Chapter 4

It was finally over.

The淡金色 (light golden) sunlight poured into the room through the half-open curtains, bathing the bed. Tan Zhuang, trying hard to lift her dark, damp eyelashes, was half-conscious. In her hazy state, the man's wild and lascivious physique seemed to be faintly visible, with white satin ribbons winding down from his shoulder blades, and his waist and abdomen lines almost transparent from thin sweat.

In the next moment, the black silk robe was fastened again, restoring his previously aloof and cold demeanor. Only the damp hem of his robe and the lingering seductive fragrance in the air spoke of the previous indiscretion.

Under the interplay of light and shadow, desire and purity coexisted on him, creating a mysterious and sensual aura, like a perfect sculpture.

Hmm.

They had slept together.

She had endured the pain.

Tan Zhuang reached out, intending to grab his clothing, but her delicate fingertips could only weakly hook his dangling pinky. She commanded, "The stamp is done. The identity of Mrs. Chao is mine now!"

Her soft voice, which had cried throughout the night, had no power, sounding more like a murmured whine.

Chao Huai Du, looking down, seemed to have a commanding gaze as he swept over the girl's water-soaked figure and then placed her hand back on the thin blanket.

Tan Zhuang, feeling as though she heard his answer, had no energy to verify it and fell back asleep.

By two in the afternoon, only a slender figure remained in the bed. The combination of alcohol and vigorous activity left Tan Zhuang waking up with red-rimmed eyes, staring blankly at the unfamiliar ceiling, taking a few minutes to piece together her memories of the previous night.

The memories of last night gradually pieced together. Wrapped in the thin blanket, Tan Zhuang wished she could curl up into a ball.

Ahhh!

She had been so bold to knock on Chao Huai Du's door.

That glass of lychee whiskey was indeed poisonous, making her bold to the point of recklessness!

Although he had left early, she still felt his presence within her body, that burning sensation…

Novels are deceitful; they say the bigger, the better, but she didn't enjoy the comfort at all. It was pure torture.

She vowed never to do it again!

Tan Zhuang calmed herself under the blanket for a while before slowly sitting up, finding herself alone in the room.

It wasn't surprising.

It was already afternoon. Given Chao Huai Du's tightly packed schedule, it was a miracle he was still here.

Besides that.

There was the marriage certificate on the coffee table, along with a note.

Tan Zhuang, wrapped in the thin blanket, struggled to get out of bed, almost stepping on the smoky pink nightgown that had fallen at the foot of the bed. She hesitated for a moment, then crumpled it up and threw it in the trash can.

She picked up the note.

It only had a string of phone numbers, marked as a private number.

But Tan Zhuang's lips curved into a smile.

Fortunately, the result was satisfactory.

---

Tan Zhuang didn't rush to contact Chao Huai Du because the ancestral antiques she was preparing to sell to pay off her debts had finally found a buyer.

As soon as she disembarked from the cruise ship, she hurried to her studio.

The studio was opened by Mei Xiting, her senior who had grown up with her and taught her antique skills. It specialized in antique appraisal and recovery. As the number of clients grew, Mei Xiting had brought in his most favored junior sister to help.

Tan Zhuang had loved antiques since she was young. Her grandfather was a well-known antique collector, and she learned a lot about antiques from him. As a young lady from a wealthy family, she had seen many artifacts and antiques, surpassing many professionals who only knew theory.

After graduation, Mei Xiting persuaded her to join him. She originally planned to work there for a while before returning to inherit her family's business and continue being the pampered young lady.

However, things didn't go as planned.

She went bankrupt!

The young lady had to continue her career.

A tragic tale.

The studio was located in Jiangcheng's most famous antique street. From the reception area, one had to pass through corridors lined with antique lamps and navigate around traditional screens to reach Tan Zhuang's private workspace, which was elegant and quiet.

The carved windows were half-closed.

Outside, pear blossoms covered the branches, blooming profusely like snow.

Tan Zhuang pushed open the door and saw Mei Xiting sitting in her usual spot, holding a magnifying glass and examining the blue and white porcelain vase she intended to sell.

Mei Xiting, recognizing Tan Zhuang's footsteps, asked without turning around, "This is a Yongle-period imperial vase, almost unheard of on the market. The last one that appeared sold for over a hundred million. Are you really sure you want to sell it privately?"

"If people find out you have so many antiques… Aren't you afraid?"

Tan Zhuang glanced at the blue and white porcelain vase, paused for half a second, her clear eyes showing a hint of sorrow, but she could only say softly, "What's there to be afraid of."

This was just the first one.

She planned to sell many antiques in the future. If she were to be afraid, she would be terrified. The Tan family not only went bankrupt but also left behind billions in debt.

All the property under her parents' name was seized, leaving only the numerous antiques her grandfather had transferred to her before his death. Most were inherited from the Tan family ancestors, as well as her grandfather's private collection.

Later, when Tan Zhuang personally took stock, she was stunned by the vast number and preciousness of the collection.

Her senior was right; if people knew she owned so many antiques, and now without the protection of the Tan family, she would definitely attract envy.

The Tan family forbade the sale of ancestral antiques not only for preservation but also because—having precious things is a crime.

"Ah, a girl like you keeping these is really dangerous…"

Mei Xiting couldn't help but sigh in helplessness.

But Tan Zhuang had no other choice.

Debts must be repaid, as it's only natural.

Although she was eager to sell the antiques for cash, she wanted to avoid exposure and didn't want the antiques to end up abroad. She had to privately find true collectors, not just the highest bidder.

However, selling privately at high prices without going through an auction house is quite difficult, especially without connections. Fortunately, Mei Xiting had a lot of client resources.

Her legs were sore from the prolonged position last night. Tan Zhuang disliked lamenting or self-pitying when faced with problems. She believed that things would work out.

The girl remembered last night: "Don't worry, I have a plan."

She then flopped onto the sofa as if boneless, her brow showing some weariness. "Let's not talk about this. What time is the buyer coming?"

"If there's no rush, I'd like to take a nap."

Mei Xiting put down the magnifying glass and rubbed his high-bridged nose, glancing over at Tan Zhuo: "It's six o'clock in the evening, still two hours away. You can…"

Before he could finish, he inadvertently glanced at the back of Tan Zhuo's neck. The young girl's usually porcelain-white neck now bore a small patch of light kiss marks. Her loosely pinned hair did little to conceal them, but she seemed completely unaware.

Mei Xiting changed his tone: "Was your neck nibbled by a cat or a dog?"

After a pause, he asked, "Or was it a person?"

"Hmm?"

What cats, dogs, or people?

Tan Zhuo was using her spare time to input and search the phone number she had memorized on WeChat. She was about to type "Your Wife (Future)" and send the friend request. Before she had even finished typing the word "Future," her brain belatedly realized the implication of Mei Xiting's words, and she suddenly sat up straight, not noticing that the request had already been sent.

Logically, her first reaction should have been to cover her neck. But as Tan Zhuo raised her hand to do so, she put it back down, her wrist sore. Well, whatever. Mei Xiting was not an outsider.

Under her brother's suspicious gaze, Tan Zhuo snuggled back into the sofa and said slowly, "Actually, I did something big last night."

If this big thing works out, she wouldn't have to worry about lacking support.

Do what?

Mei Xiting's mind wandered: "Stop, stop, stop…"

"You're a young girl, how can you say such vulgar things?"

"So many people have been sending you roses recently; who's the one?"

Recalling the handsome and otherworldly face from last night, Tan Zhuo's lips curled into a sneer: "They don't deserve it."

"Who doesn't deserve it?"

"Wait until you receive my wedding invitation, and you'll know."

Mei Xiting: "…"

"Don't mess things up."

Given her kiss marks, it was clear that the man she was with either had a strong sense of control, a strong desire for conquest, or both.

Tan Zhuo didn't care. It was just a wedding; what kind of mess could she make? After all, who doesn't get married two or three times these days?

---

The buyer was a local from Jiangcheng, but their identity needed to be kept secret; they only requested to be addressed as Mr. Yuan.

The appointment was at the most private and exclusive Lu Jin Club in Jiangcheng. Only the wealthy or influential could come here. In addition to the minimum consumption of six figures, a financial verification was required. Those who didn't meet the requirements couldn't make reservations. The highest level card, the Super VIC Black Card, was extremely rare with only five available. It granted unique privileges like exclusive private rooms and could be used anytime. The regular VIP card required prior reservation.

Tan Zhuo was relieved her VIP card hadn't expired. Otherwise, it would have been awkward not being able to enter.

Upon entering the private room, the buyer arrived fashionably late. If this had been in the past, Tan Zhuo would have lost her temper with such a lack of punctuality. But now… for the sake of money, she tolerated it.

She initially thought she was there to discuss antiques and money. Discussing antiques, examining them, and then naturally buying and selling them.

But the novice in the 'market' had underestimated things.

The buyer didn't talk about antiques or money at all. Instead, he talked about "feelings," specifically someone else's feelings.

Mr. Yuan: "I'm genuinely interested in buying because this blue-and-white porcelain vase has an old story related to my family's elders."

"They were a young master from a prestigious family and a young lady from a scholarly family… The blue-and-white porcelain vase was their token of love, witnessing their romance. But later… alas, lovers could not stay together for life, and the vase was lost. When they met again, it was already a separation of heaven and earth."

Tan Zhuo was getting sleepy listening to this. When he finally stopped to drink tea and seemed ready to continue…

She clapped her hands appropriately and directly got to the point: "It's truly a beautiful tragic love story."

"So, how about this."

"Don't ask for a billion. Just ninety-nine million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand. I wish them eternal happiness in their next life!"

"To the beauty of tragic love, cheers!"

She then raised a glass of pure water and actively clinked it with his tea cup, unilaterally concluding the transaction with a 'perfect period.'

Mr. Yuan was silent for several seconds: "…"

"Well, isn't a 10,000-yuan discount a bit too little? My budget is…"

Tan Zhuo's small mouth chattered: "Don't you wish for your elders to be happy with their first love in their next life?"

"You see, if I lower the price to eighty-eight million eight hundred eighty-eight thousand, doesn't that imply they part ways in this life and the next? If your elders are aware…"

Mr. Yuan was confused by her logic: "Wait, my elders aren't even deceased yet!"

Tan Zhuo's mind worked quickly and confidently: "Your elder's first love is equivalent to your elder, right?"

Mr. Yuan: "That's true…"

But something still seemed off.

---

As the two entered bargaining mode, they didn't notice someone passing by and pausing outside the door.

---

At the end of the top-floor corridor, reserved for VIP guests.

The club's behind-the-scenes owner, Bo Jing, personally poured a glass of wine for Chao Huai Du, laughing: "Your little uncle is again promoting your family's beautiful love story here."

"This time, he's haggling with a young girl over an antique."

"That young girl is even more interesting. She dropped the price of a one-billion blue-and-white porcelain vase by ten thousand, haha, wishing them eternal happiness in their next life."

Bo Jing couldn't help but laugh again, "Does your grandfather know that the story of him and his beloved first love is worth just ten thousand?"

Bo Jing and Chao Huai Du had grown up together, so their conversation was naturally casual and unreserved.

Chao Huai Du had just finished work, his expression slightly weary. He showed no emotional fluctuation, but in the dim light, his amber-colored eyes were as cold as a frozen lake.

He took a sip of strong liquor, not commenting.

Soon, Secretary Cui came in, speaking softly: "The third master wants to buy the blue-and-white porcelain vase as a gift for his grandfather's eightieth birthday."

There was a slight pause, "Also…"

Bo Jing, enjoying the entertainment, crossed his arms: "What, am I not supposed to hear? Should I close my ears?"

Chao Huai Du didn't care: "Speak."

Secretary Cui continued, "The seller is Miss Tan."

Upon hearing this name, Chao Huai Du slowly put down his glass. The glass clinked crisply on the marble table. He seemed to recall something and subtly asked Secretary Cui for his personal phone.

Bo Jing, noticing Chao Huai Du opening his phone, unconsciously leaned over to take a look. 

"Miss Tan? Do you know her?" Bo Jing asked.

"That young girl has an exceptionally beautiful face and a sharp tongue that can really get on your nerves. She's the type I like. Do you have her WeChat? Send it to me."

Chao Huai Du had only been in Jiangcheng for the past two years and usually kept a low profile, so he didn't know Tan Zhuo.

Chao Huai Du opened WeChat in front of him, and his screen displayed the friend request message from Tan Zhuo:

[Your Wife]

The man lightly brushed the cold metal frame with his fingertip.

Bo Jing read the message clearly: "Your wife?"

"Who is this?"

How bold, to send Chao Huai Du a harassing WeChat message.

But then—

Chao Huai Du, with a calm expression, clicked to accept the request. "Oh, my wife."

"Do you need anything else?"

"????"

"What else?"

"My wife's WeChat."

A few minutes later.

Bo Jing almost couldn't control his expression and followed Chao Huai Du out of the private room, feeling that his finely-tuned brain was failing him.

At the front desk.

Tan Zhuo had just seen off Mr. Yuan and was about to pay the bill.

Suddenly, a long, distinctly masculine finger pressed down on her card and placed a black card on top.

A clear, cold voice followed: "Use this."

Tan Zhuo initially thought it was a pursuer and was about to frown and refuse. "No…"

Turning to look up, she saw Chao Huai Du's handsome, indifferent face. He was tall, standing behind her with a commanding presence.

Tan Zhuo was surprised and blinked. She had planned to call him tonight, but she didn't expect to run into him now.

So, she naturally withdrew her own card and let Chao Huai Du pay, accompanied by a gentle, affectionate smile: "Thank you."

Future husband.

Of course, she would treat him differently from other pursuers!

Chao Huai Du knew exactly what she was thinking: "You're welcome."

At this moment, Tan Zhuo noticed another young man with a striking demeanor behind Chao Huai Du. "Your friend?"

Chao Huai Du casually introduced, "A childhood friend."

"The owner of this club, Bo Jing."

The owner of the club?

Tan Zhuo's eyes lit up with interest. She discreetly poked the back of Bo Jing's hand with her index finger and quietly asked, "Could you ask your friend to not cancel my card?"

Just in case she sold antiques in the future and the buyers specified the Lu Jin Club, if her card was canceled, it would be quite embarrassing.

Chao Huai Du looked at her for a few seconds, then took the card from her fingertip and handed it to Bo Jing. "Upgrade her to the highest level, permanent reserved box, and charge the bill to my name."

Bo Jing watched this series of actions and finally believed Chao Huai Du's words.

"Forget the bill. Consider it a gift for my sister-in-law."

He made an exception, upgrading her to the sixth, rarest black card ever issued by the club.

---

On the way back, Tan Zhuo took a taxi to Chao Huai Du's luxury car.

The custom Bentley was understated yet luxurious, and the man sitting next to her was as precious as jade.

However, Tan Zhuo wasn't in the mood to admire the luxury car or the handsome man. Instead, she sat in the silver-gray leather seat, holding the newly issued black card from Lu Jin Club, lost in thought.

Wow…

This was the unique sixth card!

It was absolutely one-of-a-kind in the Jiangcheng elite ladies' group chat!!!

It's a pity that after her family declared bankruptcy, she was kicked out of that group chat immediately…

Suddenly.

Tan Zhuo's lips curled into a mischievous smile. She first took a photo of the black card and then tapped on her phone screen.

The young lady has arrived: [Add me back to the group]

Green tea socialite Jiang: [?]

"You have been added to the Jiangcheng Elite Ladies' Group Chat by Jiang Qingci."

As the group members were stunned,

Tan Zhuo casually posted a picture with the message: [Which elite lady still uses Lu Jin Club's regular card?~]

Then she swiftly left the group.

Truly infuriating.

Chao Huai Du, sitting next to her, easily observed her series of childish actions with his height advantage and calmly withdrew his gaze.

He hoped she would continue to act this way.

His grandfather would surely appreciate such a 'graceful and elegant' lady.

Tan Zhuo, satisfied with her mischief, realized she had moved a bit closer to Chao Huai Du.

In the confined space, the distinctive sandalwood scent on him lingered, mingling with the coldness and creating an addictive atmosphere that made her heart race.

It reminded her of last night.

Tan Zhuo tucked her slender legs together. After a full day, the foreign sensation she had felt when she got up had already faded. Now, it was starting to feel odd again.

Before she could think more, a marriage agreement was handed to her.

Chao Huai Du's indifferent voice followed, carrying an official tone: "If there are no issues, we can get the certificate anytime."

The car was driving smoothly. Tan Zhuo took a deep breath to calm herself.

She opened the agreement; it was simple, too simple for a billionaire to have such a marriage agreement.

After pondering for a moment, she asked, "Why isn't there even a property notarization?"

Don't rich people usually do that?

Chao Huai Du succinctly replied: "No time."

Secretary Cui explained from the front seat: "Because Mr. Chao's personal assets require three to five months for the legal team to audit."

Tan Zhuo was silent for a few seconds and then assured Chao Huai Du: "Don't worry, even if we divorce in the future, I won't claim any of your money!"

Secretary Cui: "…"

The marriage isn't even official yet, and the future Mrs. Chao is already discussing divorce terms. It's unclear whether to congratulate the Boss.

And whether to remind the future Mrs. to read the last page of the agreement:

The agreement is effective, and divorce is not allowed.

Because the Chao family does not permit the head of the family to divorce.

However, this overly normal marriage agreement also indicates that they are not a fake couple, but a real one.

Chao Huai Du, showing rare patience, asked again: "Any other questions?"

Tan Zhuo was about to say no.

Suddenly remembering the painful scenes from last night, she obediently raised her hand: "Yes, I'd like to add an additional clause."

Chao Huai Du: "Hmm?"

Tan Zhuo cautiously: "Can we handle our personal affairs separately?"

After last night, Chao Huai Du had his own needs.

So he calmly refused: "No, it's a necessary marital duty."

Tan Zhuo was taken aback: "What's considered a necessary marital duty?"

Chao Huai Du was extremely straightforward: "Personal affairs."

Huh?

Huh?!

Looking at the man's noble and aloof face…

Tan Zhuo doubted if she was hallucinating.

Even her body seemed to be hallucinating.

Just thinking about it caused her pain.

Chao Huai Du, with a nonchalant tone: "You can refuse."

Tan Zhuo, rebellious: "I won't!"

She had put in so much effort to secure the position of Mrs. Chao.