Chapter 1

My name was Gideon Cross, and I woke up in a book.

As soon as I landed here, I was claimed by the Cross family. But then, I got thrown out.

The fake heir who lived my life for eighteen years was way more popular than me.

My parents stood by his side, looking at me like I was garbage. "We don't need a deadweight in our family."

I nodded, grabbed my shabby bag, and walked away without looking back.

[Host, you have voluntarily given up on the cutthroat world of the rich. The Laid-Back System is now activated. Newbie Gift Pack: 30 million in cash.]

I looked at the notification on my phone and couldn't help but smile.

If anyone wanted this kind of luck, I could hand it over anytime. All I wanted was to find a place, order some takeout, and chill.

Just then, a red Ferrari parked right in front of me, blocking my way.

The door swung open, and out stepped a pair of impossibly long legs, wrapped in black stockings.

Right then, a stunning woman appeared before me, exuding a cold, icy aura.

It was Ivy Bennett, the ice-cold CEO from the book, and the fiancée originally meant for the Cross heir.

She walked up to me and tossed a document at me. "Sign this, and we're getting married."

*****

I looked at the woman in front of me.

Ivy Bennett was striking-looking with a cool, aloof aura, but she always wore an expressionless face.

She looked at me like I was another business file, her eyes precise but totally lacking warmth.

She wanted to marry me? Had she lost her mind? I'd been kicked out by the Cross family and cast aside.

I didn't take the marriage agreement. Instead, I stepped back with an earnest look. "Ms. Bennett, I think you've got the wrong person. Mr. Cross is over there in the villa, enjoying a cozy family moment with his parents."

Ivy's brows barely twitched. "I came here for you, Gideon."

Her voice was cold and emotionless. "This marriage contract was arranged by my grandfather. The groom is the true Cross heir. It's always been you."

I almost burst out laughing. It had always been me? Did it support dynamic binding?

"Forget it." I waved my hand. "Look at me. My whole outfit cost less than sixty dollars. If I marry you, you'd go broke trying to rescue me."

Ivy clearly didn't expect me to react this way.

Honestly, any broke guy who got booted from his family should be jumping for joy at a deal like this.

For the first time, I saw something besides her usual icy professionalism, a hint of confusion.

She spoke concisely. "You don't need to worry about money. After we're married, I'll cover all your expenses. You'll get 300 thousand a month for pocket money. I can give you more if that isn't enough.

"You only need to act as my husband and attend necessary events. Beyond that, we won't interfere with each other."

I was floored. I didn't have to do anything at all. All I had to do was be her husband in name, and I would get 300 thousand a month. Did I hit the jackpot?

[Host, you are facing a grind marriage dilemma. Please make your choice.

[Option 1: Accept the deal, become Ms. Bennett's husband, and unlock the rich son-in-law grind route. Reward: 10 Grind Points.

[Option 2: Turn down the deal and stick to the laid-back life. Reward: God-tier cooking skills.]

I didn't have to think before making up my mind. The Grind Points meant nothing to me.

I shot Ivy a righteous look. "Ms. Bennett, I get you're in a rush, but let's not get ahead of ourselves."

"Marriage is supposed to be sacred, not some business transaction. Sure, I'm broke, but I've got my pride. No way am I signing up for a loveless marriage, even if it kills me."

I spoke with a firm, decisive voice.

Ivy was completely stunned. For the first time ever, I saw actual shock flicker in her frosty eyes.

This was probably the first time anyone had ever rejected her so directly.

[Host, you have successfully refused the grind and chosen the laid-back path. Reward: God-tier cooking skills unlocked.]

A flood of knowledge crashed into my brain all at once.

All that knowledge seemed etched into my DNA, including eight major cuisines, world-class dishes, knife skills, heat control, recipes, seasonings, and so on.

I could smell the top, middle, and base notes of the Libre perfume Ivy was wearing, and instantly tell which red wines would be a total disaster paired with it.

This actually felt pretty damn good.

Ivy stood there in silence for so long that I honestly started to wonder if she was about to floor it and crash into me with her Ferrari.

She gave me another long, scrutinizing look.

"What do you want?" she asked, apparently thinking I was playing hard to get, trying to jack up the price.

"I don't want anything," I yawned. "All I want is a place to crash."

With that, I walked around her and her Ferrari, strolling off.

"Wait, Gideon," Ivy called out behind me.

I didn't bother turning around and waved her off. "Keep your contract. I'm not signing."

Behind me, the engine revved, then quickly faded away.

I felt the last 15 bucks in my pocket and sighed. I would have to make do at an internet café tonight.

*****

As I stepped into an internet café that looked halfway decent, my phone started ringing. It was an unknown number.

I picked up.

"Hi, is this Mr. Gideon Cross? I'm the property manager from Starhaven Bay. The renovation for Villa 1 under your name is complete. When would you like to come over and check it out?" the person on the other end said.

I was completely dumbfounded.

"Villa? Are you sure you didn't dial the wrong number?" I asked.

"No mistake, Mr. Cross. Ms. Ivy Bennett, chairwoman of the Bennett Group, personally bought the villa for you three hours ago. She paid in full. The deed's already here," he explained.

I was totally stunned. Had she lost her mind?