“You think you can just call off the engagement as you please? There’s no such easy way out! The Bai family must compensate us!”

“Why should our Bai family compensate you? The Shu family sure has some nerve to demand that!”

In the solemn atmosphere of the study, nearly ten men and women were gathered, clearly split into two opposing sides. Seated on opposite ends of the sofa, neither side was willing to back down as they argued endlessly.

Memories surged through Shu Xin’s mind, quickly allowing her to grasp the current situation. Looking at this unfamiliar yet ridiculous scene before her, she couldn’t help but find it laughable.

“Heh~”

A small but chilling chuckle abruptly silenced the heated argument. All eyes turned toward the girl who had been sitting quietly in a single-seater sofa from the start, never speaking a word.

Shu Xin calmly swept her gaze across everyone in the room. A few individuals, upon meeting her eyes, instinctively averted their gaze, unable to hold her stare.

“Xin, my dear, you see…” An elderly man broke the awkward silence first.

“Grandfather Bai, there’s no need to say more. I understand why you’ve come today. I agree to annul the engagement, but shouldn’t you return the keepsake my grandfather entrusted to your family?”

“Xin’er, you can’t call off the engagement! This—” Shu Liangjun hurriedly interjected in alarm.

“Uncle, this is my personal matter. Please don’t interfere. Once I settle this, we can talk about whatever it is you want to discuss.”

Before the Bai family could respond, Shu Xin decisively voiced her stance, her unwavering gaze fixed on them.

Shu Liangjun felt as if she had seen right through him. A shiver ran down his spine, and in the end, he remained silent.

“That’s only fair. We’ve brought the keepsake with us today. As long as you sign this agreement confirming the annulment of our engagement, you can have it back.”

Bai Xiangdi was somewhat surprised by how straightforward Shu Xin was in accepting the annulment. Since she hadn’t made any unreasonable demands, a trace of satisfaction—and even a hint of contempt—flashed in his eyes.

An orphan was just an orphan—so easy to manipulate.

At his signal, the secretary standing behind him placed a printed agreement and a small jewelry box on the coffee table.

The agreement was simple: once signed, it would officially dissolve the engagement between Shu Xin and Bai Zhengchu, severing any ties between the Shu and Bai families.

Shu Xin picked up the jewelry box and, after confirming it was indeed the keepsake her grandfather had given them, took the pen and signed her name without hesitation.

“Xin, my dear, even though our families are calling off this engagement today, our decades-long relationship still stands. Now that your parents are gone, if you ever face difficulties, you can always come to me. I’ll have your back.”

With the signed annulment agreement in hand, the Bai family had accomplished their goal. Bai Xiangdi stood up decisively, spouting polite platitudes even as he led his family out without a moment’s pause.

Shu Xin, of course, didn’t believe a single word of his empty promises. She merely maintained a polite smile, escorting them to the stairwell before watching them leave.

One problem was solved, but another remained.

To transmigrate and be thrown straight into such a situation—talk about starting on hard mode.

Taking a deep breath, Shu Xin turned back inside.

“Father, Shu Xin is completely disregarding you! She annulled the engagement with the Bai family without even discussing it with us! This is outrageous!”

Shu Hanyan complained bitterly to her father, clearly displeased with Shu Xin’s actions.

Shu Liangjun’s face darkened, but he said nothing. He wasn’t happy about this either, but since he hadn’t yet gotten what he wanted, it wasn’t the time to tear off the mask just yet.

“Xin’er, I gave you the time to handle your own affairs earlier. Now, it’s time to talk about ours, don’t you think?”

As Shu Xin reentered the room, Shu Liangjun fixed his gaze on her.

“Of course. What does Uncle want to discuss today?” Shu Xin, already well aware of their intentions, feigned ignorance.

“Xin’er, now that your parents are gone, the shares in your hands are just sitting there. Why don’t you let your uncle manage them for you?”

Aunt Wang Shuhong couldn’t hold back any longer, eagerly speaking up. Her eyes gleamed as she looked at Shu Xin as if she were a juicy piece of meat.

“But even if I do nothing with these shares, the annual dividends alone are enough for me to live comfortably for a lifetime. I really don’t want to trouble Uncle with them.”

Shu Xin smiled sweetly as she deflected, effortlessly parrying Wang Shuhong’s words. The two went back and forth, neither giving in, until Shu Liangjun finally lost patience.

“Xin’er, if you hand over your shares to me, I can ensure that Shu Corporation remains in the Shu family’s hands. Or do you want to see your grandfather and parents’ hard work wasted?”

A cunning businessman with decades of experience, Shu Liangjun knew exactly how to manipulate emotions. He immediately used the one thing the original Shu Xin cared most about—family legacy—as leverage against her.

Had this been the old Shu Xin, she would have fallen for it instantly.

Unfortunately for them, she was no longer the same person.

“But…” Shu Xin hesitated, her expression uncertain.

“Xin’er, we’re your only family now! Family should be more trustworthy than outsiders, right? Uncle will never let you suffer.”

Sensing her wavering, Shu Liangjun pressed harder, hoping to get her to cave.

“Alright then, Uncle. If you want my shares, I’ll sell them to you for 10 billion. Once the money is in my account, I’ll sign the transfer contract immediately.”

After a quick mental calculation of her shares’ market value, Shu Xin pretended to be conflicted before making her offer—leaving Shu Liangjun momentarily speechless.

He did want her shares, but he had no intention of paying for them! He had planned to take them for free!

“Xin—”

Just as he was about to argue, Shu Xin cut him off with a well-placed bombshell.

“The CEO of Xinyue Group contacted me earlier, offering 13 billion for my shares. But since we’re family, I’ll round it down for you. This way, I’m not taking advantage of you, Uncle.”

“But you’ll need to move fast. Before you arrived today, Xinyue’s CEO called again, urging me to give them an answer soon.”

Shu Liangjun’s heart clenched.

He absolutely couldn’t let Shu Xin’s shares fall into the hands of their rival, Xinyue Group.

“Xin’er, if they call again, don’t give them an answer yet! I’ll gather the funds immediately. I’ll bring the money and contract to you by the morning after tomorrow!”

“Alright, Uncle. Just don’t take too long.”

As Shu Liangjun and his family hurriedly left, Shu Xin watched their retreating backs, her lips curling into a knowing smile.