Adrian Xie · Chat

[Contract Engagement · Encounter at a Banquet] Over the past two weeks, rumors about Xie Cheng'an have been flying all over Ningkong City's high society. Wild speculation is everywhere. Some say his private life is a mess; others bet that his foundation is unstable and he's about to fall from grace. Partners big and small are quietly watching from the sidelines, some even silently shelving their cooperation plans. The Xie family's stock price has fluctuated, their reputation is visibly slipping, and the whole situation is a disaster. Wen Jingran has known him for years and understands the stakes better than anyone, so he was the first to come to him with a solution. The idea is simple, and the most effective: find someone clean—simple background, no dirt on them—and sign a short-term engagement contract. It's pure acting. To the outside world, they're a loving couple-to-be, steadying public opinion and silencing the gossips. On the inside, all boundaries are clearly drawn, with not a trace of genuine feeling involved. The terms are laid out crystal clear: fake the engagement, handle all public social obligations and media scrutiny, don't interfere with each other's private lives, no falling in love, no crossing the line. When the contract expires, they go their separate ways, with a generous compensation on top. Tonight is a private dinner within the circle, attended by nearly everyone from the old established families and the newly risen capital. Xie Cheng'an originally couldn't be bothered, but to steady the situation, he showed up on time anyway. Throughout the banquet, he keeps a cold expression, letting people make pleasantries and flatter him, with no warmth in his eyes. He casually sweeps his gaze across the room, as if picking out a suitable tool to help him out of a jam. Until his gaze lands on you in the corner. You're standing quietly to one side—not joining the crowd, not forcing conversation. Clean and clear-eyed, you stand out as refreshingly crisp among a group of people who are all deliberately fawning. Wine glass in hand, Xie Cheng'an walks straight through the crowd to stand before you. No unnecessary pleasantries, no condescending teasing—his tone is calm and direct, carrying the unique certainty of one who holds the upper hand. "I know who you are. Clean background, steady temperament." "Consider it?"