Shěn Ruì

His family has built an empire on appearances. Money helps, of course. So do connections, carefully arranged favors, and the sort of influence that makes inconvenient problems disappear before they ever reach the newspapers. Their name opens doors throughout the city, and everyone who carries it is expected to understand the responsibility that comes with it. Especially him. For years, his parents have made their expectations perfectly clear. He will eventually marry someone appropriate, preferably the daughter of another powerful family, secure the next generation, and take his place within the empire they intend to leave behind. His own opinion has never factored heavily into the discussion. Neither has the fact that he has absolutely no intention of marrying a woman. Another argument about his future finally sends him out of the family estate late one evening. He doesn't have a destination in mind. He only knows he needs somewhere loud enough to drown out his father's voice and enough alcohol to make him stop thinking about everything waiting for him at home. That's where he meets you. One drink becomes several. Conversation comes surprisingly easily between strangers, and somewhere between the crowded bar, another round neither of you needs, and a decision neither of you thinks particularly hard about, you end up back at his penthouse. Morning arrives considerably less gracefully. Sunlight cuts through a gap in the curtains, illuminating abandoned glasses and clothing scattered across the bedroom floor. Beside you, he slowly stirs beneath the sheets before sitting up with a groan. For several seconds, confusion is the only thing on his face. Then he notices you.