The news of the Qiao family's arrival in C City was kept a secret by Su An'an.
She picked a hotel farther away from the Su family's residence to settle them in, politely declining their request for a visit.
It must be said that Su An'an did not resemble the Qiao family.
There wasn't a single facial feature she shared with her father, Mr. Qiao. However, according to the Qiao family, her looks were inherited from her mother. When Mrs. Qiao was young, she was the belle of the village. Unfortunately, at that time, she was too proud and vowed to only marry a rich man. It was a shame that despite dating several wealthy boyfriends, none of those relationships led to marriage. In the end, under her family's arrangement, she married Mr. Qiao.
"Do they look down on us?" Mr. Qiao's face fell as soon as he heard the refusal. His skin was naturally dark, and when his face darkened further, it became even more unpleasant.
Su An'an, enduring their scent, smiled and explained, "They are people from a big city, after all, with more rules. I was afraid you would feel constrained if you went."
"Besides, my adoptive father does business outside and has many social obligations. He might not have time. Even if you went, you wouldn't be able to see them."
The Qiao father and son exchanged glances, their faces filled with disappointment.
They had wanted to visit the Su family's home and see what kind of wealthy family it was.
To appease them, Su An'an specifically treated them to a meal at a restaurant.
Upon seeing the prices listed on the menu, the Qiao father and son's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
"Daughter, let's change to another place, shall we? This is too expensive!"
"Yes, a single vegetable dish costs dozens of yuan. They're robbing us!"
Su An'an, however, was unperturbed and took the initiative to order several dishes they couldn't usually afford. "It's rare for you to come see me, what's a little money! I'm treating today, so eat to your heart's content and don't be polite."
"Why don't we find another place? I see many restaurants in the small alley across the street. Why spend money unnecessarily?" Mr. Qiao felt uncomfortable sitting in the luxuriously decorated private room.
Qiao Wenhong, Su An'an's brother, was busy taking photos all around with his phone, wishing he could announce to the world where he was and what he was doing. He had never been to such a high-class restaurant in his life!
Seeing their unsophisticated demeanor, Su An'an secretly scorned them but maintained a polite smile. "It doesn't matter if it's a bit expensive, we don't come here often anyway."
Exquisite dishes were served one by one, and the Qiao father and son finally stopped mentioning leaving.
They had never seen such delicacies before. They grabbed their chopsticks and eagerly scooped food into their bowls, afraid they would miss out if they were a moment too late.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they ate like starving ghosts.
Su An'an barely touched her chopsticks, watching their eating habits.
She found it distasteful.
After a satisfying meal, Su An'an took them shopping at a nearby mall, buying each of them an outfit and a pair of shoes, before escorting them back to their hotel room.
"An'an, tell your father honestly, are you in some kind of trouble?" After Su An'an spaced out for the third time, Mr. Qiao finally sensed something was amiss.
Su An'an said with a wry smile, "No... Don't overthink it!"
Qiao Wenhong used a toothpick to pick out a piece of vegetable from his teeth, looking at his sister with much more favor. "If you have any grievances, just speak up. We're here to help you get justice!"
Su An'an pursed her lips and remained silent.
Seeing her head bowed, Mr. Qiao became more anxious. "Don't keep anything bottled up, tell your father. Even if it costs me my life, I'll help you get justice!"
"Yes, don't be hesitant, just say it quickly," Qiao Wenhong chimed in.
Su An'an, seeing that the mood was right, began to narrate how Su He had stolen her fiancé, embellishing the story.
"What does that man do?" Qiao Wenhong asked.
Su An'an took out her phone and found news reports about Lu Yanbei.
"Lu Group? That's the 'richest man' they always talk about?" Qiao Wenhong's eyes widened as he read the description.
Good heavens, his future brother-in-law was this rich!
Mr. Qiao was also full of shock. "He, is he really my son-in-law?"
Su An'an nodded shyly. "We were about to get engaged, but Su He interfered. Relying on her charm with the old man, she forced him to break up with me..."
Su An'an's eyes reddened as she acted out a tragic scene of a broken engagement.
The Qiao father and son were indeed furious.
"There's always a first come, first served. How can she ruin An'an's happiness!"
"She actually stole her sister's man, how shameless!"
"No, I have to go teach her a lesson!"
The Qiao father and son, rolling up their sleeves, were about to rush out. Clearly, they fully believed the lies Su An'an had fabricated.
Su An'an quickly pulled them back. "Let's forget it! Their wedding date is already set. If we cause more trouble, I'll be the one humiliated!"
"My foolish sister, how can you tolerate something like this!" Qiao Wenhong said indignantly. "This is about your lifelong happiness, you can't just give it up!"
"Even if you have to give him up, you shouldn't give him up to that slut Su He!"
"But, she's still the biological daughter of my adoptive parents, and my elder sister..." Su An'an feigned tears, squeezing out a couple of drops.
"What time is it, and you're still thinking about others!" Mr. Qiao said with disappointment, as if she were letting him down. "I'm telling you, it's not easy to meet someone you like. If you miss this chance, you won't get another!"
"Yes, you and your future brother-in-law are in love, why can't you fight for it?"
"But I'm not really a member of the Su family, and there's no blood relation..."
"What does it matter if there's no blood relation? The Su family has raised you for so many years; your bond is much deeper than Su He's. Besides, you're talented and have won so many awards. Anyone with eyes can see who they should choose!"
"But as long as Su He is around, we will never be together." Su An'an lowered her head, her voice sounding choked with emotion.
These words were like a key, unlocking the guilt in the hearts of the Qiao father and son.
The two exchanged glances, and an idea simultaneously dawned on them.
"Will it be solved if she just disappears?"
"What are you planning? Don't do anything foolish for me!" Su An'an suddenly raised her head, wiping away a tear.
"Don't worry, we won't do anything to her. At most, she'll just disappear for a while. We'll let her go after the wedding," Qiao Wenhong said, stroking his chin, a cruel glint in his eyes.
He had been spoiled by his family since childhood, neglecting his studies. He dropped out of high school and started hanging around with bad crowds. In his twenties, he still hadn't achieved anything and spent his days with a bunch of street hooligans, having done many wicked things behind the scenes.
"You mean... for your sister to replace that Su He at the wedding?" Mr. Qiao said.
"Isn't that possible?" Qiao Wenhong grinned smugly. "The bride always wears a veil anyway. As long as the deed is done, they'll have to accept it whether they want to or not!"
"No, I can't do this..."
"Can you really let go of this love and watch your future brother-in-law marry someone else?"
"I..."
"Just listen to us, you'll be alright!"
Su An'an said "no" aloud, but when she turned her back, the corners of her mouth curved into a smile.