The funeral hall was filled with the somber tones of mourning music. All attendees were dressed in black, with white paper flowers pinned to their chests, taking turns to lay flowers before the portrait of the deceased and bid their final farewells.

Su Jiunian stood to the side in traditional mourning attire, her delicate face pale and her eyes swollen from crying. She bowed deeply in gratitude to each guest who paid their respects.

"Auntie is about to be placed in the coffin—how come Ji Ziyu still isn't here?" her best friend whispered anxiously beside her, occasionally rising on tiptoe to peer toward the entrance.

"Let's not wait any longer," Su Jiunian managed to say, her voice hoarse with exhaustion.

"Don't say that! Your mother only had you as her daughter. It would be such a shame if her son-in-law isn't present when she's laid to rest. Just wait a little longer— Oh! Ji Ziyu's here!"

The moment Su Fei blurted this out, she immediately regretted it as she saw the man and woman entering through the doorway. All eyes in the hall turned toward the entrance.

The tall, broad-shouldered man stepped in against the backlight, his tailored black suit accentuating his imposing figure. Without a hint of shame, he strode in arm-in-arm with a woman by his side.

Ji Ziyu, the second young master of Hai City's most prominent wealthy family—a man known far and wide for his riches and unwavering devotion.

Unfortunately, that devotion wasn't directed at his lawfully wedded wife Su Jiunian, but rather at the stunning woman who shadowed his every move: An Ruosheng.

Yet even at his mother-in-law's funeral, he had the audacity to openly parade his mistress before the mourners. Such "filial piety" was certainly... remarkable.

Su Jiunian watched as the striking couple approached her. Even after all these years, the sight of their perfect compatibility still stung her eyes.

"Ji Ziyu, this is too much! Today is Niannian's mother's funeral. No matter how irresponsible you usually are, how could you—"

"Su Fei!" Su Jiunian gently pulled back her indignant friend, silencing her with a look. Calmly, she lit three sticks of incense and handed them to Ji Ziyu. "Thank you for coming."

Regardless of everything, her mother had always been fond of Ji Ziyu. That he came to see her off on her final journey was something Su Jiunian could appreciate—even if she knew all too well his true motives for being here.

Ji Ziyu seemed taken aback that she didn't erupt in anger. Instead, she had quietly offered him the incense for the ritual, as if nothing were amiss.

"Su Jiunian, no matter how much you pretend, I'm still going to divorce you. If you know what's good for you, you'd better—"

"I agree." Su Jiunian suddenly cut him off, lifting her bloodshot, tear-filled eyes to meet his startled gaze. "Once my mother's funeral is over, we can go straight to the civil affairs bureau to finalize the divorce. May I light the incense now so my mother can be laid to rest?"

Her voice was eerily calm, devoid of any emotion, as if she were discussing the weather.

Only she knew how those words had carved a fresh wound into her heart. She'd thought years of pain had numbed her, yet the mere idea of separating from him completely still tore her apart.

Ji Ziyu hadn't expected Su Jiunian—who'd stubbornly refused divorce for two whole years—to suddenly yield. After all his relentless efforts to force her hand, she'd never once compromised before.

Then again, perhaps this was exactly what he'd intended. Bringing An Ruosheng to the funeral had been calculated to push her into agreeing.

Taking the incense from Su Jiunian's hands, he deliberately ignored her red-rimmed eyes. With An Ruosheng in tow, he stepped forward to bow before the portrait of the deceased, one after the other. Su Jiunian mechanically returned the gesture, her movements hollow.

For some inexplicable reason, seeing her slender frame standing alone beside the black-and-white portrait made his chest tighten ever so slightly.

As he passed her on his way out, he paused. "There's no need to rush, actually. You can take care of your mother's arrangements first. The divorce can wait."

"No." Su Jiunian's reply was firm. She drew a deep breath, forcing out the rest: "After the funeral, I'll go back to the Su residence to get my household register. I'll call you then."

She kept her head lowered, refusing to look at Ji Ziyu.

One more glance, one more delay, and the resolve she'd mustered with such difficulty might crumble entirely.

Ji Ziyu said nothing more. Sensing An Ruosheng's grip on his arm shift slightly, he turned and soothingly stroked her silky hair. "I know you don't like this atmosphere. Let me take you home first."

"Mm." An Ruosheng nodded obediently, offering Su Jiunian a gentle, apologetic smile before letting Ji Ziyu guide her out with an arm around her shoulders.

"Ugh, that damn white lotus is beyond shameless!" Su Fei had always believed women like An Ruosheng were the absolute worst—master manipulators hiding behind sweet smiles and fake innocence.

But now, in front of Su Jiunian, this display of graceful manners and subtle intimidation was executed so ruthlessly that it was utterly detestable.

Su Jiunian’s gaze remained fixed on the black-and-white portrait of her mother on the altar, her silence heavy with grief. From this day forward, she truly would be alone in this world...

"Nian Nian." Su Fei’s heart ached as she watched the tears Su Jiunian was holding back. Suddenly, she threw her arms around her in a tight embrace, her own tears falling uncontrollably. "If you want to cry, just cry. Seeing you like this breaks my heart."

Su Jiunian’s vacant eyes followed the retreating figures of the man and woman as they reached the doorway.

"Tears only bring pain to those who love you and joy to those who wish you harm. What you should do is return the suffering you’ve endured tenfold." A deep, resonant voice spoke beside her, its lazy tone laced with an icy detachment.

It was actually Lu Qishen?!

The Su family had business dealings with a subsidiary under Lu Corporation, and Su Jiunian had once caught a glimpse of this man at a bidding conference. But she never imagined someone of his stature would deign to appear here.

Whatever Lu Qishen’s reason for coming, today was her mother’s funeral. Every guest was to be treated with gratitude.

"Right." Su Jiunian sniffled, wiping away her tears before lifting her head. Her face now wore a cool, resolute expression, though the smile she forced was strained. "Forgive my moment of weakness, Mr. Lu. Thank you for attending my mother’s funeral."

Lu Qishen didn’t respond. The scene he had just witnessed—Ji Ziyu daring to hurt her like this—flashed through his mind.

His dark, penetrating eyes studied the woman before him, who was putting on a brave front. He reached out, resting his hand gently atop her soft hair. "Don’t force a smile if you don’t mean it. There’s no need for pretense in front of me."

Su Jiunian froze, staring blankly at the noble and refined man before her. His strikingly handsome features, the sharp contours of his face—it was as if he were God’s most exquisite masterpiece. He carried himself with the natural arrogance of someone born into power, his aura untouchable.

They had met no more than three times. Why was he being so... familiar with her?

Su Jiunian didn’t dare let her thoughts wander. Unlike the upstart nouveau riche like the Ji family, the Lu family was true aristocracy, their wealth and influence accumulated over centuries, placing them far beyond ordinary reach.

A man like him was like a deity upon an altar—one could admire from afar but never dare to profane with worldly thoughts.

Before she could react, Su Jiunian watched as Lu Qishen strode to the altar and took three incense sticks. His slender fingers held them to the flickering candle flame until they caught fire. Then, to her surprise, he returned and took her hand, his lips curving slightly.

"Come. Let’s pay our respects to your mother together."