The next morning, after the rain cleared, sunlight streamed through the clouds, casting a warm glow on the city streets and dispelling the gloom from the previous night.
Su Wan arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau ten minutes early, wearing her only formal white dress. Her hair was simply tied in a low ponytail, and though she wore no makeup, her delicate features still shone through. She clutched her phone, where a message from the hospital had just arrived—Su Nian's surgery was scheduled for next week, and all the necessary tests were proceeding smoothly. This news helped to ease her anxiety from the night before.
A familiar black Maybach slowly drove up and parked in front of her. Just like the night before, it was an eye-catching sight. The car door opened, and first to step out was Lin Zhou, the assistant, who respectfully walked to the other side and opened the door for the man.
Lu Chengyuan stepped out.
Unlike the fleeting impression she had of him in the rain the night before, up close, his features were sharp and almost intimidating. His high nose, thin lips, and deep-set eyes seemed like a cold, bottomless pool—uninviting and distant. He exuded an aura of nobility that made others feel small. He wore a black suit, but today his tie was a dark grey, adding to the frosty, untouchable air about him.
Su Wan instinctively took a step back, her heartbeat inexplicably quickening. The man in front of her was to be her "husband" for the next year, but he felt like a complete stranger.
"Miss Su, sorry to keep you waiting," Lu Chengyuan's voice was low and magnetic, but there was no hint of emotion in it, as if he were merely greeting a regular business partner.
"Mr. Lu." Su Wan nodded, trying to maintain composure, but her voice still betrayed a hint of unease.
Lin Zhou handed over the prepared household registration book and IDs. "Mr. Lu, Miss Su, all the documents are ready. You can go ahead and process the marriage registration."
Lu Chengyuan took the documents and led the way toward the Civil Affairs Bureau's door. Su Wan hesitated for a moment before following him inside.
The Civil Affairs Bureau wasn't crowded. Most of the people there were couples beaming with happiness, but the atmosphere between the two of them felt strangely stilted. There was no holding hands, no eye contact—just an intentional distance, as though they were strangers completing a task.
The staff member processing their paperwork looked at them with a hint of curiosity but didn't ask questions. They simply followed the standard procedure: verifying information, taking photos, signing forms.
During the photo session, the photographer smiled and said, "Sir, please stand closer to your wife. Relax, it's a happy occasion."
Su Wan stiffened, instinctively trying to step back, but before she could, a warm hand gently gripped her wrist. Lu Chengyuan's fingers, slightly cold but firm, pulled her toward him with an unspoken command.
His scent, faintly of cedarwood, surrounded her, clean and refreshing. Su Wan's heartbeat quickened, her cheeks flushed uncontrollably. She stood stiffly, her gaze fixed straight ahead at the camera, too afraid to glance at the man beside her.
Lu Chengyuan's expression remained unchanged as he stared at the camera, but his fingers subtly tightened around her wrist. In the instant the photo was taken, the two of them appeared close, but there was an invisible distance between them.
When they received the marriage certificate, Su Wan looked at the red cover with the bold words "Marriage Certificate," and at the photo of them both, their expressions slightly stiff. A surge of conflicting emotions flooded her chest. This red booklet was the legal recognition of their marriage, but it was also the proof of a transaction she had agreed to in exchange for one year of her life.
After they left the Civil Affairs Bureau, Lu Chengyuan handed her one of the marriage certificates, his tone indifferent. "From today on, you are Mrs. Lu. Remember your position. Don't ask about things you shouldn't, don't do things you shouldn't. Adhere to the terms of the contract."
Su Wan took the certificate, feeling the weight of the paper in her fingers. She looked up at him. "I understand. I also hope that Mr. Lu will honor the agreement and not interfere in my private life."
"Naturally," Lu Chengyuan nodded, turning to Lin Zhou. "Transfer the remaining compensation to Miss Su, and arrange for someone to move her belongings to Cloudtop Mansion."
"Cloudtop Mansion?" Su Wan was taken aback. "I can't live there."
Cloudtop Mansion was the city's most luxurious residential area, Lu Chengyuan's home. It would be too conspicuous for her, a "contract wife," to live there. Besides, she didn't want to have unnecessary interactions with him.
"Article 2 of the contract," Lu Chengyuan raised an eyebrow, his tone carrying an unspoken force. "During the marriage, both parties must reside together in the residence designated by Mr. Lu, to attend any unexpected family gatherings or business events. Miss Su, you didn't forget, did you?"
Su Wan fell silent. She had read the contract terms, but last night's urgent circumstances had left her with little time to consider the details.
"I'll have a separate room prepared for you, where we won't disturb each other," Lu Chengyuan added, his voice leaving no room for debate. "This afternoon, someone will go to the bookstore to pack your things. As for the bookstore, I've already spoken with the landlord. The rent will be paid on time, so don't worry about it."
At the mention of the "bookstore," Su Wan felt some tension leave her body. As long as the bookstore was safe, she didn't mind where she lived.
"Alright," she nodded in agreement.
Lu Chengyuan said no more and turned to get into the Maybach. Lin Zhou handed Su Wan a business card. "Miss Su, this is my personal number. If you need anything, you can contact me. I'll send a driver to pick you up at 2 PM."
After the car left, Su Wan stood there, holding the marriage certificate and business card. She sighed deeply and sent a message to her best friend, Xia Ran: "I got married."
Almost immediately, Xia Ran replied with a string of question marks and exclamation points: "What?! Su Wan, are you crazy? Who did you marry? When did this happen? Why didn't you talk to me about it?"
Su Wan looked at the screen, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. How could she explain? That she had married a billionaire she barely knew, all for money? It was just a transaction.
She typed a reply: "I'll explain later. For now, I'm fine. Nian Nian's surgery is arranged, and the bookstore is safe."
After sending the message, she put her phone away and clutched the marriage certificate. The red cover seemed especially glaring under the sunlight, as if reminding her that this absurd marriage had officially begun.
She didn't know what the next year would bring, but she hoped that this transaction would go smoothly, and that after a year, she could take the compensation and live a peaceful life with her sister. As for love, she had long since given up any hope.