* * *

A piercing scream instantly silenced the chaotic scene.

Out of breath and trembling, Zhong Ce and Cheng Susu simultaneously raised their arms, pointed at each other, and asked in unison, “Who are you?”

Who else could they be?

Though they voiced the question, deep down, they already had a pretty good idea.

They must have swapped bodies.

Cheng Susu had become Zhong Ce, and Zhong Ce had become Cheng Susu.

What happened to the promised ideals of a harmonious, democratic, and scientific society?

Cheng Susu slowly recovered from her stupor. Frowning, she raised her head to meet Zhong Ce’s gaze. Their wide-eyed stares reflected mutual despair.

A despair so vibrant it practically radiated in rainbow hues.

What the hell!

Cheng Susu stumbled to her feet, dashed into the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and frantically splashed water on her face. Taking deep breaths, she tried to steel her nerves before opening her eyes to look into the mirror.

The reflection staring back at her was Zhong Ce’s face.

Horrified, Cheng Susu took a step back, unable to accept the reality. On instinct, she raised a hand and slapped herself hard across the face.

Smack!

The sound echoed loudly.

The handsome face, pale moments before, flushed red. Soon after, a glaring handprint emerged on Zhong Ce’s—no, her—cheek.

“It hurts,” Cheng Susu hissed, wincing in pain. The sharp sting shattered any hope that this was just a dream. Resigned, she accepted the absurdity of the situation.

There had to be a way to switch back.

For now, she needed to focus. Even though the situation was dire, there was a more pressing issue at hand—divorce.

Suppressing her panic, Cheng Susu forced herself to calm down and think rationally. The immediate priority was to discuss a strategy with Zhong Ce.

With a determined breath, she turned and left the bathroom, only to realize how weak her legs felt.

So much for the myth of men being full of energy after such activities.

Back in the bedroom, she found Zhong Ce struggling to get out of bed. The moment his feet touched the ground, he collapsed like a puddle of mud.

Cheng Susu: “…”

Her momentary relief from discovering something amusing was instantly crushed.

Clicking her tongue in irritation, she muttered under her breath.

Zhong Ce: “…”

His entire body ached. He felt utterly miserable.

Propping himself up on his hands, he attempted to stand again but slipped and fell back down.

Without turning around, Zhong Ce grumbled indignantly, “Your body is so weak!”

“Whose fault is that?” Cheng Susu shot back, refusing to take the blame.

Zhong Ce’s face flushed as he recalled last night’s events. With a sheepish expression, he admitted, “My bad.”

“What now?”

Accepting their predicament for the time being, they needed to face the challenges that came with it.

Zhong Ce’s immediate role was straightforward: enjoy the life of a wealthy housewife.

Cheng Susu, however, had to navigate managing a massive entertainment company using Zhong Ce’s identity. The mere thought made her head ache. She had no idea where to begin.

After a moment of serious thought, she suggested, “Why don’t you come with me to the company?”

It was the best solution for now. Though it might mean revealing Zhong Ce’s marital status, which could embarrass Zhu Linyun.

A sly smile tugged at Cheng Susu’s lips. She almost looked forward to it.

To her surprise, Zhong Ce readily agreed.

Still unable to stand, he gave up trying, casting her a pitiful glance. With a soft voice and exaggerated drama, he said, “I’m hurt. Aren’t you going to help me up?”

He batted his lashes and even let out a playful “Ying~.”

Cheng Susu: “…”

Help you up? In your dreams!

Suppressing her emotions, she stared him down coldly, maintaining her indifference.

Finally, Zhong Ce returned to normal, albeit reluctantly. His expression grew serious as he scrutinized her face.

After a long moment, he frowned and accused, “You hit me?”

The glaring handprint was impossible to miss.

Cheng Susu: “…”

---

At 8:30 AM, Assistant Xiao Gao arrived at the villa to pick up Zhong Ce.

He immediately sensed the strange tension between Zhong Ce and Cheng Susu. Upon noticing the handprint on Zhong Ce’s face, he gasped and hesitated, looking at Cheng Susu with a mix of fear and judgment.

Zhong Ce: “…”

Expressionless, he glanced at Cheng Susu, unsure what to say.

Cheng Susu, however, remained calm. With a serene expression, she lightly touched the handprint and nonchalantly said, “Oh, it’s just… marital fun.”

Xiao Gao: “…”

Boss, blink twice if you’re being held hostage!

Realizing she might have gone too far, Cheng Susu decided to fix the situation. Turning to Zhong Ce, she said, “Let’s cover it up. I’ll do your makeup.”

She dragged him off, muttering about hiding the evidence.

---

Meanwhile, Zhu Linyun’s suggestive Weibo post had caused a massive stir online, fueling rumors of her alleged romance with Zhong Ce.

As the car approached the company, they spotted a horde of reporters waiting outside.

Stepping out, Cheng Susu wasted no time. Under the watchful eyes of the press, she wrapped her arms around Zhong Ce and, in a sweet voice, declared, “Honey, who are these people?”

The reporters froze.

Xiao Gao froze.

Zhong Ce froze.

And Cheng Susu? She simply smirked.

* * *