Chapter 10: The Inspection

Suddenly being embraced without warning or sign, Wen Shuyu’s heart raced.

In an instant, their distance closed, his chin resting on her hair.

Behind them was the cool summer breeze, and in front was Jiang Huaiyu’s warm chest.

His hand was clasped around hers, never letting go.

Wen Shuyu felt his heartbeat, his breath, and his warmth. Her own breathing became erratic, her heart pounding.

She didn’t quite understand how she ended up in his arms.

A momentary lapse in focus was all it took for Jiang Huaiyu to notice. Wen Shuyu raised her finger to her temple, trying to collect her thoughts. “I wasn’t thinking about him.”

Indeed, she hadn’t been thinking about Lu Yunheng. Wen Shuyu was still processing the marriage license; within a month, everything had changed dramatically.

Jiang Huaiyu, with a hint of amusement, asked, “I haven’t even said who it was.”

Caught in his trap and revealing her own thoughts, Wen Shuyu pushed him away. Jiang Huaiyu showed no intention of ending the embrace.

Resigned, she shifted the topic. “You should go back; Auntie will be worried.”

Jiang Huaiyu looked down at her with a slightly mischievous tone. “Wife, did you forget that tonight is our wedding night?”

“Does the marriage license count?” Wen Shuyu thought it was only the wedding day that mattered.

Besides, what did a wedding night have to do with them?

Jiang Huaiyu nodded. “It counts. Didn’t you notice? My mom clearly assumed I wouldn’t be coming back tonight.”

Her realization hit when he reminded her. Auntie hadn’t asked when she left.

Glancing at the neighboring villa, the lights were all out, no intention of leaving any on.

Wen Shuyu closed her eyes, pushed Jiang Huaiyu’s hand away, and ended their brief hug. “Alright then.”

Since they had come this far, they might as well play their roles sincerely.

The villa was silent. The housekeeper and the butler were already asleep, and the motion-activated lights illuminated the staircase.

Wen Shuyu went to the storage room on the first floor to find some disposable toiletries.

Usually, the house’s supplies were organized by the maid. Wen Shuyu searched for a while and finally found them on the bottom shelf. “Found them. Let’s go.”

The man who had come in with her glanced up at the boxes on the shelf.

Suddenly embraced without warning, Wen Shuyu’s emotions surged.

In an instant, they were close, his chin resting gently on her hair.

Behind them was the cool summer breeze, and in front was Jiang Huaiyu’s warm chest.

His hand clasped hers, never letting go.

Wen Shuyu felt his heartbeat, his breath, and his warmth. Her own breathing was chaotic, her heart racing.

She didn’t quite understand how she ended up in his arms.

A mere lapse in focus was enough for Jiang Huaiyu to notice. Wen Shuyu raised her finger to her temple, trying to steady herself. “I wasn’t thinking about him.”

Indeed, she wasn’t thinking about Lu Yunheng. Wen Shuyu was still processing the marriage license; so much had changed in less than a month.

Jiang Huaiyu, intrigued, asked, “I haven’t even mentioned who it was.”

Caught in his trap and inadvertently revealing her own thoughts, Wen Shuyu pushed him away. Jiang Huaiyu showed no intention of ending the embrace.

Resigned, she shifted the topic. “You should go back; Auntie will be worried.”

Jiang Huaiyu looked down at her with a mischievous tone. “Wife, did you forget that tonight is our wedding night?”

“Does the marriage license count?” Wen Shuyu thought only the wedding day mattered.

Besides, what did a wedding night have to do with them?

Jiang Huaiyu nodded. “It counts. Didn’t you notice? My mom clearly assumed I wouldn’t be going back tonight.”

Realizing it now, Wen Shuyu remembered that Auntie hadn’t asked when she left.

She glanced at the neighboring villa; all the lights were off, no sign of keeping any on.

Wen Shuyu closed her eyes, pushed Jiang Huaiyu’s hand away, and ended their brief hug. “Alright then.”

Since they were this far, they might as well play their roles sincerely.

The villa was quiet. The housekeeper and butler were already asleep, and the motion-sensor lights lit up the staircase.

Wen Shuyu went to the storage room on the first floor to find some disposable toiletries.

Usually, the maid organized everything at home. After a long search, Wen Shuyu finally found them on the bottom shelf. “Found them. Let’s go.”

The man who had entered with her looked up at the boxes on the shelf.

Several gift boxes stacked on top were wrapped in green paper with matcha green ribbons, oddly familiar.

She couldn’t recall who had given them; there were too many gifts each year.

Jiang Huaiyu’s gaze lingered on the boxes. Wen Shuyu asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Huaiyu extended his arm and picked up a box. “Wen Yuyu, these need to go into the new house.”

The gifts he had given Wen Shuyu over the years had been stored away, still wrapped and gathering dust.

Meanwhile, a wilted flower from Lu Yunheng was placed on the TV stand in the apartment.

Wen Shuyu had seen it every day.

The difference in treatment was noticeable, leaving Jiang Huaiyu speechless.

Wen Shuyu furrowed her brows. “Why?”

Jiang Huaiyu said coldly, “No reason. I just like green.”

Odd, but let him be.

Returning to the room, Wen Shuyu turned on the main light and was shocked by what she saw. She stood frozen, afraid to step in.

Her eyes widened as she took in the scene: her room was transformed.

The bed was adorned with new bright red bedding, and “double happiness” stickers were plastered on the headboard.

Red butterflies hung from the sheer curtains.

Everything was red, everything was “double happiness.”

The burgeoning wedding atmosphere made Wen Shuyu’s face flush. She waved her arms, trying to dispel the romantic air.

“Mom and Dad really went all out, didn’t they?”

Jiang Huaiyu placed the box on the vanity. “Yuyu, it’s our wedding night. Of course, my parents know. Only you are still thinking of going back to your own place.”

She had never been in a relationship, so how would she understand? Wen Shuyu walked straight to the bathroom. “I’ve never been married before. I’ll understand next time.”

Jiang Huaiyu said lazily from behind her, “There won’t be a next time. I never planned on getting a divorce.”

What did he mean by that?

Wen Shuyu muttered, “You didn’t say that before.”

“Forgot,” Jiang Huaiyu said with a lazy smile. “Wife, you’re not divorced; you’re widowed.”

“Pfft, stop talking nonsense.”

He was so unrestrained. Wen Shuyu pushed open the bathroom door, which was decorated festively, with new wedding supplies laid out on the sink.

Her parents had assumed they would be staying together tonight, making the search for disposable toiletries unnecessary.

After freshening up, Wen Shuyu approached the bed and noticed the nightstand, which led to a guess in her mind.

Avoiding Jiang Huaiyu, she quietly opened the nightstand drawer. As expected, there were condoms inside.

Her parents had thoughtfully prepared various types: ultra-thin, lubricated, ribbed, and even 001 and 003.

There were five boxes in total, twenty pieces.

Wen Shuyu crouched on the floor, examining the condoms like a curious child.

A clear voice cut through the room suddenly. “Yuyu, what’s in the drawer?”

With a snap, Wen Shuyu closed the drawer and replied without changing her expression, “Things you won’t need.”

Jiang Huaiyu lay down on the bed. “Not necessarily.”

Wen Shuyu climbed onto the bed, pulling back the covers and lying down, glancing at him. “You’ve seen them, so why ask? Planning to use them to blow up balloons or play with water? How childish.”

Jiang Huaiyu turned to face her, his dark eyes fixed on her with a smirk. “I’ll use them with you.”

His eyes twinkled with mischief. Wen Shuyu almost choked on her breath. “Jiang Huaiyu, you…dream on. If you’re not going to sleep, go back home.”

The thought of using them with him was unacceptable.

Wen Shuyu burrowed under the covers, turning her back to him, refusing to say another word.

Who knew what kind of lewd comments he might come up with?

Jiang Huaiyu pressed the light switch and lay flat, “Sleep, the young lady is upset.”

If he kept it up, he might get kicked out of bed.

On this special night, the two people sharing a bed had different thoughts.

Wen Shuyu pondered Jiang Huaiyu, realizing that after their marriage and obtaining the license, his behavior and words had gradually diverged from her understanding and control.

It was as if Jiang Huaiyu didn’t want them to be indifferent to each other.

What did he mean by getting jealous? It sounded like he actually liked her.

And the condoms—men were driven by their lower halves, which wasn’t surprising.

The man on the other side of the bed sighed silently.

Jiang Huaiyu couldn’t grasp Wen Shuyu’s feelings for Lu Yunheng. But he was certain of one thing—she wouldn’t look back.

Now, he was the legally recognized, legitimate partner.

As for everything else, what did it matter? It had always been this way.

On a summer morning, dew moistened the tender leaves, and the sun rose slowly, hanging low in the east.

Jiang Huaiyu quietly moved Wen Shuyu’s slender, pale arm from his waist.

Wen Shuyu had snuggled back into his arms, showing no sign of caution.

There was no one else around.

Her slightly parted, rosy lips breathed warm air on his shoulder. Jiang Huaiyu’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he decisively threw off the covers and got out of bed.

Hearing footsteps, Wen’s mother turned to see Jiang Huaiyu. “Yuyu is still sleeping.”

The Wen family wasn’t too strict; with a daughter, she was naturally pampered.

“Yes, Mom. I’m coming to help you.” Jiang Huaiyu responded naturally.

Wen Shuyu woke with a start from her dreams.

Feeling the cold space beside her, Jiang Huaiyu had already gotten up.

Standing in front of the mirror cabinet, Wen Shuyu looked at herself, her cheeks still flushed.

Rubbing her head, Wen Shuyu murmured to herself, “Forget it, forget it. It was just a silly dream. All because of those condoms.”

As she passed the trash bin, Wen Shuyu caught sight of four used condoms inside.

Jiang Huaiyu must have discarded them.

Was this proof that he was quite capable?

Four times—he really dared to think that.

It was only once in the dream and still unfulfilled.

While others might spend their wedding night with intense passion until the wee hours or even all night long, Wen Shuyu and Jiang Huaiyu’s wedding night was strikingly different. It was calm until dawn, as they slept in peacefully, waking up naturally.

Downstairs, conversations flowed. Wen Shuyu went to eat, her gaze briefly drifting past Jiang Huaiyu.

He sat with a relaxed demeanor, his expression calm and focused. The pale blue shirt he wore highlighted his gentle and refined demeanor, fitting for a young master of a distinguished family.

This was a stark contrast to the Jiang Huaiyu in her dreams.

Jiang Huaiyu accompanied her to the dining area. “What’s wrong?”

She felt a pair of eyes occasionally sneaking glances at him.

“Nothing much,” Wen Shuyu mumbled, her head lowered like a shy quail.

If Jiang Huaiyu knew about her dream involving him, she feared he would ridicule her.

Sitting across from Wen Shuyu, Jiang Huaiyu was bathed in the morning sunlight, casting a soft, dappled light on his well-defined features.

His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his strong, muscular arms, reminiscent of those slender fingers in her dream, now peeling an egg for her.

Jiang Huaiyu handed her the peeled egg. “Yuyu, here you go.”

“Oh, thanks.” The calm and distant demeanor before her was so different from the dream.

In her dream, Jiang Huaiyu had worn a black shirt with two buttons undone, revealing his pale skin and attractive Adam’s apple.

A drop of sweat had slid down his cheek into the collar of his shirt.

Jiang Huaiyu’s broad hand had held her tightly around her waist, pressing her close to his chest.

He had leaned down, nibbling her earlobe, deliberately slowing his speech. “Wife, do you want it?”

And she had nodded. Jiang Huaiyu had embraced her, pressing her onto the bed, his eyes smoldering with desire as he slowly unbuttoned her shirt.

When the buttons became too difficult to undo, Jiang Huaiyu had simply torn the shirt apart.

That was when the dream abruptly ended.

Why was she still reliving it? Wen Shuyu slapped her flushed cheeks.

Jiang Huaiyu, noticing her dazed state, said, “We’re moving in this afternoon.”

“Moving in?” Immersed in the dream, Wen Shuyu forgot to manage her expression, her voice unconsciously loud.

Jiang Huaiyu explained, “The new house is ready for us to move into.”

“Oh, okay.” The wedding house they had discussed was already prepared so quickly.

Located in Qinhé Garden, the move was straightforward.

Jiang Huaiyu had taken charge of the renovations, and despite Wen Shuyu offering a few suggestions, she had left everything to him.

This was Wen Shuyu’s first visit to the new house.

She had to admit, Jiang Huaiyu understood her well. The cream white combined with matcha green was fresh and minimalist, a reflection of her current home.

It wasn’t the dull black and white or the old-fashioned mahogany.

The house was 400 square meters, registered in both their names.

Wen Shuyu walked around the house. With three bedrooms and three beds, there was no need to share a bed, which was nice.

The 270-degree expansive balcony offered an unobstructed view of the central park in the neighborhood. Wen Shuyu stood on the balcony, gazing far into the distance, to the largest park in Nan City, Weiyang Lake Park.

Next to the kitchen was a transformed sunroom filled with flowers. Jiang Huaiyu had planted roses, hydrangeas, bellflowers, and other varieties she didn’t recognize.

She loved flowers but didn’t have the time to grow them herself.

Wen Shuyu crouched by the flowers, her face glowing with happiness.

After leaving the sunroom, Wen Shuyu saw Jiang Huaiyu moving his belongings into the master bedroom. She quickly stopped him. “With my parents not here, put your things in the guest room.”

Their previous shared beds had been unavoidable.

Jiang Huaiyu bypassed Wen Shuyu, organizing his clothes. “Pretend, huh? You wouldn’t want to be exposed, would you?”

He always used the excuse of “pretending” or “playing a role” to convince her. Wen Shuyu leaned against the wardrobe. “Jiang Huaiyu, why do I feel like I’ve fallen into your trap?”

Jiang Huaiyu slowly stood up and wrapped Wen Shuyu in his arms. “If it were a trap, what would you do?”

A trap set for her?

His deep eyes fixed on her, waiting for an answer. Wen Shuyu raised her head, hugging her arms. “Not much. If it doesn’t work out, we can just part ways. I’m a lawyer specializing in divorce cases. I’m not afraid of that.”

She was surprisingly open-minded. Jiang Huaiyu released Wen Shuyu. “Don’t worry, it’s not a trap.”

Ironically, he was the one who willingly made a prison of his own design, never escaping the “Wen Shuyu” trap.

After putting away his clothes, Jiang Huaiyu didn’t linger in the master bedroom and returned to the guest room.

He had something more important to do.

After spending the entire night, Jiang Huaiyu finally completed his task.

“Yuyu, the invitation cards are ready.”

In an era dominated by electronic invitations and advanced printing technology, Jiang Huaiyu meticulously handwrote their wedding invitations.

The invitation was tied with a red string. On the left was a wedding photo, and on the right were Jiang Huaiyu’s handwritten details: time, place, and names.

“Today’s joy is secured by the red string, a perfect match.”

“May we grow old together and be fragrant like osmanthus and orchids.”

In the bottom left corner was a seal: Wen Shuyu and Jiang Huaiyu.

He had put so much thought into it. His calligraphy was elegant and pleasing to the eye.

Wen Shuyu took the invitation and complimented him, “Jiang Huaiyu, you really put a lot of effort into this.”

Jiang Huaiyu put away his pen, his tone both gentle and firm. “Because it’s our first and only marriage.”

The most important thing is that it’s with you, Yuyu.

“Oh, really? Jiang Huaiyu, I’m heading to bed now.” Wen Shuyu pretended to yawn and left the guest room.

Jiang Huaiyu’s words seemed to lack sincerity. What did he mean by “the only marriage”?

As they embarked on their cohabitation, becoming familiar faces under the same roof, Jiang Huaiyu was waiting for her in the dining room early the next morning. “I’ll drive you to work.”

On the bar counter were sandwiches and milk. Wen Shuyu took them and said, “Are you playing the perfect husband role? It’s not necessary. I’m often on fieldwork; driving myself is more convenient.”

“That’s a pity, Yuyu.”

Jiang Huaiyu pulled out a ring from his pocket and gently slid it onto Wen Shuyu’s ring finger. “Wife, remember you’re married now.”

At the law firm, there was an old blind date who Wen Shuyu had turned down, and remained a ticking time bomb.

Last night, Wen Shuyu had left her ring on the foyer table, as she wasn’t accustomed to wearing it. She stuck out her tongue and said, “Jiang Huaiyu, you’re really getting into character.”

Jiang Huaiyu, heading to wash his hands, followed Wen Shuyu’s footsteps and replied, “It’s Yuyu who’s not playing along.”

They parted ways at the neighborhood gate.

Last Friday, Wen Shuyu had taken a day off to get their marriage certificate.

In the lobby of the office building, Meng Man noticed her and her gaze was drawn to the diamond ring on Wen Shuyu’s ring finger, sparkling brilliantly under the lights.

Meng Man pulled her into a hug. “Attorney Wen, you’re so dedicated! You’re about to get married and still coming to work.”

Wen Shuyu sighed. “There’s still half a month to go. With Jiang Huaiyu keeping an eye on things, I’m not worried.”

Her trust was well-placed, for Jiang Huaiyu was not one to slack off.

“This sandwich doesn’t have any lettuce.”

Meng Man took a bite of the sandwich. “It’s soft and warm. Where did you get it?”

Wen Shuyu replied, “Jiang Huaiyu made it.”

The sandwich was pleasantly warm, free of the green leafy vegetables Wen Shuyu disliked. Meng Man marveled, “Your husband is quite something. Is this really a plastic marriage?”

Wen Shuyu didn’t think much of it. “Yes, Jiang Huaiyu knows how to be a good partner. Anyone who marries him would be treated the same.”

Meng Man didn’t know Jiang Huaiyu well and had only visited Wen Shuyu’s home a few times. When she did, Jiang Huaiyu always struck her as composed.

Today, Wen Shuyu had a task. She knocked on the door of the office next door. “Attorney Cheng, are you done?”

“Back already?” Cheng Xianzhi said with a hint of regret, but after all, it was only a blind date.

Wen Shuyu pulled out a red invitation card with a bright smile. “I’d like to sincerely invite you to the wedding.”

The wedding was coming up faster than Cheng Xianzhi had anticipated, within a month.

“Definitely coming. Congratulations!”

Wen Shuyu was busy catching up on cases she had missed, working late into the night. Meanwhile, Shen Ruoying had organized a bachelorette party, urging her to head to the bar.

At the bar, the first thing Wen Shuyu did was change into a super-short, tight strapless dress in the restroom.

Shen Ruoying had reserved a large area for them to enjoy.

Heavy metal music blared, with drums mixed with voices and vibrant lights dancing through the air. Wen Shuyu moved with the rhythm, dancing energetically.

Shen Ruoying shouted in her ear, “Have you checked him out? How is Jiang Huaiyu?”

Check him out? No, she didn’t want to. It would be too troublesome if he came after her later.

Wen Shuyu shouted back, “No, ignore him. Let’s enjoy tonight to the fullest.”

Her focus was entirely on the young men in the dance floor, marveling at where Shen Ruoying had found so many lively young people.

Lost in the excitement, Wen Shuyu didn’t notice the chilling gaze following her from behind.

“That’s your wife over there.” Zhou Hangyue pointed downstairs.

He saw a male model dancing close to Wen Shuyu, looking quite comfortable. With his wavy hair and bright red lips, he was dancing with increasing enthusiasm.

Her collarbone and shoulders were fully exposed, her pale skin reflecting the light.

“Wife, what a coincidence,” Wen Shuyu turned toward the voice and came face to face with a familiar and distinguished face.

The man’s smile seemed harmless but his eyes were cold, as if they could pierce right through her.

Wen Shuyu’s first reaction was panic. She felt caught in the act. Although they had agreed to give each other space, she still felt uneasy.

Feigning calmness, she said, “What a coincidence! You came out to have fun too?”

Jiang Huaiyu wrapped her in his arms, his voice deep and serious. “I came to find my wife.”

“Let’s go home.”