When the Morning Turns Green

Zhong Chaoyin has always known that Sheng Yuqing looks down on her.

The two of them are worlds apart. In the eyes of outsiders, she is the vixen of a younger sister who broke up a man's family.

He is the pampered young master of the top-tier Sheng family, born into wealth and privilege.

In their second year of high school, her "brother-in-law," Sheng Yue, introduces her. "This is Chaoyin. From now on, she'll be your little sister."

The young man's features are sharp, and his defiant gaze makes her heart tremble.

Sheng Yuqing sees the girl hiding timidly behind someone. Her eyes droop at the corners, and her dewy, doe-like eyes make her look fragile and pitiful.

Then, with a casual change of tone, he says, "Hello, little sister."

And so she moves into the Shang household.

Only later does she learn that Sheng Yuqing is the most doted-on young master of the Sheng family. It is his acceptance that gives her the right to set foot in the Sheng home.

Later, she is driven out of the Sheng family. In the pouring rain, the young man runs after her and grabs her, asking hoarsely, "Do you really have to go?"

Her eyes redden with tears. For the first time, she calls him by name. "Sheng Yuqing, we never had anything to do with each other."

*

Years later, when they meet again, Sheng Yuqing is still the center of attention, high above everyone else and impossible to approach.

Across the crowd, he glances over nonchalantly. Their eyes meet, and Zhong Chaoyin's heart skips a beat.

The boyishness has faded from the man's face, replaced by composure. He has matured into someone she hardly recognizes.

She remembers the Sheng family's warning and is the first to look away.

After Sheng Yuqing steps in to help her several times, people start looking at them with knowing smiles.

At a dinner party, someone finally musters the courage to tease them. "So, what exactly is your relationship?"

The man holds a glass in his elegant hand, his gaze deep as he watches her. Zhong Chaoyin's heart pounds, and she hurriedly tries to explain, but a low voice cuts her off:

"I suppose it's the kind where I ask her not to leave even after she abandons me."

Everyone takes it as a joke. The young master of the Sheng family is worth trillions and stands far above everyone else. He's never lowered himself for a beauty.

*

Later, everyone mocks Zhong Chaoyin for wishful thinking, for trying to marry into wealth and become a phoenix. That very night, news of the Sheng family head's marriage sets the internet ablaze.

[Sheng Yuqing: I'm the branch. @Zhong Chaoyin]

The post is accompanied by a photo of their two marriage certificates.

The next day, the Sheng family heir, who never appears in public, gives his first interview. The man is dignified and aloof, his wedding ring gleaming on his left ring finger.

Only when he speaks of his new wife does a tender smile appear in the expressionless man's eyes:

"Don't scare her, everyone. It took me a long time to win her over."

Much later, Zhong Chaoyin lies in Sheng Yuqing's arms, playing with his fingers, her nose stinging:

"I thought you hated me."

He pulls her into his arms, his tone lazy. "I only hate that you don't like me."

But now, he loves her more than anything.

Theme: When will the grapes ripen? Wait, and then wait some more