1

I've been farming in a mountain village for fifteen years when the Chu Family suddenly sent someone to bring me home. That's when I learned I was the true daughter of the Chu Family.

Dressed in clothes washed so many times they were faded and ill-fitting, I stood before a luxurious courtyard, feeling out of place.

Beside me, the fierce beast Yazi Ji Tuxing looked at the grandeur of the courtyard just as I did, admiration pouring from his sharp phoenix-like eyes.

As soon as I stepped inside, a majestic woman, smelling heavily of makeup, embraced me tightly.

Feeling a bit uncomfortable, I tried to pull back, but she held me firmly.

"My poor child, you've suffered so much outside... Oh! Is this your Contracted Beast? He's so impressive, elegant and graceful!"

I knew this was my biological mother.

"So this is my sister! She must have endured a lot outside; she doesn't have the charm our parents had in their youth, nor any hint of the Chu Family's traits. People might think she's a stray beggar we picked up."

"Sister is careless with herself, but why is she just as careless with her Contracted Beast? The Contracted Beast is the most important in our life; it can't be neglected. Later, I'll find some rare herbs for my sister's Contracted Beast."

A girl about my age emerged from Mother Chu's side, speaking to me but her gaze never leaving Ji Tuxing behind me.

It seems they wanted to bring back not me, but my Contracted Beast!

No matter how much they liked him, it would be useless; we had signed a soul contract with the beast, one beast, one master for a lifetime.

I kept a neutral expression, but felt somewhat uncomfortable inside.

"Alright, alright, Yueyao, you and Qingwu are the same age, surely you have many shared topics. With you helping to look after Qingwu, I can be at ease."

"Qingwu, this is your sister, follow her from now on and get familiar with the house. Hungry? Don't just stand there, come eat!"

Mother Chu turned and walked ahead, while Chu Yueyao's eyes never left Ji Tuxing, pretending to warmly take my arm.

"Sister Qingwu, your Contracted Beast is so handsome! What's his name?"

I discreetly pushed her hand away, showing a standard smile, "His name is Ji Tuxing. Let's go inside, we shouldn't keep the others waiting."

Chu Yueyao pouted, a flash of disdain crossing her face, quick but I caught it.

The Chu Family's courtyard was vast; after walking for a while, I was sweating profusely, coughing uncontrollably.

Chu Yueyao stepped back in disgust and started talking to Ji Tuxing.

I wasn't interested in what they said, but they seemed very interested in my story, mentioning in various ways that I was inadequate for such a fierce beast.

Feeling displeased, I shot annoyed glances at Ji Tuxing.

But today, Ji Tuxing appeared dazzled by wealth, unable to accommodate the ordinary me.

I quickened my pace and followed Mother Chu to the dining room.

A greasy man greeted me with a laugh, "Qingwu, my dear daughter, Father has been busy with urgent company affairs, so I couldn't meet you. Don't hold it against me, okay?"

Old Chu looked at me briefly before fixing his gaze on Ji Tuxing.

The hope I had just built up began to break and crumble.

I had survived from the age of five with no family, reliant on farming, living next door to an old lady.

Thinking this return would bring the family affection I missed.

Suddenly felt that such blood relations, besides being blood, were nothing but calculations.

The disappointment rose to my throat, forcing me to cough.

Mother Chu patted my arm, concern overflowing.

"Oh, Qingwu, you're not well; let a physician check you tomorrow. Quickly, sit down and eat."

The table was laden with plentiful dishes, yet I was placed in front of a bowl of plain porridge and pickles.

Meanwhile, Ji Tuxing was seated between Old Chu and Chu Yueyao.

Mother Chu smiled gently, "Qingwu, I heard you've been sickly since childhood, eating mostly bland food. Suddenly eating richly might upset your stomach."

Old Chu chimed in, "Yes, Qingwu. You've suffered outside, but you're too weak to handle all this nourishment…"

"I understand that." I interrupted them.

Ji Tuxing, arrogant, was devouring a whole roast pig without decorum, interjected as well.

"Uncle, Aunt, don't bother with her. She's destined for misfortune and can't eat good things. I'll eat it instead; wouldn't want your good intentions wasted."

"This is for Mr. Ji. You've worked hard taking care of Qingwu, is this enough? If not, have the servants add more."

Old Chu's expression was deferential—a rarity for such a commanding businessman.

The meal was halfway through, and this family couldn't hold back, starting to hint at Ji Tuxing changing masters.