The press called it "The Ice CEO's Meltdown."
Lu Shenyan had canceled interviews, shut down public appearances, and refused to clarify the contract rumors.
That silence had become a flame—and now it was burning through headlines.
But Tang Yueru had a plan.
And she needed allies.
---
"Are you seriously doing this?" Wen Qi asked, her eyes wide as she stared at the draft campaign on Yueru's tablet.
Yueru nodded. "If they want a story, we'll give them one. But it'll be on our terms."
Wen Qi scoffed. "Girl, you're actually turning your trauma into a media strategy. I'm proud. And also a little terrified."
She leaned in. "But… are you sure he's worth it?"
Yueru hesitated.
Then softly, "I think he is."
---
Meanwhile, inside Lu Corporation…
He Ruo stood silently beside Shenyan, reviewing a list of internal memos. He was efficient. Precise. Perfect.
Until he said, "Sir. About your wife."
Shenyan looked up sharply.
"She came to PR today. Took charge. They listened."
A beat of silence.
Then Shenyan's lips curved, barely.
"She's learning how to play the game."
He Ruo paused. "She's not playing. She's choosing."
---
Later that night, Shenyan's phone buzzed with an encrypted message.
> FROM: UNLISTED SOURCE
SUBJECT: YOUR WIFE'S CONTRACT – EXCLUSIVE COPY
PRICE: NEGOTIABLE
He stared at the screen. Unblinking.
Someone was selling them out.
But worse—
Someone had access.
He stood abruptly. "He Ruo. Find out who's leaking."
"Yes, sir."
---
The next morning, the story broke.
> 📸 "Lu Shenyan's Secret Wife: Contract or True Love?"
Accompanied by a blurred photo. Two shadows. A kiss. Their kiss.
Yueru saw it on her phone during breakfast.
She froze.
So did he.
No one spoke.
Until she whispered, "They're closing in."
---
He set the phone down.
"Then it's time we choose which part of this is real."
Her breath caught. "What do you mean?"
"I mean—"
A knock interrupted them.
He Ruo entered. Behind him, a woman followed.
Wen Qi.
Eyes sharp. Phone in hand.
"You two are about to become the story of the year," she said, smirking. "So let's give them something worth watching."
---