Feng Yi was mentally thanking his elder brother profusely!
He also spared a few seconds to casually thank the sister-in-law who had relayed his brother’s message.
To be fair, Feng Yi’s first impression of this sister-in-law hadn’t been great.
During that meal at the family estate, even a passing ant could have sensed the overwhelming resentment radiating from her—her face practically etched with bitterness.
Seated beside his aloof and distant elder brother, she seemed like she belonged to an entirely different world.
If not for the fact that the family patriarch had been firmly seated at the table, he would have immediately urged his brother to divorce her.
He didn’t want such a negative, energy-draining sister-in-law influencing his brother.
But after their recent interactions…
Sister-in-law didn’t seem as terrible as he had imagined.
Suddenly, she had become straightforward, confident, and cheerful.
A perfect complement to his brother’s personality.
The moment this thought surfaced, Feng Yi frowned sharply.
Disgusted with himself.
Was he really changing his opinion of her just because she helped pass along a message? Thinking she was now worthy of his brother?
Ridiculous.
That was way too hasty.
He reminded himself inwardly—next time they gathered for a meal at the estate, he would observe her carefully.
If he discovered that Sang Lu was just putting on an act…
He would definitely talk to his brother and convince him to divorce her.
There was no way he’d let some inexplicable woman ruin his wonderful elder brother.
……
Sang Lu returned to the studio.
Only then did it belatedly occur to her that among the things Feng Yi had handed her earlier, aside from the watch, there was also a box of pastries.
She opened the small watch case first.
It had been carefully wrapped in velvet, with not a single scratch on the surface—in fact, it looked even cleaner than when she had given it away.
The pastry box contained a few cookies, adorable in shape and exquisitely packaged.
They were handmade by that girl named Qiao Xi.
For a moment, Sang Lu was lost in thought.
She hadn’t expected to cross paths with the novel’s female lead so early.
In the original story, Sang Lu and Qiao Xi only met in the latter half, and their relationship was far from harmonious.
Manipulated by the plot, Sang Lu had committed many acts against her true nature—acts of malice.
And Qiao Xi had a temper of her own.
Gradually, the two became like fire and water.
Sang Lu had overestimated herself.
She had thought that once she awakened, she could simply stay out of trouble, avoid meddling in the main storyline of the male and female leads, and live as an unremarkable, unbothered eldest sister-in-law of a wealthy family.
Yet today, upon suddenly recalling Feng Yi’s tragic fate, she had uncontrollably slipped into the role of sister-in-law and couldn’t resist speaking up to warn him.
Now…
The carefully packaged watch.
The hand-baked cookies.
They were tangible, right in front of her.
Proof of Qiao Xi’s sincerity and kindness.
Something she could genuinely feel.
The fragments of the dream were too scattered.
She couldn’t piece together the full story.
In her mind, Feng Yan’s two younger brothers and Qiao Xi were all reduced to one-dimensional stereotypes.
Sang Lu tore open the cookie wrapper.
Took a bite.
The rich cocoa flavor spread across her tongue.
She pursed her lips.
Perhaps she shouldn’t remain so detached, viewing them with such prejudice.
Since fate had given her a chance to rewrite her life’s script…
She ought to use her own eyes to truly get to know them.
Sang Lu had just been promoted to deputy producer.
The first program under her charge was especially crucial.
If done well, it would be a standout line on her resume.
If done poorly, she’d likely have to wait years before getting another shot at an S+ project.
The pressure was immense, as one could imagine.
For the past few days, Sang Lu had been working tirelessly from dawn till dusk.
Preparing for the show’s early stages, coordinating with various personnel.
Thanks to her likability, experienced colleagues in the team took turns chatting with her.
Offering advice and checking in on her.
“When I worked on my first variety show, I lost clumps of hair for six months straight. Xiao Sang, you’ve got to keep your spirits up.”
“If you need any help, just ask me.”
“No matter how hard you push yourself, remember to take breaks. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself.”
Yet, the person in question was surprisingly unfazed.
Who would’ve guessed?
For someone who had broken free from manipulation…
The greatest desire wasn’t achieving monumental success.
But savoring every single moment.
She genuinely loved this job.
Even if it was exhausting, she could still find joy in it.
Her mindset was incredibly relaxed.
With boundless energy, she juggled tasks without a hint of fatigue—even finding time to research selective mutism treatments online.
She took her spoken promises seriously.
If she said she’d help Feng Yan with his treatment, she meant it.
She combed through research papers, picked out interviews and insights from recovered selective mutism patients, and printed them out.
Planning to give them to Feng Yan.
Hoping they’d aid his speech recovery.
Dutiful Xiao Sang—helping wherever she could.
……
Qinghe Bay Mansion.
Study.
The glow from the laptop screen cast light on Feng Yan’s face.
He leaned back in the leather chair, tilting his head slightly, and pinched the bridge of his nose wearily.
The study was sparsely furnished, with minimal decor.
A potted plant on the desk was the only splash of color.
After reviewing three project proposals in a row, he needed a break.
He stood up to fetch a glass of water.
The moment he opened the study door—
Feng Yan paused mid-step.
For a fleeting second, it felt like stepping into another world.
The living room was brightly lit.
Upbeat game sound effects filled the air.
With a glance, he saw Sang Lu playing a Switch game on the TV.
A doubles badminton match.
Sang Lu and Aunt Zhang.
Swinging and missing, scrambling to return shots.
Aunt Zhang waved her arms. “Madam, watch this serve—”
Sang Lu leaped up for a smash. “I’ll spike it!”
The screen flashed—WINNER.
Sang Lu threw her arms up in triumph. “Again, again!”
Her naturally wavy hair, gilded by the light, swung in lively arcs.
“Madam, next round I won’t go easy on you,” Aunt Zhang said, unexpectedly fired up.
Feng Yan: “……”
Lately, Feng Yan had grown somewhat accustomed to stepping out of his study and seeing Sang Lu there.
After a moment, he averted his gaze.
Silently, he walked to the kitchen for water.
Sang Lu had been too engrossed in the game to notice Feng Yan’s brief appearance.
Then—
As if remembering something, she abruptly set down the controller.
“Aunt Zhang, I just remembered something. Let’s continue tomorrow,” she said hurriedly before dashing off to her bedroom.
Leaving Aunt Zhang in the living room, panting.
“Huh? Madam? We’re playing again tomorrow?”
Over fifty, the physical exertion was a bit much.
Aunt Zhang decided that after cleaning up dinner tomorrow, she’d retreat to her quarters quickly.
Better not get caught by Madam and dragged into another match.
Fun as it was, the workout was intense.
She’d take a day off and play again the day after.
Sang Lu had originally planned to give the documents to Feng Yan directly.
But she was sweaty and sticky, uncomfortable.
So she went to shower first.
……
