Cute

In the spacious and quiet parking garage, Jiang Xiao’s irregular heartbeat floated in the air.

No matter who hears the promise of a lifetime from the other party, they would be moved and touched. Jiang Xiao was no exception. However, having experienced the awakening of consciousness and being bound by the plot direction in the book, she felt his words were too distant and unattainable.

Rather than an impractical future, she wanted to cherish the present more.

Reason told her not to believe in other people’s promises, but as she looked into Zhou Qishen’s eyes, felt her cheeks warming, and sensed her heartbeat quickening, all reminded her that the defenses she had built were slowly crumbling.

Zhou Qishen had beautiful peach blossom eyes. When he smiled lightly, his brows and eyes relaxed. Those slender eyes curved like a crescent moon, and the tiny mole on his eyelid added to his charm. Looking at her affectionately, his gaze seemed to carry endless thoughts.

“Who can predict the future…” she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. As the saying goes, plans cannot keep up with changes. She didn’t want Zhou Qishen to alter his life trajectory because of her.

Zhou Qishen gazed at her, capturing every subtle change in her expression. “That’s why we need to find ways to prevent that.”

Moved by his words, Jiang Xiao couldn’t help but advise, “But do you really need to relinquish your authority? You’re doing so well as the executive director. Are you sure you don’t want to reconsider?”

“Just as you said, I’m not some reckless youngster acting on impulse. This decision was carefully considered from multiple angles. I won’t be foolish enough to disadvantage myself. Currently, I’m one of the largest shareholders in the company. Even if I step down, I won’t lose out on the benefits I deserve.”

After Zhou Qishen finished speaking, he reached out and took Jiang Xiao’s hand, leading her towards the parking spot while explaining his plans in a soft voice.

“Although Zhou Group bears the Zhou surname, it doesn’t exclusively belong to the Zhou family. There are many eyes coveting the position of executive director. By vacating the position, certain hidden ‘rats’ might reveal their true intentions.”

Jiang Xiao understood his implication. To catch Zhou Qishen off guard and bring him down, especially given his capabilities, would be nearly impossible under normal circumstances.

Since others lacked the ability to harm him, he intended to expose himself, creating an opportunity for dissenters to act against him.

Like the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Zhou Qishen planned to use this opportunity to eliminate opposition and take a break for himself.

“And then, will you come back to the company?” Jiang Xiao glanced at her hand held tightly by him, involuntarily moving her fingers to intertwine with his.

Zhou Qishen noticed her gesture but didn’t turn his head away. The slight upward curve of his lips betrayed his good mood. “No, I won’t. I’m not lacking in wealth.”

Hearing his relaxed tone, Jiang Xiao couldn’t help but tease, “Aren’t you afraid of running out of money?”

At her words, Zhou Qishen chuckled, “Hmm? I doubt that day will ever come.” Moreover, he wouldn’t allow such a day to come; otherwise, he wouldn’t be worthy of his wife.

Jiang Xiao remained noncommittal. Besides the vastness and prosperity of the Zhou family, it was impossible for everything to collapse all at once. Based on Zhou Qishen’s abilities, even if he fell into poverty one day, Jiang Xiao believed he could make a comeback.

After a while, Zhou Qishen suddenly realized something. Tilting his head, he looked at Jiang Xiao seriously. “If I really became a pauper, would you be willing to support me, wife?”

Jiang Xiao was stunned by this somewhat childish and sudden question. After a moment’s pause, she couldn’t help but glare at him reproachfully, “Alright, alright, alright. Instead of striving for success, you actually want to freeload?”

Her sarcasm and ridicule were evident, but Zhou Qishen raised an eyebrow nonchalantly, “I can work for you, be your bodyguard, or your assistant, all without a salary. Just provide meals.”

“Oh? You’re willing to be an unpaid laborer? I don’t want to be an exploitative capitalist.” Jiang Xiao burst out laughing, her smile growing wider almost to the point of leaning on Zhou Qishen’s shoulder. The distance between them unintentionally narrowed.

With his eyelids drooping, Zhou Qishen looked at her, emphasizing, “I’m willing to be exploited by you, giving you all my salary.”

Upon saying this, Zhou Qishen’s eyebrows raised lightly. Almost as if he suddenly realized the issue, he added, “My idea doesn’t seem bad…”

“What’s not bad?” Jiang Xiao didn’t catch that clearly, tilting her head with her tousled hair.

Zhou Qishen didn’t hide anything, stating openly, “Giving all my salary to you.”

“Why would you give it to me?” Jiang Xiao was stunned again, shocked at his sudden declaration.

“Use it up, or leave it there, whichever you prefer.” Zhou Qishen didn’t think it was a big deal, and even felt regretful that he only realized this issue now.

Seeing Jiang Xiao’s puzzled expression, he kindly explained, “Isn’t this how married couples handle it? Hand over the joint property to the wife.”

“When we signed the agreement, it did mention that half of my income would go to you, but it’s too troublesome. It’s more convenient to transfer it all to your account. Besides, I don’t really need money anyway.”

Seeing him getting more enthusiastic about the idea, Jiang Xiao almost had to put her foot down, “Are you being foolish? Why would you hand over all your money to me? We only have a marriage agreement. If we divorce one day, won’t you lose out big time?”

She said this clearly for Zhou Qishen’s own good, but as soon as her words fell, Zhou Qishen’s face instantly turned cold, his deep eyes filled with scrutiny and warning. “Let me say it again, I have no intention of divorcing.”

Zhou Qishen continued, “Unless you want to be a widow.”

“… “

This wasn’t the first time Jiang Xiao was rendered speechless by him. After organizing her thoughts for a while, it wasn’t until they got into the car that she reluctantly spoke up. This time, she behaved better and avoided saying anything provocative, trying to soften her tone.

“I’m not good with finances, nor do I invest. What use would this money be to me? I have my own money.”

“In this world, there shouldn’t be anyone who thinks money is too much, right? What about you, Xiaoxiao?”

“… ” What did he mean by “what about you”? Of course she wouldn’t think money was too much. It’s just that, as she always said, money earned by oneself feels more secure in one’s own hands.

Zhou Qishen rested one hand on his knee and naturally reached out with the other to hold Jiang Xiao’s hand. They remained like that for a while, his half-closed eyes showing a pensive expression.

Soon, he turned his head to look at the equally silent Jiang Xiao, slowly saying, “I remember now, you said that doing this would bring pressure on you.”

“Indeed, receiving things from unfamiliar people can indeed induce guilt to a certain extent, but I believe we are not strangers anymore. As your lawful husband, I consider it an honor if you’re willing to spend my money. I’m happy.”

“However, similarly, if you don’t want to spend my money, I will feel sad. In other words, if we reverse roles, would you feel the same level of pressure or guilt as me?”

Jiang Xiao fell into silence. Even if Zhou Qishen reversed roles, she would still feel pressure and guilt, but there would be a difference in emotions. After all, family love and others’ love are different.

Perhaps because she didn’t get a response for a long time, Zhou Qishen increased the strength of holding her fingers. He leaned his elbow on the steering wheel, appearing relaxed, and teasingly said, “Xiaoxiao, according to your words, are you being silly, refusing money?”

Jiang Xiao rolled her eyes bluntly and retorted, “You say it so lightly. If I suddenly said I want all your money, wouldn’t you find it absurd? Would you dare to accept it?”

Zhou Qishen chuckled softly, leisurely, continuing, “Why wouldn’t I accept it? I would think you must love me to death.”

The corner of Jiang Xiao’s eye twitches uncontrollably. She scoffed, “Zhou Qishen, aren’t you just a hopeless romantic?”

At this, Zhou Qishen furrowed his brows suddenly, a hint of confusion passing through his eyes. “What does ‘hopeless romantic’ mean?”

Jiang Xiao didn’t continue speaking but glanced at him suspiciously. Seeing that he really didn’t know the derogatory term, she pursed her lips and said with a hint of amusement, “It’s almost the same as ‘loving someone to death.'”

Zhou Qishen hadn’t heard this internet slang before, but he could probably understand its literal meaning. However, judging from Jiang Xiao’s expression, whether this term was positive or negative remained to be debated.

The atmosphere stagnated oddly for two seconds. Jiang Xiao nervously touched the tip of her nose and continued the previous topic, “Let me make it clear, I don’t want to manage your money. It’s too troublesome.”

“Receiving money isn’t troublesome. If you’re worried I might trap you, we can go through proper legal procedures.”

Zhou Qishen calmly stared at her, observing her firmness, showing no signs of letting go until he could forcibly push the wealth and honor into her pockets.

Jiang Xiao closed her eyes speechlessly, feeling for the first time that money was so unlikeable. What about being a merchant? What about selfishness?

Seeing that persuasion was in vain, Jiang Xiao simply gave up and said straightforwardly, “You said it yourself, you must be sincere.”

“Hmm, but…” Zhou Qishen nodded without hesitation, but his expression quickly turned serious, hesitating as if he had something to say that piqued Jiang Xiao’s curiosity.

“But what?” Jiang Xiao blinked, waiting for him to continue.

Zhou Qishen’s voice lowered, carrying a hint of pleading, “I really don’t like the words ‘divorce’ in the future. Could we… not mention it anymore?”

“Um…” After waiting for a long time, Jiang Xiao was first stunned, then she couldn’t help but laugh out loud in a wry manner, “Just like that?”

Zhou Qishen nodded.

Seeing his inexplicably dumbfounded appearance, Jiang Xiao couldn’t help but wonder. Did he go through all this trouble just for that? Not mentioning divorce was something she could do. After all, she had no plans for divorce in the short term. As for the future… who knows?

So, after not-so-careful consideration, Jiang Xiao nodded slightly, “Alright, let’s not mention it.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the broad chest of the man leaned towards her. Before Jiang Xiao could react, his lips gently touched hers. Zhou Qishen’s warm breath was close at hand. “I’ll take you somewhere.”

Startled by the sudden kiss, Jiang Xiao was a bit dazed. As her eyelashes trembled, as if wanting to entangle with him, she subconsciously asked, “Where to?”

Zhou Qishen leaned against her forehead, couldn’t help but tilt his head to kiss her again softly, explaining softly, “The place I mentioned last time, our marital home.”