The rumor most often heard in certain circles about Fu Yanling is that he keeps an extremely low profile and is someone you absolutely do not want to cross.
Born into a powerful family, he is composed and reserved, with a world-weary detachment in his eyes, as if everything in the world were nothing more than a dull game of chess.
Shen Nianxi has always known that she and he belong to different worlds.
The only reason she became Mrs. Fu was that her face looked remarkably like his "white moonlight," the woman he had loved and lost.
The year she found herself in dire straits, after weighing her options carefully, she took the initiative and knocked on the window of that black sedan.
In the dim interior, Fu Yanling turned to look at her. The moment his cool, sharp eyes fell on her, they stilled for an instant.
Shen Nianxi held her breath. "I agree, but a year from now, I hope we can divorce amicably."
Fu Yanling didn't look up. His voice was so flat that it betrayed no emotion. "As you wish."
--
In the year after their marriage, Fu Yanling gave her the best life and took care of every detail. He brought her to all kinds of events and gave her the perfect semblance of love.
But Shen Nianxi knew she was merely an exquisite fake, a memento of his past love.
So she was obedient and gentle, never overstepping, and never prying into the slightest hint of Mr. Fu's true feelings.
--
A year later, Shen Nianxi signed the divorce papers as promised.
That day, Fu Yanling stood in the doorway and watched her for a long time.
In the dimly lit hallway late at night, at the boundary between light and shadow, he grabbed her wrist and lowered his eyes. "It's been a year. Have you still not seen the truth about me?"
His arms around her waist trembled uncontrollably. "I went to such lengths to have you. How could I ever be willing to let you go?"
--
Only later did Shen Nianxi discover that Fu Yanling had always kept an old photograph hidden on his bookshelf.
It showed her, spirited and bright at fourteen.
"From beginning to end, he had carefully plotted and lured her into his trap, all because he wanted her."
[Long-planned pursuit x marriage first, love later]
[Powerful and influential x beautiful and clear-eyed]
Synopsis completely revised. 4-22
Theme: Love can withstand anything
