Chapter 21: Sweetness 121% – Battlefield of Love

Xiang Yuan sighed softly, yet her fingertips mischievously found their way to him again.

“Cheng Zhinan.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Today is Thursday.”

“Mhm.”

“Let’s go watch a movie.”

“Alright.”

Xiang Yuan was particularly eager to see a movie at the cinema today, so Cheng Zhinan took the initiative to drive her there.

At the entrance, he handled everything – buying tickets and snacks.

Xiang Yuan only needed to wait in place.

When the movie was about to start, Cheng Zhinan held their purchases in one hand and used his free hand to hold hers.

“Let’s go in.”

Looking at their intertwined hands, Xiang Yuan curved her lips and followed him inside.

The theater was nearly full.

Xiang Yuan: “This movie is really popular today. It’s mostly young people watching.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Do you like it too?”

Xiang Yuan: “It’s okay. I saw the trailer online a few times before and found it somewhat interesting, so I thought of bringing you along.”

She tilted her head, lightly resting it against Cheng Zhinan. “Has Doctor Cheng never dated a girl before?”

Cheng Zhinan: “…Don’t you count?”

Xiang Yuan: “Of course I do. I meant besides me.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Mhm, besides you, I’ve indeed never come with anyone else.”

Previously, Cheng Zhinan didn’t have much free time. When he occasionally encountered films that interested him, he would choose to watch them alone.

After the movie started, somewhat familiar voices came from the row behind them.

Cheng Zhinan glanced back and suddenly discovered an acquaintance sitting behind them.

“You know them?” Xiang Yuan asked.

“Mhm, a hospital colleague.”

Remembering how his colleague had visited their home last time and teased Cheng Zhinan about being the campus heartthrob.

Xiang Yuan chuckled softly, “Are there any colleagues at your hospital who don’t know you’re married?”

Cheng Zhinan: “Pretty much everyone who knows me is aware of that.”

He never talked much about his relationship status, but making his married status known was an attitude he should maintain.

If Cheng Zhinan hadn’t declared himself married, there would probably still be many people lining up to confess to him every day.

Xiang Yuan distractedly blew a breath toward him. “I bet your colleague is surprised to see you here too.”

Cheng Zhinan straightened her head. “Watch the movie properly, no mischief.”

Xiang Yuan pouted, mumbling somewhat boredly.

Cheng Zhinan really didn’t know how to take a joke.

At home was fine, but if she tried to play any flirtatious games with him outside, he would definitely reject her.

Xiang Yuan had no choice but to focus her gaze on the big screen.

Unfortunately, her expectations for this movie had been too high, while the actual presentation was rather mediocre.

She slightly turned her head, her gaze falling on Cheng Zhinan beside her.

The dim theater lights illuminated his face, making his tall nose bridge even more prominent, his features exquisite and three-dimensional.

He rested his cheek on one hand, his expression calm, seeming not particularly fond of the movie either.

Cheng Zhinan wasn’t really interested in this type of light romantic comedy.

But since Xiang Yuan wanted to watch it, he could accompany her until the end.

As a husband, he didn’t spend much time with her normally, so he could at least do these basic things.

Later, when the movie reached a kissing scene, laughter emerged in the theater.

Cheng Zhinan’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, instinctively wanting to look at Xiang Yuan beside him.
However, as soon as he turned away, Xiang Yuan collapsed into his embrace.

“What are you…”

Xiang Yuan pressed her ear against his chest, listening carefully. “Cheng Zhinan, your heartbeat is racing.”

Cheng Zhinan pressed his palm against her other ear.

“Is that so.”

“Listen again.”

Pressed against his chest, Xiang Yuan suddenly felt her face flush.

A few seconds later.

Cheng Zhinan asked her:

“What else did you hear?”

Xiang Yuan: “…”

His fingertips lightly brushed her earlobe. “Didn’t you love this movie? Why aren’t you paying attention at all?”

Her voice was muffled as she deliberately shifted the blame onto him.

“It’s all because of you.”

In the dim corner, her hand wandered mischievously, deliberately tracing the contours of his abdominal muscles beneath his shirt.

Even in the secluded corner, the veins at Cheng Zhinan’s temples twitched twice.

He lowered his voice, gently restraining her wrist with his hand.

“What nonsense is this.”

Though one hand could easily envelop both of hers, Xiang Yuan effortlessly brushed it aside.

Ignoring his restraint, she continued exploring to her heart’s content.

The movie was boring; feeling his abs was far more interesting.

The corners of her lips gradually lifted, her mood greatly improved.

“Don’t be so stingy. We’re married, and you work so hard on your physique. If I don’t touch it, wouldn’t that be a waste?”

Cheng Zhinan: “…”

Xiang Yuan could indeed be mischievous at times, smiling playfully as she teased him and daringly provoked him. Yet, whenever Cheng Zhinan seemed about to take action, she would retreat.

Cheng Zhinan never knew how to handle her.

After all, his own wife was his to spoil.

Fortunately, no one was paying attention to their corner. Cheng Zhinan reminded her in a low voice:

“Alright, that’s enough.”

The young man’s skin was firm and smooth, the well-defined muscles addictive to touch.

Xiang Yuan was reluctant to withdraw her hand, her fingertips dancing eagerly, tempted to venture further.

She wanted to try.

But she was afraid of angering Cheng Zhinan.

Xiang Yuan hesitated intensely.

Just as she wrestled with indecision, a soft voice came from behind:

“Doctor Cheng?”

Both of them froze.

Xiang Yuan quietly withdrew her hand and gave a light cough.

Cheng Zhinan turned to look it was a colleague who had just stepped out to use the restroom and happened to spot him on the way back.

The colleague had thought he looked familiar and was surprised to confirm it was really him.

Colleague: “You’re here to watch a movie too?”

Cheng Zhinan: “Yes, with my wife.”

They exchanged a few brief words before settling back down to watch the movie quietly.

Xiang Yuan felt a bit guilty, her gaze drifting toward Cheng Zhinan a few times.

Cheng Zhinan: “Had enough fun?”

Xiang Yuan: “…”

He fastened his slightly loosened shirt buttons, pressed his lips together, and took hold of her ever-mischievous hand, effectively keeping her in check.

Cheng Zhinan didn’t speak again until the movie ended.

Only after getting into the car did Xiang Yuan tentatively ask:

“Are you angry?”

Cheng Zhinan: “No.”

Xiang Yuan made a promise. “Alright, I promise I won’t mess with you like that in public anymore. If I ever do it again ”

She cut herself off mid-sentence.

Cheng Zhinan rested his hand on the steering wheel and asked:

“What would you do?”

Xiang Yuan leaned in and whispered something in his ear.

Cheng Zhinan fell silent for a few seconds, his handsome eyes studying her.

“Are you sure?”

Xiang Yuan batted her eyelashes.

Cheng Zhinan started the car while saying to her:

“Since you said it yourself, no taking it back later.”

He had indeed suggested once before about letting Xiang Yuan take the lead, but she had always refused using poor stamina as an excuse.

Whether she was deliberately joking today or sincerely promising, Cheng Zhinan was taking it seriously.

Seeing Cheng Zhinan’s completely serious expression, Xiang Yuan was momentarily stunned.

“Hey, wait a moment…”

The car sped past, her words swallowed by the wind.

–

Three days later.

Today was Xiang Yuan’s birthday.

Xiang Ming had arrived early at the party venue, decorating and preparing everything needed for the birthday celebration.

Although she knew President Ke was close friends with her sister, she had heard he’d been extremely busy lately, swamped with work, and was rarely seen at the company.

But she never expected Ke Hang would still show up today.

He stood not far away, still carrying that carefree demeanor, holding a wine glass as he looked at Xiang Yuan beside him and chuckled lightly:

“Looking so beautiful today, birthday girl.”

Xiang Yuan: “After knowing you for so many years, it’s really rare to hear you compliment me.”

Ke Hang: “Tch, I’ve never said that before?”

Xiang Yuan: “Unless my memory fails me, you probably haven’t.”

Ke Hang: “Damn, must be because I’ve complimented too many pretty girls forgot when it came to you.”

Xiang Yuan rolled her eyes at him, “Can you be serious for once?”

“Where’s your husband? Isn’t he coming on such an important occasion?” Ke Hang took a sip of his wine.

“Well… he might be busy.”

“Might?”

Xiang Yuan turned and walked over to Xiang Ming, asking her:

“Did you call Cheng Zhinan?”

Xiang Ming put down the balloon in her hand, “I did, but no one answered. I also messaged brother-in-law. Probably busy no reply yet.”

Xiang Yuan fell silent.

She was wearing a green silk gown today, with a long ribbon draped around her neck. Her smooth, shiny long hair cascaded down her back, revealing a generous expanse of fair, delicate skin.

The green hue suited her exceptionally well, like clear dewdrops on morning leaves delicate and vivid, full of life.

She was in excellent spirits today.

Good news had come from the art exhibition side; a long-delayed project was finally making progress. Combined with her birthday, she was truly radiating joy.

The birthday party had invited many of her friends.

She had always had numerous friends and extensive connections, so many people came to show their support.

Many around her knew she had recently gotten married and kept asking why her husband hadn’t arrived yet.

Outwardly calm, Xiang Yuan was internally criticizing Cheng Zhinan to the extreme.

She knew it this workaholic had definitely forgotten her birthday.

But she couldn’t entirely blame Cheng Zhinan.

They hadn’t been married long, and it was an arranged marriage. Expecting too much from him would only widen the rift between them.

Even so, Xiang Yuan still felt displeased.

So when people asked about Cheng Zhinan’s whereabouts, she gracefully explained he was busy and might arrive later.

As she spoke, her lips curved into a smile, but her eyes remained unmoved.

Ke Hang stood beside her, watching silently for a long time.

Having exhausted quite some energy entertaining friends, Xiang Yuan was about to grab a pastry to recharge when Xiang Ming mysteriously pulled her aside.

“Sis, I want you to meet a friend.”

Xiang Yuan was led to the hall, where she saw a man in a light-colored shirt.

“Hello,” the man extended his hand toward her.

“A colleague of Xiang Ming’s?” Xiang Yuan extended her hand, eyeing him lazily.

The two shook hands, and the man handed her a gift.

“I have a fairly good personal relationship with Xiang Ming. I heard today is her sister’s birthday, so I came to join and prepared a gift. I hope you’ll like it.”

Xiang Yuan: “What’s your name?”

“Li Xuesong.”

Xiang Yuan leaned close to Xiang Ming’s ear, “His name is quite nice.”

Xiang Ming chuckled softly, “This is my direct supervisor. He heard it was your birthday and came specifically to celebrate with you.”

Xiang Yuan: “Thank you. I’ve heard Xiang Ming mention you before. I really appreciate you looking out for my sister at work. Feel free to enjoy yourself tonight – your boss Ke Hang is over there too.”

Li Xuesong glanced toward Ke Hang.

“Alright, I understand.”

Another friend entered the hall, and Xiang Yuan hurried over to greet them.

She seemed particularly happy tonight, receiving so many gifts that her arms grew tired, with luxury shopping bags piled mountain-high in the corner.

Holding a wine glass, she chatted continuously with friends around her, a smile constantly gracing her face.

Perhaps she had been drinking too quickly, as her stomach began to protest. She frowned slightly and decided to step outside for some fresh air.

Seeing her leave, Ke Hang grew concerned and followed her out.

Feeling nauseous, she leaned against a corner wall waiting for the sensation to pass, but ultimately couldn’t bring herself to vomit, finally giving up.

Just as she turned to go back inside, Ke Hang appeared behind her unnoticed. “Feeling unwell?”

“…I’m fine.”

“Don’t be stubborn now. You drank so much on an empty stomach – of course you’d feel sick.”

Xiang Yuan leaned against the wall, smiling weakly:

“Oh no, please don’t tell anyone about this later, or I’d be utterly embarrassed.”

Ke Hang glanced at her: “Drowning your sorrows?”

Xiang Yuan: “It’s my birthday today – what would I have to be sad about?”

Ke Hang couldn’t help lighting a cigarette, his brow furrowed. “Are things not going well between you and your husband?”

Xiang Yuan: “They’re fine.”

Ke Hang: “Fine? So fine that he didn’t even come to your birthday?”

“He’s busy.” Xiang Yuan exhaled softly.

Ke Hang snorted coldly, “Too busy to remember his own wife’s birthday.”

Xiang Yuan couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Ke Hang had previously heard that Cheng Zhinan rarely came home. After their last meeting, he had thought the couple got along well, but now it seemed that wasn’t the case.

He nagged on: “I told you before that arranged matches aren’t reliable, but you wouldn’t listen. Two people with no emotional foundation trying to build a life together – how well could that possibly go? Even couples who dated for years end up with messy marriages after wedding. You’ve been pampered since childhood, raised as your parents’ precious pearl – you simply don’t understand these things.”

Xiang Yuan rubbed her ears, “Ke Hang, you’re so annoying.”

Ke Hang was rendered speechless by her retort.

“Really not feeling unwell?”

“No.”

“If anything’s bothering you, you can always talk to me. Don’t keep it bottled up – that’s not good for your health.”

“…Okay.”

“I’ll head back in first. Stay out here for some air, come back in when the nausea passes. Drink less later.”

“Understood.”

Xiang Yuan stayed outside a while longer until she felt considerably better, then returned to the hall.

Her friends had come specifically to celebrate her birthday tonight, and the group was having a lively time.

It grew very late before everyone finally departed.

Xiang Yuan hadn’t drunk excessively, though her stomach remained somewhat uncomfortable.

She was preparing to leave last, with Xiang Ming and Ke Hang having gone out to see her friends off.

Resting her cheek in one hand, she sat at the table feigning sleep to catch a break.

She hadn’t been resting long when someone suddenly tapped her shoulder from behind.

Xiang Yuan instinctively thought it was Ke Hang disturbing her peace again, so she shrugged her shoulder, shooing him away.

“Go away, don’t bother me.”

Five minutes earlier.

Ke Hang had already come to bother her, asking if she needed a ride home later.

Xiang Yuan didn’t agree, and Ke Hang’s tone turned somewhat unpleasant:

“Are you waiting for your husband to pick you up instead?”

Seeing that Xiang Yuan ignored him, he suppressed his anger and said, “I’ll come check on you again later.”

Now.

The person behind her touched her shoulder again.

Just as Xiang Yuan was about to unleash her pent-up irritation, she turned and saw Cheng Zhinan standing before her.

He looked down, his gaze calm and composed as he watched her.

No matter the situation, this man always carried an air of detachment.

Xiang Yuan had been relatively calm, but the moment she saw Cheng Zhinan, a spark of anger flared up inside her.

She pursed her lips and asked him:

“You finally decided to show up?”

There was a faint trace of weariness beneath Cheng Zhinan’s eyes, and his voice was slightly hoarse:

“Sorry, I’m late.”

Xiang Yuan glanced at the time.

“You’re not just late you were absent. My birthday party is already over.”

Ciang Zhinan pinched the bridge of his nose:

“I was in the wrong today. I originally planned to ”

Before he could finish, a voice cut in from behind.

“Xiang Yuan.”

Both of them turned to look.

Ke Hang, dressed in a suit, stood behind them.

His gaze swept coldly over Cheng Zhinan before bypassing him to speak to Xiang Yuan:

“Almost everyone else has left. Xiang Ming is waiting for you at the entrance. I’ll take you both back.”

Xiang Yuan stood up, ready to leave.

Cheng Zhinan grabbed her wrist, his tone leaving no room for refusal, “Get in my car. I’ll take you home.”

But Ke Hang stepped between them, blocking the way.

“My car is already outside.”

Cheng Zhinan lifted his eyes, his gaze icy, a rare hint of warning in his voice:

“Stay away from my wife.”

———————–

Author’s Note: Doctor Cheng’s status at home is in jeopardy.

Better start thinking about how to win your wife back.