Time flew by, and several years passed in the blink of an eye.
The autumn sunlight was not as hot as summer's, yet it was especially dazzling.
A cold wind swept past, stirring up fallen leaves from the ground.
"According to this morning's paper, the Su Group's stock has continued to fall recently, hitting rock bottom..."
Listening to the television, Su Yiqin sat on her soft, snow-white bed, staring listlessly out the window.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A knock sounded at the door, but Su Yiqin remained unmoved, holding the same position.
"Creak..."
As the door opened, a dignified, elegant woman brought breakfast to Su Yiqin's bedside.
Looking at the silent Su Yiqin, the woman sighed and urged, "This is our fate as women. My marriage was like this too. We were born into wealthy families, and while we enjoy the status and wealth our families give us, we also have to give something back at crucial moments."
Su Yiqin's eyelids stirred at her words, but she still said nothing.
After her mother died, her father had married this stepmother, using her family's wealth and influence to take the Su Group another step forward.
Although Su Yiqin did not like her, she did not particularly dislike her either. They treated each other with polite respect, neither warm nor cold.
Seeing no response from Su Yiqin, the woman continued, "Look at this Manor. Think about your life, never having to worry about food or clothing. All of this came from generations of the Su Family risking their lives.
"Now the family is facing a matter of life and death. If we had any other choice, how could we bear to sacrifice your happiness?"
"Besides, although William is something of a womanizer, at least he's handsome and presentable, not some villain."
Two trails