Xiao Yu stormed into the living room, her cheeks flushed with anger. Her eyes narrowed as she glared at Long Shan, who was already seated on the expansive leather couch with one leg lazily crossed over the other, a wine glass in his hand and amusement flickering in his gaze.
"You can't be serious," she snapped, folding her arms across her chest.
Long Shan tilted his head, smirking. "You'll need to be more specific, sweetheart. Is it the legal name change or the cuddling and kiss you find so outrageous?"
She narrowed her eyes further. "Both. First, I'm not changing my name legally to 'Xiao Yu' like I'm some pet project. And second, cuddling you to sleep? And kissing you goodnight and whenever you want to kiss. What are you—a grown mafia boss or a cranky toddler? And you're not my boyfriend"
He chuckled, the low timbre of his voice annoyingly smooth. "I prefer being cranky if it means I get what I want. And in my house, under my roof, my rules apply."
Her heart pounded as she clenched her fists. "You're threatening to send me back to my aunt if I refuse, aren't you?"
Long Shan leaned forward, his playful expression sharpening into something cold. "That's exactly what I'm saying. Unless you've forgotten, she's still waiting with Viper to collect you—debt-free. One call from me and you'll be packed like cargo."
"You're awful," Xiao Yu muttered, her voice trembling with disbelief.
He stood, towering over her. "And you're living under my mercy, Meilian. Think carefully."
Silence stretched between them like a taut string. She swallowed, trying to steady her breathing.
"...Fine," she whispered. "I'll agree to change my name. But I won't be your cuddling and kissing toy."
"You have until tomorrow morning," Long Shan said without looking back, already walking away.
Her voice cracked. "You're so cruel!"
He didn't even flinch. "I've heard that before."
---
At the Jiang household, the family sat around the breakfast table. Jiang Lifen stirred her tea absentmindedly, her expression distant.
Jiang Liu Zhihao, her mother, looked at her with concern. "Are you alright, Fen?"
Lifen forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mama. Just tired."
Jiang Yuze, her older brother, raised an eyebrow. "Does this have anything to do with your surprise visit to Long Shan's place the other night?"
Lifen's eyes flickered. "He… didn't react well to the birthday surprise. I guess he's not fond of being celebrated."
Jiang Wei nodded. "He's always been like that. Reserved. Detached."
"But that's not what's bothering you, is it?" Jiang Meili asked, her brows knitting.
Jiang Lifen sighed. "No."
Jiang Meili asked. "It's about what you overheard there?"
Jiang Lifen nodded.
"That poor girl," Jiang Liu Zhihao whispered, her voice shaky. "What kind of aunt does that?"
"Exactly. What does she mean to him now?" Lifen murmured. "And what does it mean for me?"
---
Meanwhile, at Long Shan's mansion, breakfast was being served in awkward silence.
Xiao Yu picked at her congee, her thoughts swirling. She didn't dare meet his gaze.
"So?" he asked without lifting his eyes from his phone.
She hesitated. "I haven't decided."
"There's nothing to decide," he said sharply, pulling out a file and sliding it across the table to her.
Her brows furrowed. "What's this?"
"Read."
Her eyes scanned the document, and her face paled as she read:
PRIVATE AGREEMENT
Article 1: Name Change
The Party shall officially assume the name Meng Xiao Yu, effective immediately.
Article 2: Emotional Support Clause
The Party agrees to provide nightly companionship and physical comfort (including but not limited to cuddling and kissing) to the Benefactor upon request.
Article 3: Breach Consequence
Noncompliance will result in immediate revocation of the Benefactor's protection, with the Party returned to her original guardian and former debtor, Hong Yue.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date written.
Signed,
Meng Xiao Yu (Fang Meilian)
Date
_ _ _ _ _
Long Shan
Date
_ _ _ _ _
*
*
*
"You're joking," she said, her voice tight.
"Do I look like I'm laughing?"
"You're making me sign a contract to be your comfort pillow?"
Long Shan leaned back, folding his arms. "Consider it a lease. You were bought. This simply makes it legal."
"Meng?" She asked bewildered.
"You don't have to worry about that." He croaked out.
"I see you paid them." She said.
"Yes" He answered tiredly.
Her throat tightened. The pen felt heavier than it should. Her fingers trembled.
"Sign it, Meilian. I have a flight in two hours," he said coldly.
"You're sick," she spat, but her hand moved anyway. She signed, slowly, painfully, beneath her new official name—Meng Xiao Yu.
He smiled faintly and took the document. "Good girl."
"I hate you," she muttered, tears stinging her eyes.
"Join the queue."
As he walked toward the door with his men, Xiao Yu yelled, "I hope you never come back!"
Long Shan paused, turning halfway. "Be careful what you wish for. If anything happens to me, I won't be here to protect you… from Hong Yue. Or from Viper."
Her heart stopped.
And then, he was gone.
---