Chapter 17

The cinema lights were bright, but Jiang Zhe was still a bit worried about Jiang Yu. He cautioned her, “Watch your step. Don’t trip.”

Jiang Yu, feeling cared for, was in a good mood but found his concern a bit excessive. “It’s okay, I’m not a toddler. I won’t fall.”

Jiang Zhe didn’t argue, though he clearly didn’t agree.

A nearby woman overheard and disagreed with Jiang Yu. “It’s nothing for a toddler to trip, but at your stage, you should be more careful. You’ve got a great husband, so attentive and handsome.”

Jiang Yu made a face at Jiang Zhe, her eyes clearly saying: See? Others are praising you.

Most men might have responded with something like, “You should appreciate how great I am,” but Jiang Zhe was different. He was humble or perhaps just not used to showing off. He preferred to let his actions speak for themselves, often surprising people with his capabilities.

Thinking about how she once mistook him for a high-level employee made Jiang Yu chuckle.

Jiang Zhe noticed and asked, “Why are you laughing?”

Jiang Yu shook her head. “Nothing, just thought of something funny.”

Jiang Zhe didn’t press further. Once she was seated, he sat next to her.

The movie, a new release, had excellent visuals even if the plot was lacking. Jiang Yu was quickly engrossed, watching intently. For Jiang Zhe, the movie was less interesting. His gaze often drifted to Jiang Yu instead.

Noticing his gaze, Jiang Yu asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Zhe replied, “The movie isn’t very good.”

She’s more interesting.

Jiang Yu thought to tell him to check his phone if he was bored but instead said, “Then look at your phone.”

She resumed watching the movie. Influenced by his comment, she started to find the movie less appealing and began to feel drowsy.

Jiang Zhe, noticing her state, finished his messages and asked, “Are you sleepy?”

Jiang Yu nodded, rubbing her eyes. “A bit.”

Still, she continued watching, drawn by the beautiful visuals and character designs.

When they left the cinema, Jiang Yu was yawning continuously. The sky outside was filled with a stunning sunset, painting a vibrant picture.

In the car, seeing her still sleepy, Jiang Zhe suggested, “Maybe we should skip dinner and go home to rest.”

Jiang Yu objected, “Your friends invited us warmly. It wouldn’t be polite not to go.”

Jiang Zhe was indifferent. “They’ll understand.”

Jiang Yu mumbled, “But I don’t really want to go home.”

Jiang Zhe relented and drove them to the dinner place.

Upon arrival, Jiang Yu felt her decision to come was right. They were having dinner by the sea.

Jiang Yu loved the sea. Since arriving in this world, she had been too lethargic to travel, let alone visit the beach.

She complained to Jiang Zhe, “Why didn’t you tell me it was by the sea?”

Jiang Zhe, who disliked going out, didn’t understand her excitement but, thinking it over, realized he might have been neglectful. He apologized, “Sorry, I’ll let you know next time.”

He had only learned of the beach location before they left and thought the windy beach wouldn’t be ideal. He hadn’t considered that she might love it.

Jiang Zhe realized he didn’t know her as well as he thought. Understanding each other’s likes was crucial for their relationship. He asked, “Do you like it here?”

Jiang Yu beamed, “I love it! Don’t you think the breeze is refreshing and the night view beautiful?”

She enjoyed getting out, even though she could stay home. In truth, their preferences were quite different.

Jiang Zhe had never thought to challenge his aversion to social interaction until now. For her, he considered he might need to overcome this.

Wei Cheng, fearing they might get lost, came to find them. Leading the way, he complained, “We wanted to eat at a restaurant, but everyone insisted on a beach barbecue.”

Wei Cheng then turned to Jiang Yu with a smile and said, “There are tents over there. If you feel cold, you can wait inside the tent for the food.”

The beach was sandy and difficult to walk on. Jiang Zhe, worried that she might trip, supported her with his hand. Wei Cheng glanced at Jiang Zhe’s protective demeanor and laughed, “Jiang Zhe never liked hanging out with girls when we were in school, and he’s even more of a homebody since he started working. I used to worry he’d never get married, but he ended up marrying before I did.”

The story of Jiang Zhe and Jiang Yu’s marriage was indeed a coincidence. Due to family pressure, Jiang Zhe reluctantly attended a banquet. He was about to leave when one of his father’s friends arrived. During the toast, his friend’s nephew handed him a drink, and then things went awry.

Wei Cheng and their friends were aware of this. Initially, they thought Jiang Zhe had bad luck, but seeing the couple’s closeness now, Wei Cheng felt a bit envious of Jiang Zhe. Jiang Zhe was talented and had his own personality. If he wasn’t genuinely interested, he wouldn’t be so proactive.

They soon arrived at the barbecue spot, where a group of people Jiang Yu didn’t know were gathered, chatting and laughing. When they saw Jiang Zhe and Jiang Yu, they greeted them.

Jiang Yu expected Jiang Zhe to be more enthusiastic since he knew these people, but he merely nodded without much expression and quickly moved away. It seemed the others were used to this, continuing their conversations.

Jiang Zhe found a lounge chair from somewhere and set it up on the sand for Jiang Yu. “You can sit here,” he said.

Someone nearby laughed, “Jiang Zhe has sharp eyes. I brought that chair for myself, but he gave it to his wife right away.”

Jiang Yu felt a bit embarrassed and said, “It’s your friend’s chair, isn’t it inappropriate for me to use it?”

Jiang Zhe shrugged indifferently, “It’s fine.”

Wei Cheng added, “Just relax. They’re just teasing you.”

Jiang Zhe then asked, “Are you cold? If you are, I can find a jacket for you.”

Jiang Yu shook her head, “I’m not cold.”
However, Jiang Zhe still asked someone to get a jacket for her. Jiang Yu lounged comfortably by the seaside, enjoying the food Jiang Zhe grilled for her. It felt like a pleasant day.