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Good Morning, Wife-3

He had watched her sleep so soundly when he rose, looking deceivingly angelic, and left the room smiling to himself that he would make grandfather curse the woman he had chosen over his more filial and wonderful Rhea.   His plan was simple enough. To make his family regret never letting him choose his own wife and mother of his future children, while punishing this scheming girl for daring to force him to this outcome.

TangShi couldn't respond, or retaliate, knowing it was futile, and had to grit her teeth, clench her fists and steady her rapid breathing to conceal how angry she felt in this moment. She hated his cheesy and malicious smile as much as she was starting to hate him but decided to not let him see it.

If there was one thing TangShi had perfected all these years, it was not showing someone who was bullying you that they were affecting you. She had plenty of practice at it.

She picked up a spoon and chopsticks and dug in with forced fervor, trying not to gag on the mix of tasteless noodles and over stewed vegetables, or the fishy and sour accompaniment that had literally no spice to numb out the awfulness. She was sure she had never heard or seen either of these in the whole time she had lived on this planet and whoever the cook was, had overdone everything until it had the texture of mush. No doubt another gift from YuZhi, in ordering the servants to help make her life worse. Already the cook was even against her.

TangShi swallowed it all down, so painfully, and controlled every outward reaction and facial expression like a pro. Acting as if this was the most delicious thing she had ever eaten, while inwardly retching and struggling to swallow, and even avoided drinking water or allowing Xiaosu to pour her tea until she was done. She didn't want to look like she was washing it down, she wanted to seem like this was adequate and tasty and YuZhi wasn't getting to her at all.

The old aunt occasionally looked her way and her expression seemed to get more ridged with every bite TangShi swallowed. Her obvious dislike of the girl growing as she watched her, because she hated high and mighty women who tried to save face when they should be bowing.

TangShi didn't know if it was insulting her by being late or if YuZhi had already said bad things about her to color the water before she came down. She guessed it was probably both.

"Well, as enjoyable as your company is, I have to go to work. Can't laze around like a coat tail riding trophy wife all day, can I?" YuZhi picked up his documents and pushed his mug away, winking TangShi’s way with mischief, scooping his phone from the table as it lit up and smiled at whoever's name was flashing on screen.

He leaned in towards TangShi with a devilish look and for a moment she paused, holding her breath, so sure he was going to kiss her on the cheek in a show of shock affection. He didn't. Instead, he leaned in and whispered in a threatening tone.

"Stay out of my way. Don't expect anything from me to ease your stay here. Obey the rules, do what you're told and be ready to produce an heir. Other than that, my life is nothing to do with you and it's going to stay that way. Hope you're happy with what you asked for." he nudged against her arm and shoulder as he slid past, causing her to spill what was left on her spoon all over her lap and cursing him under her breath. Xiaosu immediately rushed forward to help mop it up, knowing she only had this dress and nothing else to wear. TangShi stiffened and held herself still so as not to react. Cursing the man to death in her mind.

YuZhi sauntered to the door before throwing a glance back, enjoying the moment and hoping she had gotten his loud and clear message in the last twenty-four hours. She was the thorn in his side, and he was not going to make anything easy for her while he had to endure their marriage. He wanted nothing to do with her and already had instructed Xiaosu to supply her fertile days to his phone by noon, after she was examined by his doctor. He would do his duty, and the rest of the time, he wouldn't touch her in any way. He intended to ignore her presence unless he felt like torturing her a little.

"You will be taken for a new wardrobe today; I do hope you have something clean to wear. I had your luggage burned as it was not suitable for this household. You don't need to carry on the act of poor and modest my dear, it doesn't fly with me. Your father is one of the wealthiest men in Shanghai, yet you play the victim to turn favor. Despicable." It was aunt who spoke the venomous words, tossed TangShi's way in a bitter sneer. Clear that for whatever reason, she had joined her nephew in the dislike of TangShi and life was looking less rosy by the minute.

Of course, they wouldn't believe that a daughter of Lei would be penniless and downcast, struggling to make ends meet. They only saw that her clothing was fake and an act to appear pitiful.

"I will find something." TangShi could only hope Xiaosu would have another dress, as the only things upstairs when she dressed was her nightdress and the gown she got married in yesterday. It was hardly something you would wear to go shopping. It was an evening gown and only to be worn with jewels and high shoes.

"Good. My assistant will take you; she's also collecting my pride and joy to accompany you and Xiaosu. Such a good girl and wonderful fashion sense. She will help you with your style and stop you from embarrassing us further." For the first time some animation and light flooded the aunt's face and her eyes sparkled with adoration.

"Your daughter?” TangShi inquired trying to sound as pleasant and polite as she could, showing an interest in hopes of warming the atmosphere. Knowing she had to walk on eggshells with this woman already if she was going to survive.

"No, I have no children of my own... My future niece of course. My darling Rhea, such a joy. Someone you will never replace and should never have had the opportunity to stand in front of."

"…"

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