Xiang Yuan didn’t dare to refute.

 

Soaking feet in hot water could make one’s complexion rosy, and thinking about certain XXX things could achieve the same effect.

 

She wasn’t frank enough to confess every single thought in her mind to Cheng Zhinan.

 

Letting him misunderstand like this wasn’t a big deal anyway.

 

While she was soaking her feet, Cheng Zhinan waited nearby.

 

Seeing that the time was about right, he handed her a clean towel and asked gently:

 

“Should I help you, or will you do it yourself?”

 

Xiang Yuan naturally chose to do it herself.

 

His tone was several degrees gentler than usual.

 

Probably because she wasn’t feeling well today, he was taking extra care of her.

 

Although Xiang Yuan had received plenty of affection since childhood, and her father had always doted on her, here she still felt treated like a little girl.

 

He would definitely make a good father in the future.

 

But the way he spoke earlier, it really seemed like he regarded her as a child.

 

She only had stomach cramps, it wasn’t like she had lost the ability to take care of herself. Yet he wanted to soak her feet and provide such thoughtful care – it was practically oozing with daddy vibes.

 

Xiang Yuan sighed silently and took another sip of the Ginger Tea in her cup.

 

This warm Ginger Tea was also prepared for her by Cheng Zhinan.

 

Xiang Yuan felt she had no way to repay him, short of offering herself.

 

But unfortunately, the timing wasn’t right today – it really wasn’t suitable for intimate moments.

 

After taking her medicine and resting for half an hour, the medication began to take effect.

 

Seeing her pacing around the room again, Cheng Zhinan knew she must be feeling better.

 

He advised: “It’s better to maintain a regular lifestyle in the future. Don’t rely solely on medication – you should prioritize your health.”

 

Xiang Yuan: “Okay, I understand.”

 

When it was time to sleep, Xiang Yuan moved closer to Cheng Zhinan, touched.

 

No matter what, the decision to get married didn’t seem too bad after all.

 

After marriage, there was someone to warm the bed, someone to talk with at home who wouldn’t disturb her excessively, she didn’t have to listen to her parents’ nagging, and every day when she opened her eyes she could see a handsome face – it was truly wonderful.

 

Perhaps because she received too much care tonight, she unconsciously forgot the pain of her period.

 

Even when sleeping, there was a warm chest behind her to snuggle against.

 

Probably because her happiness index was too high, she even started having dreams filled with pink bubbles.

 

At first the dream was quite normal, but gradually it began to spiral out of control.

 

In the dream, Cheng Zhinan held her foot, still with that aloof expression of looking down on everyone, yet his palm was scorching hot, burning her so much she kept retreating.

 

Later, he slightly lowered his head, his cool lips moving upward from her ankle.

 

It grew increasingly ticklish.

 

The sensation became more and more real.

 

Unable to escape.

 

Unable to wake from the dream.

 

She gasped heavily, begging for a chance to catch her breath.

 

But the man wouldn’t let her go. Seeing she wanted to run, he exerted slight force with his wrist and pulled her to his side.

 

In the dream, he seemed to say something to Xiang Yuan.

 

Xiang Yuan couldn’t hear clearly, only feeling dizzy and feverish.

 

She didn’t realize she was dreaming, only thinking that Cheng Zhinan wouldn’t normally act like this.

 

The way he whispered sweet nothings made her legs go weak.

 

The only thing equally real in both dream and reality was Cheng Zhinan’s physical structure.

 

Every time she saw it, it would startle her.

 

Wanting to escape but unable to get away.

 

Later.

 

The content of the dream became increasingly inappropriate, clearly not suitable for children.

 

Xiang Yuan slept restlessly, constantly tossing and turning.

 

Cheng Zhinan was awakened by her stirring and turned on the bedside lamp. Seeing her brows tightly furrowed, he wondered what troubling dream she was having.

 

He reached out with his fingertips, gently smoothing the crease between her eyebrows, and whispered soothingly:

 

“Did you dream of someone or something unpleasant?”

 

Xiang Yuan didn’t wake.

 

Clearly, Cheng Zhinan had no idea that the person troubling his wife’s dreams was none other than himself.

 

He drew her into his arms, his eyes softly closed, and patted her shoulder. “It’s alright, don’t be afraid. I’m here.”

 

But being held in his embrace didn’t ease Xiang Yuan’s restlessness instead, her breathing grew increasingly rapid.

 

So hot.

 

And his hold was impossible to break free from.

 

Not to mention

 

It felt like it went on forever…!

 

The intense dream persisted for what seemed like ages, leaving Xiang Yuan utterly exhausted even in her sleep.

 

Her back was drenched in sweat when she woke briefly midway.

 

Cheng Zhinan, roused by her movements, murmured in a low, husky voice, “You’re sweating a lot.”

 

Xiang Yuan: “…Mhm.”

 

Cheng Zhinan: “The Ginger Tea must be working. Does your stomach still hurt?”

 

Xiang Yuan shook her head.

 

A few seconds later.

 

She called his name.

 

“Cheng Zhinan.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“Get me a glass of water.”

 

In the early hours of the morning.

 

Cheng Zhinan got up and poured her a glass of water.

 

He stood by the bed, watching as Xiang Yuan gulped it down thirstily.

 

Puzzled, he asked:

 

“What did you dream about?”

 

Xiang Yuan paused, then handed the glass back to him, pulled the covers over her head, and went back to sleep.

 

Cheng Zhinan: “…”

 

By the time Xiang Yuan woke again, Cheng Zhinan was no longer beside her.

 

She lay staring at the ceiling, blinking several times in succession.

 

That dream last night…

 

She must have lost her mind, dreaming something like that about Cheng Zhinan right under his nose.

 

Thankfully, he hadn’t noticed.

 

That was her only consolation.

 

She threw off the light quilt, intending to go out for a walk.

 

But the moment she opened the bedroom door, she was enveloped by the rich fragrance of flowers filling the living room.

 

Luxurious, velvety petals exuded an intense, lush aroma, with a hint of fruity freshness on a clear day.

 

The entire room was filled with Freud roses, making Xiang Yuan wonder for a second if she was still dreaming.

 

But this was real.

 

She suddenly remembered what she’d said to Cheng Zhinan in the car yesterday.

 

She’d casually made a wish, never expecting Cheng Zhinan to actually work magic for her.

 

She’d asked for just one bouquet of Freud, but Cheng Zhinan had bought enough to fill the entire living room.

 

She bent down, breathing in the scent deeply, and instantly felt refreshed.

 

Then, Xiang Yuan took out her phone and snapped several pictures of the flowers in the living room.

 

She sent the photos to Cheng Zhinan first.

 

Yuanyuanyuanyuan: 【Did you buy these flowers?】

 

Cheng Zhinan, apparently not too busy at the moment, had time to reply.

 

CZN: 【Yes, I did.】

 

Yuanyuanyuanyuan: 【Since when did Doctor Cheng learn to be romantic?】

 

CZN: 【It’s not about being romantic. I saw that you liked them, so I got them for you.】

 

Yuanyuanyuanyuan: 【So this is the magic you gave me.】

 

CZN: 【You could say that.】

 

Yuanyuanyuanyuan: 【Thanks to you, I’m going to be in a great mood all day.】

 

Then, she sent him a cute bunny emoji.

 

Cheng Zhinan stared at the bunny for a few seconds.

 

He wondered if he should reply with an equally playful sticker.

 

Unfortunately, he had no stickers saved on his phone.

 

He pondered for a moment before continuing to type:

 

【Is your stomach still hurting?】

 

Yuan Yuan Yuan Yuan: 【No more pain.】

 

Cheng Zhinan thought for a moment and finally replied:

 

【As long as you like it.】

 

During work hours, he didn’t have much time for casual chatting, so after exchanging a few messages, he returned to his tasks.

 

Xiang Yuan, alone at home, felt her creative inspiration flowing endlessly.

 

With no pressing tasks today, she decided to return to her study and immerse herself in her artwork.

 

Halfway through her work, You Mei sent her a message: 【Did you go to Uncle Ke’s house to deliver the gift like I asked last time?】

 

Yuan Yuan Yuan Yuan: 【Not yet.】

 

Mom: 【Uncle Ke has already returned home. Find some time to go soon, so no one can find fault.】

 

Yuan Yuan Yuan Yuan: 【Okay.】

 

When Cheng Zhinan returned from work, Xiang Yuan told him about her plan to visit and deliver the gift.

 

Cheng Zhinan paused as he rolled up his sleeves. “That friend of yours?”

 

Xiang Yuan: “Yes.”

 

Cheng Zhinan: “When are you going?”

 

Xiang Yuan: “Tomorrow, I happen to be free.”

 

Cheng Zhinan arranged fresh flowers in a vase.

 

Holding a pair of scissors in one hand, he deftly trimmed the excess stems with practiced ease.

 

Earlier, when she arrived home, Xiang Yuan had mentioned wanting a vase of flowers on the dining table to brighten their meals.

 

He placed a few stems of Freud roses inside, his lashes lowering slightly. “Are you going alone?”

 

“My parents probably won’t have time to accompany me. Even though tomorrow is a day off, Xiang Ming rarely gets a break and likely won’t want to go out, so I’ll be fine on my own.”

 

“What I meant was ” he set down the flowers, “I can go with you.”

 

“Do you have time tomorrow?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Surprised but pleased by his offer, Xiang Yuan agreed without hesitation. “Great, let’s go together.”

 

–

 

The weather had been sunny lately, and the streets of S City were gradually turning green.

 

As temperatures rose, Xiang Yuan opted for light, comfortable outfits.

 

Today, she wore a pale gray spaghetti-strap maxi dress that revealed her slender, fair arms. A teardrop-shaped diamond necklace adorned her neck, and she layered BVLGARI Serpenti bracelets on her wrist.

 

Uncle Ke was watering plants in the yard when he spotted the couple. He quickly set down the watering can and walked over to greet them.

 

Xiang Yuan hugged him warmly and teased, “It’s been a while, but you still look so young.”

 

“Young? I’m just an old man now. But you you’ve grown even more beautiful, just like your father in his prime. They say daughters take after their fathers, and I see it’s true.”

 

Then, he turned to Cheng Zhinan. “This must be Zhinan.”

 

Uncle Ke hadn’t been able to attend Xiang Yuan’s wedding, so this was his first time meeting Cheng Zhinan.

 

Cheng Zhinan extended his hand for a handshake.

 

“Cheng Zhinan.”

 

Uncle Ke nodded and urged them inside.

 

Once in the living room, they noticed Ke Hang was also home.

 

Dressed in loungewear, Ke Hang smirked as the couple entered. “What brings the two of you here together today?”

 

Xiang Yuan set down the gift and bantered back, “It’s a lucky wind. Seeing me here today might just double your company’s profits tomorrow.”

 

Ke Hang chuckled. “After all these years, you’re still as full of yourself as ever.”

 

The two conversed with familiar ease. Even though they hadn’t seen much of each other after marriage, their years of friendship from high school allowed them to banter and joke around as if no one else was present.

 

Soon enough, Ke Hang greeted Cheng Zhinan.

 

Noticing the generous gifts on the floor, he remarked, “You didn’t have to be so formal just for visiting.”

 

Xiang Yuan linked arms with Cheng Zhinan, deliberately flaunting their affection in front of him. “My husband prepared all these. If you want to compliment anyone, direct it at him.”

 

Ke Hang curled his lips in a half-smile. “Showing off love at your age, Xiang Yuan. Aren’t you ashamed?”

 

Xiang Yuan glared at him. “Who’s old?”

 

Ke Hang: “Obviously me.”

 

Xiang Yuan: “I’m still young.”

 

Ke Hang was deliberately teasing her. “I know, but could you refrain from flaunting your relationship in front of a single person?”

 

Xiang Yuan decided to let it go for now and pulled Cheng Zhinan to sit on the sofa. She introduced, “Ke Hang and I have known each other for many years. We were high school classmates and used to hang out often. Later, he started his own business, and we all got busy, so we lost touch.”

 

As she finished speaking, Ke Hang handed them two cups of tea.

 

“Yeah, you’re always busy making money, Miss. No time to meet up.”

 

Xiang Yuan: “Aren’t you the same?”

 

Ke Hang: “We hadn’t been in touch for so long, and then suddenly I got news of your marriage. I always said you were too rebellious, but you never believed me.”

 

Xiang Yuan chuckled lightly. “This is called being unpredictable. If you have what it takes, surprise me too.”

 

Ke Hang raised an eyebrow. “I don’t have that talent.”

 

Xiang Yuan: “You should hurry up too, or your parents will worry about their aging bachelor son.”

 

“You…” Ke Hang was too exasperated to retort and could only turn to Cheng Zhinan for help. “How do you usually put up with her? Does she always bully people like this?”

 

Cheng Zhinan took a sip of tea, his fingers slowly tracing the rim of the cup. He replied gently, “Not at all. She treats me very well.”

 

Ke Hang’s smile faded slightly. He sighed helplessly, rubbing his forehead. “This is too much.”

 

Xiang Yuan burst into laughter, leaning into Cheng Zhinan’s embrace.

 

Ke Hang regained his composure. “By the way, about the class reunion I asked you about last time you said you’d think about it. Have you decided yet?”

 

“You’re so eager for me to attend the reunion. Could it be you’re still hung up on your high school crush, Jiang Zixin?” Xiang Yuan eyed him suspiciously.

 

Ke Hang gritted his teeth in frustration. “Xiang Yuan, have you no conscience? It was clearly you two who had issues back then, and now you’re trying to pin it on me. Do I really look that tasteless?”

 

Xiang Yuan shrugged. “You never know, after all…”

 

Before she could finish, Cheng Zhinan interrupted their conversation. “Xiang Yuan.”

 

“Hmm?” She looked at him, puzzled.

 

Cheng Zhinan glanced at his wristwatch and reminded her, “We shouldn’t overstay our welcome today.”

 

The atmosphere had been lively, yet he cut in abruptly.

 

Xiang Yuan immediately understood his meaning. “Alright, we’ll visit another day.”

 

Ke Hang stood up. “No need to rush off. It’s no trouble at all. Stay for a meal it’s been so long since we last met.”

 

Cheng Zhinan rose to his feet. “No, we’ll catch up another time.”

 

Ke Hang looked down at Xiang Yuan, hinting, “Is your husband that strict?”

 

Xiang Yuan sighed. “What can I do? I’m husband-whipped.”

 

Cheng Zhinan glanced down at her, then took her hand. “Let’s go.”

 

Watching the two figures gradually recede into the distance, Ke Hang raised an eyebrow.

 

Was this man’s sense of vigilance too strong?

 

He had only chatted a bit more with Xiang Yuan, and Cheng Zhinan was already jealous.

 

Feeling inexplicably irritated, he turned and saw Old Ke walking in from outside.

 

Old Ke asked him, “Where’s Xiang Yuan?”

 

Ke Hang shrugged, “She left.”

 

Old Ke: “Couldn’t you have kept her a bit longer?”

 

Ke Hang: “Her husband was urging her. I couldn’t force her to stay. See? This is what marriage is like utterly boring.”

 

Old Ke: “…”

 

When it came to avoiding marriage, he always had an excuse.

 

……

 

……

 

On the way back.

 

Xiang Yuan pondered over Cheng Zhinan’s series of actions earlier.

 

By the time they were almost home, she had pretty much figured it out.

 

Did Cheng Zhinan misunderstand something?

 

She and Ke Hang were purely friends, with a clear and innocent relationship.

 

Was Cheng Zhinan really jealous?

 

His jealousy was a bit too much.

 

Moreover, this was the first time she had seen Cheng Zhinan jealous, which was quite surprising and delightful.

 

He could actually get jealous?

 

Such a serious and aloof man, whose heart was usually devoted only to his medical career, actually had room for something else.

 

Hesitantly, Xiang Yuan spoke up, “Cheng Zhinan…”

 

Cheng Zhinan: “Hmm?”

 

Xiang Yuan: “Did you misunderstand something?”

 

Cheng Zhinan: “Misunderstand what?”

 

Xiang Yuan: “Nothing, really. I just noticed you seemed a bit cold the whole way, and thought you might be a little upset.”

 

The car entered the underground garage.

 

Cheng Zhinan skillfully and smoothly parked the car in its spot.

 

He turned off the engine but made no move to get out immediately, replying lightly, “It’s not jealousy.”

 

“Then what is it?”

 

Cheng Zhinan fell silent briefly.

 

He couldn’t provide a precise answer.

 

But at that moment, as Xiang Yuan’s husband, he genuinely didn’t want to see her chatting happily with another man right in front of him.

 

Whether that man was a friend or had some other relationship.

 

Since when had he become so petty?

 

Cheng Zhinan wasn’t sure either.

 

Perhaps it was the shift in identity after marriage that automatically cast him into the role of a husband.

 

He couldn’t accept his wife flirting and bantering with another man in his presence, especially when they seemed to have so much to talk about.

 

What’s more, he couldn’t even interject.

 

After all, he wasn’t familiar with their shared past.

 

He didn’t know as much about Xiang Yuan’s past as that man did.

 

Thinking of this, his brow furrowed slightly, and that stifling feeling from earlier began to creep back.

 

Today’s incident was indeed his fault.

 

But he didn’t regret it.

 

Cheng Zhinan had always lived by this principle: he never did anything he would regret, and if he did it, he wouldn’t regret it.

 

Today, he had been slightly abrupt in wanting Xiang Yuan to leave with him, but she hadn’t been upset. Instead, she looked at him with a curious expression.

 

Meeting her gaze, Cheng Zhinan pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. “Why do you look”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“A bit happy.”

 

Xiang Yuan suppressed a smile, almost bluntly telling Cheng Zhinan

 

It must be because your wife is so beautiful that you’ve started feeling insecure.

 

Even though it was a misunderstanding, a little jealousy spices things up, while too much harms the heart. If he could express his feelings to her from time to time, she’d probably be even happier.

 

But Xiang Yuan still didn’t have the courage to say something so narcissistic.

 

“Don’t worry, Ke Hang and I are just very ordinary friends. There’s absolutely no romantic involvement whatsoever between us, and besides, he’s not my type anyway.”

 

Cheng Zhinan unfastened his seatbelt and asked her:

 

“Then what is your type?”

 

Xiang Yuan leaned closer to him, her curled lashes fluttering near his cheek. Her fingertips brushed against his collar as she lowered her voice, her fragrant breath warming his neck.

 

“I like men who fasten their shirt buttons all the way to the top, just like you do.”

As she spoke, her nimble fingers mischievously played with his buttons, deliberately trying to undo them.

 

However.

 

Before she could unfasten the button, her wrist was seized firmly. She was suddenly pressed back against the seat.

 

In the confined space of the car, the man loomed over her, pinning her wrist with one hand as his kiss descended upon her with urgent intensity.