Pretending to Be in Love

Although Xia Liyang has made a fortune from selling the adaptation rights to her novels, people are always criticizing her for writing awkward romance scenes. To push herself out of her comfort zone, she decides to write a straightforward romance novel. After staring blankly at her computer for days, Xia Liyang turns to her best friend with a miserable look. “Help! How do you write a romance novel?” Her friend: “Try the classic setup where a CEO falls for a Cinderella. Everyone loves that.” Xia Liyang: “I don’t think I can make that up…” Her friend: “Then go experience it for yourself. Flirt with a CEO and see if it sparks any ideas.” Xia Liyang: “???” Though she thinks her friend’s suggestion is a little ridiculous, Xia Liyang really does find a suitable target. The man lives in the same gated community as she does. He is handsome and distinguished, and the true head of the Lu family. More importantly, his household is hiring a part-time cleaner. Isn’t that the perfect job for a Cinderella in a cliché romance novel? So Xia Liyang passes a rigorous interview and becomes a part-time cleaner at Lu Huaicheng’s home. A few months later, having gathered plenty of inspiration for her novel, Xia Liyang tells Lu Huaicheng she is quitting. “There’s wheat to harvest back home, so I have to go help out.” Lu Huaicheng: “How long will you be gone?” Xia Liyang: “I’m not sure, so I think I’d better quit for now…” Lu Huaicheng: “No need. I’ll keep the job open for you. Get in touch when you’re back.” Xia Liyang: “…Thank you, Mr. Lu.” Getting in touch was out of the question. But a few weeks later, Xia Liyang, driving her Porsche into the neighborhood, accidentally scraped a Rolls-Royce that looked vaguely familiar. When she saw Lu Huaicheng step out of the car, she froze, then forced a smile. “Mr. Lu.” Lu Huaicheng’s gaze darkened, and his expression turned a little grim. “You harvested enough wheat to buy a Porsche?” #Just a tiny, tiny misunderstanding... [Reading Guide] 1. One-on-one romance, both leads are each other’s only partner, happy ending. Three-year age gap. 3. Weibo: @QingkonglanRan Coming next: bittersweet redemption romance, “The Summer of Heat” When Chen Xia was ten, her mother remarried and took her along. Not only was she forced to call a strange man Dad, but she also got a new brother, Chen Chao, who was two years older than her. They had no blood relation and completely different personalities. She was quiet and well-behaved, a model student, while he was carefree and unruly, often getting into trouble. At school, no one would have connected the two of them. That is, until he started dating someone from outside school, and she reported him. When they got home, Chen Chao blocked her behind the door, his face dark. “Tell me, what did I ever do to offend you?” Chen Xia lowered her eyes and replied calmly, “I just can’t stand people like you, dating so casually while we’re still in school.” “Fine. I’ll remember that.” He was so furious he laughed, his gaze dark and brooding. - Later, Chen Chao got into college and moved away from home. After finishing her college entrance exams, Chen Xia applied to a university in the same city as his. Before the semester began, Chen Xia used the excuse that she wanted to get settled early to move into the place Chen Chao rented off campus. The summer nights were long. The two of them squeezed together to sleep in the hot, humid rental apartment. Out of the blue, Chen Xia asked, “What does it feel like to kiss someone?” Chen Chao lowered his thick brows. “How would I know?” Chen Xia: “Didn’t you date someone before?” Chen Chao gave a crooked smile. “You ruined that for me, remember? I never even got to find out.” Chen Xia stared at him silently for a few seconds, then suddenly leaned close to his lips. “Then let me make it up to you.” Note: No romantic content while they are still related by marriage. Theme: Better yourself and pursue happiness.