To be honest, when Xie Wenyuan saw Qiao Yujing’s true appearance, he was a bit surprised.

He wasn’t easily swayed by beauty, but who doesn’t like beautiful things? He was a normal man, after all, and couldn’t escape the norm. He had always liked Qiao Yujing’s personality—clear-headed, smart, and adaptable. Most importantly, she wasn’t stubborn or rigid; she had a resilient heart and never shied away from challenges. Instead, she would think of every possible way to solve problems and bravely face the future.

Like a seemingly fragile little grass, she could withstand the wind and rain, yet always survived tenaciously. The reason he could easily agree to the marriage deal with Qiao Yujing was not just because she was useful, but also because of her character.

Xie Wenyuan pursued high positions and fame, and his future was bound to be turbulent. Therefore, he needed a partner who was resilient, capable of shouldering responsibilities, and could advance and retreat together with him, rather than a delicate flower that needed his constant protection. Qiao Yujing’s character was just right for him; he admired and liked her very much.

Now that she was such a stunning beauty, it was just icing on the cake. However, Xie Wenyuan was resolute. Even though he was amazed by Qiao Yujing’s beauty, he quickly regained his composure.

“Very beautiful,” he said, genuinely smiling and complimenting her.

Qiao Yujing could feel that he liked and was satisfied with her appearance, but that was all there was to it. There was no other reaction like that of others who might lose their composure. She couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed.

She had long known that Xie Wenyuan was steadfast and not easily swayed by beauty, but she still underestimated him. She was well aware of how attractive her looks were to men, and yet his reaction was so minimal—it was truly heartless.

No wonder he was someone who could stir up storms in his past life; his willpower was astonishing. Fortunately, she didn’t expect to completely enchant Xie Wenyuan. Now, the satisfaction and fondness in his eyes were enough to ensure her comfortable life for the rest of her days.

After tidying up her disappointed feelings, Qiao Yujing continued, “Husband, you’ve seen my appearance now. I originally planned not to reveal it before our marriage, but I didn’t expect the Bo family to have their eyes on my marriage and even want to sell me to an old rich merchant in Jiangnan.”

“I’m worried that if I refuse, they might force me to go to Jiangnan. On that day, I would have to remove my makeup and let my father reassess my value, delaying this marriage.”

“My second brother and fourth sister have always looked down on me. Now that they know I have this appearance, they definitely won’t allow me to marry into a prominent family.”

“So, as long as my husband comes up with a way to propose, they will surely work together to facilitate the marriage, marrying me off to a humble farmer like you…”

Her voice was shy and timid, with a pair of autumn water-like eyes filled with affection.

Although Xie Wenyuan knew she was acting, he still felt quite pleased. If even her act was so charming, what would it be like if she truly only had eyes for him?

No worries. He would eventually make sure that Qiao Yujing’s heart and eyes were filled with him.

With a smile, Xie Wenyuan said, “My husband is truly clever. In that case, I must trouble you to endure some idle gossip.”

“Not a trouble at all. Others may not know, but how could I not know my husband’s capabilities? Right now, you are just a dragon trapped in shallow waters, but one day you will soar high in the sky. I’m just here to share some hardships and endure some disdain with you. If you can bear it, I’m not afraid.”

“I only hope that when my husband gains wealth and honor in the future, he can show a bit more compassion for me, and I will be content…”

Qiao Yujing spoke sweetly, as if the person in front of her was her entire world.

Not only was she a little brother who could act pitiful, but she was also a little fox spirit who knew how to flatter men. One could only wonder what kind of nonsense she learned while being a ghost in her past life.

But one had to admit, hearing these words from her lips was particularly comforting, even if he knew they were fake.

Xie Wenyuan couldn’t help but chuckle, “You really know how to flatter.”

“Where’s the flattery? These are all heartfelt words. As husband and wife, since I promised to marry you, I will naturally take you as my priority. If my parents don’t like me, the only one I can rely on is you.”

Qiao Yujing leaned her head against his chest, fully displaying a weak and dependent posture.

She needed to let Xie Wenyuan know that apart from him, she had no one else to rely on, so he would let down his guard.

It was difficult to win over a man with a heart of iron and stone.

But she would try her best!

Qiao Yujing rubbed her head against Xie Wenyuan’s chest for a moment, then took out the pouch she made and shyly handed it to him.

“This is a pouch I made for you with my own hands. Do you like the design?”

The pouch was in a ruyi style, exquisitely crafted.

The most intricate part was the pattern on it, which transformed the characters “Yu” and “He” into a floral design, subtly conveying affection—quite a clever thought.

But Xie Wenyuan fell silent.

The reason was simple; he felt like he and the little brother had hit a creative spark.

Could it be that this little brother also wanted to play tricks on him?

One had to say, they were indeed a match made in heaven.

Xie Wenyuan held the pouch and admired it for a while before handing it back, saying, “This item truly pleases me. How about you help me tie it on?”

His handsome brows were smiling, and his gaze was gentle and focused on Qiao Yujing.

Such a tender smile, such a gentle voice.

It made Qiao Yujing’s face heat up. Although she was the one who called him husband first, why did it feel so embarrassing to hear him refer to himself as a husband?

“Um, okay.”

Qiao Yujing shyly stepped forward, a bit flustered as she helped tie the pouch.

When she finished and wanted to withdraw her hand, it was held by him.

Xie Wenyuan’s smile was warm and affectionate, his magnetic voice sighed, “I know what you’re thinking. You don’t need to put on such a show to please me. Since I promised to marry you, I genuinely want you to be my husband, not just a temporary deal.”

“You know my background. With my temperament and means, no one can threaten me. If I truly wanted you dead, even if you had immense value, you wouldn’t survive.”

“So, don’t think about trying to outsmart me or control me.”

“Xie Daren…”

Qiao Yujing’s eyes were filled with tears, trembling slightly.

“Call me husband. I like that title.”

Xie Wenyuan pulled her trembling body into his embrace, comforting her, “Don’t be afraid. I’m not warning you; I just want you to understand that between husbands, we should be sincere. We are not pretending to be married.”

“You are a very smart little brother, and your character is resilient enough. I need a husband like you who can support the family and manage connections in the officialdom.”

“As long as you don’t have other thoughts, you will be my husband for life. I will respect you, and everything I work hard for will only be inherited by our children.”

Since the little brother lacked a sense of security, he would give him something that made him feel at ease.

Sure enough, after hearing these words, Qiao Yujing’s emotions calmed down.

He wouldn’t fully believe in such heartfelt words, but since Xie Wenyuan had expressed himself this way, it proved that he indeed didn’t guard against him as much as he had imagined.

He also had genuine intentions to live a life with him.

Qiao Yujing couldn’t help but feel surprised, “Really?”

“I, Xie Wenyuan, may not be a good person, but I don’t want to be alone. My situation doesn’t allow me to have a husband who is distant from me.”

“You should know what I pursue. For this goal, I won’t be muddled about matters in the backyard.”

Xie Wenyuan chuckled lightly and handed over a wooden comb he had prepared.

His voice was serious, and his gaze sincere as he said, “If I can fulfill my promise, would you be willing to work together with me and grow old together?”

Qiao Yujing stared at him blankly, her throat feeling a bit dry.

She really wanted to believe what he said because such a future was too beautiful, but a man’s words could be deceiving. How could she easily trust him?

She didn’t want to end up like her mother, becoming a resentful husband in a deep boudoir.

“I don’t believe in promises. The future has too many uncertainties, but you’re right. Since we are married, we are truly husbands, bound together in life and death.”

“So, as long as my husband doesn’t abandon me, I won’t leave…”

Whenever he wronged her, that would be when she would return all the humiliation.

Qiao Yujing smiled brightly, “Husband, you must treat me well in the future, or else I’ll use a gentle knife, cutting life away with every stroke.”

“How could I, Xie Wenyuan, do such a foolish thing?”

Xie Wenyuan laughed heartily, firmly holding her waist, and leaned down to kiss her.

Qiao Yujing’s eyes widened, and the momentum she had built up just moments ago deflated completely.

She wanted to struggle, but in the end, she couldn’t resist the man’s strength and power, allowing him to act as he pleased, her eyes turning red and her whole body feeling soft and weak.

After it was over, she covered her tongue, which had been bitten, feeling both shy and angry, “You scoundrel!”

“Wrong. Call me husband.”

Xie Wenyuan held her tightly, letting out a low, deep laugh.

Qiao Yujing was forced to lean against his chest, her cheeks flushed, her heart filled with a mix of shame and anger.