Assistant to My Contracted Husband

The man's words fell with a decisive clarity, and Jian Ran, clad in a white shirt that had been washed to a pale hue and faded jeans, exuded a raw charm. Biting her lip, she forced back the tears welling up in her eyes.

"Uh-huh."

"Good, if there are no issues, you can sign now. I have another meeting after this."

The man's tone was even and smooth, each word clear and precise, yet it was only Jian Ran whose complexion turned increasingly pale.

"I..."

"Use this pen to sign."

The man elegantly offered a gold pen, as if everything was just routine.

After what seemed like an eternity, as if all her strength had been drained from her, Jian Ran managed to say hoarsely, "Okay."

"A pleasure doing business with you, Mrs. Gu."

Seeing Jian Ran's dazed appearance, Gu Mochen pursed his lips and said, "Miss Jian?"

Her reverie abruptly ended, realizing she had zoned out, Jian Ran squeezed out a faint smile and extended her trembling hand to grasp the man's larger one.

Her hand was sweaty from nervousness, while the man's hand was warm and dry.

"Yes..."

A ripple of snickers spread among the crowd, thinking that Jian Ran had surely been captivated by Gu Mochen's extraordinary charm.

They had seen their share of infatuated women.

Almost every woman who met the president would act smitten.

"Uh-huh," Gu Mochen said indifferently, glancing at the woman in front of him before nodding a simple greeting to the other employees, though he didn't reach out his hand this time.

His hand tightened almost imperceptibly, his dark eyes enigmatic.

Jian Ran's heart had been racing, half expecting that Gu Mochen would recognize her identity, but seeing him treat her like a stranger, she figured he probably couldn't remember her.

Their marriage was but a transaction, in name only, as good as strangers.

In the over two years they had been married, they had met only once during the registration and had spoken no more than three sentences. It was normal for him to forget.

Jian Ran bit her lip, wishing she had known this man was the CEO of Gu Family...

If only she had demanded more money initially, she wouldn't be living so frugally now.

...

The higher-up's visit was a brief affair; Gu Mochen exchanged a few courteous words before he didn't give Jian Ran another glance and headed to the top-floor office.

In the luxurious office, Gu Mochen pulled out a marriage certificate from a drawer. It had been placed there right after they registered their marriage two years ago.

Never having been opened, it was still as pristine as ever.

Gu Mochen's lips thinned as he opened the marriage certificate, to the sight of the woman's awkward smile and the man's slight curve of the mouth.

Jian Ran, Gu Mochen!

Two years ago, he remembered that Jian Ran was 20 years old, a sophomore in college.

In the photo, the woman had her hair in a ponytail, her beautiful eyes sparkling, yet unable to hide the gloom at the bottom of her heart.

The two of them, united in appearance but divided in spirit, each harboring their own thoughts.

The corners of Gu Mochen's mouth turned up slightly, Mrs. Gu...

Jian Ran!

...

After Gu Mochen left, Jian Ran was drenched in cold sweat. Rushing into the restroom, she splashed her face with cold water, the coolness of the water soothing her restless heart.

Gu Mochen couldn't possibly think she had sought him out on purpose.

Initially... all she knew was his name and had no idea about his background...

So, he should have that much discernment.

Jian Ran's eyes darkened slightly, the marriage agreement was clear, in name only, strangers in fact, so they should be strangers now.

No matter whether this man recognized her or not.