Chapter 4: Rules and Boundaries
The penthouse felt like a different world—sleek, cold, luxurious. Lin Xixi stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring at the glittering skyline of the city she once only dreamed of reaching.
Now she was here, not as a guest, but as the "wife" of Shen Yichen.
The man himself arrived not long after, his jacket already off, shirt sleeves rolled up. He looked at her like she was just another task on his to-do list.
"I'll make this quick," he said, walking toward the minibar. "We keep things simple. You have your room, I have mine. Don't touch my things, and I won't question yours."
Xixi raised her chin. "I don't need you to pretend to care. Just make sure the money arrives on time."
He poured himself a drink and turned around, eyes narrowing slightly. "Money isn't a problem. You should be more concerned about your public image."
She froze.
"My assistant will handle your outfits, appearances, and schedule. The anniversary gala is next week. You'll attend as Mrs. Shen. That means acting like someone people envy—not pity."
Xixi's heart tightened. "I can manage my own wardrobe."
"Can you manage the tabloids?" he shot back coldly. "Because once the media starts digging, they won't just stop at your career—they'll find out everything. Including that little scandal you tried to bury last year."
Her eyes widened. "You investigated me?"
"Of course I did," he said coolly, sipping his whiskey. "I don't sign contracts blindly."
Xixi's pride was burning. She hated being underestimated, being looked at like she was disposable.
"I didn't ask to marry you," she snapped. "You offered. Don't act like I'm the one clinging."
He took a step closer, the air between them sharp.
"No," he said, voice low. "But you didn't say no, either."
The silence stretched. She didn't have a comeback. Because he was right.
She needed this marriage.
Not for love, not for fame—but for survival.
"Good," he said after a long pause. "Keep your emotions out of this. As long as you do your part, I'll do mine.
He turned to leave, but just before disappearing down the hallway, he added, "Don't fall in love with me. That's not part of the deal."
The words hit her harder than she expected.
Later that night, Xixi lay in the cold guest room, staring at the ceiling. Outside the walls, she was now Shen Yichen's wife. But inside, she was still Lin Xixi—an actress with a system hanging over her head and a secret she couldn't afford to let slip.
And now… she was playing the most dangerous role of her life.
A contract wife.
To a man who didn't believe in love.
But what if she did?