After Being Cheated, I Had a Flash Marriage with My Ex's Aunt - Chapter 22

“Director Bai?”

A young woman’s voice called out from behind Bai Shuyi, sounding urgent. “Is everything alright? Should we continue the meeting?”

Li Sui froze. Had Bai Shuyi abandoned her meeting just to come see her?

The woman caught up to them, and Li Sui looked at her with curiosity. She appeared exhausted, dressed in a simple light purple dress and clutching a handbag. She seemed out of breath, as if she had run to get there.

Bai Shuyi glanced back, her tone becoming professional and firm. “My apologies, Ms. Lin. Lawyer Wu will be taking over your case from here.”

Ms. Lin glanced at Li Sui, likely assuming she was an exceptionally important client. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she nodded. “Of course. I won’t take up any more of your time, Lawyer Bai.”

Li Sui felt a wave of awkwardness. I really am interrupting her work.

Within a minute, someone led Ms. Lin away. Bai Shuyi turned to Secretary Li, who had followed close behind, and began giving instructions.

Curious, Li Sui drifted closer. She overheard Bai Shuyi saying to Secretary Li in a very serious tone, “Make sure everyone knows: the next time my wife comes to see me, if I’m not available, you are to attend to her personally.”

Li Sui’s heart skipped a beat.

Thankfully, the briefing didn’t last long. Once Secretary Li left the office, Bai Shuyi headed to the bar area to wash her hands.

Still feeling a bit out of place, Li Sui hurriedly opened the lunchboxes and arranged them on the table. The rich aroma of home-cooked food filled the air, steam rising from the containers.

“You must be hungry,” Li Sui said as Bai Shuyi sat down. She handed her a pair of chopsticks. “Eat up.”

“Next time, just come straight up,” Bai Shuyi said, taking the chopsticks. Then, thinking of the distance, she corrected herself. “Actually, it’s not that far. Next time, I’ll just head home for lunch.”

“That works too.” Li Sui had only had a few bites before coming, but the smell of the food was making her hungry again. She pushed the two dishes she had made toward Bai Shuyi. “Try these first.”

The lunchbox was multi-layered. Though it was simple home-style cooking, almost every dish was one of Bai Shuyi’s favorites. It made her feel a profound sense of satisfaction; she wouldn’t have traded this for the most expensive delicacy in the world.

This was the first time Li Sui had ever brought her lunch. Bai Shuyi looked at her, her heart feeling as sweet as honey.

Li Sui looked back, puzzled. “Why are you staring? Aren’t you hungry?”

“Thank you for the hard work,” Bai Shuyi said with a smile before picking up a piece of rib.

The office was filled with the inviting scent of food. Li Sui didn’t pick up her chopsticks right away, content to watch Bai Shuyi eat. Seeing how much she seemed to enjoy it, Li Sui asked curiously, “So, can you tell which two dishes I made?”

“This one, and the prawns,” Bai Shuyi replied, meeting Li Sui’s expectant gaze as she correctly identified the Braised Fish and the Oil-Braised Prawns.

Li Sui was about to ask how she knew, but then she realized someone as sharp as Bai Shuyi could easily tell the difference between Auntie Zhang’s professional touch and her own amateur cooking.

She gave a sheepish laugh. “Was it… not very good?”

“It’s delicious,” Bai Shuyi said after a sip of the mushroom soup. Her tone was light. “Is there anything you particularly like to eat? You can try my cooking tonight.”

“I like spicy food, and I’m not a picky eater,” Li Sui told her, listing some of her favorites and a few dislikes. “I’m not a fan of cilantro, leeks, celery, or organ meats, but everything else is fine.”

Bai Shuyi laughed. “We actually have very similar tastes then.”

“That’s good,” Li Sui said, her legs swinging happily under the chair. It’s nice when you can enjoy the same meals.

Meanwhile, news of Li Sui’s visit was already spreading through the law firm’s internal chat groups. When Secretary Li had first announced Bai Shuyi’s marriage, she had handed out wedding candies and afternoon tea to everyone, leaving everyone curious about the mysterious spouse.

Someone had managed to snap a candid photo of Li Sui’s profile and shared it in the group, sparking an immediate frenzy.

[Why is it just a side profile? Does anyone have a front-facing shot?]

[Wow, she brought ‘love lunch.’ Lawyer Bai is so lucky!]

[She looks so young. And look at that outfit! Does anyone have a link for that dress?]

[Haha, always the one asking for links.]

[I said hi to her! She’s gorgeous and has such a sweet voice~]

[@AssistantWu, tell us! Who is she?]

The consensus was clear: even from a side profile, she was a beauty. It seemed only natural that a beauty like Bai Shuyi would be with someone equally stunning.

Li Sui had no idea she was the talk of the firm. After finishing her lunch, she felt a wave of lethargy. She curled up on the sofa, resting her chin on her hand as she watched Bai Shuyi. Bai Shuyi ate with an effortless grace, moving with a calm poise that made even a simple meal look like a refined event.

Once finished, Bai Shuyi cleared the table. “Want a tour of the office?”

“I should probably go,” Li Sui said, remembering the unfinished meeting. “You should rest. I’ll head back now.”

Bai Shuyi stood up. “I’ll walk you down.”

“It’s only a few steps, you stay and get back to work,” Li Sui insisted, picking up the lunchboxes.

Bai Shuyi didn’t push it, but added, “Text me when you get home.”

“Will do.” Li Sui hurried out, feeling that if she stayed any longer, Bai Shuyi might just follow her all the way back.

However, Li Sui didn’t go straight home. She drove to a well-known dessert shop. At 2:30 PM, she had an appointment to discuss something important.

Su Tan had been at the hospital with her grandmother for days and had finally been given permission by her mother to take a breather. After spending the morning taking wedding photos with Liang Xiaona, she had a sudden craving for sweets.

The two of them walked into the dessert shop. Liang Xiaona was suffering from severe insomnia and was exhausted after a morning of outdoor shooting, but she forced herself to keep up a cheerful front for Su Tan’s sake.

“I’m so glad Grandma is okay,” Su Tan said, clinging to Liang Xiaona’s arm. “I heard this place has a new seasonal dessert. Honey, we have to take lots of photos later.”

As Liang Xiaona listened, a memory flickered in her mind. Li Sui loved desserts. Once, Li Sui had come to her with a homemade cake, beaming because she had made a little extra money and wanted to celebrate. But back then, Liang Xiaona had been so stressed about her graduation thesis that she had knocked the cake over in a fit of rage…

“Honey?” Su Tan’s voice sharpened when she realized Liang Xiaona was miles away. “Are you even listening?”

Liang Xiaona felt a sharp pang in her chest. “Sorry. Yes, let’s do exactly what you said.”

Su Tan smiled and began ordering at the counter. Liang Xiaona scanned the room idly until her eyes landed on a familiar profile. Her smile instantly vanished.

Is that Li Sui?

In a quiet corner, Li Sui was chatting and laughing with a short-haired woman. The woman looked young and sharp, wearing an expensive little black dress. She carried a powerful aura, but the way she looked at Li Sui was undeniably fond.

They seemed very close, their heads leaning in together as they talked. Because they were far away, Liang Xiaona couldn’t hear them, but the intimacy of the scene felt like a thorn in her side.

Who is she? Liang Xiaona wondered, a bitter resentment bubbling up. Is this the person Li Sui married? Someone like that?

Li Sui felt a prickle on the back of her neck, as if someone was watching her. It was an uncomfortable sensation. She glanced around subtly but didn’t see anyone suspicious.

“Strange,” she muttered.

“What’s wrong?” Qiao Zui asked, following her gaze. “Is something the matter?”

“Nothing,” Li Sui said, snapping back to the conversation. “Sorry, Qiao Zui, where were we?”

Qiao Zui had recognized her on the messaging app recently and suggested a meeting now that she was back in the country. Li Sui, knowing she needed Qiao Zui’s help, had offered to host a welcome-back dinner.

“I sent you the email,” Qiao Zui said with a mysterious smile. “I managed to track the old IP locations for ‘No Regrets.’ They spent time in Lujima and Gan-Du. Right before the account was deleted, they were in Gan-Du. Also, records show they participated in a professional Go tournament and ranked in the top 100 that year. I’ll need a bit more time for the specifics, but I’ll find them.”

Li Sui took a bite of fruit. “The fact that you found this much is incredible.” It had been ten years; without Qiao Zui’s skills, she would have reached a dead end.

Sensing the atmosphere was right, Li Sui asked about Qiao Zui’s plans now that she was back. A shadow of sadness crossed Qiao Zui’s face. “My grandmother is seriously ill. I came back to spend time with her.”

“I’m so sorry,” Li Sui said softly. “I hope she pulls through.”

“What about you?” Qiao Zui asked. “You mentioned you got married. Have you set a date for the wedding?”

Li Sui pulled a wedding invitation from her bag and handed it over with a smile. “Yes, I’d love for you to come.”

Qiao Zui opened the invitation, her eyes widening as she read the name. “Bai Shuyi?”

“You know her?” Li Sui asked, surprised by the reaction.

Qiao Zui hesitated. “With your skills, you probably know who she is,” Li Sui added modestly. “She’s from the Bai family here in Gan-Du. We just moved into a new place; you should come over sometime.”

“Sure,” Qiao Zui said with a faint smile. She hadn’t expected Bai Shuyi to be the one Li Sui married. She definitely owed them a congratulatory visit.

From across the room, Liang Xiaona watched them, her heart twisting. The fact that Li Sui would choose someone else—anyone else—over her felt like a personal insult. She remembered the slap Li Sui had given her. One day, she thought, I’ll pay her back for that.

Su Tan, oblivious, kept talking about wedding rings until she noticed Liang Xiaona’s silence. “Honey? Are you okay? You look exhausted.”

“I’m fine,” Liang Xiaona lied. “Just thinking about work.”

“Well, the wedding is coming up. You should just take your annual leave,” Su Tan said dismissively. She didn’t care much for corporate life; her mother handled the business. She went back to discussing ring styles.

“I need to use the restroom,” Liang Xiaona said, standing up.

Su Tan didn’t think much of it until she almost spilled her drink on herself. When she went to the counter for napkins, she noticed Liang Xiaona standing by the door, staring at the retreating backs of two women.

A flicker of suspicion crossed Su Tan’s mind. She stepped up beside her. “What are you looking at?”

Liang Xiaona turned, her expression perfectly masked. “Just that Sichuan restaurant across the street. Didn’t you say you wanted Sichuan food?”

“I’m not in the mood for it now,” Su Tan said, sensing a lie. “Tell me the truth. You’ve been acting strange all day. Are you hiding something?”

Knowing Su Tan’s temper was flaring, Liang Xiaona raised her hand. “I swear, I’m not hiding anything. If I were—”

“Fine, fine. I was just asking,” Su Tan interrupted, her irritation cooling. She took Liang Xiaona’s hand and pulled her back toward their table. “I just thought maybe you knew those two women.”

“How could I know them?” Liang Xiaona said indifferently.

But internally, she was on high alert. With Su Tan’s grandmother ill and her mother beginning to trust her more, the last thing she needed was for Su Tan to find out she was still obsessed with Li Sui.

Back at the table, Su Tan’s insecurity flared again. “Tell me… you’ve really cut ties with all your exes, right?”

“Sweetheart, completely,” Liang Xiaona said, sounding almost amused by the question. “I only love you. If I’ve made you feel insecure, that’s my fault. I’m sorry.”

Su Tan preened under the attention. “Kiss me, and I’ll forgive you.” She pouted her lips expectantly.

After Bai Shuyi left work early, the law firm’s chat groups buzzed again. The legendary workaholic, who usually volunteered to work through the holidays, had now left early for two weeks straight. Marriage really did change a person.

The staff were grateful to their unseen “boss’s wife,” Li Sui. Without the boss hovering, everyone could actually leave on time. Secretary Li was happy too, clocking out early to enjoy her evening.

As for Bai Shuyi, she arrived home to find her mother playing with the cats while the two grandmothers chatted on the sofa. Li Sui was nowhere to be seen. After greeting the elders, Bai Shuyi headed to the kitchen.

Bai Zhilan was pleased to see her daughter home so early. Before the marriage, she had to chase Bai Shuyi just to get a word in. Now, Bai Shuyi seemed much more grounded and less distant.

“Another cake?” Bai Zhilan asked, following her into the kitchen. “What flavor today?”

“Strawberry,” Bai Shuyi said as she changed into her slippers. “Is she in the study?”

She knew Li Sui’s routine by now. Li Sui usually slept in, worked in her study, and spent the rest of her time snacking, playing with the cats, or cleaning their litter box. She wasn’t much for going out unless necessary.

“She’s been up there for a while,” Bai Zhilan said softly. “Call her down when dinner is ready.”

“I’m going to change first,” Bai Shuyi said. She had promised Li Sui a home-cooked meal tonight and had several spicy recipes in mind.

But when she came back downstairs in her loungewear, she saw her mother and the two grandmothers dressed to go out.

“We’re going to head out for a bit and grab dinner,” Bai Zhilan said, clearly intent on giving the young couple some space. As she walked out the door, she added pointedly, “Don’t bother waiting up for us.”

Bai Shuyi didn’t ask questions. She watched them drive away before heading to the kitchen to prep the ingredients.

In the study, Li Sui suddenly let out a string of sneezes. A chill seemed to be creeping into the room, despite the windows being shut tight. She pulled on a cardigan and went back to her drawings.

If she finished this week’s update today, she could take a few days off before her business trip next month. It was winter now, and she wanted to get everything settled before the end of the year.

She set down her stylus and checked the news. The “Matcha Cake” incident was already starting to stir up a conversation online. Tan Xiao had told her they would be following it closely; no doubt Li Sui’s own studio was helping push the story along.

Feeling a sudden wave of irritability and exhaustion, Li Sui found it hard to focus. Her energy felt drained, and a dull ache was growing in her abdomen. It was only the third day of her period; it usually wasn’t this painful.

She desperately wanted to sleep, but the manuscript was almost finished. She forced herself to keep going, swallowed a painkiller with some water, and pushed through. After finishing the final panel, she sent the file to her assistant, Wen Wen.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound at the door was perfectly timed. Li Sui stood up, her head feeling heavy and light all at once. Bai Shuyi was waiting outside.

“Dinner’s ready,” Bai Shuyi said. She immediately noticed Li Sui’s pale face and furrowed brow. “You look terrible. What’s wrong?”

“I… achoo!” Li Sui sneezed before she could finish.

“A cold?” Bai Shuyi’s expression darkened. She reached out and touched Li Sui’s forehead. “You’re burning up. Can you make it? I’ll take you to the hospital.”

“No hospital,” Li Sui protested instinctively, shaking her head. “It’s just a cold. I already took some medicine. I just want to sleep.”

Is she afraid of hospitals? Bai Shuyi wondered. Seeing how small and vulnerable she looked, she softened her tone. “At least eat something first, then you can sleep.”

“Okay,” Li Sui agreed with a weak smile. She didn’t want Bai Shuyi to worry, but she also hated being a burden when she was sick.

At the table, Li Sui realized Bai Shuyi really had cooked. The table was covered in spicy dishes—even the air smelled of chili.

Bai Shuyi looked embarrassed. “You can’t eat this. I’ll make you something else, something plain.”

“Don’t bother,” Li Sui said, feeling too tired to eat much. “I’ll just have some soup.”

Luckily, there was some black chicken soup simmering on the stove. Li Sui managed to finish a bowl of the clear, refreshing broth. Under Bai Shuyi’s watchful eye, she took some cold medicine and shuffled back upstairs.

After a quick, hot shower, she climbed into bed and fell into a deep, heavy sleep.

But sleep brought no peace. Li Sui drifted into a long, agonizing dream that took her back to the darkest parts of her childhood.

She saw furniture smashed to pieces, a chaotic mess. Su Youwei, the monster, was drunk and cursing. He grabbed her mother by the hair and dragged her toward the bathroom. As the door slammed shut, the screams began.

The young Li Sui hammered on the door, sobbing, trying desperately to stop him. But the sounds of the beating and the shouting never stopped. It wasn’t until a lawyer arrived and broke down the door that things changed.

That was the moment her life had begun to see the light. But her mother hadn’t survived that winter. Her final words were a plea for Li Sui to live a good life—and never to fall in love with a man.

The dream shifted. Su Youwei had escaped from prison and was coming for her with a kitchen knife. She ran, her heart hammering against her ribs, but she was running into a pitch-black void. The silence was terrifying, amplified by the sound of her own ragged breathing.

She felt like he was going to leap out of the shadows at any moment. Just as the panic became suffocating, she heard a voice calling her name.

It was a familiar voice. She knew she had heard it before, but she couldn’t place it.

Bai Shuyi, who had been staying by Li Sui’s side, heard her whimpering and thrashing in her sleep. Terrified, she shook her awake.

“Sui Sui?”

“Wake up. It’s just a dream.”

Li Sui’s eyes snapped open. She was gasping for air, her face pale with terror.

“Was it a nightmare? Are you okay?”

Hearing that familiar voice, Li Sui finally realized where she was. Seeing Bai Shuyi beside her, she followed her instincts and threw herself into Bai Shuyi’s arms, clinging to her tightly.

“Sister… I’m so scared…”

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