Wen Yi didn’t say anything; she opened it to find only a women’s ring, similar in style to the one she had lost, featuring a small diamond—simple and understated.

She lifted her eyes and noticed that he was already wearing a men’s ring on his left ring finger. It was equally elegant, and the distinct bones of his fingers and the subtle blue veins beneath his fair skin gave off a somewhat restrained vibe.

Qin Nanshan gently said, “Should I put it on for you?”

Wen Yi pressed her lips together and nodded slightly.

He took the box, carefully retrieved the ring, held her right hand with his left, and used his thumb and index finger to grasp the edge of the ring. Slowly, he pushed it onto her ring finger, just like on their wedding day.

It fit her perfectly.

Suddenly, a song popped into her mind, the background music that played when they exchanged rings at the wedding, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” 

“Wisemen say only fools rush in  

But I can’t help falling in love with you.”

The woven love story was touching, and the realistic backdrop made Wen Yi momentarily feel the illusion of being in love with her partner. 

She silently thought that it would be nice if this marriage had love, but she quickly negated that idea. How could one want both? When she made her choice, she had already given up on another possibility. It was too greedy; heaven would take away what you currently had.

After getting out of the car, Qin Nanshan entered the house with her. After more than a month, Wen Hongyu was now fully satisfied with this son-in-law, regardless of how they got together or how the marriage was formed.

The luggage was already packed—one suitcase and one large bag. Before leaving, Ms. Wen had pulled someone aside to explain things, like how Wen Yi didn’t like to eat tomatoes, carrots, or lamb, and that she would be in a bad mood if she didn’t sleep well at night. However, this temper was only directed at her close ones, so she told him not to spoil her. After hearing a few belittling remarks, Wen Yi decided to stop listening and went to take a shower.

After taking a shower, Wen Yi came out to find Qin Nanshan already carrying her luggage and leaving. Wen Hongyu entered her room. “You should move over first. When the time for your postpartum care comes…” She paused for a moment before asking, “Is your mother-in-law going to come take care of you?”

While applying lotion to her face, Wen Yi said, “I don’t know, but I definitely hope you can come, Mom. Please come.”

Wen Hongyu seemed to hear the answer she wanted and chuckled as she scolded, “Of course, your mother-in-law comes first.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves; it’s still early.”

Wen Hongyu continued giving instructions, “When it’s time to celebrate the New Year over there, be obedient. I find their uncle’s family difficult to deal with, especially that aunt; don’t offend anyone.”

“Do you think so little of me?” 

“And also, I don’t care how your relationship with Xiao Qin is, but you’re already married now, and from now on, you’re a couple. I don’t have much experience to teach you, but harmony between husband and wife is always a good thing. I see that Xiao Qin has a steady personality, which is good since you talk a lot; so make sure to chat a bit more.”

“……”

“Pregnancy isn’t an easy thing; later on, even turning over in bed will be a problem. When you’re uncomfortable, let Xiao Qin help you more.”

Wen Yi didn’t understand, “Help with what?”

Wen Hongyu, who hadn’t experienced married life herself, didn’t really understand either. She shared what she had heard later: “Bathing, washing your hair, massaging your waist and legs.” Then she remembered something and lowered her voice a bit: “You’re now over three months along. I heard people say that it’s okay to have intercourse when the baby is stable, so you two… just be careful.”

The words made both mother and daughter blush. Wen Yi hurried her mother out the door, “Okay, okay, I know! You’re talking so much for just a few kilometers. It’s not like I can’t come back.”

…

The official vacation began, with three days until the New Year. The weather was gloomy, with thick clouds overhead.

Wen Yi slept until she woke up naturally. After Wen Hongyu urged her a few times, she sluggishly got out of bed and slowly had breakfast before heading to Qin Nanshan’s home on University East Road.

Wen Yi had never been to his home before; last time, she had only stayed outside for a bit. Now, standing at the door, she felt completely like an outsider.

Qin Nanshan came to open the door.

He wore a black loungewear set with a subtle dark pattern—low-key yet luxurious—and thin black-framed glasses. His hair was neatly combed, softening his features. Wen Yi glanced at him and then looked down.

He looked different from usual; this was a side of him she hadn’t seen before. It felt a bit strange to Wen Yi…

Qin Nanshan stepped aside, “Come in.”

There were a pair of women’s cotton slippers under the shoe rack—pink.

She looked up to confirm with her eyes, and Qin Nanshan said, “They’re yours.”

Wen Yi couldn’t help but laugh. She had changed into those slippers, but she didn’t like pink; she was no little girl.