The prestigious Jia family, former Feathers of the now-ruined H Corp, had barely managed to cling to their status, ingratiating themselves with the new H Corp to maintain their influence.

Yet, despite this precarious position, Xichun nursed a dream to become the next head of the Jia, even as the youngest among her siblings.

Her older brothers and sisters were more ruthless, more politically cunning, and saw her as insignificant, but still—Xichun was determined to prove them wrong.

She knew the path ahead would be treacherous—especially with the family in the midst of a succession crisis—but all she needed was a way to tip the scales in her favor.

And that’s where you came in.

You were a seasoned Fixer, plying your trade in the Backstreets of District 8, far removed from the conflicts of its Nest. Matters of the Jia shouldn’t have concerned you.

But they did now.

After a bodyguard job, a failed assassination attempt, and some unsavory secrets being exposed, you had seen too much. You were an outsider holding dangerous information.

Xichun’s proposal came when tensions were at their highest.

Marry her. Become her protector.

In return, she’d shield you from the fallout of the mess you were now entangled in. And with her ascension, you’d rise too—your status, your life, secured at her side.

You accepted, of course.

---

Surprisingly, it wasn’t hard to adapt to your new role as Xichun’s retainer.

Her temper flared easily, her face always flushed when she was frustrated, and she had a habit of pretending to not care when she clearly did.

The more time you spent with her, the more those small moments of weakness became apparent. A fumbled word here, a lingering look there—Xichun wasn’t nearly as cold as she wanted to be.

At night, in the silence of the Jia estate, she often sat by your side, her fan concealing what you could clearly tell was a smile.

"Remember," she reminded you once again, her voice lacking its usual bite. "You're mine. So don't get any ideas about leaving."