Su Qingning was about to explode with anger. As she drove her mother home, the thought of that scoundrel shamelessly demanding she wear black silk to bed made her want to bite the rascal sitting beside her to death. If Su Qingkun hadn't insisted that she bring this rascal with her tonight, she would have divorced him on the spot.
Soon, they arrived at the remote, two-story villa where Su Qingning lived with her mother.
"It's quite remote," Lin Xiao muttered, looking at the villa.
Su Qingning said irritably, "Hmph, if you think it's too far, then don't stay."
Lin Xiao shrugged. "That won't work. I have to sleep with my wife."
Su Qingning was both ashamed and furious. If her mother wasn't here, she would have bitten this scoundrel to death. Ignoring Lin Xiao, she said softly, "Mom, you get some rest. I'm going to go change."
Mrs. Su nodded, watching as Su Qingning went upstairs.
Her voice heavy, Mrs. Su said, "Lin Xiao, I want to talk to you."
"What about? Asking me to divorce Qingning?" Lin Xiao asked with a laugh.
Mrs. Su nodded. "Child, Qingning told me why you two got married. To be honest, this wasn't your fault."
"You truly are clear-sighted, Mom!" Lin Xiao said with a laugh.
The word "Mom" made Mrs. Su visibly flinch. She was clearly unaccustomed to the title, but she didn't object.
"Lin Xiao, I know you're a good kid. It's not that I look down on you for having no money, power, or background. But you know Qingning's situation. Ever since her father passed away, she has lived in pain and constant fear every single day." Mrs. Su's eyes reddened as she continued, "What she needs most right now is someone she can depend on, someone who can make her life less exhausting. I don't mean to belittle you, but reality is cruel. You have no money, no influence, and no background. You might feel great marrying her, but Qingning will only suffer even more. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Lin Xiao nodded. He certainly understood Mrs. Su's words. Although they were hard to hear, he knew she only had Su Qingning's best interests at heart.
"So please, I'm begging you. Divorce Qingning."
Lin Xiao chuckled. "What if I become as rich as a nation and as powerful as an emperor?"
Mrs. Su's expression darkened, and displeasure flashed in her eyes. It was clear she thought he was boasting.
"Lin Xiao, there's nothing wrong with having no money, power, or background," Mrs. Su said gravely. "What's terrible is not knowing your own limits and spouting such baseless fantasies. It doesn't make others think you're impressive. It only makes them see you as a frivolous person."
With that, Mrs. Su stood up and went upstairs.
Lin Xiao didn't follow her. He remembered the Su Family banquet and sent a message to Shao Mei'er.
He wasn't sure how long he had been waiting when the sound of high heels echoed in his ears. Lin Xiao looked up and was immediately awestruck. Dressed in a long black gown, Su Qingning was the very picture of cold elegance, pure and refined. She was like a radiant moon, making everything around her dim in comparison. No words of praise could describe even a fraction of her beauty, Lin Xiao thought. That stunning face was captivating enough to steal one's very soul. She was truly worthy of her title as Jinling City's number one beauty.
Seeing Lin Xiao staring at her, his eyes full of amazement, Su Qingning snorted haughtily.
"Am I beautiful?"
Lin Xiao nodded. "Stunningly so. Forget 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'—even an enemy would have to admit you're as beautiful as Xi Shi."
The woman said haughtily, "Hmph, I still won't sleep with you!"
"That's fine," Lin Xiao said with a grin. "You can sleep with me instead."
Su Qingning felt like biting someone again.
On the way to the Su Family mansion, Su Qingning said coldly, "During dinner tonight, you'd better not say anything reckless. I'm afraid my uncle will seize the opportunity to make a scene!"
Lin Xiao chuckled. "What, you think tonight is just a simple dinner?"
"Isn't it?" she retorted coldly.
"You're too naive. If it were just dinner, why would Su Qingkun come to inform you personally?"
"What do you mean?"
"If I'm not mistaken, you're probably going to be kicked out of the competition to be the heir tonight."
BOOM.
The words sent a paralyzing shock through Su Qingning. Fuming, she demanded, "What the hell are you talking about?"
Lin Xiao shrugged. "I hope I'm talking nonsense, but I'm afraid reality is about to slap you in the face."
"Hmph, my uncle may be ruthless, but the competition for the heir was established by my grandfather himself. Even though he's passed away, I don't believe my uncle would dare go against his wishes."
"Let's hope you're right," Lin Xiao said with a beaming smile.
Su Qingning snorted. "Of course I'm right. What would a beggar like you know!"
"Su Qingning, I'm really not a beggar!"
"Whether you are or not has nothing to do with me. We're getting a divorce in three months anyway."
Lin Xiao asked with a grin, "What if you fall in love with me by then? Will you still divorce me?"
"Hmph, I told you, I would fall in love with a pig before I ever fell in love with you," Su Qingning said irritably.
"You never know."
Su Qingning shot Lin Xiao a look and fell silent.
Soon, they arrived. Although the Su Family mansion wasn't in the most central part of Jinling City, its location was still a hundred times better than where Su Qingning currently lived. Moreover, the villa was enormous and lavishly built. In comparison, Su Qingning's home seemed as shabby as a thatched hut.
She parked the car at the entrance but didn't get out right away, instead taking a deep breath. It was clear she was nervous.
Lin Xiao smiled. "Don't be afraid, I'm here. Like I said, if anyone dares to bully you tonight, I'll smash their head in!"
"You talk a big game. I'm just afraid you'll be the first one to chicken out."
Lin Xiao chuckled.
As soon as they entered the Su Family mansion, they saw numerous servants decorating the villa. It was brightly lit and bustling with activity.
"Qingning, I'm getting the feeling the Su Family is actually happy to see us," Lin Xiao said with a laugh.
To be fair, Lin Xiao knew exactly why the Su Family was making such a grand display. It was because Shao Mei'er was coming. It wasn't just him; even Su Qingning herself was a little suspicious.
Just then, Su Qingkun appeared before them with a sneer.
"Su Qingning, is this the beggar you married?"
"Su Qingkun, watch your mouth," Su Qingning said coldly.
Although she disliked Lin Xiao, that didn't mean she would let just anyone insult him so freely. A warmth spread through Lin Xiao's chest.
He smiled and said, "Brother-in-law, what's with all the fanfare? Is this to welcome us?"
Su Qingkun sneered. "Who do you think you are? You're not worthy of such a welcome from the Su Family. Let me tell you, the reason we're all decorated is because an honored guest is arriving!"
"An honored guest? We're the honored guests," Lin Xiao said with a grin.
The comment made Su Qingkun laugh. With a vicious smile, he said, "You really are an idiot. Let me spell it out for you. Tonight, the young lady from Jinling City's most prestigious family, Miss Shao Mei'er, is visiting our home."
"And do you know why Miss Shao is coming? Because I'm pursuing her. Her visit is proof that she's interested in me."
"Su Qingning, and you still think you can compete with me to be the heir? Dream on!"