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Cool Marriage, Warm Affection
墨書 Inktalez
Chapter One: The Cold Marriage of the Aristocracy
The bright red wedding gown filled the entire bedroom, adorned with exquisite embroidery of phoenixes that seemed ready to take flight. Yet at this moment, Su Ruolan's heart felt as if it were plummeting into an abyss. In the mirror, her face was painted with delicate makeup, but the exhaustion in her eyes could not be concealed.
"Why is it me?" Ruolan bit her lip, her voice trembling.
"Who told you that you have such bad luck?" Father Su's voice was laced with indifference. "Your sister is weak and wouldn't survive in that family. Besides, the Gu Family specifically requested a young and beautiful daughter. Isn't this perfect for you?"
Ruolan clenched her fists tightly, her nails almost digging into her palms, yet she felt no pain. She knew that the Su family was at their wits' end, and she was merely a pawn used by her father to silence his creditors.
---
The wedding venue was bustling with excitement, but Ruolan found it blinding.
"Ha, you do look the part," Madam Gu stood on the steps, slightly raising her chin. Her voice was not loud but clear enough for those around to hear. "However, once a phoenix enters the Gu Family, it won't be able to soar."
Ruolan's hand trembled slightly as she grasped the hem of her gown. She tried to maintain a blank expression, but the humiliation surged within her like a knife cutting deep.
"Mom, this is my wedding," a deep male voice came from behind. Gu Changting stood nearby, impeccably dressed in a suit that radiated coldness. His gaze towards Ruolan held no warmth whatsoever. "Do me a favor and don't embarrass the Gu Family."
Upon hearing this, Madam Gu scoffed lightly. "Do you really think I lack insight? Fine, do as you wish." With that, she turned and left, casting a mocking glance over her shoulder.
Changting stepped forward, now only a step away from Ruolan. He looked at her face, his lips curling into a slight smirk tinged with sarcasm. "What’s wrong? Are you afraid in such an occasion?"
Ruolan lowered her head and took a deep breath. "I will do my best not to embarrass you."
"That would be best," Changting replied as if discussing something trivial. As he turned to leave, Ruolan watched his retreating figure, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
---
At the Gu Family Villa after the wedding, the lights were dazzling, yet the atmosphere was chillingly cold.
"Your performance at today's wedding was passable," Madam Gu sat on the sofa with a glass of red wine in hand, her tone indifferent. "But don't get too happy too soon; once you're in the Gu Family's door, don’t expect to truly soar."
Ruolan stood beside her with her head bowed. "I understand."
"Good that you understand." Madam Gu set down her wine glass and walked in front of Ruolan, her gaze sharp. "Don't forget why you're here in the Gu Family. I heard your father's debts are still unpaid."
For a moment, Ruolan's body stiffened before she could only nod slightly. "Yes."
A satisfied smile appeared on Madam Gu's face as she turned to leave. Ruolan remained standing there like a puppet, unable to shed even a single tear.
---
In the stillness of night, Ruolan returned to her room; it was empty and desolate. She had thought that on her wedding night there would be at least a hint of warmth—even if feigned—but reality proved otherwise.
She sat by the bed, looking up at the ceiling, her fingers brushing against the necklace around her neck, a keepsake left to her by her mother before she passed away.
"Mom, I've already gotten married, but why do I not feel happy at all?" Ruolan murmured softly to herself.
A few days later, laughter suddenly echoed from the living room.
"Chang Ting, I can't believe you remembered to pick me up!" A clear and melodious voice rang out, filled with joy.
Ruolan walked downstairs and saw a woman in a beige trench coat standing next to Gu Changting, both of them laughing intimately together.
"Lin Wanran?" Madam Gu exclaimed in surprise as she quickly approached and took the woman's hand. "You’re finally back! You must have suffered abroad these past few years."
Lin Wanran smiled and shook her head. "Auntie, I'm doing well."
"That's great! You have no idea how much Chang Ting talks about you; he says you are his best friend," Madam Gu said with a tone full of affection.
Ruolan stood at a distance, silently watching the scene unfold before her.
"Ruolan?" Madam Gu finally noticed her and raised her voice slightly. "What are you standing there for? Come over and meet Wanran."
Ruolan walked over and smiled politely. "Hello."
"Hello, I'm Lin Wanran," the other woman said, extending her hand in a friendly manner, though her gaze held an ambiguous scrutiny.
"Mm." Ruolan shook her hand lightly and then stepped back.
"Wanran, why don't you stay at our home for the next few days?" Madam Gu patted Lin Wanran's hand and glanced at Ruolan with a cold expression. "We have plenty of space."
Ruolan remained silent, merely lowering her head in acknowledgment.
A few days later, while in the study of the Gu Family, Ruolan stumbled upon a document titled "Debt Restructuring Plan."
Her heart sank as she carefully read through it, realizing that the Gu Family was deeply in debt and on the brink of bankruptcy.
Her fingertips trembled slightly as memories of her father's last words echoed in her mind: "You must ensure that the Gu Family is satisfied."
It turned out that she was merely a pawn in the Gu Family's struggle for survival.
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