chapter 3
chapter 3
I adapted quickly to my new job as the “biological heiress.”
In the original story, the old heroine was so jealous of Pei Nian that she dressed in gaudy clothes to outshine her, only to be mocked for looking tacky.
I had no need for that. I was here to work.
Every day, I wore sharply tailored business suits, kept my hair immaculate, and strode through the house like I owned the quarterly targets.
When I passed Pei Zhen, I said, “Good morning, Chairman Pei.”
When I passed Zhao Wan, I said, “Greetings, President Zhao.”
When I passed Pei Qingchuan, I said, “Good day, Young Master Pei.”
When I passed Pei Nian, I said, “Second Miss, your foundation is caking today. I recommend switching brands.”
Then the original novel’s male lead came to visit—my nominal fiancé, Shen Huaidu.
This arrogant heir to a wealthy dynasty was notorious for being impossible to tame.
He loved Pei Nian, but his grandfather insisted he marry the biological heiress. Naturally, he hated me.
“So you’re the one from the countryside?”
Shen Huaidu sneered down his nose at me.
“You do look a little like Uncle and Aunt Pei. Pity your manners are so poor.”
“Putting a dragon robe on a peasant doesn’t make him a prince. Don’t think coming back to the Peis makes you a phoenix.”
What painfully dated, second-rate dialogue.
I couldn’t be bothered with the idiot.
Pei Nian nestled against him, still misty-eyed.
“Huaidu, don’t talk about Big Sister like that. She’s already trying very hard. We shouldn’t mock her.”
“Nian, you’re far too kind.”
Shen Huaidu wrapped a protective arm around her, then glared viciously at me.
“I’m warning you: stay away from me. Don’t entertain any delusions. The only woman I’ll ever marry is Nian.”
Fine. I admit it. My tolerance for morons is zero.
I set down the tablet Pei Zhen had just given me. It contained the company’s financial statements.
After I had repeatedly demonstrated my value, he had finally agreed to let me handle a few peripheral operations at the Pei Group.
I treasured every chance to work, and this idiot was interfering with one.
“Young Master Shen, your engagement is a distressed asset with uncontrollable risk and negligible returns. I have no interest in assuming the liability.”
Shen Huaidu frowned.
“What did you call me? A distressed asset?”
“Aren’t you?”
I met his furious gaze.
“Poor emotional regulation. Inappropriate public behavior. A basic inability to show respect to potential partners, coupled with open personal attacks.”
“As a prospective spouse, you are profoundly underqualified.”
“You—”
Shen Huaidu shot to his feet, trying to intimidate me with his height.
“Stand still.”
My barked command stopped him on instinct.
“If you’re determined to play Pei Nian’s knight in shining armor, then show us you have the capital for the role.”
I swept a clinical gaze over him, sharp as an X-ray, and let it settle on his waist.
“Unbutton your shirt.”
Shen Huaidu stared, unable to understand how the conversation had taken such a turn.
“What?”
“What are you trying to do?”
“Get your filthy mind out of the gutter.”
I rolled my eyes.
“I’m performing quality control on the family’s future gene pool. The domineering-CEO market is oversaturated and fiercely competitive. Looks and physique are hard currency.”
“Nian is so delicate and lovely that she’ll attract admirers at every banquet.”
“If you don’t even have abs, how will you protect her? How will you qualify as a fashionable accessory she can take out in public?”
“With that mouth of yours, which seems useful only for spraying sewage?”
Shen Huaidu flushed crimson. Nothing infuriated him more than being looked down on, especially in front of his fragile Pei Nian.
“I work out three times a week! I have plenty of muscle!”
I raised an eyebrow, openly skeptical.
“Anyone can make claims. I could just as easily say your steps are weak, your breath lacks force, and under that suit you’re all show and soft flesh.”
Then I turned to Pei Nian and sighed.
“Little Sister, I’m not trying to stir up trouble.”
“But if Young Master Shen won’t show even this much sincerity, perhaps he doesn’t truly love you.”
“And even if he does, be careful.”
“Men like this look impressive, but they’re often hollow inside.”
“If he lacks the confidence to show his physique, he may have serious insecurities. He might even be inadequate in… other departments.”
Pei Nian frowned and began studying him too.
“Huaidu, Big Sister is only thinking about our future. There’s no harm in showing us.”
“I’d like to know whether you really have an eight-pack.”
Shen Huaidu stared at her in disbelief.
Under our relentless chorus of “It’s for the greater good,” the untamable young heir experienced psychological manipulation for the first time in his life.