Yes, shes still alive. Im sorry for keeping it from you for so many years.

You you Mr. Mu stood up and gave Mrs. Wu a tight slap in a moment of pique. You unfilial daughter, how dare you hide it from me for so many years!?! Do you take me for dead!?!

Clutching her face in pain, Mrs. Wu remained silent, not daring to make a single sound.

Where did you lock her up in?

I didnt exactly lock her up, actually. I just sent her to live in the countryside.

Bring her home immediately.

Father, will you allow her to replace Pingyang and marry the Luo family, then?

Whats wrong with marrying into the Luo family? Since Pingyang is not willing to marry Luo Xing, well let Qixing go instead. Youve mistreated her for so many years. Its only right that we let her marry into that family. However, you must bring her home before I can communicate with the Luo family. The wedding is to be held tomorrow. Were running out of time, hurry and go!

Mrs. Wu immediately answered, Yes, Father, Ill go right now.

The senior Mr. Mu was overwhelmed with exasperation.

He could not believe that something like that would actually happen.

Mrs. Wu returned with her daughter at midnight.

Mr. Mu let out a long sigh upon the sight of Qixing. She was dressed in simple and plain clothing and had her hair tied back into a ponytail. Mr. Mu could not help but notice the striking resemblance between her and her father.

Qixing, I only found out tonight that youre still alive and that your mother had sent you to live in the countryside. I hit your mother to punish her. How have you been all these years?

Ive been great. Why did you guys bring me home?

Mr. Mu explained, We signed a marriage agreement with the Luo family. Theyre a furniture magnate. Pingyang was supposed to marry Luo Xing but she already has a boyfriend. I actually insisted that she marry him but your mother wanted you to go instead. Are you willing to marry Luo Xing?

Do I have a choice? she said with a straight face.

Mr. Mu sighed and said, The Luo family is a wealthy family of high status. I think its a good idea to marry them. Pingyang is not blessed enough to become their daughter-in-law. If you marry Luo Xing, well prepare an expensive set of dowry for you. Take it as compensation for the way youve been mistreated for so many years.

Ill do as you say, Grandpa.

Mr. Mu nodded and said to Mrs. Wu, Shes about the same build as Wansheng. She should be able to fit into the wedding gown. Take her to try it on.

Alright, Mrs. Mu agreed.

The moment Mu Wansheng found out that she had another cousin who popped up out of nowhere, Mu Wansheng asked Mrs. Mu, Why did Auntie send Cousin to live in the countryside?

Shes the child that your aunt had with her former husband. Her former husband had died in a car accident and he had a very loving relationship with your aunt before he passed away. Actually, your former uncle died because he tried to save his daughter, who is also your cousin. Hence, your aunt resented her and blamed her for his death. Your aunt didnt want to see her, especially because she resembled her father greatly. However, she has the same last name as you because your aunt thinks that she isnt worthy of being your former uncles daughter and doesnt deserve to be his daughter.

Mu Wansheng gasped and said, I must go and talk to her.

Noticing that she was standing up, Mrs. Mu frantically objected, Its already way past midnight. Go to bed.

No, I have something to tell her. Mu Wansheng entered the room to see that Mu Qixing was already clad in the wedding gown and shoes that fitted her perfectly.

Upon the sight of her, Mrs. Wu asked, What are you doing here at such a late hour? You should be sleeping instead.

I heard from Mother that I have another cousin so I obviously want to say hello to her. Auntie, if youre tired, you may go to bed. I reckon Cousin doesnt want to see you either.

Mrs. Wu was shocked speechless. She then turned around and left.

Mu Wansheng closed the door and sat on the bed. She then said to her cousin, My name is Mu Wansheng. Im your Second Uncles daughter. Actually, I was supposed to marry Luo Xing. However, I broke off the engagement last night.

Why? Mu Qixing asked in puzzlement.

Because theres already someone whom I fancy and I want to marry the person I genuinely like. Grandpa then got Pingyang to fill in for me. Im actually here to give you some reminders. Just bear them in mind. That Luo Xing has a girlfriend whom he had been dating for six years. However, Luo Xings mother has been opposing their relationship. Thats why they wanted him to marry me. So, dont expect too much from him after you get married. He probably wouldnt want to get intimate with you. You should also find someone whom you fancy. Luo Xing will allow it.

Thats great. I dont have much expectations of him anyway. I actually already fancy someone, but he has married another woman, said Mu Qixing.

Suddenly filled with sympathy, Mu Wansheng said, That Luo Xing loves his girlfriend so much. Its only a matter of time before he asks for a divorce. By then, youll be entitled to a portion of his assets. The Mu family is actually already struggling and theres only so much they can give you. You must plan for your own future. Besides, if Luo Xing says that he wants to have a child with you, you mustnt believe him at all. Hes already planning to have a child with his girlfriend and hes just afraid that you would do the same. Although theres a chance he might ask you to bear him a child, its still rather unlikely.

Mu Qixing nodded and said, Alright, I know what to do. Thank you, Cousin.

You dont have to thank me. Im just doing what I should.

Its wonderful to be together with the person whom you fancy. It was right of you to fight for your relationship. The chance to marry the person you love is really rare. Youll be happy.

Thank you for your blessings. I believe youll be happy too. Adversity will only be temporary.

.

The skies were still covered in gray clouds in the morning after a rainy night.

Mu Qixing had already changed into the wedding gown and was all dolled up while waiting for the groom to arrive.

She had beautiful features in the first place, and the makeup did nothing except enhance her beauty.

Luo Xing was clearly taken aback when he arrived at the Mu family home to fetch the bride. Although his parents had already informed him beforehand, he still felt uneasy about the sudden change of brides. Fortunately, he did not have feelings for either of them at all and it did not matter who he was getting married to.

Mu Qixing was observing him at the same time that he was scrutinizing her.

She found him to be rather suave and tall.

However, he appeared rather standoffish.

She did not mind it at all. When they got inside the bridal car and sat next to each other, she said, My cousin has already told me about you. Im fine with the way youre going to treat me. From now on, well stay out of each others affairs and live harmoniously.

Luo Xing turned to look at her, surprised to hear that she sounded a lot like Mu Wansheng.

Good.

Mu Qixing said, After we get married, youre not to meddle with my private affairs, and vice versa. Theres one more thing I need you to know. You cant stop me from going out to work.