After the Bankrupt Heiress Married into a Rich Family - Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Surprisingly, it carried a bit of a flirtatious undertone.

April 4th, Qingming Festival.

Rong Zhao and her family were scheduled to head up the mountain early this morning. After finishing work yesterday, she flew directly to Suna City in Hechong Province. They stayed overnight in the city, planning to head to Wanxia Mountain in Zhanlu Village at dawn. Afterward, Rong Zhao would spend some time wandering around the area with her family before flying back on the 6th.

With Rong Zhao away, Mingzhu stayed up late researching everything about Rong Zhao’s ancestral home—from the province to the city, the village, and the mountain. She studied every detail, only falling asleep at three in the morning.

She did this because she had to be a “good daughter-in-law.” If she ever chatted with the Rong grandparents or outsiders and knew nothing, Rong Zhao would have to cover for her. But if she was well-informed, Rong Zhao would see her as the perfect candidate for the role of “Mrs. Rong.” Not only could she secure her status, but she might even coax a little reward out of Rong Zhao.

It was past ten when Mingzhu woke up. She hugged her blanket, unwilling to move. Since Rong Zhao wasn’t home, she was only wearing a short silk camisole and underwear. Her left leg, white and slender, rested over the duvet; she loved outdoor sports, so her core was strong and her calf lines were exceptionally beautiful.

Suddenly, Mingzhu’s toes curled, and her brow furrowed.

On past Qingming Festivals, even if she couldn’t fly back from abroad, she would always call her parents. Her paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather had passed away; her grandfather had found a new partner, and her grandmother lived year-round with her uncle. She wasn’t close to them anymore, but she understood her father’s longing for his mother and her mother’s for hers. She would always say something warm to comfort them.

Have Mom and Dad returned from Nan’yu City? Did they take Qin Yining to see the elders? Would Qin Yining stay in Jiangyue City for a few more days to change her surname back to Bai?

Mingzhu abruptly sat up, grabbed a tissue from the nightstand, and pressed it against her eyes, scolding herself: “So pathetic…”

When Rong Zhao was home, she didn’t dare think about these things. She was afraid of her eyes getting puffy, afraid of Rong Zhao noticing, and afraid that Rong Zhao would think she was weak or a crybaby. She was even afraid Rong Zhao would find her annoying; they had only been married for half a month, and there were thirty-five months left to go.

If her emotions were too negative, a partner who had no feelings for her might feel pity at first, but would eventually grow irritated. She couldn’t afford to be an eyesore to Rong Zhao.

Since Rong Zhao wasn’t home, she had to process this on her own.

Mingzhu went to the bathroom, draped a towel over her neck, and sat in the bathtub scrolling through her phone. Her finger hovered over the group chat “Apple of My Eye.” As the water rose from her ankles to her shoulders, she finally bit her lip and tapped it.

If she didn’t face it, she would never move on, and neither would her parents.

Her parents had sent countless messages. Scrolling up to the first unread one, Mingzhu saw the opening line: “Baby, Mom and Dad love you.” Tears instantly poured down, blurring her vision. She hunched her shoulders, her body trembling with sobs.

Ms. Mianmian: “Baby, Mom and Dad love you. We will always love you. Please don’t hate us, don’t resent us, and don’t distance yourself from us, okay?”

Ms. Mianmian: “Baby, we are greedy; we want both of you. The police said Yining was born a minute earlier than you. In our eyes, you are twin sisters. You are our precious daughter. We went to Nan’yu to pick up your sister and discuss things with the Qin family to let you stay by our side.”

Mr. Linlin: “Daughter, in our eyes, you and Yining are equally important. I won’t allow you to think for another second that you aren’t ours. The car, the house, the beautiful clothes and jewelry we bought you—all of it belongs to you. You are not allowed to give them back.”

Mr. Linlin: “Stay at Mingyue’s house and behave. Don’t be naughty. Wait for us to come back.”

Ms. Mianmian: “Baby, what delicious food did you eat at Mingyue’s today?”

Mr. Linlin: “Don’t stay up late, daughter. It ruins your beauty.”

Her parents messaged her every day, telling her they loved her and asking her to wait for their return. They asked if she was eating and sleeping well. Even though she didn’t reply, the messages never stopped.

Mingzhu pressed the wet towel firmly against her eyes with trembling palms. Painful, broken whimpers escaped her throat—like a wounded wolf cub separated from its pack, huddling alone in grief.

Auntie Guan saw that it was nearly eleven. Before Miss Rong left, she had instructed her to take good care of the Young Madam, especially to ensure she ate on time. But it was almost noon, and the Young Madam still hadn’t emerged.

Auntie Guan walked softly to the bedroom door for the third time. She tried the handle, but it was still locked—the Young Madam’s way of saying she didn’t want to be disturbed. Helplessly, Auntie Guan waited by the door. She didn’t want to send a WeChat message; if the Young Madam was sleeping, the notification would be intrusive.

Just then, a message from Miss Rong popped up.

Rong Zhao: “What is Mingzhu doing?”

Without even a question mark, the text made Auntie Guan imagine Miss Rong sitting in a car with a stoic expression, the atmosphere inside the vehicle so tense that even the driver would be afraid to adjust the temperature.

Auntie Guan replied: “The Young Madam hasn’t gotten up yet…”

Rong Zhao: “She hasn’t had breakfast yet?”

This time there was a question mark, and one could practically feel Miss Rong’s brow furrowing.

Auntie Guan: “Yes… the door is closed, so I didn’t dare knock.”

After a moment, a line of text appeared, sounding almost like a compromise: “Understood. No need to wake her. Just coax her to eat when she comes out. Thank you for your hard work, Auntie Guan.”

Auntie Guan’s shoulders relaxed: “It’s no trouble. I’ll make sure she eats well. Please remember to eat on time too, Miss.”

Rong Zhao didn’t reply further, and Auntie Guan stepped downstairs. She had already lost the trust of the elder Mr. and Mrs. Rong by not mentioning that Mingzhu was living here or that they had registered their marriage. Now, she couldn’t even manage the Young Madam’s meals. Although Rong Zhao wouldn’t blame her, she felt a sense of self-reproach.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated again. It was another message from Miss Rong.

Rong Zhao: “Just do your best to take care of Mingzhu. There’s no need for self-reproach.”

Auntie Guan’s anxious heart was instantly soothed. Miss Rong truly was cold on the outside but warm on the inside; her heart was softer and more delicate than anyone’s, quietly caring for those around her. No wonder the Young Madam was always so cheerful around her, never fearing Miss Rong’s cold face.

After a long cry, Mingzhu’s emotions stabilized slightly. She washed her face and continued reading her parents’ messages.

Ms. Mianmian: “Your Auntie Ji called to comfort me, and your Uncle Rong called your dad. But it seems they don’t know about you and Mingyue registering. We figured you two have your own plans, so we didn’t bring it up. Are you two doing okay?”

Mr. Linlin: “Daughter, never let yourself be mistreated. If you are, tell us immediately.”

Ms. Mianmian: “Baby, can you please reply to just one message?”

Ms. Mianmian: “Good morning, baby. I received a call from Mingyue today. She told us that you aren’t replying for our own good. She said that if we are good to Yining while constantly worrying about you, Yining—given her background—will be very sensitive. She’ll feel that we aren’t giving her our whole hearts and might be disappointed. She said you want us to get closer to Yining as quickly as possible and earn her trust. Is that true?”

Ms. Mianmian: “Mingyue told us not to be sad about you not replying and not to think you are heartless. Baby, we never thought that. We just thought you couldn’t accept it and were very worried about you.”

Ms. Mianmian: “We really didn’t think that far ahead until Mingyue told us. Now we understand you are doing this for us. You will always be our precious baby. When we get back, we will definitely resolve this together. Don’t worry.”

Mingzhu stared at the screen, stunned. She forgot to blink; even the water in the tub remained perfectly still.

Rong Zhao called my mom and said those things? How did she know that’s what I was thinking? How could she?

She was indeed thinking that way. She felt her parents were being too idealistic. She had “stolen” Qin Yining’s life and the love of her parents; if she didn’t cut ties cleanly, how could Qin Yining ever be willing to come home?

If she had grown up in an abusive household, she would be sensitive too. If a happy biological family suddenly appeared, she would doubt if they truly loved her. She would need proof. Otherwise, she would rather live alone than open her heart only to be disappointed again.

For her parents to have a real relationship with their biological daughter, they needed to distance themselves from their foster daughter first. Mingzhu had made the heartless decision to cut those ties herself.

But how did Rong Zhao know? Rong Zhao, truly a mastermind.

Mingzhu wasn’t ungrateful; she knew she should thank Rong Zhao. Yet, at the same time, a little spark of rivalry—one she’d had since childhood—flared up. In school, Rong Zhao always outranked her in exams. Now, even in marriage, Rong Zhao could see through her thoughts and overshadow her. She always wanted to surpass Rong Zhao, but she didn’t even seem to have the ability to stand as her equal. Does she see me as just a fragile, crying idiot?

“An idiot then,” Mingzhu thought, her mood shifting quickly. She splashed around in the tub, accidentally getting wet hair plastered across her face. She brushed it away and sent a message.

Mingzhu: “Rongrong, have you finished the ancestral rites? Are the elders tired?”

Regardless of whether the elders were there, she had to play the part.

Rong Zhao: “Why aren’t you asking if I’m tired?”

Rong Zhao replied quickly, and surprisingly, it carried a bit of a flirtatious undertone.

Mingzhu guessed her mother might be nearby and played along with a cheesy reply: “I have to ask about the elders first, then you. Is my baby tired?”

It took a while for the next reply, leaving it unclear if Rong Zhao was busy.

Rong Zhao: “Everyone is fine. Are you up and eating?”

Mingzhu continued: “Of course I’m up and eating! Also, please thank your parents for me for comforting my mom and dad. When they get back, I’ll visit them often [Rose]. Baby, make sure you eat on time too [Kiss].”

The peak of Wanxia Mountain was majestic, offering a breathtaking view. Many people were there for the spring outing—taking photos, chatting, and enjoying the air.

The Rong family had finished the rites and diverted to the summit for a brief rest. They gathered in the southeast corner where the driver had set up folding chairs. Everyone had a cup of warm tea. Rong Zhao, wearing a sun hat and sunglasses, sat next to Ji Yue, checking her phone.

The mountain wind was strong, messing up the ends of her hair, but she sat still, letting it fly without even raising a hand to smooth it. Her gaze lingered on the word “Baby” for a long time. She took a slow, deep breath and moved on to the part about thanking her parents.

Ji Yue didn’t look at her daughter’s phone. As someone who had been through it, she knew how “sticky” a honeymoon period could be. She wouldn’t intrude on their private chat. Instead, she watched Gu Wenxiu, the Third Aunt, who was nodding off. Seizing the moment, Ji Yue raised her voice: “Wenxiu, if you’re sleepy, why don’t you go sleep in the car? That hotel last night was terrible, giving you such a non-soundproof room. You didn’t get any rest; we should really have a word with the manager when we get back.”

Gu Wenxiu’s head snapped up. Woken so abruptly, she grit her teeth in frustration but forced a weak smile: “It’s fine, Sister-in-law. It was just another guest watching TV loudly; it wasn’t the manager’s fault.”

The hotel had been booked by the grandfather’s butler. How was it that everyone else slept fine except her? Ji Yue was famously protective; she must be getting back at her for those comments she made to Bai Mingzhu!

Ji Yue swung her legs with a smile. Now that Mingzhu and Rong Zhao were married, they would be spending a lot of time together. If she didn’t teach the Third Aunt to keep her mouth shut, who knew how she might bully her daughter-in-law next?

Rong Zhao knew what her mother was doing and patted her back with a hidden smile behind her sunglasses.

Ji Yue noticed Rong Zhao put her phone away and leaned in, whispering: “The pressure you’re putting on the Wan family… that’s enough. Send some tea to Wan Teng. Otherwise, the old man will lose face, and if his family holds a grudge, it might cause trouble for Mingzhu.”

Rong Zhao: “I’ve already had Secretary Qian prepare the tea. It will be sent to her grandfather as soon as Wan Ling apologizes to Mingzhu.”

Ji Yue: “…” Fine, my brilliant daughter doesn’t need my reminders.

As Rong Zhao relayed Mingzhu’s thanks to her mother, her cousin, Rong Li, walked over. The Rong genes were strong; Rong Li shared some resemblance with Rong Zhao, but his features weren’t nearly as refined as hers. Even though he was dashing, he was far behind Rong Zhao in both looks and aura.

Rong Li’s tall shadow blocked the sun from Rong Zhao’s head. “I forgot to say congratulations, Mingyue. Happy wedding. I wish you a long and happy life together.”

Rong Zhao took off her sunglasses and looked up. Her gaze was as calm as still water. “Thanks, Brother.”

With that, she put her sunglasses back on. It was clearly a polite formality for the sake of the elders, nothing more.

Rong Li shrugged. Rong Zhao had been like this since they were kids; she only showed emotion during board meetings or arguments. He didn’t like this sister of his—always competing with him for the group’s succession. He didn’t understand why she bothered; even if she inherited it, who would she leave it to? She liked women and wouldn’t have children. It was a waste of effort. She should just take her dividends and be a socialite; as her brother, he would have provided for her.

Fine, let her struggle, he thought. I’ll just add some fuel to the fire and get them divorced. If her marriage is unstable, it might hit the stock price, and then she’ll lose her right to compete with me.

Rong Li smiled again: “When shall we arrange a dinner together?”

Rong Zhao spoke slowly, showing neither impatience nor warmth. “Mingzhu is sick and needs at least a week to recover. We’ll see how she is then.”

Rong Li: “Sure, just remember to invite me.”

Rong Zhao: “Mhm.”

After a few more words about Mingzhu, the grandparents chimed in with their concern. Once rested, the group headed back to the city. On the way to the airport, Rong Zhao sat in the car with her parents. As they neared the terminal, she spoke up: “Uncle Chen, take me to the airport. Mom, Dad, I’m heading back first.”

Ji Yue was startled: “Why so soon?”

Rong Zhao: “There’s something I need to handle.”

Mingzhu waking up late and not eating wasn’t due to laziness. It was because Mingzhu was taking advantage of her absence to process her emotions alone—she had been secretly crying. Mingzhu looked fearless, but she had her own vulnerabilities. Rong Zhao had to go back to her.

Even if Mingzhu didn’t “need” her, she would at least need her money.

At noon, Mingzhu opened her door and messaged Auntie Guan to bring her some food, then lay back on the bed with an eye mask, pretending to sleep. She was starving, especially after crying so much.

Auntie Guan brought the food up. As soon as she left, Mingzhu jumped up, locked the door, and ate. After eating her fill, she used the ice pack from the nightstand to soothe her puffy eyes. By the afternoon, they looked better, and she headed downstairs.

As soon as she reached the bottom, Auntie Guan met her with a willow branch. She pulled Mingzhu to the center of the red carpet and lightly brushed the branch around her. The branch was dripping with a bit of water, which fell onto the carpet.

Auntie Guan smiled: “Miss instructed me to sweep away the bad luck for the Young Madam.”

Mingzhu had noticed the staff changing how they addressed her a couple of days ago. They liked calling her “Young Madam,” and since Rong Zhao didn’t object, neither did she. It sounded “wealthy,” and she quite liked it.

But hearing Auntie Guan’s words, a faint spark of annoyance flickered in her heart. Rong Zhao must think I’m ‘unlucky’!

Rong Zhao was obedient at night—she’d agree to almost anything Mingzhu suggested. But during the day, she wore that face of disapproval. It was a good thing Rong Zhao wasn’t here, or Mingzhu would have given her a fierce glare.

Mingzhu muttered to herself but offered a smile to Auntie Guan, opening her arms: “Then sweep more, Auntie. Out with the bad, in with the good. Did you go to the rites today?”

Auntie Guan swept in circles, careful not to get too much water on Mingzhu’s clothes. “After getting married, I don’t need to go to my own family’s rites anymore, and my husband’s family doesn’t require women to go. The men went this morning.”

They chatted about Auntie Guan’s son—how old he was and what grade he was in—and eventually wandered into the garden. Mingzhu did some light stretches. Looking at the willow branches under the eaves, she asked: “I don’t see any willow trees in the yard. Did you go out to pick these?”

Auntie Guan: “Yes, we only have cherry trees here. Auntie Fan picked them outside this morning.”

Seeing the fallen cherry blossoms, Mingzhu asked: “Were these trees here before Rong Zhao moved in, or did she plant them herself?”

Auntie Guan said: “They were transplanted here before she returned. Miss said she liked cherry blossoms, so the family arranged it for her.”

Mingzhu nodded: “Rongrong is truly pampered.” Of course, she was pampered too, just in a different way.

Auntie Guan laughed: “You are pampered too, Miss Mingzhu.”

“What?”

As they spoke, the courtyard gate suddenly opened. A Rong-Tech car drove in smoothly. Mingzhu’s arms were still stretched over her head. As the car approached, her eyes widened in disbelief.

The car stopped, and Rong Zhao—wearing a white T-shirt and black pants—stepped out. She glanced at Mingzhu, who looked like she was surrendering, and walked to the trunk. She pulled out a large, heavy package and set it on the ground.

Mingzhu saw the picture on the box: a drone!

Mingzhu immediately ran toward her. She was wearing slippers and was so excited that one fell off; she hopped on one leg to put it back on, then continued running to throw herself at Rong Zhao’s back. The impact made Rong Zhao stumble forward. Mingzhu wrapped her arms tightly around Rong Zhao’s waist.

“Rongrong! Why are you back? You said you weren’t coming back until the day after tomorrow!”

Mingzhu’s voice was full of joy. She pressed her face against Rong Zhao’s hair, her eyes fixed on the box on the ground. She was so excited she wanted to unbox it right now—Rong Zhao had actually brought back the drone she wanted!

She loved filming—not acting, but scenery, people, documentaries, and vlogs. And for those, cinematic aerial shots were the perfect touch.

“There wasn’t much to do there, and my parents are with them. I had some things to handle here, so I came back early.”

Rong Zhao’s waist was very slender, leading into a beautiful curve—the kind of hourglass figure that was hidden by clothes but envied by many. Now, her waist was being squeezed even tighter by Mingzhu’s excited arms. Rong Zhao gently pulled Mingzhu’s hands away so she could breathe properly.

But Mingzhu misunderstood, thinking Rong Zhao was rejecting her hug. She pursed her lips, shot Rong Zhao a quick glare, and let go. Suddenly, Rong Zhao felt a chill and a sense of emptiness around her waist.

Rong Zhao turned to look at Mingzhu. She checked her eyes first—the redness and swelling were mostly gone; Auntie Guan probably hadn’t noticed.

“I happened to pass by and bought it. It’s the 8K full-frame one you mentioned. See if you like it,” Rong Zhao said casually.

To her surprise, Mingzhu—who had just been glaring at her—lunged again. This time it was a frontal hug, as she threw herself into Rong Zhao’s arms like a happy little bird.

“How could I not like it? Rongrong, you’re the best. I’m so lucky to be your Young Madam,” Mingzhu said, touched.

The set cost over 100,000 yuan. While that was pocket change to Rong Zhao, to Mingzhu right now, it was incredibly expensive. Even if they were just acting for the staff, she was genuinely moved. The sparks of irritation were gone, and her negative mood from earlier had vanished.

“So,” Rong Zhao looked down at her nonchalantly, “do you love me?”

“I do!” Mingzhu said without hesitation. She hugged her tighter. “I love you so much, Rongrong—” my wealthiest benefactor.

I’ll definitely take good care of Rongrong tonight!