Ren stood frozen, as if time itself had paused with that one ridiculous word.
"Marry... you?"
Li Zeyan didn't flinch. He stepped closer, hands tucked in his coat pockets, looking like a man who was simply discussing business.
"You ruined something irreplaceable. But I happen to need something you can provide. A legally binding marriage. For one year."
Ren laughed nervously. "Is this a prank show? Am I being filmed?"
Li Zeyan's expression didn't change. "No."
The silence stretched. The air between them crackled—not with attraction, but something sharp and dangerous.
"Why me?" Ren asked finally.
Li Zeyan sighed, as if explaining something to a child. "My father is pressuring me into an arranged marriage. He only respects family values and image. I need a 'spouse' to block that proposal. You're... convenient."
Convenient.
Like a tool.
Ren clenched his fists. "You think I'll just agree because I'm poor?"
"No," Li Zeyan replied, his voice like ice. "I think you'll agree because you don't have a choice."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a thin folder. "This is the contract. One year. We'll live together. Attend social functions as a couple. You'll follow my rules. In exchange, I'll pay off your debt. And—" He paused, meeting Ren's eyes. "I'll fund your art education abroad after the contract ends."
Ren's breath caught.
Art school... A dream he buried long ago. The chance of a lifetime—dangling like a poisoned apple.
"And what if I refuse?" Ren asked, voice tight.
Li Zeyan stepped forward, his words landing like hammer blows.
"Then I'll sue you for damages. You'll spend the next ten years working off the debt... if you're lucky."
Ren stared at the contract, his reflection trembling in the glossy table.
This was insane. But so was prison.
So was living in poverty forever.
He took a deep breath and picked up the pen.
"Fine. I'll marry you."
Li Zeyan's lips curled into the faintest smirk.
"Welcome to the family, Mr. Li."