After being reborn, the aloof female CEO became a paranoid.

The vow, which should have been heartwarming, seemed strangely ironic due to the subtle atmosphere between the two.

If two people truly love each other, these words would surely touch their hearts, but Zhou Yu's heart has long been covered by the shadows of the past and has lost its former warmth.

"Alright, Mr. Zhou, now it's time for you to kiss your fiancée."

The emcee's voice rang out at the right moment, breaking the silence in the air.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu frowned, a flash of anger crossing his eyes.

Engagement? And a kiss?

This absurd ceremony made him feel humiliated like never before.

He suddenly lowered his eyes, his gaze sharp and intense, staring directly at Xu Xinran, trying to find a flaw in her eyes, but all he saw was indifference and threat.

Xu Xinran chuckled lightly, her smile filled with the triumph and provocation of a victor.

She slowly raised her fair chin, her eyes gleaming with an undeniable light, as if to say:

"Zhou Yu, don't try to test my bottom line. Jiang Wanwan's safety is entirely in your hands."

Feeling that invisible pressure, Zhou Yu's clenched fist trembled slightly, but in the end he could only helplessly give in.

He slowly closed his eyes, took a deep breath as if in a final struggle, then suddenly leaned down and lightly touched Xu Xinran's lips for a moment, before quickly withdrawing, as if it were a poison to be avoided at all costs.

Xu Xinran felt the warmth on her lips for a moment, the sensation so clear that it made her heart tremble.

But this beauty is like a mirage, unattainable.

A wave of indescribable sorrow welled up in Xu Xinran's heart. In her past life, she had been so foolish to miss out on such precious tenderness and not know how to appreciate and cherish it.

……

After the engagement banquet, Xu Xinran was already somewhat drunk, while Zhou Yu was more sober than ever before.

"Zhou Yu, get in the car."

Xu Xinran's voice was full of unyielding authority. She pulled open the car door and stared straight at Zhou Yu, waiting for his obedience.

But Zhou Yu just snorted and walked straight to his father Zhou Zhengwen's car.

Where are you going?

Xu Xinran's voice suddenly turned cold. She strode forward, grabbed Zhou Yu's wrist, and a ruthless glint flashed in her eyes.

She absolutely refused to let this man slip through her fingers again.

"go home."

Zhou Yu gave a brief but powerful answer. He turned his head, his gaze sharp as a knife, piercing straight into Xu Xinran's heart.

“I will do what I promised. But I also hope that you will keep your promise, release Jiang Wanwan, and ensure her safety.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Xinran tightened her grip even more, staring intently at Zhou Yu as if trying to see right through him.

"Zhou Yu, you don't seem to understand your current situation."

She sneered, then, ignoring Zhou Yu's resistance, forcibly pushed him into the car.

"What do you want to do?"

Zhou Yu was furious and wanted to fight back, but he was unable to break free because there were other guests around.

"Take you home."

Zhou Yu felt a chill run down his spine and instantly understood Xu Xinran's intention.

He glared at Xu Xinran and growled in a low voice, "Xu Xinran, don't go too far! We're not married yet, what right do you have to make me live with you?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Xinran's lips curled into a contemptuous smile, as if she had already anticipated Zhou Yu's reaction.

"What's wrong with unmarried couples getting used to each other beforehand? Or are you scared?"

Her tone was slightly provocative, as if she was deliberately trying to provoke Zhou Yu.

Zhou Yu clenched his fists, trying hard to control his emotions. He knew that anger would only put him in a more passive position, but he also couldn't tolerate Xu Xinran's unreasonable demands.

However, just as he was about to open the car door, Xu Xinran decisively signaled the driver to start the car.

The vehicle slowly started and drove towards Xu Xinran's private villa.

Zhou Yu was completely at a loss and could only turn his head to look out the car window without saying a word.

Xu Xinran sat beside him, a smug smile on her face.

This villa was the wedding room she had carefully prepared for this day; she had waited for this moment for far too long.

Every detail in the new house was strikingly similar to the bedroom in Zhou Yu's previous life. This suffocating sense of familiarity felt like an invisible shackle, tightly binding him.

He knew that resistance was futile, but he was still unwilling to give up and wanted to try.

"Could we... live separately?"

His voice, though low, held a hint of resentment and helplessness. He had lost count of how many times he had pleaded so humbly since he was captured.

Upon hearing this, Xu Xinran's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile, a smile that concealed a multitude of complex emotions.

"No, Zhou Yu, don't forget, you are my fiancé now."

Her tone was firm and unquestionable, as if it were all perfectly natural.

"But that's only in name! We're not officially married yet!"

Zhou Yu's emotions were finally ignited. He retorted angrily, his voice filled with an unprecedented vitality, much more vibrant than his previous resigned and lifeless demeanor.

It will happen sooner or later!

Xu Xinran casually handed over a bath towel, trying to use her gentle appearance to cover up her toughness, "Go take a shower first. You must be tired after a long day. Get some rest after you shower."

Her voice was gentle, but every word was like a nail, piercing Zhou Yu's heart, making it impossible for him to ignore her decision.

Zhou Yu took the towel, his heart filled with mixed feelings. In the end, he chose to compromise, but there was only one condition.

"You go out first."

Upon hearing this, Xu Xinran frowned, as if weighing something.

A moment later, she sighed, turned and left, leaving behind a "whatever" and the sound of the door closing.

Zhou Yu leaned against the cold bathroom wall, letting the water wash over his body, washing away the restlessness and unease in his heart.

He knew that the calm tonight was only temporary.

Xu Xinran will not let him off easily, and the days ahead will be even more difficult.