Contract Over: Heiress Unmasked

Chapter 10: He Remembered Everything

Chutang dialed Jiang Shixu’s number. He picked up almost instantly, his voice a warm caress through the speaker. "Tangtang? Did you like the three dresses?"

"I did," Chutang admitted. "But I can't decide. Which one do you think suits me best?"

There was a soft chuckle on the other end, followed by a tone of pure indulgence. "Didn't I say we’d buy them all if you liked them? I’ve already had my assistant secure all three."

"That fast? I only posted the photos a little while ago."

"I was worried they’d sell out—they’re limited editions," Jiang Shixu explained.

"Thank you, Shixu. I appreciate the trouble."

"Tangtang, you’re my fiancée now. We’re family. There's no such thing as 'trouble' between us."

His words hit home, though she still struggled to fit into the role of a fiancée. To her, Jiang Shixu was still the patient boy next door who used to tutor her.

"By the way," he continued, "I know getting around Haicheng without a car is a hassle. I bought something for you—the paperwork is all settled. Give me an address, and I’ll have it delivered."

Chutang felt a wave of guilt. When she had run away to escape their arranged marriage, her father, Ruan Shaodong, had cut off her cards. Jiang Shixu surely knew that. For the past few years, she had lived like any other common worker, refusing financial help from her wealthy best friends once her career stabilized.

She had fled to avoid him, yet here he was, looking after her without a hint of resentment.

"It's really okay," she stammered, her grip tightening on the phone. "I’m fine with ride-shares."

There was a pause, and Jiang Shixu’s voice carried a faint, hurt edge. "Tangtang, are you being this polite because you still don't want this engagement?"

Chutang shook her head instinctively before remembering he couldn't see her. "No, Shixu. Since I agreed to the marriage, I mean it. I just thought... I’m returning to Jiang City in a few days anyway. There’s no need for a new car here."

"It doesn't matter," he replied easily. "When you're ready to come home, I’ll just have someone drive it back to Jiang City for you."

"But—"

"Don't you have a court hearing in the neighboring city in a few days? Having your own car will be much more convenient."

Chutang froze in surprise. "How did you know about that?"

"You posted about it two months ago."

She was stunned. The hearing—set for September 25th—had indeed been scheduled two months back. She had made a casual post joking about a 'business trip turned vacation,' mentioning a specific spicy rice noodle shop she wanted to visit and a landmark she planned to check out.

Jiang Shixu’s voice was light and fond. "With a car, you can take a scenic drive around the area after the trial is over."

At that moment, Jiang Shixu stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office, looking out over the city lights with a gaze full of tenderness. Only he knew how badly he had wanted to shower her with everything three years ago when he found out she was struggling. But he’d lacked the right status then. Now, as her fiancé, he finally had every right to protect her.

A ripple of emotion stirred in Chutang’s heart, like a pebble dropped into a still lake. Her social media was set to 'visible for three days.' She often forgot her own posts shortly after sharing them, yet he remembered every detail.

Gu Zechuan had never bothered. She would tell him about business trips weeks in advance, only for him to call her on the day, confused about why she wasn't in town. She had suggested countless vacations over the past two years; they never went.

So this was what it felt like to actually matter to someone.

Chutang stopped resisting and gave him the address to Gu Zechuan’s villa.

"You'll be home tomorrow morning, right?" Jiang Shixu asked. "I'll have it there by then."

"I'll be here."

Shortly after she hung up, the front door opened. Gu Zechuan walked in, flanked by Chen Wan. Chutang was curled up on the sofa watching TV. She caught their entrance out of the corner of her eye but didn't say a word.

Gu Zechuan remained silent, but Chen Wan offered a sugary smile. "Miss Ruan, we meet again."

Chutang didn't look away from the legal documentary on the screen. "Mhm."

Chen Wan didn't seem bothered. She sat down nearby. "Is this what you usually watch, Miss Ruan?"

Gu Zechuan muttered, "I'm going to shower," and headed upstairs without looking at either of them.

As soon as he was gone, Chen Wan’s smile vanished, replaced by a cold, sharp sneer. "You saw the video. Zechuan loves me."

Chutang didn't care. She just nodded, her eyes still fixed on the TV. "Got it. Noted."

The dismissive attitude infuriated Chen Wan. Her eyes flashed with contempt. "You're good at playing it cool. Let's see how long that mask lasts."

"Not as good as you are at playing pretend," Chutang countered coldly.

"Hah." Chen Wan stood up and started toward the stairs. "Zechuan, wait! I'll shower with you!" She shot a provocative look back at Chutang, but Chutang didn't give her the satisfaction of a glance.

At dinner, the seating arrangement was a stark line in the sand: Gu Zechuan and Chen Wan on one side, Chutang alone on the other.

Zhang, the housekeeper, placed a final dish of blanched greens on the table. "That’s everything."

Chutang frowned at the spread. "Zhang? Why is it all... this?"

Bok choy, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cold cucumbers. The table was a sea of green. Not a single piece of meat in sight.

Gu Zechuan spoke up, his tone flat. "These are Chen Wan’s favorites. She prefers vegetables."

"Prefers vegetables?" Chutang let out a dry, mocking laugh. "Or is this a clever way of telling me I'm being cheated on? You know, 'wearing the green hat'?"

"Ruan Chutang! What is wrong with you?" Gu Zechuan snapped, his face reddening. "Watch your mouth!"

Chutang stared at his neck. A fresh hickey sat there, bright and undeniable. Chen Wan had clearly placed it there for Chutang to see.

She smiled sweetly at the fuming man. "Whether I'm talking nonsense or not, you know the truth better than anyone."

Gu Zechuan’s expression went dark. "Eat it or don't. Also, Chen Wan has nowhere else to stay, so she’s moving in for a few days. We’ll be eating light from now on. If you can't handle it, cook for yourself."

There was a full-time housekeeper, yet Gu Zechuan wouldn't allow two extra dishes. He wasn't even a vegetarian; this was a blatant attempt to humiliate her. He was willing to suffer through a meatless diet just to make her miserable.

Chutang knew he was still bitter about the watch, but she had no intention of explaining herself or apologizing. She had done nothing wrong.

She set her chopsticks down and stood up. Fine. If he wanted to play house, he could do it without her. She could always order takeout.

The next morning, Jiang Shixu’s delivery arrived.