A first taste.

This was Xiang Yuan’s first experience in life.

On the barren grassland, a blazing flame was ignited.

Like dry wood meeting fire, it ignited instantly.

Tonight’s alcohol had completely set her ablaze.

She thought, if this wasn’t an illusion, then Cheng Zhinan must have gone mad.

He actually did such a thing.

Xiang Yuan had never imagined it.

A man as fastidious and lofty as him would be willing to do such things for someone else.

But Xiang Yuan wasn’t just anyone she was his wife.

He was willing to do anything for her, including such acts.

If it could make her happy, he could go even further.

Xiang Yuan looked astonished and incredulous.

Cheng Zhinan actually wanted to tell her that she always underestimated a man’s innate ability to learn without being taught.

At this moment, she squirmed, demanding an explanation from Cheng Zhinan.

Cheng Zhinan couldn’t explain.

Explain what?

Say that he always had excessive thoughts about her, even considering bullying her further, making her cry would that make her even angrier?

He transformed words into actions, only wanting to make her happy tonight.

It was her birthday today, and he only wanted to give her the best.

Xiang Yuan couldn’t break free, finally whispering softly:

“Turn off the light.”

But Cheng Zhinan didn’t comply, instead intertwining his fingers with hers.

“Why turn off the light?”

“You’re beautiful.”

Xiang Yuan lost her senses amid his sweet words and skillful touch, no longer able to distinguish whether it was day or night.

She whimpered softly, burying her head near Cheng Zhinan’s neck, “If you’re going to do it… hurry up, don’t torment me.”

Cheng Zhinan retrieved a box from the bedside drawer with one hand, yet still didn’t give her relief.

He whispered in her ear:

“If there are other men in the future who make you choose between me and them, you must do as you did today.”

Xiang Yuan didn’t understand his meaning at first, “…What?”

Cheng Zhinan kissed her earlobe, “I’m your husband, you can only go with me.”

Xiang Yuan took a deep breath.

So he was still thinking about that matter.

Cheng Zhinan shifted his body, coaxing and threatening in the gentlest tone: “Answer me.”

It seemed he wanted a definite reply from Xiang Yuan.

If she didn’t answer, the one who’d suffer would still be Xiang Yuan.

She sniffled and mumbled:

“I know, I’ll definitely go with you in the future. Who told you you’re my husband.”

Cheng Zhinan was satisfied with her obedience, chuckled lightly, and pinched her cheek.

Afterwards, as she wished, he turned off the light in the room.

Xiang Yuan caught a somewhat familiar fruity scent.

“This is…”

After some rustling sounds, Cheng Zhinan’s pleasant voice filled the room, “It’s the strawberry scent you like.”

“I thought we used it all up before.”

“Yes, it was indeed used up.”

“But I went to the supermarket to restock.”

Xiang Yuan even suspected that Cheng Zhinan had planned to do something tonight all along.

Although she was satisfied with his awareness, just as she was pondering, Cheng Zhinan caught her off guard.

“Mmm…”

“Does it hurt?”

“A bit.”

Though Cheng Zhinan slowed his pace, he still kept her struggling between discomfort and pleasure.

That night, as if to make it up to her, the bedroom remained unsettled for a long time.

Every time it quieted down for about half an hour, the commotion would start again.

Black would occasionally be woken by the noise, wandering out from his dog bed in the living room to investigate. After carefully sniffing around, he’d comfortably return to sleep.

Xiang Yuan eventually surrendered completely, telling Cheng Zhinan that if he remained unsatisfied, he’d have to take care of it himself.

Having severely exceeded her usual physical activity on her birthday night, she naturally woke up late the next day.

By the time she opened her eyes, numerous unread messages had piled up in her phone.

Cheng Zhinan was on leave today and had risen early to prepare breakfast for her. Noticing she was awake, he nudged the meal on the table toward her. “Time to eat.”

Rather than rushing to eat, Xiang Yuan leisurely began unwrapping the birthday gifts she’d received the previous day.

The most satisfying gift by far was the gemstone necklace from Cheng Zhinan.

Having taken several selfies with it yesterday, she now had time to enthusiastically post them to her social media feed.

The wealthy socialites in her circle recognized quality instantly, immediately spotting the rare gemstone around her neck and asking who had given her such a gift.

Xiang Yuan saw no need for secrecy, directly replying that it was from Doctor Cheng.

The comments section filled with banter and laughter, everyone expressing envy that Xiang Yuan had found such a wonderful husband with such impeccable taste in gifts.

Just yesterday during her birthday celebration, when her husband failed to appear on time, many had privately speculated about relationship troubles between the two.

But the appearance of this gift made it clear their relationship remained deeply affectionate.

If he didn’t adore her, why would he give such an extravagant present?

In high spirits, Xiang Yuan recalled what Cheng Zhinan had promised her the previous night.

Sitting at the dining table, she asked him:

“You weren’t lying to me last night, were you?”

“Hmm?”

“About giving me your whole day today.”

“Wasn’t lying.” Cheng Zhinan took a sip of milk from his glass. “So what are your plans for today?”

Having expended too much energy yesterday, Xiang Yuan didn’t want to do anything too strenuous today. Yet with Cheng Zhinan finally having time to accompany her, she didn’t want to waste this precious opportunity.

The weather outside was lovely. She glanced toward the window. “How about going for a picnic today?”

Cheng Zhinan raised an eyebrow. “Picnic?”

Xiang Yuan: “Yes.”

He rarely refused any of her requests.

Taking advantage of the fine weather, he drove Xiang Yuan directly to the picnic spot.

Xiang Yuan had previous picnic experience and had all necessary equipment, including tents.

Cheng Zhinan loaded everything into the car trunk, picked up some picnic ingredients at the supermarket, and they set off.

Xiang Yuan had personally selected the picnic location.

The spot offered beautiful scenery, perfect for romance and relaxation.

Upon arrival, Cheng Zhinan unloaded the tent and grill.

Dressed in a white shirt, the veins on his arms became particularly prominent as he worked diligently. With remarkable practical skills, he had everything assembled in no time.

When he finished organizing their gear, he noticed Xiang Yuan was nowhere to be seen.

She’d grown bored earlier and struck up a conversation with a group of nearby college students.

Learning it was a club activity day, she discovered they were also out for a picnic.

Cheng Zhinan stood watching them for a few moments.

She seemed to possess the ability to instantly befriend anyone.

Noticing Cheng Zhinan’s gaze, Xiang Yuan invited the students to join them.

Uncertain of their relationship, the students asked: “And who is this?”

Cheng Zhinan lowered his head without speaking, seemingly uninterested in engaging with them.

He placed the ingredients for grilling onto the barbecue rack.

It was clearly her idea to come for a picnic, yet once they arrived, she was busy chatting with the young kids.

Her attention was once again occupied by others.

Cheng Zhinan didn’t notice the faint trace of jealousy in his heart, only feeling that this group was annoyingly noisy.

The college students also sensed that the man before them wasn’t easy to approach.

He had a handsome face and an icy demeanor, appearing uninterested in conversation a stark contrast to the woman beside him.

Xiang Yuan glanced at Cheng Zhinan. Originally intending to introduce his identity, she suddenly felt the urge to tease him:

“Him? ”

“My friend.”

Hearing this, Cheng Zhinan paused briefly in his movements.

But he only stopped for two seconds before resuming as if nothing had happened, as though he couldn’t be bothered to argue with her.

Someone else asked what his friend did for a living.

Xiang Yuan told them to guess.

Some guessed he was a celebrity, others a model none of them even close.

Perhaps it was because his looks were too captivating tall with long legs and an aloof demeanor making him seem like someone who relied on his appearance for a living.

Xiang Yuan clarified for him: “He’s a doctor, and a very skilled one at that.”

The nearby college students whistled and exclaimed in surprise, clearly not having expected that.

Seeing Cheng Zhinan remain silent, Xiang Yuan deliberately moved closer to help him. “Let me help you.”

But Cheng Zhinan deftly sidestepped her.

“No need.”

Xiang Yuan blinked. “Are you angry?”

Cheng Zhinan: “No.”

Xiang Yuan: “I was just teasing them earlier. In a bit, I’ll tell them you’re my husband.”

Cheng Zhinan glanced at her.

The corners of her lips were lifted, clearly in a good mood.

He took the skewers from her hands. “I’ll handle this. You go rest.”

Over by the students, they were organizing games, and a few others came over to help. The two groups mingled, making the atmosphere even livelier.

Cheng Zhinan didn’t join their games. Midway through, Xiang Yuan suddenly realized he was nowhere to be seen.

She stood up and anxiously scanned the area. “Has anyone seen that man?”

Someone nearby mentioned they thought he had headed east.

Xiang Yuan hurriedly went east to look for him.

She spotted Cheng Zhinan’s figure among the trees.

He was hiding in the shade, and Xiang Yuan almost missed him.

“Cheng Zhinan!” she called out his name.

Cheng Zhinan turned around. “Why are you here?”

“I noticed you were gone, and someone said you came this way, so I came to check. And sure enough, you’re here.”

“Mm, just came to look around.”

“What are you doing here all of a sudden?”

Cheng Zhinan lowered his gaze, gesturing for her to look at the plant beside them.

Small white flowers with five spiraling petals, their fragrance reminiscent of jasmine. As evening approached, the scent grew stronger.

Xiang Yuan instinctively reached out to touch them but was stopped by Cheng Zhinan.

“Don’t touch.”

“This is star jasmine. It’s poisonous.”

Xiang Yuan withdrew her hand sheepishly. “So you came here just to enjoy the scenery?”

Cheng Zhinan didn’t respond.

Xiang Yuan: “To get away from the noise?”

Cheng Zhinan: “To clear my mind.”

Xiang Yuan saw right through him. “Or did you originally plan for us to have some alone time today?”

Cheng Zhinan looked down at her calmly.

“Just the two of us.” He pondered these words, then countered, “Aren’t we friends?”

“…” She pressed her lips together. “I was just joking earlier, don’t hold it against me now.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Being with them must be more interesting than being with a friend like me.”

Xiang Yuan: “…Who said that?”

Cheng Zhinan: “You have so many friends where do I rank?”

Xiang Yuan disliked his tone and rose on her toes to silence him.

As she pressed forward, Cheng Zhinan staggered back instinctively but quickly regained his balance. He wrapped an arm around her waist, leaning against the sturdy tree trunk.

Xiang Yuan failed in her attempt to steal a kiss and nearly stumbled, her cheeks flushing. She instinctively tried to push him away.

But Cheng Zhinan tightened his grip around her waist.

His voice was lazy, carrying a rare playful tone:

“It’s broad daylight. Is this appropriate behavior between friends?”

Xiang Yuan bit her lip, stubbornly insisting:

“It is.”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

Under the dense shade where few passed by, their interaction grew increasingly intimate.

Cheng Zhinan used his other hand to trace her lips, his eyelashes lowering as he stared at her mouth. “If you’re here kissing your friend, what would your husband think?”

Fine beads of sweat formed on Xiang Yuan’s nose.

Suddenly, this felt intensely like an affair.

Overwhelmed with shame, she just wanted to escape.

Yet Cheng Zhinan exerted slight pressure, lifting her until she stood on his shoes. From this angle

He kissed her directly.

Their height difference was significant. Standing on his shoes, Xiang Yuan seemed to dangle from him.

As their tongues intertwined, the crunch of leaves sounded behind them.

Xiang Yuan opened her eyes, looking at Cheng Zhinan with desperation.

Cheng Zhinan glanced at the group of college students approaching and whispered:

“They’re about to catch you kissing your friend.”

“…” Xiang Yuan wanted to hide as the footsteps drew nearer.

However.

Just as the footsteps closed in, Cheng Zhinan kissed her again.

The group of students froze in surprise, witnessing the scandal unfold.

The two who had just called each other friends were now passionately entangled in the corner.