Chapter 2: Bizarre

In the grand banquet hall on the first floor,

As Tan Zhuo’s unbelievable words fell, the entire room was stunned.

Beneath the dazzling chandelier,

The girl wore a deep green gown that seemed to blend with the rich tones of a medieval oil painting.

The thin straps outlined her delicate collarbones.

When she casually lifted her lashes, those jet-black eyes looked like they could steal souls.

If she wanted to seduce someone deliberately, she would never fail.

As time ticked by, the skeptical gazes of some began to shift.

Just with that face, there might actually be a one-in-ten-thousand chance… it could be true.

Tan Zhuo appeared calm, accepting everyone’s gaze with ease, but her mind was spinning:

The marriage contract is real, right?

She shouldn’t have misidentified it?

After all, her dad’s skills were crap. There’s no way he could forge something so perfectly that even she couldn’t tell.

But—what if she had misread it?

How would she clean this up?

Ugh, all because of her damned competitive streak!!!

But once the words were out, there was no taking them back.

In the end, she could only clasp her hands together mentally, praying sincerely: Please don’t let it be fake! Please, I’m begging here!

While Tan Zhuo was making last-minute prayers in her head,

Liang Chuwan realized some people were starting to waver, and was suddenly stimulated into rare alertness:

“Heh, anyone can talk big. If your fiancé really is President Chao, then call him right now—in front of all of us.”

No matter the setting, there are always those who love drama.

Once those words were spoken, the crowd chimed in:

“Yeah, that would prove it.”

“Just make a call.”

“……”

A former fake bestie fanned the flames: “Oh no, could it be that Miss Tan doesn’t even remember her fiancé’s number?”

Liang Chuwan added deliberately: “Should I help you ask for it?”

Tan Zhuo really wanted to say yes.

Please, do give me my fiancé’s number. She’d very much like to have it too.

But before she could speak, the real host behind this yacht party, Liang Song, arrived.

Liang Chuwan’s eyes lit up and she rushed over first, clinging to his arm and tattling:

“Brother, Tan Zhuo came here looking for her fiancé. I kindly asked her, and she—”

Liang Song frowned and subtly signaled her to shut up, so as not to disturb the peace upstairs again.

Liang Chuwan bit her lip and fell silent.

Meanwhile, Liang Song’s gaze shifted to Tan Zhuo and landed on her stunning, radiant face.

Within the same social circle, he too had once been drawn to the beauty of this young lady.

But now, the Tan family had long fallen into ruin, while the Liang family thrived. Their statuses were no longer equal.

He and Tan Zhuo were now worlds apart.

Even more, he couldn’t let a silly joke among these girls damage future cooperation with the Chao family.

With that in mind, whatever feelings he once had for her beauty vanished without a trace.

So, in front of everyone, Liang Song spoke with a seemingly polite tone, but one laced with unmistakable pressure.

He gestured toward the door:

“Miss Tan, that person is not someone you can joke about. I’ll have to ask you to leave…”

Tan Zhuo caught the look of disdain in his eyes.

Without the backing of the Tan family, she was no longer the pampered heiress.

She could now be publicly dismissed.

Publicly warned—

“You’re not worthy.”

She slowly tightened her grip on the half-full champagne glass in her hand.

Her pale pink fingertips turned slightly white from the pressure.

The crowd wore expressions of ridicule or amusement, eager to see Tan Zhuo driven out in disgrace.

But Tan Zhuo was never one to take humiliation lying down.

As she considered dumping the champagne on the Liang siblings and calculating her chances of swimming back to shore afterward—

Suddenly,

Footsteps sounded on the stairs to her right.

A young man in a neat suit, holding a glass of wine, was walking toward them.

Seeing who it was, Liang Song’s heart sank.

Could it be that he was already annoyed enough to send his chief secretary in person?

Liang Song smiled, “Secretary Cui, no need for you to trouble yourself. It’s already been handled.”

A mere secretary—yet even the proud Liang Song spoke to him so courteously.

Tan Zhuo momentarily shelved her “sabotage them at my own expense” idea.

After all, her body was worth more than the Liang siblings’ pride.

Unexpectedly, Secretary Cui walked straight toward her and presented a glass of wine:

“Miss Tan, our Boss invites you to try this.”

???

Wait a second—your boss?!

Looking at the clear, beautiful glass of lychee whiskey in front of her,

The scent of alcohol blended with the sweetness of lychee.

Even with her elite psychological composure, Tan Zhuo was briefly stunned.

First thought: the prettier it looks, the more poisonous it is. This wine… might actually be lethal?!

Then, in her peripheral vision, she happened to catch a glimpse of Liang Song.

She didn’t miss the shock rippling through his gaze as he looked at that glass of lychee whiskey.

Others might not know the value of that drink, but Liang Song had personally seen him peel the lychee skin.

Connecting the dots with Secretary Cui’s words, everything suddenly clicked.

At that moment, two tiny figures in Tan Zhuo’s mind were fighting—Should she accept wine from a stranger?

One said: Judging from Liang Song’s reaction and how deferential he is to Secretary Cui, this boss must be someone important.

The wine is a way to save her—this is a miracle!

The other said: A strange man sending wine to a beautiful woman like her can only mean one thing—bad intentions.

If she accepts it, does that count as accepting his affection?

Last time she accidentally smiled and some rich kid mistook it as a signal!

…Before her inner debate ended,

Jiang Qingci also sensed something strange about this “boss” mentioned by Secretary Cui.

She had felt guilty all night for unintentionally putting Tan Zhuo in the spotlight.

Now, she saw an opportunity to help.

Quickly, she took the champagne from Tan Zhuo’s hand and nudged her toward the whiskey.

“Take it.”

At that moment, Liang Song said with uncharacteristic politeness, “Miss Tan.”

Which immediately reminded Tan Zhuo of how, just minutes ago,

He had humiliated her in front of everyone.

And—how he now looked at this drink with barely concealed reverence.

Secretary Cui stood with perfect posture, holding the drink steadily.

His poise and calm were impeccable.

No ordinary man could have someone like him as a secretary.

Not even her bankrupt father’s entire secretary team combined could compare to this one man’s aura.

Suddenly, the fog in Tan Zhuo’s mind cleared.

She took the glass and thanked him.

Then, she looked up, glanced toward Liang Song, and gave a faint, sarcastic smile:

“What now—still trying to kick me out?”

“Miss Tan, you’ve misunderstood. Just now, I saw you looked tired, so I was inviting you to the VIP lounge on the sixth floor to rest.”

Liang Song’s previously cold and dismissive tone had completely vanished, as if he were a different person.

Tan Zhuo lowered her lashes, eyes falling on the snow-white fruit flesh soaking in the alcohol, and clicked her tongue softly:
Oh dear, this wine really is poisonous.

Just the alcohol fumes alone were enough to make Liang Song forget everything instantly.

Those present witnessed this dramatic turn of events, and even if most didn’t know Secretary Cui, they keenly sensed something was off.

Except Liang Chuwan, who panicked: “Brother!”

Liang Song’s face darkened. “That’s enough. A guest is a guest.”

“Treat Miss Tan and the other VIPs properly. No more nonsense.”

Tan Zhuo had no interest in the sibling drama.

Instead, she naturally began talking to Secretary Cui, who seemed a bit aloof.

“You’re Chao Huai Du’s secretary?”

Tan Zhuo had never been good at beating around the bush, so she asked directly.

The always-calm Secretary Cui paused for a second — probably never met someone who shot straight like this.

After a moment, he replied in a businesslike tone, “Yes.”

Tan Zhuo didn’t care about his attitude. In fact, she let out a breath of relief.

What a twist!

Chao Huai Du was actually on the cruise and even helped her out.

Wait, something’s not right!

Why would Chao Huai Du help her???

Of course, Tan Zhuo hadn’t forgotten about that engagement contract.

Now she was even more determined to confirm it with Chao Huai Du directly.

“Can I meet him?”

Secretary Cui: “Sorry, Mr. Chao’s schedule is full tonight.”

He came on a cruise and his schedule is full?

Tan Zhuo: “Can suspected fiancées cut the line?”

Secretary Cui: “Sorry, Mr. Chao separates business and personal matters.”

Tan Zhuo compromised: “Just ten minutes!”

Secretary Cui: “Sorry.”

Like a robot.

As if that was the only word he knew.

Tan Zhuo’s polite smile was about to crack… Why was meeting this man harder than praying to a god?

She could only watch Secretary Cui walk upstairs.

Tan Zhuo: So annoying!

But all her years of etiquette training didn’t allow her to chase after him.

After sending off Jiang Qingci, who had come to apologize,

The ball was still going on, but Tan Zhuo had long lost interest.

She leaned on the railing outside the cabin, her waist-length hair casually half-pinned up, fair skin and red lips — beauty that could bewitch.

But this beautiful woman was now resting her chin in her hand, frowning in frustration:

She had just come to ask Chao Huai Du about that engagement contract.

Who would’ve thought it would all blow up like this?

If it turned out to be fake, how would she ever face the social circle again?

Sigh.

The spring night was beautiful, but she had almost become the laughingstock of the evening. Her mood was terrible!

Except for this glass of ‘timely wine.’

Tan Zhuo gently swirled the drink. The white lychee pulp bobbed slightly.

She took a light sip — a little sweet, a little spicy — surprisingly good.

Before she knew it, she had finished the whole glass.

Suddenly.

She heard German conversation coming from the lower deck.

One of the voices sounded a lot like Secretary Cui’s.

She vaguely heard him say in Chinese: “Mr. Chao.”

Huh?!

Tan Zhuo’s eyes lit up. She looked down — sure enough, someone was standing on the second floor.

She hesitated for two seconds.

Then casually set down her glass, and in her high heels, ran down the stairs, moving against the light.

Up one moment, down the next.

She blocked them right at the stair landing.

On the mechanical-style outer deck,

A man surrounded by elites at the front was adjusting his cufflinks — silver-blue diamond studs fastened perfectly at his wrist.

He was calmly speaking in a low voice to a foreign secretary beside him.

Sensing someone blocking his path,

Chao Huai Du glanced over coolly.

His eyelids were naturally thin, and his pupils were a pale amber color,

Piercing and crystal clear — as if he could see straight through her thoughts.

Before coming here, Tan Zhuo had rehearsed what she wanted to say countless times, afraid she’d mistaken him for someone else.

But now, with just one look, all her words shattered into pieces, blown away by the sea breeze. Her mind went completely blank.

A moment later, she finally managed to say:

“Mr. Chao, I’d like to talk to you…”

Two bodyguards immediately stepped forward, watching her with guarded eyes.

After all, too many women had tried to throw themselves at Mr. Chao.

Fake falls, fake collisions — tricks galore.

Secretary Cui, who recognized Tan Zhuo, explained:

“Miss Tan, Mr. Chao has an important international meeting in fifteen minutes. He needs to return to his cabin to prepare.”

“Just one sentence!”

Tan Zhuo raised a slender, pale finger.

As she spoke, she looked past the crowd, straight at the man in the center.

So close, yet he seemed so far away.

Chao Huai Du gestured for the bodyguards to step aside.

Only then was Tan Zhuo able to descend the stairs.

She realized — even in heels, this man was still taller than her by a good bit.

Must be 190 cm.

No wonder he had such a commanding presence.

Secretary Cui glanced at his watch again, about to remind him:

“Mr. Chao, your time…”

Afraid that Chao Huai Du would leave, Tan Zhuo instinctively grabbed his sleeve.

It was so hard just to see him — if she missed this chance, who knew when the next one would be?

Chao Huaidu didn’t shake her off. His cold, inorganic eyes lowered slightly:

“What do you want to say?”

Knowing his time was limited, Tan Zhuo still remembered the original reason she came to see him. She kept it short:

“The marriage contract.”

A moment later.

Chao Huaidu looked at her for a few seconds, then said to Secretary Cui,

“Take Miss Tan to my private lounge.”

Tan Zhuo’s heartbeat gradually calmed.

She understood—this meant they could talk in detail.

“Go ahead with your work, Mr. Chao.”

Tan Zhuo knew when to stop. She let go of his sleeve, and noticing the creased fabric, she awkwardly patted it flat, pretending nothing had happened.

Secretary Cui had seen her small action clearly.

Thinking of this Miss Tan’s frank and bold personality, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

Could she really marry into the Chao family?

Chao Huaidu’s private lounge was the most luxurious spot on the cruise.

A huge panoramic window covered half the wall, perfect for ocean views—

Unfortunately, it was nighttime. The waves rising and falling beyond looked like a strange and surreal dream.

Inside, the temperature was just right.

After all, it was someone else’s turf. Tan Zhuo sat quietly on the sofa for a while, but she felt increasingly warm.

She couldn’t help pressing her cool palm to her cheek—it wasn’t her imagination. She really was burning up.

That lychee-flavored drink came to mind…

Mm.

That alcohol had a hell of a kick.

Tan Zhuo yawned. Her lashes, misted by sleepiness, drooped gently.

Even her proper posture could no longer be maintained as she slowly slumped over.

Chao Huaidu had just finished over two hours of meetings and pushed open the door.

The air was thick with a sweet and unfamiliar scent, mixed with the seductive trace of alcohol.

He looked up.

The girl was lazily draped over the wide sofa armrest, her slim back folded into a soft, fragile curve.

Her dark green gown flowed down like water, revealing pale, slender legs.

She looked like a delicate, dazzling blossom.

Chao Huaidu’s hand paused halfway through removing his suit jacket and casually tossed it onto the sofa.

Tan Zhuo, still thinking of her purpose, was drowsy but hadn’t totally succumbed to the alcohol.

When she heard the door, she fought to lift her eyelids.

“You’re finally back,” she murmured, her tone drowsy and blurred.

Any later and she would’ve been asleep.

That wouldn’t do.

Chao Huaidu was so hard to get an audience with—she couldn’t miss this chance.

She had to… had to do something… What was it again?

At that moment, the suit slid down.

And landed right over her legs.

But the alcohol was too strong. Tan Zhuo didn’t even notice.

Feeling hot, she simply shoved the jacket off onto the carpet—taking more of her silky dress along with it.

Chao Huaidu looked at her calmly.

The Tan family sure knew how to raise their daughters—turning a rich heiress into someone so willful and carefree.

Thinking of that long-lost marriage contract, he shut the door behind him and got straight to the point:

“Miss Tan, what do you want to talk about?”

Talk about what?

After a while, Tan Zhuo slowly sat up…

But the alcohol made her limbs weak—she nearly hit the coffee table.

Luckily, Chao Huaidu reached out like a gentleman and steadied her.

His fingers were cold and slender.

Tan Zhuo instinctively grabbed his hand. After that chill, she suddenly remembered:

She had to make Chao Huaidu acknowledge her as his fiancée!

Liang Song was considered top-tier among second-generation heirs.

Yet even he was polite and respectful toward his secretary—

That alone showed how powerful and prestigious Chao Huaidu truly was.

It wasn’t just rumors.

If he could protect her…

Tan Zhuo sobered up slightly.

So—

She exhaled softly, trying to keep calm, and looked at him.

“Are you single?”

The unexpected question piqued Chao Huaidu’s interest.

He replied,

“Mm.”

Tan Zhuo asked again,

“Do you like anyone?”

“No.”

Tan Zhuo tilted her head, studying the man standing in the shadows.

His features were barely visible, but still striking—handsome beyond belief.

He looked like he’d stepped out of misty mountains and rivers, lofty and untouchable, without desire or need.

Someone this good-looking having high standards wasn’t surprising.

She was also beautiful—and she had high standards too.

Miss Tan, always confident in her looks, hesitated briefly, then boldly offered herself:

“Do you need a wife? Fair-skinned, beautiful… um, gentle and sweet too?”