Gong Li'an's gaze wavered, betraying a flicker of vulnerability as he glanced at his watch, seemingly eager to evade the tension in the air. Yet, Xie Weihuan's melodrama persisted, unabated.

"What's all this talk of liking? Know your place, understand your worth, and grasp the station you're entitled to," Xie Weihuan's voice dripped with scorn, her posture exuding defiance as her hand struck the table with force.

"I'm acting in your best interest. Since my position as your lady seems to hold little weight in your eyes, you're free to leave. The Gong residence no longer requires your services."

"She was hired at my behest and is accountable solely to me," Gong Li'an interjected, his impatience surfacing.

"Husband! Am I not the mistress of this household? Do my words carry no weight?" Xie Weihuan's voice escalated, her plea tinged with desperation, as she turned to confront Gong Li'an.

"I'm willing! I'm open to giving it a try, and I thank you, Madam, for your consideration," I blurted out unexpectedly, adopting a facade of reckless infatuation.

My acquiescence brought a smile to Xie Weihuan's lips, her triumph evident.

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"Indeed, one must recognize their own worth and understand who they're suited for. Unworthy aspirations should remain unentertained."

Gong Li'an surveyed the room with a frosty demeanor, then, without further ado, departed, his emotions enigmatic.

Yet, I noticed his departure from routine; the usual coffee prepared by Mrs. Wang remained untouched, a daily ritual seemingly forgotten amidst the chaos.

"Ensure Gong Jue is well taken care of; I'll be resting. Do put in a good effort," Xie Weihuan cooed to Jiang Lun, her spirits lifted by the previous night's escapade and my complicit act, already planning her next indulgence.

Once she was out of earshot, Jiang Lun relaxed, his demeanor shifting to that of a congenial senior, expressing genuine affection.

"Shuang Shuang, my feelings for you are sincere. I appreciate your willingness to give this a chance."

"You're welcome. I'm merely fulfilling the wishes of your benefactor, am I not?" My gaze met his, piercing through the facade.

"What do you mean? Are you still upset with me? I admit, my past reaction was out of spite. I'm sorry for the hurtful words. But now that you've reconsidered, I promise to make amends."

Jiang Lun's earnest plea was met with my dismissal, his hand brushed aside as easily as his words.

"I don't mind, senior. In truth, I've harbored feelings for you for quite some time. But given my family's circumstances, I was too intimidated to pursue a relationship, hence my initial rejection."

My voice was timid, my head bowed, hands nervously fidgeting with my skirt, embodying the image of a bashful admirer.