Chapter 24: Playing Hard to Get

The earliest flight from South City to Port City was at 5 a.m. After sending Wen Shuyu off, Jiang Huaiyu boarded the plane himself.

As the sky gradually brightened, the horizon between earth and heaven painted a stunning dawn.

Bathed in the soft glow of the rising sun, the world seemed gentler. Golden light spilled across the land, while clouds draped themselves in a delicate veil of beauty.

Jiang Huaiyu pulled out his phone, aimed it at the eastern sky, and took a photo, sending it to Wen Shuyu.

“I want to share every beautiful moment of life with you.”

As expected, Lazy Fish (Wen Shuyu) didn’t reply.

Before takeoff, Jiang Huaiyu sent a message to Song Jinnan: “I’m heading to Port City to visit Mr. Gu.”

It was a perfectly reasonable excuse, though his intentions were far from innocent.

Once you have something, you start to worry about losing it—just like someone who’s obsessed with love.

Jiang Huaiyu didn’t tell Wen Shuyu about his flight details or time, but he did ask about her hotel under the pretense of needing to report to his “wife.”

The flight was delayed by an hour, and they landed in Port City at 8 a.m.

After a drive to the hotel, it was just past 9 when Jiang Huaiyu sat on the lobby couch, waiting for Wen Shuyu to wake up.

She was on her day off, so waking up at 9 was out of the question.

Her office’s team-building event emphasized fun and freedom, so Wen Shuyu slept until noon.

She, along with Meng Man and Cheng Xianzhi, went to a local seafood restaurant.

As they walked through the lobby, Meng Man glanced around, suddenly grabbing Wen Shuyu’s arm. “Fish Fish, doesn’t that person look just like your husband?”

Wen Shuyu turned her head and… well, it wasn’t just a resemblance. It was him.

There was Jiang Huaiyu, lounging casually on the couch.

In his black hair and white coat, legs crossed, lazily leaning back on the sofa, he looked up and met Wen Shuyu’s cold, questioning gaze. A smile tugged at his lips at the sight of her confusion.

At that moment, a girl walked over and sat next to Jiang Huaiyu. Wen Shuyu crossed her arms, observing the scene like an outsider.

Meng Man nudged Wen Shuyu with her elbow, “Someone’s flirting with your husband, aren’t you going to do something about it?”

The girl pulled out her phone and placed it in front of Jiang Huaiyu. He pointed to his ring finger, saying something that made the girl quickly leave, visibly disgruntled.

Too fast. It was over in a flash.

Wen Shuyu turned away. “Whatever. Plastic marriage. I’m starving. Let’s go eat.”

He was here for business anyway. He wasn’t here for her, right?

After waiting for a while and seeing no sign of Wen Shuyu, Jiang Huaiyu stood up.

He thought she would come over and ask why he was there, but she wasn’t interested at all. Why was he even trying to act so aloof?

Stretching his long legs, he walked over in a few strides. “Wife, what a coincidence.”

With a gentle smile, his face was as harmless as ever.

Wen Shuyu looked at him, unblinking, “Who are you? Move out of my way.”

Meng Man sighed silently, pulling Cheng Xianzhi to quickly exit the scene.

Was it surprise or a shock? Honestly, if her partner was this clingy, she’d lose her mind.

Other people’s marital affairs? She wasn’t getting involved unless it crossed a line—maybe they were just flirting, anyway.

As they left the hotel, Cheng Xianzhi turned back and commented, “Doesn’t look like a ‘plastic marriage’ to me.”

His calm tone held an almost imperceptible hint of regret.

Meng Man, who had dealt with all sorts of people, could easily see through it. “Lawyer Cheng, there’s something off about the way you said that.”

Cheng Xianzhi smiled gently, “Nothing at all. Just admiring Lawyer Wen, and showing concern for a friend.”

Meng Man chose to let it slide, but with Wen Shuyu gone, it was just the two of them, and things were starting to feel a bit strange. They found a random restaurant on the side of the road.

Just as they sat down, Wen Shuyu and Jiang Huaiyu walked in and, at Jiang Huaiyu’s request, sat at a table next to them.

“What are you doing here in Port City?”

Wen Shuyu couldn’t muster a warm tone. After only being apart for less than 24 hours, why was he still showing up everywhere?

Jiang Huaiyu began unpacking his utensils. “I’m here to visit a senior and discuss a business collaboration.”

The excuse was perfectly reasonable.

Just moving up the original schedule didn’t count as mixing business with pleasure.

Wen Shuyu picked up the menu and glanced through it. “Oh, then hurry up and go.”

The restaurant had a simple, old-fashioned decor—full of nostalgic charm.

It hadn’t kept up with the trends, still using paper menus. Compared to Jiang Huaiyu, Wen Shuyu was more concerned about what to eat.

The menu was simple: a single page with a few basic dishes, mostly steamed or boiled.

“What are you eating?” Wen Shuyu asked, noticing the dark circles under Jiang Huaiyu’s eyes. She had forgotten to ask when he arrived.

“I’ll eat whatever you eat.”

Wen Shuyu quickly chose a few dishes and waited for their meal.

“When did you arrive?” she asked.

“At 9.”

So he had been waiting for her downstairs for two hours.

After a moment of hesitation, Wen Shuyu asked, “Why didn’t you call me?”

“I didn’t want to disturb my wife’s sleep.”

His voice was clear, with a lazy, casual undertone.

His voice wasn’t loud, but Meng Man, at the next table, heard it clearly.

As they waited for the food, Jiang Huaiyu spoke slowly. “Mr. Gu heard I got married, and insisted on meeting my wife. Could you please accompany me to visit him, Miss Wen? Is that okay?”

Wen Shuyu gave a polite smile and firmly declined, “No time. I’m here for a team-building event. Mr. Jiang, my husband, please make an appointment next time.”

She mimicked his choice of words, throwing it back at him in a sarcastic tone.

Jiang Huaiyu smiled. “I’m applying for priority. I’ll use the backdoor.”

Wen Shuyu: “Rejected.”

“Another application.”

“Still rejected.”

It felt like a playful back-and-forth, like squabbling children.

Meng Man wasn’t interested in listening anymore, not when there was so much ‘dog food’ being thrown around.

Suddenly, in front of her colleagues, Jiang Huaiyu reached out and grabbed Wen Shuyu’s hand.

“Why can’t I shake you off?” Wen Shuyu frowned, calling his name, “Jiang Huaiyu!”

“Darling, I’m here,” Jiang Huaiyu murmured.

He turned her hand over and began tracing words on her palm with his finger, the tip of his index slowly writing three characters.

Her palm tingled, like electricity coursing through her body, distracting her from focusing. She had no idea what he was writing.

“Three chances. Guess the word correctly, and I’ll let you go,” Jiang Huaiyu teased.

Without thinking, Wen Shuyu said, “Write it again.”

Jiang Huaiyu raised his slender finger and slowly wrote it out again.

This time, Wen Shuyu concentrated. Just as the last character was about to be written, a proud smile tugged at her lips. It was “I like you.”

As the words left her mouth, her smile faded, slowly replaced by Jiang Huaiyu’s playful grin.

Sure enough, his refined face cracked into a small smile.

As the saying goes, a polite rogue is to be feared, but a gentleman playing the rogue is a whole different story.

Wen Shuyu paused, her eyes turning serious. “I meant the word you wrote is ‘I like you,’ not that I like you.”

Jiang Huaiyu released her hand, his voice light and breezy, “I know.”

He knew it was a lie, but hearing her say the words still filled his heart with an uncontrollable joy—like a fleeting mirage, a momentary happiness.

Well, that was good enough.

Wen Shuyu, trying to fight back, said, “I don’t have any suitable clothes to visit, so your little trick won’t work.”

The clothes she had packed were either ultra-short skirts or strapless dresses—nothing with sleeves.

“I figured as much,” Jiang Huaiyu said. “I brought you clothes.”

As his words sank in, Wen Shuyu’s mind flashed back to that unforgettable night. Her face immediately flushed red.

It was clearly cold in the restaurant, but she suddenly felt hot.

Wen Shuyu fanned herself with her hand, keeping calm, “I’m not wearing it.”

Jiang Huaiyu smiled slightly, “Just normal clothes.”

In the end, Wen Shuyu reluctantly agreed to go with him. After all, they were technically a married couple.

Jiang Huaiyu had brought a pink shirt-and-skirt outfit that looked sweet and gentle, something Wen’s mother had bought for her. He wore a plain white shirt, but with a subtle touch—pink fish cufflinks.

How many fish-shaped cufflinks did he have?

They drove to a villa in the eastern suburbs of Port City for a business visit that felt more like a family gathering.

Gu Zhixing was waiting downstairs. “Huaiyu, you’re here! And this must be Yu Yu.”

At nearly sixty, he carried no airs about himself.

Jiang Huaiyu nodded politely, “Yes, Uncle Gu, how are you?”

Wen Shuyu smiled, “Uncle Gu, hello. A small gift for you, please accept it.”

The gift was tea Jiang Huaiyu had prepared earlier. The province where their city was located was famous for tea, though not as renowned as Longjing or Da Hong Pao. But Gu Zhixing especially liked it.

Gu Zhixing laughed, “Last time I saw you, you were just a kid. Seems like this brat has already swept you away.”

Wen Shuyu had no recollection, simply listening to their conversation.

“I remember once when I visited, trying to become in-laws with your parents. Before your mom and dad could say anything, this kid gave me a glare.”

Jiang Huaiyu just smiled, not refuting it.

He didn’t remember it well—after all, it was before he could even remember things. But it sounded like something he would do.

“Yes, I’ve been planning this for a long time, and I finally got my wish.”

He said that half-jokingly, but his words were heartfelt.

Wen Shuyu didn’t know it, still thinking he was just playing around.

Auntie served dessert and fruit after the meal. Wen Shuyu picked up a piece of mango with her fork, one piece, then two…

Suddenly, a long hand intercepted hers gently. “Eat something else, you’ll get an allergic reaction if you eat too much.”

He had been deeply engaged in a conversation with Gu Zhixing just moments ago. How did he notice what she was eating, or how much?

He really was attentive, so caring—if she didn’t know he was acting, she might have been touched.

The Gu family wanted to keep them, but they politely declined, saying they had other things to do.

On the way back to the hotel, they passed by a beach. Wen Shuyu’s eyes narrowed as she recognized someone.

Zhou Hangyue.

Wen Shuyu stopped in her tracks and tugged at Jiang Huaiyu’s sleeve. “Why is Zhou Hangyue here? Who’s with him? Is that the guy from middle school?”

She fired three questions in a row, trailing quietly behind Zhou Hangyue.

Jiang Huaiyu played along, lowering his voice, “I don’t know.”

Under the cover of night, they tiptoed, tracking Zhou Hangyue like sneaky thieves.

Wen Shuyu asked, “Don’t you care about your good buddy?”

Then asked, “Does Zhou Hangyue hate me? He’s never been friendly to me.”

And then, excitedly, “He wants to hold hands, but he doesn’t dare. He keeps putting his hand down, then picking it up again. Want to bet? I bet he won’t dare in five minutes.”

Jiang Huaiyu had never seen Wen Shuyu act so childish. He indulged her. “What’s the bet?”

Wen Shuyu shook her head, “I don’t know.”

It was just a momentary whim, she was bored anyway.

Jiang Huaiyu pondered, “If you win, I’ll give you three conditions. If I win, you’ll stay with me tonight.”

“Deal.” Based on what she knew about Zhou Hangyue, he was someone who seemed like a player but was actually incredibly innocent.

“I bet he won’t dare.”

Jiang Huaiyu smiled, “I bet he will dare, and he’ll even kiss her.”

“You’re definitely losing.”

The beach stretched long under the night sky, filled with couples taking evening walks. Jiang Huaiyu tightened his grip on Wen Shuyu’s hand, afraid she’d get lost in the crowd.

Wen Shuyu had already grown used to it and didn’t think much of it.

Spotting the name of a street food stall, Wen Shuyu clapped her hands excitedly. “Jiang Huaiyu, I remember now! The girl’s name is Xu Jinnian. Zhou Hangyue has liked her since middle school!”

She quickly covered her mouth and glanced up at the person ahead of them, making sure they weren’t looking back.

Jiang Huaiyu was stunned. “How do you know?”

He was certain he had never told Wen Shuyu this. He only found out during the summer vacation in middle school when Zhou Hangyue confided in him.

Wen Shuyu flustered for a moment, scrambling for an excuse. “You’re too slow to catch on. I’ve got Yingying—I’m the queen of gossip.”

The darkness around them shrouded her expression, lending credibility to her words.

That day, she had learned this piece of gossip, as well as Jiang Huaiyu’s secret.

Ahead, the two people were as innocent as middle schoolers—too shy to hold hands, even a small gap between them.

Unable to stand it any longer, Jiang Huaiyu sent a message: [Hold hands.]

There was still one minute left. If Zhou Hangyue didn’t make a move, Jiang Huaiyu would lose.

Zhou Hangyue glanced back, and at that exact moment, Jiang Huaiyu grabbed Wen Shuyu’s hand, pulling her into his arms. “He’s about to see you.”

Zhou Hangyue caught sight of Jiang Huaiyu, and his shyness grew. He quickly turned the corner and disappeared from view.

“Did he hold hands or not?” Wen Shuyu twisted her head, the figure disappearing into the night.

Jiang Huaiyu didn’t release her. He tightened his hold around her waist. “No, he didn’t.”

His fingers played with the soft flesh at her side through her clothes.

Wen Shuyu tilted her head, only to meet Jiang Huaiyu’s chin. His gaze was scorching, fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart race.

His eyes, as dark as obsidian, sparkled with a gleam, his lips curving into a subtle, ambiguous smile. The air between them was thick with unspoken feelings.

“I won,” Wen Shuyu declared, pulling away from his embrace, avoiding his gaze.

They sat on the beach, watching the waves crash as they drank the local beer Wen Shuyu had bought from a young girl, no more than ten.

“Who owned that jacket from yesterday?” Jiang Huaiyu asked after taking a long sip of his beer.

Wen Shuyu threw a small stone into the distance, “Lawyer Cheng’s.”

Jiang Huaiyu’s eyes grew cold. “And you wore it?”

“Yeah, I was cold. What else could I do?” she said nonchalantly.

It was lucky that he had brought a thin cardigan that day.

All the beer was soon gone. On their way back to the hotel, Wen Shuyu tugged at Jiang Huaiyu’s sleeve, her voice playful. “Huaiyu, carry me on your back, will you?”

She was tired—so, so tired.

Her cheeks were flushed under the moonlight, her eyes dazed as the sea breeze tousled her hair, and in that moment, she captured his heart without even trying.

Unable to resist, Jiang Huaiyu finally gave in.

Wen Shuyu lay on his back, her voice rising and falling. “Huaiyu, sing for me. I didn’t hear you sing at the graduation party.”

After the party, she had heard from Shen Ruoying how good Jiang Huaiyu’s singing was, and she regretted missing it.

Singing stirred painful memories for Jiang Huaiyu.

Originally, he had planned to confess indirectly through a song, but then, she had gone out with Lu Yunheng.

When they returned, they were both strange and uneasy. He had known then that something had happened between them.

And now, with Wen Shuyu’s soft voice asking for a song, he couldn’t help but smile, his voice low and warm as he sang in Cantonese. His voice drifted over the waves, filling the air.

His singing was tender, soothing her heart, almost like a confession from the depths of his soul.

Wen Shuyu didn’t know how long Jiang Huaiyu had practiced the song before finally singing it at the graduation party.

And she had missed it.

“Huaiyu, your singing is amazing! You should take your guitar to the girls’ dorm and sing to confess. You’d definitely succeed.”

The person on his back seemed to be tipsy, her words full of drunken whimsy.

“You silly fish.”

“I’m not silly,” Wen Shuyu playfully slapped his head, then suddenly shook her head. “You can’t confess. You’re my husband. If you go and confess, it’ll be cheating.”

Jiang Huaiyu smiled tenderly. “I’ll only confess to you.”

He carried her to the elevator and pressed the button for the fourth floor.

Wen Shuyu wasn’t fully drunk yet. She remembered she lived on the third floor, not the fourth, and corrected him. “You lost. I’m not staying with you.”

“Well, I’m a sore loser,” Jiang Huaiyu chuckled.

He took her to his room, and the “fish” that had swum into his net was never going to escape.