The First Love Damsel

A Ride Filled with Laughter & A Growing Bond

The sleek Bugatti purred softly as it glided through the neon-lit streets of Shanghai. Inside, Joshua drove with one hand resting casually on the wheel, while Xin Er sat beside him, still processing the whirlwind of the reunion.

Her deep blue hair shimmered under the ambient city lights as she tilted her head, studying Joshua with curiosity. "I still can't believe it," she finally spoke, a playful yet genuinely astonished tone in her voice. "You were the quietest guy in high school, and now… Chairman Lim?"

Joshua smirked, eyes still on the road. "Surprised?"

"More than surprised," Xin Er admitted, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "It's like you completely transformed."

He chuckled. "Maybe I just needed the right motivation."

She raised an eyebrow. "And what motivation was that?"

Joshua stole a brief glance at her before returning his focus to the road. "You know… an elegant, dark blue-haired, reserved top beauty who also happens to be a music prodigy."

Xin Er's fingers twitched slightly, her heartbeat quickening. "You knew about that?"

Joshua smirked. "Of course. I knew everything about you back then. I just thought I never had a chance."

For a moment, Xin Er was speechless. The way he said it—so confident, so direct—made warmth spread through her chest.

She recovered quickly, masking her emotions with a teasing smile. "Well, well, Chairman Lim. I had no idea you were such a smooth talker."

Joshua chuckled. "With the right person, it's effortless."

She looked at him for a moment longer before shaking her head, laughing softly.

The conversation soon shifted towards music.

"You still play the piano?" Joshua asked.

Xin Er's eyes brightened. "Of course! Music has always been my passion."

Joshua smirked. "Good, then I won't feel bad about challenging you to a duet sometime."

She narrowed her eyes. "You play?"

"Only a little," he teased.

"Somehow, I don't believe you."

Joshua gave her a knowing smile. "Guess you'll have to find out."

By the time they reached Xin Er's estate, she was more intrigued by him than ever.

"Thanks for the ride. And… for tonight," she said, her voice softer than before.

Joshua leaned against the steering wheel, a smirk playing on his lips. "If you really want to thank me, how about adding me on WeChat?"

Xin Er rolled her eyes but took out her phone. "Fine, fine."

A second later, a notification popped up on Joshua's screen.

[New Contact Added: Xin Er]

As she stepped out of the car, she turned back one last time. "Goodnight, Chairman Lim."

Joshua smirked. "Goodnight, First Love Damsel."

Xin Er blinked. "What did you just call me?"

"Nothing," Joshua said innocently.

She gave him a suspicious look but laughed before heading inside.

As Joshua drove off, a system notification appeared before him.

[System Notification]

Xin Er Favorability +15 → (Total: 15)

A smirk tugged at his lips.

Things were just getting interesting.

Morning at Xin Manor – A Deal with the Devil

The next morning, Xin Er sat at the breakfast table, delicately sipping her tea. The peaceful moment shattered when her mother placed a stack of documents in front of her.

"Xin Er," her mother began hesitantly, "your father made a decision last night."

Xin Er's fingers tightened around the teacup. "What decision?"

Her mother sighed. "Xin Holdings is in trouble… and to save the company, your father agreed to a marriage proposal."

Xin Er's stomach twisted. "What? With who?"

"Gu Tiancheng," her mother said bitterly.

Xin Er froze.

She knew Gu Tiancheng. The heir to the Gu Conglomerate—a well-known pervert with an insatiable appetite for young women.

"He's offering to invest 200 million yen… in exchange for marrying you," her mother finished.

Xin Er's breath hitched.

Two hundred million? That's all she was worth?

Her knuckles turned white as she whispered, "Where is Father?"

Her mother hesitated. "At the Gu estate. They're signing the contract today."

Xin Er stood abruptly. "I won't let this happen."

Joshua Gets the Call

Meanwhile, Joshua sat in his penthouse, scrolling through the Dragon Head Group chat.

A new message appeared.

Mr. Tan: Looks like Xin Holdings is selling off their assets. Some big marriage deal to save them.

Joshua frowned.

Joshua: Who's involved?

Mr. Tan: Gu Tiancheng. His family is offering 200 million to marry their daughter.

Joshua's expression darkened.

Mr. Tan: They're signing the papers at the Gu estate today.

Joshua clenched his jaw.

His grip on his coffee cup tightened.

Marriage?

To that bastard?

The ceramic cracked in his hands.

Without another thought, Joshua grabbed his keys and stormed out.

The Rescue – A Billion-Yen Power Play

At the Gu Estate, the contract signing was already underway.

Xin Er sat stiffly beside her father, her face pale, while Gu Tiancheng leered at her.

"You'll learn to love me, sweetheart," he sneered, reaching for her hand.

Before he could touch her—

BANG!

The doors burst open.

All heads turned as Joshua strode in, his presence like a storm.

His cold, piercing gaze locked onto Gu Tiancheng.

And then—he moved.

BAM!

Joshua's fist collided with Gu Tiancheng's jaw, sending him flying into the table, dishes crashing around him.

Xin Er gasped.

Her father jumped to his feet. "Joshua! What is the meaning of this?!"

Joshua ignored him, picking up the marriage contract from the table.

His eyes skimmed the details—

200 million?

He scoffed.

"This is all you think your daughter is worth?"

Then, he turned to Xin Er's father.

"I'll give you 1 billion yen," Joshua stated. "Transfer all your shares to Xin Er. She will be the Chairwoman of Xin Holdings."

Gasps filled the room.

Gu Tiancheng's father paled. "A man willing to drop 1 billion yen for a woman… he's either insane or a god."

Xin Er's father hesitated, but under Joshua's sharp gaze, he caved.

The deal was done.

As they left, Xin Er's tears finally spilled over.

The Car Confession

Inside the car, silence stretched between them.

Then, Joshua spoke.

"I couldn't stand another man touching you."

Xin Er turned, her heart pounding.

"Ever since high school… I've loved you."

Her breath hitched.

Joshua continued, voice deep and sincere. "You're your own person. You deserve to choose who you want to be with… even if that person isn't me."

Tears slid down Xin Er's cheeks.

She lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him.

"I love you too, Joshua," she whispered.

[System Notification]

Xin Er Favorability +40 → (Total: 90) [Love Achieved]

A massive reward notification appeared.

Joshua smirked.

"Good. Because you're mine now."

To Be Continued…