The afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains in the Huo family's living room, casting mottled shadows on the cold marble floor. I stood quietly in the center of the room, feeling the softness of the expensive carpet beneath my feet—a stark contrast to the old wooden floors of the Gu family home.
"Miss, Madam, please wait a moment, I'll go inform—" The butler's slightly anxious voice came from the foyer, but it was abruptly interrupted by a sharp female voice.
"Inform who? Do I need to be announced just to visit my own daughter?" Mother Gu barged into the living room in high heels, followed by Gu Yao, who was feigning restraint.
My fingers tightened slightly, then slowly relaxed. What must come will always come—I just didn't expect it to be so soon.
As soon as Mother Gu entered, she looked around, her shrewd eyes flashing with undisguised greed. The Huo family's luxury clearly exceeded her imagination—six-meter-high domed ceilings, Italian custom-made crystal chandeliers, a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a meticulously tended Japanese garden, and even the blue-and-white porcelain vase casually placed in the corner was an authentic Ming dynasty piece.
"Oh, putting on airs as a wealthy lady already?" Mother Gu finally turned her gaze to me, her lips curled in habitual mockery. "Don't you even know to pour your mother a cup of tea?"
Gu Yao gently tugged at her mother's arm, putting on a worried expression. "Mom, don't be like this. My sister just got married and might not be used to it yet." She turned to me, her voice sweet but insincere. "Niannian, are you doing well here? Mr. Huo... hasn't made things difficult for you, has he?" But in those seemingly concerned eyes, there was a glint of schadenfreude.
I didn't answer, just quietly walked to the tea table. The bone china tea set glistened warmly in the sunlight. I poured the tea slowly, my fingers gripping the rim of the cup so tightly my knuckles turned white.
"Playing mute now?" Mother Gu snatched the teacup, spilling tea onto the expensive carpet. "Don't think marrying into the Huo family makes you something special. If Yao Yao hadn't refused, do you think this 'good fortune' would have fallen to you?"
Gu Yao showed a perfectly timed look of grievance. "Mom, don't say that. I was thinking of the Gu family, after all, Mr. Huo..." She trailed off, hinting at Huo Chen Zhou's disability.
"If the Huo family finds out you're just a stand-in bride," Mother Gu sneered, leaning in close, her voice low but still sharp, "do you think they'll let you off easily? Don't come crying to us then!"
"That's right, sister," Gu Yao chimed in, her tone fake and gentle. "If you're exposed, the Gu family won't protect you. After all, this was your own choice, wasn't it?"
I looked up, my gaze calm as it swept over the two of them. Once upon a time, a scene like this would have made me tremble with fear, but now, I only felt a numb sense of irony.
"Are you finished?" I asked softly, surprised by how calm my voice sounded.
Mother Gu was clearly infuriated by my attitude. "What's with that tone? Don't forget who raised you! Without the Gu family, you're nothing!"
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting long shadows behind them. I noticed the wheelchair in the corner of the living room move slightly—Huo Chen Zhou was already sitting there, watching the scene with a blank expression. His presence was commanding; even in silence, he was impossible to ignore.
"From the moment you pushed me out to marry in someone else's place," I began slowly, my voice clear and firm, "I never planned to look back."
I took a bank card from my pocket and tossed it lightly onto the tea table. It slid across the smooth surface and stopped right in front of Mother Gu.
"This is the 'dowry' the Gu family gave," I said. "Take it back."
Mother Gu's face turned ashen, and Gu Yao couldn't hide her shock.
"What do you mean by this?" Mother Gu's voice grew shrill.
"It's simple," I met her eyes. "From today on, I am a member of the Huo family. I have nothing to do with the Gu family anymore."
As soon as I said this, I felt a strange sense of liberation. The burden that had weighed on my heart for years seemed to vanish with those words.
"You ungrateful thing!" Mother Gu, furious, raised her hand to slap me. I closed my eyes, bracing for the blow—but it never landed.
When I opened my eyes, I saw that Huo Chen Zhou's wheelchair had somehow glided between us, perfectly blocking her arm.
"Mrs. Huo has made herself clear," Huo Chen Zhou's voice was cold and commanding. It was the first time he publicly acknowledged me as his wife.
Mother Gu was clearly startled, her raised hand frozen in midair. Gu Yao hurried to pull her mother back, her face pale.
Huo Chen Zhou didn't even look at them. He simply raised his hand slightly. Assistant Lin appeared from somewhere, followed by two tall bodyguards.
"See the guests out," Huo Chen Zhou ordered, his tone brooking no refusal.
The Gu mother and daughter were all but escorted out of the living room by the bodyguards. As she left, Mother Gu shot me a venomous glare, her resentment almost tangible.
The living room returned to calm, leaving only Huo Chen Zhou and me. The sunlight was still bright, but the room felt a little cooler.
I noticed the occasional tension in Huo Chen Zhou's legs beneath his trousers, and the abnormal speed with which he'd moved his wheelchair earlier. These details swirled in my mind, forming one question after another.
Why is he pretending to be disabled? What does this marriage really mean to him?
"Hand over the card," Huo Chen Zhou suddenly said, interrupting my thoughts.
I was startled. "What card?"
He turned his wheelchair to face me, his gaze deep. "You know which one I mean. The bank card you switched."
My heart skipped a beat. How did he know? I was sure I'd done it flawlessly—returning the empty card the Gu family gave me, while hiding the real one with money as my backup plan.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I tried to stay calm.
Huo Chen Zhou's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile, making my heart race even faster.
"Gu Nian," he called my full name for the first time, his voice low and magnetic. "In this house, nothing escapes me."
I bit my lip, my mind racing. How did he find out? Was someone watching me? Or...
My eyes involuntarily drifted to the second-floor railing, where a faint glint of light seemed to flash. Was someone secretly observing us?
Huo Chen Zhou followed my gaze, his expression darkening briefly before returning to calm.
"Hand over the card," he repeated, his tone now brooking no refusal. "That's not something you should have."
I took a deep breath, knowing I could no longer hide it. I took the real bank card from my pocket and handed it to him.
"How did you know?" I couldn't help but ask.
He took the card, his fingers brushing my palm, sending a slight shiver through me.
"Because I understand the Gu family. And I understand you." His answer was ambiguous, but it made me even more uneasy.
He turned his wheelchair and headed toward the study, pausing at the door.
"Prepare for tonight's family banquet," he said without looking back. "All the Huo family members will be present."
Though it sounded like a simple notification, I felt an inexplicable pressure. All the Huo family members? That meant I would face the entire Huo clan for the first time.
And that glint from the second floor earlier—did it mean someone was already watching my every move?
I stood where I was, watching Huo Chen Zhou's departing figure, a tangle of emotions rising in my heart. Why did he step in to help me earlier? Was it just to protect the Huo family's reputation, or was there another reason?
The living room was quiet again, sunlight streaming through the windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor. I walked to the window and looked at the black Bentley parked in the courtyard, its understated luxury silently proclaiming the Huo family's power.
"Young Madam, would you like me to prepare afternoon tea for you?" The butler's voice came from behind, respectful yet distant.
I turned and gave a polite smile. "No, thank you. I'd like to rest in my room for a bit."
"Would you like me to show you the way?"
"I remember the way," I said softly, walking toward the stairs with poise, as if I'd always belonged here. But deep inside, I knew I was treading on thin ice.
Back in my room, I locked the door and leaned against it, letting out a long breath. The confrontation had drained me, but it also brought an unprecedented sense of freedom. I had finally said what needed to be said, finally drawn a line between myself and the Gu family. The future was uncertain, but at least I had taken the first step.
The room was large, elegantly and comfortably furnished. I walked to the bed and took a small notebook from under the pillow—one of the few personal items I'd brought from the Gu family. In it, I'd recorded every detail I'd observed over the years.
Turning to a new page, I began to write down what had happened today: Mother Gu and Gu Yao's attitudes, Huo Chen Zhou's reactions, those unusual details...
Halfway through, my pen paused. Huo Chen Zhou had moved his wheelchair with abnormal speed—much faster than a regular electric wheelchair. And when he blocked Mother Gu's arm, the strength and steadiness of his own arm were nothing like someone confined to a wheelchair for years.
And that bank card—how did he know I'd switched it? Was my room under surveillance? Or...
My gaze fell on the hidden safe in the corner of the room. When I'd accidentally discovered it the other day, I'd felt that this house was full of secrets.
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. I hurriedly put away the notebook.
"Come in."
The door opened, and a plainly dressed maid entered with a tray. "Young Madam, this is the calming tea the young master ordered for you."
I was a little surprised. "Thank you, just leave it on the table."
The maid set down the tray but didn't leave immediately. She hesitated, then said softly, "Young Madam, about what happened downstairs earlier... please don't take it to heart. The Gu family won't trouble you again."
I looked at her warily. "Why do you say that?"
She avoided my gaze. "The young master has already instructed that in the future, the Gu family must be announced and get permission before entering."
I nodded, but my doubts only deepened. Why was Huo Chen Zhou doing this? Was it just to protect the Huo family's reputation?
After the maid left, I picked up the cup of calming tea. The fragrance was gentle, with a faint herbal note. I hesitated, then took a small sip. The warm liquid slid down my throat, bringing a touch of comfort.
Perhaps Huo Chen Zhou wasn't exactly the cold, ruthless heir I'd imagined. At least today, he'd stood on my side. But I quickly suppressed that thought. In this environment, trusting anyone was dangerous. I had to stay vigilant and protect myself.
As evening approached, I began to prepare for the family banquet. I chose a tasteful pale lavender gown from the wardrobe—neither flashy nor lacking in propriety. When doing my makeup, I emphasized my eyes to make myself look more resolute.
When I went downstairs, I saw Huo Chen Zhou already waiting in the living room. He'd changed into a dark suit, and even sitting in his wheelchair, he exuded an imposing aura.
"Ready?" he asked, his gaze lingering on me for a moment.
I nodded, noticing that his wheelchair seemed different from earlier, though I couldn't pinpoint exactly how.
"Tonight, Second Uncle and Third Uncle will be here," he said, gesturing for me to push his wheelchair. "They may ask some sharp questions. You don't need to answer them all."
"Is there anything I should pay special attention to?" I asked softly.
Huo Chen Zhou thought for a moment. "Keep smiling, say little, observe more."
Such simple instructions, yet full of meaning. I realized tonight's family banquet was not just an ordinary gathering, but possibly a stage for a power struggle.
The banquet hall was already set up, the long table laid with exquisite cutlery and fresh flowers. Several servants were making final preparations, the atmosphere a bit tense.
We arrived a bit early, and only a few people were in the hall. A middle-aged man stood alone by the window, drinking. When he saw us enter, he gave a meaningful smile.
"Chen Zhou, you're here. This must be the bride?" He walked over, looking me up and down without hiding it. "I'm your Second Uncle, Huo Qiming."
I nodded politely, noticing Huo Chen Zhou's lips tighten slightly.
"Second Uncle, you're early," Huo Chen Zhou said blandly.
"Of course I had to come early to meet the bride," Huo Qiming said with a smile, though his eyes were sharp as knives. "Gu Nian, right? I heard the Gu family's business isn't doing well lately. If you need help, just say so."
It sounded like concern, but was actually a jab at my motives for marrying into the Huo family.
I kept my polite smile. "Thank you for your concern, Second Uncle, but I'm now a member of the Huo family. The Gu family's affairs have nothing to do with me anymore."
Huo Qiming clearly hadn't expected me to be so direct. He froze, then laughed. "Good, well said! Chen Zhou, your new wife is something else!"
Huo Chen Zhou didn't respond, just gently squeezed my hand. The subtle gesture made my heart skip, as if we really were a tacitly understanding couple.
Guests arrived one after another, and the banquet hall gradually became lively. I pushed Huo Chen Zhou's wheelchair, socializing with all sorts of people—some genuinely offering blessings, some watching curiously, most scrutinizing and calculating.
I maintained my elegant smile, keeping Huo Chen Zhou's instructions in mind: say little, observe more.
During this process, I noticed several interesting details: Huo Qiming exchanged glances with a young woman; an elder was overly respectful to Huo Chen Zhou; and a young man hiding in the corner never spoke to anyone, only quietly observing the room.
"Tired?" Huo Chen Zhou asked softly, breaking my train of thought.
I shook my head. "I'm fine."
"Hang in there a bit longer," he murmured, "the real show hasn't started yet."
A chill ran through me—I had a feeling tonight wouldn't end peacefully.
Sure enough, halfway through the banquet, Huo Qiming suddenly stood up and raised his glass. "Since everyone's here, why don't we play a game for fun?"
Many people cheered, though some elders frowned.
"What kind of fun game?" a gentle voice called from the doorway. Everyone turned to see an old man in a wheelchair being pushed in by servants. The room instantly fell silent, even Huo Qiming's smile faded.
"Grandfather," Huo Chen Zhou nodded slightly.
So this was the true head of the Huo family—the old master himself. I studied him carefully. Though in a wheelchair, his gaze was sharp and his presence undiminished.
"Go on, weren't you going to play a game?" the old master said with a smile, his eyes sweeping the room before settling on me. "This must be Gu Nian? Come here, let me have a look."
I stepped forward as instructed, maintaining a respectful posture. The old master scrutinized me for a while, then nodded. "Not bad. Chen Zhou has good taste."
Though simple, this sentence established my position in the Huo family.
I noticed Huo Qiming's expression change slightly.
"Since Father's here, let's skip the game," Huo Qiming said with a forced smile. "Let's just eat."
"Don't be like that," the old master replied, "Tell us, what game did you want to play? I'll join in too."
Huo Qiming hesitated, then spoke. "It's nothing much, really. I just thought the newlyweds could play a tacit understanding quiz—see how well Chen Zhou and his bride know each other."
It sounded harmless, but was actually a trap. If Huo Chen Zhou and I couldn't answer, it would expose the hasty and fake nature of our marriage.
I looked at Huo Chen Zhou. His face was expressionless, but his fingers tapped twice on the wheelchair's armrest—the same gesture he'd made that afternoon. Suddenly, I understood: stay calm, adapt to the situation.
"Alright," Huo Chen Zhou said, his voice steady. "But just answering questions is boring. How about we add a wager?"
Huo Qiming's eyes lit up. "What kind of wager?"
"We'll..."