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Chapter 3: Warm Sun
“Are you here to play chess or to admire your wife?”

Saturday brought an unexpected rise in temperature, with warm sunlight beaming down. As Lu Shiyin was getting dressed and putting on makeup, she received a message from Cheng Jinghe: he had already arrived.

She glanced at the time—it was only 9:30 a.m., yet their appointment was for 10:00. He was nearly half an hour early.

Lu Shiyin disliked keeping people waiting—it was a habit ingrained in her bones. Instantly flustered, she began rushing around the room like a headless chicken.

Two message notifications chimed. She checked her phone:

Cheng Jinghe:
“No need to rush. I’m grabbing some breakfast nearby. Do you want anything?”

Relieved, Lu Shiyin replied:
“Sure, there’s a bun shop right nearby—just grab me two buns.”
She even transferred him a small red packet, remembering the shop’s prices.

Knowing he was also eating and not just waiting idly eased her nerves. She resumed her routine at a calmer pace.

By the time she finished, there were eight minutes left till ten—just enough time to head downstairs.

She opened the chat to tell him she was coming down but noticed he hadn’t accepted the red packet.

Lu Shiyin:
“I’m coming down.”

Cheng Jinghe:
“Okay.”

Lu Shiyin:
“Why didn’t you accept the red packet?”

By now, she had closed the door behind her and was waiting for the elevator. Even after exiting the elevator, he still hadn’t replied.

The apartment complex had been a coming-of-age gift from her father Lu Zhenguo seven years ago. The location was excellent, with convenient transportation. Though it was a single-person unit, it was a duplex. The landscaping of the complex still looked modern and lush.

As she exited the building, she immediately spotted Cheng Jinghe standing next to a Cullinan. His tall figure, clad in a long trench coat, exuded classic British style. Lu Shiyin paused—not because of anything in particular, but because they were coincidentally wearing trench coats from the same brand.

A little too much of a coincidence.

He noticed her, gave a slight nod, and opened the car door for her.

Lu Shiyin:
“Good morning. I didn’t expect you so early—hope you haven’t been waiting long?”
She got in as she spoke and watched him walk around to the driver’s side.
“There are plenty of places to eat around here. What did you have for breakfast?”

He handed her the breakfast box from the center console.
Cheng Jinghe:
“Not long. Thanks to you, those buns were delicious.”

Lu Shiyin smiled.
“That shop’s been around for years. It’s got a good reputation. I was surprised it was still open when I returned to China.”
She cracked the window and began eating.

Cheng Jinghe started the engine and drove out of the neighborhood. Seeing the window open, he asked:
“It’s still a bit chilly this morning. Aren’t you cold?”

Lu Shiyin:
“Just airing it out.”

Cheng Jinghe:
“It’s fine—don’t catch a cold.”
He rolled the window back up.

He noticed the ring on her hand—the first time he had seen her wear it. A six-carat emerald surrounded by five two-carat diamonds, it sparkled no matter the angle.

It was the ring he had given her the day they registered their marriage. At the time, she refused it, saying she didn’t want it. Only after he said it was to appease his family did she accept it. Since then, it had remained in a drawer.

Lu Shiyin caught him looking and asked what he was staring at. Not wanting to bring up the ring, he said her manicure looked nice.

Lu Shiyin:
“Got it done after dinner with your sister the other day. Hers is pretty much the same style.”

Cheng Jinghe:
“Looks great.”

Lu Shiyin:
“Thanks.”

Silence filled the car again. She ate her buns and drank her soy milk. After finishing, she looked for a place to throw away the trash.

Cheng Jinghe:
“Just leave it on the armrest. I’ll toss it later.”

His gentle manners reminded her of their first meeting after she returned to China. She had been told she was to marry Cheng Jinghe, Cheng Jingzhi’s younger brother—it had shocked her. She hadn’t wanted to, but her father had offered her the GM position at Mingchen in exchange. That’s why she agreed to meet him.

It had been seven years since she last saw him. The once teenage boy had grown into a composed adult.

Her last memory of him was from when he was fourteen, and she had assumed he was still the same shy kid. She had gone into the meeting prepared to manage his emotions. To her surprise, it was her who ended up being taken care of.

Rational, mature, polite—he had all the traits that made the marriage seem tolerable, if not agreeable.

At least for now, Lu Shiyin had no complaints.

As she sat quietly in the passenger seat, weighing the pros and cons of the marriage, she suddenly realized they were already on the overpass.

Lu Shiyin (alarmed):
“Oh no! I forgot to buy a gift. Can you stop by a mall nearby so I can get something?”

Cheng Jinghe:
“No need. I already prepared everything.”

Lu Shiyin was embarrassed.
Lu Shiyin:
“Sorry. I’ll split the cost with you.”

Cheng Jinghe:
“No need. You’re just helping me deal with my family.”

Even so, she still felt bad.

As they neared the Cheng family estate, Lu Shiyin rolled down the window. The scent of osmanthus flowers filled the air—familiar and nostalgic. She used to visit often in high school, but after going abroad, her trips home had dwindled.

The Cheng family had built their fortune through the liquor business, dating back to the late Qing dynasty.

Their old residence was a classic Chinese courtyard with rock gardens, zigzag bridges, and a central pavilion. There was even an osmanthus tree in the yard.

She inhaled deeply, savoring the floral scent, unaware that the car had slowed.

The underground parking was added later. An aunt greeted them and took the prepared gift boxes from the trunk.

She didn’t get a good look but saw tea, scarves, and cordyceps—likely for the elderly. The skincare products and handbags were probably for his parents and aunt.

Feeling guilty, she tugged his sleeve. He turned back and leaned in.

Lu Shiyin (whispering):
“Let’s still split the cost—it’s better that way.”

Cheng Jinghe:
“You’re still thinking about that?”
He shook his head.
“Really, there’s no need.”

Not far away, Wen Min spotted the two young people. From her angle, they looked very close—walking side-by-side, whispering, even wearing matching outfits. Her smile couldn’t be suppressed.

She had just returned from an academic seminar and had missed their marriage registration. Seeing this affectionate scene made up for it.

When they got closer, she pulled Lu Shiyin aside for a warm chat.

Lu Shiyin politely greeted her grandmother.

Wen Min had always liked her—pretty, polite, and sweet. She had once thought of pairing her with her grandson but worried the four-year age gap would deter the girl.

Yet here she was, now her granddaughter-in-law. She was overjoyed.

Wen Min had looked after Lu Shiyin often during high school, and Lu Shiyin was genuinely grateful. The two chatted happily all the way to the living room, with Wen Min grinning the entire time.

Since this was Lu Shiyin’s first time visiting as a member of the family, everyone had gathered—Cheng Jinghe’s parents, his sister Cheng Jingzhi’s mom, and more.

She greeted them all one by one.

Cheng Jinghe’s parents had high hopes for their son and weren’t thrilled about him marrying young, but the elderly family members were delighted, so they didn’t object. They slowly warmed up to Lu Shiyin and chatted with her kindly.

---

Lu Shiyin liked the atmosphere in Cheng Jinghe’s family—because her own family didn’t have that kind of warmth. This kind of lively and harmonious vibe was something she deeply cherished. Having lived alone abroad for so long, she often felt homesick. Now, surrounded by people and laughter, she was so touched she had to fight back tears. Her eyes kept welling up, but she held it in.

Luckily, Cheng Jingzhi arrived late, having finally enjoyed a rare chance to sleep in. After coming downstairs, she greeted Lu Shiyin formally before pulling her away from the group of adults.

The two sat in the lakeside pavilion, chatting and eating snacks.

Lu Shiyin leaned on Cheng Jingzhi’s shoulder and cried for a while. By the time the tears dried, her eyes were red and puffy.

Not far away, Cheng Jinghe was playing chess with his grandfather Cheng Yiliang on a high terrace. He happened to see what was happening by the pavilion. The air by the lake was damp and the weather still cool. He noticed Lu Shiyin rubbing her legs and remembered how her legs had turned nearly purple from the wind outside the company gate yesterday.

He called over a nearby housekeeper who was doing some gardening and asked her to bring a blanket to Lu Shiyin.

After the housekeeper left, Cheng Yiliang smiled teasingly. “If you’re that concerned, why not take it over yourself? Why ask someone else?”

Cheng Jinghe didn’t respond, just placed a black piece on the board while watching the pavilion out of the corner of his eye. Lost in thought, he lost a piece to his grandfather.

Cheng Yiliang laughed gleefully and followed his gaze to see the housekeeper walking toward the pavilion with the blanket.

“At this rate, I’m going to wipe the board with you. So, are you playing chess or watching your wife?”

Cheng Jinghe turned back to his grandfather. “Don’t celebrate too early.”

He made a few quick moves and recaptured the upper hand.

—

Lu Shiyin accepted the blanket from the housekeeper and looked in the direction she pointed—seeing the man playing chess with the elder, not looking her way. She thanked the housekeeper and draped the blanket over her legs.

Cheng Jingzhi teased, “Well, well, well, look how sweet he is! Why didn’t I notice this side of him before?”

Lu Shiyin rolled her eyes at her but couldn’t deny the blanket came just in time. After crying, her emotions were heightened and the cold felt sharper. She had really been freezing before the blanket came.

Now, with warmth over her legs, she glanced toward him—and their eyes met. She quickly looked away and took out her phone to message him:

[Lu Shiyin: Thank you.]
[Cheng Jinghe: Don’t mention it.]

—

At lunch, conversation inevitably turned to the newlyweds.

Wen Min didn’t approve of arranged business marriages. She always believed that for a marriage to last, it had to be built on mutual affection, not social class. What mattered most was character and emotional connection.

Curious, she asked where the two were currently living, since Cheng Jinghe owned several properties.

Lu Shiyin silently panicked—she hadn’t discussed this with him beforehand and had no idea where he lived, let alone where his properties were.

Cheng Jinghe smoothly took over, “I’m living at Yinyin’s place for now—it’s close to her office,” he said while placing a plate of peeled shrimp in front of her. “I’ve also arranged for the house at Nan’an Residence to be cleaned up. We’ll move there soon. It’s conveniently located for both our commutes.”

Wen Min was delighted. “That’s a great idea!” she said, then turned to ask Lu Shiyin where her current home was.

Lu Shiyin hadn’t expected that but answered calmly, “Near Siwei International Primary School.”

“Oh, I know that area!” Wen Min said enthusiastically. “Some of our teachers live there for their grandkids to attend school nearby. It’s a great environment, and everything’s convenient. But Nan’an Residence is also nice—perfect for newlyweds, and the river view is lovely.”

Lu Shiyin smiled and agreed, though inwardly she was dying of embarrassment. Her toes were practically digging through her shoes. Meanwhile, Cheng Jinghe kept picking dishes for her, making her even more uneasy.

The only person at the table who knew the truth was Cheng Jingzhi. She lowered her head to eat, suppressing laughter so hard she spilled some soup on the table.

Cheng Shu scolded, “Oh dear! Look at you—aren’t you a bit too old to be such a messy eater? What a waste!”

Cheng Jingzhi and Lu Shiyin exchanged glances, secretly laughing at each other’s misfortune.

The lunch finally ended without incident. Lu Shiyin quickly pulled Cheng Jinghe aside to talk about the situation—mainly to ask where they were actually supposed to be living.

He had taken care of the gifts, sent her a blanket, and rescued her at lunch—she felt deeply in his debt.

Before she could say anything, Cheng Jinghe spoke first, knowing what was on her mind:
“You don’t need to feel guilty. What I said helped both of us. But moving forward, we should be more prepared. I’ll give you a list of my regular addresses so we won’t get caught off guard again.”

Even though she was four years older than him, Lu Shiyin felt that he was more calm, mature, and composed than she was. His words were always so tactful and considerate.

It wasn’t just about today. Recently, her father Lu Zhenguo had also asked where the two of them were living. She’d dodged the question once, but she knew she couldn’t keep doing it forever.

“Actually…” Lu Shiyin hesitated. “I was thinking, if you don’t mind, maybe we should just move in together? It would save us from constantly walking on eggshells…”