She remarried a cold-faced, powerful man, and the scumbag regretted it and cried his heart out.

At the end of April, Madam Cheng and Madam Bai visited the Pingyang Marquis's residence with generous gifts and presented the betrothal gift list to Song Wan.

"Madam Hou, we have come today to discuss the marriage between my grandson and your esteemed cousin." Old Madam Cheng stated her purpose directly, getting straight to the point. "This is the betrothal gift list. Please take a look; is it satisfactory?"

"Once Miss Wanqing marries into my Cheng family, she will be treated like a treasure, and we will never let her suffer the slightest grievance."

As she spoke, Madam Bai handed over the gift list.

Song Wan took it, unfolded it, and saw that it was densely covered with all kinds of treasures: gold and silver jewelry, jade and antiques, silk and satin... everything was there, a dazzling array that was overwhelming.

Even Song Wan couldn't help but marvel at the lavish gift list. The Cheng family truly lived up to their reputation as imperial merchants; their generosity was astounding.

She still remembered what Madam Xie had said on the day they exchanged birth certificates. She put down the gift list and said casually, "Since the Cheng family are imperial merchants, this gift list is naturally impeccable. I just wonder, should it be sent to the Xie family or to my Marquis's residence?"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall froze.

It wasn't that Song Wan was after her dowry; she simply couldn't swallow her anger.

The Xie family ignored Xie Wanqing back then, but now that they see she's about to marry into a wealthy family, they want a piece of the pie? No way!

Madam Cheng and Madam Bai exchanged a glance. Madam Bai, being astute, immediately understood the implication in Song Wan's words and quickly said with a smile, "Madam Hou is joking. Miss Wanqing will naturally be married from the Hou Mansion. Although our Cheng family is of merchant origin, we know etiquette and would never do anything so impolite."

Song Wan felt a little more at ease and began to exchange pleasantries with Madam Cheng and Madam Bai.

All three were matriarchs, so their polite words were impeccable, creating a harmonious atmosphere for a time.

Cheng Wenhao also came along. He dressed up specially today, holding a folding fan, and looked quite elegant and proper.

He was very obedient and easily coaxed Song Wan into smiling from ear to ear, making her no longer hold his rude remarks against him that day.

The elders chatted and laughed, so he sought their permission and, led by a maid, went to Xie Wanqing's boudoir.

He carried an exquisite brocade box in his hands and walked briskly straight to Xie Wanqing's Cherry Blossom Courtyard.

Turning the corner of the corridor, one comes to a courtyard with its door half-closed, through which one can vaguely see clusters of flowers, which must be Xie Wanqing's residence.

Cheng Wenhao straightened his clothes and stepped inside.

In the courtyard, Xie Wanqing sat by the stone table, absent-minded, her gaze wandering.

"Wanqing." Cheng Wenhao's voice came from behind, with a gentle smile.

Xie Wanqing snapped out of her reverie upon hearing the voice, and seeing that it was Cheng Wenhao, she forced a smile, "Young Master Cheng, what brings you here?"

"I've come to see you." Cheng Wenhao handed over the brocade box. "This is jewelry I specially chose for you. Do you like it?"

Xie Wanqing took the brocade box, opened it, and saw that it was filled with dazzling jewels. She casually picked up a filigree gold phoenix hairpin and held it up to her temple. "Thank you, I like it very much."

Cheng Wenhao could easily tell that her tone was perfunctory. He wasn't annoyed, but he secretly mocked her in his heart.

"You look so listless, are you feeling unwell? Let me accompany you for a walk in the garden."

Xie Wanqing wanted to refuse, but before she could speak, he gently helped her up, and she involuntarily followed him forward.

Under the eaves, two young maids were whispering to each other. Their voices were soft, but they were clearly audible to the two men.

"Hey, do you think our cousin is really going to marry the young master of the Cheng family?"

"Of course it's true! Didn't you see that the matriarch of the Cheng family came to present the betrothal gifts today? The betrothal papers have also been changed. It's a done deal!"

"But, judging from Miss Biao's appearance, she doesn't seem to like it..."

Xie Wanqing paused, her expression changing slightly. She quickly looked at Bi Yi, signaling her to handle the situation.

Bi Yi understood, quickly stepped forward, and sternly rebuked, "Where are you working? How dare you gossip in the manor! Get out of here now!"

The two maids were startled. They turned around and saw Xie Wanqing and Cheng Wenhao standing not far away. Their faces turned pale, and they knelt down with a thud, repeatedly begging for forgiveness.

Xie Wanqing's face was flustered. "Young Master Cheng, I—"

Cheng Wenhao overheard their conversation and sneered inwardly. How could he not know Xie Wanqing's thoughts? She simply thought he was unworthy of her because of his tarnished reputation and being a merchant.

If it weren't for the interests of his family, he wouldn't bother dealing with such a hypocritical and pretentious woman.

He might have been thinking about it, but on his face he looked hurt.

“You don’t need to say it, I understand.” Cheng Wenhao forced a bitter smile, looked at Xie Wanqing, and said, “You still care about Brother Fu, after all.”

Although he was known as a playboy in the capital, he was also handsome, especially his charming eyes, which looked at even dogs with affection.

At this moment, his eyes were filled with melancholy, and a bitter smile played on his lips. He looked heartbroken, which was truly heartbreaking.

Xie Wanqing's heart trembled under that gaze. She hurriedly shook her head, trying to explain, "I didn't..."

“Wanqing,” Cheng Wenhao interrupted her, sighing, “I know I can’t compare to Brother Fu. He is exceptionally talented and highly regarded by the Marquis, with a limitless future. As for me, I’m just a playboy who only knows how to eat, drink, and have fun. It’s understandable that you look down on me.”

"I didn't..." Xie Wanqing's voice lowered, and she lowered her eyes, not daring to look Cheng Wenhao in the eye.

Cheng Wenhao took Xie Wanqing's hand, put it to his lips, and said to her, "There's something I've never told you before, but I'm afraid it's a bit late to say it today."

Xie Wanqing was taken aback and subconsciously asked, "What did you say?"

Cheng Wenhao smiled and kissed the back of her hand. "I am Cheng Wenhao, and I fell in love with Miss Xie at first sight."

His voice was soft, yet it was like a thunderclap that exploded in Xie Wanqing's heart.

It had been a long time since anyone had called her Miss Xie Fifth. She had always been referred to as a cousin of the Marquis of Pingyang, and people constantly reminded her that she was just an orphan living under someone else's roof.

Without the Pingyang Marquis's mansion, she was nothing.

"W-what did you say?" she stammered, her heart pounding wildly.

“I said, I love you,” Cheng Wenhao repeated, his eyes sincere and passionate.

Xie Wanqing felt a wave of dizziness. Although Cheng Wenhao had been showing her kindness, she thought he was only interested in the Pingyang Marquis's mansion.

But now, Cheng Wenhao is actually saying he loves her? How is that possible?

"It was my fault before; I shouldn't have ruined your reputation."

Cheng Wenhao lowered his head, his tone dejected, "I know I was wrong, Wanqing."

Xie Wanqing's heart was pounding faster and faster, almost as if it would jump out of her chest. She looked at Cheng Wenhao with disbelief in her eyes.

Seeing that she remained silent, Cheng Wenhao cursed her inwardly countless times, but patiently coaxed her, "I really like you, and I really want to marry you. I know you still have Brother Fu in your heart. I don't ask you to forget him immediately. I will wait for you, until one day you can like me as much as I like you."

Hearing this, and thinking about all that she had suffered recently, Xie Wanqing could no longer hold back and threw herself into Cheng Wenhao's arms.

Seeing that no one was around, Cheng Wenhao no longer controlled his expression. He pouted and hugged Xie Wanqing with a look of disgust. He had successfully touched Xie Wanqing's heart with his words today.