Chapter 1

Editor: SleepyMango123

Proofreader: Lore

Three days later, in the same private tea room, a handsome man in his thirties and a delicate and pretty teenager sat opposite each other.

“I haven’t seen you in a few years, you’ve grown a lot.” Han Cheng refilled the cup of tea for Xia Tian, who was sitting in front of him, and continued, “Don’t be nervous.”

“Uncle Han.” Xia Tian pursed his lips, ” I’m not nervous, so…”

Han Cheng smiled, “Just change the way you address me from when you were young. After today, we will be of equal standing. Just address me as Han Cheng. “

Xia Tian stubbornly took a sip of hot tea, coughed, and whispered, “Uncle Han. You… Are you really willing?”

Han Cheng said indifferently, “Do you want to see the special investment project plan that our two families will be working on together next year? It will be of great help for me to have family ties at this point in time.”

Xia Tian nodded slightly, “I… I know.”

Han Cheng raised his eyebrows in surprise, “You know?”

“My mother had revealed everything to me.” Xia Tian didn’t hide anything and confessed, “Grandmother initially wanted me to marry your cousin so that I am able to enter school. Plus, She wants to cooperate with you for business purposes. “

Han Cheng was slightly surprised, “I thought she would only tell you about the enrolment.”

Xia Tian shook his head, “No, my mother had explained everything in detail, and she let me decide for myself.”

“I didn’t expect Aunt Zhou to be so democratic… It seems that you have made up your mind when you came to meet me today.” Han Cheng was a little intrigued by him and laughed, “Before coming to meet you, I had initially thought that I needed to whisper sweet nothings to persuade you. It seems that you are more mature than I’d imagined.”

Xia Tian nodded slightly, “My mother wants to back down because of me. But I don’t want to make her suffer because of my selfishness.”

Han Cheng carefully looked at Xia Tian and felt that he was an extremely filial son.

Han Cheng hasn’t seen Xia Tian for many years and didn’t have any impressions of him. He only learned about Xia Tian’s age and appearance from his mother and knew that he was the same as himself — raised in a single parent family without a father figure and growing up with a mother. It was said that his grades were very poor, and he was facing difficulties enrolling into Huatian.

Han Cheng originally thought that he was going to marry a rebellious, impulsive, ignorant boy for the Han family. Now, the situation seemed much better than he had expected.

It was clear that Xia Tian understood what he was doing.

Han Cheng was very satisfied. The preliminary meeting was progressing smoothly. Now, he was able to start to clarify the responsibilities and obligations in this marriage. “Our grandmothers have a tacit understanding of cooperation. Between the both of us, let’s not talk about the prenuptial agreement. Our marriage only serves as a temporary measure. Our mothers know that we will all get what we need in this marriage of convenience, but it is only limited to this. Without raising the attention of the media, we will not interfere with each other’s lives. This kind of interference, including but not limited, to our love lives.”

Xia Tian didn’t quite understand, “In-Including but not limited to…”

Han Cheng smiled, “It means that as long as we don’t get filmed, we can both have separate lives, mentally and emotionally.”

Xia Tian’s face suddenly flushed, and he nodded awkwardly, finally understanding his meaning.

As Han Cheng has been mingling in the scene ¹It means he has been mingling with these types of people / move in the same circle, thus becoming an expert in these kinds of love games / situations. That’s why he has thick skin. for many years, his skin was thick and he wasn’t embarrassed about what he had just said. He continued, “You will need to move into my house after the wedding, is that okay?”

Xia Tian nodded his head and agreed. Two years ago, he had moved out to live alone for the convenience of going to school. He could take care of himself well, so there was no difference if he were to move into Han Cheng’s house.

Han Cheng said, “Occasionally, we will need to attend some gatherings… I will try to avoid this kind of thing. But if I can’t reject it, I hope you can cooperate.”

“Okay.” Xia Tian promised.

“The last thing is, our marriage must last for at least three years. You are in it for school, and I for business. After three years, the marriage contract will end. After that, both parties have the right to dissolve it at any time. I’ve asked your mother, and she wanted you to decide for yourself. ” Han Cheng said, “No issues with it, correct?”

Xia Tian was puzzled, “Why make it so complicated? Wouldn’t it be enough to automatically annul it after three years?”

Han Cheng smiled reservedly, “My mother likes you very much and hopes for this marriage to last longer.”

Xia Tian’s face instantly flushed, becoming hot as he replied, “Okay, I… I have no problem.”

Xia Tian’s easy acceptance brightened Han Chen’s mood. He politely said, “Then what are your requirements? As long as it doesn’t conflict with our previous agreement, I will try my best to satisfy them.”

Xia Tian thought about it seriously and shook his head, “There is nothing more.”

Han Cheng smiled, “Okay, we also need to keep this confidential… Apart from our mothers, we cannot disclose the fake marriage even to our relatives. When necessary, we need to pretend to be a loving couple.”

Xia Tian suddenly remembered that Yan Lihua was going to make him marry the third son of the Han family, Han Ming. He hesitantly said, “However, Han Ming’s side…”

“You don’t have to worry about that.” Han Cheng smiled, “Although I had mentioned previously that I wasn’t interested in marriage before, now that I want to marry you, he would not dare to say anything.”

Xia Tian quietly sighed in his heart. Zhou Yun had told him before that the person in charge of the Han family was Han Cheng. It seemed to have been the truth since even Han Cheng’s uncle was obedient to his every word.

Han Cheng said, “I would like to add something since we are on this topic. Your mother should have told you about my family’s situation.”

“My side is rather simple. My father passed away, and I don’t have any brothers or sisters. I only have my mother. There are more people on my uncle’s side — my uncle, aunt, and two cousins. The eldest cousin, Han Xuan, is the legitimate child, while Han Ming is an illegitimate child who now lives with them.”

Han Cheng said, “Our familial relationships are a little bit complicated, but I have always been living outside on my own. After we marry, you won’t see them except for certain occasions like family gatherings.”

Xia Tian quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Learning from Han Cheng, he introduced his family, “Similar to you, I only have my mother. My grandparents and father have passed away. The grandmother I have now is the one who my grandfather remarried back then. She then gave birth to a daughter, who is my aunt.”

Han Cheng understood it clearly, “I have heard that Chairman Yan loves her only daughter very much.”

After Grandfather Xia passed away, less than a year later, she became impatient and wanted to throw Zhou Yun and Xia Tian out of the house.

“All right, I’ve said everything clearly.” Han Cheng got up, buttoned the first button of his suit, smiled, and stretched out his right hand, “I hope we can have a peaceful cooperation.”

Xia Tian was stunned for a while. He hurriedly stood up and raised his hand to shake with Han Cheng. Because of his nervousness, Xia Tian’s fingertips were a bit cold. Han Cheng paused for a moment, his hand gently squeezing Xia Tian’s and said, “Don’t think too much. After getting married, I will take good care of you.”

In Yan Lihua’s office, Xia Sisi looked at Zhou Yun incredulously and laughed, “Han… Han Cheng? Did you remember wrongly the names of Master Han and the third son of the Han family?”

“Sister Ruan’s only son. The eldest son of the Han family, Han Cheng.” Zhou Yun’s tone was calm, “My memory shouldn’t be wrong.”

“How is that possible, are you crazy…”

“Sisi!” Yan Lihua sternly interrupted Xia Sisi, frowning, “Why are you yelling hysterically? Control yourself!”

Xia Sisi gritted her teeth, turned her head, and uttered nothing.

Yan Lihua forcefully squeezed out a smile and said, “You have skills. It has only been a few days and you actually managed to convince Ruan Sihe to change the marriage candidate. How amazing.”

Zhou Yun lowered her eyes. What Ruan Sihe had said to her before coming here still echoed in her ears. She sipped her tea and slowly replied, “Mrs Chairman must be joking. How was I able to convince Sister Ruan? It all happened when I took Xia Tian out for tea and coincidentally met Sister Ruan and Han Cheng. Han Cheng hasn’t seen Xia Tian in many years. This time when they met… he fell in love with him at first sight.”

Upon hearing her explanation, Xia Sisi clenched the small porcelain cup in her hands tightly, almost crushing it.

Zhou Yun had never been good at lying. But as soon as she spoke, she followed the story that Ruan Sihe taught her and then naturally made up the later parts. She smiled faintly and continued, “I didn’t want to, but Han Cheng had never forgotten Xia Tian. Ever since they met again, he constantly watched Xia Xia. Once they returned, he had Sister Ruan tell me that he wanted to meet Xia Xia alone. I reluctantly agreed for them to meet.”

“The two of them chatted for a long time. Anyway… Xia Tian has agreed to it and said that he likes Han Cheng a lot as well.” Zhou Yun glanced at Xia Sisi and then shifted her eyes to look at Yan Lihua gently, “Mrs Chairman, isn’t this arrangement satisfactory? You had always wanted to be in-laws with the Han family. Isn’t Young Master Han much better than the Third Young Master Han?”

“Of… Of course.” Yan Lihua smiled while nodding her head in approval, “However, if Young Master Han knew that Xia Tian was initially betrothed to Third Young Master Han, would he mind?”

Xia Sisi’s eyes lit up and she hurriedly commented, “Yes, does Young Master Han know about Xia Tian and the bastard? If he knew, he wouldn’t…”

“Sisi!” Yan Lihua once again interrupted her.

Zhou Yun smiled faintly, “Don’t worry, I have told Han Cheng everything. If you don’t believe me, you can approach Han Cheng for verification. Though… Han Cheng told me that he didn’t want anyone to mention Xia Tian’s past relationship with others. Now that I have reminded you, please refrain from bringing up the past unnecessarily.”

Yan Lihua squeezed out a smile, “Yes… Han Cheng and Xia Tian’s wedding is nearing. Of course, I couldn’t mention those unpleasant issues of the past.”

Zhou Yun got up and said, “If there is nothing else I will leave first.”

As soon as the office door was closed, Xia Sisi couldn’t help it anymore and said anxiously to Yan Lihua, “Didn’t you say…”

“Enough!”

Yan Lihua’s smile disappeared. Frowning and irritated, she scolded, “When can you change your explosive temper?! Your sister-in-law is soon to be the mother-in-law of the Han family! How is it good for you to talk to her this way?! “

“I, I…” Xia Sisi was angry, and her eyes glimmered with tears that refused to fall. “You said before that Han Cheng doesn’t want to get married. Even if he gets married, he won’t pick me. Then why is he now picking Xia Tian? She mentioned love at first sight… Didn’t you see how prideful Zhou Yun was just now…”

“How would I know what kind of person he likes?!” Yan Lihua furrowed her brows, “I’ve never heard that he especially likes men. Who knows… Anyway, it’s done, Han Cheng is not someone who would joke about marriage. Since he said he was going to marry Xia Tian, then this marriage is fixed.. Having marriage ties with the head of the family is not a bad thing as well.”

Xia Sisi held back tears and angrily said, “It isn’t bad? You didn’t even recommend me for the marriage. Now Xia Tian picked up a good bargain, and you still say that it’s not bad…”

Yan Lihua was troubled by her stupid daughter, “So what if I had recommended you? Do you think that Ruan Sihe will not care about Han Cheng’s marriage? Given her shrewd character, she will definitely ask about it. Since she has a good relationship with Zhou Yun, she will definitely ask Zhou Yun to ask about your intentions. As far as your relationship with Zhou Yun goes, do you think Zhou Yun will speak nicely of you?! She knows that you have such a bad temper, how could you have been recommended?!”

Upon yelling at Xia Sisi and seeing angry tears coursing down her cheeks, Yan Lihua’s heart softened and said, “Forget it. Earlier, I had told you that it is not a good thing to marry Han Cheng. Ruan Sihe and Han Cheng are difficult people to get along with. You wouldn’t be able to handle this kind of mother-in-law.”

Xia Sisi said angrily, “You said Ruan Sihe has a bad temper but I heard from Zhou Yun that she really likes Xia Tian!”

…

“Of course I like Xia Tian.” Ruan Sihe watched her son, who was returning from his ‘blind date’ and smiled, “What about you? How do you feel after meeting him?”

Han Cheng took off his jacket and gave it to the servant. He loosened his tie and nodded, “It went much better than I’d thought it would.”

Ruan Sihe said, “So do you like him or not?”

Han Cheng smiled and didn’t answer. He went up the stairs alone, then slowly turned around and said, “I’ve already told Liang Qingfeng that I will not appear in clubs or bars anymore. If you have any similar gatherings for me, please reject them for me as well.”

Ruan Sihe raised her eyebrows, “What’s wrong?”

Han Cheng said, “In case the media photographs anything, he… might be embarrassed.”

Ruan Sihe’s eyes lit up, joking, “So considerate of him already?”

Han Cheng smiled without explaining and went upstairs.

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  It means he has been mingling with these types of people / move in the same circle, thus becoming an expert in these kinds of love games / situations. That’s why he has thick skin.