Morning Longing for Warmth – Chapter 6

Unworthy

Shiyi is my person.

In the living room, Wei Hui spoke in a mild tone, “Zhang Ma, teach her.”

Zhang Ma’s previously stern expression softened a bit. She stood beside Shiyi and took out all the cosmetics from the box, turning to explain to Shiyi, “Apply this first, it’s for skincare.”

Her demeanor and voice seemed slightly different from the afternoon. Shiyi glanced up, meeting her fierce eyebrows, and shrank back slightly before quickly lowering her head.

Wei Hui’s delicate brows furrowed slightly.

“Miss?” Zhang Ma couldn’t help but urge when she noticed Shiyi not moving, “Miss, quickly put on makeup, the Third Miss is very busy.”

“Okay.” Shiyi composed herself, accepting the skincare products Zhang Ma handed over. The bottles and jars all had English characters, and she couldn’t tell the order. She used whatever Zhang Ma handed her. Zhang Ma turned her head, “Wrong, how can you apply it directly to your face like that?”

Wei Hui glanced over, noticing Shiyi’s face was smeared like a painted cat, with no attention to the amount or even application. Fortunately, she had a delicate appearance, and this haphazard smearing actually gave her a mischievous look she didn’t usually have. Her curious eyes, fixed on the bottles, added a touch of innocent charm.

It was the first time Wei Hui saw such an expression on this child’s face—somewhat… cute?

This thought flashed through Wei Hui’s mind. She paused for a few seconds and said to Zhang Ma, “That’s enough, take off her makeup.”

Zhang Ma was puzzled, “Not putting on makeup anymore?”

Wei Hui replied with a soft “Mm,” and Shiyi, feeling nervous, turned her head to glance at her. Seeing Wei Hui’s profile tense and indifferent, before she could think it through, Zhang Ma was already leading her to the bathroom to remove the makeup.

Afterward, she was still bare-faced, walking unsteadily in high heels. Wei Hui frowned, “Get her another pair of shoes.”

Zhang Ma busied herself again, and half an hour later, the two finally got into the car together. Shiyi sat leaning against the car door, speaking softly, “Third Miss, are you upset?”

In the darkness, she sensed Wei Hui’s sharp gaze sweep over, so Shiyi immediately straightened her back and said, “I will learn.”

“I will learn to put on makeup.”

Wei Hui’s cool voice echoed in her ear, carrying a crisp fragrance, “Forget it.”

Forget it. Those two words made Shiyi’s heart race for a few more seconds. In the end, she bit her lip and shrank against the door until the car stopped.

In front of her was the grand entrance of a luxurious hotel, with towering stone lions on either side exuding an imposing aura. A large fountain was gurgling with water, and the lights cast a brilliant shine on the droplets.

After getting out of the car, Shiyi followed closely beside Wei Hui, not leaving her side, yet maintaining an appropriate distance, careful not to touch Wei Hui. She remembered Zhang Ma’s words—Wei Hui disliked being touched by others.

Inside the lobby were people dressed in glamorous attire, holding wine glasses in their hands, swirling red wine, and chatting cheerfully. It was a world Shiyi had never entered before, and she kept her head down.

A man’s voice sounded nearby: “I thought Miss Wei, the Third Miss, wouldn’t have time to come.”

Wei Hui glanced at the man, Shen Hao, and her vividly painted red lips parted slightly, “With an invitation from Mr. Shen, how could I not come?”

Shen Hao laughed, “Miss Wei, you’re really honoring me with your presence.”

Wei Hui’s lips curved slightly, her eyes carrying an indifferent air, keeping others at a distance, clearly not wanting to say much. Shen Hao inspected her closely; Wei Hui always favored wearing a long red dress, a simple yet elegant style. What would look garish on others became a display of charm and allure on her. She was a famously beautiful woman in Jiangcheng, and just standing there, she seemed to light up the surroundings, radiating brilliance.

Around them, there were occasional glances and soft whispers: “Is that the Third Miss?”

“Truly beautiful.”

“Indeed, but I heard her temperament isn’t very pleasant.”

“Well, she has the backing to be that way; do you?”

That retort left everyone speechless, yet they couldn’t help but cast curious looks at Wei Hui. As women themselves, in the face of absolute beauty, they couldn’t muster jealousy, as the difference between them was like that between clouds and mud—utterly unnecessary.

Under the crystal chandelier, Wei Hui’s expression was cool and composed. Her red dress highlighted her skin, as white as jade, delicate and glowing. Her long, brown curly hair cascaded down her back, swaying with grace. Her deep-set features were enhanced with exquisite makeup, adding to her elegant and dignified demeanor. Shen Hao, feeling slightly suppressed by her imposing presence, turned to look at Shiyi: “Third Miss, who is this?”

“A friend.” The two words fell softly from her lips, leaving Shiyi too stunned to speak, her heart racing wildly.

Shen Hao frowned as he looked at Shiyi; it was the first time in so many years he had heard the word “friend” from Wei Hui’s mouth. Wei Hui didn’t give him much time to observe, simply saying, “We’ll head inside first.”

Shen Hao immediately nodded, “As you please, Third Miss.”

As Wei Hui led Shiyi inside, Shen Hao gestured to his assistant, “Take good care of the Third Miss.”

The assistant understood, “Yes, Mr. Shen.”

Shen Hao held his glass, his expression somber.

The first time Shen Hao met Wei Hui, she was just a young girl. She was the third in line at the Wei family, with two older brothers who unfortunately passed away young, which led the Wei family to spoil her excessively, afraid she’d get hurt or even disappear.

Back then, everyone in their circle knew that the Wei family had a little princess named the Third Miss, but who would bother getting involved with the daughter of a powerful family? Everyone was busy courting attention elsewhere, and he was no exception, even though at that time, he was Wei Hui’s fiancé in name.

He was two years older than Wei Hui. When they were young, there was a playful talk of a child betrothal. Later, when Wei Hui lost her mother at a young age and her father fell seriously ill, she used the excuse of not wanting to burden the Shen family to call off the engagement. Naturally, the Shen family disagreed. Initially, their engagement was just a joke, but after Wei Hui’s mother passed away and her father became ill, it was clear that the Wei family business would fall to Wei Hui. How could they let this golden opportunity slip away at such a time?

But eventually, they let go because Wei Hui’s tactics were even more formidable than her father’s. Rather than tearing the relationship apart and becoming enemies, it was better to extend a friendly hand and maintain stability.

At the time, Shen Hao thought, no matter how strong she was, she was just a woman, bound to get tired eventually. He figured that if he showed up at the right moment to offer some warmth, wouldn’t Wei Hui fall right into his hands?

Reality proved him wrong. Over the past few years, under Wei Hui’s management, the Wei Tian Group had become a dominating force, and she became a revered figure in Jiangcheng. Many young elites in their circle were eager to pursue her, with countless invitations extended, yet they were met with cold indifference, unable even to see her.

Shen Hao managed to invite her this time by cleverly using the name of the old master, which is why Wei Hui agreed to come.

He looked in the direction Wei Hui had gone, took a sip of his drink, and felt a twinge of regret. Perhaps he shouldn’t have let go back then.

“Shen Hao!” A furious voice called from a few meters away. Shen Hao looked up, “Sister?”

Shen Suqing, wearing an evening gown with a shawl, walked straight to Shen Hao and stopped in front of him. “What’s going on? Didn’t you say the goods would be shipped…”

“Sister,” Shen Hao interrupted her, noticing the eyes on them. He lifted his glass and greeted those around them, then pulled Shen Suqing to a corner. “What are you doing here?”

“What? I can’t come to a Shen family banquet?” Shen Suqing’s eyes were bright with anger, her fury unmistakable.

Shen Hao glanced at her and whispered, “Of course not.”

“Good,” Shen Suqing exhaled a breath, “You still haven’t explained what’s going on.”

“Your brother-in-law said you didn’t ship the goods. Why?”

Shen Hao looked at his single-minded sister and opened his mouth, unsure how to explain.

Wang Yongshun, Shen Suqing’s husband, was a son-in-law of the Shen family but never impressed the old master. He was too opportunistic and often resorted to unscrupulous methods. So, when Shen Suqing insisted on marrying him, the old master let them set up their own household. Earlier this year, when Wang Yongshun wanted to acquire land in the western suburbs, he was warned multiple times by the old master not to pursue it. In March, when news reached the old master, he was so furious he fell ill for two days and even banned Wang Yongshun from the Shen family.

The old master wasn’t trying to claim the land for himself; it was Wang Yongshun’s deceptive behavior that was disheartening. He had known about the situation long before but acted as if nothing was wrong, even when advised otherwise. Because of this, the old master hasn’t spoken to Wang Yongshun or Shen Suqing since.

That’s why, when Wang Yongshun wanted to help Wei Hui with the shipping, Shen Hao didn’t intervene.

And because he didn’t intervene, problems arose.

Wang Yongshun attempting to compete with Wei Hui was utterly foolish.

Recently, the Shen family released a statement saying they would help Wang Yongshun with the logistics, a statement Shen Hao leaked, aiming to gain a share of Wei Hui’s success. As for Wang Yongshun, letting him handle the land would only ruin it; there was no way Shen Hao intended to genuinely assist him with logistics.

Shen Suqing was still waiting for his explanation: “Speak up!”

Shen Hao shook his head helplessly, “Sis, don’t get involved in this matter. I have my own plans.”

“What plans?” Shen Suqing frowned, “Are you planning to kick your brother-in-law out?”

Shen Hao was annoyed by her relentless attitude, and his voice rose, “What do you mean by kick out? Sis, how did you become so muddled after getting married? Would Wei Hui allow brother-in-law to handle the shipping for no reason? She’s been working with the Cheng family for years and suddenly turns to him. Haven’t you thought about why?”

Shen Suqing’s not-so-bright mind finally caught on: “You mean—”

“What I mean doesn’t matter,” Shen Hao interrupted her. “What matters now is that if brother-in-law can’t handle it, then the Shen family will.”

Shen Suqing gritted her teeth, still unwilling to give in. She wanted to speak up for her husband, but Shen Hao was running out of patience. He waved her off, “I have guests to attend to. I’m going now.”

Watching him leave without looking back, Shen Suqing gripped her wine glass tightly, her fingertips turning pale.

She bit her lip and was about to leave when she turned and saw someone sitting by the sofa. Shen Suqing’s brows furrowed, her already dark expression becoming even more sullen.

“What a coincidence, Third Miss.”

Someone stood beside Wei Hui. She turned her head slightly, her red lips parting, “Mrs. Wang.”

Shen Suqing raised her wine glass, suppressing her anger, and smiled, “It’s fate to meet. I toast to you, Third Miss.”

Everyone in their circle knew Wei Hui never drank alcohol, and her assistant, Pei Tian, was usually always by her side. It was rare that Pei Tian wasn’t here today; Shen Suqing wanted to get Wei Hui drunk and make a fool of her!

Just as Shen Suqing held her glass in mid-air, another glass suddenly clinked against hers, making a crisp sound.

“Madam, I’ll drink on behalf of the Third Miss…” Shiyi knew Wei Hui had brought her along to deflect drinks, but she hadn’t expected the first to toast would be Shen Suqing. The memory of being hit a few days ago was still fresh in her mind, and the scar on her head seemed to split open anew, as if blood was trickling out, causing her to want to reach up and touch it. But she resisted, boldly raising her glass, though her head remained lowered, her entire demeanor anxious.

Caught off guard by the interruption, Shen Suqing turned to the source of the voice, not having noticed someone beside Wei Hui. Hearing the voice, she said, “Shiyi?”

A suspicious tone lingered in her voice as Shen Suqing’s gaze fixed on the girl before her. Someone insignificant in her household was now dressed in a fine gown, transformed, almost like a princess. Though her head was lowered, there was a clear sense of timid fear, yet her profile was as delicate as a porcelain doll, even more beautiful than her own with no makeup. Shen Suqing had already quarreled with Wang Yongshun over Shiyi several times at home, and seeing her now so radiant only fueled her anger. Old grievances mixed with new rage surged within her as she sneered, “Who do you think you are? Do you think you’re worthy of toasting me?”

Shiyi swallowed, her fingers gripping the glass tightly, turning white. A gentle voice came from beside her, “Why isn’t she worthy?”

That single sentence drew both Shen Suqing and Shiyi’s attention to her.

Wei Hui’s expression was indifferent, her eyes carrying a cool detachment. She lifted her phoenix eyes to meet Shen Suqing’s gaze, her look was icy and distant. Shen Suqing’s face turned slightly pale. She blinked, withdrew her gaze, and turned her head to look at Shiyi, speaking softly, “Shiyi is with me, which means she’s my person. If you say she’s not worthy, then who is?”

Shiyi’s grip on the glass slowly relaxed, the burning sensation of the scar on her forehead fading away. Her heart skipped a beat, and her eyes shone as she looked at Wei Hui.

Aside from her grandmother, Wei Hui was the first person to stand up for her publicly and declare to outsiders, “This is my person.”

A complex emotion surged within her chest, and Wei Hui suddenly held a different place in her heart. Shiyi lowered her head and bit her lip, noticing Wei Hui leaning closer to her and whispering, “Has no one ever taught you to speak with your head held high and your chest out?”

They were so close that Shiyi could smell the faint fragrance on Wei Hui. Her voice trembled slightly, “No, no one has.”

Wei Hui’s demeanor remained cool, her words precise, “Then remember it.”

Shiyi looked up at her profile, seeing her jaw set firmly, her voice crisp and clear, “From now on, when you’re with me, you don’t need to keep your head down.”

Wei Hui’s sharp gaze locked onto Shen Suqing’s pale face and she said, “Shiyi, toast Mrs. Wang.”

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The author has something to say:

Current Shiyi: I’m the Third Miss’s person, so happy!

Future Shiyi: The Third Miss is my person, even happier!

Wei Hui: … Fool.

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