Roses in the Darkroom

To the outside world, Nie Xiao is a moderately well-known photographer, while Gu Songxing is the respected president of a major corporation.

No one knows that they are a married couple who have been in love for seven years and married for three.

At twenty-seven, Nie Xiao has lost the youthful energy of his younger days, while Gu Songxing is in the prime of his success.

In recent years, rumors about Gu Songxing have been constant. Nie Xiao chose to be understanding and trust him, until he caught Gu Songxing kissing someone with his own eyes.

Gu Songxing told him, “It was just putting on a show. It was for work.”

Nie Xiao calmly replied, “Then let's get divorced. You can put on a show with whoever you want.”

Gu Songxing refuses to divorce him, using his career and family as leverage to threaten and control Nie Xiao.

Nie Xiao turns to the uncle of Gu's rumored lover, Ying Jingtan, the unfathomable head of the Shengjing family.

He strikes a deal with Ying Jingtan, doing whatever it takes to win the divorce case and making headlines across the city.

Ten years together come to nothing. He starts over from scratch.

*

Ying Jingtan is a rose in Nie Xiao's once-silent world. He grows in silence, yet his brilliance and allure make it impossible for Nie Xiao to look away.

But a rose, after all, will leave you bloodied if you pluck it. A touch is enough.

Besides, this rose is no longer young, and the thorns honed by time are even sharper than Gu Songxing's.

*

A calculating, scheming older man who plans every step X a shou who loves wholeheartedly, knows when to let go, and can be a little difficult

*

Content warnings:

1. The gong changes. The gong is sexually inexperienced, but the shou is not. Both have been married before. There is an eight-year age gap. Happy ending. Don't ask why the gong is inexperienced; it's a personal preference.

2. There are scenes where the scum gong faces consequences. The gong and shou only officially begin dating after their respective marriages end.

3. The gong has secretly loved the shou. Their marriage is only a marriage of convenience based on an agreement. They marry and divorce peacefully by mutual consent, with no sex and no emotional involvement!

4. Just for fun. The professional details may not be entirely accurate.

Theme: Always love yourself, always be free