Contractual Love

Chapter 8

Shu Yan's POV

"Madam, the Master has arrived."

I nodded with a sad smile. I had been practicing since they carted her away. Daiyu will finally be the main focus and take over the company as she deserves. I quickly put in eye drops to redden my eyes, making sure to let them smear my eye make-up. Pinched the underneath to cause puffiness and headed to the door to meet Bai. I am certain that he will be upset momentarily before becoming angry.

"Shu, dear. Daiyu."

"Hello hun.", I sniffled as I spoke.

"Where is my Ai?", he exclaimed, searching the foyer.

"She said she was a woman now and ran off with an old man who said he owns a brothel down town."

"SHE WHAT?????"

"Yes, dear. I tried to talk her out of it,but she insisted that she is old enough to make her own decisions. How shameful it is to have such a daughter representing the Yan Family."

Without a word, he walked passed us and locked himself in his study. Loud rumblings, sounds of things crashing on the walls, and obscenities could be heard all throughout the house. Daiyu looked at me and smiled. Only she and I knew that Ai had been auctioned off. Well, and the buyer that is. I am also well prepared for when he notices that nosey Xue is no longer with us. She was so distraught and ashamed that Ai left, she just could no longer serve the Yan Family with a clear conscious. I could not help but bask in the happiness that I was feeling as I sipped my tea.

"Madam, we have an extremely important visitor. Shall I inform the Master?"

"I will inform him myself. Who is it?"

"Young Master Ying."

"Inform Daiyu to make herself presentable at once."

Young Master Ying, of the Ying Family. The most powerful family around. This could be her chance to make an impression to use in the future and open more doors. I walked to the study feeling slightly apprehensive about knocking, but with such an important guest, he cannot stay locked away.

"Hun, I know this is all a lot to take in, but a guest has arrived."

"Tell them to leave. I am not seeing visitors."

"I can't, dear. It is Young Master Ying."

I heard him sigh loudly before opening the door, tidying his suit as we made our way to the seating room. As we rounded the corner, I could see the Young Master of the Ying Family, a young woman by his side, and another man wearing glasses. Could he already be spoken for? There have been no public announcements, nor has there been anything through the gossips. Bai walked ahead of me, since I was looking for Daiyu. He gasped loudly and embraced the woman tightly. Does he know her? That's when she spoke, and my blood ran cold.

"Ba! Oh, how I have missed you!"

It is her, but how? I auctioned her to the brothel. They wanted her purity. How is she with the Young Master of the Ying Family and why is she here now?

"You worried your old man nearly to death, Ai."

"I apologize, father.", she bowed her head to him.

Ugh. I will definitely be calling that broker as soon as this is over. I refuse to let her ruin my plans. In the corner of my eye, I caught Daiyu finally joining us from her room. Her eyes widened as she looked between me and Ai. Undoubtedly, asking the same questions as me. We just stood silently behind Bai, watching everything unfold.

"Sorry for worrying you, sir, but we have prepared gifts for you", Zhong Ying informed.

"Oh, how silly. There is no need. What can I do for you, Young Master Ying?"

"Well, I am actually here to apologize if I am being honest."

"For?"

"You see, Ai is now the Young Mistress of the Ying family."

"Oh, how wonderful!, he exclaimed, pulling Ai into yet another embrace.

Daiyu nudged me with her elbow, signaling to me that she wanted to leave the room. To be honest, I couldn't blame her, I wanted to leave as well. I could feel the sweat rolling down my forehead and collecting in my palms. How could such a simple plan go so wrong? Did she meet him in the brothel or was he a secret ahead of time? Did he know what I had done? If so, there is no way the cold man they write about would ever let me get away with it, not scott free. I whispered to Bai that Daiyu was feeling unwell so we would be calling it a night, before heading upstairs together.

"Mother, how does she know him?"

"Shhh, wait until we are in your room.", I whispered, looking back in their direction as we continued upstairs.

"Hmmph, fine."

"I am not sure what is going on, but we will have to make some calls. We cannot let your father hear of this."

"Where is Xue?"

"The man that took Ai returned last night for her.."

"You didn't find that strange?"

"Not out of character while dealing with their sorts."

Daiyu huffed loudly as she threw herself onto her bed, exasperated. I sat at the far edge, raking my hand down my face. I am going to have to find someone to take care of this soon. If I don't, not only will she somehow remain the Young Mistress of the Ying family, but I will also be at risk of exposure. No one knows that Daiyu was also aware of everything, so that should be top priority even if I am found out. I need to call him. It is the only way to have this taken care of quickly and quietly. Once she is dead, she won't be able to talk, it will incriminate and draw attention to the brothel if they speak out, and Zhong Ying will not have a chance to act. He will lose all proof of the deed, leaving Daiyu and I in the clear.