Jiang Qinian's face barely flickered when he heard Jiang Zhi's words—less reaction than when he'd learned she'd plotted to leave with Qing Jie.
He'd always believed she'd loved him for five years.
Five years of her acting like his personal maid: managing his life, his work, even giving up a leading role in a famous director's film—all because he'd casually mentioned it.
He refused to believe a woman who'd loved him so deeply could marry someone else in seven days.
More importantly—he knew her. She wasn't the type to marry on a whim, to a man she felt nothing for.
He was certain: her "marriage" was a lie, a spur-of-the-moment jab to hurt him.
So he ignored her declaration entirely.
Leaning over the desk, hands braced on either side of her, he met her gaze. "Jiang Zhi, we're not done. Our contract is ironclad—even Qing Jie can't interfere."
Jiang Zhi's eyes widened. She scrambled to check the contract.
Sure enough, the fine print spelled out their "long-term binding partnership."
Memories flooded back: the day she'd signed, him sweet-talking her before she'd finished reading.
"You've been scheming against me from the start?" she whispered, disbelief coloring her voice.
Jiang Qinian's eyes flickered. Before she could react, he reached across the desk, yanking her into a bone-crushing hug.
His chin rested on her shoulder as he murmured, "Zhi Zhi, the day you chased me in sophomore year, you sealed your fate—you're mine for life. Stop this nonsense. Come home."
Jiang Zhi stiffened. His embrace was different now—desperate, almost painful, like he wanted to weld her to his bones.
In the past, his hugs had been distant, controlled, performative—sweet words masking his physical reluctance.
It was almost laughable: after three years of never feeling his love, she felt it now… after they'd broken up.
But late love is cheaper than grass, isn't it?
She couldn't break free—his strength overwhelmed her.
So she didn't fight. Her voice was eerily calm. "Jiang Qinian, I don't love you anymore. I won't go home with you. I'm married—act like it."
"Married?" He let out a sharp laugh. "You think I'm an idiot?"
He released her, grabbing her shoulders instead, eyes blazing. "Fine. Take me to this 'husband' of yours—then I'll let you go."
Bang! The office door slammed open, the crash drowning out his shout.
A flash of red rushed in: Lin Yanyan, sweeping Jiang Zhi behind her, glaring at Jiang Qinian.
"Tsk tsk, Jiang Qinian—never noticed you were this obsessed. Now you're putting on a 'deep love' act? Barf."
Jiang Qinian's face twisted. "You've been in contact with her?"
Before Jiang Zhi could speak, Lin Yanyan scoffed, "Duh—we talk every day. Besties for life. Surprised?"
Jiang Qinian's jaw clenched. He'd always hated Lin Yanyan, and now…
"You lied about marriage—she put you up to this, didn't she?!" he snarled.
Lin Yanyan blinked, then smirked. "Zhi Zhi did get married—I introduced her to her husband. A million times better than you."
Jiang Qinian caught the flicker of shock on Lin Yanyan's face. Proof, he thought, that Jiang Zhi's "marriage" was a farce.
He grabbed Jiang Zhi's other hand, yanking her toward the door. "Home—we'll settle this there."
Jiang Zhi's eyes widened. "Jiang Qinian, you're crazy!"
Stepping outside would turn their private war into a public spectacle.
He didn't slow down, tugging her through the office as he said, "You wanted to go public? Fine—from today, I'll give you everything. Just stop hurting me."
Jiang Zhi struggled, but his grip was iron. Employees turned, curiosity etched on their faces.
Desperate, she hissed, "Jiang Qinian—call him right now. Prove you mean it."
He paused, surprised. Then, Let out a derisive snort:"Fine. Call."
Lin Yanyan rushed out, seeing Jiang Zhi's free hand fumble for her phone.
"Who are you calling?" she asked.
"My legal husband," Jiang Zhi replied, not looking up.
Lin Yanyan rolled her eyes. Acting for Jiang Qinian's benefit, she thought.
Then, realization dawned. She leaned in, whispering, "Wait—you don't have a boyfriend…."
Before she could finish, Jiang Zhi dialed a number labeled Shang Chi.
Lin Yanyan's eyes nearly popped out. Are you insane?! You can't call the CEO!
Her heart raced for Jiang Zhi.
But the worst was yet to come.
Phone ringing—faint at first, then growing louder as the elevator doors opened.
Lin Yanyan's heart stopped when she saw who stepped out.
A devastatingly handsome man, flanked by executives, stood in the elevator.
We're doomed, Lin Yanyan thought. Doomed!
Jiang Zhi's breath hitched. She hung up instantly.
She'd only wanted to buy time, never expecting Shang Chi to arrive now.
The ringing stopped the second she ended the call.
Shang Chi's gaze shifted from his phone to her, cold and assessing.
He stepped out, polished shoes thudding against the floor—each step a low, menacing drumbeat.
The air in the office grew thick, oppressive.
His footsteps closed in.
Jiang Zhi's heart hammered, ready to burst from her chest.