the rise of the useless son-in-law of a wealthy family

an accusation

A few minutes later, the oven was turned back on at the correct temperature, and the new tart was baking. Su Jian stood there, waiting with hope that this time, the outcome would be better.

During the process, the maid spoke to Su Jian in a gentle tone, “Don’t worry, Mr. Su. Everyone starts from zero. Someday, you’ll be able to make a tart like this on your own.”

Su Jian chuckled awkwardly. “I hope so. I just don’t know how. All of this feels like such a complicated task.”

The maid smiled, looking at him with sympathy. “For some, the kitchen can be a daunting place. But don’t worry. If you’d like, I can teach you.”

Su Jian was impressed. He didn’t expect someone to be so willing to help him. While he felt awkward about not being able to do it himself, the maid’s kind intentions made him feel slightly more appreciated.

After a while, the tart was finally done. Though slightly burnt on some edges, it still looked good, and its sweet aroma was enticing. The maid skillfully sliced the tart and arranged it on a plate in an appealing way.

“It may not be perfect, but it should still cheer up Miss Lengyi,” the maid said with a grin.

Su Jian nodded, feeling a bit more confident. He carried the tart out of the kitchen and headed to the main dining room, where Lengyi was waiting. He walked carefully, trying not to feel too self-conscious about his efforts.

When Su Jian entered the dining room, Lengyi was sitting at the table with her usual calm demeanor. However, when she saw Su Jian carrying the tart, her eyes showed a hint of surprise.

“What’s this?” Lengyi asked, her tone softer than usual.

Su Jian gave an awkward smile. “I made this for you as a thank-you gesture. I know it’s not perfect, but I hope you’ll like it.”

Lengyi looked at the tart for a moment before turning her gaze to Su Jian, who looked nervous. She could see how much effort he had put into it, and although the tart was slightly burnt, she could sense his sincerity.

“Thank you, Su Jian,” Lengyi finally said, smiling faintly, though her smile seemed a bit forced. “I can appreciate your effort.”

Su Jian felt a bit relieved, though he was still anxious. “I’m really sorry if it doesn’t taste good,” he said. “I promise I’ll try again.”

Lengyi picked up a spoon and tasted the tart. “Hmm… Even though it’s a little burnt, it’s not bad,” she said, trying to reassure him. “I can taste your effort, and that’s enough.”

Su Jian felt touched, even though he knew the tart wasn’t perfect. Seeing Lengyi trying to appreciate his gesture made him feel better.

“Thank you,” he said, a small smile appearing on his face.

Lengyi looked at him for a moment, then nodded. “This is a good effort, Su Jian. I can appreciate that.”

Su Jian felt a warmth in his heart. Even though the tart wasn’t perfect, he knew one thing for sure—he had done something meaningful. Perhaps this was the first step in building their relationship. It might have started simply, but it was a good beginning.

---

Su Jian was sitting in the grand garden of the Xia family residence, admiring the newly blooming flowers. He felt slightly relieved after a chaotic day. That morning, despite many things not going as planned, there was one thing he was sure of—he had tried his best for Lengyi. It felt like their relationship was improving slightly, though Su Jian still felt awkward with every step he took.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the house’s front yard. Su Jian lifted his head, startled by the loud voices coming from the direction of the living room. Someone was speaking in a raised tone, followed by hurried footsteps.

Curious, Su Jian stood up and walked toward the source of the noise. As he entered the living room, he saw Lengyi’s cousin, Xia Yao, who appeared furious. Her face was flushed with anger, and her eyes radiated hostility.

“What’s going on?” Su Jian asked hesitantly, realizing that something bad was happening.

Xia Yao turned to him with an unfriendly expression. “Su Jian!” she shouted. “I know you’re the one who stole our family’s jewelry!”

Su Jian was stunned, unable to believe what he had just heard. “What are you talking about, Xia Yao? I didn’t steal anything!”

But Xia Yao didn’t care about his explanation. “The missing jewelry was found in your room! I checked it myself!” she yelled even louder. “You must have stolen it! Don’t even try to deny it!”

Su Jian froze, feeling completely bewildered. “I’ve never stolen anything! That’s not true!” he said, panicked. He tried to explain, but Xia Yao’s growing fury made him feel like no one would believe him.

Xia Yao ignored his protests and called for the servants, instructing them to search Su Jian’s room. Moments later, a female servant returned with a serious expression.

“Miss Yao, we found the missing jewelry in Mr. Su’s room,” the servant said formally, stepping forward with a small open box. Inside, the jewelry belonging to the Xia family was displayed.

Su Jian was shocked, his eyes wide. “That… That’s not mine! I don’t know how the jewelry ended up there!” Su Jian exclaimed in panic. He tried to defend himself, but Xia Yao’s increasingly loud accusations drowned out his words.

Xia Yao glared at him with contempt. “The evidence is right here! What more can you say? You must have stolen it, and now you’ll face the punishment you deserve!”

Su Jian felt his body tremble. He had no idea how the jewelry had ended up in his room. But no matter how hard he tried to defend himself, it seemed no one was willing to listen.

Suddenly, Lengyi’s voice echoed through the room. “What’s going on here?”