Volume One, Chapter Thirteen: A Subtle Stratagem-Synesthesia Addiction: The Beijing Elite Heir Stays by My Side Through Morning Sickness(Let's Talk About Sake)

Just as she reached the doorway to the study, Wen Xuyu heard heated voices arguing inside. She paused for a moment, then stepped in.

Inside the room.

Bian Xunzhou was seated in the executive chair, his hands folded, silently enduring Shang Rongyuan's rage. The man's face was expressionless, his eyes tinged with a subtle mockery.

"Did you hear what I said? Right now, immediately, divorce that woman! Otherwise, you can forget about ever getting your hands on that thing!" Shang Rongyuan slammed his palm on the desk so forcefully that the nearby teacup nearly spilled.

Bian Xunzhou spread his hands indifferently. "Do as you please."

Shang Rongyuan's face contorted with anger, rendered speechless for a moment.

Chen Lirong was also trying to mediate, looking deeply concerned. "Don’t get angry, it’s not worth it if you hurt your health. Xiao Zhou’s grown up—there’s nothing that can’t be discussed calmly!"

Bian Xunzhou’s gaze was sharp, his eyes calm and unruffled, quietly appreciative of her performance.

After so many years, her act truly was impressive.

It was at this moment that Wen Xuyu entered.

Her appearance silenced all the arguing, as if someone pressed the pause button.

"You must be Xiao Zhou’s wife, aren’t you? What a rare beauty!" Chen Lirong smiled gently, stepping forward as she spoke and taking Wen Xuyu’s hand.

Wen Xuyu wasn’t sure what to say. She wanted to catch Bian Xunzhou’s eye, but Chen Lirong didn’t give her a chance.

"Come, sit," Chen Lirong said, pulling her to the sofa. Her gentle manner made it easy for people to like her.

Bian Xunzhou watched Wen Xuyu intently, quietly observing what she would do—whether she’d go along with the flow, or… A flicker of disdain flashed in his eyes.

Shang Rongyuan snorted coldly, choosing to sit apart, unwilling to even glance at his supposed daughter-in-law.

Wen Xuyu focused, feeling inwardly. As expected, Bian Xunzhou seemed somewhat displeased at the moment.

She understood, and for once was grateful for this “sensitivity” ability.

Wen Xuyu studied the middle-aged woman’s face—well maintained, but not resembling Bian Xunzhou at all.

She boldly guessed: perhaps she was a stepmother?

The more she considered it, the more likely it seemed. Wen Xuyu lowered her eyes, pondering how best to navigate the current crisis.

A casual glance revealed something to her, and suddenly she had an idea.

Chen Lirong felt awkward seeing Wen Xuyu remain silent, and as she was searching for another topic, Wen Xuyu moved.

Naturally, Wen Xuyu withdrew her hand, then picked up the teapot and poured a cup of tea, handing it to Chen Lirong.

"Auntie, you must be tired after saying so much. Have some tea."

Chen Lirong smiled happily, accepting the cup and sipping it, a flash of sarcasm in her eyes.

So this woman Bian Xunzhou married was just a pretty fool—perfect!

Bian Xunzhou watched, his gaze dark.

This woman really welcomed any kindness, no matter who offered it!

"Xiao Zhou’s new wife is so virtuous and filial," Chen Lirong praised. "It’s a pity I came in such a rush today and didn’t bring a gift for our meeting."

"What gift does she need?" Shang Rongyuan said harshly. "Someone from such humble origins—how could she possibly be worthy of entering our family?"

"Old Shang, that's enough," Chen Lirong scolded as she noticed Wen Xuyu’s head bowed, a hint of delight in her eyes. "Since the children are happy, perhaps we shouldn’t break them up."

"Hmph!" Shang Rongyuan knew his son was stubborn, and Chen Lirong had spoken to him about it on the way here.

But he’d try anyway. This woman was nowhere near a suitable match.

Even if they didn’t divorce now, he’d find a chance in the future!

"Auntie, please don’t trouble yourself," Wen Xuyu suddenly said, her gaze fixed on the bracelet on Chen Lirong’s wrist. Her tone was gentle. "I think the bracelet you’re wearing is quite lovely."

Chen Lirong’s smile froze. She instinctively covered the bracelet—Shang Rongyuan had bought it at auction last year, and it was worth three million!

Wen Xuyu paused deliberately, her eyes innocent. "The quality is superb—looks like an old mine glass type?"

Seeing Chen Lirong silent, her eyes dimmed pitifully. "Auntie, don’t tell me you’re reluctant to part with it…"

Bian Xunzhou raised his brows, watching the woman’s act with interest, then chimed in, addressing Shang Rongyuan.

"Indeed, Mr. Shang is known for his generosity. Surely you wouldn’t begrudge just a few million for a bracelet?"

Shang Rongyuan’s anger stuck in his chest, unable to retort. He gestured dismissively. "Give it to her!"

In front of everyone, Chen Lirong had no choice but to remove the bracelet, biting back her frustration.

Wen Xuyu took it. The jade was cool to the touch, and she deliberately examined it under the light, its surface shimmering.

"Thank you, Auntie, for your generosity," she said with a smile, rising and walking toward Bian Xunzhou.

The hem of her pale blue dress rippled with each step, like a lake stirred by a breeze.

Bian Xunzhou watched her.

Taking advantage of Chen Lirong’s blind spot, Wen Xuyu lifted her chin, her eyes gleaming mischievously. She dangled the bracelet before the man’s eyes, like a cat that had successfully stolen a fish, her very hair radiating triumph.

Bian Xunzhou’s heart trembled, and he turned away.

It was just a bracelet—was she really so delighted?

Across the room, Chen Lirong ground her teeth, unwilling to accept defeat. She realized she’d underestimated this woman.

Shang Rongyuan shot his wife a dark look. Useless, truly useless—not only had she failed to accomplish anything, but she’d lost a bracelet worth millions!

Having witnessed enough, Bian Xunzhou rose, adjusting his sleeve with cool detachment. "If you’re done, why don’t you leave?"

The air seized for a moment.

Oblivious, the man pulled Wen Xuyu into his arms, his voice low and ambiguous. "Tonight is our wedding night. Are you sure you want to disturb us?"

Wen Xuyu’s pupils contracted, nearly dropping the bracelet in her hand.

How could he say such things in front of others without a trace of shame?

"You—" Shang Rongyuan was speechless again, his brows tightly knit.

But Chen Lirong suddenly smiled, her tone softening.

"Xiao Zhou, your father only worries about you. Since you insist, we won’t force you. However…" She paused, her gaze meaningfully settling on Wen Xuyu.

"Now that there’s someone new in the house, and with not many servants at Xuan Shui Bay, Aunt Yu from the old estate has both time and energy. She can come stay for a while and help your new wife adjust."

Wen Xuyu’s heart skipped. Wasn’t this clearly about planting someone to keep watch?

This woman was no saint—her gentle facade hid a filthy heart.

Bian Xunzhou’s eyes turned icy. Before he could speak, Shang Rongyuan interrupted with authority. "It’s settled!"

Wen Xuyu pressed her lips tightly. Were these two really father and son? Their hostility toward each other seemed even more intense than what she felt for Wen Yuqin.

Bian Xunzhou suddenly let out a cold laugh. "If you don’t want to see a corpse here tomorrow, go ahead and send her over."

His words sent chills down spines.

Seeing Shang Rongyuan about to erupt, Wen Xuyu suddenly gripped the man’s cool wrist. Bian Xunzhou looked down at her, reading the restraint in her eyes.