Destined – Bai Jingting, Song Yi

The Darong dynasty has been established for only two generations. Currently, the Emperor of Darong is bedridden with a lingering illness, and the central government's control over the local regions is gradually weakening, with the treasury running empty. The governors of the thirteen provinces have become increasingly autonomous, amassing their own forces. Beneath the calm surface, there are faint signs of hidden turmoil. However, this impending sense of danger has not yet affected the magnificent and prosperous city of Yangzhou.

Inside Yangzhou, for sixteen-year-old young lady Liu Yuru, the only thing she is concerned about at the moment is when the eldest son of the Ye family, Ye Shian, will return.

Gu Jiusi intercepted Liu Yuru at the Rouge Shop and intentionally disgusted her, claiming that he was deeply infatuated with her and would not marry anyone else in this lifetime. Liu Yuru swallowed her grievances and apologized to Gu Jiusi, and he couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for teasing her in such a manner. As he was about to leave, Gu Jiusi discreetly gave Liu Yuru a box of rouge called "Divine Match," which she had long admired but couldn't afford. He generously spent a fortune to buy a box of rouge for every woman in the shop.

The auspicious moment had arrived. Although Gu Jiusi was reluctant in every way, for the sake of the Gu family, he gracefully emerged from his room in a vibrant red wedding attire, just moments before the ceremonial altar. Amidst the cheers and applause of the guests, Yuru and Gu Jiusi completed the wedding ceremony. The envoy of the Prince of Liang, seeing that everything was settled, left in a fit of anger. Now that they were husband and wife, Gu Jiusi remained true to his promise and helped transfer the betrothal gifts to Yuru's name. When Zhang Yue Er learned of this, she caused a scene at the wedding venue and was reprimanded by Liu Xuan.

Jiang Rou's comforting words had an effect on Liu Yuru. From the subtle details, she could see that although Gu Jiusi was indulgent, he was not beyond redemption in his actions. On the contrary, he had a sense of innocence and sincerity, especially when it came to love—though that pure and genuine love was not directed towards her. Liu Yuru thought to herself that regardless of the situation, life had to go on. Jiang Rou was a good mother-in-law, and she could rely on her from now on. Gu Jiusi wouldn't dare to truly oppose his parents if she had Jiang Rou's support.

Liu Yuru used various means to pressure Gu Jiusi into studying and making progress. Gu Jiusi was forced to distance himself from all kinds of leisure activities and focus only on studying the classics, which was extremely difficult for him. As long as he didn't have to memorize the Four Books and Five Classics, he found enjoyment in reading about topography, maps of mountains and rivers, and the official directory of the thirteen provinces. Gu Jiusi refused to be weak and employed countless strategies to compete with her, trying every possible method to slack off and avoid work, which led to numerous comical situations.

On the return journey in the carriage, Liu Yuru softly thanked Gu Jiusi for stepping up. Gu Jiusi waved his hand and said, "From now on, I will protect you. No one will dare to bully you. If anyone dares to bully you, I will... break their legs!" Hearing these words, Liu Yuru's heart stirred slightly. Gu Jiusi sounded so sincere, and for a moment, he truly seemed like a husband. However, Gu Jiusi still underestimated Liu Yuru's determination to transform him. After returning to the Gu residence, Liu Yuru washed her hands and prepared a soup, personally cooking and taking care of Gu Jiusi's diet.

After understanding the cause and effect, Liu Yuru decided to help Manager Wan. Against popular opinion, Liu Yuru expressed her willingness to use her personal property as a guarantee for Manager Wan and decided to save him from the crisis. This scene happened to be witnessed by Jiang Rou, who had just arrived at the Gu Family's main branch. At a critical moment, Jiang Rou appeared and publicly supported Liu Yuru's decision, leaving Liu Yuru pleasantly surprised. Manager Wan, who received this favor, was extremely grateful and called out to Liu Yuru, saying, "Manager Liu." This title brought Liu Yuru an unprecedented feeling of joy, and her heart couldn't calm down for a long time.

Gu Jiusi never expected Liu Yuru to be such a capable and competent person, even having moments of worry and nervousness. Therefore, Gu Jiusi left a clever plan for Liu Yuru, which proved to be effective in dismantling the managers of the Gu family one by one. Liu Yuru took this business very seriously, personally selecting products and running around the streets of Yangzhou, comparing prices everywhere. The samples she brought impressed Zhou Ye greatly, and they agreed on a meeting time. However, on the day of the signing of the contract, an unexpected situation arose. Zhou Ye told Liu Yuru that another businessman named Luo Zishang had also sent him samples. The price was 25% lower than that offered by the Gu family, and the delivery time was one month earlier.

Just as Liu Yuru and Zhou Ye finished signing the order and were leaving the inn, they were "coincidentally" bumped into by Wang Rong. Upon seeing Liu Yuru, Wang Rong immediately started harassing and insulting her. Gu Jiusi, who had come to bring Liu Yuru back home, witnessed this scene and became furious. He broke Wang Rong's leg and declared in front of everyone that his wife could do whatever she pleased, just like a man can do. Liu Yuru was shaken, and the rational part of her mind believed that Gu Jiusi's reckless actions would eventually lead to trouble.

Gu Jiusi was heavily injured and confined to bed, while Liu Yuru attended to his needs. It was the first time since their marriage that they lay side by side, both feeling nervous and somewhat uncomfortable. In the flickering candlelight, Liu Yuru wore only a sheer and provocative robe, and Gu Jiusi could see her translucent skin, causing his heart to beat like a drum. As Gu Jiusi stayed home to recuperate, he took advantage of Liu Yuru's tender heart, playfully teasing her and serving her tea and water, accompanying her in every way. After these days of marriage, at this moment, the two finally resembled a true couple.