Across the Wilds

[In my next book, After Falling in Love with My Nemesis from the Celestial Realm. Please add it to your reading list.]

[From the heroine's perspective: married first, deeply in love later. From the hero's perspective: his secret crush finally comes true.]

[1]

As a top heiress, Chi Man had no objection to a marriage arranged between wealthy families.

That was, until she saw a photo of her fiance, Qi Rao, kissing someone else.

In front of everyone, she sneered, "Qi Rao, the Qing Dynasty fell ages ago. You think that just because your surname is Qi, you can still enjoy the blessings of having two wives?"

"I'm breaking off our engagement. Remember, I'm the one who doesn't want you."

After the engagement was called off, her parents told her to go on blind dates.

At the end of her rope, Chi Man had a sudden idea and said, "I like Qi Ye."

Her parents were stunned.

He was one of the most powerful men in the capital, standing at the pinnacle of the financial world. Ruthless in his methods and untouched by worldly temptations, he devoted himself to expanding the countless territories of the Qi empire. He was the true power behind the family.

[2]

Chi Man never expected that, in her most lost and bewildered moment, she would call Qi Ye and say, "Marry me."

Qi Ye remained calm and analyzed the situation objectively. "Chi Man, I don't mind you using this to avoid an arranged marriage, but I want to leave you a way out."

"This is a prenuptial agreement. Ours will be a marriage of convenience, with a term of three years. If you want to leave after that, I'll give you ten billion, plus shares in publicly listed companies."

"Of course, while we're married, you can use my black card without limit, and you won't have to fulfill any of your marital obligations to me."

So, at the beginning of their marriage, Chi Man thought Qi Ye treated her well. He was a wonderful, handsome husband.

A few months into the marriage, he showered her with countless limited-edition handbags and diamonds, flew her around the world on a private jet to attend fashion shows, and always stood by her and supported her...

It wasn't until later that Chi Man found out the truth.

Those three years of marriage by contract had been Qi Ye's one regret from his youth.

He had hoped that, during those three years, she might give him the smallest measure of affection.

--The blurb for After Falling in Love with My Nemesis from the Celestial Realm:

Ji Changji was the most carefree and playful soul in the Underworld.

He took on both jobs as Black and White Impermanence, pocketed a hefty bonus, and went down to the mortal realm to have fun. Then one day, while collecting a soul, he met a princess.

The little princess gazed at him in confusion. "Am I dead too?"

Ji Changji: Oh! She's born with yin-yang eyes. She can actually see ghosts.

Ji Changji silently collected the ghost, then glanced at the princess with an air of nonchalance.

With that single look, Ji Changji, whose romantic exploits were famous across the Six Realms, stayed by Yun Ye's side in the mortal world for many years.

--

Back in the Ghost Realm, Ji Changji looked utterly dejected. A group of little ghosts went to check on him, then went down to the mortal realm to find out what had happened.

According to the reports from the mortal realm, their big shot had been used as a substitute, killed by the person he loved, and had his heart stolen by Ji Changji.

And the person who had deceived him was apparently an immortal who had descended to the mortal realm to undergo a trial.

That immortal was none other than the Ghost Realm's sworn enemy, Her Highness the Princess of the Celestial Realm.

Theme: Love and perseverance.