Ulterior Motives

The Tofu Beauty sashayed up to the front gate of the Hunter Estate, gazing at the tall walls, green tiles, and blue bricks. She thought to herself, "Mark Hunter really is a wealthy man—look at how grand his courtyard is! If I end up with Mark Hunter, I'll be living the good life forever, never worrying about food or hardship, and no more slaving away selling tofu!"

Just then, Dr. Wu happened to be standing at the door.

The Tofu Beauty stepped forward and respectfully greeted Dr. Wu, saying, "Good day, Dr. Wu. I heard that Cynthia is ill and have been wanting to visit her. This is tofu I made myself—I've picked out the best and most tender for her. My family is poor, and I have nothing else of value to offer. I hope you won't mind."

Hearing that the Tofu Beauty had come to see his daughter and even brought a gift, Dr. Wu hurriedly accepted the basket and said, "Thank you for your kindness. On behalf of Cynthia, I thank you."

The Tofu Beauty craned her neck to peek inside the house, catching a glimpse of a tall man sitting by the bedside. She knew that had to be Mark Hunter.

"May I go in and see Cynthia?" the Tofu Beauty asked.

"Come in with me," Dr. Wu replied.

The Tofu Beauty was startled when she saw the scruffy Mark Hunter. She hadn't expected a man who grew up as a hunter to be so attentive to his wife.

Instantly, the Tofu Beauty grew envious. She thought, "How did Cynthia get such a good man?" Then, seeing Cynthia Wu pale and unconscious, the Tofu Beauty felt much better: "So what if you married a rich, loving husband? You're still a short-lived wretch. If you die within a year, this wonderful man will be all mine!"

"Oh, my poor sister! Just when life was getting good, this had to happen. That wretched May Parker—if I see her in the village again, I'll tear her mouth apart to vent for Cynthia!" The Tofu Beauty pretended to sit by Cynthia's bedside, but her eyes kept sneaking glances at Mark Hunter.

Mark Hunter stared at Cynthia Wu without blinking, as if he hadn't noticed that Tofu Beauty was right beside him.

Cynthia Wu was sound asleep, so she couldn't respond.

Tofu Beauty struck up a conversation with Mark Hunter, asking about Cynthia Wu's condition.

Mark Hunter replied mechanically, his voice flat and emotionless, as if his whole soul was focused on Cynthia Wu.

Seeing Mark Hunter's cold and indifferent attitude, Tofu Beauty felt a bit discouraged. After sitting for a while and realizing there was nothing more to say, she got up to leave, already planning to come back every day under the pretense of visiting Cynthia Wu and delivering tofu. She figured that, given enough time, even Mark Hunter would eventually warm up to her.

Tofu Beauty had wanted to stay a bit longer, but Mark Hunter's chilly demeanor made her hold back. She ended up sashaying away, swaying her hips with every step.

No sooner had Tofu Beauty stepped out the door than Lily Evans returned. "Belle said she left her handkerchief here, so I came to fetch it. Huh? Tofu Beauty was here? She didn't do anything outrageous, did she?"

Mark Hunter glanced coldly at Tofu Beauty's retreating figure and said, "Dad, Lily, that woman is up to no good. Don't let her in again. And throw out any tofu she brings."

"Mark, are you saying Tofu Beauty's got some shady intentions?" Lily Evans had a hunch; someone like Tofu Beauty, who'd stoop to anything, had already set her sights on Lucky, so this time, her target must be Mark Hunter.

Lily Evans thought to herself that her guess was spot on—Tofu Beauty was nothing but trouble, always scheming and up to no good!