A Midwinter Fairy Tale

*All text messages have timestamp screenshots

The year Cheng Mi was nineteen and had nowhere left to turn, she met Shen Yanbai.

Her agent pushed her to her feet, a glass of wine in hand, and she wobbled as she raised it in a toast. Then, by accident, she spilled wine on his pocket watch.

Frightened and at a loss, she bowed her head to apologize, carefully wiped away the stain, and stammered, "Sir, I'll pay you back."

The whole table burst into laughter. When she learned from someone nearby that the watch was worth more than she could ever afford, her cheeks flushed under the crowd's mocking laughter. She stood there awkwardly, eyes lowered and wet with tears, anxious and helpless.

The man's features were as calm as distant mountains veiled in mist, but a gentle smile glimmered deep in his eyes. "All right."

That evening, after the gathering ended, Cheng Mi received a special gift from Shen Yanbai's assistant.

Everyone in their circle knew who was backing Cheng Mi.

Everyone also knew that in the world of fame and fortune, people simply used one another for mutual benefit.

So they were sure Shen Yanbai was only looking for a bit of fun, something new to amuse him.

Even Cheng Mi thought so. She knew her place and behaved accordingly.

When the time was right, she tactfully suggested that they break up.

That night, the man idly toyed with his pocket watch. His expression remained gentle and unassuming, making him look every inch the courteous gentleman. He smiled faintly. "Mimi, haven't I treated you well enough?"

Cheng Mi shook her head. "Sir, you've been very good to me..."

"Then," Shen Yanbai said with an enigmatic smile, "are you trying to cross the river and destroy the bridge, Mimi?"

Cheng Mi denied it. "I just don't think I'm good enough for you. Our relationship isn't on equal footing. Maybe what you need is a wife who comes from a family like yours and can support you."

Shen Yanbai snapped the pocket watch shut, still smiling enigmatically. "Mimi, has nobody ever told you not to bargain with a businessman?"

"Besides," Shen Yanbai said, his gaze deep as he looked at her, "how do you know that you aren't the woman I want as Mrs. Shen?"

Please note: The female lead has an ex, the male lead does not.

This story contains mild elements of coercive pursuit.

Mutually devoted, no other partners

College student x powerful man

Theme: Freedom to love