Chapter 3: The Abyss

Fair skin and beautiful looks were no exaggeration—but as for being gentle and considerate?

Chao Huai Du let out a faint laugh: “You’re small, but your ambition sure isn’t.”

In her daze, Tan Zhuo saw the fleeting trace of a smile on the man’s stunning face, and her beautiful brows furrowed. “Are you laughing at me?”

The girl had a pair of peach blossom eyes, slightly upturned at the corners, tinted with a natural pink. When she glared, it was strangely alluring.

Chao Huai Du’s gaze paused on her for a few seconds. He pulled his tingling fingers out of her grip, just about to reply—

Suddenly, his private phone rang.

He glanced at the screen and fell silent for a few seconds. Then, he bent down to pick up the jacket that had fallen on the carpet. “Wait a moment. I have to take a call.”

Leaving the cabin, he answered expressionlessly.

The night wind was strong.

Chao Huai Du’s voice was chilled by the wind: “Grandfather.”

From the other end came the slightly sickly voice of the old master of the Chao family: “You’ve been back in Jiangcheng for half a year, yet haven’t come to stay at the old house. I’m recovering from illness, always worrying that you have no one to care for you.”

Chao Huai Du said indifferently, “I have a life assistant.”

He didn’t respond to the old man’s guilt trip.

Old Master Chao tapped his cane theatrically, and with feigned casualness brought up marriage: “A life assistant can’t compare to a partner by your side. It’s time we settle your marriage.”

In the whole Chao family, only the old master dared bring up Chao Huai Du’s marriage.

Chao Huai Du let out a scornful, annoyed chuckle: “You mean to your first love’s granddaughter?”

Old Master Chao said, “What’s wrong with Zhenzhen? She comes from a family of scholars, graceful and quiet, gentle and considerate, talented and beautiful—a perfect match, worthy of the title Mrs. Chao.”

Back then, he hadn’t been able to marry the woman he loved openly into the Chao family as his wife. Now that their grandchildren were so well-matched, naturally he didn’t want to miss this fated opportunity.

After a brief pause—

Hearing no response from Chao Huai Du on the other end, the old man added, “What’s more, to take power in name and not just in fact, you must get married. The family rules are strict. I can’t hold them off forever.”

The Chao family’s century-old rules stated: Only a married heir could receive the family crest ring and be officially recognized as the head.

Even though Chao Huai Du already wielded real power—

He still lacked that vital token.

Last year, after the old man fell seriously ill and Chao Huai Du took control of the company, he ruthlessly removed every unworthy executive—including direct family members.

For the past six months, internal disputes hadn’t ceased. His relatives used the lack of the family crest ring to claim his leadership was illegitimate, that he had no right to oust them from Chao Corporation.

Chao Huai Du, a true-blooded Chao, was full of desire, ambition, control, power, and refusal to submit.

So the old master was certain: even for the ring, his grandson would agree to the marriage.

Chao Huai Du’s slender fingers tapped the railing casually. This time, he didn’t refuse.

“You’re right. I should get married.”

“You like a granddaughter-in-law who’s gentle, graceful, and considerate?”

The old man’s tone relaxed slightly: “Very much.”

Chao Huai Du replied, “Then I’ll make sure you’re satisfied.”

—

Back in the room.

Tan Zhuo was still curled up on the sofa, questioning life.

After all, when she offered herself—fair-skinned, beautiful, soft, and charming—as a potential wife, his first reaction was… to laugh?

At first, she was furious. Then, she started doubting herself.

They say heirs of these elite families all prefer calm, refined wives.

Had she accidentally exposed her true nature?

Her thoughts spiraled wildly. She grabbed the penguin pillow beside her on the sofa.

Her delicate fingers gripped its little wings tightly. She squeezed so hard that the pink in her fingertips turned white.

Just then, the door opened, and the lights turned on.

The once dim room lit up in an instant.

Chao Huai Du had returned.

Tan Zhuo sat up straight out of instinct, letting go of the now misshapen penguin. She placed her hands neatly on her knees, maintaining a polite, obedient posture, and immediately asked:

“Is the marriage contract real?”

The man’s calm and composed voice replied slowly: “It’s real.”

Then, he pulled out another copy of the marriage contract from under the coffee table and pushed it toward her unhurriedly. “You can take a look.”

Under the bright white lights, Tan Zhuo also took out the copy she carried in her purse and laid it out.

Placed side by side, it was clear—they were both from the same year, written on thin silk paper.

The handwriting and stamps were identical.

The marriage contract was real!

A twist in the plot?

Just as Tan Zhuo hesitated to speak—

Chao Huai Du seemed to read her mind and got straight to the point: “Miss Tan, shall we get married?”

“Ah?”

Tan Zhuo froze, letting out a surprised gasp. “Get married?”

Now she was truly sober from the shock.

At first, she had no wild ambitions to become Chao Huai Du’s legal wife.

Earlier, when she jokingly offered herself as a wife, it was just to secure the identity of “Chao Huai Du’s fiancée”!

It was all part of the foot-in-the-door strategy—start with a big request, then follow up with a smaller one.

She thought he would surely reject her wife proposal outright, given his reputation.

Then, she’d retreat and present the marriage contract—not demanding fulfillment of the marriage, just hoping to act under the title of his fiancée for now.

The plan was perfect.

But the first step had already gone off the rails…

Tan Zhuo felt like her brain had short-circuited, trying to sort out this mess.

Honestly, Chao Huai Du’s proposal felt like a pie falling from the sky.

Chao Huai Du didn’t rush her.

He sat across from her calmly, brewing tea.

His movements were graceful—true elegance cultivated from a prestigious upbringing. Like a man from a painting.

While Tan Zhuo was carefully observing Chao Huai Du—

He was also admiring her.

The girl on the sofa tilted her head, studying him. Her swan-like neck was slender and delicate, like a fragile flower that would break with a touch. Beautiful and rare.

Tan Zhuo didn’t quite understand.

She wasn’t one for beating around the bush. After a moment of silence, she asked frankly:

“Why do you want to marry me?”

After all, it couldn’t be love at first sight.

Not that she looked down on herself—but his eyes held no trace of passion.

Chao Huai Du’s cool voice remained calm: “I just happen to need a wife who’s fair-skinned, beautiful, gentle, and considerate.”

Hearing this, the girl’s long lashes quickly lowered, trying to hide the guilt in her eyes.

Sometimes resumes need a little artistic embellishment—it’s an unspoken rule in the workplace.

Surely a CEO like him would understand?

So… this doesn’t count as fraud, right?

Chao Huai Du calmly averted his gaze and leisurely pushed a steaming cup of tea toward her. “Sober up. Think it through and decide tomorrow.”

Looking at the man’s pale, long fingers, Tan Zhuo’s lashes fluttered.

Truthfully, the alcohol had already worn off.

After a moment’s hesitation, she took a sip of the hot tea. Her moist red lips parted, and a soft word slipped out:

“Okay.”

Liang Song had also arranged a VIP cabin for Tan Zhuo on the sixth floor. Though it wasn’t as extravagant as Chao Huai Du’s, it was still luxurious.

Intentionally or not—

It was just one wall away.

Back in the room, Tan Zhuo went to take a shower first.

The showerhead sprayed warm water, washing over the girl’s faintly pink skin, as steam gradually filled the bathroom.

Tan Zhuo’s damp lashes half drooped, but her mind grew increasingly clear.

Although her initial goal was to be a fiancée, if she could become Mrs. Chao, that title would be like a protective talisman in the industry—who would dare bother her, insult her, or suppress her with power in the future?

The roses sent daily to the studio would surely stop as well.

But… what she was more worried about now was—what if Chao Huai Du regretted everything tomorrow?

There was no evidence.

No proof.

And the marriage contract she had was taken by Chao Huai Du.

Tan Zhuo suddenly looked up.

Wait, crap!

Could Chao Huai Du be doing a “sting operation”?!

She calmed down and thought it through: someone like Chao Huai Du, marrying anyone would be an act of charity—he wouldn’t need to deceive a weak, helpless, and pitiful little delicate flower like her.

But regardless of whether it was or wasn’t, she had to seal the deal—get some kind of insurance.

The title of Mrs. Chao—she was going to make it hers!

Under the bright bathroom lights, the mist cleared, and in the clarity, the girl’s peach blossom eyes glowed with a soul-piercing clarity—there was no trace of a helpless little victim.

At midnight, the ball had ended, and the entire cruise ship had fallen into deep silence.

Chao Huai Du wore a black silk robe. Even in bed, he dressed meticulously.

A minute ago, he had still been reading documents. Normally, this hour was his scheduled rest time.

He had always held himself to an almost cruel standard of self-discipline. Tonight’s talk with Tan Zhuo had been off-schedule—his work wasn’t yet done.

He had just turned off the lights, ready to sleep.

Suddenly—

There was a knock at the door.

Very soft, like a cat pawing at the door with pink pads—tentative and intermittent.

Chao Huai Du opened his eyes, no trace of sleep in them.

The door opened.

Under the dim corridor light, the girl leaned lazily against the doorway, like a bewitching fairy who came to tempt in the night.

Yet in Chao Huai Du’s eyes, the sea breeze lifted her silk-like black hair, swaying softly, as if in the next second, she would ride the wind and vanish—never to be found again.

Tan Zhuo said, “President Chao, I feel a little uneasy.”

Chao Huai Du: “Hm?”

Tan Zhuo: “No evidence or proof—I’m afraid you’ll trick me.”

“They say the more powerful a capitalist is, the more he likes to deceive innocent girls like me.”

Chao Huai Du chuckled with a half-smile: “Is that so?”

Tan Zhuo tiptoed slightly, holding his arm, her breath warm as she whispered in his ear, “Let me stamp it.”

So blunt it was deadly. So bold it was terrifying.

The night was dark, the wind high.

How could Chao Huai Du possibly not catch her hint? His thin lips released a low sound: “Miss Tan, I’m a rather traditional man.”

Even in a silk robe, he was buttoned up tightly, not exposing even a sliver of skin. His handsome face was calm and composed, like a saint built from ancient scriptures.

However—

Even against the light, one could clearly sense that this so-called saint was slowly shifting into a beast, poised to strike.

Very obvious.

Very honest.

He was “traditional”? Traditional, my ass!

Tan Zhuo paused and reminded, “Look down.”

Chao Huai Du’s expression didn’t change. He had never seen this as something to be ashamed of. After all, this was his turf.

He had no intention of hiding anything. With a lazy and nonchalant voice, he asked:

“So?”

Tan Zhuo: At this critical moment, she absolutely couldn’t retreat!

She suppressed the urge to back away and pretended to be calm as she stepped forward, almost completely invading the man’s personal space: “So…”

“Can I come in?”

Her lashes lifted, her tone innocent—but what she said was more revealing than Chao Huai Du’s entire body.

Now that she was so close, Chao Huai Du lowered his eyes slightly.

Her skin was thin, smooth, and delicate—unweathered and fragile, like the sweet white porcelain he collected.

Sweet white porcelain was fine and silky, thin and glossy. It had to be fired repeatedly to achieve its most beautiful hue.

Chao Huai Du thought—

Her color could be even more exquisite.

Chao Huai Du was never truly a man of unwavering abstinence. He stepped aside to make room.

Tan Zhuo looked at the pitch-black room behind him. One misstep, and it was like falling into a bottomless abyss.

She thought she wouldn’t regret it.

Yet not long after, she regretted it terribly.

She had always been delicate. She thought it might be a mismatch—but she didn’t expect it to be this much of a mismatch.

“No, I don’t want to stamp this contract anymore…”

Before she could escape, she was effortlessly held down.

His fingers were well-shaped and powerful, moving leisurely across the smooth surface of the sweet white glaze. Suddenly, they touched upon the droplets left behind from repeated firings in the kiln.

Chao Huai Du presented her with the evidence: “See? You want to.”

What about her dignity?!

Tan Zhuo was so startled, she shut her eyes: “I can’t see anything!”

Absolutely refused to admit this had anything to do with her.

But once her eyes closed, darkness took over, and her sense of smell became all the sharper.

She could clearly smell him leaning closer—his cool, woody scent.

Like white sandalwood burning in a snowy wilderness. Over time, the incense gradually overwhelmed the snowy notes, growing stronger and stronger.