Forced Marriage

"You're back?" As soon as Xia Zixuan entered, he saw his mother sitting on the living room sofa with a cold expression.

"Mm." Xia Zixuan didn't ask why Mrs. Xia had returned. He went straight to the kitchen for water, knowing he'd never be the one to break first.

Sure enough, Mrs. Xia couldn't hold back. Her elegant face revealed dissatisfaction as she said, "I've selected several suitable women for you. Choose a time to meet them and marry whichever one you like."

"I don't want to get married yet," Xia Zixuan rejected without hesitation.

"You're already thirty. When do you plan to marry?" Mrs. Xia raised her voice, shooting Xia Zixuan a sharp look. She was certain it was because of that Shen Tong woman. At least before, he wouldn't have refused so openly.

"I'll marry when I want to. Unfortunately, I don't want to now." Xia Zixuan coldly eyed Mrs. Xia, his angular profile as sharp as a frozen sword.

"Regardless, you must choose one." Mrs. Xia pulled out several documents from her bag, barely containing her anger. Staring at the cold Xia Zixuan, she enunciated, "You'll choose whether you want to or not." With that, she strode away on her pointed heels.

Xia Zixuan indifferently looked at the photos on the table, not thinking much of it. Why would she care about these things? He dismissed it as a passing whim, tossed the photos aside, and went to shower.

The next day, Liang Xiaoyuan learned about Xia Zixuan's forced marriage. Their circle was small, especially concerning the famous general manager of Fengxing Entertainment. Liang Xiaoyuan felt a brief moment of happiness, thinking Xia Zixuan's focus on Shen Tong might lessen, but wondered how Shen Tong would react.

That evening, Liang Xiaoyuan and Shen Tong met, both filled with anticipation and nervousness. Shen Tong changed into casual clothes before heading out. Liang Xiaoyuan arrived over half an hour early, unsure why he came so soon. He was excited to see Shen Tong but also anxious she might not show up.

"Liang Xiaoyuan, over here!" Shen Tong bounced over, waving like a child and drawing attention from passersby.

Liang Xiaoyuan felt like he'd waited half a century. Checking his watch - only 7:48 - he walked over with a wry smile, his gaze softening at Shen Tong's childlike demeanor.

"You're so early. Came prepared to fleece me, huh?" Shen Tong eyed him up and down. "I bet that flat belly hasn't seen food since last night." She gestured at his stomach, grinning brightly.

Liang Xiaoyuan was stunned. It had been so long since he'd seen Shen Tong laugh so freely. Her sincere smile lit up her pretty face, captivating him. He hadn't realized how much he'd missed her.

"Hey, Liang Xiaoyuan!" Shen Tong waved her hand in front of his face. Getting no response, she punched his arm, teasing, "Don't tell me I guessed right?"

"Oh, uh, what?" Liang Xiaoyuan snapped out of it, flustered. His burning ears betrayed his embarrassment.

"I knew it!" Shen Tong looked at him mockingly. "But since you've helped me so much, I'll let it slide." She pushed his shoulder playfully. "Where should we eat?"

"What do you like?" Liang Xiaoyuan asked carefully, having regained his composure.

"I'm not picky. I'll eat anything edible," Shen Tong replied, still skipping childishly. "Just tell me what you want, as long as it's in my budget."

"Let's have home-style cooking then!" Liang Xiaoyuan said without hesitation. "That's my favorite."

They found a restaurant and sat down. After ordering, they chatted about work and shared good news before falling into silence.

"By the way, Xia Zixuan is being forced to marry," Liang Xiaoyuan casually dropped this bombshell. He fiddled with his glass, watching Shen Tong intently, curious about her reaction.

Shen Tong nearly choked on her water. "What? Forced marriage?" She marveled inwardly at the arrogant Xia Zixuan being in this situation. It seemed karma had caught up with him.

"Yeah, got the news this morning. His mother's already listed candidates," Liang Xiaoyuan explained, observing Shen Tong closely.

"Well, rich people like them usually have arranged marriages with equally wealthy women. But this story's missing a Cinderella," Shen Tong remarked nonchalantly, smiling self-assuredly.

Liang Xiaoyuan was surprised by her insight. Thinking of Xia Zixuan's kindness towards Shen Tong, he felt a pang of jealousy and blurted out, "Maybe you're the Cinderella."

"Pfft, what an imagination! It won't be my turn to be Cinderella," Shen Tong laughed. "But if it were, wouldn't I hit the jackpot? I'd be the general manager's wife!"

"Could you handle that position? His mother's formidable," Liang Xiaoyuan replied reflexively, uncomfortable with her words. Even knowing it was a joke, he took it to heart.

"That's nothing. I'm no pushover either," Shen Tong said confidently. Besides, she thought, I wouldn't marry such a calculating man. It'd be exhausting.

Liang Xiaoyuan didn't notice his own gloomy expression, brows furrowed and eyes dulled. His mind was in turmoil, thinking how well-matched Shen Tong and Xia Zixuan seemed.

"Why so quiet?" Shen Tong asked, puzzled by Liang Xiaoyuan's bad mood. She poked his furrowed brow, oblivious to how intimate the gesture was. "Don't tell me you actually believed that? Even if I were blind, I wouldn't choose someone like him." Secretly, she added to herself, I'd definitely choose a reliable, easygoing man like you.