DaoistJnehiP

Xia Yi finds herself trapped in a world she once disapproved of, where deceit and treachery rule the day. She was once a strong future figure, but now she is a disgraced heiress who is compelled to enter into a contract marriage with the mysterious and frigid He Shihan, whose intentions are as opaque as his eyes.

Enemies abound as Xia Yi fights to recover what was taken from her: a rival who feeds on lies, an ex-fiance with sinister secrets, and a group of power-hungry players who would use anyone or anything to further their agenda.

Xia Yi must choose between being a pawn in someone else's game and rewriting it in a world where emotion and power are intertwined.

You're my destiny!

He Shihan had rented a private dining room, and Xia Yi showed up there that evening.

With dim lighting, a candle flickering between them, and gentle jazz music playing in the background, the ambiance was cozy.

She braced herself for another verbal duel in her mind. Surely he wouldn't make it simple?

As she stepped inside and pulled out her chair with unanticipated civility, He Shihan stood.

"I didn't realize I had a choice," Xia Yi sat down and calmly said.

"Yiyi, you always have an option. What counts is if you make the correct choice.

His cryptic comment made her eyes narrow.

"He Shihan, stop the riddles. You insisted on this supper, but why?

He moved slowly and deliberately as he filled her glass with wine.

Think of it as a sacrifice for peace. Don't we need to figure out how to cooperate?"

Xia Yi took a drink while closely examining him.

"So, this is your idea of teamwork—fancy dinners and cryptic conversations?"

With a menacing twinkle in his eyes, he grinned.

She matched his passion by leaning forward a little.

"If you think you can charm me into lowering my guard, you're wasting your time."

He Shihan swirled his drink and laughed gently.

"Perhaps I simply enjoy watching you tense. When you're attempting to reject me, you're intriguing."

Although Xia Yi's jaw tightened, she declined to provide him with the gratification of a response.

"You're playing with fire, Mr. He."

His voice dropped an octave as he moved in closer.

The topic changed from lighthearted banter to serious business halfway through the lunch.

Xia Yi stated in a professional tone, "I reviewed the joint venture's projections."

"If we act quickly, it will work. The competition is not going to wait.

He Shihan listened carefully and nodded.

"I concur. However, trust is something else we require.

"Yes. Have faith that you won't change your mind. that you won't vanish when times get difficult."

"He Shihan, don't back down. You'll discover it in due time.

He Shihan stood and extended his hand to her as they concluded supper, paying the bill silently.

After a brief moment of hesitation, Xia Yi put her hand in his. His touch was warm—too warm—and his hold was tight.

With a silky voice, he said, "Shall we?"

She smiled at him, a little, rebellious smile.

"You're awfully confident for someone who still hasn't earned my trust."

As they left the restaurant, He Shihan laughed.

"I don't have to work for it, Yiyi. All I have to do is make sure you never question me.

Xia Yi became aware of something uncomfortable as they ventured into the night: He Shihan was more than simply a business associate.

He was a tempest ready to swallow her up. Additionally, she wasn't sure whether she wanted to resist it or let it take her by storm.

The Dinner Trap