuyu back to reality, and she asked, “Why are you out here?”

Jiang Huaiyu replied calmly, “It’s too boring inside. I came out to get some fresh air.”

“Oh.” Wen Shuyu turned her attention back to her tasks.

Standing at the doorway were two figures: one in a white shirt and black trousers, and the other in a pink gown, looking like newlyweds at a wedding reception.

One might mistakenly think this was a wedding thank-you banquet.

Wen’s mother suddenly remarked, “Actually, Yuyu and Huaiyu make a good match.”

She genuinely liked Jiang Huaiyu and wished for him to become her son-in-law, but she knew that love couldn’t be forced.

Jiang’s mother shared similar sentiments and sighed, “It’s a pity. Yuyu doesn’t like Huaiyu, so we’re out of luck.”

Both parents were well aware that Wen Shuyu didn’t like Jiang Huaiyu, though the reasons were not entirely clear, given they had been close in childhood.

Born on the same day, month, and year, they celebrated birthdays together, waited for each other after school, and didn’t want to part ways at night.

They even joked about arranging a childhood marriage.

Then, one day, Wen Shuyu returned and forbade anyone from mentioning Jiang Huaiyu in her presence.

She also wouldn’t allow any praise of Jiang Huaiyu, no matter how her mother questioned her.

It had seemed more like Wen Shuyu’s one-sided aversion, while Jiang Huaiyu continued to care for her as he did in childhood.

Their relationship had only started to ease over the past two years, as Wen Shuyu began to understand social nuances with age.

Wen’s mother gazed at the two children’s retreating figures, “It looks like we won’t be able to be in-laws after all.”

During the dinner, the elders mingled and made small talk, while the younger generation gathered to enjoy themselves.

From the first floor, two girls could be seen leaning over the railing on the second floor: Wen Shuyu and her best friend, Shen Ruoying.

Shen Ruoying noticed something significant, “Babe, your mom’s arranged blind dates for you, no wonder you’re dressed so demurely today.”

To those unfamiliar, Wen Shuyu appeared obedient but capricious. However, those close to her knew she was actually quite difficult.

Wen Shuyu realized, “That’s why there are so many men here today.”

She had sensed something was off at the door, noticing that every family seemed to have brought a man.

Her parents had evidently invited all eligible bachelors from the southern city—this wasn’t an anniversary celebration but a matchmaking event.

Shen Ruoying pointed out one after another, “The Gu family’s second son, 28, has had more girlfriends than you can count.”

“The Fang family’s eldest son, 30, has a long-time crush who his family disapproves of. They’re in a standoff.”

“The Song family’s youngest son, 26, is a mama’s boy.”

Wen Shuyu: “…”

Shen Ruoying shook her head, “The rest are not great. Your parents have gone all out to gather all the eligible young men from the city, but among those of your age, background, and character, only Jiang Huaiyu fits the bill.”

Why Jiang Huaiyu again? Wen Shuyu felt overwhelmed, “Stop, you know I dislike him the most.”

Though others might not know, Shen Ruoying was well aware of their history, “Isn’t it just because you were rivals in school, always competing for the top spot? Is your resentment because you liked him? Love often turns to hate, and hate lasts longer.”

Wen Shuyu frowned, “It’s not just that. There are other reasons. Besides, you know who I like.”

Shen Ruoying laughed, “So you’re wasting your prime years for Lu Yunheng? Don’t you want to experience something with a man?”

Among friends, conversations often veered into bold territory.

Shen Ruoying had always felt it was a pity. Wen Shuyu was stunning in appearance and figure, yet remained single.

Hearing Lu Yunheng’s name triggered Wen Shuyu’s memories of a distant figure.

Wen Shuyu’s thoughts drifted, and she waved her hand to dismiss the idea, “It’s not because of him. It’s just that there’s no suitable match around.”

Shen Ruoying looked at Jiang Huaiyu downstairs, who seemed out of place among the young men, his clean aura standing out. “You might consider Jiang Huaiyu. He’s exceptional in appearance, character, and family background, with no romantic entanglements. Such a rare man.”

Exceptional? Wen Shuyu couldn’t help but glance downstairs.

With his high brow bones and slender figure, wearing only a simple white shirt, Jiang Huaiyu radiated an aura of coolness.

Among the crowd, he stood out like a crane among chickens. The term “aloof and detached” immediately came to mind; it wasn’t that he couldn’t blend in, but that he simply chose not to.

Jiang Huaiyu seemed to sense her gaze, lifting his eyes to meet hers. Their eyes locked across the room.

Wen Shuyu, feeling caught under his intense stare, quickly deflected by teasing her friend Shen Ruoying, “If you like him so much, why don’t you break off your engagement with Meng Xinhao and let my parents propose to him for you?”

Shen Ruoying stepped back, “No way. I can’t handle him. You two are a better match—perfect couple, natural pair. It would even make birthday celebrations easier.”

Wen Shuyu laughed off the suggestion, “I don’t want him. I dislike him.”

When she turned and saw Jiang Huaiyu approaching, both girls fell silent, pretending nothing had happened.

Jiang Huaiyu, overhearing their conversation, walked by with a calm demeanor.

“He heard you,” Shen Ruoying whispered.

Wen Shuyu shrugged, “Let him hear. He already knows.”

As Jiang Huaiyu’s gaze met hers again, she remained unnaturally composed.

A girl followed Jiang Huaiyu up the stairs. Shen Ruoying nudged Wen Shuyu, “Look, Fu Qingzi hasn’t given up. She’s been pursuing him since we graduated.”

Fu Qingzi was someone Wen Shuyu knew well—her high school classmate, the most favored daughter of the Fu family, and someone who had always been aloof toward her. Fu Qingzi’s dislike of Wen Shuyu was rooted in jealousy over the attention Jiang Huaiyu had given her.

Wen Shuyu sincerely wished her well, “I hope she succeeds soon.”

That way, her family might stop matchmaking her.

In an attempt to distract herself, Wen Shuyu went to get a glass of champagne, but she accidentally twisted her ankle in her high heels.

Just as she was about to fall, Jiang Huaiyu swiftly caught her, “Be careful.”

The warmth of his hand through the thin fabric was electrifying.

Time seemed to stretch as their eyes locked in an overly intimate moment. They both blushed, awkwardly looking away.

Jiang Huaiyu held her steady without any sign of letting go, and Wen Shuyu, feeling dizzy from his scent, said, “Jiang Huaiyu, that’s enough.”

She pointed at his hand, which was gently supporting her.

Jiang Huaiyu withdrew his hand, casually remarking, “Well, I saved you. Not even a thank you?”

Wen Shuyu adjusted her dress and forced a smile, “Thanks.”

Shen Ruoying watched their playful exchange quietly, enjoying the dynamic between them. Jiang Huaiyu only showed this slightly mischievous side when interacting with Wen Shuyu.

As guests began to leave, Shen Ruoying’s fiancé arrived to pick her up, leaving Jiang Huaiyu’s family as the last ones remaining.

Wen’s mother called from upstairs, “Yuyu, come down with Huaiyu.”

Wen Shuyu shouted back, “Coming.”

With the guests gone, Wen Shuyu relaxed, changing from her formal attire into comfortable pajamas.

Wen’s mother got straight to the point, “Did you find anyone you liked?”

Wen Shuyu hugged her mother’s arm and pouted, “No, it’s not like buying vegetables. You can’t judge just by appearances.”

Given her work involving numerous divorce cases, she wasn’t afraid of marriage but wasn’t eager to dive into it either.

Jiang’s mother asked, “What about Huaiyu?”

There were not only young men but also many young women present that evening.

No one could escape the pressure of marriage talks.

It felt like the old days when they were questioned about their grades, but now it was about marriage.

Jiang Huaiyu replied in a neutral tone, “Yes.”