Though they both lived in Z City of the East Country, Gu Nuannuan and Jiang Chenyu had never crossed paths before. Despite this, she had certainly heard his name—a name that evoked both fear and admiration.
Jiang Chenyu, a 28-year-old business magnate, was the undisputed king of the East Country's economy. His control over economic lifelines made him a man few dared to challenge. Handsome and commanding, he had risen to the top at a young age, his reputation for being ruthless preceding him. And now, to her disbelief, this same man stood before her, her groom.
As he stood at the altar, Gu Nuannuan couldn't help but notice that Jiang Chenyu looked like he had just returned from a business trip. His formal attire, while appropriate, lacked the precision one would expect for such an important day. It was clear to her that marriage was not a priority for him; he seemed to be going through the motions, treating the ceremony like a task to complete. His dissatisfaction with the arrangement was evident, and that realization brought an unexpected sense of relief to Gu Nuannuan.
They were both unwilling participants in this marriage. In that sense, they were perfectly matched.
Her lips curled into a faint smile at the thought.
When her father handed her over to Jiang Chenyu, Gu Nuannuan's fingers were icy from nerves. But the warmth of Jiang Chenyu's palm took her by surprise. Instinctively, she tried to pull away, but he reacted swiftly, tightening his grip. His hand was firm, and his control was undeniable.
Their eyes met.
Jiang Chenyu's sharp gaze swept over her face, pausing on her wide, doe-like eyes—eyes filled with a mix of fear and defiance. For a brief moment, something flickered in his expression, a ripple of emotion passing through his otherwise stoic features. But just as quickly, he looked away, turning his focus back to the ceremony.
As he held her hand, a slight, self-deprecating smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The absurdity of the situation hit him. He, a powerful man feared by so many, had ended up marrying a girl so much younger and so innocent-looking. It was like what people often joked about: an old cow feasting on tender grass.
But as the wedding proceeded, Gu Nuannuan found her mind wandering. She was barely present, her thoughts drifting far from the vows being exchanged. So much so, that when the priest asked the fateful question, "Bride, are you willing to have this man become your husband...?" the hall was met with silence.
No one responded.
The pause became noticeable, and tension rippled through the crowd. Gu Nuannuan's heart was racing, her chest visibly rising and falling in a rapid, uneven rhythm. The bouquet in her hands felt heavier, and her vision began to blur.
Jiang Chenyu, standing right beside her, immediately noticed her irregular breathing. Leaning slightly toward her, he muttered in a low, commanding voice, "Answer."
His voice was deep, magnetic, and carried an authority that sent a jolt through Gu Nuannuan. Reflexively, she tightened her grip on the bouquet, her fingers trembling slightly.
She looked up at him, blinking in confusion, as if she hadn't heard the question properly.
Jiang Chenyu waited. Seconds felt like minutes, and still, the words "I do" did not leave her lips.
Sensing the growing unease in the room, Jiang Chenyu's grip on her hand tightened. He couldn't afford for her to make a scene—not here, not now. His mind raced, considering the fallout if she failed to follow through. The Gu family's future hung in the balance. The Jiang family would never forgive such an insult.
With a sharp inhale, Jiang Chenyu turned to face his bride once more. His cold eyes narrowed as he observed her pale, nervous face. If she dared to embarrass him, the consequences would be severe.
But before he could voice another warning, his gaze caught hers again—those clear, innocent eyes that somehow managed to unsettle him for a split second. He was momentarily stunned by the raw vulnerability he saw.
Without breaking his composure, Jiang Chenyu reached out with his free hand, gently brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. To the onlookers, the gesture appeared intimate, a display of affection between the newlyweds. But beneath the surface, his words were anything but tender.
In a low, icy whisper meant only for her ears, he said, "If you lose focus again, the Jiang family will be shamed, and the Gu family will not survive this."
The threat hit her like a bucket of cold water. Her heart sank. She had almost forgotten—this marriage was never about love or happiness. It was a transaction, a deal to ensure the survival of her family.
A bitter smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She felt foolish for even momentarily forgetting the reality of her situation. Her earlier hopes and dreams of marriage had been a childish fantasy.
She leaned in slightly, her lips barely moving as she whispered back into his ear, "I will. Thank you for reminding me."
As her warm breath brushed against his ear and her soft, sweet scent reached him, Jiang Chenyu's composure faltered for the briefest of moments. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he swallowed, a sudden and inexplicable intensity clouding his dark eyes.
But just as quickly, he regained his cold demeanor.
The ceremony continued. Gu Nuannuan finally gave her "I do," and the deal was sealed.
But beneath the surface, it was clear—this marriage was built on fragile foundations, and neither of them could predict what the future held.