The cold that settled over Haishi early in the twelfth lunar month was sharper than in years past. Rong Shu, her face a blank mask, was huddled on the sofa, listening to the shrieks of her mother-in-law, Wang Shuqin, from downstairs. “So what if you can’t have children, Rong Shu? Look at the time! Haven’t you started dinner yet? Are you trying to starve me and Jinglin to death?” In the six years she’d been married to Fu Jingting, her mother-in-law had never stopped calling her a barren hen behind her back. But who could have known the truth? That her husband had never once touched her. “Get down here and pack my school bag! I’m going to be late!” a teenage voice added to the chorus. Fu Jinglin, Fu Jingting's younger brother, was a veritable hellion who had made it his mission to torment Rong Shu from the very beginning. In his eyes, the sister-in-law his brother had married was a complete pushover. Rong Shu descended the stairs and moved robotically into the kitchen to prepare their meal and pack her brother-in-law’s bookbag and lunchbox. “Mother, dinner is ready.” Wang Shuqin’s temper flared at the sight of Rong Shu’s lifeless expression. She slammed her glass down on the table. “Getting bold, are we, Rong Shu? Living in my son’s house, spending my son’s money, and you dare to give me that look? Do you want me to call Jingting right now and tell him to divorce you?” The tray in Rong Shu’s hands trembled. She took a deep breath, forcing a smile onto her lips. “I wasn’t, Mother.” Wang Shuqin didn't buy it for a second. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. “Don’t think you’re secure as Mrs. Fu just because the old lady has your back. You’re nothing compared to Manyin!” The color drained from Rong Shu’s face at the mention of the other woman’s name. Fu Jinglin’s eyes darted between them, a malicious grin spreading across his face as he clearly sensed an opportunity. “Oh, you don’t know, do you? Sister Manyin is getting out of the hospital soon. My brother is bringing her here to live with us.” Rong Shu’s eyelid twitched, her hand faltering as she set down a plate. Wang Shuqin snorted, unimpressed by the woman’s pathetic display of vulnerability. “Stop standing there!” she snapped, waving a dismissive hand. “You’re ruining my appetite. Get out of my sight!” Rong Shu didn’t linger. She turned, went back upstairs, and curled up on the sofa once more. Around dusk, a Maybach pulled up to the front door. Rong Shu shot up from the sofa, rushing to the balcony to look down. A tall, well-built man in a suit emerged from the car. He was strikingly handsome, with an air of distinction that outshone even the biggest movie stars. The man seemed to sense her gaze and looked up, his eyes meeting hers. His expression was ice-cold, devoid of any emotion. She was used to that look. The corners of her mouth twitched into a smile that held no warmth. When Fu Jingting entered the room, Rong Shu began her usual routine, running the water for his bath. “Husband, Grandmother has been at the temple for almost a month now. She called this afternoon… said she got a protective talisman for you…” “I need to talk to you,” Fu Jingting cut in. Rong Shu turned to face him. Fu Jingting stared at her, his dark eyes a mask of indifference and distance. There was no warmth in them, not a trace. His thin lips parted as he spoke, his voice low and firm. “Gu Manyin is coming back. You’ll move out tomorrow.” The last bit of warmth in Rong Shu’s heart froze over. So, Fu Jinglin had been telling the truth. “And if I don’t?” Her voice was a whisper, as thin and fleeting as a wisp of smoke. Fu Jingting’s brow furrowed. It was the first time this woman, who had always been so compliant, had ever defied him. His voice turned to ice. “Don’t forget how you came to marry me six years ago.” How could she possibly forget? When Gu Manyin had her car accident, it was Rong Shu who called for the ambulance. It was Rong Shu who donated her own Rh-negative blood to save her. In his gratitude, Fu Jingting had promised her anything she wanted. And the only thing Rong Shu had asked for was to marry him. It was a dream she had clung to ever since she first laid eyes on him in high school.