chapter 38 protocol

Mila Hai finished washing the dishes, tidying up the kitchen, and mopped the entire house. Finally, she settled into the swing chair on the balcony, enjoying the refreshing night breeze as it gently swayed. It was incredibly comfortable. Her balcony had transformed into a little garden. Observing the flourishing flowers and plants, Mila Hai once again marveled at William Zhan's knack for these things. A steady rhythm of footsteps drew closer, approaching the balcony. Before long, William Zhan appeared, observing Mila Hai on the swing chair, looking at ease and content. His face tightened even more. He handed her two pieces of paper. "What's this?" Mila Hai asked, intrigued. William Zhan remained silent, and the purpose was quite evident. One look at the papers made it clear. Was there a need to ask? Taking the papers, Mila Hai examined the contents. It was an agreement, two copies, one for each of them. His name was signed, and a personal seal stamped on it. It was pretty serious. Mila Hai gently tapped her foot, causing the swing chair to sway. She leaned back, reading the agreement written by William Zhan attentively. The agreement was densely packed on a single sheet. Mila Hai recalled the main points—essentially, they were to maintain a platonic relationship, living as a married couple in name only. They were not to share a room or engage in a marital relationship. Moreover, if they failed to develop a genuine relationship within six months, they would proceed with a divorce. William Zhan was willing to transfer the house and car he currently owned to Mila Hai upon divorce. The agreement also emphasized that she could not benefit from the matriarch's private assets. Aside from the house and car Mila Hai would acquire after a divorce, the rest of the rules and stipulations were disadvantageous to her. They were essentially guarding her against financial exploitation and any sexual intimacy. William Zhan stated coldly, "Mila Hai, although we are legally married, we lack emotional connections. I believe we should formalize this with an agreement. Don't worry, everything beyond what's outlined in the agreement will remain unchanged." In essence, she should refrain from falling for him, avoid thoughts of intimacy, and not ha,rbor intentions regarding his grandma's estate. Mila Hai felt no anger and considered this agreement quite reasonable. She responded, "I've never contemplated accessing grandma's savings. I'm capable of sustaining myself, without relying on an elderly person's finances." In her eyes, Grandma was just an elderly individual receiving a modest monthly pension. Even if the old lady's children and grandchildren were filial, her savings were likely limited and probably not as substantial as Mila Hai's. She genuinely had no intention of seeking anyone's financial support. William Zhan's hasty marriage was mainly to alleviate her sister's domestic disputes and to provide reassurance. Initially, when they received the marriage certificate, she asked William Zhan if he preferred splitting expenses equally. It was (a financial division approach often found in emotionally connected relationships. Anna Hai and Matthew Zhou were a couple in a loving relationship, accustomed to this financial division approach grounded in emotional bonds. However, Mila Hai and William Zhan's flash marriage lacked emotional connection, making this division approach entirely appropriate. Mila Hai observed William Zhan again and commended, "Mr. Zhan, you are truly a son of the heavens. With your appearance, no one would dare to claim they're superior, even if they were second. Your handsome features and impressive physique, combined with that aloof demeanor, make some people fearful upon seeing you, while others feel the desire to conquer you." William Zhan's eyes darkened. Mila Hai shifted the topic, smiling. "However, Mr. Zhan, you're not currency, and not everyone will love you. Don't worry; I won't fall in love with you or attempt to exploit you. I have no objections to this agreement you've drafted. Get me a pen, and I'll sign it. I don't have a personal seal, so I'll just use my fingerprint." When William Zhan had drafted the agreement, he expected her to be furious upon reading it. Surprisingly, she displayed no anger, praising him for writing the contract well. After a moment of silence, he finally handed over the pen.