Volume One, Chapter 102: The Day of the Engagement.

Liang Muzi and Xu Zhi were about to get engaged. Most people in their circle weren’t surprised; after all, rumors of their childhood betrothal had circulated for years, and Xu Zhi used to spend every day with Liang Muzi. Everyone thought their marriage was like a fairy tale.

Childhood sweethearts finally coming together—Liang Muzi, with his unruly temperament, would only soften for Xu Zhi, steel forged to silk at her touch.

But those who knew the truth saw it differently. Yang Xue spent several days urging Xu Zhi to reconsider, but Xu Zhi’s predicament was obvious; she couldn’t ignore Zhao Nianqiao, and Yang Xue couldn’t think of a better solution. In the end, all Yang Xue could do was lament over the phone, “What a shame. Young Liang is truly good to you, unlike Liang Muzi, that scoundrel who only breaks your heart.”

Xu Zhi felt Liang Muzi could hardly hurt her anymore; she no longer loved him.

As long as he didn’t cause trouble, only her pride would be wounded. Her hopes for life had become so modest—she only wished for peace and stability.

Three days before the engagement ceremony, most had received their invitations, and Old Master Liang was discharged from the hospital.

His health had recovered remarkably well; even the doctors said his condition was better than expected, perhaps because he was cheerful and cooperative.

The old man was spirited, replying, “How could I not cooperate? My grandson and granddaughter-in-law are getting engaged; I have to attend the ceremony. By the way, Dr. Yang, if you’re free, come by for a meal…”

Whatever others thought, the old master was clearly delighted. He even waved his hand grandly, deciding to distribute random cash gifts to thousands of Liang Corporation employees on the engagement day.

So the news spread even faster—not just among the upper echelons, but throughout the streets and alleys. Some envied, some scoffed, saying the wealthy loved to flaunt their riches, blowing an engagement out of proportion.

Xu Heping grinned from ear to ear; the more lavish the ceremony, the more it showed Xu Zhi was valued by the Liang family. As her father, soon to be the father-in-law of the young master, he basked in reflected glory. Even at the bank, people treated him differently now.

Xu Zhi, however, remained clear-headed. The Liang family’s grand display wasn’t for her sake, but to pressure Chen Jing.

Chen Jing was indeed overwhelmed by the spectacle. Even her friends came to talk, saying they’d heard Xu Zhi’s engagement ring was crafted from a natural pink diamond sourced by Old Master Liang from South Africa, her dress exclusively designed. “Xu Zhi is so lucky,” they said.

All this was supposed to belong to her. In Chen Jing’s eyes, Xu Zhi was an unashamed interloper—she hated her to the core.

On the eve of the engagement, she sent Liang Muzi a message: “You and Xu Zhi are having such a grand ceremony; all the upper-class people in North City will be there. Can you really call off the engagement afterward?”

Liang Muzi had just escaped upstairs from a crowd of family members still confirming details for tomorrow. His head throbbed. Seeing Chen Jing’s message, he knew she was anxious, but he had no energy to comfort her. He replied: “I’ll find a way to break off the engagement, but as I told you, some things are out of my control. I had no idea the engagement would be such a big affair.”

He’d known the family wanted a grand event, but never imagined it would be this extravagant.

It felt like celebrity couples hyped up by the entertainment industry, which made him uncomfortable and increased his pressure. He even suspected his parents made the engagement so big just to make him too embarrassed to back out.

Xu Zhi wasn’t a flashy person either; she’d always disliked attention, yet faced this arrangement calmly, without a word of complaint.

She’d always been obedient to her parents’ wishes, but this time was different—she seemed detached from everything, as if she’d retreated to a monastery, almost excessively serene.

After a while, Chen Jing messaged again: “Muzi, I’m so scared.”

Liang Muzi lay on the sofa, staring at his phone, brow furrowed. He had his own troubles; the fake engagement he’d proposed couldn’t be canceled now. But…

If he broke it off later, the lavish ceremony would become a scandal.

He was on the verge of collapse.

Chen Jing, unsure how else to persuade him, tried an emotional appeal: “I really miss you. We haven’t seen each other in nearly half a month. Once you’re engaged, can we really meet again? I don’t want to sneak around like a thief. I wish I could be with you every day. Grandpa’s out of the hospital, and you said the doctors said he’s stable, just needs medication. Why don’t we leave together?”

Chen Jing continued: “Let’s leave North City—not to sever ties with your family, but we’ll return once your parents accept reality and calm down. If we’re lucky, maybe in less than a year. Your mother loves you so much; she won’t let you wander forever.”

Chen Jing: “Do you know what attracts me most about you? That fearless confidence. I always thought you lived so freely, and being with you, I felt released, able to ignore others’ opinions and be myself. But now, what are we doing?”

Liang Muzi’s grip on his phone tightened.

He felt little about her other words, but these last lines struck home.

He’d never been so suffocated, manipulated by others in his own engagement ceremony, with hardly any say. Not even a low-key event was allowed.

After a long pause, he typed back: “Go to Hong Kong tomorrow. I’ll share my payment account with you—buy whatever you like.”

He tossed the phone aside and looked at the bespoke suit delivered that afternoon—the clothes he’d wear tomorrow.

It was too late, he thought. The engagement was tomorrow; there was no escape now. If Xu Zhi had run, his parents could have substituted another bride. But if he bolted now, he’d drag both families into disaster.

His parents had weathered countless storms, so he wasn’t worried for them. But his grandfather’s health was fragile, and…

What about Xu Zhi?

He’d promised her they wouldn’t abandon each other now; otherwise, she’d become the laughingstock of all North City.

Freedom mattered, but he had to bear his responsibilities—he couldn’t betray her.

The next day.

The engagement ceremony was held at North City’s premier seven-star hot spring hotel, located in the southern suburbs.

Early in the morning, Liang Muzi followed protocol and went to pick up Xu Zhi.

Xu Heping and Zhao Nianqiao were formally dressed, waiting downstairs. Xu Heping’s face was creased with smiles. “Muzi, have a seat. Zhi will be down soon.”

Zhao Nianqiao glanced at him, then shifted her gaze to the staircase.

Liang Muzi followed her eyes—and froze, even forgetting to breathe for two seconds.

He’d accompanied Xu Zhi when she tried on her dress, but was called away to the racetrack by Houzi, so this was his first time seeing her dressed like this.

Xu Zhi’s gown was a dreamy blend of pink and white, strapless and cinched at the waist, accentuating her figure—a slender waist that could hardly be encircled, the skirt trailing on the ground. The stylist had done her hair and makeup, pinning up her long hair into a beautiful chignon.

As she usually went bare-faced, the transformation was striking. In that instant, Liang Muzi felt utterly dazzled.

She was stunning—nothing like the little Zhi he’d always known.

He was completely entranced.