In the serene whiteness of a private beach, the beautiful and wealthy Han Yanyan awaited her guest on the fourth day of her stay. This young man, handsome in appearance, bore a resemblance to Qiao Wenxing, yet lacked the naive charm that wealth had bestowed upon his brother.
Though they shared the same blood, their lives had taken vastly different paths—one was revered under the spotlight, engaged to a suitable heiress without any accomplishments to his name, crowned as a young elite. The other, however, went unacknowledged, carrying the stigma of being an illegitimate child, faced with mockery and disdain, raised in a life where, despite comfort and provision, only his mother was present, with his father forever absent.
Compared to Qiao Wenxing, Liu Chengyu's gaze was steadier, his features radiating determination and resolve—qualities Qiao Wenxing simply could not match. Yes, he bore the surname Liu, like his mother. His biological father may have provided him with a good life, but denied him even the privilege of a surname. He was just a few months younger than his half-brother, a creation of an incident during Qiao Wenxing's mother’s pregnancy.
Though not initially expected, his life blossomed, growing into a youth even more admirable than the son favored by their father. Han Yanyan had invited him prior to her departure, and now he had come as promised.
Lying on a beach chair in her bikini, Yanyan's skin gleamed like snow, her curves enchanting. When she removed her sunglasses to assess Liu Chengyu, her eyes narrowed playfully and her lips curved lazily upwards, radiating the confidence of a pampered young lady.
Liu Chengyu, with his hands in his pockets, allowed her to scrutinize him without a word. As she took in his figure, he, in turn, observed her. This meant-to-be sister-in-law was indeed a vibrant beauty, embodying the traits of a true heiress.
A feeling of unshakeable envy surged within him. Despite his father's generous provision, he could never possess the same resources as Qiao Wenxing. The wealthy heiress before him seemed to be a distant dream, a figure meant for another life.
"You invited me here; what do you want?" his curiosity piqued. Even though they were half-brothers, he felt unworthy to receive an invitation meant for Qiao Wenxing's wedding. After receiving Han Yanyan's call two days prior, he had hesitated but was ultimately unable to resist the lure of curiosity.
With a smile, Han Yanyan replied, “Oh, nothing much. I just wanted to meet the future heir of the Qiao Family.”
Liu Chengyu's brow furrowed. “You called me here just to humiliate me?” he retorted mockingly, addressing her as “Sister-in-law.”
“Hey!” Han Yanyan waved her finger playfully, stopping him. “Don’t call me that. Although I may become a daughter-in-law of the Qiao Family, it doesn't mean I’m necessarily your sister-in-law.”
“What do you mean?” Liu Chengyu looked at her, confusion etched on his face.
With a smile, she stood up and put her sunglasses back on. “Your brother, Qiao Wenxing, has fallen for a poor flower and wishes to break off our engagement. He doesn’t realize what the union of the Qiao and Han families means. A foolish son like him makes me question if your father will continue to keep him as his heir. After all, Qiao Wenxing isn’t the only choice for your father; there’s also you,” she said, her gaze piercing into this handsome and rational young man. “Qiao Chengyu.”
“I’m a Liu,” he replied, his voice calm. “He wouldn't even give me his surname. How could he possibly let me become the heir?”
Han Yanyan shrugged dismissively.
“I’ve had people check on you. You excelled in your studies, skipping grades, earning an MBA by 22 in America. Upon your return, you began working in a subsidiary of the Qiao Corporation, starting from the ground floor and now, after a year, you've become a department manager, successfully running two projects.
But people only know you as Liu Chengyu; they don’t see your true identity. As such an outstanding Liu Chengyu, you had countless offers upon graduating. Yet, you chose the Qiao family's company.
You claim your father doesn't want you as the heir, but you never said you don’t want it.”
Han Yanyan was an expert observer. She noticed Liu Chengyu's lips pressed together subtly. In truth, she hadn’t actually had someone investigate him; her knowledge was merely an electronic compilation fed into her mind. With this information, it was easy to deduce that someone as talented as Liu Chengyu could not be passive when overshadowed by the stigma of being an illegitimate child.
His calm and decisive nature, combined with his strong capabilities, was clouded only by the lack of a supporting hand. Han Yanyan was more than willing to offer that support.
“Your father is biased against you. No matter how hard you work, he may only add a bit more to what’s already reserved for you. Honestly taking the status and identity you seek from him would be very hard.” She continued, “However, if you marry me, the sole heir of the Han Corporation, I believe your father would be more than willing to acknowledge you and even grant you a name, allowing you to enter the Qiao family. Becoming an heir is also a possibility.”
Liu Chengyu's eyes finally flickered with interest. He gazed at this radiant and assertive woman, his voice betraying a hint of intrigue as he asked, “What do you want?”
With a charming smile, Han Yanyan replied, “I’ll go change, and we can discuss it over dinner.”
Dinner was a candlelit affair. This tropical paradise was bliss year-round, its white sandy beaches and brilliant night skies setting the perfect scene. Liu Chengyu could see that Han Yanyan genuinely relished the lavish meal. As she savored the tender lobster, her squinting eyes and upturned lips spoke volumes about her enjoyment.
With patience, he quietly accompanied her throughout the meal, until she raised her glass and took a sip of white wine. Setting down his utensils, he dabbed his mouth with a napkin before initiating a conversation that would change the course of his life.
“All transactions involve an equal exchange. I need to know what you wish to gain from me as payment?” he questioned.
“Hmm…” Han Yanyan elongated her response, gently swirling her glass, “How about a reliable husband?”
Liu Chengyu's expression remained unchanged.
“I’m serious,” she clarified with a smile.
“The Qiao family has been somewhat on the decline these past two years, yet they still remain my father’s preferred match. He refuses to settle for second best, nor do I.” Han Yanyan’s lips curled into a dissatisfied pout. “Unfortunately, your brother seems to have lost his mind. I suspect my dad wouldn’t want a foolish son-in-law; of course, I don’t want that either. Who would want a clown for a husband?”
She scoffed lightly.
Her demeanor seemed to ease Liu Chengyu, prompting him to ask, “What requirements do you have for this marriage?”
“I want to live a free life,” she said boldly.
Is this about physical freedom? Liu Chengyu pursed his lips, responding, “I can’t agree to that attitude toward marriage.”
Han Yanyan looked surprised. “I thought, given your background, you wouldn’t care much about marriage.”
Liu Chengyu pressed his lips tightly together, sensing the chill in the air. Unexpectedly, Han Yanyan quickly apologized, “I’m sorry; I overstepped.”
Releasing his clenched fist, Liu Chengyu pondered briefly before saying, “Before we have children, I won’t interfere with your way of life. However, if we do have kids, I want them to grow up in a complete and normal family.”
Han Yanyan raised an eyebrow, “Didn’t you consider this might jeopardize our relationship? I could easily find someone else, many wouldn’t care less how I live.”
“Everyone has boundaries,” he replied firmly.
With her teasing demeanor set aside, Han Yanyan genuinely studied the young man before her, her expression growing serious.
“I don’t know what kind of marriage you want, but I’ll strive to give that to you—provided it is within those boundaries. If you can’t accept my limits, then this conversation is meaningless.”
Han Yanyan placed her wine glass down, leaning back in her chair and gazing at Liu Chengyu. Their similar yet contrasting handsome faces set her mind racing. Compared to the indulged Qiao Wenxing, Liu Chengyu appeared far more agreeable in her eyes. After a moment's deliberation, she replied, “Okay, I can accept those boundaries.”
“But I have one more request,” she added.
Liu Chengyu leaned forward slightly.
“I have faced the most humiliating experience of being told about a broken engagement to my face. I want your foolish brother to receive a lesson.”
Liu Chengyu’s expression shifted faintly. Han Yanyan grinned, “Don’t worry, it won’t threaten his life or limbs. He claims he loves beauty more than power, right? Then let’s take his power together and see if his beloved can share his struggles.”
After a moment of contemplation, Liu Chengyu extended his hand towards Han Yanyan, sealing the deal with a “Done.”
Han Yanyan’s luscious lips broke into a bright smile as she clasped his hand.
After returning to the country, Han Yanyan left the island and traveled to snowy mountains in another land for a delightful skiing vacation. She would then jet off to a renowned gorge in yet another country… For four full months, she roamed the world until she finally packed her bags to return home at the beckoning of her father.
It was winter when she arrived home. Secretary Chen, who came to pick her up, noticed that compared to four months earlier, the lingering resentment in Han Yanyan had faded, leaving her looking far more relaxed. Yet, considering the recent news, Secretary Chen refrained from speaking, driving her home in silence.
Having indulged in worldly delights during her travels, Han Yanyan returned only to face the dark and inscrutable gaze of her father.
“It seems I miscalculated. I believed he lacked ambition, yet he could maintain what he had. Who knew he would turn out such a fool?” her father flung a newspaper onto the desk.
Han Yanyan picked it up and almost laughed out loud. While she enjoyed her travels around the globe, Qiao Wenxing was busy revolting against his father. Clearly, he was no match for his father, as his request to break off the engagement had been crushed. In a fit of anger, he publicly announced the cancellation of his engagement with Han Yanyan, slapping both the Han and Qiao families in the face.
“He really went through with it,” Han Yanyan scoffed.
“Are you not surprised?” her father asked, “Did you know beforehand?”
Han Yanyan tossed the paper aside. “He came to find me with his so-called true love, insisting on breaking off the engagement. I couldn’t be bothered to entertain him.”
“So you took a trip instead?” The thought of his daughter feeling such indignation made her father furious, completely erasing any initial hesitation he had about Qiao Wenxing.
Tentatively, he asked his daughter, “Yanyan, how do you feel about him...?”
“It’s whatever,” Han Yanyan waved dismissively. “We simply grew up together, knowing each other well enough to think we were compatible. Who knew he’d turn out like this? If it’s not suitable, then it’s best to part ways early.”
Her father felt a sense of relief. Though it was a marriage of convenience, he wished for his only daughter to lead a good life. While Qiao Wenxing may not become great, her father had hoped he could at least be a decent husband. “You have to be careful about your choices.” He took a deep breath, opening his drawer and sliding a folder towards her.
Han Yanyan opened it and was immediately greeted with a photo of Liu Chengyu, shaking hands with a client, looking handsome and composed, a serious gleam in his eyes.
She raised an eyebrow, asking, “Who is this handsome guy?”
The author has something to say: Starting from tomorrow, updates will return to 7 AM.