When Miao Hao entered the kitchen to help, he noticed Xiang Yuan’s cheeks were slightly flushed.

He chuckled dryly, “Zhinan, did you make your wife angry?”

Cheng Zhinan turned to look at him, “What are you doing here?”

Miao Hao: “I came to see if there’s anything I can help with.”

Cheng Zhinan: “No need, you can go out. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Miao Hao: “Alright.”

Only after Miao Hao turned and left did Xiang Yuan mutter quietly, “He almost heard us earlier.”

Cheng Zhinan took the things from her hands, “Alright, you go out and rest too. This isn’t where you should be.”

Xiang Yuan was pushed out by Cheng Zhinan and happened to meet the gazes of the people in the living room.

This was the first time these doctors had met Cheng Zhinan’s wife, and they felt quite embarrassed, thinking they were imposing too much today.

They hadn’t planned to visit so suddenly, but the topic came up during conversation. They thought it would be inappropriate not to visit Cheng Zhinan’s home since he got married, so several of them brought gifts and hurried over for a housewarming.

Seeing their awkwardness, Xiang Yuan took the initiative to lighten the mood.

“You’re all Doctor Cheng’s colleagues, right? He often mentions you to me.”

Xiang Yuan picked up some oranges from the table and distributed them, “I know you’re all close friends. You’re welcome to visit often in the future – don’t treat me as an outsider.”

Miao Hao rubbed his nose, “How could we impose like that?”

“My cooking isn’t great, so Doctor Cheng has to help with hosting, but I’ll always support your visits.” Her bright smile instantly dissolved the awkward atmosphere in the living room.

Miao Hao glanced toward the kitchen.

Doctor Cheng really married well.

For someone usually so reserved in social situations, his wife turned out to be outgoing and cheerful.

In this aspect, they complemented each other perfectly.

So when Cheng Zhinan finally took off his apron and walked out, he saw Xiang Yuan chatting and laughing with everyone in the living room, having clearly already won them over.

Miao Hao was the first to notice Cheng Zhinan’s emergence.

With his long legs, he stood like a male model.

Without missing a beat, Miao Hao said cheerfully:

“Zhinan is our hospital’s campus heartthrob. Lots of people like him – almost every day someone confesses to him. But none of us expected him to marry so young.”

Xiang Yuan smiled, “You didn’t think he’d get married so early, right?”

Miao Hao: “Right! He’s so dedicated to his work, we never saw him having time for dating. Then suddenly he announced he was married – left all us single guys stunned.”

Cheng Zhinan was younger than his colleagues.

Blessed with a sharp mind, he had skipped grades continuously since childhood, and his subsequent learning growth was astonishingly fast. Thus he appeared much younger and more handsome than these colleagues.

A colleague chimed in:

“The most handsome one is already married, leaving the rest of us old and ugly ones behind.”

Everyone laughed.

Miao Hao clearly disagreed, “Speak for yourself, don’t include me. I still think I’m quite dashing.”

“Then why don’t you have a girlfriend yet?”

“Hiss… I’m just waiting for fate to strike.”

“Sister-in-law, if you know anyone suitable, please introduce them to me too.”

“Alright, no problem. I know quite a few pretty girls around me.”

Just as Xiang Yuan opened up and was about to say more, Cheng Zhinan calmly interrupted their conversation from behind, “Come over for dinner.”

Miao Hao: “Okay, let’s go eat first. We can talk about matchmaking later.”

The group sat around the table.

Cheng Zhinan cooked quickly and efficiently.

On the table for a group of grown men, there were simply bowls and chopsticks.

Cheng Zhinan somehow suddenly produced a bowl of sweet soup and placed it in front of Xiang Yuan.

A sweet soup bowl appeared abruptly before her.

Xiang Yuan: “This is…”

Cheng Zhinan: “I saw it on the way and brought it back for you.”

Xiang Yuan thought to herself, yesterday it was a small cake, today it’s sweet soup.

Has her sugar intake been exceeding limits lately?

If this continues, she’s going to get a toothache.

Miao Hao, who had unexpectedly been shown up by their affection, said with a laugh:

“Doctor Cheng really dotes on his wife. This treat is only for the wife, we don’t get any.”

Cheng Zhinan: “You all don’t like sweets.”

Miao Hao winked at Xiang Yuan, roughly meaning

See?

This is blatant favoritism.

Who said he didn’t like sweets? He was clearly a dessert lover too.

Xiang Yuan opened the lid of the sweet soup and took a small taste, “It’s delicious.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Even if it’s delicious, you should have it in moderation. Your sugar intake seems to have been a bit excessive lately.”

A colleague nearby joked with a smile:

“Doctor Cheng’s sweetness in doting on his wife is indeed exceeding limits.”

Miao Hao: “See? This is the model for how to treat a wife, an example for our generation. Everyone should learn from Doctor Cheng from now on.”

Cheng Zhinan shook his head, “Teasing me again?”

Miao Hao: “This is admiration. Only those who cherish their wives can achieve great things. Here, Doctor Cheng, I toast to you.”

The group wasn’t drinking alcohol tonight, instead having healthy freshly squeezed juice.

They chatted for a while, the conversation quite serious, all about work matters at the hospital.

Xiang Yuan was also curious about what they usually talked about when together.

In other words, she was actually more curious about Cheng Zhinan’s work demeanor.

Her exploration level of him was still less than 50%, so naturally there were many things she wanted to understand.

Xiang Yuan picked up her glass, originally intending to clink glasses with them, but then feinted and pulled her glass back.

Everyone looked at her, puzzled.

Xiang Yuan then suggested playing a game.

Cheng Zhinan tilted his head to look at her, “What do you want to play?”

This kind of opportunity, Xiang Yuan certainly couldn’t easily miss.

She tentatively asked: “How about we play some truth or dare game?”

Unexpectedly, as soon as she said this, everyone at the table enthusiastically agreed.

Miao Hao strongly approved: “That’s a great idea. For gatherings, we should play games. Otherwise, just eating like this is so boring.”

Xiang Yuan was usually quite skilled at this kind of game.

She placed an empty liquor bottle on the table, “Whoever it points to when it stops spinning loses.”

Miao Hao shook the all-healthy version of freshly squeezed juice in his hand, “Could it be that the loser just drinks juice too?”

Xiang Yuan pointed to the remaining bitter melons in the kitchen, “Those who don’t want to answer drink freshly squeezed bitter melon juice.”

The colleagues: …

They had only heard before that Cheng Zhinan’s wife was a few years younger than him.

They didn’t expect young people to be so ruthless when playing games.

But with the conversation at this point, no one could bring themselves to refuse.

Miao Hao: “Alright, no one better be a poor sport.”

Xiang Yuan reached out, gently spun, and set the bottle rotating.

The first round of the game landed on the male colleague wearing black-framed glasses.

Miao Hao cleared his throat and asked him:

“After you broke up with your ex-girlfriend last time, did you secretly call her?”

The male colleague adjusted his black-framed glasses, remained silent for a moment, then replied:

“I did.”

Miao Hao chuckled unkindly.

“Alright, I see. So you’re the one she was complaining about in her Moments last time.”

“Old Zheng, you shouldn’t keep clinging to one tree. You ought to move forward, otherwise constantly bothering your ex and getting called out in her Moments is just embarrassing.”

“…Just keep playing. Next.”

The bottle continued spinning.

This time, it landed on Miao Hao.

The black-framed glasses colleague he had teased earlier decided to retaliate.

“Truthfully, how many girlfriends have you dated?”

Miao Hao froze, “Do I need to count?”

The colleague: “Yes, tell the truth.”

Miao Hao had no choice, “Well… about six.”

Cheng Zhinan spoke calmly, “Liars have to drink bitter melon juice too.”

Xiang Yuan suppressed her laughter.

Miao Hao was completely helpless, “Fine, roughly around ten.”

Sounds of disdain erupted around them.

“It’s my first time meeting my friend’s wife today, can’t you let me make a good impression?” Miao Hao said desperately.

“It’s fine, it’s fine, let’s continue,” Xiang Yuan mediated.

Later.

After several more rounds, the game finally landed on Cheng Zhinan.

Xiang Yuan’s eyes lit up, “I’ll take this one.”

Cheng Zhinan’s eyelashes lowered slightly, “What else are you curious about regarding me?”

Of course she still had many questions about him.

And some inappropriate questions couldn’t be asked here – she could save those to ask him privately in bed another day.

For today, she only planned to ask proper questions.

“From childhood till now, have you ever had feelings for someone of the opposite sex?” After speaking, Xiang Yuan added, “I know you’ve never dated anyone else, so even brief crushes count.”

Cheng Zhinan glanced at her.

He had long known she had ill intentions, deliberately digging for gossip about him in front of everyone.

He picked up his drink cup and swirled it gently, “Yes, I have.”

His words made their colleagues gasp in surprise.

Was Cheng Zhinan being too brave?

Daring to speak so truthfully in front of his wife.

Xiang Yuan’s smile froze, “Who was it?”

Cheng Zhinan raised an eyebrow, “Does that count as the next question?”

Xiang Yuan: “…”

She spun the bottle extremely quickly, hoping it would land on Cheng Zhinan again so she could continue questioning him.

Unexpectedly, his luck tonight was incredibly good – even Miao Hao across from them got selected for several questions, but Cheng Zhinan only got chosen that one time from beginning to end.

Instead, Xiang Yuan, who had intended to tease Cheng Zhinan, ended up being asked several questions herself.

“How many boyfriends have you had?”

“Only Doctor Cheng.”

“Really?”

“Of course, you can ask him if you don’t believe me.”

“Haha, we definitely believe you.”

“What’s the boldest thing you’ve ever done?”

“Getting married in a flash.”

“Any aspects of Doctor Cheng that dissatisfy you after marriage?”

“Hmm…”

Seeing her thoughtful expression, everyone grew interested, “Tell the truth, you can’t lie.”

Xiang Yuan curved her lips and said lightly:

“He’s quite good, just sometimes too busy to spend much time with me.”

Miao Hao couldn’t help but sigh. “Don’t blame him for this. In our line of work, we have to be on call 24/7, and our phone ringers can never be silenced. We’re always worried something might suddenly come up. But since we’ve chosen this profession, we must maintain professional standards. He’s usually busy, so if he ever seems neglectful, please be understanding.”

Xiang Yuan replied, “I know. I was just making an offhand comment earlier. I understand the nature of your work and won’t argue with him over this.”

“You’re so considerate and have such a good temperament. Zhinan is truly fortunate to have married you.”

Amid the cheerful conversation and laughter, Cheng Zhinan remained quiet on the side, his expression calm.

He spoke little, occasionally serving Xiang Yuan some dishes and turning to listen attentively when she spoke.

At the dinner table, she was always the one who could liven up the atmosphere.

No matter what someone’s personality was like, she could easily engage them.

After nearly two hours of conversation,

Miao Hao widened his eyes in admiration and said,

“You actually volunteered abroad to protect animals?”

“Yes, I was feeling bored at home back then and wanted to do something meaningful.”

“That’s impressive! I wanted to do that too before, but I never found the time.”

Noticing how late it was, Cheng Zhinan checked the time. “Alright, it’s very late now. You all have work tomorrow, so you should head back early and rest.”

The group had clearly enjoyed themselves today.

Cheng Zhinan and Xiang Yuan saw them to the door.

After all the colleagues had left, Xiang Yuan remained leaning against the doorway, smiling playfully as she stared at Cheng Zhinan.

Cheng Zhinan asked, “Did you have fun?”

Xiang Yuan said, “Your colleagues are all really nice. Even though you’re younger, why do they seem to respect you so much, almost as if you’re their senior?”

Cheng Zhinan pulled her inside and closed the door behind them.

“They’re just joking.”

Xiang Yuan hadn’t forgotten her earlier question.

Persistently, she followed behind Cheng Zhinan and asked, “You still haven’t answered my question from earlier.”

Cheng Zhinan responded, “Hmm?”

Xiang Yuan pressed, “Who was the person you had feelings for?”

Cheng Zhinan had already started rolling up his sleeves to clear the table. “As I recall, I wasn’t penalized earlier.”

Xiang Yuan grew a bit impatient. “Can’t you make an exception and tell me just this once? I promise I won’t get angry over something like this.”

But today,

Cheng Zhinan seemed determined not to tell her.

He carried the dishes into the kitchen and began washing them.

Xiang Yuan: “…”

He really was impervious to persuasion.

Fifteen minutes later,

after Cheng Zhinan had finished cleaning the kitchen, he noticed Xiang Yuan still sitting on the living room sofa. “Aren’t you going to sleep?”

Xiang Yuan beckoned him over.

Cheng Zhinan paused for a moment but eventually walked to her side.

Xiang Yuan reached out and pulled him down to sit beside her.

His fingers were cold from having just been in contact with cool water.

Xiang Yuan cupped both her hands around one of his palms.

Cheng Zhinan shifted slightly. “You ”

“Don’t move,” Xiang Yuan stopped him.

She took a bottle of hand cream from her bag, squeezed some onto her hands, and rubbed them together until the cream warmed up before transferring it to Cheng Zhinan’s palm.

Slowly, she massaged his hand. “Even men can take care of their hands after washing dishes.”

His originally cold palm gradually warmed under her touch.

Suddenly, Xiang Yuan seemed to remember something.

“Today is Monday, right?”

Cheng Zhinan replied, “Mm.”

Xiang Yuan murmured, “Monday is hand-holding day.”

Cheng Zhinan looked down at their connected hands.

Her palm was small, her fingers slender, boldly slipping through his fingers, rubbing, kneading, and stroking.

The hand cream smelled fragrant.

A light white tea scent.

Even if Cheng Zhinan were completely clueless about romance, he should know her intentions at this moment.

“Is this what you’d call a honey trap?” he enunciated clearly, his thin lips moving slightly.

“Not at all,” Xiang Yuan replied. After finishing applying his hand cream, she pulled out the men’s watch she had selected earlier from a nearby bag.

She presented it solemnly before him and fastened it on his wrist.

“How is it? Do you like it?”

Cheng Zhinan examined the style she had chosen for him.

It perfectly matched her taste.

Beautiful.

That was Cheng Zhinan’s completely honest assessment.

Cheng Zhinan: “Mm, I like it.”

Xiang Yuan scratched her head, “Even though I used your card to buy it, just know that it’s the thought that counts.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Okay.”

Wearing the watch, he exuded the aura of a gentle and refined nobleman.

Xiang Yuan couldn’t help but admire her own taste in watches and her exceptional taste in choosing a husband.

She leaned in closer, deliberately closing the distance between them, “So, considering how good I am to you, could you give me a little reward?”

She just wanted to know what type of woman could make Cheng Zhinan fall in love, nothing more.

Cheng Zhinan studied her for a moment.

“Okay.”

Soon.

He pulled her into the bedroom.

At first, Xiang Yuan didn’t understand why, thinking such a response required the privacy of the bedroom.

But once inside, she realized her idea of a “reward” and Cheng Zhinan’s were entirely different concepts.

This wasn’t the kind of reward she wanted at all…

In the room.

Xiang Yuan’s voice was noticeably flustered.

“Wait, that’s not what I meant.”

“Hmm?”

“Ah… don’t take off my dress,” she said, her voice inexplicably shy.

Cheng Zhinan’s tone remained husky, “I just want to check on your health.”

Xiang Yuan grew anxious, “You don’t need to check! I’m perfectly fine!”

“…Perfectly fine?”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely!!”

A few seconds later.

The man murmured:

“I’d better check anyway.”

After all, Xiang Yuan’s words weren’t entirely trustworthy.

Xiang Yuan tried to beg for mercy midway, but her stamina was no match for Cheng Zhinan’s.

So…

Five minutes later.

Xiang Yuan lay fuming under the covers, mentally cursing Cheng Zhinan with every insult she could muster.

How could someone so seriously do such shameless things?

And yet, looking at his face, she couldn’t bring herself to say any of it aloud.

Cheng Zhinan brought her a glass of water from outside, unaware of Xiang Yuan’s glare.

“I heard your father is organizing a family dinner in a few days?”

Xiang Yuan grunted, “Yes.”

Cheng Zhinan: “I happened to meet Ming Rongrong this afternoon. She said she’d like to join us that day.”

Xiang Yuan had no objections.

“Sure.”

After all, her mother-in-law had always been fond of Cheng Zhinan’s cousin, so bringing her along was fine.

Cheng Zhinan remarked casually:

“She’s got too much free time, always loves joining in on the fun, and often tells me irrelevant things.”

“She sought you out to chat?”

“Not exactly. Her friend was sick, so she came to me for advice.”

“I see…”

“What else did she say?”

Cheng Zhinan recalled the afternoon’s conversation, frowning slightly, “She mentioned she’s been reading a comic lately, and the characters remind her of you and me.”

Xiang Yuan froze instantly. “A comic…?”