Tian Ruan accidentally drowned before his college entrance exams and woke up as the cannon-fodder young daddy in a BL novel from Jinjiang.

In the original story, the young daddy was only twenty years old when he schemed to seduce the wealthy adoptive father of the main protagonist—Yu Jingmo, the ruthless and unapproachable head of the Yu family.

Overnight, he transformed from a nobody into a young daddy of a wealthy family. Though Yu Jingmo had no affection for him and never touched him, their marriage was merely a facade to silence gossip.

As a cannon-fodder character, the young daddy had two major “achievements”: constantly testing the limits of his powerful husband’s patience and continually creating obstacles for the protagonist, his adoptive son.

In short, the young daddy was a reckless idiot who met his demise after the protagonist finished his college entrance exams, getting caught up in a wealthy family feud.

When Tian Ruan transmigrated into this role, he trembled in fear.

That night, his devastatingly handsome husband returned and asked why he was shaking.

Tian Ruan: Can we get a divorce?

Yu Jingmo: Go read the prenuptial agreement again.

Clause Five of the agreement stated that their marriage would last three years and automatically dissolve afterward. If either party breached the contract, they would owe the other 100 million euros in compensation.

Tian Ruan: …

Unable to afford a divorce, Tian Ruan had to find another way to escape the wealthy family drama.

His gaze landed on the seventeen-year-old protagonist—youthful, tall, handsome, and looking great in his school uniform.

Tian Ruan was so envious he could cry.

Yu Jingmo’s expression darkened: What are you looking at?

Tian Ruan, tears welling up, pitifully pleaded: Husband, I want to go to school too QAQ

Yu Jingmo: ……

Protagonist: ……

What is this young daddy up to?

To everyone’s shock, a week later, Tian Ruan actually put on a school uniform and returned to class—in the same homeroom as his nominal adoptive son.

Tian Ruan: Son, let me copy your homework.

Tian Ruan: Son, you should get along well with your love interest. I won’t stand in your way.

Tian Ruan: Son, is wearing a school uniform inappropriate for my date with your dad tonight?

Protagonist: ……………………

Thus began the surreal school life of a twenty-year-old young daddy from a wealthy family.

At first, Yu Jingmo watched coldly, unconvinced that Tian Ruan truly wanted to study.

But after a month, Tian Ruan was still happily carrying his backpack to school every day, diligently doing homework at home, looking every bit the innocent honor student.

Yu Jingmo’s gaze darkened as he observed Tian Ruan’s long, straight legs under the school uniform and his snow-white wrists smudged with ink.

Tian Ruan in a school uniform… is kind of tempting.

The older man’s heart stirred, while the young wife remained oblivious to his allure.

Years later, in an interview, the famously cold and detached tycoon admitted: Young grass is quite fragrant.

____________________________________

Chapter 1

"What are you doing?" A stern young voice rang out.

Amid the splashing of water, Tian Ruan was grabbed by the collar and yanked out of the water.

Choking, dizziness, violent coughing—muffled voices echoed through the vast restroom like a fog.

"Young Master Yu, we had your back."

"Backing me how?"

"Didn’t this guy sleep with your dad—"

"What’s it to you?"

"We’re just looking out for you. How could a piece of trash like him be worthy of being your stepdad?"

Tian Ruan leaned against the sink, coughing until the corners of his eyes turned red, his face dripping with water, his hair and clothes soaked. His thoughts were muddled—where was this? How did he end up here?

The college entrance exam was in two days. Tian Ruan remembered attending a farewell party with his classmates in a KTV private room.

During the party, the boys were belting out songs off-key, while the girls sang nostalgic school songs together.

One girl even confessed to Tian Ruan, leaving him stunned. He politely declined with a quiet "Thank you."

By the time the party ended, it was nearly one in the morning. Everyone took taxis home, and Tian Ruan happened to share a ride with the girl who had confessed, making the trip awkward.

The dark night seemed perfect for something to happen—then, as the taxi crossed an old, dilapidated bridge, the structure cracked, and the car plunged into a pitch-black river.

Miraculously, a cop on night patrol happened to pass by and immediately jumped in to rescue the driver.

Before the officer could return, Tian Ruan pulled the girl out of the flooded car. She couldn’t swim, thrashing in panic—if screams could be heard underwater, it would’ve been a string of cries.

Tian Ruan’s swimming skills were limited, and he couldn’t pull her to safety. Just then, the officer finally came back.

He handed over the girl, who had gone limp from choking on water, and the officer nodded at him, gesturing for him to follow.

Tian Ruan wanted to follow—he really did. He had just turned eighteen, and the college entrance exam was two days away. He had his dream university and major in mind, and if possible, he even wanted to pursue a master’s and a Ph.D.

But his limbs felt weak, like he was dragging a ton of bricks. The dark river reflected the cold moonlight, and his vision blurred as he let out his last breath, sinking slowly—

When he came to, he found himself in this completely unfamiliar restroom.

"Are you okay?" That same cool teenage voice asked.

Tian Ruan gradually stopped coughing, staring blankly at the tall boy. Tiny water droplets fell from his long lashes, his thin eyelids tinged with red, accentuating his damp brown eyes—as if he’d been bullied to tears.

Young Master Yu frowned slightly, glancing at the group of wealthy brats who weren’t really friends.

The leader of the group smirked. "Young Master Yu, you're not actually mad about this, are you?"

Young Master Yu paused, then brushed past Tian Ruan with a cold expression, heading into the inner restroom.

Before Tian Ruan could process the situation, he heard their sneers again: "Hey, gold-digger, your ‘son’ doesn’t care about you."

"Son?" Tian Ruan was only eighteen—how could he have a son that old?

"Pfft, I’ve seen plenty like you," he spat. "Think marrying into the Yu family makes you royalty? Your troubles are just beginning—just wait."

Tian Ruan’s mind reeled—how did he suddenly have a son? And married into wealth? Had he become someone else? But when he looked into the gleaming mirror, it was unmistakably his own face.

No way was he going to take this lying down.

The trio kept sneering. Tian Ruan’s gaze locked onto the mop a worker had forgotten to take, and he grabbed it.

“Gonna mop the floor?” The three burst into exaggerated laughter, laced with sarcasm. “Truly a commoner.”

Sweat beaded on Tian Ruan’s forehead. “So, you’re nobles?”

Their laughter cut off. “We don’t need titles to be above trash like you. You’re the lowest kind of person in this world.”

“Then getting beaten by me must be really humiliating for you, huh?”

“What—”

*Thud thud thud thud thud!* The mop came down on their heads in a frenzy.

The three had no time to react—staggering, dazed, they clutched their heads, howling, “Stop!”

Tian Ruan didn’t retreat—he advanced, the grimy mop head pounding into them, splattering their designer clothes with filth.

“Stop!” they yelled.

“No,” Tian Ruan said. “Scream till your voices give out, but no one’s coming to save you.”

“…” What the hell?!

Enraged, the three lunged for the mop in a rage. Tian Ruan wasn’t as strong as them, but he didn’t panic. As they wrestled it away, he bolted for the sink, turned the faucet to full blast, blocked most of the flow with his hand, leaving only a narrow gap.

Water shot out, dousing the three completely.

They shrieked, furious, “Yu Shang!”

The tall, indifferent boy from earlier had appeared behind Tian Ruan at some point, arms crossed, watching the underdog fight back. Tian Ruan vaguely felt he’d seen the name before, but he had no time to dwell on it—he kept hosing them down.

Seeing Yu Shang unmoved, they flailed in outrage. “Yu Shang, make him stop!”

Yu Shang looked at them like they were idiots. “Can’t you just run?”

“…”

The three stood frozen, too proud to run. “Only cowards run!”

Then, a new voice cut through the chaos, amused. “Oh my, having a water fight?”

The “water fight” finally halted. Compared to Tian Ruan, who was only wet at the hair and suit, the three were a mess—like they’d been dragged through a gutter, filthy and disheveled.

The newcomer was a tall young man who, at first glance, looked almost ethereal—champagne-blond hair pulled into a messy bun at the back of his head, long brows, slender eyes, lips red and teeth white, smirking like a fox.

“President He, need the restroom?” Yu Shang stepped aside.

“No need for formalities, Shang—just call me Lansi.” He Lansi grinned. “What’s your stepdad’s deal?”

“You saw what happened.” Yu Shang had no patience for explanations and strode off toward the banquet hall.

He Lansi turned to the three. “Gentlemen, after bullying someone, you’re not running?”

They snapped, humiliated, “Are you blind? *He* sprayed us!”

He Lansi: "It's just water, not sperm. Why so worked up?"

"..."

He Lansi took out his phone and snapped a few photos of their miserable state. "Thanks for the juicy content for my feed."

The three flushed with anger and reached out to snatch the phone, but He Lansi deftly dodged, his fox-like eyes sweeping over them coldly, his smile not reaching his lips. "Guess your parents raised failures if you dare mess with me too."

The three froze abruptly, exchanging blank, robotic looks, then turned to point at Tian Ruan. "You just wait, asshole." One by one, they slunk off like kicked dogs.

He Lansi turned to Tian Ruan: "Those three are Su City's infamous 'fuckboy airheads.' Why provoke them?"

Tian Ruan washed his hands: "If I held your head underwater, you’d be pissed, right?"

"Of course I would." He Lansi walked over, eyeing Tian Ruan in the gleaming mirror. "I’d mop the floor with your legs."

Tian Ruan looked up in disbelief.

"Scared?" He Lansi chuckled. "Guess you’re still too soft."

Having been a model student for years, Tian Ruan had never encountered someone so brutal and immediately stepped back.

He Lansi narrowed his long, fox-like eyes slightly. "Are you really Tian Yuan?"

Tian Ruan froze. Tian Yuan? Wasn’t that the throwaway side character from a novel he’d read recently?

"Did they replace you?" He Lansi mused, studying Tian Ruan thoughtfully.

Tian Ruan snapped back to reality. "You’re... He Lansi?"

He Lansi smiled. "In Su City, aside from newborns, everyone knows my name. What, trying to ride my coattails?"

Tian Ruan asked again, "That guy around my age earlier—his name is Yu Shang?"

He Lansi fluttered his lashes, his champagne-colored hair striking under the dim yellow lights, his pretty face oozing charm. "What, don’t tell me you forgot your own son? Don’t tell me you forgot your own husband?"

Tian Ruan’s blood ran cold, his thoughts racing, but he forced his expression to remain steady. "My husband is Yu Jingmo."

The fox-eyed young man deflated, shaking his head in disappointment. "Too bad. I thought you got possessed. Those puppy eyes? All an act, huh?"

Tian Ruan: "..."

No wonder the book pegged him as the trickiest bastard. His freakish smarts and sharp judgment weren’t something ordinary people could handle.

Tian Ruan feigned composure and turned away, continuing to wash his hands.

He Lansi: "You wipe your ass with those hands?"

"..." Sharp eyes, sharper mouth. "I’m leaving."

This was a five-star hotel. Stepping out of the restroom led to a long corridor flanked by imposing walls and gold-plated doors, each labeled: Mermaid Hall, Longevity Hall, Dragon Hall, Pine Hall.

The floor had only four banquet halls, each astonishingly spacious. Tian Ruan walked for a while before reaching the end of the corridor—nothing there.

He immediately turned back, scanning the halls for any sign of an elevator—he had no intention of following the original plot. Drowning once was enough hell; he wanted to live a few more years.

Suddenly, a *ding* sounded. Tian Ruan heard the elevator arriving and stared dumbly as the "wall" split open, revealing two men stepping out.

The man at the front was towering and sharp, dressed in a tailored navy suit, his polished black shoes glinting off the polished black-gold marble. His long legs moved with a graceful but predatory walk.

Tian Ruan finally dared to glance at the man's face, which, unsurprisingly, was as cold and hard as his attire—sharply defined features, strikingly handsome as if chiseled from glacial ice by divine hands, radiating an untouchable aura that screamed 'stay back'.

The only soft thing one could find on him was a fine silk handkerchief folded in his breast pocket, giving off a subtle, icy scent as he approached.

Tian Ruan: "?"

The man stopped in front of Tian Ruan, looming over him.

Yes, literally looming.

Tian Ruan was 176 cm tall, but this man stood at least 190 cm.

He took half a step back, his gaze sliding past the assistant-like figure behind the man toward the elevator—his escape route.

Then, the man spoke, his voice cold and deep, like frost meeting marble: "Lost?"

Tian Ruan was, technically speaking, lost. He tilted his head slightly and nodded. The water on his face had completely dried, save for a few damp strands of hair clinging to his delicate brows. His eyelids were thin, his double eyelids barely there, framing long lashes and liquid-clear eyes—like some delicate woodland creature.

The man gave Tian Ruan’s pale, smooth face an appraising glance before shifting his gaze away. "How'd you get wet?"

"...Just... happened." Tian Ruan didn’t want to engage further with a stranger and was about to step toward the elevator when the man spoke again.

"Come with me."

"?"

Without waiting for a response, the man strode toward the distant banquet hall—the Mermaid Ballroom. His assistant threw Tian Ruan a significant glance.

Absently, Tian Ruan thought, *Who is this guy?*

With a dull thud, Tian Ruan walked straight into a brick wall of muscle. He looked up into the man’s icy eyes.

Tian Ruan: "...Sorry."

The man said nothing. His assistant stepped forward and pushed open the intricately carved double doors of the banquet hall. A wave of laughter and crystal clinks rushed out like a tidal wave.

It hit Tian Ruan like a lightning bolt. *So… this man is my so-called husband, Yu Jingmo?*

His legs turned to stone. Unconsciously, he stopped walking. When he snapped back to reality, his eyes met Yu Jingmo’s ink-black gaze. His entire body stiffened, his soul practically leaving his body.

Yu Jingmo: "You don't seem to recognize me."

Tian Ruan: "…………"

---

The emcee raised the microphone and boomed cheerfully, "Welcome the newlyweds!"

Like a lamb led to slaughter, Tian Ruan was pulled into the glittering human zoo by a wolf from the snow-capped highlands.

"Sir, I—" Tian Ruan’s voice was drowned out by applause.

The man’s hand was enormous, easily engulfing Tian Ruan’s. He led him firmly into the banquet hall, slipping on a gracious facade as he nodded to the crowd.

Red carpet, flowers, balloons, cascading vines and crystal chandeliers, sparkling towers of champagne glasses—the scent of wine mingling with the guests’ perfumes. There was no doubt: this was a wedding.

And the stars of the wedding were Tian Ruan and the man beside him.

Chapter 2

Tian Ruan had isekai'd into a danmei novel titled *Where Embers Burn*, which told the story of the main couple meeting and falling in love during high school, separating for five years due to real-life circumstances, and eventually reconciling.

The role Tian Ruan transmigrated into was Tian Yuan, a twenty-year-old who schemed his way into the bed of the protagonist’s adoptive father, climbing from the gutter to luxury and becoming the trophy husband of a wealthy family.

This gold-digging stepdad, relying on his husband’s power, threw tantrums and achieved two stellar “achievements” in his life—

First, he constantly created obstacles for the protagonist, acting as the wedge between the lovers.

Second, he continuously tested the patience of his powerful husband—drinking, smoking, blowing cash at mahjong, and even stealing corporate secrets to sell to rivals.

In short, the trophy husband was nothing but a walking disaster. His two-year gravy train came to an abrupt end when he was killed in a wealthy family feud, right after the protagonist finished his college entrance exams.

With a good hand played disastrously, he perfectly embodied the definition of a disposable villain.

Since he was merely cannon fodder, Tian Ruan had only speed-read his scenes, remembering only the main events and forgetting the finer details.

Now, Tian Ruan had become this disposable villain, standing at his wedding ceremony with Yu Jingmo, the head of the Yu family.

His acting was clumsy. When he met Yu Jingmo’s sharp stare, he couldn’t hide his panic and lowered his head, leaving only the crown of his hair visible to the other man.

His hair, washed smooth and soft, framed his snow-white face like a sesame tangyuan.

The plump tangyuan was ready to roll away.

Yu Jingmo snagged his wrist, preventing him from fleeing, and calmly led him down the red carpet to a slightly elevated platform.

The banquet hall was often used for weddings, equipped with dressing rooms, restrooms, and makeup rooms. However, with so many guests, the restrooms quickly filled up, forcing people to use the ones outside.

"What are you two up to?" The emcee grinned, blocking the newlyweds.

"Changing clothes," Yu Jingmo replied flatly.

Noticing Tian Ruan’s soaked clothes, the emcee waggled his eyebrows. "Roleplaying a wet T-shirt contest?"

"...No."

"Go ahead," the emcee said warmly. "Need 30 minutes?"

"..."

Others might not have caught on, but Tian Ruan, a danmei trope connoisseur, understood immediately. "..."

Yu Jingmo’s explanation was concise and old-fashioned. "Keep talking nonsense, and your efforts today will be for nothing."

The emcee looked ready to implode, forcing a dry laugh. "Right, right."

Tian Ruan: *This is big boss energy...*

The dressing room wasn’t large, with two rows of wardrobes flanking a sofa and a full-length mirror in the middle. The wardrobes contained a rack of 100+ outfits. Yu Jingmo snagged a suit similar to what Tian Ruan was wearing and tossed it onto the sofa. "Change."

"Okay." Tian Ruan nodded, then hesitated when Yu Jingmo didn’t leave. "You staying to watch?"

Yu Jingmo paused for two seconds before turning and walking out.

As soon as the door closed, Tian Ruan made his move—the moment he’d been waiting for. Earlier, he had noticed the dressing room’s only window and had a lightbulb moment: he could MacGyver a rope from outfits and rappel down.

As long as he ditched the storyline, he’d be safe.

No sooner said than done, he immediately dug out a pile of soft clothes from the wardrobe, twisting them into a braid-like rope. Guessing it stretched about twenty meters, he tied one end to the window frame and gave it a firm tug to ensure it was secure.

He figured it was the fifth floor. The 'rope' dangled just shy of the ground.

Tian Ruan steeled himself, climbed onto the window ledge, and began descending, clutching the 'rope' for dear life—one meter, two meters—until his feet landed on the outer ledge of the floor below.

"Done yet?" A low voice rumbled faintly.

Tian Ruan’s blood ran cold—Yu Jingmo hadn’t left?

Five seconds later, Tian Ruan tilted his head up, staring straight into the eyes of the man looming from the window.

Yu Jingmo: *"...What are you doing? Playing the runaway princess?"*

Tian Ruan, defiantly: "I’m running away from the wedding."

Yu Jingmo’s thick, well-defined brows furrowed slightly, as if puzzled. He scanned Tian Ruan head to toe, his gaze icy.

Tian Ruan trembled, his guts twisted in terror. Had he angered this big shot? Was this the end?

As these thoughts raced through his mind, his eyes widened when Yu Jingmo grabbed the 'rope' and started pulling him back up.

Tian Ruan struggled: "Don’t pull me!"

Yu Jingmo: "Look down."

Tian Ruan turned his head—two meters below, the 'rope' had snapped, lying in a heap of expensive fabric on the grass.

Yu Jingmo barked a rare laugh: "If you don’t want to end up permanently disabled, climb back up yourself."

Tian Ruan: "…………"

Burning with shame, Tian Ruan scrambled back. As he grabbed the windowsill, Yu Jingmo yanked him up by the collar. Tian Ruan’s body went weightless for a moment, the sudden loss of balance sending him crashing into Yu Jingmo.

Yu Jingmo caught him effortlessly, though the young man wasn’t heavy—just the cloying perfume on his clothes was a bit overwhelming. Yu Jingmo turned his face away to avoid it.

An assistant peeked in through the door, locking eyes with Tian Ruan, who was slung over Yu Jingmo’s shoulder.

Tian Ruan: "…"

Assistant: "Sorry, don’t mind me."

With that, he considerately closed the door for his boss and his little wife.

Scrambling away, Tian Ruan pushed Yu Jingmo off and mumbled, "Thanks."

"Can you change now?" Yu Jingmo’s lips curled slightly at his embarrassment.

Not daring to cause any more trouble, Tian Ruan nodded obediently.

"Three minutes." Yu Jingmo walked out.

Tian Ruan stood frozen for a good ten seconds, his cheeks and neck slowly flushing crimson. This was what they called "trying to gain an advantage only to end up worse."

After changing, Tian Ruan stood in front of the full-length mirror. The mirror showed a face both his and not—his own features, his own body, but in this world, he was Tian Yuan.

A brisk *knock knock*, and then Yu Jingmo entered again. He scanned Tian Ruan head to toe, seemingly satisfied. "Let’s go."

Tian Ruan shuffled awkwardly at his side. This time, Yu Jingmo didn’t hold his hand, leaving an awkward gap between them—which was fitting, since they weren’t close to begin with.

Even the original host had never been close to Yu Jingmo.

Yu Jingmo's marriage to the original host was just a shield—someone of Yu Jingmo's status faced no shortage of would-be partners sent by relatives and business partners. But he never budged. When people saw his indifference to women, they began sending men instead.

Yu Jingmo wasn’t interested in men either. Even at banquets, he rejected them outright, pissing off a lot of people.

What businessman doesn't indulge in wine and pleasure? Yet Yu Jingmo remained aloof. At one point, rumors spread in the business circle: he was face-blind, or that he was impotent.

A month after these rumors, Yu Jingmo suddenly announced his marriage—to some nobody twenty-year-old.

This circle had plenty of cradle-robbers, and a ten-year age gap wasn’t a big deal. The real issue was that with a legitimate spouse, people could no longer casually send gifts or pry into Yu Jingmo’s affairs.

Thus, Tian Yuan, this sudden marriage partner, had his background dug through eight ways to Sunday in just a few days. No matter how they investigated, he was just an ordinary person—a high school dropout who hadn’t even attended university.

How could someone like that be worthy of Yu Jingmo?

And so, the bathroom incident went down.

After piecing together the cause and effect, Tian Ruan was even more confused about his situation. The only certainty was that breaking away from the original plot was his only path to survival.

Stepping out from backstage, the emcee chimed in, "The newlyweds, please exchange rings."

Yu Jingmo glanced at Tian Ruan. "Do you want to wear a ring?"

Tian Ruan asked in confusion, "Can we skip it?"

"Then we’ll skip it," Yu Jingmo said. "Skip it."

The emcee naturally complied. "Then the two of you can seal it with a kiss instead."

"..."

Tian Ruan wanted neither the ring exchange nor the kiss. At just eighteen, being married off so young already felt like getting screwed over—though, come to think of it, maybe not so much if the partner was Yu Jingmo.

As Tian Ruan pondered this, his gaze met that of a tall young man, who frowned with unmistakable displeasure.

—Anyone would be unhappy if they suddenly gained a stepfather just three years older than themselves.

Tian Ruan awkwardly turned away. Kissing Yu Jingmo was not happening, and he believed Yu Jingmo wouldn’t do it either—after all, he had no affection for the original host. This was all just an act.

Yet at that moment, Yu Jingmo took his wrist and led him onto the stage.

The guests broke into polite titters, mingled with half-hearted blessings. Tian Ruan scanned the crowd—a room full of designer-clad bobbleheads, each wearing a smile, like NPCs in a game.

The emcee crowed, "Kiss!"

Soft piano music played from the corner. Below the stage, among the champagne-sipping crowd, many raised their glasses and urged, "Mr. Yu, kiss him!"

Only the Yu family’s table remained stone-faced, devoid of joy.

"Disgraceful," a stern, elderly voice remarked.

"Grandpa, this is how weddings are," a girl with doll-like features said.

The girl was promptly pinched by her mother, whining, "Ow! What was that for? If you’re unhappy about Uncle’s wedding, fine, but who are you scowling at? He won’t even notice—just sit there and sulk."

"Ti Ti," her mother chided softly. "Be quiet."

Yu Ti made a disgusted noise and leaned toward Yu Shang. "Brother, you pissed too?"

Yu Shang kept his eyes fixed on the stage, silent.

Yu Ti continued on her own, "I actually think this little uncle is quite nice. He's young enough to actually hang out with us, unlike Uncle who's cold and distant."

Yu Shang: "...All you think about is playing."

On stage, Tian Ruan lowered his head to stare at the floor to ease his nerves, as if he'd spotted a stack of cash on the floor.

The host spun an elaborate tale, making up their love story, ultimately summarizing it in one sentence: "Mr. Yu and Mr. Tian's love can be described as love at first sight, head over heels the second time, and a lifelong commitment by the third encounter!"

Tian Ruan: "..." Could you be any more full of it?

Tian Ruan asked Yu Jingmo, "Is today pro bono for him?"

Yu Jingmo: "Mm."

The host looked like he'd been struck—his big mouth had done it again. But he still wanted to salvage the situation and held the microphone up to Tian Ruan. "Mr. Tian, any thoughts?"

Tian Ruan blinked. "I don’t have any thoughts."

The host smiled brightly. "Then what are your hopes for the future?"

Tian Ruan's gaze was resolute. "To stay alive."

The host: "..."

The crowd: "..."

Staying alive counts as a hope? How... underwhelming (literally: how perfunctory).

The host's smile was straining at the edges as he turned the microphone to Yu Jingmo. "Mr. Yu, what are your hopes for the future?"

Yu Jingmo: "For the annual revenue of the subsidiaries to reach one billion."

The crowd was speechless, especially the branch managers, who looked ready to crumble.

What fresh hell is this? Not only was he late to the wedding, but he was also treating it like an annual meeting, openly criticizing these all-show-no-substance 'big shots'?

The host: "Ha! Mr. Yu aiming high, I see. Let’s wait and see. Now, exchange your vows and kiss."

Yu Jingmo: "No need."

A wedding without rings, vows, or a kiss—is this even a wedding?

The crowd's expressions grew even more disdainful as they looked at Tian Ruan, now convinced Tian Yuan was just for show in Yu Jingmo's eyes.

Tian Ruan, clueless about business's shark tank, let out a quiet breath of relief at Yu Jingmo's words—only to feel a cold, heavy gaze beside him.

Tian Ruan felt he should say something: "Well then, everyone, dig in and make yourselves at home. Don’t hold back."

The crowd: "... Are we sure this is a wedding?"

Yu Jingmo's eyes dark as ink fixed on Tian Ruan as he said calmly, "Rings or no rings, I have a gift for you."

Tian Ruan: "?"

Yu Jingmo rolled up the left sleeve of his formal attire, revealing the starched white cuff fastened with a pair of silver rose-shaped buttons, lending a romantic note to the otherwise rigid outfit.

His fingers were long and finely articulated, pale as jade, deftly undoing the buttons with practiced flicks, then smoothly turned back the cuff.

Tian Ruan stared without blinking at Yu Jingmo's fingers, his heart hammering.

The veins on the back of Yu Jingmo's hand and wrist meandered like rivers across the earth, while his fingers resembled towering peaks, radiating raw power.

Tian Ruan vaguely remembered the moment beneath the window when Yu Jingmo had effortlessly pulled him up—just like this...

A soft sound caught Tian Ruan’s attention.

Three loops of sandalwood beads hung from Yu Jingmo's wrist, adorned with a small piece of mutton-fat jade pendant.*

One side of the pendant was carved with a zodiac sign, while the other bore a talisman inscription.

Yu Jingmo removed the bracelet, took Tian Ruan's right hand, and fastened it around his wrist.

The sandalwood still carried Yu Jingmo's lingering heat and scent. Though the mutton-fat jade appeared ordinary, such pure and flawless jade was surely worth a fortune.

"This is for you," Yu Jingmo said, looking into Tian Ruan's eyes. "My mother obtained this from Ling Mountain Temple. It has the power to ward off evil and suppress demons."

When he uttered the words "ward off evil and suppress demons," a hint of something unreadable flickered in Yu Jingmo's tone.

Tian Ruan was slow to react, flinching as his hand shook uncontrollably.

Yu Jingmo tightened his grip, as if trying to decipher the meaning behind every shift in Tian Ruan's expression. "What, scared?"

Tian Ruan put on a calm front. "Mr. Yu, superstitions are backward."

Yu Jingmo: "..."

*Once I run away, let’s see how you keep an eye on me,* Tian Ruan thought.

Suddenly, a raspy, elderly voice spoke gravely, "Jingmo, how could you give those beads to someone else? Your mother obtained them for you. You’ve worn them for over twenty years."

Everyone at the Yu family’s table knew the extraordinary significance of those beads. Yu Jingmo had rarely removed them except when bathing—worn for so many years, a gift from his mother, and now handed over so casually.

Hearing they had been worn for over two decades, Tian Ruan understood their importance. "Then you should take them back."

Yu Jingmo didn’t release his hand, his tone calm yet laced with quiet command. "You keep them. From now on, they’re your talisman. No one will mess with you."

Tian Ruan froze. Was Yu Jingmo doing this to protect him from being bullied?

Yu Jingmo: "Since it’s a shield, you should hold your ground."

Tian Ruan replied flatly, "Oh."

*So it’s just a "get-out-of-jail-free" card for this "shield"—ensuring I don’t embarrass my so-called *master* in public.*

With this bracelet, it was better than a ring. From now on, no one would dare look down on Tian Ruan—even if they did inwardly, they’d still put on a respectful face.

None of this mattered to Tian Ruan. He had no time to care about NPCs’ thoughts. The real question was how to break free from the storyline right under Yu Jingmo’s nose.

*Footnote: Mutton-fat jade is a highly prized type of white nephrite known for its purity and translucence.*

Chapter 3

The wedding reception carried on.

After Yu Jingmo gifted Tian Ruan the sandalwood and jade bead bracelet he had kept on his person for over two decades, those who came forward to offer their congratulations were noticeably more polite.

Yu Jingmo led Tian Ruan to meet his "family," introducing the elderly man with a slightly stooped figure seated at the head of the eastern table: "This is Grandfather."

Tian Ruan greeted, "Hello, Grandfather."

Elder Yu responded with a cold snort.

Tian Ruan didn’t mind. Yu Jingmo continued the introductions: "This is Second Uncle, Third Uncle, this is Second Uncle’s son, this is Third Uncle and Third Aunt’s son and daughter-in-law, and this is their daughter, Yu Ti..."

And these were just the immediate family members. Counting distant relatives, there were a good hundred people.

Tian Ruan didn’t bother remembering any of them, simply nodding at everyone.

Yu Jingmo remarked, "Are you a beckoning cat?"

Tian Ruan nodded, "..."

Yu Jingmo’s lips curved slightly.

From then on, Tian Ruan only needed to play the role of Yu Jingmo’s newlywed spouse—a gold-digging vixen who slept her way to the top—and accept toasts from the guests.

"I don’t drink," Tian Ruan said.

Yu Jingmo replaced the red wine with sparkling water for him. "This has no alcohol."

"Thank you." Tian Ruan took a sip. It was cherry-flavored, crisp and refreshing, likely prepared specifically for those who couldn’t drink.

"Allergic to alcohol?" Yu Jingmo asked.

"No, I'm not much of a drinker."

Yu Jingmo spotted several clearly high-status foreigners raising their glasses to him from a distance and said, "I’ll be right back. Don’t wander off."

"...Mm."

Tian Ruan watched as Yu Jingmo walked toward a corner of the banquet hall, conversing fluently with a group of obviously distinguished foreigners, effortlessly switching between Chinese, English, and French.

He Lansi weaved through the perfumed crowd of elegantly coiffed guests, raising a glass of red wine with a teasing smile. "Congratulations on your marriage."

Tian Ruan nodded, mechanically repeating the toast. "Thanks for showing up. The honor's mine."

He Lansi burst into laughter. "Are you programmed or something?"

Tian Ruan replied, "From my perspective, you’re the ones who are programmed."

Side characters in stories, NPCs in games—their sole purpose was to assign quests, create crises, and dispense rewards for the protagonist, all to pave a golden path for them.

And the male lead of this book, Yu Shang, stood just ten meters away, chatting with someone.

He Lansi’s slit, vulpine eyes swept over Tian Ruan. "That outfit flatters your figure well. Did Yu Jingmo pick it for you?"

Tian Ruan’s attire was indeed striking—an understated yet luxurious white silk ensemble with a narrow mandarin collar trimmed with semi-transparent lace. The shoulders were slightly broadened, the chest tailored with vertical seams, and the waist cinched at the back. In contrast, the sleeves billowed slightly like lotus roots, tapering at the cuffs and also embellished with lace.

Light and sheer, the fabric shimmered like a wisp of cloud under the lights, with silver buttons adding a subtle gleam that gave him an ethereal glow.

As for the black pants and retro round-toe leather shoes, they just played second fiddle.

"Yu Jingmo actually likes the innocent type," He Lansi teased. "Even if it's just an act."

Tian Ruan didn’t respond, praying the wedding banquet would wrap up soon so he could figure out how to slip away.

"What a stuck-up kitten."

Tian Ruan cringed. "I don’t want to talk to you."

He Lansi took a sip of wine and elegantly set down the empty wineglass. "You're the first person who dares to speak to me in that tone."

Tian Ruan: "You’ve read too many cheesy CEO romances."

"..."

A paunchy middle-aged man approached with a warm smile. "Director He and Young Master Tian seem to be having a pleasant chat? What are you discussing?"

As he spoke, the man extended a sweaty mitt toward Tian Ruan. "Pleasure to meet you. Zhao Quan."

Tian Ruan had no desire to shake hands with such a greasy paw, so he simply nodded. "The pleasure’s all yours."

Zhao Quan’s face twisted slightly. His hooded, beady eyes and sagging under-eye bags couldn’t hide the reek of a man marinated in booze and vice—a smell that blended with his tailored suit into the unmistakable aura of someone long steeped in indulgence.

Tian Ruan casually stepped back two paces.

Director He arched a delicate brow, his strikingly handsome features forming a sharp contrast with Zhao Quan. "Director Zhao, looks like you two aren’t exactly vibing."

Zhao Quan sneered. "Young Master Tian has just married into the Yu family, so naturally, he’s riding high. There’s still a long road ahead. I look forward to collaborating with the Yus."

Director He shrugged. "Yu Jingmo has always had a sharp eye. With that dumpster-fire of a portfolio—half of it already rotten—getting the Yu family to invest would be like squeezing blood from a stone."

Zhao Quan remained cold. "Who knows? The business world is a battlefield. No guts, no glory."

Director He shot back with a frosty grin. "Then I wish Director Zhao a triumphant victory."

The two raised fresh glasses of wine and clinked them. By the time they turned back, Tian Ruan was already seated at a table ten meters away, picking at a petit four, completely detached from the scene.

"..."

A girl sat down beside Tian Ruan—Yu Ti, the granddaughter of Yu Jingmo’s third uncle, as previously introduced.

"Xiao Shufu!" Yu Ti gushed sweetly. "You’re so handsome."

Tian Ruan was dumbstruck. He didn’t seem much older than her.

"Xiao Shufu, don’t mind what they think. I like you just fine." Yu Ti’s features didn’t resemble her grandfather’s but bore a faint likeness to Yu Jingmo, especially her almond-shaped eyes—both carried a sly, icy glint when they looked at someone.

Yu Jingmo’s gaze was colder, while Yu Ti’s held more flirtatious charm.

"What’s wrong?" Yu Ti touched her face.

Tian Ruan returned the compliment. "You’re very pretty too."

Yu Ti giggled, laying it on thick. "Xiao Shufu, are you really twenty? You look seventeen or eighteen."

"Yeah."

"You don’t like my family, do you?"

"Hmm."

Yu Ti didn’t expect Tian Ruan to be so blunt. After a moment’s thought, she said, "Apart from me, my family doesn’t like you much either. So it’s square."

"Hmm."

"Uncle, can you say something other than ‘hmm’?"

Tian Ruan glanced at the half-eaten cake in front of him. "Can it wait till I’m done eating?"

Yu Ti: "...Fine."

Then Yu Ti sat beside him, watching as he finished the whole cake before obligingly handing him a glass of champagne. "Even I’m allowed to drink this."

The alcohol content in champagne was minimal. Tian Ruan took a small sip and instantly fell in love with it. "Yummy."

Yu Ti beamed. "Right? This orange champagne is the best."

"Hmm, thanks."

"Hahaha, no need for formalities with family." Yu Ti happily downed another glass.

Nearby, Yu Ti’s mother, Shen Wanyue, smiled. "Look how happy Ti-Ti is."

Elder Yu still looked stern, exuding authority.

However, the one in charge now was Yu Jingmo, so the younger generation weren’t too intimidated. Yu San, a middle-aged man with graying hair, chimed in. "Dad, Jingmo has kept to himself ever since his mother passed. It’s rare for him to start a new family. As long as the two of them are happy..."

"Hmph, new family?" Elder Yu scoffed. "What’s Tian Yuan’s background? He’s not some nobody."

Yu San said, "Regardless, Jingmo has helped us a lot. If he likes—"

Yu Er cut in, "What help? Have you forgotten how he pushed our eldest brother to his death?"

"Second Brother, how can you say that? Eldest Brother knew what he was doing was illegal. If not for Jingmo’s efforts to protect us, would we even be sitting here chatting today?"

"You’re being naive, forgetting Eldest Brother’s kindness."

"Enough!" Elder Yu slammed his cane on the floor.

The room went quiet, and even the surrounding noise seemed to hush.

Yu Ti turned in shock toward her family. "What’s going on?"

No one answered.

Yu Shang took a seat beside her.

"Brother, what happened?" Yu Ti whispered.

Yu Shang replied flatly, "Grown-up stuff. Stay out of it."

Yu Ti protested, "You’re not exactly grown up either."

Yu Shang said coolly, "Exactly, so I’m staying out of it."

"..."

Tian Ruan dove into his third cake. He loved the blend of cherries and whipped cream—cool, creamy, and sweet. Paired with another sip of champagne, it was heavenly.

Yu Shang had been observing Tian Ruan for a while, noticing how completely unshaken and steady he was, like he was in his own little world...

"Tian Yuan," Yu Shang called.

Tian Ruan didn’t realize he was being addressed, too absorbed in poking around with a small fork to explore the chia seeds hidden in the cake layers—crunchy with a great texture.

Yu Shang drummed his fingers impatiently on the small rectangular dessert table. "Tian Yuan."

Tian Ruan looked up. "Yeah?"

Yu Shang was stunned silent for a second. "Who else would I be calling?"

"Oh, what’s up?"

"Your attitude is the problem."

"What attitude?"

"Playing it cool like it’s not your problem."

"With this attitude, we’re like father and son, right?" Tian Ruan chuckled. Given how Yu Shang had behaved in the bathroom, was he really in any position to demand a better attitude?

Yu Shang, of course, clammed up.

The two faced each other wordlessly, leaving only an awkward silence between them.

Yu Ti, confused, asked, "What’s going on?"

Yu Shang: "Grown-up stuff. Stay out of it."

"You were a kid two seconds ago."

"Well, now I’m not."

"..."

Yu Shang had looks just as sharp as Yu Jingmo’s, and his height had already reached 185 cm. In another two years, he’d definitely turn into a tall, dreamy guy at 188 cm.

But at seventeen, Yu Shang still carried some kid-like cluelessness. After frowning for a long moment, he apologized to Tian Ruan, "In the bathroom, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have just stood there like a statue."

"What happened in the bathroom?" Yu Ti immediately pressed. "What’s the situation?"

"Not your concern."

Yu Ti glanced between the two, eyes wide with horror. "Bro, why aren’t you calling him ‘Dad’? Do you have the hots for him?"

The moment the words left her mouth, both men looked like they’d seen a ghost, totally shell-shocked.

Yu Shang’s brows furrowed sharply. "What the hell are you talking about?!"

At the same time, Tian Ruan jumped in, "Seriously, Yu Shang has someone he likes—that person from Class Six..."

"This is a topic I’m also very interested in," a smooth, icy voice said as long, graceful fingers landed on Tian Ruan simultaneously.

Tian Ruan’s shoulders stiffened instantly. He slowly turned his head to meet Yu Jingmo’s stupidly handsome face.

Yu Jingmo smirked, but his eyes stayed cold, looking down at him. "So, it turns out you know more about my kid than you do about me."

Tian Ruan: "...”