Yuchuge had barely introduced herself when her mother seized the conversation. Arms spread wide, face beaming, Madam Yu declared warmly, "First, welcome to the House of Yu’s estate—Nightingale Mountain Villa. I trust you all know why you’re here tonight: to find a suitable match for my daughter."

She gave Yuchuge another subtle shove from behind, forcing her to shift slightly—just enough to seem less like a decorative ornament.

"This is my unworthy daughter. Truthfully, she has little to offer. We don’t seek lofty connections—only a decent family for her."

*That was a lie.*

The sharp glint in Madam Yu’s eyes betrayed her words. Pushing her freshly adult daughter onto this stage, feigning maternal concern over her future—it was all a ploy. Yuchuge was merely a tool for profitable family alliances.

Every guest below was sharp enough to see through it. But courtesy silenced their objections. After all, weren’t they here for the same reasons? Unspoken understanding hung thick in the air.

This "matchmaking" banquet had been a transaction from the start.

Perhaps only the girl on stage truly mourned it.

While Madam Yu spoke, Mu Yue Ran watched Yuchuge. Her youthful profile glowed under the lights like a nightingale trapped in a cage—wings folded, song silenced, every gesture shackled by invisible rules behind her.

Just as Mu Yue Ran looked away, the puppet’s head turned mechanically toward her. Empty eyes met Mu Yue Ran’s gaze.

Mu Yue Ran froze, fingers stiffening. The contact lasted only a heartbeat before Yuchuge withdrew, returning to her blank stare.

It was the first voluntary movement Yuchuge had made since appearing. Mu Yue Ran didn’t know why she’d looked—but knowing the puppet’s fate, her own resolve wouldn’t waver.

Madam Yu soon abandoned pretenses of introducing her daughter. Instead, she steered talk toward the House of Yu’s assets, dropping veiled hints about their status. Her message was clear: *Know your place. You’re not worthy.*

Only a few families remained engaged, parading their heirs before her. Their chances hinged on her reactions. Like an auction, these were the final bidders—raising stakes not for the girl, but for the wealth she represented.

*Though perhaps she had some collectible value too.*

Mu Yue Ran and Piao Lele never moved. Piao Lele simply wasn’t interested—her preferences leaned conventional. Had her gender been flexible, her status would’ve made her the strongest contender, enough to overlook such "minor errors."

Mu Yue Ran shook her head regretfully. If Piao Lele had wanted to claim Yuchuge, her own plans would’ve ended there.

Mu Yue Ran waited. Approaching now meant no chance to take Yuchuge—Madam Yu wouldn’t even grant her a word. She was waiting for the final bidder. The winner.

Right on cue, as Madam Yu neared a decision guided by whispers from her hidden earpiece, the sealed doors swung open again.

A striking man entered. Golden hair fell to his waist; his chiseled face echoed ancient Greek sculpture. He shook frost from his shoulders, tossed his coat to a servant, and flashed a confident smile at the room. "Apologies for my tardiness."

*The main player arrives.* Mu Yue Ran’s eyebrow lifted. She couldn’t deny Li Feng’s looks—but it wouldn’t stop her from tearing him apart later.

She snapped covert photos of him on her phone, already planning their "refinement" for future use.

Madam Yu’s frown vanished as her earpiece crackled:

"Hold, Madam! That’s Li Feng—ranked tenth on the Young Wealth List. Fresh intel: he just secured exclusive development rights to downtown’s largest plot."

Overnight, Li Feng transformed in her eyes from intruder to prize catch—a perfect son-in-law brimming with potential. Calculations raced through her mind. He wasn’t equal to the House of Yu yet—but young, malleable. With their backing, he’d be easily controlled. A one-sided alliance favored them greatly.

Decision made, Madam Yu swept forward. She ushered Li Feng onstage, smoothing over his lateness with practiced grace. He reciprocated with flattering praise for her and the House of Yu—obedient, polished. Her smile stretched skyward.

The other suitors retreated, resentment simmering. None bothered approaching Yuchuge now.

Standing frozen in her original pose, Yuchuge flinched as a massive shadow engulfed her. Li Feng’s imposing frame loomed close.

"Hello, Yuchuge. I’m Li Feng." He extended a hand, radiating victor’s confidence, waiting for her grateful handshake.

Yuchuge remained motionless. Madam Yu pinched her lower back sharply. Yuchuge flinched, then whispered, "Hello."

Another pinch. But Li Feng had already withdrawn his hand. His smile stayed pleasant, yet Madam Yu—seasoned in boardroom wars—saw the flicker of displeasure beneath.

She shot Yuchuge a venomous glare before turning back to Li Feng, all warmth. "Young Master Li, shall we discuss matters over refreshments in the parlor?"

"Lead the way, Madam Yu," he replied with a courteous gesture.

Madam Yu dragged Yuchuge away, escorting Li Feng out. Over her shoulder, she instructed servants to tend to the guests—"Ensure the House of Yu shows proper hospitality."

"Tch. All business, no manners," Piao Lele muttered. She nudged beside her—only to find empty space. Mu Yue Ran had vanished.

---

In Yuchuge’s room, the door crashed open under Madam Yu’s boot. She yanked Yuchuge inside and threw her onto the rug. "You heartless machine! Do as you’re told! Was a handshake too much to ask?"

"If this marriage fails because of you," she hissed, jabbing a finger, "I’ll sell you off as a mistress to old tycoons!"

Her rage spent, Madam Yu smoothed her expression into a smile and swept out to greet her prize son-in-law.

Alone, Yuchuge sat slumped on the floor for a long time before moving to the bed. She reached for ointment in the nightstand, dabbing the red marks blooming on her wrist—her skin bruised at the slightest touch.

But the bruises on her back? She couldn’t reach them. The maids were all busy serving guests.

Yuchuge sat stiffly on the bed, clothes still rumpled—until a soft call, like an evening breeze, drew her gaze to the balcony.

"Let me help?"