Xiao Yao decided to return to her family estate, a majestic property that had been home to her ancestors for generations. The house, surrounded by lush gardens and centuries-old trees, radiated an air of grandeur and tradition. As she approached the main entrance, her heart beat with a mix of nostalgia and anxiety. It had been far too long since she had last been there, but she knew this return was inevitable.
Upon entering the house, XY was greeted by the familiar scent of jasmine that always bloomed in the garden. Her grandfather, an elderly man with gray hair but eyes full of vitality, was seated in his favorite armchair, gazing out the window at the vast grounds. When he saw XY, his eyes lit up with joy.
Grandfather (with a warm smile):
Xiaoyao! You have no idea how happy I am to see you back home.
XY (stepping forward to hug him):
Grandfather, I've missed you so much. It's good to be here.
Grandfather (holding her hand tenderly):
And we've missed you too. This house has been far too empty without you and your cousin. Now that you're here, everything feels brighter.
They sat together on the large sofa in the living room, surrounded by family portraits and memories of the past. The grandfather looked at XY seriously, though his voice remained gentle.
Grandfather:
Xiaoyao, there is something we must talk about. As you know, your mother left her shares in the company to you. I want you to accept this legacy. It's what she would have wanted.
XY felt a lump form in her throat. She knew this day would come, but she was not ready for the weight of such responsibility.
XY:
Grandfather, I don't know if I'm ready for this. It's a great responsibility.
Grandfather (nodding with understanding):
I know, my child. But you are stronger than you think. And you won't be alone. You have Cang Xuan by your side, and together you will become the largest shareholders. Next week, at the company's board meeting, you will formally accept the shares. It is what must be done.
XY nodded slowly, still processing what lay ahead. Her grandfather squeezed her hand reassuringly.
Grandfather:
I trust you, Xiaoyao. I trust that you will make the right decisions for the company and for our family.
Elsewhere in the house, her uncles were gathered in the private office of the eldest among them. Their faces were marked by worry and greed. They knew that once XY accepted the shares, she and Cang Xuan would become the majority shareholders, threatening their control of the company.
Xiyan Yu Yang (Uncle 1) (slamming the table):
We cannot allow this to happen. If Xiaoyao and Cang Xuan take control, we'll lose everything we've worked for.
Xiyan Yu Yang (Uncle 2) (with a calculating look):
Then we must make sure she never accepts those shares. We have one week. If Xiaoyao is eliminated, everything will return to our hands.
Uncle 1 (coldly):
Agreed. We plan this carefully. No mistakes.
Shadows of betrayal loomed over the family as the uncles conspired in silence, determined to get rid of XY before she could claim her rightful place as heir.
XY is tied to a chair, visible wounds on her face and body. The place is dark, shadows of her captors moving around her. She breathes with difficulty, struggling to stay conscious.
XY (weakly):
Why… are you doing this?
Kidnapper (coldly):
It's nothing personal. Just a job.
Suddenly, an explosion is heard nearby. Jing, who had come to rescue XY, is thrown to the ground by the blast. Smoke fills the area as the kidnappers flee.
Jing (coughing, badly injured):
XY!
He tries to get up but collapses, crawling toward her before losing consciousness. Police sirens echo in the distance.
XY lies in a hospital bed, connected to multiple monitors, her condition critical. Cang Xuan sits beside her, worried. A nurse enters holding a syringe.
CX (suspicious):
What is that?
Nurse (spy) (with a fake smile):
Just a painkiller. Nothing to worry about.
As she approaches XY, something alarms CX. He lunges forward, knocking the nurse to the ground.
CX (shouting):
Guards! She's trying to poison her!
Security rushes in and restrains the fake nurse. CX looks at XY in terror. At that moment, XL enters the room with determination.
XL:
What the hell is going on?
CX (desperate):
Someone is trying to kill her. It's getting more dangerous every moment she stays here.
XL (firmly):
Let me take her. I'll protect her with my life. Nothing else will happen to her.
CX (tears in his eyes):
If you save her, I'll give you anything you want… please.
XL lifts XY into his arms as his men surround them protectively. CX watches them leave, knowing this is his cousin's only hope.
Later, CX's office is dark, lit only by a desk lamp. He sits in his leather chair, staring at a document, his thoughts elsewhere. Family photos line the wall—one of XY as a child catches his eye.
CX (thinking aloud):
I won't let this happen again… I won't allow it.
He stands abruptly, walking to the window.
CX:
The only way to ensure her safety is to have more power than they do. I must become the majority shareholder… there is no other choice.
Hours pass as CX reviews documents and financial reports in his private library.
CX (low and determined):
If XY accepts the shares… but something is still missing…
He thinks of his uncles' schemes, anger rising—but he forces himself to remain calm.
CX arranges a secret meeting with his most trusted allies within the company.
CX:
This isn't just a fight for control. It's a matter of life and death. XY is in danger.
Man:
What do you need us to do?
CX:
Buy every share you can in my name—quietly. And investigate any unusual movements by my uncles. We can't let them gain more power.
The men nod.
Man:
We're with you, CX.
As he reviews the papers, one final doubt crosses his mind—what all this might cost XY. But it fades, replaced by fierce resolve.
CX:
If this is the price to keep her safe… I'll pay it.
He realizes he must ally himself with the powerful Chishui family—the only way is by marrying their daughter.
CX (staring out the window):
Everything will change… but you'll be safe, XY. I promise.