C5 How Much Do You like It?

"Follow along, and report back to me if anything comes up," Sichen said as he slowly stepped out of the hot spring. He stylishly draped a robe over himself, tying the belt with a fluid motion. Kuan Feng immediately stepped forward, carefully helping Sichen put on his mask.

"Sir, I don't think Miss Xia is as superficial as you say," Kuan Feng remarked, earning a sharp glare from Sichen.

"And how would you know?" Sichen demanded.

"It's just a feeling..." Kuan Feng replied, quickly picking up a mirror to show Sichen his reflection.

Sichen stared at himself in the mirror, his voice low as he said, "Xia Xiaowu, let's see just how much you really like this face."

...

Xiaowu had barely left the Bai family home when the living room buzzed with activity.

"Hand over the cash!" a young man said, extending his hand to Susu, a slight smirk on his lips. He was Sicong, Susu's brother, and like Sichen, they shared the same father but different mothers.

"Darn it, there goes my allowance for the month," Susu muttered as she pulled out her phone and scanned the QR code on Sicong's screen.

"A pampered beauty facing off against a beast like our big brother without shedding a tear—now that's impressive."

Susu thought to herself, yesterday, she had bet with Sicong that Xiaowu wouldn't last a day and would be running back home in tears.

To her surprise, today Xiaowu not only wasn't crying, but she was also glowing and sharp-tongued.

"Sis, you always claim to understand women best, but I'm not so sure. I've seen plenty of women, especially beautiful ones, and which of them doesn't love money? A man like my brother, how many women want to marry him but don't dare?"

Sicong, having just pocketed some money, continued to smile and said, "Why would she cry? She's too busy laughing!"

"You're right, I miscalculated."

Susu sighed, but then a thought struck her, and she asked, "Interested in another bet?"

"A bet? Bring it on, I'm not scared."

Sicong, having just received a hefty sum from his sister, was eager for another chance to cash in. "What's the wager?"

"The Xia family is in a precarious situation. My brother never makes a losing deal and certainly won't help out. Besides, I don't think he loves Xiaowu that much. Let's bet on how long Xiaowu can hold out... I bet she won't last six months!"

Susu wore a mocking smile. No woman had ever stayed with a man who was not only unattractive but also difficult to get along with for long, and Xiaowu would be no exception.

"I bet she won't last six months!" Bai Sicong said confidently.

"Alright, it's a deal. Let's see if she can make it past six months!"

Bai Susu felt pretty sure about it. After all, Xiaowu had already signed a prenuptial agreement with Sichen. No matter how long she stayed, she wouldn't get a dime of the family's wealth. If she's not in it for the money, then what's her angle? They'd definitely end up divorced soon.

As she was pondering, a voice suddenly came from behind, "Am I really that scary? Do women think marrying me means I'll tear them apart?"

Hearing this, Bai Susu shivered and quickly exchanged a glance with Bai Sicong, then smiled and said, "Brother, we were just joking... just joking..."

"Even jokes have their limits. She's my lawfully wedded wife, and you should show her some respect," Sichen said coldly, his voice laced with displeasure.

​