Chapter One: The Fiancée

Yunhai City.

This is a beautiful seaside city in the north. The city is not small, yet its population is modest—about five million, counting both residents and transient visitors. Its main industry is tourism, so life here is leisurely and prosperous; people are unhurried, living at a relaxed pace without much pressure.

Nestled between mountains and rivers, graced with picturesque scenery, Yunhai City is a haven for its inhabitants. Its promotional slogan—“A pristine land, the city best suited for living”—may be somewhat exaggerated, but it reflects the pride and confidence of the people of Yunhai.

Yunhai is an ancient capital with a history stretching back a thousand years, its modern bustle tinged with a whisper of classical charm.

Of course, Ling Tian had no heart to appreciate any of this, for his journey to Yunhai was prompted by a matter of great importance.

A blind date.

Thinking of this, Ling Tian felt helpless. He had planned to return to Yunhai for a critical reason, only to be ambushed by that meddlesome old man, who insisted on arranging a marriage for him.

Well, so be it. Let them arrange it. It was all just an act, he thought—meet the girl, go through the motions, and be done with it.

He had just stepped off the train, not even had time to change clothes, still dressed in sportswear, rushing to keep the appointment. There was no helping it; the train arrived at seven in the morning, and the old man sent a message demanding he meet the girl at half past eight, complete with the location for the blind date.

This sudden development completely disrupted Ling Tian’s plans.

The elusive old man, usually as secretive as a dragon, had, for this matter, gone so far as to send Ling Tian a text message—a gesture that nearly drove Ling Tian to smash his phone. A month ago, when Ling Tian was injured, the old man hadn’t even called to check in. Now, for a marriage that wasn’t even agreed upon, he sent a message—just a few terse words.

Before Ling Tian could put down his phone, it rang again.

Ling Tian glanced at the unfamiliar number, a faint smile flickering at the corner of his lips.

Before he could speak, a lazy voice came through the receiver: “Boss, how’s your injury? Are you recovering?”

“It’s nothing serious,” Ling Tian replied calmly.

“Boss, was it because you were searching for the dragon vein…” The caller began, but Ling Tian immediately cut him off. “Yan Lie, that’s all in the past. Let’s not talk about it. What about you? What are you busy with these days? Don’t tell me you’re chasing girls again?”

Yan Lie drawled, “I’ve been busy lately, took a job. How about you? Are you settling in over there?”

Ling Tian chuckled. “Compared to the places we’ve been before, this is paradise.” He paused, his expression growing grave. “There’s always a higher mountain, and stronger people. When you’re on assignment, be careful. Don’t be careless; a single mistake could cost you your life. I hope I’ll see you all again.”

“Don’t worry, boss, we understand. After we finish up, we’ll come find you—and check out your future sister-in-law,” Yan Lie teased, his tone carrying a hint of emotion. “We’re really curious to see just how outstanding this blind date is, the one arranged by the old man.”

“Alright, enough nonsense. Take care!” Ling Tian said with a smile.

He hung up the phone and took a taxi to the blind date location—a luxurious hotel with a distinctly classical flair in Yunhai City, called the Imperial Dynasty.

Its architecture evoked the grandeur of an ancient imperial court, with a mighty statue of a sword-wielding guardian standing at the entrance.

Before Ling Tian could enter, another text arrived. Its content was simple: In your backpack, there’s a box containing a gift for the lady you’re meeting.

The old man again? Such thorough planning! What could the gift be, to warrant the old man’s personal attention?

Driven by curiosity, Ling Tian wanted to open the box and see for himself.

Before he could act, a sweet, syrupy voice sounded by his ear: “Sir, do you have a reservation?”

Following the voice, Ling Tian realized he had unwittingly reached the hotel entrance. Two young women in cheongsams, their faces adorned with professional smiles, were looking at him expectantly.

“Supreme Suite No. 8,” Ling Tian replied calmly, casting a glance at the hostess.

At the mention of Supreme Suite No. 8, the hostess nearly exclaimed in surprise, but thanks to rigorous training, she quickly covered her sensual lips and regained composure. “Are you sure?” she asked reflexively, sizing Ling Tian up as if he were an alien.

To her eyes, though Ling Tian looked spirited and possessed a unique aura, he seemed out of place in his ordinary sportswear amid the palace-like splendor of the Imperial Dynasty.

Ling Tian raised his brow slightly at her bewildered gaze, replying coolly, “Is there a problem?”

“Are you Mr. Ling Tian?” she asked urgently.

“Yes, I am Ling Tian.” His voice was not loud, but carried an unquestionable authority.

The hostess nodded professionally, then turned and hurried into the hall. Shortly after, she returned, breathless, and said, “Sir, please come in. Our staff will escort you to Supreme Suite No. 8.”

Led upstairs by an attendant, Ling Tian entered the Imperial Dynasty’s Supreme Suite. The room was over a hundred square meters, yet furnished with only a single table and four chairs. Four attractive attendants stood around, their figures and looks carefully selected. In such a high-end establishment, dedicating so much space for a single meeting suggested that his blind date must be someone of wealth and status.

“Mr. Ling, please wait a moment. Miss Mu just stepped out briefly for some matters and will return shortly,” the attendant said respectfully. No one who entered here was someone the staff dared offend.

Ling Tian surveyed the surroundings—luxurious, yet not lacking in elegance. His gaze revealed not the slightest ripple; he sat calmly, ordered a cup of tea, and waited.

Soon, a crisp yet somewhat hurried footstep echoed in his ears.

From the disordered steps, Ling Tian could tell the person was flustered. Just as he turned to see who it was, a subtle, elegant fragrance wafted to his nose.

“Sorry, I had to deal with something just now. I am Mu Qingcheng. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Hearing the voice, Ling Tian looked up. Despite having encountered all manner of exotic beauties from around the world, he was momentarily stunned.

A devilish figure paired with an angelic face—a perfect fusion.

Mu Qingcheng wore a purple dress, with a light coffee-colored scarf around her neck, accentuating her graceful curves and outlining a flawless S-shaped silhouette. Her noble, stunning face, skin like creamy jade…

But most captivating were Mu Qingcheng’s lively, expressive eyes, which made her resemble an orchid in a secluded valley—pure and noble.

Yet a trace of sorrow lingered between her brows, marring her beauty.

Ling Tian gathered his thoughts and said coolly, “Hello, I am Ling Tian, here by order for this blind date.”

“By order? A blind date?” Mu Qingcheng’s taut features softened to a faint smile, which quickly vanished, her expression returning to its icy coldness. “You’re quite funny. But we don’t need a blind date. From now on, you are my fiancé.”

To outsiders, this would seem utterly absurd, but Ling Tian’s expression remained calm. He had already guessed this was no ordinary blind date; there must be other motives behind it.

“See for yourself. Don’t worry—I didn’t peek.” Mu Qingcheng handed him an envelope, her expression steady as she observed Ling Tian.

This man, though dressed casually and somewhat unkempt, appeared spirited and possessed a unique aura that ordinary people lacked.

Ling Tian opened the envelope, his lips twitching. The handwriting was unmistakably the old man’s—simple and direct: upon reading this letter, Ling Tian was to be Mu Qingcheng’s fiancé.

Ling Tian had planned to go through the motions, but the result was unexpected. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined the old man would arrange a marriage for him, just like that.