Xiang Yuan pursed her lips, “Then you tell me first.”

Cheng Zhinan’s temple throbbed as he said to her:

“I didn’t lie to you. I’m really not familiar with her, it’s just ”

Xiang Yuan studied his expression, “Did she pursue you?”

Cheng Zhinan: “Yes.”

Xiang Yuan: “You didn’t agree, right?”

Cheng Zhinan: “No.”

This answer was within Xiang Yuan’s expectations.

At first she had been somewhat displeased, but then she realized – Cheng Zhinan’s work kept him so busy, and he’d never been in a relationship before. How could he possibly have time to interact with other women?

Unless Jiang Zixin had been pestering him unilaterally.

Curious, Xiang Yuan asked: “How did she pursue you?”

Cheng Zhinan lowered his gaze, indicating her behavior was inappropriate.

Xiang Yuan coughed awkwardly and released her grip.

Cheng Zhinan: “That’s all in the past. I don’t remember clearly, and besides, I’m usually very busy with work. I don’t have time to remember unimportant things.”

Xiang Yuan couldn’t help but sigh: “Doctor Cheng is really quite charming. Wherever you go, someone falls for you.”

Cheng Zhinan pinched his brow in frustration, “So should I not have come today?”

Xiang Yuan: “Of course you should have come. If you hadn’t, how would I have learned about this?”

Cheng Zhinan: “Are you on bad terms with her?”

Xiang Yuan: “Very bad terms.”

Cheng Zhinan: “It doesn’t matter. I have no relationship with her, so you can rest assured.”

As he spoke, knocking sounds came from outside the car window.

Xiang Yuan rolled down the window and looked at the person outside.

An old classmate reminded Xiang Yuan that she had forgotten to take the gift prepared for her earlier.

Xiang Yuan was well-liked – even after years apart, people still gave her gifts.

The old classmate gestured outside, “Come get it, it’s quite heavy.”

Normally, in such situations, Cheng Zhinan as the husband should have gentlemanly opened the car door to retrieve the item for his wife.

However, he couldn’t get out of the car at this moment.

The man’s slender hands gripped the steering wheel, tightening slightly. He glanced down, thin lips pressed together, expression somewhat serious.

Xiang Yuan suppressed a laugh, then pushed the car door open, saying:

“I can get it myself.”

After a few minutes’ walk.

Xiang Yuan placed the gift back in the car.

Seeing Cheng Zhinan’s somewhat uncomfortable expression, she hesitated to speak, “Doctor Cheng…”

Cheng Zhinan ignored her, not sure if he was sulking, and directly started the car.

During the drive, Xiang Yuan kept sneaking glances in his direction, with very clear intentions.

Cheng Zhinan didn’t speak at first, but eventually warned her:

“Keep looking, and you’ll burn a hole through my pants.”

“Really? Let me see.” After saying this, she made as if to actually look.

Cheng Zhinan frowned, “Xiang Yuan!”

Xiang Yuan leaned back, “I was joking, why are you taking it seriously?”

Cheng Zhinan: “…”

Xiang Yuan initially wanted to thoughtfully ask if he was uncomfortable, but then realized that asking wouldn’t improve the situation and might even make it worse, so she simply kept quiet.

In her slightly tipsy state, even her gaze at the scenery outside the window seemed to ripple.

Cheng Zhinan: “Are you this happy about deliberately causing trouble?”

Xiang Yuan: “No, I’m just happy that you came to pick me up today.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Your period isn’t over yet, and you’re drinking?”

Xiang Yuan: “Just a little, and it’s almost over anyway. It’s fine.”

The night wind was strong.
Cheng Zhinan raised the car window on her side a bit higher to prevent her from catching a chill.

“By the way, there’s something I forgot to tell you,” Xiang Yuan suddenly spoke up.

“Hmm?”

“Ever since my dad fell, he hasn’t had time to walk Black. My sister just started her new job and is swamped with work, so she has even less time to take care of him. My mom is usually busy socializing with friends. I’m the only idle person in the whole family, so I’ll be taking care of Black for a while. Once my sister’s work stabilizes, I’ll send him back.”

Cheng Zhinan expressed understanding: “That’s fine. You’re usually bored at home alone anyway. It’s good to have Black keep you company.”

Xiang Yuan: “You’re okay with it?”

Cheng Zhinan countered: “Why wouldn’t I be?”

Xiang Yuan: “I thought you were a neat freak and wouldn’t agree to Black joining our household.”

Cheng Zhinan chuckled lightly:

“I’m not that difficult.”

Hearing this, Xiang Yuan raised her eyebrows slightly. “Doctor Cheng actually has such self-awareness.”

Cheng Zhinan: “What do you mean?”

Xiang Yuan: “You know you’re difficult?”

Cheng Zhinan: “Someone said that about me before.”

Xiang Yuan: “Tsk tsk…”

Cheng Zhinan: “But I suppose that statement doesn’t really hold true with you.”

Xiang Yuan: “Hmm?”

The car happened to stop at a red light.

Cheng Zhinan reached out and took her hand, as if he had already dismissed the previous minor issue.

His dark, profound eyes fixed on her:

“Haven’t you already easily won me over?”

He was her husband.

Completely belonging to her.

Even though they didn’t have much emotional foundation, legally, they were rightfully husband and wife.

Xiang Yuan looked into his beautiful eyes, and ripples began to stir deep within her heart.

Damn.

She was being bewitched by that handsome face again.

She needed to stay calm and not get flustered so easily.

But what Cheng Zhinan had just said was way too charming.

Xiang Yuan couldn’t help the corners of her lips curling upward.

She wasn’t narcissistic enough to think she had completely won Cheng Zhinan over.

But since he was willing to sweet-talk her like this, she naturally played along.

Having drunk some alcohol, her eyes sparkled as she leaned in close to him and said reciprocally:

“You can’t lie to me.”

Cheng Zhinan: “I won’t lie to you.”

As soon as the words fell.

Xiang Yuan planted a light, fleeting kiss on his lips.

A kiss carrying a hint of alcohol and the fragrance of her lip balm.

Cheng Zhinan normally disliked the smell of alcohol.

But the scent on Xiang Yuan didn’t bother him.

It was like a soft candy with a filling intense strawberry flavor that made him want to delve deeper and taste it fully.

She had kissed him suddenly and pulled away just as quickly.

Before Cheng Zhinan could react, Xiang Yuan had already drawn back with a grin.

The man in front of her chest heaved slightly; he hadn’t even noticed that the red light had turned green.

Cars behind them honked impatiently.

Xiang Yuan reminded him: “Doctor Cheng, time to go.”

That kiss felt like a reward, more like a whimsical impulse after she had been drinking.

Cheng Zhinan didn’t stop her; instead, he seemed to tacitly allow it.

Xiang Yuan lowered her head, a hidden smile playing on her lips.

Since he hadn’t rejected her tonight, she, as the Master, would not stoop to his level and would let the matter of Jiang Zixin slide.

–

The next day.

Xiang Yuan went to pick up Black and brought him home.
You Mei stuffed Black into her arms. “Ever since your father got injured, I’ve been the one walking him every day. Because of him, I haven’t been able to go out for mahjong for several days now.”

Xiang Yuan was amused by her. “Doesn’t Xiang Ming walk him when she comes back in the evening?”

“Her?” You Mei snorted coldly. “As soon as she gets home, she complains about being tired. She only enjoys how cute animals are but takes no responsibility at all.”

Xiang Yuan: “Then I’ll have to seriously scold her about it later.”

Seeing that Black was behaving relatively well in Xiang Yuan’s arms, You Mei expressed some concern. “Did Zhinan agree to having a dog at home?”

Xiang Yuan: “He agreed.”

You Mei: “He’s usually busy with work. If Black misbehaves at your place, just bring him back. You two mustn’t argue over this.”

Xiang Yuan: “Doctor Cheng isn’t that petty.”

You Mei glanced down at the dog in her arms. “Black is quite obedient, though he occasionally snores. If you put him in the living room, he’ll sleep by himself very well-behaved.”

Xiang Yuan patted Black. “Okay. How has Dad been these past couple of days?”

You Mei: “Aside from some limited mobility, not much different from before.”

Xiang Yuan: “That’s good then.”

You Mei: “I’m planning to visit the temple in a couple of days. Didn’t you say you wanted to come along? Do you have time?”

Xiang Yuan checked the calendar – she still had some time before her next update deadline, so there was no rush to work on her manuscript.

“I have time. I’ll go with you then.”

And so, she carried Black home like that.

Only after arriving home did she realize that in her focus on bringing the dog back, she had forgotten to bring his supplies.

When Cheng Zhinan got home, he found Xiang Yuan flustered and busy inside.

Black wasn’t familiar with him. When he entered, the dog looked up and barked a few times.

Cheng Zhinan raised an eyebrow and asked Xiang Yuan, “What are you busy with?”

Xiang Yuan: “I forgot to bring his supplies. I’m trying to figure out where he should sleep tonight.”

Black seemed to vaguely recognize Cheng Zhinan now, having met him a few times before.

He shifted his body and cautiously wagged his tail near him.

Cheng Zhinan bent down and picked him up directly, sniffing him. “How long has it been since he had a bath?”

Xiang Yuan: “…I’m not really sure about that either.”

As it happened, Cheng Zhinan had a friend who owned a pet shop, so he drove Black over for a bath and to purchase some supplies for him.

Xiang Yuan went along and noticed that although Cheng Zhinan didn’t say much, his actions showed he cared about Black.

The pet shop owner was named Jin Liang, who got along quite well with Cheng Zhinan.

Unlike others around him, Jin Liang had never been particularly ambitious since childhood, preferring cute animals like cats and dogs. After graduation, he pursued work he enjoyed – though tiring, his life remained quite interesting.

Seeing Cheng Zhinan push the door open while holding a black French Bulldog, Jin Liang laughed. “When did you get a dog?”

Following behind Cheng Zhinan was Xiang Yuan.

Jin Liang had seen her once before at the wedding.

Quite surprised, Jin Liang said, “Sis-in-law is here too.”

Xiang Yuan smiled and nodded at him in greeting.

Black’s dark eyes surveyed the surroundings, clearly being cautious.

Cheng Zhinan handed the dog to Jin Liang. “Give him a bath.”

Jin Liang: “I remember you didn’t like keeping dogs before. Does sis-in-law like them?”
Xiang Yuan explained from the side, “It’s my sister’s dog. She’s been busy lately, so I’m taking care of it for her.”

Jin Liang immediately understood.

So it was his wife’s idea.

It seemed Cheng Zhinan had become a model husband after marriage.

When the wife spoke, her word was law, and even Cheng Zhinan had to follow orders.

Jin Liang handed Black over to one of his employees, and Xiang Yuan followed along to join the fun.

Cheng Zhinan stayed behind to shop for some daily necessities for the dog.

This was his first time keeping a dog, and he didn’t know much about many things. It was Jin Liang who offered suggestions beside him.

Jin Liang had ulterior motives; while accompanying Cheng Zhinan on his casual stroll, he gossiped, “How’s married life treating you?”

Cheng Zhinan: “Pretty good.”

Jin Liang: “I asked you so many times before, and you always said you had no plans to marry. Then suddenly you tied the knot. Everyone who knows you was pretty surprised at the time.”

Cheng Zhinan casually picked up a bag of dog treats and put it in his handbasket.

Based on Jin Liang’s understanding of Cheng Zhinan, he always thought his future spouse would be the kind of well-educated, gentle, and quiet girl.

Not that Xiang Yuan wasn’t good.

But their personalities were worlds apart.

And his sister-in-law was beautiful with a great figure. He never would’ve guessed Cheng Zhinan liked this type.

Jin Liang cleared his throat lightly:

“Tell me the truth is sister-in-law your ideal type?”

Cheng Zhinan glanced down at him, “Why so many questions today?”

Jin Liang: “Haven’t seen you in ages. Finally getting to meet you, of course I want to catch up.”

Cheng Zhinan obliged him, replying:

“Yes.”

Jin Liang stifled a laugh, not daring to voice his thoughts.

He always thought Cheng Zhinan had plain tastes, never expecting him to be secretly such a closet enthusiast.

And he was incredibly lucky to marry Xiang Yuan, making all his buddies quite envious.

Xiang Yuan was fair-skinned and beautiful, with a great personality and figure, pampered since childhood a typical S-city “white, rich, and beautiful” girl.

By men’s standards, Xiang Yuan’s type was indeed very appealing.

Some time later.

Black finished his bath and blow-dry.

Xiang Yuan held him, smelling the fragrant scent on his fur, and couldn’t resist taking a deep whiff. “Now you’re all sweet-smelling.”

Seeing her come out, Cheng Zhinan stood up to check out.

He had bought quite a few daily supplies and snacks earlier, so it was perfect to settle the bill now.

Jin Liang initially refused to accept payment no matter what, but seeing Cheng Zhinan insist on paying, he finally gave a 10% discount and asked him to remember to come by often.

Before leaving, Cheng Zhinan said:

“Won’t be coming back.”

Jin Liang: “…”

After this one visit, Cheng Zhinan had been bothered relentlessly by him and naturally had no desire for a second trip.

In the end, it was Xiang Yuan who awkwardly bid farewell to Jin Liang, telling him not to take it to heart.

Jin Liang didn’t mind at all.

He was long accustomed to Cheng Zhinan’s icy demeanor, so he just cheerfully waved to Xiang Yuan, “Sister-in-law, come again next time.”

Xiang Yuan: “Sure, no problem, I’ll definitely come.”

Once in the car, Xiang Yuan chided him:

“How can you be so cold even to your friends? Be careful or you’ll end up with none.”

Cheng Zhinan fastened his seatbelt, “Not patronizing his shop means I’m cold?”

Xiang Yuan found him impossible to communicate with.

But then, she’d long since understood Cheng Zhinan’s temperament.

Geniuses always have their quirks.

Cheng Zhinan was no exception.

“Never mind,” she consoled herself. “I guess I’m probably the only one in this world who can put up with your temper.”
Cheng Zhinan remained silent.

Xiang Yuan curled her lips again, “Aren’t you going to ask me why?”

Cheng Zhinan played along with her, “Why?”

Her eyes curved upward, her expression smiling, her words carrying a mix of teasing and amusement it was unclear how much sincerity lay beneath.

“Of course it’s because”

“I like you.”

As Xiang Yuan said this, she knew she was just casually joking around.

She was accustomed to bantering and never considered the consequences of her words.

Could their current emotional state progress to mutual affection?

Probably not.

Physiological attraction and soul-deep love were clearly not on the same level.

Liking someone’s appearance and physical form was easy, but loving their soul was difficult.

She spoke carelessly, but Cheng Zhinan beside her fell silent.

It was unclear whether he took her words to heart or completely dismissed them.

Xiang Yuan didn’t pay it any mind, focusing instead on interacting with Black in her arms.

Throughout the journey, Cheng Zhinan barely spoke, his mind echoing with Xiang Yuan’s earlier words.

She said she liked him.

For now, Cheng Zhinan took it seriously.

But this affection

Seemed not to last long.

That night.

Cheng Zhinan woke in the middle of the night to find Xiang Yuan gone from the bedside.

He put on a black bathrobe and turned on the guest room light.

As the guest room suddenly brightened, the figures of one person and one dog appeared on the bed.

Xiang Yuan, unaccustomed to the light, raised a hand to slightly shield her eyes.

The man in the black bathrobe stood at the guest room doorway, his collar loosely hanging open, revealing pale skin that looked quite enticing.

“Why did you come in…” Xiang Yuan mumbled.

Cheng Zhinan looked down at her, his gaze calm.

Not long ago, his wife who claimed to like him had abandoned him at night, choosing to sleep on the same bed with the dog instead.