Chapter 3 Just a Fake Marriage, That's All

Li Chuzhe looked at the debutante with a fond smile. “Mo Yao, what are you doing here?”

Mo Yao smiled sweetly and innocently, stepping down from the car and rushing toward Li Chuzhe, trying to slip her arm around his. But he easily sidestepped her move. “Big Brother Li, what were you doing outside the marriage registration office?”

She’d heard from her brother that the old patriarch of the Li family was pressuring Li Chuzhe to get married. So for days, she’d been quietly shadowing him—just in time, too. The news had come a little late; by the time she arrived, Li Chuzhe had already walked out.

“Oh, I got married,” Li Chuzhe said honestly. “I’m heading home to tell Grandpa.” He knew exactly how Mo Yao felt about him.

Mo Yao kept smiling, but beneath her clothes, her fingers clenched tightly together, suppressing the storm of jealousy boiling inside. “Big Brother Li… why haven’t I heard you mention a girlfriend before?”

“Just met her recently. We clicked—so we tied the knot.”

Li Chuzhe took a step back, then pulled out his phone and called another driver.

“Mo Yao, go home now. I’ve got things to take care of.”

Mo Yao knew her place. Though disappointed, she obediently climbed into the car and left.

That was one reason Li Chuzhe still tolerated her—she wasn’t like the other women who clung like barnacles.

Back at the Mo residence, Mo Yao sat in the living room, tears welling up, sulking like a wronged princess. Mo Boyu came down the stairs and immediately spotted her, eyes red and cheeks damp.

“Well, well… who made our little princess cry pearls? Tell me who it is—I’ll beat him up for you.”

Mo Yao turned sharply, pouting. “It’s all your fault! Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Now Big Brother Li’s already married—how am I supposed to chase after him now?”

Mo Boyu chuckled, then settled beside her on the couch. “Relax, Yao Yao. That marriage? Fake. Just a cover for his grandpa. Don’t worry.”

He leaned back, stretched his legs wide, exuding the lazy charm of a spoiled rich kid. Mo Yao’s eyes flickered with sudden hope. “Really?”

“Would I lie to you?” He grinned.

Seeing the confidence in his voice, she believed him. But just seconds later, doubt crept in. “Still… I can’t steal someone else’s husband. They’re legally married, aren’t they?”

Mo Boyu sighed, looking at his sweet, stubborn sister. “Honey, they signed a prenup. Nothing serious. You’re safe.”

“Okay…” She lowered her head shyly, voice barely above a whisper.

Meanwhile, Tang Yan was driven through the gated estate—the most luxurious neighborhood in the city. The Li family mansion stood like a fortress among mansions, sprawling and imposing. It took nearly twenty minutes to reach the front gate.

“Holy crap… the Lís are *insane* rich,” Tang Yan muttered, standing at the massive entrance like an ant in front of a skyscraper, awestruck.

A butler emerged from the house—kind-faced, dignified, exactly as she imagined a butler should be. “You must be Miss Tang. Our master instructed us to treat you with the utmost care.”

Tang Yan gave a nervous chuckle, adjusting the heavy backpack on her shoulder. The butler noticed and shot the driver a sharp glance—almost scolding.

“Miss Tang’s bag is so heavy. Why didn’t the driver help carry it?”

The driver flinched instantly. Tang Yan realized the implication and quickly explained, “No, no—it’s fine. I asked him not to help. This bag isn’t that heavy. I can manage.”

The butler’s expression softened slightly. He nodded once, lifted his chin, and signaled the driver to leave. Then, with a practiced, polite smile, he gestured forward. “Please, Miss Tang. Follow me.”

“Uh… okay.” Tang Yan stepped inside like a country auntie visiting the city for the first time—eyes darting everywhere, mouth agape at every detail. Every corner of the Li mansion stunned her with its wealth.

The butler slowed, stopping in front of a large door. “This is your room. Everything’s been prepared. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be off now.”

Tang Yan nodded stiffly, pushed open the door—and froze.

The room was warm-toned, orange, just like her old apartment. A massive bed dominated the space, along with a beautifully ornate vanity. That was it. No extra furniture. No frills. Just quiet luxury.

At that moment, Li Chuzhe was deep in work in his office when the door burst open.

Mo Boyu stormed in, grinning like a mischievous kid. “You little snake! Sneaking off to get married without telling me?”

They were lifelong friends—brothers-in-arms. Mo Boyu dropped onto the sofa like he owned the place. “Come on, did you really think I’d tell my sister if you told me?”

“You know how she feels about me.”

“I do. And that’s exactly why I’m cutting ties. I don’t want her heartbroken.”

Li Chuzhe set down his pen, looked up firmly. “I’m not interested in her. That’s why I’m distancing myself.”

Mo Boyu shrugged, still believing in fate. “Fine. How about tonight? Let’s celebrate your ‘wedding’ with a drink. Old spot. Eight o’clock.”

“It’s just a contract marriage. Is that really necessary?”

Li Chuzhe sat down, pressed the intercom button. “Xiao Li, bring two coffees.”

Moments later, Han Li entered silently, placed the drinks with perfect precision, and exited without a word.

Mo Boyu lifted his cup, took a sip. “Your secretary’s coffee’s way better than mine. Deal’s sealed. Eight sharp. Don’t make me come drag you out.”

With that, he stood, turned, and strode out.

At exactly eight that night, Li Chuzhe arrived at Hao Li Bar. The manager had been waiting by the door. One look at the black sports car, and he practically sprinted over.

“Master Li! Welcome! Master Mo is already in the private room.”

The manager bowed deeply, ushering Li Chuzhe inside with exaggerated respect. As soon as Li Chuzhe stepped in, the scene was classic: five stunning women lounging around, curves on full display, each one a siren in their own right—glances, smiles, body language dripping with temptation.

Mo Boyu had one woman on each arm, smirking at Li Chuzhe. “You made it. Sit down. Tonight, I’ve got a *big* surprise for you.”