The next few days passed in a blur for Li Yan. After their brief encounter, the man—who introduced himself as Mu Zhen—had been persistent, contacting her with offers and threats, making it clear that this ‘marriage’ wasn’t just a favor, but a necessity for both of them.

She had learned that Mu Zhen was entangled in a complicated situation with his family, one that involved a massive business deal that could only be finalized if he were married. The only catch? He needed a wife who was willing to play along with the ruse.

Li Yan, frustrated with her engagement to a man who cared more about status than her, saw the potential for escape. She didn’t have to love Mu Zhen. She just needed to get out of her current relationship, and this could be the perfect solution.

Still, there were questions that lingered. Why had Mu Zhen picked her? Why not someone else?

“I still don’t understand why you chose me,” she said as they sat in a quiet café, the deal between them on the table like a loaded gun.

Mu Zhen leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on hers. “Because you’re not like the others. You’re smart, capable, and not easily manipulated. You’ll make a good partner.”

Li Yan raised an eyebrow. Was he complimenting her? Or was he just using her?

She took a deep breath. “Fine. Let’s do this.”

Mu Zhen smiled, but there was something in his eyes—something that told her this wasn’t going to be as simple as it seemed.The next few days passed in a blur for Li Yan. After their brief encounter, the man—who introduced himself as Mu Zhen—had been persistent, contacting her with offers and threats, making it clear that this ‘marriage’ wasn’t just a favor, but a necessity for both of them.

She had learned that Mu Zhen was entangled in a complicated situation with his family, one that involved a massive business deal that could only be finalized if he were married. The only catch? He needed a wife who was willing to play along with the ruse.

Li Yan, frustrated with her engagement to a man who cared more about status than her, saw the potential for escape. She didn’t have to love Mu Zhen. She just needed to get out of her current relationship, and this could be the perfect solution.

Still, there were questions that lingered. Why had Mu Zhen picked her? Why not someone else?

“I still don’t understand why you chose me,” she said as they sat in a quiet café, the deal between them on the table like a loaded gun.

Mu Zhen leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on hers. “Because you’re not like the others. You’re smart, capable, and not easily manipulated. You’ll make a good partner.”

Li Yan raised an eyebrow. Was he complimenting her? Or was he just using her?

She took a deep breath. “Fine. Let’s do this.”

Mu Zhen smiled, but there was something in his eyes—something that told her this wasn’t going to be as simple as it seemed.The next few days passed in a blur for Li Yan. After their brief encounter, the man—who introduced himself as Mu Zhen—had been persistent, contacting her with offers and threats, making it clear that this ‘marriage’ wasn’t just a favor, but a necessity for both of them.

She had learned that Mu Zhen was entangled in a complicated situation with his family, one that involved a massive business deal that could only be finalized if he were married. The only catch? He needed a wife who was willing to play along with the ruse.

Li Yan, frustrated with her engagement to a man who cared more about status than her, saw the potential for escape. She didn’t have to love Mu Zhen. She just needed to get out of her current relationship, and this could be the perfect solution.

Still, there were questions that lingered. Why had Mu Zhen picked her? Why not someone else?

“I still don’t understand why you chose me,” she said as they sat in a quiet café, the deal between them on the table like a loaded gun.

Mu Zhen leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on hers. “Because you’re not like the others. You’re smart, capable, and not easily manipulated. You’ll make a good partner.”

Li Yan raised an eyebrow. Was he complimenting her? Or was he just using her?

She took a deep breath. “Fine. Let’s do this.”

Mu Zhen smiled, but there was something in his eyes—something that told her this wasn’t going to be as simple as it seemed.