Ji Hanjun's mask faltered. His eyes narrowed slightly as he struggled to maintain his composure. He wasn't used to being denied what he wanted, especially by Feng Suyin. In the past, she had always been compliant and eager to please him. This newfound assertiveness unsettled him.
"Suyin, you know how important this union is for our families." He tried to appeal to her sense of duty. He always knew how compliant she was whenever the Feng family was involved. "Think about the opportunities and advantages it would bring to both of us. With you being part of the Ji family, who would dare question your position as my wife? You wouldn't be the adopted daughter of the Feng family anymore. You will be the lady of the Ji household. You no longer need to work hard to prove yourself to anyone."
Feng Suyin remained silent, her gaze steady as she met his pleading eyes. She had spent years bending to the will of others. Allowing herself to be molded into the obedient daughter. The compliant sister. The submissive betrothed.
But all of her efforts were for naught.
"Suyin..." Ji Hanjun called her, his voice almost pleading.
Feng Suyin averted her gaze and lowered her head, hiding the coldness in her eyes.
"I thought you would understand me..." Her tone carried a hint of disappointment.
Did Ji Hanjun think he was the only one who could act to get what he wanted? Did he really believe she would forever dance to his tune, never realizing she had her own melody to follow? Did he truly believe she would remain under his control forever—bending to his will like a fragile reed in the wind?
Ji Hanjun frowned but knew he couldn't continue to push her. He simply could not let her slip away from his grasp. She had not fulfilled her role fully yet. He wasn't about to jeopardize everything.
Taking a step back, he composed himself before speaking in a softer tone. "Alright. If that's what you want, Suyin. I'll tell your mother not to announce our engagement tonight. As for our wedding ceremony—if you are having a hard time at work, we can always register our marriage first before holding a ceremony. That way, we can delay the public announcement until you feel ready."
Feng Suyin nodded slowly.
But she knew this was just another attempt to keep her on a tight leash. Like her sister, Ji Hanjun was careful with his reputation and how the public viewed him.
She was such a joke in her past life. The only person who didn't harm her was the one she had misunderstood for so many years. What she had thought were Ji Yuzhe's harsh and callous words were instead genuine care and concern.
"It's not that I want to make things difficult for you, Hanjun. It's just... I don't want others to think that just because I'm the adopted daughter of the Feng family, I can ditch my work at the hospital."
Ji Hanjun's eyes narrowed as he listened to her explanation. A flicker of annoyance crossed his features before he masked it with a faint smile. He had always prided himself on his ability to control situations and people. But with Feng Suyin, it seemed he was walking on thin ice.
He looked at her, thinking that perhaps underestimating her had been a mistake. He wondered what had triggered her sudden change. Usually, Feng Suyin was not one to defy him so openly. There must be something—or someone—influencing her. Ji Hanjun wanted to know who was trying to mess with his plans.
Feng Suyin finished her champagne, her eyes never leaving his face.
She knew what he was thinking. Oddly enough, she found satisfaction in seeing his mask of control slip. A small victory. But a victory nonetheless. She had spent too long being pushed around. Too long being underestimated. She would make sure Ji Hanjun and the Feng family regretted what they did to her.
Before she could say more, Ji Hanjun left to see her mother.
From the corner of her eye, Feng Suyin watched her mother's smile falter. Then Li Xinlian's gaze settled on her. She was not surprised by the disapproving look.
Li Xinlian had always been strict, placing great importance on status and reputation. Feng Suyin had spent her life trying to live up to her mother's expectations. But now she realized it was an endless cycle of disappointment and subservience.
It didn't take long before her mother took the small stage set up for the occasion. Li Xinlian beamed with pride and joy, scanning the room before settling on her precious daughter, Feng Yilan. Her treatment of both daughters was clear as day.
In the past, Feng Suyin would have felt wronged and angry in moments like this. But now she only felt detached. She was no longer a pawn in her family's games. No longer a puppet dancing to their tune. Knowing she wouldn't cooperate with them, she wanted to see how they would proceed.
Feng Xian then joined Li Xinlian and Feng Yilan on the stage. He smiled broadly and thanked the guests for attending his celebration banquet. As the city's new mayor, he assured the crowd of his dedication to serving the people. His words were met with applause and cheers.
But Feng Suyin could see through the facade. She knew her father's true intentions. The corruption beneath his polished exterior.
As the banquet continued, Feng Suyin excused herself from the festivities and went outside into the cool night air. She needed a moment of solitude. To gather her thoughts. To plan her next move.
Leaning against a marble pillar, she gazed up at the dark sky sprinkled with stars. A sense of determination settled in her heart.
No longer would she allow herself to be a pawn in her family's schemes.
From the shadows near the garden, a figure watched her.
Ji Yuzhe had come after all.