Wang Mansion.
Guo Min stomped into the house, her heels clicking against the marble floor with every step of her fury. Her jaw clenched, her hands balled into fists at her sides as she replayed Zihan's words in her head. Marry me then. The audacity. She could still see that smug curve of his lips.
"Marry me then," she muttered mockingly, pitching her voice low as if imitating him. She clicked her tongue in irritation. "Arrogant brat."
"What's wrong?"
The sudden voice made her jump. She spun around to find Ruoxi leaning against the wall with a mischievous glint in her eyes, clearly entertained.
"Oh, it's nothing." Guo Min forced a smile, her voice sugarcoated but dripping with a lie that Ruoxi could sniff out a mile away.
Ruoxi tilted her head, unconvinced, but didn't push. Instead, she grinned and dangled a cream-colored card between her fingers. "Well, whatever it is, forget about it. Guess what? We got invited to the Zhu family's banquet." She paused dramatically, waving the card like a prized trophy. "And that means… we're going shopping first thing tomorrow morning."
Guo Min groaned. "Ruoxi..."
"No excuses," Ruoxi cut in, already bouncing with excitement.
Knowing that arguing with Ruoxi about social events was a hopeless battle, Guo Min sighed in defeat and lifted her hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. You win. But for now, can we at least eat before you drag me into another whirlwind?"
"Deal."
Guo Min looped her arm through Ruoxi's and tugged her toward the dining hall. Inside, the warm light spilled across the long polished table where Wang Mingze and Yun Ai were already seated, calmly serving themselves as though nothing in the world could disturb their evening ritual. The smell of rich dishes filled the air, grounding her anger for the moment.
Zhu Mansion.
After a long day, Zhu Zihan finally arrived at the grand Zhu Mansion. The elegant estate, illuminated by golden lights, stood as a symbol of the Zhu family's wealth and prestige.
Stepping inside, he was immediately greeted by his mother, who rushed to his side with open arms.
"My precious son, you're finally home! You work too hard," Mrs. Zhu fussed as she wrapped her arms around him.
Zihan let out a low chuckle, effortlessly returning her embrace. "Mother, I'm fine."
Across the room, Mr. Zhu sat at the dining table, watching the scene unfold with an unimpressed expression. He sighed, setting down his wine glass.
"Li Yan, can you let the boy breathe? You act like he's been gone for years," Mr. Zhu grumbled, clearly displeased that his wife's attention was entirely on their son.
Mrs. Zhu playfully swatted at her husband. "Oh, hush! You're just jealous."
Zihan smirked at the interaction but didn't comment. He took his seat at the dining table, where an elaborate feast was laid out.
As they ate, his mother's expression turned serious. "Zihan, tomorrow is your father's birthday banquet."
"I'm aware," Zihan responded nonchalantly, sipping his wine.
Mrs. Zhu hesitated before continuing. "It would be a perfect occasion for you to finally consider settling down. Why don't you use the banquet as an opportunity to pick a suitable wife?"
Zihan stilled, his grip on the wine glass tightening slightly. He exhaled, setting the glass down with a soft clink.
"Mother," he began, his tone measured. "I don't see why I need to rush into marriage."
His father spoke up this time, his voice carrying authority. "You are the heir of the Zhu Empire, Zihan. This isn't about rushing, it's about responsibility. A strong family secures a strong legacy. It's time you stopped playing around and made a decision."
Zihan's jaw tightened, but he remained composed. "I have no interest in meaningless arrangements."
Mrs. Zhu sighed dramatically. "Then at least entertain the idea, dear. There will be many respectable ladies attending. Just consider it, for my sake?"
Zihan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple slightly. He knew better than to argue with his mother when she was determined.
"I'll think about it," he finally said, though his tone lacked enthusiasm.
His father nodded in approval, while his mother beamed.
As dinner continued, Zihan's mind drifted. He had never cared for the idea of marriage, especially not one dictated by his family.
But as his thoughts wandered, an image surfaced in his mind.
Guo Min.
He frowned slightly. Why her?
Shrugging off the thought, he finished his meal, unaware that the next evening would set into motion something neither he nor Guo Min could have anticipated.
After dinner, Zhu Zihan retreated to his study, pouring himself a glass of whiskey as he leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, staring at the city skyline. His mother's words echoed in his mind.
A wife...
The very thought irritated him. Marriage was nothing more than a business transaction in their world. He knew the banquet tomorrow would be filled with socialites, daughters of influential families eager to attach themselves to the Zhu Empire.
But none of them interested him.
His fingers tightened around the glass as a particular face surfaced in his mind again, Guo Min.
He exhaled sharply, downing the whiskey in one gulp. He barely knew her, yet she had this strange pull on him. She wasn't like the others, she didn't fawn over wealth, nor did she seek his attention. If anything, she kept her distance and defied his every wish.
He scoffed. Yufan would probably kill him if he knew he was thinking about her this much. Still, a part of him was intrigued. Would she be at the banquet?
And if she was… Would she notice his presence the way he wants her to.
Next day.
The Zhu family estate was bathed in golden lights, the opulence of the banquet evident in every lavish decoration and the presence of China's most influential figures. The air buzzed with polite conversation, the clinking of champagne glasses, and the underlying currents of silent negotiations disguised as casual exchanges.
Guo Min arrived at the event in an elegant black silk dress that hugged her figure perfectly. The high slit at the side and the open-back design gave her an air of effortless allure, while her sharp gaze and composed demeanor made it clear that she was not here to be underestimated.
Ruoxi, dressed in a deep red gown that screamed confidence, looped her arm through Guo Min's as they entered. "Look at them," she whispered with amusement. "All these men think they can handle us."
Guo Min chuckled. "Let them try."
Their entrance did not go unnoticed. A ripple went through the crowd, whispering following their every step. But the attention that burned the most was the one from across the hall.
Zhu Zihan.
Dressed in a sharp black suit, he exuded power and dominance, but it was his gaze that was the most possessive.
Yufan, standing beside him in his deep blue suit, had his own reaction, his eyes softened slightly at the sight of Guo Min.
Wu Xiang, on the other hand, whistled lowly, clearly impressed. "Damn. They really knows how to make an entrance."
Zihan took a sip of his wine, his eyes eyeing her a little. "She always does." His eyes focused on only one woman before finally setting his glass down and made his way toward her. The crowd seemed to part for him, and within moments, he was standing before her, his gave a subtle smirk.
"Dance with me." Hand stretched out waiting for her approval as Guo Min clicked her tongue at him and faked a smile and a blush. "... No Mr Zhu, I don't have the resolve to carry all the hate from your fandom".
But it wasn't a request, as he smiled but still didn't retrieve his hand.
Guo Min sighed before slipping her hand into his.
On the dance floor, Zihan's hand rested on Guo Min's waist, pulling her closer. His grip tightened.
Zhu Zihan's gave an unreadable expression, though his grip on Guo Min's waist betrayed the tension coiling within him.
Their bodies moved in perfect sync, the dance between them as much about control as it was about desire. The air around them crackled, drawing the attention of onlookers. Some whispered, some watched in fascination, but one man in particular clenched his jaw tightly as he observed from across the room. Yufan watched with darkened eyes, gripping his glass tightly.
The song slowed, the final notes lingering in the air. Zihan didn't release Guo Min immediately. Instead, he leaned in, his lips just a breath away from hers, before he finally released.