Breaking Off the Engagement

(Complete) Xu Xiyi had been betrothed to the third young master of the Pei Duke's household since childhood. But she was nearly nineteen, and he still showed no sign of coming to marry her. Xu Xiyi realized the Pei family looked down on her humble origins and wanted to break off the engagement.

Marriage should make allies, not enemies. A forced match would never be sweet, so Xu Xiyi went to the capital and ended the engagement herself.

Her former future mother-in-law's attitude suddenly changed. She insisted Xu Xiyi stay at the residence, promising to find her a good match so her journey to the Pei household would not be in vain.

Xu Xiyi knew the Third Madam cared about appearances. As it happened, Xu Xiyi needed something from the Pei family, more precisely, from the eldest young master: Pei Zhaojun, the famous top scorer in the imperial exams and the youngest third-rank official in the court. So she stayed.

The Third Madam was warm and welcoming in public, but privately worried Xu Xiyi might run into her son. She ordered a maid to take Xu Xiyi in and out through the side gate every day.

Little did she know that the grounds were lovely and secluded, and right next to the eldest young master's study.

On the first day, Xu Xiyi accidentally ruined a prospective match for the eldest young master.

Pei Zhaojun gave her a cold look but, out of a gentleman's regard, did not reprimand her.

The second time, she caught Pei Zhaojun dodging a persistent admirer, looking rather disheveled.

Pei Zhaojun could no longer keep his temper in check. He sneered, "Are you here to corner me again?"

Xu Xiyi silently cursed herself for leaving home without checking the almanac, but kept a perfectly composed face.

"That's right. I'm sticking with you."

One day, when everything was finally settled, Xu Xiyi happily packed her bags and prepared to ride home. But the unassuming eldest young master blocked her way, his face dark.

"You ruined my marriage prospects and think you can just leave? No chance!"

Carefree orphan x arrogant top scorer

Theme: What is meant for you may arrive late, but it will arrive.