As Bai Tao spoke, she tried on several outfits and showed them to Pei Shi, but his feedback remained consistent—

“Not bad.”

“It’s fine.”

“Looks good.”

After trying on a few more, Bai Tao became unhappy and started a serious negotiation with Pei Shi. She stepped forward, tiptoed, held his head in place with both hands, and forced his eyes to look only at her, staring deeply into his eyes and saying, “I know I’m your absolute goddess, so in your eyes, I never look bad. Whatever I wear is good…”

“…”

Men, after all, need affirmation. Whenever Bai Tao thought of the news segments where Pei Shi had passionately defended her, she found it hard to criticize him. Her thoughtful and considerate actions really moved Pei Shi, and Bai Tao’s words immediately caused a subtle yet complex expression to appear on his face.

Encouraged by this, Bai Tao continued firmly, “Honey, I know you’re not just saying it. You really think I’m perfect no matter what. But please try to be objective. Although I am indeed quite perfect, try to find one or two minor flaws. I know I look beautiful in every style, but each style is different. Promise me, try to find flaws in each dress? Let’s pick out the one to wear to the alumni reunion!”

With Bai Tao’s request, Pei Shi finally put down his phone and began to take it seriously, somewhat resignedly.

Bai Tao emerged from the dressing room in a pink dress. “How about this? Isn’t it very delicate and girlish?” For straight men, specific instructions were essential. So Bai Tao added, “Give a comment of more than ten words and point out any shortcomings.”

Pei Shi frowned, pondered for a moment, and then graciously commented, “This color and style would be perfect for hosting a Spring Festival Gala ten years ago.”

“…”

That meant it was outdated and unfashionable…

Alright, this pink dress wouldn’t do. Without saying a word, Bai Tao turned around and changed into another one, “What about this one?”

This time, she wore a turquoise and green color-blocked dress.

Pei Shi glanced at it. “Do you still want a comment of more than ten words?”

“Yes!” Bai Tao replied, then looked at him expectantly. “This one is a custom-made piece by an independent designer, released last month. It’s very fashionable, right?”

Pei Shi agreed, “Quite stylish, but the color combination… Do you want to hear the truth?”

“Go ahead!”

Pei Shi earnestly said, “It looks like a walking turquoise and green color blindness test chart.”

“…”

…

Bai Tao continued to change into several more dresses, but perhaps Pei Shi was too focused on finding flaws. With each dress, he managed to use sharp words that made Bai Tao instantly doubt her own taste.

By the end of it, Bai Tao was genuinely tired and worn out. She sighed, looking at the pile of dresses on the bed. “Honey, you’re right. None of them are up to my standard. It’s time for something new. Let’s go, we’re leaving now.”

Pei Shi paused for a moment. “Go where?”

Bai Tao gave him a knowing look. “Since all these dresses have so many flaws, then you should take me to buy a new one!”

“…”

Pei Shi pursed his lips, pondered for a moment, and said seriously, “Actually, looking back now, those dresses you tried on just now were all quite good. The pink one is cute and nostalgic, perfect for a theme like the alumni reunion, giving a sense of reliving the past. The turquoise and green one also looks great, not only makes you look fair, but the colors also evoke the image of a peacock’s crest, exuding a natural elegance…”

After he finished, he looked at Bai Tao calmly. “I think we don’t need to buy a new one.”

“But you mentioned the flaws earlier. I’ve thought about it carefully, and there are indeed…” Bai Tao explained, “I still want to buy a dress that perfectly matches me…”

Pei Shi calmly continued, “I don’t want to buy you a perfect dress.”

“?”

“Because you’re already perfect enough. If you wear an even more perfect dress, it’ll be too attractive. I’ll worry about you going to the alumni reunion.”

Pei Shi’s words had the unexpected effect of dispelling Bai Tao’s dissatisfaction about him not accompanying her to buy a dress. Wasn’t that right? If she attended the alumni reunion in such stunning attire, given Pei Shi’s jealousy, wouldn’t he stew in his own jealousy pot, unable to sleep, with others looking at her more than twice?

Now that she thought about it, she pitied Pei Shi even more. She comforted him, “Don’t worry, I’ll stay by your side throughout the alumni reunion. I won’t look at other men!”

As a result of her heartfelt statement, Pei Shi was stunned for a moment and then somewhat incredulously said, “Stay by my side? Am I going too?”

“Of course!” Bai Tao smiled. “Don’t get too excited. How could I attend such an event without you? Would you be able to sleep alone at home?”

Bai Tao looked at Pei Shi, showing a “I know you” expression. “Honey, don’t be nervous. I’m quite picky. I wouldn’t be interested in ordinary and superficial men!”

“…”

Unfortunately, perhaps because Pei Shi really loved her so much, Bai Tao’s words not only didn’t make him show a “comforted” expression, but he still appeared deeply troubled.

Poor Pei Shi, truly experiencing the hardships of love!

“Alright, I won’t go.” After a moment of silence, Pei Shi declined Bai Tao’s invitation in a serious manner. “The most important thing between husband and wife is trust. I trust you. Even if I’m not there, you’re a principled person with boundaries. You can go to the alumni reunion on your own.”

Although his words were so righteous, the awkwardness in Pei Shi’s every move and the avoidance in his eyes allowed Bai Tao to see into his heart.

This man was really a classic case of saying one thing but meaning another!

Pei Shi’s current behavior was oddly reminiscent of a little girl. Clearly deeply concerned, but when asked by his girlfriend, he would say “It’s nothing.” At such times, if the boyfriend truly treated it as nothing and turned away without further concern, the girlfriend would be lost…

Bai Tao, being an illustrator, couldn’t she see through Pei Shi’s little thoughts? For a man like Pei Shi, who was prone to jealousy, could she really trust him to give her freedom? At moments like these, he was testing her, testing whether she would really go alone. If she did, Pei Shi might end up wallowing in melancholy at home, seeking solace in thoughts of life and death.

She gave Pei Shi a meaningful pat on the shoulder. “Let’s go together. Although it’s my university alumni gathering, in a small place like Rong City, most people are also your high school classmates, all from the same circle. I can’t bear to leave you alone at home, afraid that you might do something foolish.” Bai Tao reassured him earnestly, “This time at the alumni reunion, I’ll make sure you never have to worry like this again.”

Looking at Pei Shi’s insecure expression, despite being married to her, Bai Tao felt a moment of self-blame. If she had done better, would Pei Shi still be like this?

During this alumni reunion, it was time to show others the loving relationship between Pei Shi and herself! Not only could they brush off the embarrassment of her failed pursuit of Pei Shi in college and hold their heads high, but it could also elevate Pei Shi, the man who loved her to madness, to a respected status in the eyes of others! They could live a recognized and celebrated life together!

—