Chapter 19: The True and False Heiress

“Are you really going to get engaged to Gu Mingxu?”

Mu Jinnian stood before Hua Ying, his emotions tangled. He wanted to stop this absurd engagement but lacked the standing to do so.

“Don’t you want me to get engaged?” Hua Ying, crouching on the ground while watching ants move, suddenly looked up at him. She was keenly aware of the displeasure emanating from Mu Jinnian.

Mu Jinnian opened his mouth, about to find an excuse to dissuade her, but she spoke indifferently, “Then I won’t get engaged.”

So straightforward?

Mu Jinnian was stunned.

Hua Ying then dropped a bombshell.

“Then get engaged to me.”

“W-what?”

Mu Jinnian was flustered, almost losing his voice.

“Don’t you want to?” Hua Ying asked in return.

Fearing she might misunderstand, Mu Jinnian eagerly nodded. Of course he wanted to.

“But why?”

“I just think this engagement banquet is boring and want to have some fun,” Hua Ying said, looking at the man before her.

Getting engaged to Gu Mingxu was the expected choice. But what about with Mu Jinnian? How would the Bai family react? They didn’t seem fond of him, especially since he was the villain. Two major villains teaming up—it sounded entertaining.

This sudden choice shocked Xiao Hong, who watched Hua Ying grasp Mu Jinnian’s wrist and walk toward the Bai family elders, unsure how to react.

What was going on? What was Hua Ying planning?

Unease swelled in her heart as she hurried after them.

“From now on, the male lead of today’s engagement banquet will be him,” Hua Ying said lightly.

The Bai and Gu families, deep in conversation, suddenly froze.

Gu Mingxu looked up, eyes gleaming with joy. He still couldn’t force himself otherwise, but if he left like this, he feared losing face for the Gu family and disappointing the Bai family.

“Hua Ying, are you joking? Today is the engagement banquet between the Bai and Gu families,” Bai’s mother said, tugging her lips into a gentle smile. “It concerns the reputation of both families; this isn’t the time for jokes.”

“I’m not joking. I want to get engaged to him,” Hua Ying’s tone carried a hint of excitement, as if eagerly awaiting the anger of those before her.

Her rising favorability score ignited a spark of impatience within her. She disliked this feeling.

Bai’s mother glanced helplessly at Bai’s father. Everyone exchanged looks. With no other choice, Bai’s father gritted his teeth, forced a smile, and looked toward the Gu family.

“Brother Gu, you see…” he trailed off, unable to continue.

Though the two families were close, they couldn’t tolerate the constant chaos. First changing the groom, now publicly embarrassing the Gu family. If the tables were turned, he would not let it go either.

The Gu couple’s faces darkened. They had always favored Bai Jinwei. Yet their son was rejected, replaced by the eccentric Hua Ying. They had accepted it and even forced Gu Mingxu to attend the engagement banquet for the sake of the families’ friendship.

But now, Hua Ying had also rejected Gu Mingxu.

No matter how patient they were, they couldn’t endure such mockery.

As Gu’s father was about to lose his temper, Gu Mingxu squeezed between the two families and showed the first genuine smile of the evening.

“Today is a joyous day of engagement. Let’s discuss properly. Since Hua Ying wants to get engaged to Young Master Mu, that’s also a happy thing. I wish them well.”

In high spirits, he chuckled foolishly.

Gu’s father rolled his eyes, unable to bear it. How did he end up with such a foolish son? He glanced at Gu’s mother and exchanged a subtle look. Snorting coldly, he remained stern.

“You Bai family acts on whims. We can’t always cooperate like this. Though the two families have a long history, you clearly look down on us. Mr. Bai, this time you’ve gone too far.”

Gu’s mother added, “Sister Qing, your daughters despise my son so much, as a mother, I feel hurt.”

Bai’s mother smiled awkwardly, forcing an explanation, “There’s absolutely no disdain intended. Mingxu is a good boy I’ve watched grow up.”

Both women’s faces flushed, on the verge of tears, but no one uttered a word against Hua Ying.

Hua Ying noticed this and felt an odd sensation rise within her. She clutched her chest, eyes clouded with confusion.

Why didn’t they blame her?

“The children should decide their own marriages. Otherwise, if it becomes a mismatched union, the children will suffer. Don’t you agree?” Bai’s father struggled to find an excuse, then gritted his teeth, “How about this: if the Gu family agrees to switch partners at the banquet, I’m willing to cede the plot of land in the western city to the Gu family.”

This was a huge concession for the Bai family.

Gu’s father raised an eyebrow, realizing the Bai family truly valued the daughter they had just reclaimed. But even so, he shook his head.

Bai’s father’s heart sank as he prepared to negotiate further.

Gu’s mother spoke up, “Today is my son’s engagement banquet. No matter what, it cannot be changed. However…” She smiled lightly, “The choice of partners can be adjusted.”

Amid puzzled gazes, she slowly said, “Let Mingxu get engaged to Jinwei, and Hua Ying get engaged to Young Master Mu. How about that?”

“No!” Gu Mingxu shouted sharply. “Absolutely not!”

Gu’s mother curtly pulled him aside, whispering a warning, “Don’t think I don’t know your little scheme. You cry yourself to sleep dreaming of marrying Jinwei. What are you pretending to be here?”

Gu Mingxu was helplessly frustrated. Of course, he wanted to marry Bai Jinwei. But he also knew her temperament. If he threatened the engagement like this, she might hate him. He didn’t want her to be unhappy.

“Have you thought it through? If both couples get engaged simultaneously, the Gu family will forgive all past grievances,” Gu’s father said solemnly, his tone firm and unyielding.

Gu’s mother complained quietly, “If you weren’t so useless, we wouldn’t have to fixate on Jinwei. Besides her, who else can manage this family?”

Bai’s mother hesitated, then said, “We should ask Jinwei’s opinion. Let’s see what she thinks.”

“Anyway, here’s my stance: either both couples get engaged, or the two families fall out completely, and this banquet becomes a laughingstock.”

Gu’s father avoided Bai’s parents’ gaze but glanced at Gu Mingxu and nearly rolled his eyes. If his son hadn’t been spoiled, he wouldn’t have to be the villain.

Gu Mingxu was about to speak when Bai Jinwei, unhappy-faced, approached. His heart tightened. He hurried over, frowning as he explained, “Don’t misunderstand, the Gu family isn’t forcing you.”

“I’ll back out if I must. It’s no big deal. I have thick skin anyway.”

Bai’s parents laughed at their son’s lack of resolve.

“Alright, we’ll follow the Gu family’s plan,” Bai Jinwei said calmly.