Six months into their marriage, Ruan Yin and Chi Heng had always treated each other with polite respect.
Just as everyone said, Chi Heng was courteous and refined, mild-mannered and low-key. He was the sole person in charge of the Chi family, and the perfect choice for a marriage alliance.
Ruan Yin had believed that, too.
Until one day, she saw Chi Heng push a rival's head underwater. The same hands that often caressed her tenderly were cold and pale, veins standing out. Water splashed all around them as he lowered his eyes and smiled darkly. "Say that again. I didn't hear you."
Only then did she learn that ruthless cunning was his true nature.
Chi Heng was dangerous.
-
To Chi Heng, Ruan Yin was beautiful, well-behaved, and sheltered from the world. In return for her courtesy, he had always played the part of a model husband.
Until one day, she threw down several pieces of "evidence" against him and smiled as she negotiated. Her still-beautiful face was full of shrewdness, and she had a fierce air of absolute confidence.
Only then did he realize they were the same kind of person.
*
The night they laid their cards on the table, the two of them sat before the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Outside was the dazzling city skyline. Ruan Yin swirled her glass, the deep red liquid turning silently within.
She chuckled. "Mr. Chi, you're very good at pretending."
Chi Heng's lips curled too. "You're not bad yourself, Miss Ruan."
She asked him what it would take for him to work for her.
He reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, his cool fingertips tracing her earlobe at an unhurried pace. "That depends on what you can do."
*
Chi Heng was a genuine business genius, cold-blooded and rational, skilled at scheming.
If you wanted something from him, you had to offer something of equal or greater value in return.
At first, Ruan Yin really did just that.
But later, he gave her a yacht, transferred shares, and signed contracts without batting an eye.
After he had once again helped Ruan Yin smooth over a problem, the young lady climbed into her car with her bag, swept her hair back, and glanced at him coldly. "Tell me, what do you want this time?"
Chi Heng chuckled and pulled her into his arms.
Ruan Yin was about to struggle, but he tightened his arm around her slender waist and rested his head on her shoulder. His voice was low and husky. "Just let me hold you for a while."
Reader's guide:
1. This is a melodramatic romance. If that's not your thing, proceed with caution.
2. If you're picky about the heroine or hero, proceed with caution.
3. If you prefer meticulous realism, proceed with caution.
Blurb saved on November 7, 2025.
Theme: Love yourself before loving others.
