Contract Marriage: The President's Stand-in Lover - Chapter 18:

Beyond the Contract

After the birthday gift, the air in the villa seemed to shift. It was no longer cold and tense,

but carried a subtle warmth, like the quiet stirring of something new.

The gift, painted in black and white lines, landed in Gu Chen’s heart like a stone dropped into a still

pond, rippling quietly yet profoundly, and gently changing the rhythm between them.

The next morning, Vivian descended the stairs to find Gu Chen already seated at the dining table.

Morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, gilding him in soft, golden edges.

Hearing her footsteps, he lifted his head and their eyes met.

Good morning, he said, his voice calm, neutral, yet no longer distant.

Morning, Vivian replied softly, taking her seat opposite him, her heartbeat still slightly unsteady.

Madam Wang brought over breakfast with a smile.

It seems the young master is in a good mood today

Gu Chen did not deny it, only murmuring a faint yes as he

pushed a newspaper with the faint scent of ink toward her.

The financial section, there’s a deep analysis on rural tourism investment in Qingyuan Village.

Well-written. You might find it interesting.

The gesture seemed ordinary, yet it startled Vivian slightly.

He was starting to share knowledge from his world with her,

no longer just issuing instructions or passing on information.

Thank you, she said, brushing her fingers against his lightly.

Both of them paused for a heartbeat before casually looking away.

Breakfast passed in quiet harmony, free from awkwardness.

Gu Chen dabbed at the corner of his mouth with a napkin and mentioned casually.

There’s an internal discussion at the company at three this afternoon

about follow-up investments in Qingyuan Village.

If you’re free, you can come.

Vivian’s eyes widened.

I… can I attend?

Meetings of this level were normally beyond a foundation representative like her.

You are now one of the primary researchers for the early stages of this project,

he said, his gaze calm but unwavering.

Your opinions are valuable

Not as Mrs. Gu, but as a project leader. That recognition ignited a warmth

in her chest stronger than any flattery could.

Alright, I’ll be there, she said, nodding firmly, her eyes shining with the light of trust.

In the afternoon, Vivian arrived promptly at the top-floor conference room of the Gu Group.

As she followed Gu Chen inside, she could feel several curious gazes on her,

including Elizabeth Martin, seated not far to his right.

Elizabeth wore a crisp white suit today, her blonde hair elegantly pinned up,

radiating both sharpness and sophistication. A flicker of barely perceptible surprise and appraisal

crossed her eyes at Vivian, then she smiled professionally at Gu Chen

Arthur, it seems our discussion will be even more comprehensive today

Gu Chen merely nodded, pulling out the chair to his left for Vivian,

the closest spot to him, silently sending a clear message.

The meeting began, with Elizabeth’s team presenting their evaluation of the Qingyuan Village

project, focusing on artistic investment and market returns.

Her report was professional, data-rich, and sharp, showcasing her skill and influence.

She attempted several times to steer the discussion toward a more international and

high-end artistic approach, which clashed with Vivian’s vision of grassroots,

culturally rooted heritage preservation.

I believe we should bring in internationally renowned artists to elevate the project’s profile and

prestige rather than limiting ourselves to conservative support

and preservation, Elizabeth argued, scanning the room before

fixing her gaze on Gu Chen, seeking approval.

Several executives nodded in agreement, clearly favoring the approach t

hat promised quick recognition and potential profits.

Vivian’s hands clenched lightly under the table. She knew her vision might seem idealistic

or petty to these people.

Gu Chen tapped the table, drawing everyone’s attention. He did not look at Elizabeth,

only at Vivian Lin, you’ve done on-site research and interacted with the local craftsmen.

Share your perspective.

All eyes turned to her. Vivian took a deep breath, forcing calm,

and addressed the room with clarity and steadiness.

I think Elizabeth’s proposal is constructive, but perhaps we should consider a more fundamental

question. What is the core goal of this project?

To create a fleeting artistic label, or to cultivate a self-sustaining ecosystem

that truly benefits the locals and ensures living heritage can thrive, her gaze swept the room.

International artists can bring attention, but without the local soil and cultural context,

it risks becoming a hollow imitation. We should start with people,

helping the community establish confidence and sustainable livelihoods.

Then we can gradually introduce external resources to enhance and innovate,

not reverse the priorities.

Her voice was calm, structured, carrying quiet authority. Silence settled in the room.

Elizabeth’s expression flickered, about to retort, but Gu Chen spoke first.

I agree with Lin’s view, he said, his voice measured but decisive.

Our rural revitalization projects cannot pursue only short-term gains and reputation.

Social responsibility and long-term sustainability matter more.

We will proceed with Lin’s support framework as the main guide,

and Elizabeth’s team can add supplementary artistic enhancements.

He adopted Vivian’s core idea directly, placing Elizabeth’s plan in a secondary role.

Elizabeth’s face tightened, her mouth opening slightly before she fell silent,

her gaze toward Vivian tinged with cool scrutiny.

Vivian sat frozen, stunned. She had not expected Gu Chen to support her

so openly in front of all the executives, even at Elizabeth’s expense.

After the meeting, people left one by one. Vivian lingered, heart still racing.

Gu Chen tidied his documents and leaned close,

looking down at her. Lost in thought.

Vivian met his deep gaze, daring to ask.

Why did you support my plan? Elizabeth’s proposal seemed more…

More aligned with capital logic? he finished her thought casually, Perhaps.

But Gu Group doesn’t lack reputation or quick profit.

Your plan has heart and feels… more like something you would do.

He looked at her, eyes full of a kind of admiration she had never seen.

You’re right. Starting with people is fundamental

Vivian felt her chest warm, like being soaked in gentle sunlight.

He wasn’t just backing her plan, he was affirming her values.

Thank you, Gu Chen, she said sincerely.

He noticed the sparkle in her eyes and his lips curved faintly.

Shall we have dinner together, Mrs. Gu? No work talk.

For the first time, he invited her with ease, a rare casual intimacy, not for appearances,

just for the two of them.

Vivian blushed, nodding,

Alright

Dinner was at a quiet Western restaurant. Without work topics, a subtle silence lingered,

which Gu Chen gently broke. He no longer ate alone but engaged, starting light conversation.

Any other tricky foundation projects recently? he asked casually while cutting his steak.

Not really. Qingyuan Village is the focus. But a few days ago, a local theater on the brink of

disappearance reached out for help. The inheritors are elderly, no successors, in a tough spot,

she replied, eyes shining when talking about her work.

Local theater? he mused

I don’t know much, but if you see value, have the team prepare a detailed evaluation.

Some cultural worth cannot be measured solely by profit

His words carried a perspective beyond mere business, earning Vivian’s renewed respect.

I thought… you only cared about profit, she admitted

I am a businessman; profit is instinct. But Gu Group’s success isn’t just numbers.

Some principles and responsibilities matter more than profit.

Some people and matters cannot be confined to contract clauses, he said

glancing at her meaningfully.

Her heart skipped, almost too aware of his deeper implication.

After dinner, he drove her home himself, the car filled with gentle classical music,

the city lights passing outside.

I had a really good day, she said softly, looking out the window.

His hands tightened slightly on the wheel, and he caught her side profile in the rearview mirror.

Seeing her faint smile, his lips curved involuntarily.

Mm, he murmured

At the villa, the night air was cool. Gu Chen naturally draped his suit jacket over her shoulders.

Still warm with his scent and the reassuring cedar undertone, it enveloped her completely.

Vivian looked up at him, his features blurred in the dark, eyes bright and clear.

Thank you, she whispered, pulling the jacket closer

Go inside, don’t catch a cold, he said, low and tender

That night, no new contract was signed. No promises, no confessions.

Yet something had quietly begun, beyond the boundaries of any agreement,

quietly growing and spreading between them.