Volume One, Chapter Two: Entering the Inner Sanctum

The note “Real Heiress” was the label she had given Bai Ruoyun in her contacts.

After being insulted so many times, she decided to mock herself by changing Bai Ruoyun’s name in her phone to “Real Heiress.”

The nemesis has returned...

After a few seconds of silence, Bai Ruoxi replied, “2:20 PM, Jiade Mall, Jin Zhi Café...”

After a brief pause, she sent another message: “You’re paying.”

The “Real Heiress” responded instantly.

“Jiade Plaza is the Qiao family’s property; it’s their own store. How can you expect me to pay?”

Bai Ruoxi pressed her lips tightly but didn’t reply.

—

After showering, Bai Ruoxi sat in front of the mirror draped in a loose bathrobe.

Having been married to Jiang Jinglan for three years, she had lost quite a bit of weight. The white bathrobe hung loosely on her frame, revealing a slender figure through the neckline.

Her reflection stared back at her.

Her curly long hair lay softly behind her shoulders, and her fair face was framed by eyes as moist and gentle as a fawn’s.

Bai Ruoxi’s nose was small and straight, with a cute little red mole on the right tip.

Her lips, even without lipstick, were a soft rose color—not very thick, but plump and jelly-like, sweet enough to make one want to take a bite.

When it came to beauty, Bai Ruoxi never feigned modesty.

Yet, no matter how she dressed or adorned herself, she could never stir Jiang Jinglan’s heart.

In Jiang Jinglan’s eyes, she was merely a substitute for Qin Yu.

A dull pain echoed in her heart.

Three years had passed, and she hadn’t accepted the fact that she was just a stand-in; she had even truly fallen in love with Jiang Jinglan.

Bai Ruoxi smiled bitterly and muttered softly, “Poor thing.”

Then she picked up a ceramic jar of ointment nearby, scooped a small dollop with her fingertip, and carefully applied it to the rose-colored kiss mark on her neck.

Bai Ruoxi liked Jiang Jinglan but had always found him an enigma.

He verbally expressed disgust towards her, yet physically demanded her without restraint.

He liked leaving various marks on her body.

Until now, she had taken this as a sign of his possessiveness, fantasizing that Jiang Jinglan was like a novel's hero—contradictory in words but loyal at heart.

In reality, Jiang Jinglan did love her and wanted to possess her.

Unfortunately, this comforting illusion shattered the moment Qin Yu’s flight landed in Jiang City.

Could a man truly separate flesh from love?

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes dimmed as she exhaled heavily, quickly finished applying the ointment, and dragged her weary body back to bed.

—

The news of Qin Yu’s imminent return came from a third-rate entertainment gossip account half a month ago.

Since then, Bai Ruoxi had been restless in her sleep, and tonight was no different.

Groggily, a strong scent of alcohol suddenly filled her nostrils.

Just as Bai Ruoxi was about to get up, the bed behind her sank slightly.

Then a warm chest pressed against her back.

Jiang Jinglan had returned...

His strong arms wrapped around Bai Ruoxi’s slender body, forcibly intertwining their fingers like a net that locked the delicate woman tightly in his embrace.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyelashes fluttered as she regained some clarity.

Only a drunken Jiang Jinglan would hold her like this.

The summer in Jiang City was scorching.

Bai Ruoxi wore only a thin silk camisole nightgown.

Held so tightly, she struggled for breath, her nerves unusually sensitive from both tension and excitement.

Through the thin fabric, she could distinctly feel his steady heartbeat.

“Thump, thump, thump...”

Beating faster and harder against her slightly tense back.

It was barely past one o’clock, yet he had come back so early.

Surprised yet relieved, Bai Ruoxi thought perhaps he had at least respected her dignity as Mrs. Jiang and hadn’t spent the night with Qin Yu...

“You’re back so early?”

Bai Ruoxi whispered, afraid one word might upset Jiang Jinglan and break this rare tenderness.

“Mm.”

A nasal, muffled hum came from behind.

Jiang Jinglan relaxed his arms, resting his chin gently on Bai Ruoxi’s head and softly nuzzling her.

His warm breath brushed through her hair as he kissed her head, his voice hoarse and low: “Qin Yu’s divorced...”

Bai Ruoxi’s nose tingled as she softly responded, “Oh.”

She wanted to ask Jiang Jinglan whether, now that Qin Yu was divorced, he still wished to marry her.

But she dared not...

Outside, the insects chirped restlessly, making sleep impossible.

Though it was late, Bai Ruoxi felt more awake.

After a long time, a deep sigh came from above, followed by Jiang Jinglan’s murmured words, half in a dream:

“Xixi, will you divorce me too?”

—

For some reason, her heart clenched sharply.

She knew nothing of the matters Jiang Jinglan controlled.

Suppressing the bitterness rising in her chest, Bai Ruoxi replied softly, “I don’t know.”

Jiang Jinglan said nothing, released his embrace, and turned his back.

Bai Ruoxi curled up, her body stiffening.

His foggy eyes stared blankly at the blue curtains not far away.

Only when she heard his steady breathing behind her did she close her eyes in resigned boredom.

—

Every Monday, Jiang Jinglan went early to the office to lead the weekly meeting.

When Bai Ruoxi woke the next day, he was already gone.

She got up and found a long-sleeved chiffon dress printed with black lilies in her wardrobe.

Her long hair was meticulously tied into a high bun; she put on pearl earrings and a necklace before heading downstairs.

The villa had four floors.

Their bedroom was on the third floor.

Descending to the second floor, Bai Ruoxi noticed the servants moving new furniture inside one after another.

Squinting slightly, she guessed the truth.

They were preparing a room for Qin Yu.

She had no idea who had proposed it...

Wearing pink silk slippers, Bai Ruoxi walked over to Butler Qiu and asked with a faint smile, “Butler Qiu, what’s going on here?”

Butler Qiu’s expression stiffened; he laughed awkwardly.

“Madam, it was the matriarch who ordered the move.”

“She said Miss Qin has joined Jiang Group as the HR director and that living with President Jiang would make communication easier...”

Rumors outside said Bai Ruoxi and Jiang Jinglan’s marriage was merely in name.

But Butler Qiu, who managed the household, knew the real story perfectly.

If it were truly a sham marriage, they would have long slept apart. Why share a bed?

Qiu was a clever man. Regardless of rumors about Bai Ruoxi’s favor or Jiang Jinglan’s indifference, he always showed her full courtesy.

His eyes flickered as he added, “I can’t help it.”

Seeing his troubled expression, something inside Bai Ruoxi snapped, shattering the fragile calm she’d forced upon herself.

How noble it sounded—to “facilitate communication”—to dress up moving into the inner chambers with such a grand name.

Suppressing her anger, she forced her voice to remain steady and asked, “Did Jiang Jinglan agree to this?”