Chapter 42: Yanran, Help Your Husband Undress

She didn't refute Su Chen's words.

As Su Chen had pointed out, Xiao Tiancheng had always coveted the position of the Xiao family's young master.

The current situation within the Xiao family was clear to her—clearer than to anyone else. A single misstep could plunge her into eternal damnation.

On the other hand, Su Chen, as the Su family's young master and sole heir, possessed a status so prestigious that he was more than a suitable match for her in every regard.

If she married Su Chen and became his legitimate wife—the future mistress of the Su family—her position in the Xiao family would become unshakable, immune to any challenges.

But there was a problem.

Su Chen seemed to sense Xiao Ruoyu's inner turmoil. With a faint smile, he continued, "Miss Xiao, if you don't believe me, I can reveal another piece of information to you."

He gestured toward the private room marked with the character "Hai" and said, "Ye Fan is nothing more than a spy your brother, Xiao Tiancheng, planted by your side."

At those words, Xiao Ruoyu's head snapped up, her pupils contracting sharply. A tidal wave of emotions crashed through her heart.

She had once held a favorable impression of Ye Fan. Never did she expect that he would turn out to be in cahoots with Xiao Tiancheng.

"Do you have evidence?"

After a brief moment of shock, Xiao Ruoyu quickly regained her composure. Her sharp eyes locked onto Su Chen's, her voice calm yet firm.

"Of course," Su Chen replied, nodding confidently.

He reached into his robe and retrieved a memory jade, placing it gently in her slender hands.

Xiao Ruoyu took the jade eagerly, her divine sense plunging into it without hesitation.

Moments later, her expression shifted unpredictably, her delicate features frozen in shock.

The memory jade displayed a scene of Ye Fan meeting secretly with Xiao Tiancheng outside the Celestial Auction House.

Finally, she lifted her gaze to Su Chen, her eyes brimming with complex emotions.

She knew Su Chen wasn't lying.

At this moment, her mind was a jumbled mess of thoughts, countless possibilities swirling chaotically. She was at a loss for what decision to make.

Seeing her hesitation, Su Chen pressed forward, striking while the iron was hot. "Miss Xiao, if you marry me, I can tell you the secret behind the broken jade pendant in your possession."

"You must have sensed by now that this jade pendant has a connection to you, haven't you?"

Hearing this, Xiao Ruoyu's delicate frame trembled slightly, her expression shifting to one of intense emotion.

She did indeed feel an inexplicable connection to the jade pendant, though she hadn't been certain of its significance.

Now, Su Chen's words only solidified her suspicions.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Ruoyu forced herself to calm down. She fixed her gaze on Su Chen. "This jade pendant… it's truly related to me?"

"It is," Su Chen replied with a confident smile.

"What's your condition?" she asked after a long pause, her voice steady but her eyes sharp.

She now believed the pendant would play a crucial role in her life, and she was willing to pay a price to uncover its secrets.

"My condition is simple," Su Chen said with a wicked grin, tilting her chin upward gently. "Become my woman. Become the Su family's young mistress."

"Master Su, kindly give me a moment to think," Xiao Ruoyu said, suppressing the urge to shove him away. Her tone remained calm and measured.

However, Su Chen showed no intention of stepping back. Instead, he chuckled. "Miss Xiao, though we don't know each other well, as Qingxue's close friend, you should understand my character. While I am domineering, I always act openly and with integrity. I never break my word, and I always treat my women with utmost care."

Hearing this, Xiao Ruoyu nodded slightly, acknowledging his reputation.

Back when Su Chen could have taken Xia Qingxue by force, he chose instead to pursue her honorably, never resorting to underhanded or disgraceful means.

Likewise, now, though Su Chen could easily force her hand, he stood before her openly, laying out his conditions clearly and giving her the time to consider.

"I need you to manage the Su family's affairs in my stead, and you need me to secure the Xiao family's young master position for you. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement. What do you say?" Su Chen asked with a sly smile.

Xiao Ruoyu fell silent, her thoughts swirling. She remained motionless for what felt like an eternity.

Su Chen, on the other hand, was in no hurry. He leaned back in his chair, sipping tea leisurely, as though victory was already within his grasp.

Finally, after a long pause, Xiao Ruoyu raised her head and said, "I agree. But only on the condition that you help me eliminate my enemies within the Xiao family."

Surprise flickered across Su Chen's face, but he quickly nodded. "No problem."

"You're not falling in love with me, are you?" Xiao Ruoyu asked abruptly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Su Chen shrugged casually. "You're beautiful, your figure is exquisite, and I enjoy beautiful things—especially beautiful women."

"Should I take that as a compliment?" she teased, her eyes twinkling playfully.

"You can if you wish," Su Chen replied with a faint smile.

Xiao Ruoyu chuckled softly, her lips curling upward. "Thank you for the flattery."

She had thought she held no charm over Su Chen, yet his candid admiration stirred a subtle sweetness within her heart.

After a brief pause, Su Chen leaned closer, his smile deepening. "Since we've agreed on our cooperation, I'd like a down payment."

"A down payment?" Xiao Ruoyu blinked, momentarily puzzled.

It didn't take long for her to understand his meaning.

Before she could react, Su Chen stood, stepped closer, and cupped her slender neck with a firm yet gentle hand. He leaned in, his lips capturing hers.

Caught off guard, Xiao Ruoyu froze in place, unable to resist.

Su Chen's kiss was anything but simple. His skillful tongue pried her lips apart, delving into her sweet, fragrant mouth and overwhelming her senses with a rush of heat and intensity.

"Mmm…" A soft moan escaped Xiao Ruoyu's lips, her body turning weak and pliant.

When their lips finally parted, Xiao Ruoyu's face was a deep shade of red, her chest heaving as she bit her lip in silent frustration.

"This down payment is mine now," Su Chen said with a cheeky grin. "The rest… we'll settle later."

"You…" Xiao Ruoyu glared at him, her voice sharp. "I hope you'll keep your promises. If I find out you've deceived me or gone back on your word, don't blame me for being merciless."

With that, she turned and left the room, her steps quick and purposeful.

Watching her disappear through the door, Su Chen smirked, his eyes gleaming with confidence.

"It seems I haven't completely conquered this ice-cold beauty yet… But she tastes as sweet as I imagined."

He stroked his chin thoughtfully, muttering to himself.

A rare gem like Xiao Ruoyu—stunning, with the divine Phoenix Martial Soul to boot—was a treasure worth pursuing. Su Chen didn't mind spending a little extra effort.

With his charm and persistence, he had no doubt he'd win her over eventually.

Clap, clap, clap.

Three crisp claps echoed in the room. Moments later, Chu Yanran entered gracefully.

Watching the ethereal Xiao Ruoyu earlier but unable to touch her had left Su Chen burning with desire.

Now, he could finally indulge himself.

"Yanran, help your husband undress…"

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