Forced Marriage: Young Master Gu's Secret Wife

Zhou Bai is a senior student at Jiang University who has been in a secret marriage with Gu Chengjin for two years. Gu Chengjin is the CEO of Jincheng International Group and the third young master of the wealthy Gu family. Their union was arranged under unusual circumstances; Zhou Bai’s family factory faced a crisis during her sophomore year, and Gu Chengjin offered financial assistance in exchange for her hand in marriage. Despite being legally married, the couple lived apart, with Zhou Bai residing in her dorm and only visiting the Gu residence on special occasions. The marriage remained unconsummated until Gu Chengjin abruptly summoned Zhou Bai to their marital home, where he forced himself on her, marking the first time they became intimate. This act shattered Zhou Bai’s assumption that he held no interest in her, leaving her confused and fearful of his domineering nature.

Gu Chengjin’s behavior shifts dramatically after this event. He becomes possessive and demanding, insisting that Zhou Bai accompany him to the Gu family mansion to quell rumors about his alleged affair with popular actress Zhou Muyan. The Gu family is fractured by internal strife. Gu Chengjin’s mother, Chen Xiuzhu, openly despises both him and Zhou Bai, favoring her other sons and daughter. Chen Xiuzhu pressures Gu Chengjin to divorce Zhou Bai and marry into the influential He family, but Gu Chengjin defiantly claims he genuinely loves Zhou Bai, though his actions remain cold and controlling. Meanwhile, Gu Chengjin’s second brother, Gu Chengyang, returns as a professor at Zhou Bai’s university. Gu Chengyang harbors unresolved feelings for Zhou Bai and views Gu Chengjin’s marriage to her as an act of spite. He attempts to reconnect with Zhou Bai, offering her an escape from her unhappy marriage, but she firmly rejects his advances, prioritizing her duty and the stability of her current life.

Zhou Bai’s personal life remains complicated by her family’s expectations. Her parents, unaware of her secret marriage, arrange blind dates for her in an effort to secure a suitable husband. During one such encounter in her hometown, Zhou Bai is harassed by the suitor, Wang Dong. Gu Chengjin, coincidentally in the area for business, intervenes violently, punching Wang Dong and rescuing Zhou Bai. This incident forces Zhou Bai to confront the reality that her husband is aware of her secret dating life, yet he chooses to protect her rather than punish her. Back at school, Zhou Bai is tasked with delivering a love letter from Gu Chengjin’s sister, Gu Yunyun, to a junior student named Lin Yuyang. Lin Yuyang develops a crush on Zhou Bai during this exchange, adding another layer of romantic tension to her already strained situation.

The narrative reaches a critical turning point when Gu Chengjin invites Zhou Bai to a hotel room, ostensibly to address the scandal with Zhou Muyan. Upon arrival, Zhou Bai discovers Zhou Muyan already present, leading to a humiliating confrontation where the actress mocks Zhou Bai’s ordinary appearance and lack of status. Gu Chengjin dismisses Zhou Muyan and asserts Zhou Bai’s position as his wife. Later, while intoxicated, Gu Chengjin reveals a vulnerable side, calling Zhou Bai by an affectionate nickname and expressing a desire for closeness. He insists on a child, stating that he wants a legitimate heir with his wife rather than an illegitimate child with another woman. Zhou Bai, who had planned to study abroad and eventually divorce him, finds her future plans disrupted by his sudden intensity and the complex web of family politics surrounding her.

As the story progresses, the power dynamic between Zhou Bai and Gu Chengjin continues to evolve. Gu Chengjin’s protectiveness becomes increasingly evident, particularly in his interactions with Gu Chengyang. He publicly claims ownership of Zhou Bai, warning his brother to maintain appropriate boundaries. Zhou Bai remains caught between fear and a growing, albeit reluctant, dependence on Gu Chengjin. The Gu family’s internal conflicts, particularly the hostility from Chen Xiuzhu, create a hostile environment for Zhou Bai, yet Gu Chengjin consistently shields her from direct confrontation. The narrative sets the stage for further development in their relationship, as Zhou Bai navigates her academic responsibilities, family pressures, and the enigmatic demands of her husband.