A Cannon Fodder, But Now I'm Losing It

[Sesame-rice-ball beauty bottom × sharp-tongued, fiercely protective, suit-wearing bruiser top] On the day Ruan Zhen was forced to marry, he awakened to the truth. He realized he was the cannon-fodder stepmother in a melodramatic novel. After her husband died, his sons would fight over him, abuse and humiliate him, and ultimately reduce him to a broken doll before he died on a freezing winter night. He wasn’t even the protagonist. So after his death, the executioners would go on living happily, free to do as they pleased. Why should they get away with it? His dreams and dignity, his body and future, even his very soul, were all to be trampled underfoot at someone else’s whim Ruan Zhen’s face was pale. Beside him, the housekeeper spoke with contempt: “After the wedding, you’ll be the young madam of the Song family. Your monthly allowance will be...” Before he could finish, Ruan Zhen pressed his thumbprint down without hesitation. This time, he wouldn’t waste time resisting in vain and walk straight toward a tragic ending. After all, as the cannon-fodder stepmother, the old man would kick the bucket soon enough. Heh. What a happy occasion. At the solemn funeral not long afterward, Ruan Zhen wore a striking black mourning outfit that revealed his smooth calves. His cheeks were flushed When he was forced into a corner, the pack of cheap stepsons surrounding him like hungry wolves suddenly fell silent. They respectfully greeted the man who had just entered: Third Uncle. Song Shuling wore a solemn black suit, a little white flower pinned to his chest. His eyes full of scorn, he said, “My eldest brother has barely been gone, and you’re already in such a hurry?” His eldest brother had been wise all his life, yet had suddenly gone against everyone’s wishes and decided to marry a man. Song Shuling had been out of town at the time, and by the time he returned, it was a done deal. This widow he had never even met had become his sister-in-law. What a joke. Even more ridiculous was that he’d shown up at the funeral with his legs bare. What kind of conduct was that? Song Shuling looked impatient and was about to leave when he saw Ruan Zhen stumble toward him. He didn’t dodge, and caught him in his arms. “P-please, save me!” Ruan Zhen looked up at him, the corners of his eyes red. “Third Master, help me!” Song Shuling’s breath caught. Damn, no wonder the old man couldn’t control himself. He really was breathtakingly alluring. [Please read] 1. They’re each other’s first love; age gap, with the top nine years older. 2. A romance-focused, everyday-life story. The bottom and the old man never registered their marriage. The “young madam” identity is used to torment the scoundrels. The top and bottom are not on the same household register, so there’s no ethical issue. 3. I tried writing a more plot-driven story and didn’t quite pull it off. Please bear with me, orz. Theme: Love is sincerity and courage