The hospital lights buzzed softly, casting pale shadows across the sterile white walls. Li Wei sat by her mother's bedside, holding her cold hand with both of hers, trying to squeeze life into something that had already lost so much of it.
The doctor's words from earlier echoed in her head like a curse:
"The surgery must be done within the week. If not... we can't guarantee anything."
She had twenty-four yuan in her wallet. A degree she couldn't use. And not a single person left in her life willing to help her.
Except one.
Well, not exactly a person.More like an offer.An email.
She unlocked her phone and stared at it for the hundredth time.
From: Shen Group Legal AffairsSubject: Contractual Marriage Proposal – Strictly Confidential
She tapped it open with trembling fingers. She'd read it before. Memorized every cold, clinical word.
You will receive 3,000,000 yuan upon legal registration of marriage.Marriage will last one (1) year.Clause 14: Under no circumstances are you to fall in love.
— Shen Zihan
Li Wei scoffed aloud. "As if."
She didn't need love. She needed money. Fast.
And if marrying the coldest, richest, most arrogant CEO in Shanghai could save her mother's life?
Then fine. Let the devil put a ring on it.
Twelve Hours LaterCivil Affairs Bureau, Shanghai
The pen shook slightly in her hand.
Across the table sat Shen Zihan, the man she had only ever seen in newspapers and business headlines. In real life, he looked even more untouchable — a tailored black suit, expensive watch, perfectly combed hair, and the kind of face that could be sculpted from ice.
He didn't greet her. Didn't even look at her.
Just waited.
Like this was just another deal. Like she was just another signature.
Li Wei signed.
So did he.
"Congratulations," said the clerk, sliding the papers into a red folder. "You are now legally husband and wife."
Zihan stood without a word. "Follow me."
Outside — Luxury Black Car
Li Wei slid into the passenger seat, the engagement ring heavy on her finger.
Zihan didn't look at her. His eyes were on his phone. His fingers typed fast.
"This marriage is purely contractual," he said, voice like steel. "Don't expect affection. Or attention."
Li Wei folded her arms. "Good. I don't want either."
He finally glanced at her. His eyes were unreadable, but his words sliced clean.
"Just remember what you agreed to, Miss Li."
"It's Mrs. Shen now," she said calmly, meeting his gaze.
He raised an eyebrow. A hint of a smirk danced on his lips — not kind. Just cruel.
"Right. Let's see how long that lasts."
The car pulled away from the curb, gliding into the city's glittering chaos. Behind them, the clerk at the marriage office filed away their documents.
In one file: two signatures.In another: one silent clause.
Do not fall in love.
But some rules were made to be broken.
🔥 End of Chapter 1 🔥
Let's roll into Chapter 2 next? Their first cold night in the mansion? Or maybe a surprise party where he has to act like her husband in public?