After Being Forced Into Marriage, I Became Very Successful - Chapter 1

1:

The summer in Haicheng was as always, oppressively hot, the kind of heat that made people miserable. But even hotter than the weather was the news that the Xia family’s cherished daughter was getting married. The announcement, finalized just a week ago, had already spread like wildfire through the elite circles.

In a restaurant at a suburban equestrian club, a group of well-dressed young people gathered, eagerly discussing the topic.

“Would you believe it? After all that picking and choosing, Jiang Yan actually came out on top. Never saw it coming, honestly,” said Li Zifeng, the second son of the Li family, a major player in Haicheng’s restaurant chain industry. He was the one who brought up the topic.

Liu Xinyi teased with a smile, “When it comes to sincerity, none of you here can hold a candle to Jiang Yan. She’s been relentlessly pursuing Xia Yining for a solid four years, no less.”

Li Zifeng took a sip of iced water, cooling the lingering heat from his morning horse-riding session, but he still wasn’t convinced. “Four years, so what? Has anyone ever seen Xia Yining give her a second glance? It’s obvious she doesn’t care for her, yet Jiang Yan keeps trailing behind like a loyal puppy.”

The others exchanged subtle looks but didn’t chime in directly.

Liu Xinyi, known for her straightforward personality and love for teasing Li Zifeng, didn’t hold back. “At least she has taken real action, unlike you. Besides sending gifts and texts, what have you done?”

The group stifled their laughter, and Li Zifeng shook his head helplessly. “Fine, I can’t compete with her. She’s the number one simp, after all.”

The Xia family wasn’t just a big name in Haicheng; they were a top-tier powerhouse nationwide. With more sons than daughters, Xia Yining, the family’s only girl, had been doted on since childhood, raised like a precious gem.

Naturally, her beauty and talent lived up to the adoration.

Yet, over the years, no one had ever caught her eye, and there were no rumors of her dating anyone. Plenty of young men and women her age in their circle had harbored feelings for her.

So when the news broke out this year that she was getting married, people were skeptical at first. But soon enough, it was confirmed: she would marry Jiang Yan in September. The announcement hit like a bombshell.

Amid the shock, people were left puzzled and sighing. Everyone knew Jiang Yan was smitten with Xia Yining, but it was equally clear that Xia Yining didn’t reciprocate her feelings.

So how, after four years of failing to win her heart, had things suddenly changed this year?

The conversation shifted to Jiang Yan, growing more animated as more people joined in. Just as the discussion hit its peak, Liu Xinyi caught sight of Jiang Yan in the corner of her eye and coughed lightly. “Alright, enough. Jiang Yan’s here.”

Jiang Yan had not wanted to come, but she had promised long ago. She’d already skipped the morning’s horse-riding session, and after several persistent calls, she had no choice but to show up.

Li Zifeng waved her over. “Jiang Yan, over here!”

The restaurant was practically empty except for their lively table. There was no way Jiang Yan could’ve missed them.

A month ago, she had transmigrated into this novel’s world, landing in the body of the original Jiang Yan, a spoiled rich kid who loved hanging out with this group of fair-weather friends. She also knew that, behind her back, they all looked down on her.

Jiang Yan had tried to distance herself, but these people were relentless, acting as if they’d storm her house if she didn’t show up. If you didn’t know better, you’d think they genuinely cared about their “friend.”

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Yan steadied her emotions and walked over quickly. Li Zifeng had already saved her seat. “I kept this spot just for you, but you’re late today, so you’ve gotta pay a penalty.”

The others echoed in agreement. Jiang Yan gave a reserved smile. “Something came up at home. Grandpa and Dad called me to the study for a lecture first thing this morning. I couldn’t get away. Sorry.”

Everyone knew that being summoned by elders early in the morning usually meant trouble, but they didn’t care what Jiang Yan had been through or how she was feeling. They just carried on with the earlier topic.

“A penalty’s still a penalty, but we’ll go easy on you. It’s the rule—otherwise, everyone would start skipping out,” Li Zifeng said.

This group of second-generation rich kids are all young, and basically they are not the heirs of the family. Most of them have known each other since childhood, so they like to get together when there is something delicious and fun.

Jiang Yan didn’t care for their so-called “rules,” but she was stuck in the original owner’s identity. Flipping out on them wasn’t the best move, especially considering their families’ backgrounds. Not only had they grown up together, but many of their families had business ties. Their elders often hinted they should get along to avoid disrupting friendships or deals.

In the end, it all came down to money.

Looking at the glass of alcohol in front of her, Jiang Yan thought for a moment before downing it in one go. As Li Zifeng reached to pour a second glass, she blocked the rim with her hand. “You said a light penalty. I’ve shown my sincerity. Let’s skip the second one.”

Li Zifeng paused, then laughed. “Your tolerance is better than that. A couple more won’t hurt. Besides, you’re about to get married—your four-year dream is finally coming true. Don’t you want to celebrate with a few extra drinks?”

The others joined in, egging her on, waiting for her to move her hand. To them, Jiang Yan was nothing but a useless fool, decent at academics but otherwise a laughingstock who trailed after Xia Yining, fawning over her endlessly.

They mocked her behind her back but played the part of loyal friends to her face. Whether the original Jiang Yan was genuinely clueless or just pretending, no one could tell.

After a moment, with Jiang Yan’s hand still firmly in place, Li Zifeng’s expression started to sour.

“Let’s be clear. My engagement has nothing to do with being late today, so I’m not drinking more,” Jiang Yan said.

Li Zifeng was about to snap when Jiang Yan cut him off. “You just said a light penalty is about upholding the rules, and I’ve complied. But adding more punishment now? That’s breaking your own rules.”

Caught off guard, Li Zifeng had no comeback and set the bottle down. The others stayed quiet, exchanging glances, surprised by Jiang Yan’s attitude today.

Normally, Jiang Yan was the type to get riled up after a bit of teasing. Why was she so clear-headed and resolute today? They racked their brains but could only guess one thing: she had a new backer, and it was making her bold.

The Jiang family had overextended themselves in recent years, leading to a strained cash flow. The past two years had been especially tough, with the family barely scraping by on loans. The market might not know, but their circle had heard the rumors, which had further lowered Jiang Yan’s status among her so-called friends.

But marrying Xia Yining changed everything. Even if Jiang Yan was technically “marrying in,” the Xia family wouldn’t let the Jiangs sink. Their financial troubles would likely be resolved soon.

No one could say how Jiang Yan would fare in the future, but for now, things could only go up. These people, always calculating, weren’t about to burn bridges.

Liu Xinyi stepped in to smooth things over. “Jiang Yan’s right to stick to her guns. Li Zifeng, you’ve had too much already—you’re getting sloppy!”

Someone nearby quickly handed Li Zifeng a glass of iced water. “Xinyi’s right, Zifeng. Drink some water to clear your head.”

Li Zifeng froze for a good ten seconds before downing the water in one gulp, grimacing as the cold stung his teeth.

Jiang Yan slowly moved her hand, and the table’s tension eased slightly.

Li Zifeng stayed silent for a while after the water. Liu Xinyi turned to Jiang Yan. “The wedding’s just over two months away. How’s the planning going?”

Jiang Yan replied calmly, “The Xia family’s handling most of it. I’m just cooperating.”

Liu Xinyi thought she was being coy. “You’ve been waiting for this day for four years. How are you so calm? Come on, we’re all friends here—don’t be shy.”

Jiang Yan gave a wry smile. She was telling the truth, but the original owner’s simp reputation was so ingrained that no one believed her.

“The wedding’s entirely under the Xia family’s control. I couldn’t take charge even if I wanted to.” She shrugged, spreading her hands in a helpless gesture.

That much was true. A simp like her had no say. But marrying Xia Yining? That was a win, no matter how you sliced it. What more could Jiang Yan ask for?

By all accounts, Jiang Yan was coming out ahead.

But Jiang Yan couldn’t connect with them. Having seen through their true attitudes, she didn’t consider them friends. The original owner might’ve been too caught up in her own world to notice, but Jiang Yan wasn’t about to delude herself.

“I’ve got to go try on wedding dresses. I’ll head out now,” she said.

She’d barely been there for half an hour, and her quick exit was unusual. Li Zifeng’s expression darkened further, but Liu Xinyi grabbed her arm. “It’s still early. Xia Yining’s probably not even up yet. Stay a bit longer.”

Before Jiang Yan could respond, her phone rang. She waved it, showing Xia Yining’s name flashing on the screen. Liu Xinyi let go.

“Hello?”

“I’m heading out. Where are you?”

Jiang Yan glanced at the group. “At the equestrian club.”

Xia Yining sounded surprised, her voice rising slightly. “We’re supposed to look at dresses today, and you’re at the club?”

“I’m about to leave. I should make it in time.”

“Good. Mom’s coming too, so don’t be late.”

After hanging up, Jiang Yan had an even better excuse. “Fiancée’s calling. Gotta go.”

Once she left, Li Zifeng suddenly kicked the chair she’d been sitting in, the screech against the floor making everyone wince.

Someone tried to calm him. “Let it go. You didn’t lose much.”

Li Zifeng had never been slighted by Jiang Yan before, especially not in front of this crowd. Who knew how they’d mock him behind his back?

“Fiancée’s calling? She’s just a simp who lucked out. What’s she so smug about?”

Liu Xinyi, seeing Li Zifeng’s reaction, felt a twinge of satisfaction. If Jiang Yan was foolish, Li Zifeng was outright arrogant. Seeing an arrogant guy get outdone by someone “foolish” was amusing.

“Your jealousy and hatred are useless. The spring of simp has come, what can you do?”

Her words didn’t just irk Li Zifeng; they left a sour taste for a few others too. Not everyone had feelings for Xia Yining, but seeing the group’s biggest loser, Jiang Yan, hit the jackpot? That didn’t sit well with anyone.