Zhang Xinyi found Mu Linjing's subtle boasts increasingly unbearable. If it weren't for the high-paying, easy job at the Zhan Corporation, she would have stood up and cursed Mu Linjing for her smugness.
After dinner was ready, Zhan Yichen and his brother emerged from the study. Zhang Xinyi's eyes lingered on her brother-in-law sitting opposite her, unable to look away.
Mu Linjing, of course, could not stand by and watch someone so brazenly covet her husband. She casually placed some dishes onto Zhang Xinyi's plate. "Xinyi, why aren't you eating? Are these dishes not to your liking?"
Zhang Xinyi was forced to avert her gaze. "Of course not, sister. All this food is wonderful, much better than what I eat outside. It's truly the work of a five-star chef."
She wasn't exaggerating; the Zhan family's chef was indeed highly skilled. This made her envious of Mu Linjing once again. Why did she get to be served such exquisite meals daily, while she herself had never experienced it? She didn't want to only enjoy these delicacies when it suited her. She wanted these chefs to serve her from now on.
"Sister, brother-in-law, I'd like to toast you. I couldn't attend your wedding, so I'm making up for it today."
Seeing her feigned politeness, Zhan Yichen played along and drank the wine with Mu Linjing.
Zhang Xinyi was smarter this time. She knew that Zhan Mohan was the ultimate decision-maker at the Zhan Corporation. To ensure that Wei Yumeng's promise would be kept, she first flattered Zhan Mohan.
She poured another glass of wine. "Brother, I toast you with this glass. Sister-in-law Yumeng mentioned she could arrange a position for me at Zhan Corporation. I know this requires your approval, so thank you for giving me this opportunity. I promise to work hard."
Zhan Mohan understood her intention – to corner him. He glanced at Wei Yumeng before drinking the wine. "Everything will be as Yumeng decides."
Looking at the two women before her, each happier than herself, Zhang Xinyi's eyes burned with envy. She wished she could capture both these men, who seemed to be as unattainable as the heavens. Throughout the dinner, she said plenty of pleasantries, constantly wishing Mu Linjing and Wei Yumeng happiness. Anyone observing her would have thought she had truly changed.
Once the meal finally concluded, even Mu Linjing let out a long sigh of relief. She no longer had to maintain her pretense. If she had to continue, Zhang Xinyi likely would have as well, but Mu Linjing was ready to retreat.
A servant led Zhang Xinyi to the guest room. "Miss Zhang, this is your room. Our young madam instructed that you should ask for anything you need and make yourself at home."
The servant had no idea that Zhang Xinyi had never stayed in such a luxurious room before. She stood at the doorway for a long time, as if disbelieving it was her room, which was even better than a hotel. She couldn't help but ask, "Are all your guest rooms like this?"
Though puzzled, the servant answered truthfully, "The layouts are similar. The decoration styles differ, but they are much the same. Miss Zhang, do you dislike this room?"
Zhang Xinyi waved her hands frantically. "No, you can go now. I'll call you if I need anything."
After the servant left, she paced around the room multiple times. Thinking that Mu Linjing lived in such a house every day, she suddenly felt more composed. She told herself to adapt to this luxury and to become the second young mistress of the Zhan family.
She opened the wardrobe to find several silk pajamas and a set of clothes with the tags still attached. Seeing the logo on the tag, she finally allowed the greed in her eyes to surface. She quickly took a bath, changed into the pajamas, and began taking photos of every corner of the room.
It wasn't until late at night that she finished editing and retouching the photos. She posted them on her social media, and the comment section quickly became lively, discussing her accommodation and the clothes she was wearing. This greatly satisfied her vanity. She finally felt she could hold her head high among her classmates who always wore designer brands and drove luxury cars.
Once someone has tasted something, they don't want to lose it. Even if what she possessed was merely an illusion, she was unwilling to take off the clothes that didn't belong to her. She wanted to wear them forever, to move from the guest room to the master bedroom. That night, she slept extremely soundly.
The next morning, while she was still sleeping in, the elders and younger members of the Zhan family were already awake. Everyone seemed to have forgotten about her; they didn't call her for breakfast. She only woke up after those who worked had left for work and those who went to school had departed.
Perhaps sensing Old Master Zhan's disapproval of her late rising, she found an excuse to come out. She could disregard Mu Linjing, but she was genuinely afraid of the elderly Old Master Zhan. If she had to stay at home alone with him, she would have a breakdown. She'd rather find Mu Linjing.
The servant told her that the clothes she was wearing belonged to Mu Linjing, so she suddenly had an idea: she wanted Mu Linjing to buy her some designer clothes. Arriving at Mu Linjing's workplace, she felt their relationship was good enough now and her demeanor became more arrogant. She barked orders at the security guard who blocked her at the entrance.
The security guard was unfazed. He brandished his baton and said, "Young lady, it's best if you calm down. If you want to go up, I can call and ask for permission. If you try to force your way in, I'll have to stop you."
Accustomed to feigning toughness, she faltered when the security guard stood firm and asked him to inquire on her behalf. When Mu Linjing heard that the "crazy woman" had found her way downstairs, she quickly went down to prevent her from causing a scene.
Seeing Mu Linjing come to greet her personally, Zhang Xinyi's arrogance returned. "Sister, your security guard is too impolite. Not only did he block me from entering, but he also threatened to use force."
Mu Linjing knew without asking that Zhang Xinyi must have been unreasonable. The security guard was merely doing his job by blocking her. She couldn't criticize her employee for upholding the rules, so she could only placate Zhang Xinyi. "Please don't mind him. We have regulations here that people without work badges cannot enter. He simply didn't recognize you, and I apologize for the trouble. Have you had breakfast? I'll take you to eat."
Hearing that she had easily taken the bait, Zhang Xinyi no longer concealed her intentions. She stated directly, "Sister, I'm about to start working at Zhan Corporation, but I don't have many decent clothes. This outfit I'm wearing is yours. Wouldn't it be embarrassing for you if I showed up for work like this?" The implication was more than clear.