Chapter 25: Became My Ex’s Sister-in-Law (Part 6)

Bai Shuang’s face turned slightly pale. She reluctantly withdrew her gaze from Yu Liuxue, slowly lifting her foot and walking to the table. Her fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly as she picked up the delicate ring box. She vaguely felt that the ring inside looked familiar, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t remember where she had seen it before.

After Bai Shuang returned, Yu Liuxue lifted the hem of her dress with both hands and only let it drop when she reached Shi Can. She twirled around in front of her. “President Shi, the dress you prepared is beautiful.”

No doubt about it.

Today, Yu Liuxue was absolutely stunning. Even though her hair was casually styled, nothing could dim her radiance. Standing there, she seemed to glow—her skin was porcelain white, her waist slender, and her long legs graceful. Her crimson lips were more delicate than a rose. When she looked at Shi Can, who was in a wheelchair, her tea-colored eyes shone with a soft light, as clear as amber under the sun.

Shi Can took the ring box from Bai Shuang’s hands but didn’t put the ring on Yu Liuxue right away. It wasn’t until the four of them split up and got into their cars that, as Yu Liuxue leaned on Shi Can’s shoulder, Shi Can leisurely took out the ring, grasped Yu Liuxue’s hand, and slowly slid the ring onto her fair ring finger.

Yu Liuxue stared at Shi Can in surprise. “President Shi, what’s this?”

Shi Can’s expression remained calm. “I’ve been busy lately. I’ll make it up to you later.”

Yu Liuxue had been waiting for further explanation, but before she could hear one, Shi Can had already closed her eyes to rest. Pouting slightly, Yu Liuxue admired the ring Shi Can had given her, playing with it in fascination. She quickly understood Shi Can’s message.

Putting this little silver ring with a diamond on her finger was, most likely, Shi Can’s subtle way of announcing to anyone eyeing her—this woman is mine.

As she rubbed the ring, Yu Liuxue told the system, “This woman may be a bit dull and doesn’t talk much, but I like her.”

【If you didn’t like her, would you keep trying to seduce her over and over again?】

As Bai Fu’s eldest daughter and the current head of Bai Group, Shi Can had to oversee all the major details of the banquet. Bai Shuang, being strong and capable, handled all the errands. No matter where Shi Can went, she always had Yu Liuxue by her side. Sharp-eyed guests soon noticed the ring on Yu Liuxue’s finger, and after thinking things through, their attitudes toward her became noticeably more respectful.

Bai Fu, of course, didn’t miss this scene. He stood at a distance with an old friend, humming lightly, his expression unreadable—whether he was satisfied or dissatisfied with Yu Liuxue was unclear.

His old friend chuckled and teased, “Old Bai, your daughter-in-law is quite impressive!”

From an outsider’s perspective, Yu Liuxue was indeed remarkable. She had just dumped Bai Shuang, yet immediately turned around and charmed Shi Can, placing all her bets on her. What surprised everyone was that she had actually bet correctly—Shi Can became the Bai family’s heir, taking over the family business, while the ex was merely a small-time manager.

Anyone with a bit of perception thought they had figured out Yu Liuxue’s plan.

Bai Fu found it a bit hard to keep up appearances. With his hands clasped behind his back, he muttered, “Until the final step is taken, she wouldn’t dare let her guard down.”

“But from the looks of it, Shi Can seems deeply attached to her,” his old friend remarked, his eyes twinkling as he casually glanced at the ring on Yu Liuxue’s finger. “Have you set a date for the engagement yet?”

Engagement? Who agreed to that? What engagement?

Bai Fu said nothing, and his old friend wisely changed the subject, steering the conversation toward past events.

Yu Liuxue followed Shi Can around, greeting all sorts of relatives—second aunts, great-aunts—until her face nearly froze from smiling. Just as Shi Can left to speak privately with some people, Yu Liuxue took the opportunity to find a quiet corner to sit down. The moment she settled onto a bench, Ruan Ni slipped in stealthily.

“Beiling.”

Ruan Ni hid something behind her back, nervously shut the door, and then clicked the lock into place.

Yu Liuxue raised an eyebrow, holding a glass of wine. “You’re here.”

Ruan Ni was visibly excited. She had hesitated for a long time before deciding to carry out her plan on this special day. Her car, parked outside, was filled with vibrant red roses. There was even someone on standby with fireworks and confetti cannons. As long as Yu Liuxue agreed, she would make a grand announcement to the world.

Without another word, Ruan Ni took out a large bouquet of red roses from behind her back. Then, to everyone’s astonishment, she got down on one knee, pulling out a ring. Her delicate face radiated both nervousness and anticipation.

“Beiling, I like you…”

Yu Liuxue slowly raised her left hand. The exquisite engagement ring on her ring finger gleamed faintly under the soft white light.

What’s with today? One after another, people are giving me rings.

Is today some kind of matchmaking holiday?

Ruan Ni’s face changed. “Who gave you that? Bai Shuang?!”

Yu Liuxue lowered her left hand. “Not her. President Shi.”

Ruan Ni stood up in disappointment. Regardless of whether Yu Liuxue wanted it or not, she stuffed the bouquet into her arms and pouted, looking wronged. “I never heard that President Shi proposed to you.”

“This morning, on the way here, she put it on me in the car.” Yu Liuxue hugged the large bouquet of roses, looking innocent. “She said she’s busy now and will make up for the official proposal later.”

Ruan Ni sulked for a moment but then quickly comforted herself. “As long as it’s not Bai Shuang, that’s fine.”

Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but ask, “Didn’t you really like Bai Shuang before?”

Did I misremember something?

Ruan Ni was silent for a long time before finally speaking, slowly and carefully.

“Because you saved me.”

“You’re special. I used to really dislike you, but ever since you saved me, I can’t help but think of you. I think of you when I eat, when I sleep, and even the first thing I think about when I wake up is you.”

At that time, I thought I was sick and even went to see a psychologist.” A faint smile played on Ruan Ni’s lips, and a hint of shyness appeared on her face as she said softly, “In the end, the doctor told me that I like you. That’s why I can’t help but think about you every day.”

Yu Liuxue: “…What kind of goddamn melodramatic plot is this?”

Suddenly, Ruan Ni perked up, clenching her fists with determination. “Bailing, as long as you haven’t married President Shi yet, I won’t give up.”

“I’ll become better than Bai Shuang, better than President Shi, and then compete with them fair and square.”

When Ruan Ni opened the door, she was startled to find Shi Can standing right outside. She had no idea how long Shi Can had been there. Feeling guilty, Ruan Ni immediately ran off without even saying goodbye.

Shi Can stood at the doorway, her indifferent gaze sweeping over the vibrant roses in Yu Liuxue’s hands. Her pale lips parted slightly. “Seems like I’m not the only one who treasures you.”

Without thinking, Yu Liuxue immediately threw the flowers away and darted toward Shi Can at lightning speed. “President Shi, I’m being framed!”

“I swear, I have nothing to do with her! You have to believe me!”

Shi Can raised an eyebrow with interest. “Oh? Then does that mean I have something to do with her?”

No, wait—this, that, I, she…

Yu Liuxue nearly died on the spot, but Bai Shuang happened to appear at just the right moment, saving her from immediate doom. Bai Shuang’s gaze swept over Yu Liuxue’s curvy figure with an unreadable depth in her eyes. Her fists gradually clenched—if she didn’t fight for her now, she might lose her forever.

Bai Shuang slipped away silently behind them. Yu Liuxue was too busy racking her brain to explain things to Shi Can to notice her ex-girlfriend’s departure. However, Shi Can glanced subtly in Bai Shuang’s direction and curved her lips into a faint smile.

At this tacitly understood banquet, the biggest winners were undoubtedly Shi Can and Bai Shuang. Shi Can made the acquaintance of a renowned tycoon, who seemed interested in a potential collaboration. The two exchanged contact information and agreed to meet for tea another day.

As for Bai Shuang, someone must have helped her unlock her full potential. Her social charm was just right—humorous and engaging. Regardless of gender or age, she charmed everyone she met, expanding her network tenfold in a single night.

When Father Bai heard about it, he was extremely pleased, praising Bai Shuang repeatedly for finally growing up.

Shi Can, however, remained indifferent. She kept her eyes down as she reviewed the financial report before handing it to Father Bai. “Dad, please take a look.”

Father Bai barely glanced at it before passing the financial report to Bai Shuang. With a serious tone, he advised, “Shuangshuang, your sister joined the company earlier than you. She has more experience and has seen more of the world. In the future, you should be more humble and learn from her, understand?”

Bai Shuang nodded. Father Bai, in high spirits, opened a bottle of wine and took a cup with him to the back garden to drink under the moonlight.

Yu Liuxue observed the situation and silently concluded that Bai Shuang was now vying with Shi Can for control of the company. This was bound to lead to a sisterly fallout. She whispered to the system, “I really am a troublemaker, throwing this household into chaos.”

The heroine and the female supporting lead have both fallen for me and are now fighting over me.

Bai Shuang suddenly looked at Yu Liuxue, her voice devoid of emotion. “I just received word that there’s an issue with one of the company’s projects. Manager Ke needs to come to my study so we can discuss a solution.”

Yu Liuxue instantly sensed something was off. She tensed up, eyes full of wariness.

“No need,” Shi Can said indifferently, glancing up. “Prepare the documents. Both of you can come to my study to discuss it.”

Bai Shuang’s plan fell through, but she didn’t seem upset. She smiled slightly. “Alright, I’ll have everything ready soon. Manager Ke, please come as well.”

Shi Can remained unfazed, while Yu Liuxue was breaking out in cold sweat.

In the study, Shi Can sat at the head of the table while Bai Shuang and Yu Liuxue sat across from each other on either side. After discussing the project’s issues, Bai Shuang completely ignored Shi Can, who was focused on her computer, and instead asked Yu Liuxue directly, “Manager Ke, what are your thoughts on this matter?”

Instinctively, Yu Liuxue turned to look at Shi Can—only to find that she didn’t even blink, let alone care about what was happening.

Yu Liuxue forced a chuckle. “I think…”

The study was quiet. Occasionally, Bai Shuang’s questioning voice broke the silence, while Yu Liuxue, distracted and absent-minded, kept glancing at Shi Can. Shi Can seemed deeply focused on her work, her expression serious, fingers continuously typing on the keyboard. She didn’t show even the slightest concern for her fiancée’s well-being.

Bai Shuang clearly noticed too. She subtly leaned in closer. “Manager Ke, the issue with this project lies with the lead manager. I suspect he tampered with the process…”

Yu Liuxue felt utterly drained. Fine, fine, you’re right about everything.

The two were turned slightly toward each other, backs facing Shi Can. No one noticed when Shi Can, who had been staring at her screen, cast a fleeting glance at their close proximity and smiled faintly.

Bai Shuang kept bringing up irrelevant questions, while Shi Can remained motionless, neither reacting nor intervening. Yu Liuxue yawned and politely suggested, “Manager Bai, it’s been a long day, and I’m feeling a bit tired. Why don’t we continue this discussion at the company tomorrow?”

“I’ll notify everyone to attend a meeting at 9 a.m.”

Bai Shuang concealed her emotions and smiled. “In that case, Manager Ke, rest well.”

Bai Shuang left, and Yu Liuxue immediately felt her soul return to her body. She rushed to Shi Can, wrapping her arms around her waist from behind, her voice soft and sweet. “President Shi, you’re still busy?”

“Go to bed first,” Shi Can replied.

Yu Liuxue suspected that if she actually dared to go to sleep, Shi Can wouldn’t forgive her so easily. She clung to Shi Can, shaking her head. “No, I’ll wait for you. Whenever you finish, I’ll go to sleep.”

“A little while longer.”

Shi Can seemed to be genuinely occupied. Initially, Yu Liuxue sat beside her, keeping her company, but before she knew it, her eyes drifted shut. She ended up collapsing right onto Shi Can’s keyboard, causing a mess of gibberish to appear on the screen. With work rendered impossible, Shi Can let out a quiet sigh and picked Yu Liuxue up, carrying her out of the study.

It felt like she was floating. Yu Liuxue groggily woke up to a beam of light shining straight down from above Shi Can’s head. The dazzling brilliance filtering through her strands of hair was nothing compared to her beauty.

Yu Liuxue, intoxicated by lust, instinctively leaned forward and kissed the corner of Shi Can’s lips before foolishly grinning. “Shi Can, you’re really good-looking.”

Shi Can’s steps came to an abrupt halt.

Yu Liuxue instantly sobered up and earnestly tried to explain, “President Shi, you might not believe me, but it was your lips that seduced me first.”

Shi Can threw Yu Liuxue onto the desk. She clutched the back of Shi Can’s head, wailing, I was wrong, QAQ.

The dark bruises couldn’t be concealed. Yu Liuxue, completely drained, was helped by Shi Can to brush her teeth, wash her face, change her clothes, and put on makeup. By the time they went downstairs, Bai Shuang had already prepared breakfast.

“Sister, Bailing, have a seat.”

Yu Liuxue weakly glanced at Bai Shuang, who seemed normal, then subconsciously looked toward Shi Can. Shi Can’s expression was indifferent. “In the future, just leave these things to the housekeeper.”

Bai Shuang smiled slightly. “I got up early, so I made it anyway.”

As she spoke, she placed a bowl of sweet rice wine goji berry tangyuan in front of Yu Liuxue and gently said, “You used to love drinking this. I’m not sure if it tastes the way you like, but try it.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Yu Liuxue quickly felt Shi Can’s gaze on her. “……”

Yu Liuxue tactfully declined Bai Shuang’s kindness. “I don’t have much of an appetite right now.”

Bai Shuang seemed to have expected this and placed a cup of milk beside her. “Then have some yogurt. I remember you used to love peach-flavored ones.”

Shi Can’s gaze flickered slightly. Yu Liuxue glanced sideways at Bai Shuang, who noticed her gaze and smiled at her. Yu Liuxue touched her stomach and tearfully said, “I’m on a diet.”

“Don’t worry, it’s sugar-free.”

Yu Liuxue: “……”

Can’t you see that your dear sister’s gaze is about to dismember me into five pieces?

Finally, Shi Can spoke. “Shuangshuang is being considerate. You shouldn’t refuse her good intentions.”

Yu Liuxue had no choice but to take the yogurt. Bai Shuang finally relented and returned to her seat.

After this incident, Yu Liuxue started avoiding Bai Shuang whenever possible. Bai Shuang wasn’t offended. After all, since they lived under the same roof, there would always be chances to interact.

However, before long, Bai Shuang got caught up in a project that required her to travel nationwide—attending meetings, inspecting factories to ensure quality, adjusting product details—leaving her with no time for anything else.

After finally resolving her workload, Bai Shuang had just returned to the company when Shi Can summoned her to the office.

Shi Can had Jiang Xu bring over a stack of documents. “This project is something Dad specifically entrusted to you.”

“You know Dad has high expectations for you. If you handle this project well, you’ll earn his recognition.” Shi Can clasped her fingers together on the desk, her expression unchanged as she told her sister, “By then, I’ll also promote you to General Manager and hand more authority in the company over to you.”

Bai Shuang was troubled. On one hand, she wanted to stay at the company to win back Yu Liuxue, but on the other hand, she didn’t want to disappoint their father.

Her sister was already the President. If she remained a mere department manager, Bailing would surely look down on her.

Seeing her hesitation, Shi Can delivered a final push. “This project is our second collaboration with the Ruan Group. Their project manager is Ruan Ni. Ruan Ni has always been friendly toward our company. If you’re not interested in this project, I’ll hand it over to Manager Ke…”

Bai Shuang’s head snapped up. “I’ll do it.”

She knew Ruan Ni’s intentions all too well. Rather than letting Yu Liuxue work with Ruan Ni and grow closer to her, it was better to step in herself and block any unrealistic ideas Ruan Ni might have.

Shi Can nodded. “Alright, start preparing immediately. Remember, our collaboration with the Ruan Group must succeed—failure is not an option.”

Bai Shuang understood the stakes. “Rest assured, President Shi.”

Yu Liuxue snuck into the office after hearing from her colleagues that Bai Shuang had been exiled by Shi Can again. She immediately jumped two meters high and, stepping on her heels, stormed toward Shi Can’s office.

Coincidentally, Bai Shuang had just stopped by Shi Can’s office to ask a question. As soon as she stepped out, she saw Yu Liuxue rushing toward her like a butterfly.

Bai Shuang’s heart wavered, and she instinctively quickened her steps.

Yu Liuxue abruptly stopped. “Weren’t you supposed to be gone?”

Bai Shuang’s eyes dimmed. “Are you that eager for me to leave?”

Yu Liuxue was at a loss for words. After all this time, don’t you have even a little bit of self-awareness?

Bai Shuang let out a bitter laugh. “Bailing, wait for me. I’ll definitely come back.”

Do you think you’re Grey Wolf or something?

On the other side, Ruan Ni had received word that Yu Liuxue was likely to be the main person in charge of this project. She had been filled with hope, thinking they would get to spend sweet moments together. But when she stepped out of the car, the face she saw was an unwelcome one.

Ruan Ni’s smile vanished instantly. She took a few large strides forward, circled around behind Bai Shuang, and peered into the car, unwilling to give up.

No sign of Yu Liuxue.

Ruan Ni, furious, turned back and confronted Bai Shuang. “Where’s Bailing?”

Bai Shuang lowered her gaze. “She’s not coming.”

That very day, news spread from Shi Can’s office about a public dispute between the two main project managers.

Shi Can remained indifferent, merely responding with a faint mm.

Yu Liuxue secretly clicked her tongue. This woman is a scheming old fox, the type that could kill without blinking.

She stood to the side as Shi Can lazily lifted her eyes. “Enjoyed the show?”

“All done.” Yu Liuxue immediately leaned in. “President Shi, do you have any orders?”

“I have a task for you.”

Leaving Shi Can’s office, Yu Liuxue was deeply puzzled. “I always thought Shi Can planned to take over Ruan Ni’s company, but now it doesn’t seem that way.”

The system, having no clue about the convoluted twists in human emotions, simply chose to shut up and listen.

Yu Liuxue was filled with doubt—she was finding Shican more and more difficult to understand.

From time to time, Shican would assign her small tasks. None of them were particularly difficult; most involved befriending seemingly insignificant people. Yu Liuxue pondered for a long time but couldn’t make sense of it.

During this period, Shican’s health had improved under careful treatment. By the time Baishuang completed her project and returned, Shican was no longer confined to a wheelchair and could walk freely.

Yu Liuxue numbly watched as Shican put on a deep and affectionate act in front of others. She couldn’t help but complain to the system, “How did I end up falling for a woman who plays dumb while secretly devouring her enemies?”

【Because, Host, you yourself are a tiger.】

Yu Liuxue raised an eyebrow. “You Dog Woman, are you saying I’m a fierce-tempered tigress?”

The system choked for a moment, hesitating before cautiously responding, 【Then… are you the pig?】

You’re the pig.

Father Bai had once hoped that his eldest daughter would recover as soon as possible, but when he truly saw Shican growing strong again, he wavered.

Since he couldn’t act against Shican directly, he took his frustration out on Yu Liuxue in roundabout ways.

Yu Liuxue sighed. “She’s not his biological daughter, after all. Naturally, the treatment is different.”

Fortunately, Baishuang had yet to fully spread her wings. Otherwise, where would Shican even have a place in the Bai family?

One day, Yu Liuxue tentatively suggested to Shican, “President Shi, you’ve worked yourself to the bone for the Bai family all these years. Why don’t you come back to the countryside with me and enjoy a peaceful life? I’ll raise pigs and farm the land to support you.”

Shican’s gaze swept over her lazily, rejecting her outright. “No.”

“Have you completed all the tasks I assigned you?”

Yu Liuxue nodded eagerly. “Yes, every week I set up tea and mahjong dates with them. Our relationships are pretty solid now.”

“There’s just one final task. Go take care of it.”

For the past six months, Baishuang had been suffering the pain of longing. Away from the company, the only way she could hear about Yu Liuxue was through updates from subordinates on social media. Sometimes, she would message Yu Liuxue, but Yu Liuxue had long since blocked her. Night after night, she sent countless messages that only she could see.

Just when she was on the verge of madness, the project was finally completed.

Baishuang immediately rushed home. She didn’t even stop to visit Father Bai before hurrying to the company, grabbing the first person she saw. “Where’s Manager Ke?”

“Manager Ke is on a business trip. She’ll be away for at least half a month.”

Baishuang let go of the employee in despair. A business trip?

She sat dejectedly on the sofa in Shican’s office. Jiang Xu poured her a cup of tea. “Manager Bai, please enjoy.”

After Jiang Xu left, Shican rose from behind her desk and slowly walked over to sit across from Baishuang. She was clad in a crisp business suit, her red lips and long hair immaculate. A luxury watch adorned her wrist, her tailored trousers and high heels exuding a strong presence of a high-level professional woman.

Shican’s lips parted slightly. “Why do you look so unhappy upon returning?”

Baishuang instinctively blurted out, “Sister, your leg…”

Shican’s brows lifted slightly as she smiled. “Thanks to Father, after undergoing medical treatment, I can now walk for short periods.”

Baishuang’s heart clenched in panic. If her sister had regained the use of her legs, that meant she had gained yet another advantage. Her gaze flickered, and she forced a smile. “Congratulations, Sister.”

“Father was very pleased with your performance. The official notice appointing you as General Manager has been issued. You can go set up your new office now.” Shican sipped her tea leisurely before continuing, “You’ve been away from the company for a long time. There have been quite a few personnel changes. You should take this time to familiarize yourself with the new environment.”

Father Bai had secretly placed several trusted aides in the company, thinking he was being discreet. Shican, of course, knew all about it—but she made no move to expose his schemes.

Baishuang had no desire to stay in the company. As soon as she got home, Father Bai called her into his study.

“Shuangshuang, these people are my trusted aides, and from now on, they will be yours too. If you ever find yourself inconvenienced in the company, just leave things to them.”

“Father…”

Father Bai sighed. “Shuangshuang, you bear the Bai surname.”

“Survival of the fittest. Only the strong can write history. You’re still young, so I don’t expect you to understand now. But if you want to reclaim what is rightfully yours, you must become stronger.”

Baishuang wavered. After a long pause, she finally murmured, “I understand.”

The personnel shifts within Bai Group continued. Those with sharp instincts had already sensed that something was amiss, yet Shican remained utterly indifferent—allowing the HR department to make its moves, turning a blind eye to it all.

Upon hearing the news, Yu Liuxue burst into the office. “Bai Group rises, Shi family falls!”

Shican didn’t even lift an eyelid. “Pack up. You’re coming with me to Bai Manor for dinner tonight.”

After all this time, it was finally time to reel in the net.

Hearing that Baishuang was back, Yu Liuxue was completely against going. She dressed casually—just a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers—before accompanying Shican home.

The moment Baishuang caught sight of Yu Liuxue, a glimmer of light shone in her usually calm eyes. Had Shican and Father Bai not been present, Yu Liuxue suspected she might have charged over to lift her up and spin her in circles.

Father Bai tried to smooth things over. “Don’t just stand there—sit down and eat while you talk.”

Throughout dinner, Baishuang’s eyes never left Yu Liuxue. Father Bai reminded her multiple times, and though she forced herself to comply, she couldn’t suppress her emotions for long—soon enough, she was back to staring at Yu Liuxue intently.

Father Bai: “…” This wretched child.

Shican, however, remained completely unfazed.

After the meal, Father Bai said to Shican, “Xiaocan, come to the study. I have something to discuss with you.”

Shican nodded. “Perfect timing—I have something to discuss with you as well.”

Yu Liuxue blinked at Shican, furiously winking. What about me?

Baishuang, on the other hand, looked as if she were about to devour Yu Liuxue with her gaze. You two really trust me to be alone with her?

Once the two left for the study, Baishuang dismissed the servants. Yet, because she had longed for Yu Liuxue for so long, she didn’t dare approach her too quickly. She sat awkwardly across from Yu Liuxue, fidgeting.

“Baijing, I… I know I made a lot of mistakes in the past. I let you down. I hurt you.”

Yu Liuxue remained indifferent. “I know.”

Bai Shuang fell silent for a long time before finally saying, “Shall we go for a walk?”

Inside the study, Shi Can took the initiative to speak. “Father, the doctor said that although my legs can walk now, they still require treatment, which might take at least another six months. Shuangshuang has been in the company for quite some time now, and she has proven to be highly capable. She can now take full charge of the company. If you could guide her along the way, I would feel at ease going abroad for treatment.”

Father Bai was momentarily stunned. “You’re willing to hand the company over to Shuangshuang?”

Shi Can chuckled lightly. “Shuangshuang is the rightful heir of Bai Group. Over the years, I was merely managing it on her behalf. I’ve been confined to a wheelchair for over twenty years. Now that my legs are healing, I want to see the world and take a break.”

Father Bai couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. “You grew up here, and when Shuangshuang was too young to understand things, you managed the company and kept everything running smoothly. Go and get your treatment without worries. If you encounter any difficulties over there, call me directly.”

“Your mother passed away early, and before she died, she entrusted you to me, urging me to take good care of you. Over the years, I have failed you in many ways.”

In the study, father and daughter shared a moment of sentimentality. Shi Can smiled gently. “In reality, you have taught me a lot over the years.”

“I have benefited greatly.”

Yu Liuxue agreed to Bai Shuang’s suggestion. In truth, she felt it was time to make things clear, so Bai Shuang would stop clinging to her. The two of them wandered aimlessly along a small path, surrounded by lush greenery and butterflies fluttering over vibrant flowers—an alluring spring scene.

“Bai Shuang, I don’t want to dwell on the past, whether it’s about you or Ruan Ni.” Yu Liuxue gathered her thoughts, stopped in her tracks, and looked Bai Shuang in the eye. “We’ve broken up. You have a new life, and I have new feelings—”

“No! I know you’re only with my sister to get back at me, to make me regret it.”

“Well, I regret it now. Bailin, leave her and come back to me, okay? I swear, I’ll treat you well for the rest of my life—better than she ever could.”

From a distance, Shi Can stood quietly, her gaze cold as she watched the two entangled.

Yu Liuxue frowned. “Bai Shuang, I’m with President Shi because I genuinely like her, not to get revenge on you. I wouldn’t sacrifice my own life just to make you regret and suffer.”

Bai Shuang refused to listen. “Bailin, I will work hard to take back the company. When I do, all my money will be yours. I’ll buy you beautiful clothes, expensive bags—whatever you want, I’ll give it to you…”

“What a joke! You think you’re the only one with money?”

Ruan Ni suddenly appeared out of nowhere, lifting her chin arrogantly. “Do you think you’re the only one who can afford to spoil her?”

“Bailin, my Ruan family has a vast fortune, no less than the Bai family. If you’re with me, you can take full control of everything in the Ruan family. Every cent we have will be at your disposal. How about that?”

Yu Liuxue felt her head spinning. What was wrong with these two side characters? Had they gotten too immersed in their own drama?

If they were so infatuated with each other, they might as well get together and torment each other instead.

Originally, Ruan Ni had only been passing by, but upon hearing Bai Shuang’s declaration, she immediately felt annoyed. Acting on impulse, she stepped in and mercilessly shut Bai Shuang down. When they had worked together before, the two of them had bickered constantly. If not for their families’ orders, the project would have collapsed on the first day.

Ruan Ni was about to list all her advantages to overshadow Bai Shuang when her gaze shifted, and she noticed someone standing openly in the distance, eavesdropping.

Ruan Ni wasn’t afraid of Bai Shuang, but she was afraid of Shi Can. After all, back when she had stubbornly insisted on breaking off their engagement, things had turned ugly between their families. Since then, she always felt guilty when facing Shi Can and didn’t dare to go too far.

Seeing the current situation, Ruan Ni realized that if she couldn’t have Ke Bailin, then Bai Shuang shouldn’t either.

She immediately smiled sweetly, shooting Bai Shuang a look before turning to Yu Liuxue in a deliberately affectionate manner. She covered her mouth slightly and whispered, “Silly girl, look who’s standing next to you.”

Yu Liuxue instinctively turned her head. Bai Shuang, provoked by Ruan Ni, took a step forward with a dark expression, grabbing Yu Liuxue’s wrist and pulling her away from Ruan Ni. “Ruan Ni, stay away from my woman.”

Yu Liuxue stammered, “P-President Shi?”

Shi Can walked up at a leisurely pace, hands in her pockets, eyes lowered as she looked down at Bai Shuang. “Shuangshuang, your woman?”

Perhaps it was all the pent-up emotions, or maybe some newfound courage—Bai Shuang, for the first time, defied the older sister she had always respected. She took a deep breath and said firmly, “Yes. I like her, and I won’t let go so easily.”

Ruan Ni hesitated for a moment but then timidly added, “President Shi, I like Bailin too. So how about…”

“We compete fairly?”

At that moment, Yu Liuxue had only one thought running through her mind:

This was bad. A full-blown showdown.

Her expression turned into one of pure despair.