He leaned back, the smirk never leaving his face. "I'm not playing, Aoi. This is very real. You help me, and I'll help you. It's as simple as that."Aoi clenched her fists, her mind racing. She couldn't believe the cruelty of his words, the cold calculation in his eyes. Her thoughts flashed to Aunty Li, the woman who had raised her, who had always been there for her. She couldn't let anything happen to her."What do you want from me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, the weight of the situation pressing down on her."I need you to be my fiancée. It's a simple arrangement. You get your aunty back, and I get what I need," he said, his tone matter-of-fact, as if they were discussing a business deal.Aoi's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. She felt trapped, cornered by his demands. But she knew she had no choice. For Aunty Li, she would do anything."Fine," she said, her voice steadying as she made her decision. "I'll do it. But if anything happens to her, I will never forgive you."His smirk widened into a full smile. "Good. I knew you'd see reason. Come to the palace tomorrow. Remember to bring this jade pendant," he said, taking his pendant off and handing it to her. "Come back soon."Aoi took the pendant, her fingers trembling slightly as she held it. "Why me?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and frustration. "Why did you choose me for this?"Zhao Han's eyes softened ever so slightly as he looked at her. "Because you're strong, Aoi. Stronger than you realize. And because I trust you," he said, his voice sincere.Aoi's heart skipped a beat at his words, but she quickly masked her emotions. "Trust? You have a funny way of showing it," she retorted, her voice tinged with sarcasm.Zhao Han chuckled softly. "I know this isn't ideal, but it's the best option we have. And I promise, once this is over, you'll be free to go," he said, his tone reassuring.Aoi nodded, her resolve hardening. "I'll do it. But remember, if anything happens to Aunty Li, I will never forgive you," she repeated, her voice firm.Zhao Han's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of determination. "I understand. And I won't let anything happen to her. You have my word," he said, his voice steady.