False tenderness x true romantic
Jian Shu is the least favored daughter of the Jian family.
Because she is an illegitimate child, she is ignored and treated coldly year after year, though she receives the best education.
As a tool for a marriage alliance.
Jian Shu knows her situation, so she prepares carefully and knocks on Zong Sheng's lounge door at a ball.
The Zong family wields tremendous power. He is her best chance to escape her predicament.
Fortunately, her efforts pay off.
On their wedding night, Zong Sheng is not very gentle, and only gives in to kiss her at the very end.
"I'll give you money and a title, but love is impossible," the man says coolly. "Understand?"
The tears at the corners of Jian Shu's eyes have not yet dried, but she steadies her voice with effort. "I understand."
Zong Sheng is nearly thirty and has always been single. On a whim, he marries an interesting little bird.
She is young and bold, but obedient. She caters to his every need and can be utterly submissive at times.
More importantly, she loves him very much.
From the moment they meet, she looks at him with eyes full of love, bright and sparkling, so openly that he can't ignore it.
She brings him food, waits for him to come home, and never complains about his coldness, always greeting him with a smile.
At first, Zong Sheng watches all this coolly, wondering how long she can keep it up.
Later, he thinks that since she loves him so much, there's no harm in giving her a little in return.
Until one day, Jian Shu places a divorce agreement in front of him.
For the first time, she smiles so happily in front of him.
Her eyes are full of hope for the future, like a bird breaking free from its cage.
She thanks him and says she is leaving. She speaks of everything that happened between them, yet never once mentions their relationship.
After listening, Zong Sheng turns the divorce agreement over between his fingers and slowly smiles.
He looks at his young wife, his gaze so calm it is frightening.
Until the end of the world, until the end of our lives, would you still be willing to say you love me?
[Reading Guide]
1. One-on-one, happy ending, both pure
2. He chases his wife
Theme: None
