C17 This Deal Was Not a Loss

Shaang Peiyan glanced back at Chiang Ci, who wore a skeptical expression, and continued, "Now, with your mother having passed away early and my mother in a coma, there's no way to verify this."

"But I'm not bringing this up to make you fulfill that promise!"

"Chiang Ci, I hope you'll seriously consider what I'm about to say!" Shaang Peiyan suddenly dropped his casual demeanor, his expression turning serious as he looked at her with honest eyes. Chiang Ci, caught by his intensity, shifted in her seat and straightened her back.

"Before I came to Z City, my family made it clear. If I don't find someone my mother approved of, I'll have to go back and start the arranged marriage process, followed by settling down and taking over the family business. I'm only 27 and don't want to be tied down by those two old foxes back home."

"And you, you're in a tough spot. Your grandfather's life is constantly at risk, and I doubt you're happy in that household."

"So, let's work together. I'll help protect your grandfather and be your support in the Chiang family. In return, you can be my fiancée in name only, to keep those two old foxes at bay. It's a win-win situation!"

Chiang Ci leaned her elbow on the car door, resting her chin in her hand as she thought it over, her eyes clear and focused on him. "What if your family insists we get married?"

"I don't want to rush into marriage at my age, you know," she teased, a sly smile playing on her lips.

Shaang Peiyan suddenly seemed to relax, a smile spreading across his lips, his eyes shining like stars.

"Well, it all depends on your performance! If you can make me head over heels, lose my ambition, and disregard the world, I can guarantee that my family won't let you in!"

"I believe, with your talent, that's not hard at all, right?" He winked at her, sending a shiver down Chiang Ci's spine, raising goosebumps.

She bowed her head, quickly organizing her thoughts—it was a very brief moment, probably less than a minute. Shaang Peiyan's proposal was undeniably tempting given her current situation.

The custody issue wouldn't be resolved for another six months. With Shaang Peiyan's help now, she wouldn't have to constantly worry about her grandfather's safety and could focus on dealing with her troublesome father and his family.

Given her father's opportunistic nature, she would soon be pressured into mingling with various people to gain benefits. The Shaang family would be a formidable shield, significantly reducing her troubles.

And all this talk of being head over heels, losing ambition, and disregarding the world—it's basically playing a modern-day "Demon Consort." Having played that role for eight years in a past life, it was like returning to a familiar job—an easy task indeed!

No matter how you look at it, this deal is a win-win!

Chiang Ci was never one to hesitate. Looking up at Shaang Peiyan's hopeful eyes, she nodded decisively. "Alright."

Her voice was as soft and sweet as ever, and a bright smile spread across her face. Her red lips parted to reveal pearly white teeth, and she seemed to glow with an enchanting energy.

Shaang Peiyan felt his breath catch for a moment. He cleared his throat to steady himself, silently congratulating himself for choosing the right person. Chiang Ci was indeed the perfect choice to portray someone with a captivating, almost mystical allure.

Standing at the entrance of the Chiang family mansion, Chiang Ci declined Shaang Peiyan's offer to accompany her inside. After saying goodbye, she walked alone into the brightly lit building, even in the depths of night.