Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

As soon as Ji Liunian returned to her apartment, she received a call from her father—Ji Qixuan. “Liunian, remember to go to the Yu family tomorrow to discuss the marriage. You and Yichen are getting married in a month. You need to ask about the wedding plans.”

“Dad…” Ji Liunian pinched her forehead. “You’re still busy with work. We should at least wait until you come back to discuss the wedding plans.”

“It’s because of this…” Ji Qixuan sighed faintly. “I’m still short of a sum of money to clinch the contract. When you see your Uncle Yu later, can you…”

“Dad!” Ji Liunian flatly rejected it. There were some things she wanted to say, but she did not know how to broach them. “I can’t bring myself to broach such things.”

“Alright.” Ji Qixuan nodded. After a long while, he said, “No matter what, your marriage to Yu Yichen must happen without a hitch! You know our situation. Without the Yu family’s support, even your mother’s medical expenses…”

“…I know.” After hanging up, her grip on the cell phone tightened. After a long time, she finally let go and put her bag on the ground before throwing herself onto the couch.

She was weary beyond words—not only physically but mentally as well.

10 years ago, shortly after her father’s return to Onyx City when he ended his overseas business, she had visited the Yu family—who was a long-time good friend cum business partner—together with her parents.

The Ji and Yu families had been on good terms for many years. More than 30 years ago, the Yu family’s business—which was helmed by Yu Yichen’s grandfather at that time—was in jeopardy. It was Ji Liunian’s grandfather who helped the Yu family tide over the crisis. Because of this, Yu Yichen’s father had always been indebted to them. When it was the Ji family’s turn to fall onto bad times, he was very willing to help them.

She and Yu Yichen were childhood sweethearts, having grown up together. Although the young and handsome Yu Yichen was very playful, they had a harmonious relationship.

However, the Ji family’s business suffered a major setback a year ago. Her father’s investment failed and he owed a huge debt. It was also during the same period that her mother fell into a coma after a car accident. She had not woken up to date.

It was Yu Bolan who came to the Ji family, hoping that she could marry Yu Yichen. As the bride price, he made a huge investment in the Ji family’s company.

She had no choice at all.

Later on, she wondered if she and Yu Yichen had not been bound by their parental-arranged engagement, would they not be like strangers now?

Besides, Yu Yichen’s mother and sister had been picking on her ever since the Ji family’s fortune went south.

Ji Liunian bit her lip.

They were getting married in a month’s time. But, she dared not imagine what it would be like after she got married to Yu Yichen.

But now, her father’s company needed this marriage to work, and her gravely ill mother also needed money for her treatment. Even if she said that she was unwilling now, her father and Uncle Yu would not agree.

The sky gradually darkened. Ji Liunian was about to get up and take a shower when a call came. It was her colleague and best friend, Liu Menghan.

As soon as the call connected, she heard a rapid barrage of utterance.