“The President's Surrogacy”.

1

As the leading entity in the global hospitality industry, the Loch International Hotel Group boasts a vast empire, its influence spanning the globe like a mighty kingdom. And then, there is him.

Lo Yiwei, the only son of Loch Group's chairman, Loch Xiang, is destined to be the heir to this hotel empire. Born into a prestigious family, he was showered with attention from a young age. After completing his MBA at Harvard, he became the young CEO of Loch Group. Confident, observant, and independent, he exudes an adventurous spirit, is ambitious, and relishes challenges. In just a few years, his unique methods have stirred a fresh wave in the hotel industry.

The Loch Harbor Island Imperial Hotel is one of the newest luxury properties under the Loch International Hotel Group in Hong Kong. Standing inside the hotel, one is mesmerized by the stunning and vibrant view of Victoria Harbour's nightscape through the windows. At this very moment, in the hotel’s most magnificent ballroom, a lavish and grand wedding banquet is underway.

The soft lighting illuminates a wedding photo frame made from thousands of roses, featuring a handsome couple in an intimate embrace. Renowned figures from around the world—business magnates, entertainment celebrities, and powerful elites—have gathered here, all to bless the newlyweds. Yet, some may wonder about the true nature of this union.

Such a perfect and wealthy figure, who chose marriage at just twenty-five—how many women tonight are shedding tears of heartache for him? How many are enviously eyeing the woman in the white bridal gown, walking through the doors of the Loch estate, lucky enough to win his heart?

Lo Yiwei, dressed in a fitted white tuxedo, sits on a sofa in the corner of the venue, resembling a prince seated in a throne of power. His expression is cold and proud, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling windows. His slender fingers trace the rim of his wine glass before lifting it gracefully. The blood-red wine swirls in the glass as he takes a sip, savoring the view of the enchanting Victoria Harbour outside. Yet, unbeknownst to him, at this very moment, he is even more captivating than the scene beyond the window.

Nearby, a man raises his glass—a tall, striking figure in a black GUCCI suit, his face a portrait of charm, one of Lo Yiwei's four closest friends, international superstar Ren Feng. His striking features and muscular frame have captivated countless women. He loosens the double-breasted buttons of his jacket, takes a sip from his glass, and lounges on an expensive leather sofa, smiling faintly. “Well, cheers to your marriage,” he says, raising his glass toward Lo Yiwei.

Lo Yiwei clinks his glass with Ren Feng's and returns the gesture to his other friends.

"I never thought you'd be the first to marry among us," remarks Yan Tianyou, the son of a casino tycoon. His piercing blue eyes sweep across the room like a searchlight, causing women to swoon wherever his gaze lands. His chiseled features add a raw, masculine allure. He raises his glass, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. A man as unpredictable as Lo Yiwei choosing marriage—there must be something extraordinary about his bride.

“Marriage is a prison for men,” Ji Zhengyan says lazily, leaning against the wall. His tall frame is nothing short of perfect, one arm casually draped over the other as he gently swirls his drink. For him, love is something to be avoided at all costs.

"I think you're just jealous that I married before you guys. When you experience love, you'll understand that marriage isn't something to fear," Lo Yiwei says, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. His arrogance is unmistakable, his every gesture exuding dominance. Once, he too did not believe in love or marriage, but after meeting her, he found peace at last.

“Love is truly dangerous,” Ji Zhengyan mutters, a shudder running through him as he recalls a fallen comrade. “It destroyed one of our brothers, and now it’s going to push another down the same path.” He recalls the once invincible crime lord, He Zhanyan, whose life had been ruined by a woman. “It’s pitiful,” he adds, shaking his head.

“That guy’s been like a chicken on a hot stove lately, running around so desperate to find a woman that he couldn’t even make it to Yiwei’s wedding. What a fool,” Ren Feng remarks, his tone full of mockery.

The four friends, each striking in their own right, raise their glasses and drink, gazing out at the mesmerizing night scene. A faint smile lingers on their lips, as if they’ve bewitched countless women with their charm. They rise together, their tall frames exuding an air of power, the most dazzling figures in the room.

Meanwhile, on the top floor of the hotel, in the presidential suite, an atmosphere of tension lingers, the dark decor amplifying the weight of the moment.

Summer Zixin walks into the room with hesitant steps, her hands slick with nervous sweat. Each step feels heavy as she approaches the vanity. With her head lowered, she dares not look at the woman sitting before her. “Sister... I...” Her voice falters as she struggles to articulate her thoughts. After much deliberation, she finds herself unable to fulfill her sister’s request.

The woman addressed is the bride of the day—her sister, Summer Yaqing. “Everyone, please leave,” Summer Yaqing says calmly, assessing her sister’s nervousness. Without haste, she motions for the others to step out. Slowly, she stands, her figure an embodiment of grace in a white evening gown, her curves accentuated, a dazzling diamond necklace adorning her fair neck. Her beauty is a masterpiece of flawless features, as if sculpted by divine hands. Standing beside her, Summer Zixin looks plain, dressed simply in a pair of blue jeans and a white T-shirt. Her left cheek bears a birthmark, making the contrast between the two sisters striking—one is ethereal, the other ordinary.

Summer Zixin clutches the edge of her dress, hesitating before finally speaking, her voice trembling. “Sister, I... I can’t help you.” As the words leave her mouth, guilt and unease flood her heart. She knows she has wronged her sister, but what her sister is asking of her is far too difficult to bear.

Summer Yaqing, having anticipated her sister’s response, maintains a composed expression, her elegance never faltering. She approaches Summer Zixin, lifting her gown. “Only you can help me. I truly love Yiwei; I can’t bear to lose him... Please, sister. Do you want to watch my happiness slip away?” Her voice trembles with pain as she explains that her initial plan was to manipulate Yiwei for the family’s business, but she has fallen deeply in love with him. She knows that to secure her future and her place in the Loch family, she must bear him a son. Yet, five years ago, she was condemned to a life without children due to her infertility.

"Sister, please don't do this," Summer Zixin says, her heart aching with guilt. She knows the responsibility she carries, the debt she owes her sister. It was her own reckless actions five years ago that led to her sister’s injury, when she ran away from home and was abducted. The memory of her sister’s sacrifice—taking a bullet for her—still haunts her. The doctor had given her sister little hope after the surgery, and their mother had cried in the hospital room. All of this, Zixin knows, was caused by her.

“Zixin, I promise you,” she says, her voice steeled with resolve, "I'll do this for you." Her heart is torn, unsure if this is the right thing to do, but duty calls.

Summer Yaqing outlines the plan in detail, and as her sister listens, an icy chill runs down her spine. With no other choice left, she realizes that familial bonds have already bound her fate.

Suddenly, a knock at the door breaks the tense atmosphere.

“Madam, the banquet is about to begin,” a servant announces.

Yaqing adjusts her makeup and gown, then responds with grace, “I’ll be right there.” She looks at her sister with concern. “Zixin…”

Zixin snaps out of her thoughts and nods faintly. “I’m fine,” she replies, urging her sister to hurry.

As the evening unfolds, the banquet is filled with soft music, and everyone will soon know that Lo Yiwei, the heir to the international hotel empire, is no longer single. His bride is none other than Summer Yaqing, the daughter of the Summer family’s hotel management group in Hong Kong.

Some will see it as a political marriage, others as the result of love, but no one will ever learn the secrets hidden within...