Chapter 2: Sorry for Interrupting Your Date
Shen Xi was never the type to just sit around and wait for things to happen. In a movie she had seen in her past life, it was mentioned that falling from a great height into water was a way to wake up from a dream. She remembered that in the original novel, Gu Hanling’s villa had a massive swimming pool.
"What if this really is just a dream? This whole situation is already absurd. Might as well give it a try."
After all, getting transported into a novel and turning into someone else? That only happens in books and movies, right?
If this world was real, she wouldn’t die from falling into a pool. Either way, it was worth the gamble.
With that thought, Shen Xi, barefoot on the cold floor, hurried onto the balcony and realized she was on the third floor of the villa.
She looked down at the huge blue pool on the first floor. She had never imagined the third floor would be this high, and her mild fear of heights instantly kicked in, making her dizzy.
But after hesitating for just a moment, she took a deep breath and jumped. Her delicate figure plunged downward, like a beautiful angel descending to earth.
With a loud splash, the cold water swallowed her whole. Icy liquid filled her nose and mouth, making it impossible to breathe.
But… she didn’t wake up from this so-called dream.
In all her overthinking, she had forgotten one crucial detail. She couldn’t swim.
……………………………
Sunset, Third Floor Bedroom of the Villa.
"Madam Gu is fine, but she needs plenty of rest."
A doctor reported to a middle-aged man in a tailored suit standing by the bed. Beside him, a young nurse was quietly packing up medical equipment.
"Thank you for making the trip again."
The man gave a slight bow and gestured toward the door with the elegance of a noble gentleman.
"It’s no trouble at all, Butler Wang."
Before leaving, both the doctor and the nurse turned toward the balcony and respectfully bowed in farewell before stepping out of the room.
"You’re awake?"
A deep, magnetic voice came from the balcony. The speaker was a young man with sharp, striking features. Almost too handsome to be real.
He was leisurely sipping coffee, his cold gaze never once shifting toward the woman lying in bed.
Shen Xi froze for a second before sneaking a peek with one eye. She spotted a middle-aged man standing beside her bed. A classic noble butler type, straight out of a TV drama, wearing a warm, gentle smile.
Realizing there was no point in pretending, Shen Xi forced an awkward smile and fully opened her eyes.
"Madam, it was just a little interruption to your date. No need to take it so hard."
The man’s indifferent voice came from the balcony again. Shen Xi turned toward the source and was instantly intimidated by his overwhelming presence.
Dressed in a black shirt, he radiated power, the kind of person who, if this were ancient times, would definitely hold a position of absolute authority.
His stunningly good looks were so unfair that even Shen Xi, who had once been a man, felt jealous.
So this must be the original Shen Xi’s so-called husband, Gu Hanling?
By the bed, Butler Wang gave a slight bow, still smiling apologetically.
"Apologies, Madam. It was I who arranged for someone to stop your date. Sir is extremely busy."
He continued politely, "Please remember the terms of your contract with Sir. For the next two years, do not do anything that would bring shame to the Gu family."
Far from being angry, Shen Xi was relieved. This butler was basically her lifesaver. At least her dignity had been preserved.
But something about this master-and-servant pair felt off…
They kept calling her ‘Madam,’ yet they didn’t care if she dated other men. As long as it didn’t embarrass the Gu family.
It was a weird setup.
But in the novel, this was exactly why Gu Hanling agreed to a contract marriage with her in the first place. He needed a wife who wouldn’t interfere with his life.
Shen Xi was already incredibly beautiful, the perfect decorative "vase" to bring to social events. Someone who could help ward off the countless admirers buzzing around Gu Hanling so he could focus on building his business empire.
To avoid breaking character and making it obvious that she was no longer the original Shen Xi, she deliberately turned her head away with a displeased expression.
"Otherwise, Madam, you will be required to pay a 1 billion yuan breach-of-contract penalty. Please don’t forget that."
Shen Xi froze on the spot.
What the hell? 1 billion?! The novel never mentioned this part of the contract!
Her small fists clenched tight in anger. She was furious now. She wanted to storm onto the balcony and punch that man in the face.
Screw him! Gu Hanling isn't even human. He’s a devil! A heartless capitalist! What kind of ridiculous contract is this?! So what if he’s handsome? So what if he’s rich?!
Butler Wang, sensing her anger, maintained his eternally calm and gentle smile, but this time, there was a hint of reassurance in it.
"Of course, as long as Madam fulfills her role and honors the contract, the promised 200 million yuan payment will be delivered in full."
To Gu Hanling, 200 million was nothing but a number.
But to Shen Xi, who had been an ordinary person in her past life, it was a fortune beyond imagination. Though her face remained neutral, her heart was bursting with joy.
Wait… 200 million?!
Gu Hanling is an angel! No!! He's my big brother! I want to swear loyalty to him! From now on, wherever Big Brother tells me to go, I’ll go! No questions asked!
Without realizing it, Shen Xi started humming the theme song from the Three Kingdoms oath of brotherhood, already lost in thoughts about how she would spend her 200 million.
She was so caught up in her excitement that she completely missed the fact that the man on the balcony had already walked over to her bedside.
With a polite and gentlemanly smile, he spoke:
"Madam, you haven’t eaten all day. You must be hungry. Let’s have dinner together."
Shen Xi snapped out of her daydream and looked up.
Gu Hanling’s absurdly handsome face was now dangerously close, making her feel an invisible pressure.
As someone who had been a man in her past life, standing next to someone that much better-looking than her past self… it was hard not to feel a little pressure. And maybe… a little jealousy?
She quickly looked away and nodded, agreeing to the meal. She hadn’t expected someone like him to be this considerate. Actually worried that she might be hungry.
Her impression of this man, who stood at the very peak of the social pyramid in the novel, had shifted a bit. He wasn’t as cold and ruthless as she had imagined.
But Butler Wang, having served his master for years, understood Gu Hanling’s intentions clearly.
His master had never welcomed Shen Xi’s presence. That invitation was nothing more than a gesture of courtesy.
And what Gu Hanling didn’t say, Butler Wang would make sure to say for him.
"Madam, after dinner, I will arrange for a driver to take you home."
Shen Xi’s mind filled with question marks.
Home? What home? Isn’t this Gu Hanling’s house?
Then, she remembered that she had skimmed through some chapters of the novel and missed a lot of details.
Oh… maybe they live separately. Well, that works for me. At least I won’t have to worry about sharing a bed with him.
So, Shen Xi simply nodded obediently, not saying a word, afraid of exposing herself.
"This is a new outfit that Sir prepared for you. It was chosen based on your usual style."
Butler Wang presented a tray with a carefully folded, elegant dress. Sexy, luxurious, and clearly from a top international brand.
Gu Hanling, despite technically being her husband, had zero interest in watching a woman change clothes. Without hesitation, he turned to leave the room alongside the butler.
But just as he was about to step out.
Shen Xi suddenly reached out, grabbing the edge of his sleeve.
She hesitated for a second, then spoke,
"Wait a minute! Um..."
Gu Hanling paused mid-step, slightly turning his head.