Their wedding was set for early next year.

Meng Siyi’s parents had passed away in a car accident long ago, so he had lived with his uncle’s family since high school.

The meeting between both families was held at a five-star hotel in the city, entirely organized by Meng Siyi. From the reservation to the arrangements, he managed everything elegantly and responsibly.

Zhu Shiyu, not very skilled in social settings, quietly took her seat after arriving with Zhou Zhen. When she met Meng Siyi’s uncle and aunt, she stood up nervously and greeted them politely.

They seemed to adore her, showering her with praise from the moment they met. Before leaving, his aunt held her hand and slipped a jade bracelet onto her wrist.

“This was left by Siyi’s mother, intended for her future daughter-in-law. It’s yours now.”

“Xiaoyu, take good care of it.”

On the way home, since Meng Siyi had drunk some wine, Zhu Anyuan drove.

After starting work, Meng Siyi had moved out and now lived close to the hospital, in a different direction from his uncle’s place, so Zhu Anyuan offered to drop him off.

As the night spread outside, the car was filled with the soft, warm glow of the interior lights. Zhu Shiyu and Meng Siyi sat in the backseat. He seemed tired, leaning back against the seat, his gaze resting on her, his eyes heavy-lidded.

Perhaps sensing he needed rest, everyone in the car stayed silent. The car moved smoothly along, carrying a faint scent of alcohol.

It wasn’t unpleasant, but Zhu Shiyu glanced at the man beside her. He sat there relaxed, a bit more casual than usual. The collar of his shirt was unbuttoned, exposing slightly flushed skin, and his eyes appeared brighter than when sober.

The person was more intoxicating than the alcohol.

Feeling awkward, Zhu Shiyu looked away, but her hand on her lap was gently grasped.

Meng Siyi’s fingers were long, slender, and well-proportioned—hands well-suited for an orthopedic doctor.

At this moment, he was lightly holding her wrist, his thumb brushing over the jade bracelet.

“Was this your mother’s?” Zhu Shiyu looked down, her gaze resting there, and asked softly.

“Mm.” His voice was slightly drawn out, a bit raspy.

“Then… I’ll keep it safely at home.” She hesitated, feeling concerned.

“No need,” Meng Siyi turned his face toward her, his bright eyes looking at her. “Just keep wearing it.”

“I’m worried I might bump it by accident.”

“It’s fine; it was meant for you.” His tone was casual and natural, yet Zhu Shiyu was momentarily speechless. After a while, she mumbled, “Oh…”

Outside, the sound of passing cars echoed as the scenery flashed by.

Zhu Anyuan focused on driving, while Zhou Zhen had dozed off in the passenger seat.

The atmosphere fell into a quiet stillness.

Meng Siyi’s hand loosened slightly and shifted into her palm.

His hand rested in hers, and he gently closed his fingers around hers.

The warmth and touch unique to him spread silently.

Zhu Shiyu lowered her gaze, looking at their hands clasped together, then slowly returned the gentle squeeze.

Throughout their relationship, they had always observed propriety. Meng Siyi, in particular, was composed and respectful, never once crossing any boundaries.

Since they had met, this was the first time they had held hands.

He was probably tipsy.

Feeling self-conscious, Zhu Shiyu turned to look out the window, but her hand remained in his, the two of them quietly holding hands until the night ended.

—

The Zhu family was large, and the relatives were closely connected.

As the end of the year approached, visits became more frequent, something Zhu Shiyu had always dreaded with her parents, especially over the last few years.

Since she had insisted on studying film and directing in Beijing—a career her family saw as frivolous—and stubbornly stayed there after graduation with no notable success, she was considered an oddity in the family compared to her cousins who had secure government jobs or were well-settled.

At every family gathering, Zhou Zhen’s expression would darken under the comments and gossip.

This year, however, was different.

News of her upcoming marriage had changed the tone.

Now, instead of regretful or critical looks, Zhu Shiyu received warm and congratulatory gazes.

“Xiaoyu, it’s good that you’re settling down. Take care of your family life now, so your parents don’t have to worry.”

“Yes, you see how old your parents are, and you’re their only daughter, yet not around. Last time, your mother fainted at home with a heart problem, and it wasn’t discovered for hours. If the neighbors hadn’t come by with food… The doctor said a delay of even a minute could’ve been dangerous.” Her great-aunt patted her chest, still looking shaken.

“I met that young man before—he’s tall, handsome, and a doctor, too. He’s a perfect match for our Xiaoyu,” her second aunt said with a smile, holding Zhu Shiyu’s hand.

Amidst the teasing, the atmosphere was unexpectedly pleasant. Even Zhou Zhen and Zhu Anyuan were smiling. Ever since Zhu Shiyu left for school, she hadn’t felt such a warm family gathering.

It was as if, after all her “rebellion” over the years, she was finally doing something that the adults approved of.

At that moment, Zhu Shiyu didn’t feel anything special; she only felt calm and relieved, with a slight sense of gratitude.

She was grateful to have met Meng Siyi.

As the Spring Festival drew closer, people working away from home began returning.

Zhu Jinxiao returned on the day of Laba Festival, just under a month before the New Year.

The moment she got home and heard about Zhu Shiyu’s post-New Year wedding, she was so shocked that she barely finished her meal before rushing over to her house, leaving her luggage behind.

“Zhu Shiyu! Are you out of your mind?” Zhu Jinxiao shook Zhu Shiyu’s shoulders, completely in disbelief.

“Let me crack open your head and see if it’s full of water—I’m seriously questioning if you’re okay. Have you been possessed by someone?”

“Look into my eyes and answer this: in third grade, what embarrassing thing did we do that got us called up to the front of the class to be punished?”

“You pulled down the pants of the chubby kid next door and had me cover for you. We both got caught and had to stand up front for half the class,” Zhu Shiyu replied helplessly, allowing herself to be shaken.

“It’s you. The person inside is definitely you,” Zhu Jinxiao examined her dramatically, frowning in utter bewilderment.

“So why are you suddenly getting married? Darling, if you’ve been kidnapped, just blink—I swear I’ll risk my life to save you!”

Zhu Jinxiao was a staunch anti-marriage advocate and believed Zhu Shiyu felt the same way. Although Zhu Shiyu hadn’t explicitly said so, Jinxiao knew her well enough from growing up together to assume that marriage didn’t suit her essence—it was just a temporary distraction by reality.

Even though Zhu Shiyu had been with Lu Ge for years and had once thought that they’d eventually get married if nothing went wrong.

“Where’s Lu Ge?” Zhu Jinxiao finally asked the crucial question of the evening. Had the news been that she was marrying Lu Ge, it wouldn’t have shocked her so much.

At her words, Zhu Shiyu was silent for a few seconds before she replied, “We broke up.”

“What??” Zhu Jinxiao’s jaw dropped, her eyes wide.

“He cheated on me,” Zhu Shiyu said calmly.