Over half a year ago, if a woman cried in front of Yang Chen, he'd only think she was provoked by enemy smoke bombs, putting on an act to lower his guard, or feigning vulnerability to seduce him… But now, the beautiful woman tied to him was clearly crying from genuine hurt.
Unbidden, guilt welled up in Yang Chen. Though he'd meant what he said, it was cruel to a modern woman who'd guarded her chastity for over twenty years.
"Alright, stop crying… I'm sorry, okay?"
He fumbled irritably in his pocket, only to find it empty—he'd quit smoking recently and hadn't bought any cigarettes.
Lin Ruoxi's tear-streaked face was pitiful, but she was stubborn. Wiping her eyes with a tissue, she forced back her sobs, red-rimmed eyes blazing at him. "I'll ask you one last time—will you marry me?"
"Miss Lin, since when do beautiful women beg men to marry them? I've made myself clear: I won't play this silly three-year game with you." Yang Chen sighed and stood to leave.
This time, Lin Ruoxi said nothing. A hollow, desolate look crossed her face as she stood too, heading for the café's second-floor balcony.
The balcony was spacious, with elegant tables under sun umbrellas and potted plants that lent a fresh, pleasant air.
Yang Chen's pupils constricted, and he gasped. "Miss Lin, you're not going to jump off the balcony just because I won't marry you, are you…?"
Lin Ruoxi ignored him, walking steadily toward the edge. She pulled over a chair, stepped onto it, and leaned against the railing.
Yang Chen hesitated. Was she really that reckless? A fall from here onto the stone pavement below would kill or cripple her…
But her next move showed just how terrifying her resolve was…
Coldly, she turned to look at him. Her eyes held utter resolve—loathing, pain, sorrow—as if her soul was tormented inside her stunning body, begging for release…
Their eyes met, and Yang Chen's heart clenched. He knew that look all too well—it mirrored an image burned into his mind, the one that had made him break free from over a decade of bloody chains abroad and return to his homeland…
Now, in Lin Ruoxi's eyes, he was flooded with memories he'd tried to forget but couldn't. For a moment, he was lost.
Lin Ruoxi saw him standing frozen, unmoved, and her heart ached… Even if she jumped, he wouldn't care. Thinking of the pain he'd caused her, the pressures from work, family, and life—she felt she'd break. What was the point of living? Death would end it all…
Just then, the young waiter returned with their coffee, stopping short at the staircase. He spotted Lin Ruoxi on the verge of jumping.
"Miss… Miss Lin! What are you doing? It's dangerous!"
Before the waiter finished speaking, a figure blurred past him, leaving a trail of afterimages—fast as a movie special effect!
As Lin Ruoxi, tears in her eyes, leaned forward to jump, strong arms wrapped around her slender waist, stopping her mid-fall.
It happened in a flash. The waiter barely saw anything before the shabbily dressed man held the beauty tight, the two standing motionless on the balcony…
Sunlight filtered through the green plants, casting a soft glow over the pair. The air was peaceful, tinged with ambiguous romance.
The waiter sighed in relief, secretly envying the man for sharing such a moment with the stunning Miss Lin. He set the coffee down quietly and left.
Lin Ruoxi felt as if she'd been pulled from hell to heaven. She didn't know how Yang Chen had reached her so fast, nor did she care. All she felt was his scorching arms gripping her waist tightly—so tight it hurt—and his heavy breath fanning her sensitive back.
"Let go. Even if you stop me now, I'll jump later." Her face flushed, but she remained stubborn.
Yang Chen took a deep breath, savoring her alluring scent—faint jasmine, sweeter than any luxury perfume he'd ever known.
"Lin Ruoxi, I give in. I'll marry you." His voice was soft, defeated.
Lin Ruoxi's body jolted. She fell silent. Had she won? Why did she feel no joy? This was just a man to use as a shield—he'd taken her chastity when she was unconscious. She hated him. How could she be happy to marry him?
Below, passersby in the square spotted them, pointing and chatting.
"Honey, what are they doing?" a girl asked her boyfriend.
"Can't you tell? They're imitating Titanic. So romantic…"
Lin Ruoxi couldn't stand the stares. Realizing how intimate their position was, she scrambled off the chair, broke free, and stormed back inside.
When they sat down again, the decision was made—but both fell silent, sipping their coffee.
After a long while, Lin Ruoxi set down her cup. She pulled two sheets of paper and a pen from her small LV handbag, handing one to Yang Chen.
"What's this?" Yang Chen asked, dazed.
"A marriage agreement." She looked away, her face cold again.
Yang Chen smiled, took the pen, and signed his name boldly without reading a word.
"You're signing without reading it?" she frowned.
He shook his head. "I know what it says: no entering your room, no forcing you, no interfering with each other's lives, acting our parts in public, and a payout after three years. Right?"
Lin Ruoxi pressed her lips together. "More or less. Sign it, and you have to follow it."
"Heh—but what if you come onto me, Xiao Ruoxi?" he grinned.
"You…" She blushed furiously. "Hmph! That won't happen. One stain on my life is enough."
A stain? Half the world did that every day. Yang Chen smiled noncommittally, downed his coffee, and stood. "Alright, I have dinner at a friend's place later. Let's register tomorrow."
"Wait—how do I contact you? What's your number?" she snapped.
He scratched his head, embarrassed. "You investigated me, right? I don't have a phone—can't afford the bill. Come to my place tomorrow. Just call from downstairs." He turned to leave.
"Hey!"
"What?" he looked back.
"Don't… call me that." She couldn't even say the nickname—it was too cringey.
Yang Chen understood. His face turned solemn. "Yes, My Lady Wife."
Lin Ruoxi's head spun… How would she ever live with this rascal?