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Chapter Two: Iceberg Crevice
Life after marriage was as still as stagnant water, making Ruolan feel like a superfluous shadow. Gu Changting rarely returned home, and when he did, it was only for a brief moment, without exchanging a single word with her.
In the Gu Family, Ruolan's presence felt more like that of an invisible person. During breakfast, Madam Gu always wore a stern expression, criticizing her attire for being inappropriate or her manners for lacking decorum. "It's clear you come from a humble background; you can't even handle a knife and fork properly," she remarked coldly without even glancing at Ruolan.
Suppressing the bitterness in her heart, Ruolan forced a smile and replied, "I'm sorry, I'll pay more attention."
Madam Gu huffed and turned to Lin Wanran, saying, "Wanran, it seems the rules of the Gu Family depend on you to uphold them."
Lin Wanran smiled gently. "Auntie, you're joking." Yet when her gaze fell on Ruolan, it carried a hint of triumphant provocation.
---
Though the Gu Family was indifferent during the day, the nights felt even lonelier.
That night, Ruolan sat alone in the study, the light casting a warm glow over the desk. Papers were scattered haphazardly across the surface, with several large red "Overdue" stamps glaring at her.
As she flipped through the pages, her shock deepened. She had previously discovered that the Gu Family was on the brink of bankruptcy, but now she realized that the situation was worse than she had anticipated. This wealthy family appeared glamorous on the outside but was riddled with internal decay.
After pondering for a moment, she took out paper and pen to begin jotting down her plans. This was not only for her father but also for herself—to reclaim her dignity; she refused to be a puppet at others' whims.
"Quite ambitious," a deep voice suddenly interrupted from behind her.
Ruolan jolted and met Gu Changting's scrutinizing gaze. He leaned against the doorframe with his arms crossed, his eyes assessing her.
"What are you looking at?" He stepped closer and casually picked up one of the documents to glance through it. "Oh? So you can read financial statements now?"
Ruolan's heart sank as she quickly stood up. "This is just—"
"Just trying to show off?" Gu Changting sneered. "Su Ruolan, you don't actually think you can save the Gu Family, do you?"
Ruolan bit her lip and replied softly, "I just want to help."
"Help?" He tossed the document back onto the desk with derision. "Save your breath; don't make yourself a laughingstock."
Ruolan clenched her fists but refrained from retorting. She understood that his prejudice against her would not change anytime soon.
---
A few days later, Gu Changting's birthday party was held in the villa's grand hall. As Ruolan descended the stairs, she saw Madam Gu and Lin Wanran standing at the entrance welcoming guests.
"Wanran, today’s banquet relies on you," Madam Gu said, holding Lin Wanran's hand with a beaming smile. "Much better than some people who only cause trouble."
Ruolan felt a pang of bitterness in her heart but still forced herself to maintain a smile as she walked down.
After the banquet began, Lin Wanran became the center of attention. She gracefully navigated through the crowd with a glass of wine in hand, exuding elegance with every gesture, while Madam Gu and Gu Changting always surrounded her.
Ruolan stood in a corner, watching everything unfold. She wanted to join in but found herself unable to find a way into the conversation.
As the banquet progressed, Lin Wanran somehow made her way to Ruolan's side.
"Ruolan, can we talk?" she asked with a gentle smile, her voice low enough for only the two of them to hear.
Ruolan nodded, and they walked to a secluded corner of the garden.
"Do you know?" Lin Wanran whispered, "Chang Ting doesn’t actually trust you."
Ruolan was taken aback and looked at her warily. "What do you mean?"
Lin Wanran pressed her lips together. "I just think that as the young mistress of the Gu Family, you should be more self-aware. Don’t let unnecessary misunderstandings arise, and don’t cause trouble for Chang Ting."
Ruolan understood; this was blatant provocation. But she didn’t want to argue. Instead, she offered a faint smile. "I will be careful."
Lin Wanran studied her for a moment, surprise flickering in her eyes. "I hope so."
---
After the banquet ended, Ruolan was left alone in the hall to clean up the aftermath.
Under the crystal chandelier, her figure appeared solitary and desolate. The red wine stains on the floor had been wiped clean, but the weariness in her heart lingered.
Gu Changting came down from upstairs and happened to see her crouched on the ground picking up the shattered wine glass. He frowned slightly, paused for a moment, but did not stop.
Feeling his gaze upon her, Ruolan looked up and met his indifferent eyes.
"You..." she began to speak, but he had already turned away, leaving behind a cold silhouette.
She bit her lip, fighting back tears that threatened to spill over. Despite her efforts, crystalline droplets fell from her eyes. Stubbornly lifting her chin, she wiped away the tears on her face and murmured to herself, "It's okay, Su Ruolan; you can get through this."
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