Gu Xiangyun was consumed by despair. Love had turned to hatred, and her mental states had begun to twist.
Especially after hearing the news of Su Jin and Fu Siyan's upcoming engagement—Gu Xiangyun was furious.
Staring at her disfigured reflection in the mirror, rage boiled within her. She screamed and smashed the mirror.
Since returning home, she had shattered every mirror in the house.
Su Mingyuan, who had been avoiding her from the very beginning, finally reached his limit.
"I want a divorce," he said coldly.
Gu Xiangyun stared at him, eyes blazing.
"Su Mingyuan, do you even have a conscience? You begged me to marry you! And now that my face is ruined, you're just going to throw me away? Are you even human?"
"You know your face is ruined," Su Mingyuan sneered. "I'm a member of the Su family. If people see what you look like now, what do you think it'll do to my reputation? Divorce or not—you're leaving."
He pulled out a divorce agreement that had clearly been prepared long in advance and slapped it onto the table.
"If you sign it willingly, I'll give you a sum of money. But if you refuse… I have my own ways of dealing with you. I'll make sure you leave with nothing."
Staring at Su Mingyuan, Gu Xiangyun finally saw the truth for what it was.
Su Jin had been right all along—Su Mingyuan would never truly accept her.
A flash of malice flickered in Gu Xiangyun's eyes. She grabbed the agreement and tore it to shreds.
"Su Mingyuan, I won't divorce you," she hissed. "You can't get rid of me that easily."
Su Mingyuan slammed the door and stormed out.
Behind him, Gu Xiangyun let out a distorted, feral laugh. But the scars from her burns pulled at her skin, turning her smile into something far more grotesque than tears.
"Mom…" a timid voice called from behind her.
It was Su Nuo.
Hearing her daughter's voice, Gu Xiangyun quickly put on a mask.
She knew how frightening her face had become and didn't want to scare her child.
Su nuo stepped forward and hugged her gently.
"Mom, don't be sad," she whispered. "Dad just can't accept it right now. But I'll help him change his mind."
She hugged Su nuo tightly and broke into sorrowful tears.
"Mom is counting on you now, Nuo'er… You must fight for me."
Su Nuo wrapped her arms around her mother and vowed,
"Don't worry, Mom. I won't let her get away with this. She's the one who did this to you."
Gu Xiangyun's voice trembled, but her eyes glinted with cold fury.
"How could I let your hands be stained with her filthy blood?" she said softly. "But don't worry—everything she has now, I'll destroy it. Because it all should've belonged to you."
There was nothing left for her now. Her life had been reduced to ashes, while Su Jin still shone in the public eye. The injustice burned in her bones.
She refused to be cast aside by Su Mingyuan without a fight.
So she headed to the Su family's ancestral home, determined to appeal to the one person who might still be on her side—
the old madam.
---
At the ancestral home, in the living room...
The old lady was sitting with Su Jin, chatting in a warm tone.
"So, how are things going with Fu Siyan these days?" she asked kindly.
Su Jin looked slightly embarrassed.
How could she even begin to describe it?
Fu Siyan was a workaholic. She barely saw him during the day. At night, when he returned, he said almost nothing—and by then, Su Jin was already asleep.
They were under one roof but couldn't even be called acquaintances.
The number of times Su Jin had actually seen Fu Siyan could be counted on one hand.
The old lady noticed the hint of disappointment on her face and gently offered reassurance.
"His temperament is a little cold, but he's not a bad child. The more time you spend with him, the more you'll see his good qualities."
Su Jin gave a faint smile.
"I understand, Grandma. I'll do my best."
"I know you will." The old lady smiled warmly, her eyes full of affection.
Just then, a servant entered the room and leaned toward the old lady.
"Madam is here—she's just outside the door."
The old lady's face darkened at the mention.
"What is she doing here? I already told her to stay away."
The servant looked uneasy.
"Madam said if you refuse to see her, she'll kneel outside the door."
The Su family was already under public scrutiny. If Gu Xiangyun caused a scene like that, it would undoubtedly attract reporters and stir another wave of unwanted attention.
"Grandma," Su Jin said softly, "why not let her in and hear what she has to say?"
She paused. "Gu Xiangyun is desperate right now—there's no telling what she might do."
The old lady thought for a moment, then nodded.
"Let her in."
The servant soon returned, leading Gu Xiangyun into the room.
She was completely wrapped up—headscarf, sunglasses, and a mask covered her once-beautiful face. There was none of her former radiance left.
The moment she stepped inside, she dropped to her knees.
"Mother, please… help me," she sobbed.
"What are you doing?" the old lady scolded, clearly displeased. "If you have something to say, then say it. Kneeling like this—do you want outsiders to think I've mistreated you?"
Gu Xiangyun quickly stood up and removed her sunglasses.
As she lifted her gaze, her eyes locked onto Su Jin.
A flicker of shock passed through her expression—this little wretch is here too.
She realized Su Jin had just witnessed her pitiful state.
"Mother," Su Jin greeted with a soft smile, though the curve of her lips didn't reach her eyes.
That smile—it was subtle, but to Gu Xiangyun, it felt like mockery. Once, she would've exploded at such a look.
But not today.
Instead, she forced herself to remain composed.
"Xiaojin," she said gently, as if nothing was amiss. "You're here too."
"What is it exactly? Take your time," the old lady said, her tone not exactly warm, but not dismissive either. Though she didn't care much for Gu Xiangyun, she still signaled for the servant to bring tea.
Gu Xiangyun choked back sobs and began to cry.
"Mom, I know I've made mistakes in the past. I came today to apologize. I was wrong… truly."
Su Jin's eyes narrowed slightly.
She's… yielding?
It was unexpected. Gu Xiangyun had always been proud and sharp-tongued. Even with her face ruined, she was the type to die on her feet rather than bow her head.
Something wasn't right.
If something seems off, there's probably a hidden motive, Su Jin thought, her guard instantly rising.
The old lady didn't waste time.
"You came here to talk about Mingyuan, didn't you?" she asked bluntly.
She already knew about the divorce—and she wasn't easily fooled. She could guess why Gu Xiangyun had come crawling.
"Mom," Gu Xiangyun said tearfully, "no matter what, I gave the Su family a son. I've worked hard for years. Even if I don't deserve credit, I've given my youth to this family. Please… help me just this once."
She paused, wiping her tears.
"I know I was wrong before. I'll stop being reckless. From now on, I'll do whatever you say. I'll listen—truly. Just give me one more chance."
Gu Xiangyun cried pitifully, each word carefully aimed at the old lady's heart.
The old lady fell silent, lost in thought.
After all, Gu Xiangyun had given birth to twins for the Su family—Su Jue and Su Nuo. If they truly drove her out now, it would make the Su family appear cold and heartless in the eyes of outsiders.
Looking at the woman's face, the old lady sighed.
"I'll speak to Mingyuan on your behalf. Whether it works or not will depend on him. Just remember what you said today—I'll give you one more chance."
Gu Xiangyun nodded earnestly, tears still clinging to her lashes.
"Thank you, Mom. I truly want to change. To prove my sincerity, I've decided to stay here from today on and personally take care of you."
Before the old lady could respond, Gu Xiangyun turned and walked straight to the kitchen, rolling up her sleeves.
The old lady was stunned.
Gu Xiangyun had been spoiled since childhood. Back at her parents' home, she'd never lifted a finger. After marrying into the Su family, she lived like a pampered wife—untouched by spring water, unbothered by chores.
And now… this?
It was hard to believe. Something wasn't right.
She turned to Su Jin and asked quietly,
"Xiao Jin, do you think she's being sincere?"