Bowing to Arranged Marriage [Rebirth] - Chapter 6

“How did you get here?” Zheng Xiyun knew Kang Minghong had always been extremely busy.

Kang Minghong was a high-level manager hired by the company’s board at a premium salary, and Zheng Xiyun greatly admired him. When he first joined the company, Kang kept a low profile, but his decisive and efficient work style quickly earned him a formidable reputation. Later, his handsome looks made him the company’s most eligible bachelor.

When this “diamond” confessed his feelings to her, Zheng Xiyun didn’t feel anything particularly special. After all, she had received countless confessions since childhood. With her focus primarily on the company, she rejected Kang Minghong. To her surprise, he wasn’t discouraged. Instead, he continued to quietly and subtly show her kindness.

What ultimately led Zheng Xiyun to accept Kang Minghong wasn’t genuine affection on her part, but the mounting pressure from the Mu and Zheng families’ arranged marriage alliance. In the end, she simply agreed to Kang’s pursuit.

The Mu family was furious over this and might have taken drastic measures if not for the intervention of the mysterious eldest daughter of the Mu household. Still, Kang Minghong’s career suffered as a result. The Zheng family strongly demanded that Zheng Xiyun break up with him, but how could she comply with their wishes? Instead, she and Kang Minghong strategized and secured a crucial project in Shanghai, sending him there to manage it.

The project tied up half of the company’s capital, leaving the board too cautious to act recklessly for fear of losing everything. Meanwhile, the Mu family was appeased through careful maneuvering, finally easing some of the pressure on Kang Minghong though his workload undoubtedly increased as a result.

Zheng Xiyun hadn’t expected Kang Minghong to find the time to come to Beijing to see her amid such a busy schedule.

Kang Minghong gave a bitter, aggrieved smile. “My girlfriend abandons me in Shanghai without a second thought. Shouldn’t I come back to Beijing and check if some vixen is causing trouble?”

Zheng Xiyun knew he was joking. Accepting the flowers and gifts he handed her, she smiled faintly. “Is the Shanghai project progressing smoothly?”

“It is, especially now that the Mu family isn’t interfering,” Kang Minghong replied. “But I’ve heard recently that the Mu family’s eldest daughter has run away from home. I wonder if they’ll take their anger out on you.”

Zheng Xiyun scoffed. “It’s truly baffling. If their precious daughter really has such terrible luck, they should just keep her locked up at home where they can watch her every move. With the Mu family’s resources, how could anything possibly happen to her then? But instead, they insist on believing in these ridiculous superstitions. Who knows what they’re thinking?”

Kang Minghong gently soothed her. “Don’t get worked up. The Mu family has always been secretive. No one can guess their motives. But look at it this way: if their daughter really dies outside, wouldn’t that mean they’d stop pestering you? You’d finally have some peace.”

“Who knows? What if they demand I be buried with her?”  The words slipped out as a careless joke, but Zheng Xiyun suddenly froze mid-sentence. A thought struck her.

In the week before her rebirth, the Mu family had pressured her relentlessly, nearly resorting to kidnapping to force her into a wedding with their eldest daughter; only prevented because the girl had been hospitalized with severe injuries.

Could her death have been the Mu family’s revenge? If she refused the arranged marriage, had they decided she didn’t deserve to live at all?

“Xiyun?” Kang Minghong’s concerned voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

The fear in Zheng Xiyun’s heart had yet to dissipate. She looked up at Kang Minghong with a pale face.

This fragile side of her was rarely seen. Kang Minghong gazed at her with heartache, reaching out to feel her forehead. “What’s on your mind? Why did you suddenly become like this?”

Zheng Xiyun shook her head, removing his hand from her forehead, and leaned back in her chair, trying desperately to calm her agitated heart.

Memories from her past life and the changes in this one surged relentlessly in her mind. She gently massaged her temples as a throbbing pain pulsed at her forehead.

Kang Minghong walked over and helped her up. “Let’s go home and rest first. I’ll take you back.”

Once in the car, Zheng Xiyun gradually regained her composure. Watching the speeding traffic outside the window, her gaze grew increasingly resolute. No matter who it was whether the Mu family or the Zheng family nothing would stop her from reclaiming the company.

After dropping her off at her apartment, Kang Minghong left as politely as ever. Zheng Xiyun had no intention of returning to the family estate and settled in for some rest at her apartment.

A week later, Zheng Xiyun finally selected an investment project. The proposal looked excellent on paper; only a seasoned investment analyst might spot its flaws. She had decided on it at first glance, partly due to her sharpened instincts from years of investing, and partly because she had never heard of this company’s products in her past life, confirming that the project wasn’t as promising as it appeared.

Yet, this was precisely the kind of project Zheng Xiyun needed. One that appeared dazzling on the surface to lure out those lurking in the shadows. Even if it failed, she wouldn’t regret it.

Since she was setting a trap, Zheng Xiyun intended to make a big splash. Coincidentally, Lawyer Luo called to inform her that the will had been finalized. All that remained was for her and the beneficiary to sign the contract and have it notarized.

A smile curled on Zheng Xiyun’s lips, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes.

That evening, back at the family estate, Zheng Xiyun mentioned over dinner, “I’ll be traveling for work tomorrow. The CEO of the personal care products company we’re finalizing a deal with will be visiting our offices. Dad, you should handle the reception.”

It was rare for Zheng Jiangling to take over a project from Zheng Xiyun, and he agreed immediately.

Noticing that Zhang Meiyan and Zheng Yoaquin seemed indifferent, Zheng Xiyun continued, “This investment won’t be small. I’ve reviewed the proposal. If executed well, it could rival the Shanghai project, but at a fraction of the cost. Their visit is ostensibly a tour, but in reality, they’re assessing our sincerity. This project is highly sought after. If we miss it, who knows when we’ll find another opportunity like this?”

Sure enough, Zhang Meiyan and Zheng Yoaquin’s eyes lit up at her words. Zheng Xiyun stopped there, careful not to arouse Zhang Meiyan’s suspicion.

Later, she left the scheming trio behind and headed to Su Zhou. This time by plane.

Two months had passed since her rebirth. What had been late summer was now deep autumn. Zheng Xiyun wore a stylish long cardigan over a simple white cotton blouse and jeans. Though the sweater concealed her curves, it couldn’t hide her graceful figure and poised demeanor.

With sunglasses on and her chest-length, softly curled hair gleaming, she carried a handbag through the airport, drawing frequent glances. Some even wondered if she was a celebrity.

Zheng Xiyun had no interest in the attention from these people, but the text message from Zhang Yi caught her eye.

“Xiyun, I heard your fiancée got scammed into a pyramid scheme while running away from home!”

Zheng Xiyun burst into laughter, her lips curving into a charming smile. She removed her sunglasses and placed her phone and handbag into the security tray for inspection. Once cleared, she picked up her phone and headed toward the boarding gate while calling Zhang Yi, her tone light and cheerful, reflecting her good mood. “Where did you hear such gossip?”

Zhang Yi replied, “Oh, it’s just circulating in our circle. If this hadn’t happened to the Mu family, it would’ve spread much sooner. I heard the Mu family has already started cracking down on the pyramid scheme, planning to wipe it out completely. It’s practically doing the country a favor.”

Zheng Xiyun chuckled. “Wasn’t that young lady brainwashed by the scheme?”

Zhang Yi teased, “How would I know? Why don’t you go ask the Mu family as her fiancée? Give us some juicy gossip. But I’d advise against using that gloating tone of yours. Unless you want to be torn apart by your fiancée’s family in seconds.”

Zheng Xiyun sighed. “Can you stop calling her my fiancée? Doesn’t it sound awkward to you? We have nothing to do with each other.”

“You never know,” Zhang Yi joked. “It’s been so long, and even though you’ve dated others, the Mu family hasn’t let go. I think you’ll eventually cave to this arranged marriage.”

“Absolutely not!” Zheng Xiyun said firmly. “I’m about to board. Talk later.”

Only then did Zhang Yi say goodbye.

The process of drafting her will went surprisingly smoothly. Luo Xiaoli had found an international charity organization, which not only boosted her public image but also ensured the charity wouldn’t resort to extreme measures to hasten the inheritance.

After signing the agreement, it was time for media interviews. Zheng Xiyun still wore that simple white cotton blouse, yet it looked stunning on her. With light makeup and a serene, elegant smile, she faced the reporters.

“Miss Zheng, may we ask why someone as young as you has already prepared a will?” This was undoubtedly the question on every journalist’s mind. A young woman in the prime of her life, with her father still alive, unmarried and childless, had not only drafted a will but also pledged her entire estate to charity; such sensational news was a goldmine for the media and audiences alike.

Zheng Xiyun maintained her poised smile. “This wealth wasn’t earned by me but inherited from my mother and maternal grandparents. Before her passing, my mother had proposed this plan, and after discussing it with my father and me, we agreed. Unfortunately, she passed away suddenly before the changes could be made, so the inheritance went entirely to me. Now, I’m simply fulfilling her wishes.”

To the uninformed, it was just an interesting story. But to those in the know, her words caused an uproar. Why had the inheritance bypassed her husband and gone entirely to their daughter? Why had Zheng Jiangling agreed to let his wife leave everything to charity? Zheng Xiyun’s statement sent shockwaves through the Zheng family back in Beijing, while the mastermind behind it all lounged in her hotel room, happily chatting on the phone.

“Your uncle and your father had a huge fight at the company,” Yu Xiaxi gloated. “Your uncle demanded that your father reclaim the company shares at all costs. No way they’ll let a charity reap the benefits after you’re gone.”

Zheng Xiyun lounged lazily on the hotel sofa, leisurely sipping a glass of red wine, exuding an air of languid ease. “Let them stir up trouble. I’ve already signed the agreement. If they have the guts, they can kill me and lose everything.”

But Zheng Xiyun was certain no one in the Zheng family would take such a risk. With nearly half the company’s shares at stake, who would dare kill her and let a charity take control?

After hanging up the phone, her boyfriend called, also about the inheritance.

“Why the sudden thought of writing a will?” His voice was indulgent and affectionate. “Don’t you want to live a long life?”

Zheng Xiyun replied, “Who can predict what tomorrow brings? Besides, the inheritance won’t take effect unless I die.”

“What if we have children in the future?” Kang Minghong’s voice carried an intimate, suggestive tone.

Zheng Xiyun took a sip of wine, unmoved by his words. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there. Wills can be changed, can’t they?”

She had no plans to marry or have children anytime soon. If she couldn’t even guarantee her own safety, how could she ensure a child’s?

“True, and it can’t just be your effort alone!” Kang Minghong continued flirtatiously.

Just then, Zheng Xiyun heard a text notification. Thinking it might be Zhang Yi, she quickly ended the call with Kang Minghong. To her surprise, it was from that familiar yet unknown number.

“Yunyun! I’ve returned the money! Easy come, easy go. Next time won’t be hard!”

Zheng Xiyun laughed in exasperation. “You’ve got some nerve.”

Mu Qing didn’t reply but instead called directly. Zheng Xiyun frowned at the flashing number and decisively hung up.

She was sure Mu Qing wouldn’t give up so easily. Sure enough, another text arrived: “Seems money is the only thing that connects us. I’ll borrow from you again next time.”

What a lunatic, Zheng Xiyun thought to herself, yet she couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity about Mu Qing.