Flirting, No Ice

[This book really can't be continued. I'm very sorry. I'll make major revisions and start over with a new book in the future.]

A single contract kept Zhu Qing and Lu Xiangchen in a relationship for more than six months.

Zhu Qing stayed by Lu Xiangchen's side, while the people around them assumed she had used every underhanded means to climb the social ladder and attach herself to the powerful. She quietly played her part in every scene he asked of her. She never imagined that one day she would fall for his thoughtful care, even though she knew it was nothing more than the polite courtesy of a well-brought-up man.

Because one thing Lu Xiangchen had once said to someone else had left its mark on her heart, like touching a flame: searing and painful, a constant reminder.

"We're only together because of a contract. There's no need to care."

On the day the contract ended, Zhu Qing picked up her luggage early in the morning and left without looking back.

Lu Xiangchen watched her resolute retreat, took a slow sip of his cocktail over ice, and suddenly realized that too much ice could ruin a drink's unique flavor.

-

Everyone in their circle knew they had broken up. At a party, one of his friends couldn't help complaining, "Good thing you came to your senses and broke up with her. It hasn't even been that long, and that woman is already getting linked to a celebrity. She really knows how to move on."

A moment later, Lu Xiangchen lowered his eyes and replied flatly, "She really does know how to move on."

But no one noticed the indistinct, shadowy emotions in his eyes.

Later, Zhu Qing was targeted by a rival using underhanded tactics, while gossip accounts spread malicious rumors about her. For a time, she fell into dire straits.

After spending several days moping in a hotel, Zhu Qing was lying on the bed when she heard a knock at the door.

She opened it cautiously, and was stunned by the person standing before her.

Lu Xiangchen offered her another contract, his voice low and hoarse. "If you renew our contract, I can take care of everything for you."

-

One-on-one romance, both leads are each other's first.

Contract lovers, pretending turns into the real thing.

Theme: Spend a lifetime with you.