marriage?

A week later– Zhu Corporation Headquarters

Guo Min stepped out of the sleek black car, her sharp heels clicking against the marble floors of the Zhu Corporation lobby. She had received the message that morning.

Zhu Zihan: Office. 10 AM.

No details. No explanation. Just another statement.

She didn't bother replying. Instead, she arrived precisely on time, because as much as she hated to admit it, he had piqued her curiosity.

The receptionist's gaze flickered with surprise but quickly masked it with professionalism. "Miss Guo, CEO Zhu is expecting you."

Of course, he was.

The elevator ride to the top floor was silent, smooth. When the doors slid open, she stepped into his office without knocking.

Zhu Zihan sat behind a massive black desk, reviewing documents. He didn't look up immediately, but she knew he had registered her presence the second she walked in.

"Zihan," she greeted, amusement lacing her tone.

"Guo Min," he returned, flipping to the next page.

She arched a brow, crossing her arms. "You called?".

"I invited you," he corrected, setting the document aside at last.

"To what?"

His dark eyes met hers, calm and unreadable. "A contract."

She tilted her head, intrigued. "For business?"

"For marriage."

The air between them stilled. She stared at him, searching his face for a trace of humor. There was none. "You're serious?"

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the desk. "Always."

A slow smirk tugged at her lips. "You assume I'd agree."

He didn't flinch. "You will."

She let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "Arrogant."

"Practical."

She stepped forward, placing her hands on his desk, meeting him at eye level. "Why?"

Zihan didn't hesitate. "Because it makes sense."

"For you?"

"For both of us."

She studied him, her pulse steady, though something in her chest tightened.

"Explain."

Zihan gestured to the file on his desk. "Our families expect it. The world demands it."

She picked up the document, flipping through the crisp pages filled with legal jargon. "Terms?"

"You keep your freedom. I keep mine. Publicly, we're the perfect couple. Privately, we do as we wish."

Her lips curled. "Cold, calculated, and convenient."

"Efficient."

She tapped a finger against the contract. "And what do you get out of this, CEO Zhu?"

His gaze never wavered. "You."

For the first time, something in her composure cracked.

Not power. Not business. Not influence. Her.

He had stripped the conversation of all pretense, left nothing open to misinterpretation.

She inhaled slowly, masking the slight shift in her heartbeat. "And if I refuse?"

Zihan's fingers tapped against the desk, once. Twice. "You won't."

A silence stretched between them. Heavy. Unbreakable. Then, Guo Min picked up the pen. And signed.

Three Nights Later – A Private Gala

The ballroom of the Grand Imperial Hotel shimmered with golden chandeliers, their soft glow casting warmth over the sea of high-profile guests. The air was thick with expensive perfume, murmured conversations, and the quiet clinking of crystal glasses.

Guo Min stood at the entrance, dressed in a sleek black gown that clung to her curves, the slit along her thigh revealing just enough to capture attention but not enough to invite comment. A diamond necklace—one that hadn't been hers before tonight—rested against her collarbone.

A silent claim.

Beside her, Zhu Zihan stood tall, dressed in a tailored black suit, his presence commanding without effort. His hand rested lightly on her waist—not possessive, not hesitant. Just there. As if it belonged.

"Relax," he murmured lowly, just for her ears. "You're too stiff."

She tilted her head slightly, smirking. "You assume I'm nervous."

"I observe". he corrected, leading her further inside.

She chuckled, letting him guide her through the room, their arrival drawing subtle but unmistakable attention. Some whispered. Some stared. Some barely hid their curiosity.

The news had spread fast.

Zhu Zihan, the elusive CEO, the cold-blooded businessman, was engaged. And not just to anyone—but to her.

Guo Min, adopted daughter of the Wang family.

"Who knew my son would later find himself a woman".

Guo Min turned her head to see a man approaching them—a striking figure in a sharp navy suit, his posture relaxed yet authoritative.

Zihan sighed, the bratty edge in his tone unmistakable. "You sound surprised, Father."

Zhu Zixuan merely chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm just surprised you're engaged."

"Whatever" Zihan deadpanned.

Guo Min observed the exchange, intrigued by the easy push and pull between father and son. Zhu Zixuan, despite his composed demeanor, seemed to enjoy prodding at his son's usual icy exterior.

Zixuan's gaze shifted to her. "So, you're the only woman who managed to tolerate him, nice work Guo Min"

Guo Min's lips curled into a smirk. "I wouldn't say tolerate, Mr. Zhu."

Zixuan chuckled. "Ah, I see. You give as good as you get."

Zihan clicked his tongue. "Can we stop testing my fiancée like she's a new business acquisition?"

Zixuan raised a brow. "That depends. Can you stop acting like a brooding teenager?"

Zihan exhaled sharply, as if this was a conversation they'd had far too many times.

Li Yan, Zihan's mother, reappeared at her husband's side, clearly amused. "Stop teasing him, dear."

Zihan turned to his mother, his expression instantly softening. "You encouraged this."

Li Yan smiled, patting his arm. "I merely pointed out that Guo Min has a strong spirit. Your father wanted to see it for himself."

Guo Min chuckled. "And? Have I passed the test?"

Zixuan studied her for a moment before nodding. "You'll do just fine."

Zihan rolled his eyes. "Wonderful. Can we enjoy the evening now?"

His mother laughed, shaking her head. "Yes, Zihan, we'll stop embarrassing you."

"Highly unlikely," Zihan muttered under his breath, earning another amused glance from Guo Min.