Chapter 26: Malicious Intentions

In the end, the two gift boxes were brought up by Mother Chen. When she arrived, Xia Rusheng was staring blankly at a large gift box already resting on her bed, which contained a gown and a pair of shoes.

"Oh? What is this? Is it for me?" Xia Rusheng asked, puzzled, as she opened the box Mother Chen held. It also contained a gown and shoes.

"I’m not sure either. The gentleman who delivered the boxes this morning specifically said they were for you. I thought they were from Young Master Lin, but apparently not. This one is from Young Master Lin. Look, Xiaxia, there is even a card inside."

Xia Rusheng examined the two gowns; they were of entirely different styles and levels of quality. The one on her bed was elegant and noble—a style she had favored in her past life. The bodice and the hem of the dress were encrusted with diamonds, radiating a dazzling brilliance that bespoke immense value. The one sent by Lin Yichen was sweet and playful; while it featured some diamonds, it was far more understated compared to the first.

"Xiaxia, could there be a mistake?" Mother Chen asked, swallowing hard as she stared at the gown with a fishtail hem covered entirely in diamonds.

"There is no mistake," Xia Rusheng said firmly. The dress was perfectly tailored to her measurements, and the shoes were the right size as well. For some reason, the back of that mysterious man’s figure flashed through her mind. She had her suspicions, but she chose not to verify them.

"So, which one will you wear tomorrow?"

Xia Rusheng looked at the two dresses. Since both were meant for her, she would simply wear them both.

That evening, Old Madam Xia and Xia Rui returned home late. As soon as Xia Rui arrived, he went to Xia Rusheng’s room to check on her.

"Xiaxia will be an adult tomorrow, a young woman now. How are you feeling? Nervous?" Xia Rui appeared to be in a very good mood. Xia Rusheng knew his high spirits were undoubtedly linked to that piece of land.

"I’m not nervous. It’s just a birthday, after all. Besides, I have to face the public with this face eventually, so I’ve already prepared myself mentally. Father, you don’t need to worry."

Xia Rui patted her head and said, "It’s good that you’re clear-headed. It is Father who failed to protect you, allowing someone to... alas... Father has his own reasons. You must try to understand me, Xiaxia."

"Don’t say that, Father. I understand. Grandmother wants a grandson so badly; I know you had no choice." Xia Rusheng knew he was referring to the incident where Tan Li had disfigured her. She acted obediently and did not bring it up again. Since the mother and son of the Xia family were determined to cover for her, making a scene or complaining would be futile. She had no choice but to play the part of the submissive daughter, but she would eventually settle this score!

"It is good that you understand," Xia Rui said, his tone still heavy with guilt. Seeing his daughter so docile, he felt a flicker of comfort. He then took out a set of jewelry and offered it to her. "This is a gift from your grandmother and me. See if you like it."

Xia Rusheng opened the box to find a set of heart-shaped diamond jewelry. It was clearly in the style that Xia Yu preferred, not her own. Yet, she showed no sign of her true feelings, smiling sweetly at Xia Rui. "Thank you, Father."

"Very well, get some rest early. Look after your complexion so you can be a beautiful princess tomorrow." Xia Rui patted her head once more before heading downstairs.

Hardly had he left when Xia Yu began to throw a tantrum. When Tan Li arrived, she found her precious daughter sitting on the bed, looking aggrieved, with items scattered all over the room.

"My little princess, what are you upset about this time?" Tan Li, dressed like a wealthy socialite with her pregnant belly prominent, held an exquisite shopping bag. Xia Yu wanted to throw herself at her mother but restrained herself for the sake of the pregnancy.

"I’m not a princess! The princess of the Xia family is about to become that wretched girl!" Xia Yu kept her voice low; years of suppression had taught her not to throw fits when Old Madam Xia was home. "Mother, did you see? Father and Grandmother even bought her gifts personally. When it was my birthday, Father just told me to pick out my own gifts; he never bought anything for me himself."

Tan Li took her daughter’s hand and smiled silently. "Xia Yu, can’t you see? Your grandmother and father need her right now, so naturally, they have to coddle her. Besides, who said that jewelry set was bought by your father and grandmother? It was I who chose it for her."

"You bought it, Mother?" Xia Yu was even more displeased. "Why should you be the one buying her gifts?"

"It was your father’s idea. Do you think I could act behind the scenes if it weren't for him?" Tan Li pulled a box from her shopping bag. As she opened it, a set of brilliant white jewelry caught Xia Yu’s eye.

"Mother, it’s beautiful! Is it for me?"

Tan Li looked at Xia Yu with doting eyes. "Of course, it’s for our little princess. This set is far more valuable and beautiful than the one given to that wretched girl. Now, surely you won't say your father and I are biased? Wear this set tomorrow and outshine her completely!"

Xia Yu finally felt a sense of balance. "Don't worry, Mother. I will definitely overshadow her tomorrow. That wretched girl with no upbringing—I refuse to believe she could be more noble than me. Just wait, Mother; she will make a fool of herself!"

Tan Li instinctively touched her belly and said, "Xia Yu, I must remind you: even if you want to humiliate her, you must ensure no one suspects you. In a while, you will officially enter the socialite circle of City A; you cannot leave a bad impression from the start. I may not have been able to give you a great background, but you must strive for yourself."

"Don’t worry, Mother. I won’t be as impulsive as I was before." Xia Yu knew the importance of a reputation; in the socialite circle, a good name could bring her endless opportunities. It might even help her secure a wonderful romance.

At the thought of romance, a silhouette flashed through her mind, and a bashful blush appeared on her face.

"Mother, I heard Brother Si’ang has returned to the country. Will he be coming tomorrow?"

"Of course. The Lu and Lin families are related by marriage; since the Lin family is hosting the banquet, the Lus will certainly be there. This time, you must seize the opportunity. I hear Lu Si’ang is still single." Tan Li looked at her daughter’s beautiful face and slender figure with growing satisfaction. If her daughter could truly capture the heir of the Lu family, the wealthiest in the city, they would be able to walk with their heads held high in City A, let alone worrying about the likes of Xia Rusheng.

"I will! Brother Si’ang is mine, and no one will take him away!" Xia Yu raised her head with a confident smile, her mind already set on her plan.