Chapter 279: Chapter 279

"I’m of no value to my aunt now; she wouldn’t offend Shen Shichen for my sake." Bai Zhirui was not foolish.

There are no fools in the world of the wealthy, especially women who climb to the position of a legitimate wife through their own abilities. In their eyes, there’s only interest and quid pro quo.

Bai Fen saw that her mind had returned, and his expression softened with a hint of satisfaction. "Your ability to think this way shows you still have your wits about you. Your aunt managed to marry into the Shen Family back then because of the Bai Family’s status. If not for the Bai Family, she couldn’t have become Shen Shichen’s stepmother. If she wants to secure her standing in the Shen Family, she would naturally hope the Bai Family continues to improve. Facilitating cooperation between the Shen and Bai families, or even your marriage to Shen Shichen, would benefit her. She was concerned about you even when you were disabled. You can arrange to meet her under the pretext of thanking her."

Bai Zhirui only then realized how much Bai Fen had progressed while she had been lost in the past.

A clear sense of crisis rose in her heart. She cannot fall apart again! If she collapses, it will only make it easier for others to leave her behind.

A year ago, for the sake of the Bai Family and herself, she had taken an unorthodox approach during the medical skills competition. The Bai Family gained immense wealth, while she was left with a lifelong disability. Her contribution to the Bai Family would forever be recorded in their annals. But this recognition would fade over time, especially with her self-destructive actions. She must fight for her own future!

Bai Zhirui applied light, refreshing makeup and chose a simple yet elegant white dress. The dress concealed her deformed lower body. She practiced her gentlest smile in the mirror. Even the resentment in her eyes was replaced by an innocent, clear gaze. Looking at the seemingly harmless woman in the mirror, she called Bai Lin.

Recently, Bai Lin had also been at her wits’ end dealing with the various romantic entanglements of Shen Yuan, Shen Shichen’s father. That father-and-son pair—one was more trouble than the other. Seeing Bai Zhirui’s call, Bai Lin, though agitated, still answered.

"Zhirui, what is it?"

"I’d like to have tea with you, Aunt, if you’re available," Bai Zhirui replied tactfully.

Hearing her words, Bai Lin knew her niece wasn’t foolish. "I’d actually planned to visit you in the next day or two, but you called first. Wait at home; I’ll come get you."

Bai Zhirui had the house tidied up and dismissed all the newly hired servants. If she was to start over, those who had witnessed her breakdowns and her wretched state could not remain.

Bai Lin arrived shortly after. Seeing Bai Zhirui, she understood what her niece must have endured to transform into her current self. Her eyes reddened. "It’s good that you’ve pulled through."

A single sentence, and the bond between them instantly grew much closer.

The servants and the driver helped Bai Zhirui into the car. Bai Lin sat with her.

"I was worried that you wouldn’t be able to pull through, but seeing you today, I’m relieved."

"If I hadn’t been able to pull through, the people around me would only have drifted further away."

Bai Lin remained noncommittal. "Zhirui, you can’t expect others to keep giving to you indefinitely. Put yourself in their shoes; you wouldn’t likely stay too long with someone who’s falling apart and has no future."

"I didn’t understand that before, but I do now," Bai Zhirui said softly. "Shen Shichen is pursuing Fu Bing."

Bai Lin smiled knowingly. "Fu Bing indeed meets Shen Shichen’s requirements better. However, just because Shen Shichen has taken a liking to Fu Bing doesn’t mean Fu Bing reciprocates. Before the New Year, CEO Ren introduced Feng Yu to Fu Bing, and she was just as indifferent to him."

"Are you speaking up for Fu Bing?" Bai Zhirui’s voice was calm, a result of her restraint.

"I don’t even know her, so why would I help her?" Bai Lin took Bai Zhirui’s hand, which rested on her plain white dress. "I know you want me to join you in badmouthing Fu Bing, ideally to team up and bring her down so you can vent all your resentment."

Bai Zhirui put on a delicate and innocent look. "Shouldn’t I think that way?"

"You can think that way in front of me; I’m your aunt, and I can indulge your little moods. But others might not understand, and their slander and abuse would be too much for you to bear in your current state.

"Besides, I also want to share my perspective with you."

Bai Zhirui nodded, looking at her expectantly.

"I’ve been married into the Shen Family for ten years. Although I hold the title of the legitimate wife, I’ve never actually possessed any real power within the Shen Family. They don’t share their secrets with women, nor do they respect women. Your uncle’s affairs have been incessant, and countless women covet my position. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs n͟o͟v͟e͟l͟f͟i͟r͟e͟.net

"It’s true, I don’t lack money, and when I go out, many people respect me and offer me various courtesies.

"Shen Shichen is just like his father, fond of getting entangled in scandals with women from the entertainment industry. I’ve seen plenty of it at home. Are you sure you want to live such a life in the future?"

Bai Lin truly pitied Bai Zhirui.

"Forgive my bluntness, Zhirui, but marriage is like a woman’s second chance at life. If it’s money you want, marrying into the Shen Family can indeed provide that.

"However, until you can offer them something of greater value, they won’t truly respect you. Furthermore, with your leg injury, Shen Shichen won’t be able to take you to social engagements. This means that from the very day you marry, the woman accompanying him won’t be you.

"Zhirui, you’ve strived for excellence since you were young, always aiming high. Do you really want such a marriage?"

Bai Zhirui remained silent.

Bai Lin sighed softly. "I’ve been upset these past few days because one of your uncle’s mistresses is pregnant and came to our home to challenge me. Your uncle and I haven’t had children after all these years of marriage, not because I can’t conceive, but because Shen Shichen interfered, making it impossible for me.

"Shen Shichen understands perfectly well that if I were to get pregnant, he would have genuine half-siblings threatening his position. Even if those women outside conceive and give birth, their children won’t truly shake his standing.

"Look at me, at my age, and my marriage is still unstable. From the very beginning, your uncle never intended to respect me, much less restrain himself. Shen Shichen is cut from the same cloth.

"I’ve suffered in this kind of marriage, and I don’t want you to go through the same. Especially in your current condition, Shen Shichen will also scrutinize whether you’re still capable of bearing children. In his eyes, you’ll become nothing more than a tool. Would you be willing to accept that?"

Bai Zhirui lowered her head, forcing tears to well up in her eyes. "Aunt, what should I do?"

"The answer can’t come from me; it must come from you. I’m merely sharing my experiences. Whether you choose to walk the same path I did is your decision. I’ve tasted this bitterness, and it’s unpleasant. However, if you’re set on it, I won’t stop you. That way, you won’t blame me if another path proves difficult."

Bai Zhirui feigned fragility, leaning her head into Bai Lin’s embrace. "I’m so distressed, Aunt. I don’t know what to do next."

"If you want a harmonious marriage filled with love and respect, find a man who respects and loves you; a comfortable, modest income will suffice. A young couple can work together to build a good life and live happily.

"If you desire to be fawned over, to have more money and status, then try to marry Shen Shichen. I’ll help in any way I can, but ultimate success will still depend on your own destiny."

Bai Lin had her own calculations, of course. If Bai Zhirui managed to marry into the Shen Family, Bai Lin would gain a companion. The ties between the Bai and Shen families would be further solidified, thereby strengthening her own marital position. But, ultimately, she was still Bai Zhirui’s aunt. She knew that given Bai Zhirui’s current condition, the Shen Family wouldn’t genuinely consider her. If Bai Zhirui forced her way into the Shen Family, her future would undoubtedly be arduous.