Volume One, Chapter Eight: Mastery of Acting

“Stop right there!” Tang Xinyi’s voice rang out from behind, blocking his path.

“Miss Tang, our act is over. What more do you want?” Fang Tao turned to face her.

“I want you to sign a marriage contract with me,” Tang Xinyi bit her lip and said.

“Is that necessary? It’s all fake anyway. Why bother with these formalities?” Fang Tao looked bewildered.

“I need you to be my nominal husband for two years,” Tang Xinyi met his gaze squarely and added.

Fang Tao couldn’t help but laugh. “Miss Tang, are you teasing me just because I’m freshly divorced?”

“I’m serious, not joking,” Tang Xinyi stood up, her eyes pleading.

At that moment, he seemed to recall something, glancing down at the clothes he was wearing and the two sets of new clothes he was holding.

“I’ll return these clothes to you,” he said, placing the new outfits on the table.

Tang Xinyi watched him with interest. “And what about what you’re wearing? I bought those too. Take them off!”

Fang Tao was stunned. His old clothes had already been disposed of by Tang Xinyi. He could take off the outerwear, but surely he couldn’t stand there naked?

“Besides, I helped you save face here. Even your mother didn’t have a word to say. Can’t you help me just this once?” Tang Xinyi continued.

This straightforward request embarrassed Fang Tao somewhat, but he had to admit that having her around eased the awkwardness of the day considerably, even stirring a faint sense of gratitude within him.

Fang Tao gradually realized that in this world, even the seemingly absurd often held their own logic.

He sighed, tinged with resignation, and nodded. “Alright, I’ll help you this time. Consider it repaying your kindness. But let’s be clear—what kind of help are we talking about, and don’t go overboard.”

In the end, he couldn’t resist Tang Xinyi’s pitiful eyes.

Tang Xinyi smiled gently and sat down gracefully.

“First, you have to publicly claim you’re married to President Tang. Apart from the three of us, no one can know it’s just an agreement,” Sister Li interjected.

“That’s easy,” Fang Tao agreed readily.

“Second, for two years, you must stick close to President Tang wherever she goes,” Sister Li said.

Fang Tao was momentarily taken aback and half-jokingly said, “Wait, even to the bathroom?”

Tang Xinyi’s cheeks flushed slightly as she let out a soft chuckle. “You wish!”

Sister Li shot him a glare before continuing, “Third, if anyone dares to bully President Tang, you must protect her like a real husband.”

“I object!” Fang Tao jumped up immediately.

“No objections allowed. You’re a man,” Sister Li said coldly, fixing him with a stern look.

“She’s not my real wife. Why should I risk my life for her? What if we run into some lunatic?” Fang Tao argued earnestly.

Sister Li snorted disdainfully. “Many men dream of protecting President Tang, but they haven’t even had the chance. And here you are, hesitating and making excuses?”

“I’m human, not a superhero. Of course, I’m scared of dying,” Fang Tao persisted.

“I won’t let you do it for nothing,” Tang Xinyi said. “For this year, you’ll receive ten thousand yuan a month as compensation.”

“Ten thousand? For me to risk my life?” Fang Tao rolled his eyes.

“Who said you’re risking your life?” Sister Li retorted. “In this city, who dares to really harm President Tang?”

“That’s not guaranteed. What if we encounter a madman? Then I’d be out of luck,” Fang Tao said seriously.

“Alright, fifteen thousand!” Tang Xinyi bit her lip and raised the offer.

“Twenty thousand!” Fang Tao didn’t hesitate, holding up two fingers.

“You’re the CEO, don’t be so stingy. Besides, considering my looks, twenty thousand isn’t even a loss,” Fang Tao pressed his advantage as Tang Xinyi hesitated.

Tang Xinyi’s eyes widened, locking onto him. “I’m stingy? Do you have any idea who bought the clothes you’re wearing and how much they cost?”

Fang Tao scratched his nose and grinned cheekily. “I didn’t force you to buy them. This is about mutual face…”

Tang Xinyi was so angry she was nearly out of breath, barely able to speak.

Sister Li glared at Fang Tao coldly, her tone icy: “Mr. Fang, please behave yourself!”

Did this guy think this was a marketplace? Tang Xinyi waved her hand helplessly. “Fine, twenty thousand it is.”

Fang Tao grinned, showing his white teeth, and nodded in satisfaction.

After all, life should have some sweetness, shouldn’t it?

“There’s one more important thing,” Tang Xinyi continued. “For the coming year, you have to live under the same roof as me.”

Hearing this, Fang Tao feigned surprise. “Does that include sleeping together?”

“What are you thinking!” Tang Xinyi rolled her eyes. “I mean my house is big, with many rooms. We’ll each have our own.”

“That’s a relief. Otherwise, twenty thousand wouldn’t even cover it,” Fang Tao joked.

Tang Xinyi was speechless again, thinking: Have I become his benefactor now?

“Don’t worry, there will be bodyguards at home. Sister Li will stay too.” Fang Tao glanced at Sister Li’s stern face and involuntarily swallowed hard.

This woman clearly wasn’t easy to deal with. Images of vicious housekeepers from TV dramas flashed through his mind, making his heart race.

“Alright…” he agreed reluctantly and then signed his name on the contract. “Can I go now? I’ll go pack my things.”

Tang Xinyi noticed the slightly somber expression on his face, frowned slightly, then stood and gently linked her arm through his, speaking softly, “Let me see you out.”

Her voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, stirring a ripple in Fang Tao’s heart.

This woman’s acting was truly masterful.

Arm in arm, Tang Xinyi and Fang Tao appeared together in the hall.

“My dear, here are my car keys. Remember to pick me up after work.”

Those words stunned everyone present. The usually stern CEO had suddenly become so tender and affectionate?

Fang Tao nearly lost his footing. If he hadn’t known about her “performance” beforehand, he might have truly been moved. But since there was a luxury car to ride in, he wasn’t about to miss the chance.

So he climbed into the Ferrari and sped toward the old district in the western part of the city.

The car stopped before a somewhat dilapidated house. Fang Tao took a deep breath and gently pushed open the gate.

“Master, I’m home.”

Although no one was in the yard, his voice was steady and resolute.

He opened the door and saw a memorial tablet placed on the shrine.

Though the room was simple, it was neat and orderly, clearly well cared for.

He respectfully took three incense sticks, lit them, and bowed deeply toward the tablet.

“Master, my mother has passed away. She is like an oil lamp burning out. No matter how skilled I am, I am powerless…”

Fang Tao wiped away a tear and continued:

“Master, you once said that if I became a son-in-law of the Wang family, I must not open that wooden box nor receive your guidance. Now that I have severed ties with the Wangs, I come to seek your permission to open it in your presence.”