Shen Tang, a struggling actress, finds herself transported into the pages of a book as the contracted wife of the domineering CEO, Gu Huai’an.

She doesn’t have to fulfill any wifely duties or do much of anything. All she needs to do is occasionally attend family gatherings and create the illusion of a loving couple. In return, she receives a monthly payment of 5 million yuan and stands to gain 200 million yuan when they divorce.

Shen Tang can barely contain her laughter. Could there be such a good deal?

In the book, Shen Tang falls in love with Gu Huai’an and foolishly hopes to turn their contractual marriage into a real one, but in the end, she gains nothing.

Thinking about this outcome, Shen Tang shakes her head and sighs. What a naive girl, unable to see things clearly.

Wouldn’t it be great to live a stable life and walk away with 300 million yuan after two years of marriage?

Shen Tang decides to fully embrace a carefree life.

·

Gu Huai’an gets a second chance at life.

He remembers how Shen Tang messed things up in their previous life.

However, he waits and waits, but Shen Tang remains silent.

He asks the butler, “What has my wife been up to lately?”

The butler awkwardly smiles and says, “Madam spends her days shopping and admiring handsome men.”

Gu Huai’an: …

By a stroke of luck, Gu Huai’an discovers he can hear Shen Tang’s thoughts.

But wait, wasn’t she supposed to be head over heels in love with him? Why has she become…

Initially, Gu Huai’an only wanted to endure the two-year contract period and divorce this woman.

However, later on, he kneels down and humbly pleads, “Tang Tang, can we not get divorced?”

...Chapter 1...

"Madam, lunch is ready. Would you like to eat now?"

"Mm."

A charming figure rose from the lounge chair, lazily stretching.

As she raised her arms, her top rode up, revealing a slim, fair waist and two cute dimples on her lower back.

The maid immediately lowered her eyes, not daring to look, her cheeks flushing red. Madam was so fair!

"Let's go." Shen Tang slipped on her slippers, the taps of her footsteps echoing on the smooth marble floor.

She took the elevator down from the third floor to the dining room. Seeing the table laden with delicacies she could never have afforded in her past life, she almost teared up in excitement.

Just three days ago, Shen Tang had transmigrated into this world.

In her past life, she was an overworked extra who was served a "death combo meal".

When she opened her eyes again, she found herself sitting in a cafe.

The man opposite her lightly pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses. "Miss Shen, what do you think?"

What was going on?

Just as Shen Tang was about to reply, a flood of unfamiliar memories pushed into her mind.

Moments later, her expression turned complicated as she understood her current circumstances.

Lying on the table was a marriage agreement. She would not have to fulfill wifely duties or do anything much, just show up occasionally for family dinners and keep up the appearance of a loving couple. In return, she would receive 5 million per month, with all her living expenses charged to her husband's card.

Additionally, when the two-year agreement expired and they divorced, she would receive 200 million as settlement.

Shen Tang covered her mouth, her heart pounding and hands trembling.

What a windfall!

Thinking she was unwilling, Cen Assistant said, "If you do not wish to..."

"Pfft!"

Cen Assistant looked at her in astonishment. Shen Tang's mouth curved widely upwards as she kept emitting "pfft" sounds, like a boiling kettle.

Shen Tang took a deep breath, suppressing her laughter with difficulty. "Sorry, I lost my composure...heehee..."

Oh no, she still couldn't keep from laughing. Would he suspect she was mentally ill?

Cen Assistant opened his mouth: "...It's fine."

Afraid nightmares would occur should she tarry, Shen Tang eagerly signed her name, smiling brightly. "May I ask when the monthly payments will be made?"

Cen Assistant: "...Whenever you wish."

He felt something was off, but since Madam was the boss's choice, he must have his reasons.

The registration and move went smoothly within an afternoon.

Her cheap husband did not show up, but Shen Tang did not care.

The sprawling villa had only her as its mistress. Shen Tang lay alone on the custom-made sofa, feeling extremely lonely.

Thinking back on the plot, this novel told of the female lead Lin Mianmian's love story with four male leads.

There was not much written about her contract husband Gu Huaian, only that he was the female lead's unattainable crush.

Unfortunately, she had dropped the novel after the female supporting character with the same name died, so she did not know if Gu Huaian was truly asexual as rumored.

In the book, she was the cannon fodder who fell for Gu Huaian then actually drugged him in an attempt to force intimacy.

Of course, ultimately she obtained nothing and was directly kicked out.

Thinking of such an outcome, Shen Tang shook her head with a sigh. Foolish girl, how could she be so desperate?

Wouldn't it be better to live comfortably for two years then divorce with 320 million? With only the interest she could live idle for life.

Every day upon waking many people waited on her. She could order anything she wanted to eat, buy anything she desired.

In just three days, Shen Tang was thoroughly corrupted by capitalism.

Such days of dressing in silks and satins, with food delivered and mouths watering, were supremely blissful. VIssịT n0(v)eL/b(i)(n).𝘤𝑜𝓂 for the best novel reading experience

Recalling herself, Shen Tang gently coughed, "You all can go about your tasks. I can eat by myself."

"Yes, Madam." The servants orderly took their leave.

Seeing no one else around, Shen Tang picked up her chopsticks and ate with gusto.

Oh my god, how was it all so delicious!

After the meal, Shen Tang sprawled on the sofa to aid her digestion. Tao Sister brought over dessert and fruit. The air-flown fruit was incomparably more delicious than the discounted kind she bought in her past life.

So this was how the wealthy lived such simple unadorned lives? Marvelous, simply marvelous!

As Shen Tang ate, she booted up her game. In the past, she deliberated endlessly before spending over a hundred dollars on a skin. But she was no longer the destitute Shen Tang, she was the wealthy lady Shen Tang.

Buy buy buy!

However, her happiness did not last long—her manager Wang Brother called.

That's right, in this life she was also a Z-list celebrity.

Unlike her past life though, she was now an ever-trending queen of scandals, bearing epithets like "loose tea bitch", "plastic surgery freak", "compensation scammer", "troublemaker", and more. The online rumors never ceased.

To ride her coattails, her company PR team randomly paired her with every male celebrity she had worked with before, making her an enormous malignant tumor in the entertainment industry that everyone avoided.

But none of that mattered now as Shen Tang was prepared to quit the business.

Hilarious! She was not fated to succeed anyway, so why strive so desperately?

She had barely picked up before Wang Brother's impatient voice came through, "Why did you take so long to answer? Come to the company right now, there's good news."

He hung up straight after, not even giving Shen Tang a chance to refuse.

Good news? A pimp like him, what good news could there be?

Shen Tang pondered briefly, then frowned.

In the plot, under Wang Brother's goading she joined a dating show. She attempted to seduce several male guests, unaware they were all the female lead's suitors. In the end, she was flamed by their fans and became an online target of hate.

Crossing the female lead boded no fortune; she absolutely could not participate in that dating show.

Thinking of the year plus remaining on her exploitative contract, Shen Tang felt a little annoyed. "Uncle He, I need to go out for a bit."

The formally dressed butler Uncle He inclined his head slightly. "Which car would Madam like to take today?"

Knowing little of cars, Shen Tang said, "Any is fine."

"Very well, I will arrange it."

Soon, an expensive-looking car drove over. Though ignorant of cars, with one look Shen Tang could tell it was valuable.

Seated in the back, she could not discern what material the extremely comfortable seats were made of.

Shen Tang, who usually got carsick, now did not feel nausea or dizziness at all.

Could it be...she only felt sick riding cheap cars?

Just stepping out, a voice called from the side, "Shen Tang, you found a sugar daddy?!"

Looking over, Shen Tang saw a metrosexual with smoky makeup staring at her arrogantly.

She could make out decent features behind the outrageous look.

Heavens help me, someone's glaring at me through their nostrils!

"You are...?"

The metrosexual glared wide. "What new scam are you pulling this time to grab my attention?!"

Oh, it was that idiot ex.

They dated for just two days before he got handsy. More importantly, he owed the original owner money that he had yet to repay.

"What's it to you?" Shen Tang walked off, bag in hand.

Unexpectedly, the metrosexual followed, chattering nonstop. "Hah! So hypocritical when we dated, saying marriage was necessary before intimacy. Yet now you've hopped into some old geezer's bed..."

Shen Tang rolled her eyes. "Such bullshit!"

"Ever heard this saying before?"

The metrosexual halted. "What?"

"A qualified ex should be like dead. Oh right, return the money you owe, otherwise I'll sue."

"It was just tens of thousands. Worth making a fuss over?" He looked scornful.

"Easy to say when it wasn't your money. So pay it back."

Metrosexual: "..."

...Chapter 2...

"Cancel the contract?"

In the break room, Wang Brother squinted at Shen Tang, his tone inquiring: "Tang Tang, tell me the truth, have you found a new backer?"

"No, I'm just tired and want to retire from the industry and go home." Shen Tang blinked her sincere big eyes.

Wang Brother was stunned for a moment. "Retire? Have you made enough money to retire?"

Shen Tang felt like she had been stabbed in the chest.

"Tang Tang, are you trying to leave because of what happened before? You should know, bad publicity is still publicity. Many people don't even get the chance to walk down this path.

In this entertainment industry, it's not scary if people slander you, it's scary if you can't even make a splash and no one knows who you are.

Didn't you say you wanted to make big money to buy a house before? And improve your siblings' living environment? Have you forgotten?"

Shen Tang laughed coldly in her heart. Her original self had been brainwashed by Wang Brother's lectures like this over and over again.

"To be honest, I got married. My husband doesn't really like me being in the public eye..." As she spoke, Shen Tang even showed a shy expression.

"Married? When did this happen?" Wang Brother's brows furrowed, displeased. "Why didn't you discuss such a big matter with the company first?"

Wang Brother looked at her like he was staring at a disobedient junior, making Shen Tang feel somewhat nauseous. ViiSiit n𝒐velb𝒊/n(.)c/(𝒐)m for l𝒂test 𝒏𝒐vels

Shen Tang took a deep breath, "One of my brothers got sick recently and needs a large sum for surgery. When I asked to borrow money from you, you said you didn't have any..."

This brother was not her real brother, but a child from the same orphanage as Shen Tang. He was only eight years old this year and had somehow contracted leukemia.

The orphanage didn't have much money to begin with. Over the years, Shen Tang had slowly poured all her savings to help. Other than the money her contractual husband had just given her, she was basically penniless.

The reason why the original Shen Tang had wanted to make it big and earn money was partly for herself, and partly for the children at the orphanage.

Only children without disabilities could be adopted. The ones left behind all had some kind of disability.

Perhaps influenced by the original Shen Tang's emotions, tears instantly welled up in Shen Tang's eyes as her heart ached.

Wang Brother looked somewhat awkward. "I, I just bought a house recently, I don't have extra money on hand either."

Shen Tang rolled her eyes mentally. As if he didn't have money - he just didn't want to lend any. Over the years, he had made quite a bit from her and others like her.

Of course, borrowing money wasn't her goal anyway.

Shen Tang sniffed, "I'm not blaming you, it's just my brother's condition is very serious. I happened to have a wealthy suitor who said as long as I married him, his money would be my money. Can you blame me for not refusing?"

Wang Brother was flabbergasted. "You have a suitor?"

Shen Tang: "..."

Is that the point here?

No way, what do you mean?

Wang Brother also realized his faux pas and smiled awkwardly. "Don't overthink, I didn't mean anything else. I just never heard you mention anyone before."

"We didn't know each other long. He's a bit older and has a stiff, stern personality. I don't like him that much, so I didn't talk about him."

She was only 22 now. Gu Huai'an was almost 30. There's a saying that every 3 years marks a generation gap, so there was a whole two generation gap between them.

But to Wang Brother, it sounded like Shen Tang had married a rich quadragenarian or quinquagenarian for money.

He felt pained over it.

Although Shen Tang didn't have a good reputation, she was admirably beautiful - curvy figure, ample frontal and posterior assets. Several higher ups at the company were fond of her too. If Wang Brother had known she would marry someone over this, he would have lent her the money back then!

Now a good hand had slipped away just like that.

"Keep the marriage a secret for now. You're still young. You need to know your career should be the priority. After all, you can't rely on men..." Wang Brother's tone was meaningful.

Shen Tang nodded obediently. She looked extremely well-behaved.

Of course, that was just how she looked on the surface.

The woman standing outside who had been about to knock, covered her mouth in surprise, then revealed a smile. Shen Tang, didn't expect you to have a day like this!

She quietly turned and left without anyone noticing.

After Wang Brother left, Shen Tang instantly switched expressions, sitting on the sofa with a small pout.

As expected of the notorious old madam of the entertainment industry. Smooth talker.

She picked up the apple on the table, wiped it clean, and took a bite. Hm, not as tasty as the ones at home.

Not wanting to waste food, she still crunched up the whole thing in a few bites.

With a "biu", the core landed right in the trash can.

Soon, a knock sounded as a baby-faced girl poked her head in. It was Shen Tang's junior assistant, fittingly named Yuan Yuan.

"Sis Tang Tang, Wang Brother asked me to call you to the conference room."

"Oh." The decision must have come out.

Shen Tang felt apprehensive. Having read the novel, she understood Wang Brother's personality. He wouldn't give up squeezing every last bit of use out of someone.

In the book, her storyline was being sold to an old man. She died falling from the high floors of a hotel in her struggles.

When Shen Tang entered the conference room, Wang Brother wasn't there. Only a high-level executive was lazily reclining in the seat at the center, legs crossed.

He looked to be in his mid-thirties, wearing rimless glasses and an azure blue suit. Not bad looking, just somewhat oily.

Shen Tang politely greeted, "Director Zhou."

Director Zhou brazenly looked Shen Tang up and down. His naked gaze felt almost tangible.

Shen Tang endured the goosebumps rising on her arm, as well as the urge to punch him, and asked, "Did you ask me here for something?"

"I heard you got married?" And to an old man at that.

One could clearly hear the regret in his tone.

Shen Tang pressed her lips together without answering.

Clearly the other side didn't actually want to hear her response either. He pushed over a contract and said, "You've been with the company for a while and always obedient. Marrying so rashly this time was foolish. You should have discussed with the company first."

His tone then shifted as he continued, "I heard from your agent you want to retire? Penalty for breaking your contract early would be around 8 million. Are you certain about retiring?"

Shen Tang's eyes widened in shock. "How much?!"

"8 million. Not a small sum. If you're set on retiring, you can prepare the money first. I'll help you smooth things over with the company..."

Director Zhou sneered inwardly. Shen Tang was an orphan without any backers or resources, and even had a freeloader little brother. No way could she get that much money!

Sure enough, Shen Tang's expression darkened after hearing him.

She wouldn't just hand over 8 million to the damn company. Her contract expiration wasn't far off either, she could endure a bit longer!

She also didn't plan to participate in the dating reality show anymore.

Shen Tang gave an awkward laugh. "Then I won't retire for now. But I did get married, so participating in a dating show wouldn't be suitable right?"

"Don't worry, I picked an even better show for you. I'm still optimistic about your potential. Don't let me down, Tang Tang..."

As Director Zhou spoke, he placed his hand on Shen Tang's shoulder. Unexpectedly, his wrist was suddenly twisted and his whole body uncontrollably collapsed onto the table. Then pain shot through.

"Ah-"

Shen Tang quickly let go, "Sorry, reflex..."

"Ow-" Director Zhou cradled his aching wrist, inhaling sharply twice.

"What do they feed you to make you so strong?!"

Shen Tang became anxious. "I often did labor work since I was little so I'm a bit stronger. Do you need me to take you to the hospital?"

Inside, she was sneering. Touch me again, I'll break your wrist!

"No need. Just sign the contract first." Director Zhou left wearing a pained grimace.

Shen Tang opened the contract and took a look. It wasn't for a dating show, but a deserted island survival reality show.

The full name of the survival show was "13 Days on the Island". No scripts or behind-the-scenes interference, everything would be broadcasted live. The production team would not provide any assistance.

She vaguely recalled this show seemed to blow up later on in the book.

Looking closely, there weren't any hidden unfair clauses. So she signed her name.

On her way back to the break room, Shen Tang sensitively noticed people's gazes toward her seemed a bit off.

When she looked over, they either avoided her sight or pretended not to see her.

Upon returning to her office, she learned from Yuan Yuan that someone had spread news of her being kept by an old man.

Yuan Yuan was both indignant and worried. "No idea which blabbermouth started rumors. Sis Tang Tang, should we clarify?"

Shen Tang thought for a moment and said indifferently, "Forget it, just let them talk. It's pretty much the same anyway."

Yuan Yuan opened her mouth wide in surprise.

Shen Tang closed her jaw. "Put away your wild imagination."

Yuan Yuan: "Oh."

Moreover, even if there was clarification, they still wouldn't believe it.

People only choose to believe what they want to believe.