Early Spring Metaphor (Next Book)

■ Clingy, spoiled beauty x mature, dependable powerhouse

■ Marriage first, love later | wealthy-family life | seven-year age gap

1.

As the cherished younger daughter of the Sheng family, Sheng Zhao was well-known among Beicheng's elite.

In everyone's eyes, she was stunning, with a face that could bewitch anyone, but she was also incredibly pampered, a precious flower that was hard to care for.

Recently, rumors had spread that the Sheng family was about to go bankrupt, and plenty of people were waiting to see Sheng Zhao make a fool of herself.

But, to everyone's shock, the Sheng family not only survived, they also arranged a marriage alliance with one of Beicheng's most powerful families.

After the news broke, everyone in their circle started placing bets on how soon the couple would divorce.

When Sheng Zhao heard about the bet, she couldn't help but nod along. Shang Huaixi was one of her least favorite types of men: stern, old-fashioned, mature, and dull. Their personalities and habits were so different that a divorce was inevitable.

2.

As the head of one of the most powerful families, Shang Huaixi was always composed and self-controlled, elegant and refined. He was a true gentleman from a distinguished family, the ideal husband in the eyes of countless wealthy young women.

He had planned out his life long ago. Even after unexpectedly marrying Sheng Zhao, he intended to carry on as before.

But later, he realized he had underestimated how much Sheng Zhao attracted him and overestimated his own self-control.

3.

Before they got their marriage license, Sheng Zhao and Shang Huaixi agreed on three rules:

1. Keep the marriage alliance between their families private for now.

2. Be a couple in name only, with no marital obligations.

3. If nothing unexpected happens, divorce by mutual agreement in two years.

Shang Huaixi agreed, but unfortunately, they failed to keep all three promises.

After they married, Sheng Zhao lived a rich and vibrant life.

Shang Huaixi gave her money to spend and cards to swipe. He was thoughtful and attentive in every aspect of their daily life, taking care of his delicate rose until she became all the more precious.

There was only one thing Sheng Zhao wasn't very happy about: her husband was always trying to pluck open her rose petals, admire them, and water them himself.

One day, she angrily kicked his shin and gave a soft huff. "You got my workout clothes dirty again."

He caught her foot, kissed the inside of her ankle, and replied in a low voice, "Baby, I'll wash them for you tomorrow."

Reading guide:

1. Both leads are sexually inexperienced; happy ending; seven-year age gap.

2. Free-spirited x restrained.

Theme: Shine and thrive in the wilderness of life.