The private jet was quieter than any place Shen Yaojin had ever been.
No screaming engines, no crowded passengers, no announcements over crackling speakers. Just soft leather, dim lights, and a flight attendant who bowed every time she spoke.
He sank into the plush seat, pretending not to stare. The window beside him showed the city shrinking into a cluster of lights, then disappearing under clouds.
Across from him, Lu Zhiyuan sat with a tablet in hand, scrolling through documents like this was just another meeting.
No nerves.
No excitement.
No hesitation.
Of course, Yaojin thought. This is normal for him.
The Jet
"This is your first time on a private jet?" Zhiyuan asked without looking up.
Yaojin stiffened. "Is it that obvious?"
"You keep looking out the window."
"Maybe I just like the view."
Zhiyuan hummed slightly, eyes still on the screen. "You'll get used to it."
That sentence felt heavier than it should have.
Get used to it.
Get used to luxury.
Get used to control.
Get used to him.
He crossed his arms and stared outside again. He refused to let Zhiyuan see how unreal this felt.
Arrival – The Island City
They landed in a coastal city famous for elites and celebrities. The airport was private, guarded, and silent—no crowds, no chaos.
But outside, cameras waited.
Reporters. Fans. Media vans. People who had never seen Yaojin before but suddenly knew his name.
Lu Zhiyuan stepped out first, calm, composed. He turned back and extended his hand.
Yaojin hesitated.
Fake dating.
Public affection.
He took Zhiyuan's hand.
The flashbulbs exploded.
"Mr. Lu! Is this your fiancé?"
"Shen heir, how does it feel joining the Lu family?"
"Are you two in love?"
Zhiyuan didn't answer. He simply tightened his grip and led Yaojin forward.
Possessive, Yaojin thought. Or just acting?
The Resort
The hotel was more like a palace. White stone pillars, glass walls, ocean stretching endlessly beyond infinity pools. Staff lined the entrance like a royal welcome.
"Welcome, Mr. Lu and Mr. Shen. Your presidential suite is prepared."
Suite. Singular.
Yaojin froze.
Zhiyuan noticed. "Don't worry. Two bedrooms."
Yaojin exhaled quietly.
Inside the Suite
The suite was massive—living room, private dining area, balcony, two bedrooms on opposite sides. The ocean breeze drifted in, carrying salt and warmth.
Yaojin walked to the balcony and stared at the endless blue water.
He had never seen the ocean this close before. Not like this. Not without crowds, not without noise.
Footsteps approached. Zhiyuan leaned on the railing beside him.
"You like it."
"It's fine."
"Liar."
Yaojin clicked his tongue. "You're annoying."
Zhiyuan glanced at him. "You're bad at pretending you don't care."
Yaojin turned away.
The First Public Event
That evening, they attended a charity gala hosted by the city's elite families. Crystal chandeliers, champagne, orchestras, and people who smiled with their mouths but calculated with their eyes.
They walked in together.
Every gaze turned toward them.
Whispers followed:
"That's the Shen heir…"
"He's beautiful."
"The Lu Alpha finally settled down?"
Zhiyuan placed a hand on Yaojin's waist for the cameras. The contact was light but firm.
Yaojin stiffened.
"Smile," Zhiyuan murmured. "They're watching."
Yaojin smiled. It felt fake.
Scheming Appearance
A woman approached them. Tall, elegant, omega scent strong and deliberate.
"Zhiyuan, long time no see," she said sweetly, eyes flicking to Yaojin. "And you must be the famous Shen Yaojin."
"Lin Meiqi," Zhiyuan said neutrally.
She laughed softly. "So the rumors are true. You finally chose someone."
Her eyes lingered on Zhiyuan's hand on Yaojin's waist. Something cold flashed in them.
Yaojin smiled back, equally polite, equally fake.
So this is how it starts, he thought. Enemies, rivals, wolves in silk dresses.
Back at the Suite
They returned late. The gala lights still burned in Yaojin's vision. His head felt heavy with champagne and attention.
Zhiyuan poured water and handed him a glass.
"You did well."
"Congratulations. Your investment paid off."
Zhiyuan watched him for a moment. "You hate this."
"I hate being controlled."
"Then learn to control back."
Yaojin laughed quietly. "You make it sound easy."
Zhiyuan walked toward his bedroom door, then paused.
"This is a lie," he said.
Yaojin looked up.
"Our relationship. Our smiles. Everything."
"I know."
"Good." Zhiyuan's eyes darkened slightly. "Don't forget that."
He closed his door.
Alone
Yaojin sat on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The sound of waves outside was too loud. Too lonely.
He thought about Zhiyuan's hand on his waist. The way reporters screamed. The way Lin Meiqi's eyes sharpened.
This is only the beginning, he realized.
Power, love, obsession, jealousy—this world devoured people whole.
He turned to the window. Moonlight shimmered on the ocean.
Somewhere in this lie, something real was already starting to grow.
And that thought terrified him more than the contract ever did.