Who Wants to Marry Him, Anyway?

[A fake aloof heartthrob who's all talk x a blunt, spoiled heiress]

Marriage first, love later | Wealthy childhood friends | Instant physical attraction, but stubbornly in denial

Rong Yan, the refined and aloof heir to a powerful Beijing family, was decisive and efficient, as well as poised, calm, and self-possessed.

Li Shuyin, the dazzling jewel of the Li family, was beautiful and radiant, with a spoiled yet straightforward personality.

Childhood friends, a perfect match, they looked like a couple made for each other.

Unfortunately, two things were common knowledge among the wealthy:

First, Rong Yan and Li Shuyin had always detested each other at first sight.

Second, they had been engaged since childhood, destined to be a pair of squabbling spouses.

*

After their lavish wedding, almost everyone wondered how long this fake couple could put up with each other. Some even placed bets on when they'd get divorced.

To avoid becoming a laughingstock, Li Shuyin made three rules with Rong Yan: be courteous to each other in public, stay out of each other's business in private, and go their separate ways after producing an heir.

But six months into the marriage, they were still nothing more than chaste roommates.

Until one day, Li Shuyin couldn't take it anymore. Wearing a sheer nightgown, she appeared before Rong Yan and tried to sound calm. "Let's make this marriage official. Getting our 'task' done sooner will be a relief for both of us."

Under the crystal chandelier, the man's profile was handsome and aloof. He gave her a brief glance at her words.

"If you'd married someone else, would you be this dutiful?"

Li Shuyin froze for a moment, then her fiery temper flared.

If you're in, get over here. If not, get lost!

In the middle of the night, she was jolted awake. The moment she recognized the person standing there, her cheeks flushed bright red.

With anger.

"You..." she demanded through gritted teeth, only for him to suddenly cover her lips with his.

The man was as calm and composed as ever, but his pale amber eyes had turned dark and deep. The way he looked down at her brought to mind a large cat about to feed.

Rong Yan's voice was low and husky. "Yinyin is right. We should have a child."

*

The good news: He wasn't cold at all.

The bad news: He was way too enthusiastic!

When things got too intense, Li Shuyin even suspected he was using the opportunity to get revenge on her.

And yet, despite their frequent efforts day and night, nothing happened. Li Shuyin couldn't figure out why.

The man drew her into his arms and reassured her in a quiet voice. "Don't worry. We'll keep trying tonight."

She thought it over. There really wasn't anything else they could do.

To achieve their goal sooner, Li Shuyin had no choice but to go along with all his unreasonable demands.

Whether it was making up for how many times they'd done it the night before in his office, or hearing him say, "Tilt your hips a little lower. That'll give us better odds."

Even worse things... Never mind, it was a long story.

In short, she obediently did it all.

Until one day, she found a bottle of something that didn't belong in his study.

Purpose: male contraception.

Li Shuyin: "..."

That bastard!

[Bonus Scene]

"What kind of magic have you used on him? He left a 40-billion-dollar acquisition deal unattended just to come see you?"

One afternoon, while Li Shuyin was enjoying herself on the other side of the ocean, her flight was grounded and she was forced to stay put. She suddenly received this message from a stranger.

She looked up. Her trophy husband stood before her, smiling, his gaze calm. In his usual casual, unhurried tone, he asked,

"Yinyin, have you been having fun out here these past few days?"

*

During all those years I claimed to hate you, my heart knew I loved you long before my mind did.

[Reader's Guide]

* One-on-one romance, both leads' first and only love.

* The hero is two years older than the heroine. He's perceptive, while she's wonderfully oblivious.

* The hero has been plotting to win her over for ages but doesn't realize it. He insists he's only fulfilling his duties as her fiance, and the heroine believes him.

* 168 cm vs. 188 cm, with a height difference. The hero has one-quarter foreign ancestry.

Theme: Face life with courage.