Three days after the assassination attempt, Ye Haoxuan made a decision that shocked all of Beijing: he proposed a marriage alliance to the Nan Gong family, with Nan Gong Yuexi as his intended.
News spread, causing an uproar. The union of Ye and Nan Gong would create an unrivaled business empire. But what puzzled everyone was why the usually cold, rational Ye Haoxuan would propose so suddenly, after only a few meetings.
In the Nan Gong manor study, family head Nan Gong Mingde—Yuexi's adoptive father—looked gravely at the young man. "Mr. Ye, are you certain about this? Yuexi... she's no ordinary girl."
"I understand," Haoxuan said calmly. "That's precisely why I'm proposing. Only as her husband can I rightfully protect her."
Nan Gong Mingde studied him deeply. "Do you know what this means? Her world is full of danger. You could lose your life."
"Twenty years ago, I should have protected her." Haoxuan's tone left no room for doubt.
Meanwhile, Yuexi paced her room. Chen Bo stood nearby, reporting. "The royal family knows about the assassination. Security has been tightened. But the old king insists you need a partner who can protect you openly. Ye Haoxuan... is the most suitable candidate from all angles."
"Suitable?" Yuexi stopped. "He's the Ye heir. He shouldn't be dragged into royal conflicts."
"But he's already involved," Chen Bo said gently. "And he seems willing."
Yuexi recalled Haoxuan's gaze—that focus and determination that cracked her hardened defenses. She wasn't immune to feeling, but their identities were a chasm she hesitated to cross.
Finally, under various pressures, Yuexi agreed to the marriage but set a condition: one year. If either felt it unsuitable after that, they could dissolve the marriage peacefully.
Haoxuan accepted. For him, a year was enough to prove his commitment and uncover all threats to Yuexi's safety.
The engagement ceremony took place a month later, grand and lavish. Yuexi wore a custom haute couture gown and the antique diamond necklace Haoxuan sent, breathtakingly beautiful. Only she knew the pendant contained advanced tracking and alarm devices.
After the ceremony, they found themselves alone for the first time in Haoxuan's penthouse apartment, prepared for their "newlywed" life.
"It's secure here." Haoxuan handed her a glass of water. "The entire building has state-of-the-art security. Only we can access the penthouse."
Yuexi took the glass but didn't drink. "Mr. Ye, we must be clear. This is a transaction. You ensure my safety; the Nan Gong and Ye groups deepen cooperation. Beyond that, we don't interfere."
Haoxuan stepped closer, moonlight streaming through the window onto him. "What if I don't want just a transaction?"
His proximity quickened her heartbeat, but she forced calm. "Then you'll be disappointed. My world has no room for romance."
"Suitable or not, we'll only know by trying." Haoxuan's fingers lightly brushed the scar on her shoulder, now healed but faintly visible. "At least give me a chance, Yuexi."
It was the first time he'd called her by name, his voice low and tender, like warmth seeping into her frozen heart. Yuexi looked up into his deep eyes, momentarily unable to refuse.
Just then, alarms blared, red warning lights flashing. Haoxuan's expression hardened as he swiftly shielded Yuexi. Surveillance showed three unidentified men in black attempting to breach the building's security.
"Stay here." Haoxuan pressed a hidden button on the wall. Bulletproof glass slowly rose, isolating Yuexi's area.
"Where are you going?" Yuexi grabbed his arm.
"To handle trouble." Haoxuan gave her a reassuring look. "Don't worry. I designed this building myself. They can't get in."
But it wasn't that simple. The intruders were well-prepared, using high-tech jamming devices that briefly disabled security systems. One broke through to the penthouse, engaging Haoxuan directly.
Through the glass, Yuexi watched Haoxuan subdue the intruder with clean, professional moves, clearly trained. But the last intruder breached the barrier, charging at her with a knife!
As the glass door opened, Yuexi moved. She sidestepped the attack, disarmed her opponent, and kicked him to the ground—all in under three seconds, fluid as water.
Haoxuan subdued the final intruder and turned to see this, surprise flickering in his eyes before turning to admiration. "It seems my fiancée doesn't need my protection."
Yuexi dropped the knife, calm. "Royal family members receive self-defense training from childhood. Basic curriculum."
After the crisis, security arrived to handle the scene. Returning to the living room, Yuexi noticed a cut on Haoxuan's arm, bleeding.
"You're hurt." She frowned, fetching the first aid kit.
"Minor." Haoxuan watched her expertly clean and dress his wound, a strange feeling rising. In this moment, they weren't strangers who'd just survived danger but a well- matched pair.
Finished, Yuexi didn't immediately pull away but said softly, "Thank you."
"For what?" Haoxuan met her eyes.
"For everything today." She paused. "But I must warn you, this is just the beginning. My identity... will bring you endless danger."
Haoxuan took her hand. "Then let it come. This time, I won't let you face it alone."
Under the moonlight, their shadows merged. A marriage born of transaction and protection began to take root amid danger and sincerity.