Chapter 2: The White Moonlight Returns Home

The cool, lingering scent of cedarwood filled her nostrils. His tone was calm, yet carried an overwhelming pressure. Yun Chuxia met his cold, sharp gaze without daring to lie.

“I want you to help me get away from Si Haochen and leave the Yun family.”

Si Yuchuan’s long, distinct fingers idly twirled a strand of her hair. Without asking why, he said, “Why should I help you?”

Yun Chuxia lowered her eyes, silent.

Indeed, what bargaining chip did she have to negotiate with the one who held power in the Si family? Money, power, women—he lacked nothing.

But she was unwilling to accept this fate.

Why was she suddenly branded as a venomous villainess? Why must her life be dictated by some predetermined plot?

Those colorful words mocking her were her real life.

“Sorry to bother you,” Yun Chuxia clenched her fists, feeling awkward. “I’ll find my own way.”

She would never be swept along by the storyline, passively waiting for death. No matter how hard it was, she had to try to resist.

“One year.” His tone remained languid. “After a year, I’ll send you abroad, so neither the Yun family nor the Si family can find you.”

Yun Chuxia didn’t believe he would be so kind and grew wary. “What’s the catch?”

A faint, inscrutable smile curled the corner of Si Yuchuan’s lips as he slipped his hands into his pockets. “For one year, you must be available whenever I call.”

Yun Chuxia knew exactly what “available whenever I call” implied, and she knew the man before her was dangerous.

But if she refused, what awaited her?

In other words, could she even survive another year?

Her chances of changing the tragic ending on her own were slim.

Her long lashes fluttered as she recalled the comments streaming in.

“The Si family’s younger uncle is the mastermind behind the scenes—the final heir who takes control of the Si family’s power.”

“The original story only describes him as moody, ambiguous in morality, unrestrained, with little elaboration.”

So, he represented a powerful variable. If she could pull him into the game, her odds might improve greatly.

While lost in thought, darkness suddenly clouded her vision, and a black suit jacket was thrown at her.

“If you can’t play, don’t play. Let’s go.”

“I agree.”

Yun Chuxia lifted her clear apricot eyes, filled with resolve.

Though this path was shrouded in fog, she could at least try her luck.

Tomorrow was the engagement banquet; she could no longer sit idly by.

“All right,” Si Yuchuan said slowly. “Starting tomorrow, you handle the engagement banquet yourself.”

Yun Chuxia tightened the jacket around her, pressed her lips into a thin line, and then pushed the door open to leave.

The faint scent of orange blossoms lingered on her fingertips. Si Yuchuan clicked his tongue softly and turned into the bathroom.

The evening breeze was slightly chilly. Yun Chuxia hailed a car downstairs.

Outside, neon lights flickered, and the comments once again pierced the night.

“Welcome back, heroine.”

“Ah, the white moonlight is so beautiful.”

Yun Chuxia withdrew her gaze, realizing the focus of the plot was no longer on her.

***

The Yun family mansion shone brightly, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive.

Yun Hongbin’s voice carried clear anger.

“You still know how to come back!”

His wife, Zhao Jingrou, quickly pulled him back, soothing him with her usual gentle tone.

“Tomorrow is the engagement banquet; Chuxia knows what’s important.”

Her younger sister, Yun Qingqing, pouted.

“Given her status, marrying into the Si family is a blessing earned over generations. Are you really afraid she’ll run away from the marriage?”

Yun Chuxia stared at her with icy coldness, seeing the disdain and sarcasm on her face.

“What status do I have?”

Yun Qingqing opened her mouth but was quickly pulled back by Zhao Jingrou, who then subtly shook her head.

Yun Chuxia understood then; it was just her false heiress identity, not much of a secret—the comments had already spoiled it.

Yun Hongbin slammed down his teacup. “What kind of tone is that?”