The photo Ji Yanhong had brought over back then was actually provided by You Mei.

She randomly selected a beautiful picture of her daughter from Xiang Yuan’s social media moments and sent it to the matchmaker.

In the photo, Xiang Yuan wore white tennis attire with a high ponytail, holding a racket in her hand. Her long legs were exposed to the sunlight, radiating purity and vitality.

Fine beads of sweat glistened on the tip of her nose, yet they did nothing to diminish her brilliant smile.

The youthful energy she exuded seemed infectious even through the photograph.

This was the exact picture Cheng Zhinan had seen back then.

Compared to others, Xiang Yuan was indeed special.

Her beauty was natural and unpretentious. Though her makeup was light, it was exquisitely applied. She had an excellent figure the perfect curvy silhouette, not an inch too much nor too little. Having been pampered since childhood, her skin was naturally fair and delicate, and her physique was just right.

When Xiang Yuan asked that question earlier, she genuinely wanted to hear Cheng Zhinan praise her.

But when he actually did, her face burned so hot she wanted to scream.

Who says things so bluntly like that?

She never realized Cheng Zhinan was this kind of person before.

Although she knew she had a full bust and curvy hips, was beautiful with a good personality, talented and compassionate often spending time caring for small animals, knowledgeable about both arts and sciences, skilled in literary and martial pursuits, romantic and artistic…

Earlier, Cheng Zhinan had leaned close with a serious expression, his warm breath brushing against the skin behind her ear, and told her:

“Because you have the best figure.”

Xiang Yuan didn’t know whether his words were genuine or not.

But she knew for certain that beneath Cheng Zhinan’s cold exterior lay striking contrast.

He was definitely teasing her on purpose.

Xiang Yuan refused to fall for his tricks.

Yet his words had stirred a restless itch in her heart.

Because there was one time before when Cheng Zhinan had genuinely complimented her figure in bed.

Whether he said it to coax her or as marital intimacy, Xiang Yuan had found it quite pleasing.

If Cheng Zhinan would say more exciting things during intimate moments, she’d probably be even happier.

Now.

She pursed her lips skeptically and said to Cheng Zhinan:

“You’re teasing me again on purpose.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Hmm?”

Xiang Yuan: “Could I possibly be your ideal type?”

After she said this, Ji Yanhong noticed something off about Xiang Yuan.

Her face was flushed, and her expression showed slight discomfort wondering if Cheng Zhinan had said something to upset her.

Ji Yanhong shot a glare at Cheng Zhinan: “Don’t bully your wife.”

Cheng Zhinan curved his lips: “How would I dare.”

Usually, she was the one bossing him around he never had the upper hand to bully her.

He’d merely said a few things she liked to hear earlier, and now she was getting upset again.

The intricacies of a girl’s heart were something Cheng Zhinan truly didn’t understand well.

Since childhood, he hadn’t been good at dealing with girls.

He had his own passions and focus, so he hadn’t been interested in romantic relationships before.

When girls confessed to him, not wanting to lead them on, he typically refused directly and decisively, leaving no room for false hope.

Yet some people said he came across as too harsh.

He believed that giving someone the wrong impression irresponsibly would be the cruelest act.

Perhaps his lack of romantic flair carried over into marriage, as Xiang Yuan often accused him of being too rough.

Sometimes in bed, she complained he was too forceful or that it lasted too long.

Sometimes in life, she would say he was always too busy, never had extra time to accompany her, and never spoke sweet nothings, which often made her unhappy.

Cheng Zhinan didn’t want her to be unhappy.

He had already tried his best to give her all his available time, but work kept him too busy to be with her every moment.

As for other aspects

He had to consider her physical condition.

He couldn’t let her feel pain, couldn’t let her get tired, couldn’t let her feel annoyed, couldn’t let her cry, couldn’t let her grow bored…

There were too many restrictions, and sometimes it troubled him a little.

He was doing his best to fulfill the role of a good husband.

So, every day, he made it a habit to do one specific thing to strengthen their marital bond and to hold himself accountable.

Xiang Yuan’s question was interrupted by her mother-in-law. Though she had been curious, seeing someone backing her up made her inexplicably proud. She lifted her chin and deliberately played the part of a good wife, picking up a spare rib and placing it in Cheng Zhinan’s bowl.

“Eat more.”

Seeing her deliberately acting cute, Cheng Zhinan saw right through her little trick but didn’t expose her. Instead, he played along, picking up the spare rib she had given him and finishing it.

Ming Rongrong, seeing how well the two got along, realized that winning over her sister-in-law would surely be useful in the future.

She took out her phone, exchanged contact information with Xiang Yuan, added her as a WeChat friend, and generously said:

“Sis, if there’s any makeup you want in the future, just let me know. I have plenty of samples and can give them to you directly.”

Xiang Yuan was still a bit shy. “Is that really okay…?”

Ming Rongrong: “It’s totally fine. When I was little, my cousin always gave me pocket money. Repaying you is like repaying him.”

Seeing this, Xiang Yuan could only smile and say:

“Alright then.”

During the meal, Ming Rongrong unexpectedly found herself being urged to get married.

Cheng Hua asked her, “Your cousin is already married. When are you planning to settle down with someone? Even if you don’t get married, dating would be good too.”

Ming Rongrong hadn’t expected to face such pressure just by coming out for a meal.

“Don’t worry about me. My cousin is newly married, and the family is full of joy. Let’s think about my future in a few years.”

Just as Cheng Hua was about to speak, Ming Rongrong deliberately turned to Xiang Yuan and said, “Sis, if you know anyone suitable, just introduce them to me. We’re around the same age, so our tastes probably aren’t too different.”

Xiang Yuan knew Ming Rongrong was just making excuses and nodded, “Okay, I’ll keep an eye out for you.”

After the meal, Cheng Hua handed Xiang Yuan a collectible item, saying he had seen it at an auction and thought her father would like it, so he bought it as a gift.

Seeing how expensive it was, Xiang Yuan initially refused.

After some back-and-forth, Cheng Zhinan finally spoke up:

“Just accept it. It’s Dad’s heartfelt gesture.”

Xiang Yuan had no choice but to take it. “Then I’ll accept it on behalf of my father and pass it to him another day.”

Cheng Hua: “It’s been a while since I’ve seen your father. Let’s invite him out for a drink sometime.”

Xiang Yuan: “He’s been mentioning you lately too.”

Cheng Hua laughed heartily, “Perfect, I’ll arrange it soon.”

After the meal, Cheng Zhinan stood by the car and asked Ming Rongrong, “Do you need a ride?”

Ming Rongrong got into her own car. “No need, cousin. I can drive myself back. You take sis home and rest early.”

With that, she smoothly opened the car door and got in.

Xiang Yuan couldn’t help but sigh as she looked at her: “Being single does have its advantages.”

Cheng Zhinan tilted his head: “What, missing the days before marriage?”

Xiang Yuan: “A little.”

Cheng Zhinan opened the car door for her, “Then you still have a chance to change your mind.”

Xiang Yuan slipped into the passenger seat, looking up at him with half-belief, “Really?”

From this angle, Cheng Zhinan looked down at her from above.

The man lifted his chin slightly, one hand in his pocket, the other resting on the car door, his expression somewhat cold, as if slightly displeased.

Like this, Cheng Zhinan appeared to have a certain cold-faced cuteness.

Meeting Xiang Yuan’s curious gaze, his eyes grew even colder as he directly closed the car door, mercilessly stating:

“Fake.”

Xiang Yuan: “…………”

In the car.

Xiang Yuan received a phone call.

Her tone was flat, as if speaking with a friend, but later, discussing something unknown, she started laughing again.

Listening to her call, Cheng Zhinan gathered she was talking about visiting elders in a few days and asking him to help take care of Xiang Ming, so he knew who she was speaking with.

During the call, Xiang Yuan also learned about an upcoming class reunion. Unsure if she’d have time to attend, she vaguely said she needed to think about it and would give an answer in a few days.

After talking for a long time, she grew thirsty and happened to spot a milk tea shop ahead, urging Cheng Zhinan to pull over.

Cheng Zhinan kept his hands on the steering wheel, “Why stop?”

Xiang Yuan: “I’m thirsty, I want milk tea.”

Cheng Zhinan: “Milk tea isn’t healthy.”

Xiang Yuan: “I want it even if it’s unhealthy.”

Unable to win the argument, Cheng Zhinan pulled over to buy her milk tea.

He only got 30% sugar and originally wanted to buy it at room temperature, but before he got out, Xiang Yuan specifically requested ice.

Thus, a cup of crème brûlée matcha ice arrived in her hands.

Xiang Yuan took a big sip, feeling her soul instantly uplifted.

Cheng Zhinan waited by the roadside while she drank her milk tea.

Gazing out the window, he asked lightly:

“Do you have plans to go abroad later?”

Xiang Yuan: “Not for now.”

Cheng Zhinan: “I saw you had volunteer activities abroad before.”

Xiang Yuan: “Yes, I was too bored at home back then, so I thought about doing something meaningful. But I didn’t go alone I went with a few friends. It was quite interesting.”

Cheng Zhinan was quiet for a moment, “You always seem to have many friends.”

“Of course.” Xiang Yuan enjoyed the dopamine-induced pleasure, “Life would be too dull without friends.”

Cheng Zhinan started the car and drove steadily.

He had always known about Xiang Yuan having many friends.

With her outgoing and lively personality, she was particularly likable, always surrounded by a large circle of close friends.

Even after marriage, people frequently called Xiang Yuan to go out and socialize.

But most of the time, Xiang Yuan politely declined.

Firstly, she needed to rest and recuperate, and secondly, being married, she avoided unnecessary drinking gatherings.

Otherwise, what if Cheng Zhinan complained to her parents someday?

Although she knew Cheng Zhinan wasn’t that kind of person, it was better to be safe than sorry.

Her parents treated Cheng Zhinan like a prized treasure; if he were unhappy, she would definitely be criticized.

After drinking the milk tea, she felt much better and chatted idly with Cheng Zhinan.

Later.

Cheng Zhinan suddenly noticed the person beside him had fallen silent.

The car, which should have been noisy, became inexplicably quiet, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable.

He turned his head, about to ask, when he saw Xiang Yuan frowning tightly, her face slightly pale, looking unwell.

Coincidentally, the car had just parked in the underground garage.

He unbuckled his seatbelt and held her palm, “What’s wrong? Where do you feel uncomfortable?”

Xiang Yuan moved her lips, the 30% sugar Crème brûlée matcha ice in her hand suddenly feeling heavy.

“Cheng Zhinan, my stomach hurts.”

Cheng Zhinan glanced at the iced milk tea in her hand, then at her stomach, and immediately understood.

Thus, Xiang Yuan found herself being carried princess-style in Cheng Zhinan’s arms once again.

After arriving home, when Xiang Yuan went to the bathroom, she discovered her period had arrived early.

Her irregular sleep schedule recently, combined with drinking iced milk tea today, had not only made her period come early but also caused severe pain.

Fortunately, she had sanitary pads prepared in advance at home.

By the time Xiang Yuan slowly emerged from the bathroom, Cheng Zhinan was waiting for her at the door.

“Your period?”

“…Mhm.”

The man handed her warm water and painkillers, “Take these.”

Xiang Yuan frequently experienced period pains, so Cheng Zhinan was quite familiar with her recurring issue. Seeing her rush to the bathroom, he knew to prepare painkillers and warm water in advance.

Xiang Yuan thanked him and swallowed the painkillers with the warm water.

Perhaps her pale complexion from earlier had worried him, Cheng Zhinan had broken into a light sweat on his back while moving around busily.

He had Xiang Yuan sit on the sofa first, then brought over the foot bath basin that had been sitting unused in the corner for a long time.

Xiang Yuan had gone through a phase of loving shopping, buying various miscellaneous items that remained unopened, stored in corners for when they might be useful.

Today.

This foot bath basin indeed proved useful.

Xiang Yuan looked listless and lacking energy, but she noticed Cheng Zhinan kneeling on one knee, his long legs encased in suit pants appearing particularly slender, the firm muscles of his legs faintly visible through the fabric.

Cheng Zhinan rolled up his shirt sleeves and held her ankles with both hands, “Soak your feet, it’ll help you feel warmer.”

“Don’t…”

Xiang Yuan’s ankles were sensitive, and even the lightest touch made her feel ticklish.

Seeing her try to avoid it, Cheng Zhinan thought she was being difficult again.

He tightened his grip on her ankles slightly, his tone leaving no room for argument, “Don’t fuss. I tested the water temperature earlier – it’s just right, won’t burn you.”

His hands were large, as if they could easily hold both her fair feet.

In the rippling warm water, the man’s palms gently covered her feet as he asked softly:

“How’s this temperature for you?”

Xiang Yuan replied slowly, “It’s fine.” She could even hear how hoarse her voice sounded, as if forced through the cracks in her throat.

The man’s pale, bony fingers flicked some water onto the tops of her feet, “If you hadn’t been stubborn about drinking milk tea today, would you still be in pain?”

As Xiang Yuan listened to him chatting with her, her thoughts seemed to have already drifted to the heavens.

Even in such a warm moment, she shamefully found her mind wandering to inappropriate places.

His hands were bony and strong, with clearly defined blue veins on the back, exuding an intense sense of power.

Xiang Yuan lowered her head and wiggled her toes. The slender, pale toes stirred small ripples in the foot bath basin.

Why hadn’t she noticed before how attractive Cheng Zhinan’s hands were?

So large and slender.

And his skin was so fair.

Even the veins on the back of his hands looked provocatively alluring.

One of his hands could easily grasp both of her feet, seize her ankles effortlessly, and hold her in place, preventing her from squirming.

The more she thought about it, the more flustered she became, and her pale cheeks gradually flushed with color.

If her thoughts had strayed, it wasn’t due to any fault of her own it was simply because this man was undeniably captivating.

Cheng Zhinan lowered his head and, seeing that Xiang Yuan hadn’t responded, knew she was feeling guilty.

But she was clearly unwell today, and he couldn’t bring himself to scold her too harshly.

He carefully tested the water temperature for her again and was about to continue when Xiang Yuan stopped him.

“You don’t have to wash my feet. It’s too embarrassing. I can do it myself.”

Although they were married, no man had ever touched her feet before, not since she was a child.

Cheng Zhinan figured she was probably just shy. He withdrew his hands from the water and looked up to check her expression, only to notice that her complexion had grown much rosier.

His lashes lowered as he pulled two tissues from the box nearby and wiped his hands dry, commenting lightly:

“It seems the foot bath is working well. Your face has more color it must be taking effect.”