I wrote this nonsense just to get it approved
Cool-headed, alluring black lotus × aloof, possessive man in power
There were two things Xu Qingye hated most in life: the elusive, flirtatious white moonlight who kept people at arm's length, and the devoted puppy who betrayed you after earning your trust.
Unfortunately, she encountered both.
She was a discarded pawn in a wealthy family's game of chess. Her father trained her younger sister to take over the company, while expecting Xu Qingye to be an artistic canary, kept ready for a marriage alliance.
That night, Xu Qingye used her drunkenness as an excuse to cling to Luo Yongwen.
"Do you treat that little boyfriend of yours the same way?"
The man's breath brushed her ear. She put on a look of sudden realization, pretending she'd mistaken him for someone else.
"Mistaken? You clearly just called out my name..."
Under his probing gaze as he leaned closer, Xu Qingye forced her chin up to hide her guilty conscience.
"I'm just your marriage-alliance partner. Surely President Luo hasn't fallen for me?"
He merely studied her calmly, seeming to see right through her.
"Unrequited love is ridiculous. I want a presentable, perfect vase."
"Good. I'm only obeying my father's orders, too."
She must have hidden her feelings well, because he seemed satisfied.
"A marriage alliance. We each get what we want."
*
The usually proud man lowered his head and pinched the tip of her finger, painted with red nail polish.
"Qingye, guess why I let Gu Chao stay by your side for seven years?"
"Because..."
"It doesn't matter anymore, President Luo." She smiled as she slipped on her wedding ring. "Now it's my turn to say that unrequited love is ridiculous. Why don't we each do our own thing?"
*
The only thing in her memories that had ever made Xu Qingye feel lucky was learning that Luo Yongwen was to be her marriage-alliance partner.
On the day their engagement was arranged, young Xu Qingye made pastries with her own hands, like someone experiencing the first stirrings of love, and happily brought them to Luo Yongwen.
The boy was ardent and sincere. His cool fingers brushed her hair, and she could clearly see the deep affection in his eyes.
"Qingye, I really like them."
She was overjoyed, not knowing whether he liked the gift, their engagement, or... her.
But that joy was fleeting, gone in a flash, leaving behind a darkness that was even harder to bear.
Theme: Love is a game of cards, and I'm the only dealer
