Chapter 10

The last workday before the New Year was the company annual meeting. Wen Yi sat with Tian Jia and a few of their respective juniors at the same table.

Tian Jia leaned in and whispered, “I still can’t figure it out. How did you suddenly get married just like that? Are you pregnant?”

Wen Yi glanced at her. Tian Jia understood. “I knew it. That’s why you’ve changed completely. No more high heels. No makeup either.”

The wedding was already over. Wen Yi no longer hid it. “When the leaders come to toast later, help me block them.”

“How should I say it?”

“After the New Year.” The big bosses always had too much free time during the Spring Festival to ponder deeply. And resignation rates were high around the holidays. Every year, the first thing after returning from break was position adjustments.

She did not want to be transferred to an administrative role yet.

Tian Jia nodded knowingly and said no problem.

Then she gossiped. “Where did you find that guy? He’s really good-looking. Better than Wei Yuan.”

On that day at the company annual meeting, Wen Yi’s husband, whom Tian Jia had only seen at the wedding, sat with them. He was tall and striking. Standing beside him, Wen Yi looked delicate and bird-like in dependence. His suit was impeccably straight. His features were well-proportioned. His brows and eyes were clean and gentle. But he rarely smiled, giving him a somewhat serious air.

In Tian Jia’s memory, he had smiled only twice. Once was when the wedding host, after the ring exchange, asked the groom to kiss the bride. The man’s lips slowly curved. After gazing at the bride for a few moments, he cupped her face and gave a light, dragonfly-like kiss.

In that instant, Tian Jia suddenly thought that Wen Yi had married the right person.

The second time was during the toasts. Their table was full of colleagues who shared deep revolutionary camaraderie with Wen Yi. Naturally, they could not let the groom off easily. They piled seven or eight glasses of beer under the red envelope. The bride felt sorry for him and told them not to ruin the wedding night. Everyone seized the chance to tease. After a couple of remarks, the beer was all drunk by their own people.

Tian Jia’s gaze swept over and caught the fleeting smile on the man’s face.

He truly looked handsome when smiling, like a movie star.

Most importantly, his every gesture carried an air of refinement, like a straight pine tree. Up close, one could catch a faint scent of fresh pine. Such a person clearly came from a cultured family. Tian Jia had specially glanced at the main table back then. As expected, the groom’s family members all seemed extraordinary.

Beside them, one of Wen Yi’s juniors, Song Qingqing, chimed in. “Yes, yes. And brother-in-law looks super intelligent.”

The younger ones who had not attended the wedding all clamored to see photos. Song Qingqing generously pulled out the ones she had taken at the wedding site to share. The juniors grew excited watching and pressed for the story of how the couple fell in love.

Wen Yi had a ready-made tale. She rattled it off smoothly. Of course, she omitted the part Qiao En had embellished. She had never secretly loved him.

The juniors listened and praised the groom’s deep devotion. Tian Jia, who knew Wen Yi had been single the whole time, glanced toward the main table ahead and whispered. “You never mentioned dating before. You didn’t do this just to spite Wei Yuan, did you?”

Many veteran employees knew about her past with Wei Yuan. She heard that on the day invitations were sent, Wei Yuan had cursed quite a few people in a meeting. Naturally, he did not attend the wedding but sent a big red envelope.

Wen Yi could not help laughing. “Who has a child just to spite an ex?”

“Then what’s the story with you two? The whole company is saying you’re siding with Wei Yuan now.”

“Wei Yuan is capable. Of course I side with him.”

Tian Jia shook her head, baffled. “I’ve always thought Wei Yuan is no simple man. Be careful.”

“I know.”

Halfway through the annual meeting, leaders came around table by table to toast in consolation. Wen Yi used feeling unwell as an excuse and drank tea. With so many people, no one commented. Only Wei Yuan gave her a strange look before leaving, probably still fuming inside.

The party ended late. Qin Nanshan came to pick her up. They would return to Changle Lane together first to move some luggage to University East Road.

The car parked by the hotel roadside. The tall man’s figure in the driver’s seat was faintly visible. Tian Jia and Song Qingqing and a few others yelled wanting to see brother-in-law. Wen Yi refused and said goodbye.

As soon as she got in, Qin Nanshan frowned. “You drank?”

“No. People around me did.” Wen Yi fastened her seatbelt and huffed. “I have common sense.”

On the road, Wen Yi felt drowsy. Leaning back, she dozed off. Now pregnancy reactions had mostly subsided. Just excessive sleepiness and overwhelming tiredness.

She opened her eyes to find they were home. Wen Yi habitually checked her watch: eleven twenty-three. If she remembered right, they had left at ten thirty. From hotel to home took only twenty minutes. Meaning she had slept half an hour in the car.

The heater was on, but her window was cracked open a bit. The air was not stuffy. Wen Yi twisted her neck. Her voice slightly hoarse. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“You were sleeping soundly.”

“Sleeping like that is uncomfortable. Remember to wake me next time.”

“Okay.” He handed her a box casually. A red ring box. “Jewelry stores closed for the holidays a few days ago. Had it transferred from out of town. Took some time.”

Wen Yi said nothing. She opened it. Only a women’s ring. Style similar to the lost one. A small fine diamond. Simple for daily wear.

She lifted her gaze and only then noticed the ring already on his left ring finger. The men’s ring equally understated and elegant. His fingers were defined with clear joints. Faint blue veins visible under fair skin, encircled by the band, giving a sense of restrained abstinence.

Qin Nanshan said gently. “Shall I put it on for you?”

Wen Yi pressed her lips together and nodded lightly.

He took the box, carefully removed the ring. Left hand supporting her right. Right thumb and forefinger pinching the edge. He slowly slid it onto her ring finger. Just like on their wedding day.

It fit her size perfectly.

A song suddenly popped into her mind. The background music the wedding company played during the ring exchange. “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

“Wise men say only fools rush in

but I can’t help falling in love with you”

“智者常言，愚蠢的人们总是莽撞

但我就是情不自禁爱上了你”

The woven love story was touching. The real background authentic. In a daze, Wen Yi truly felt a fleeting illusion of loving partners.

She thought silently. It would be nice if this marriage had love. But quickly denied it. How could one have it all? When making her choice, she had already given up the other possibility. Too greedy, and heaven would take away what she had now.

Getting out, Qin Nanshan went in with her. After over a month, Ms. Wen no longer cared how they got together or married. She was one hundred percent satisfied with this son-in-law.

Luggage was already packed: one suitcase and one large bag. Before leaving, Ms. Wen pulled him aside for instructions. Like how Wen Yi disliked tomatoes, carrots, lamb. How if she slept poorly at night, she would be temperamental the next day. But that temper was only toward family. Told him not to indulge her. Wen Yi heard a few lines, all criticisms. She stopped listening and went to shower.

After showering, Qin Nanshan had already taken the luggage and left. Ms. Wen entered her room. “You move over first. When confinement gets closer later…” She paused, then asked first. “Will your mother-in-law come to care for you then?”

Wen Yi applied cream to her face. “Don’t know. But I definitely hope you come. Mom, you come.”

Ms. Wen seemed to hear a satisfactory answer. She smiled and scolded. “Of course your mother-in-law comes first.”

“Besides, it’s still early.”

Ms. Wen continued her instructions. “When the time comes to spend the New Year over there, be obedient. I can tell his uncle’s family is not easy to get along with, especially that aunt. Don’t offend anyone.”

“You underestimate me too much.”

“Also, I don’t care what your relationship with Xiao Qin is like right now. But you’re married now. From here on, you’re husband and wife. Mom doesn’t have much experience to teach you. But marital harmony is always right. I see Xiao Qin has a steady personality. It balances you being talkative. Talk more.”

“……”

“Pregnancy is not easy. Later on, even turning over in bed will be difficult. When you’re uncomfortable, let Xiao Qin help you more.”

Wen Yi did not understand. “Help with what?”

Ms. Wen had no marriage experience herself and did not fully know. She relayed advice she had heard later. “Bathing, washing hair, massaging waist and legs.” Then remembering something, her voice lowered a bit. “You’re over three months now. I see people say once the baby is stable, you can be intimate. You two… anyway, be careful.”

One sentence made both mother and daughter blush. Wen Yi shooed her out. “I know, I know. It’s just a few kilometers. You talk so much. As if I can’t come back.”

……

The official holiday began. Three days until the New Year. The weather was overcast with thick clouds.

Wen Yi slept until naturally waking. Under Ms. Wen’s urging, she slowly got up and ate slowly before setting off to Qin Nanshan’s home on University East Road.

Wen Yi had never entered his home. Last time, she only lingered at the door briefly. The wedding new room was at the in-laws’ eastern suburbs villa. Now standing at the door, she felt completely like an outsider.

Qin Nanshan opened it.

Black silk with subtle patterned loungewear, understated luxury. Black thin-framed glasses. Hair neatly in place. Even his face softened a bit. Wen Yi glanced twice and lowered her eyes.

Different from usual. This was his everyday look. It deviated a bit from her perception. Wen Yi felt strangely inside…

Qin Nanshan stepped aside. “Come in.”

At the shoe cabinet below was a pair of women’s cotton slippers. Pink.

She looked up, confirming with her eyes. Qin Nanshan said, “Yours.”

Wen Yi laughed. She changed into them. She did not like pink. She was no little girl.

The apartment was not large. Decor style from the nineties, retro and simple. The living room was more crowded than imagined. Books everywhere in sight. On the TV cabinet, sofa corners. All stacked neatly. Even book edges aligned, as if with some obsessive-compulsive tendency.

The top one had a cover full of English she could not understand, with a few geometric figures. Likely his professional book.

Curious, she flipped a few pages. Inside dense notes everywhere. It made her dizzy. Wen Yi quickly closed it. Qin Nanshan said, “That’s advanced math book.”

Wen Yi was surprised. “Your school uses English textbooks for advanced math?”

“No. I read it.”

Their eyes met. Wen Yi saw the faint smile hidden in the corners of his eyes, as if carrying unknown pride or disdain. Her pride stirred. She lifted her chin. “What? You know my math is bad.”

He nodded. “I know.”

Wen Yi pouted. “Fine. I know you’re impressive, Professor Qin.”

Her grades were only average. Science even worse. In every math exam, he was first. She was near last.

But even so, students from A University Affiliated High School shone. Unfortunately, Wen Yi underperformed in the college entrance exam. Otherwise, she could have entered some liberal arts majors at A University.

Qin Nanshan’s smile faded. “I usually work in the secondary bedroom. Now it’s cleared for the bedroom. These books are temporarily in the living room. I’ll tidy them later and move them.”

“You sleep in the secondary bedroom?”

“Yes.”

“No way.” Wen Yi rejected decisively.

Qin Nanshan was puzzled. “Wen Yi, our situation…”

Wen Yi said. “Don’t think the child is still small. In two more months, he’ll have consciousness. Then knowing his parents sleep separately would make him so sad. It would leave trauma.”

“……”

“Besides, your parents, my mom, or relatives might come anytime. How to explain then? Marital discord and separate beds? Anyway, no. You have to sleep with me.”

These words from her mouth sounded like a female bandit forcing a virtuous man to share her bed. Wen Yi realized belatedly. “Don’t misunderstand. I’m just thinking for the child and family.” Heaven knew. She truly had no extra intentions.

Qin Nanshan had no room to refuse.

The brief silence was awkward. Wen Yi looked toward the balcony.

On the balcony were some plants. Looked like succulents, cacti, aloe. Lush green. Qin Nanshan followed her gaze and automatically explained. “All planted by my mom before. Easy to care for.”

Wen Yi curved her lips. Indeed easy. Not even leaves.

She shifted her gaze upward and saw clothes drying on the balcony. Underpants clipped between white shirts. Not obvious but eye-catching. Qin Nanshan noticed and cleared his throat lightly twice.

Wen Yi felt a bit embarrassed too. But her face was thick. “What’s the big deal? You’ll see mine later anyway.” Then added. “I won’t wash your clothes. You wash them yourself after showering.”

He agreed and turned to the kitchen for water.

Wen Yi sneaked another glance at the balcony. Tch. Black underpants. Quite large.

She followed. The kitchen was not big. Behind the fridge, only space for two people. He used a disposable cup to pour her warm water. Wen Yi held the cup and leaned against the kitchen door. Confirmed once more. Qin Nanshan had obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The kitchen was like his car. Clean and tidy with no traces of use. Yet more fully equipped than her mom’s. On the knife rack, neatly arrayed bone chopper, slicer, fruit knife, scissors. Looking at it, Ms. Wen’s single large Chinese cleaver seemed inadequate.

Also the rack beside the stove. Various seasonings uniformly in small square compartments, all aligned perfectly.

As if every item, from large wok to small dishcloth, had a fixed, inviolable spot in his home.

Wen Yi drank some water and asked him. “Do you cook often usually?”

“Occasionally. When not busy.”

Wen Yi felt the need to clarify and lower his expectations to avoid too much disappointment. “Qin Nanshan, I can’t cook. But if you do, I can wash dishes. I have no time for other housework. But rest assured. My activity space is small. I’ll handle my personal hygiene well.”

“If you don’t have time either, we can hire a hourly cleaner auntie to come every two or three days for cleaning.”

Qin Nanshan considered for a moment and nodded in agreement.

Living together as two people would certainly involve some friction. She wanted to say more, but in an instant, a large dog rushed out from the bedroom. Wen Yi was so frightened she forgot about their relationship. In two steps, she jumped into his arms. Her legs clamped tightly around his waist. Her arms wrapped around his neck. Her head buried in his shoulder. Like a nimble koala.

Then she declared in a loud voice, “A dog! Why do you have a dog here!”

Qin Nanshan had not anticipated this scene. The person in his arms was not light. He stepped back slightly, somewhat at a loss.

Afraid she would fall, he wanted to reach out and support her lower back. His hand extended halfway and paused. After hesitating a few seconds, it finally landed in place.

The atmosphere grew strange. He tilted his head to avoid the hot breath she sprayed on his neck.

But as he turned, the woman’s arms tightened further. She hugged him so hard he could barely breathe. His breathing unconsciously grew heavier.

Wen Yi was not thinking as much as he was. Her heart was entirely on Summer. “Hurry and shoo it away!”

He made a gesture. Summer obediently squatted down, wagging its tail and looking at its new friend.

Qin Nanshan patiently soothed her. “This is Summer. Don’t be afraid. It doesn’t bite.”

Wen Yi still clung tightly, as if terrified he would abandon her. Her voice even trembled as she spoke. “But it’s so big!”

The Wen family had never kept pets. Wen Yi had never been bitten by a dog either. She was simply born afraid of giant animals. Summer was massive, probably around a hundred jin. Truly frightening. Add to that the occasional news stories online about dog attacks. Wen Yi always stayed far away upon seeing a dog.

She peeked out her head. Summer immediately expressed friendly enthusiasm, barking twice. It scared Wen Yi into hiding back again.

“Ah ah ah! Qin Nanshan! Between the dog and me, you can only choose one!!”