Sending Off the Bride as Usual

The next morning when Su Ran woke up, he found that there was no one beside him. His change of clothes was placed beside the bed. As he got out from under the covers, he realized he was completely naked, having nothing on at all. While dressing, he felt so insecure that he kept glancing towards the door, thankfully no one came in.

He was somewhat prepared mentally, knowing that Zhou Yuanzhe was a tough character. However, after last night, he was uncertain about what his future would be like living with the Zhou family.

Just then, a maid came in with washing utensils, “Madam, you’ll soon need to pay respects to the grandmother and madam. Please freshen up.”

Su Ran acknowledged and washed his face by the basin. After washing, he asked, “Where is the Third Young Master?”

“He’s waiting outside for you,” the maid replied.

Hearing this, Su Ran felt a tightness in his chest. How could he keep such a living father figure waiting? He quickly left the room and saw Zhou Yuanzhe sitting in a wheelchair, basking in the morning sun. The sun wasn’t too harsh, and he seemed quite relaxed.

As Su Ran approached, Zhou Yuanzhe turned around, sensing his footsteps. His look was one of disdain and reproach, as if waiting for him was highly unreasonable.

However, Zhou Yuanzhe didn’t call him out or mock him; it was just his gaze that felt as piercing as a knife. Nervously, Su Ran moved closer, “We are to pay respects to our parents now, aren’t we?”

“You tell me,” Zhou Yuanzhe retorted, his gaze returning to Su Ran.

Su Ran glanced at the maid and then took the initiative to push the wheelchair.

Zhou Yuanzhe spoke up again, his voice low, “Why stop dressing like a woman and start wearing men’s clothes?”

Today, Su Ran wore a simple long robe, his face free of makeup, looking clean and even more strikingly handsome. Su Ran knew he was being mocked but only replied, “I am a man.”

Zhou Yuanzhe scoffed as if he had heard a joke. Su Ran bit his lip and remained silent. He felt like he had figured out Zhou Yuanzhe’s mentality; by belittling him, a man who wasn’t considered a man in his eyes, it seemed to affirm his own masculinity.

Su Ran scoffed to himself, feeling that Zhou Yuanzhe was the one who should be ridiculed.

They left the courtyard and took a winding path. The Zhou Residence was vast, said to have originally belonged to a high-ranking official. After the fall of the Qing dynasty, the house was sold off and bought by the Zhou family.

As they turned a corner, they encountered a man in a well-tailored suit, his posture erect and his hair neatly combed—a silhouette that alone spoke of his exceptional demeanor.

At this moment, Zhou Yuanzhe seemed less haughty. He called out, “Big brother.”

The man stopped and turned around. Upon seeing the person in the wheelchair, he remarked, “Yuanzhe, going to pay respects to our parents?”

This was Zhou Ji’an, the eldest of the Zhou family, currently a politician of considerable influence and respect among the family elders.

Su Ran nodded to him and followed suit with Zhou Yuanzhe, saying, “Big brother.”

Zhou Ji’an’s gaze fell on him, first puzzled, then surprised, “This is…?”

“Last night’s bride,” Zhou Yuanzhe coldly interjected.

Su Ran looked down, feeling unworthy of lifting his head.

Zhou Ji’an was taken aback, his gaze lingering on Su Ran’s face before he reassured, “You’re family now, no need to be so formal.”

Relieved, Su Ran relaxed a bit and continued forward, matching the pace of Zhou Ji’an, who had slowed down to stay level with the wheelchair.

The path was serene and beautifully maintained, and Su Ran occasionally admired the surroundings. When he came back to his senses, he noticed a gaze on him. Turning his head, he met Zhou Ji’an’s deep eyes. Startled for a moment, he smiled slightly, his eyes curving gently.

Zhou Ji’an paused, a hint of a smile forming on his lips. Just then, Zhou Yuanzhe’s chilly voice cut in, “Big brother, why are you staring at my husband? Do you find it odd for a man to be a spouse?”

Su Ran tensed up; clearly, Zhou Yuanzhe wanted Zhou Ji’an to mock him as well. His eyes moistened as he looked at Zhou Ji’an, who frowned slightly before saying calmly, “In today’s world, nothing is surprising anymore. If you really have a grievance, blame our father, blame the feudal mindset, but your husband is innocent.”

Hearing this, Su Ran bowed his head slightly, his eyes warming—he just said he didn’t blame him.

Zhou Yuanzhe scoffed, “What spouse? He’s not my spouse, a man…”

As Zhou Yuanzhe continued, Su Ran agreed with him; he really wasn’t his spouse. Just then, they went over a stone. The wheelchair jolted abruptly, and Zhou Yuanzhe’s words stopped as he turned to Su Ran, “Did you do that on purpose?”

Su Ran quickly replied, “No, I wasn’t paying attention…”

Zhou Yuanzhe said coldly, “Should I always be looking up at you?”

Zhou Ji’an glanced at his watch and frowned slightly, shaking his head, “Yuanzhe, I’m in a hurry, I’ll go ahead.”

As he walked on, Zhou Ji’an looked back at the turn, seeing Su Ran squat down, his slender frame appearing rather forlorn.

Zhou Ji’an shook his head, clearing the image of a smiling, beautiful face from his mind, and proceeded.

As Su Ran looked up at Zhou Yuanzhe, his expression softened after a few mocking words, and they continued forward.

Reaching Old Master Zhou’s room, a maid led them to the main hall, announcing a significant announcement from Old Master Zhou.

As they arrived, Su Ran saw many family members gathered—several aunts and uncles, young masters and misses. He scanned the room and spotted Zhou Mingyu, who had barged into his room last night. Dressed in a bold and stylish suit, he stood out among the crowd.

The room cleared up, and he noticed people looking at him; he smiled back, his peach blossom eyes curving pleasantly.

Su Ran flinched, immediately averting his gaze. Just the thought of last night’s intrusion and kiss made him irate, feeling as if he had been toyed with.

Just then, a robust, hearty laugh echoed, drawing everyone’s attention to Old Master Zhou, who was escorting a young man. Su Ran recognized him from the casino and was startled to see him here. The crowd was equally puzzled until Old Master Zhou introduced him as his long-lost son.

The revelation shocked everyone. Old Master Zhou produced a keepsake from Zhou Zekun’s mother, clarifying the past misunderstandings. Now, father and son recognized each other, a happy occasion indeed, and it was even a double celebration.

This shocking news left everyone amazed, but Su Ran found Zhou Zekun’s gaze unsettling and chose to ignore it.

On the way back, Su Ran digested the morning’s flood of events—from being carried in a bridal sedan to discovering a secret son, everything seemed to stimulate his nerves. The Zhou family was indeed complex.

As he walked back, he was suddenly stopped by a figure. It was Zhou Mingyu, smiling with a peach blossom face, “Su Ran, I’m sorry about last night. I apologize.”

Su Ran paused, then said, “It’s okay, Second Brother, no need to apologize.”

Better to leave last night in the past and not let others know Zhou Mingyu was the first to enter the room.

“No, I drank too much, it was my fault. I should apologize,” Zhou Mingyu insisted.

Zhou Yuanzhe scoffed, glancing at them before pressing his hand on the wheelchair, “I see I won’t disturb you two, since you two were the ones getting married yesterday.”

With that, he turned the wheel and walked away.

Su Ran hurriedly said, “Second Brother, I accept your apology. I should go now.”

But Zhou Mingyu caught his arm, “Wait, I have something to tell you.”

Su Ran paused, and Zhou Mingyu led him behind an archway. His gaze fell on Su Ran’s face, hesitating to speak.

Last night felt like a dream to him; the fair, enchanting face, the moist, soft lips, and the sensation of his kiss—all felt incredibly real.

Zhou Mingyu’s eyes traced from his eyes to his lips, causing Su Ran to blush under the scrutiny. The sunlight was warm, and an embarrassing feeling spread. Su Ran lowered his eyes, asking, “Second Brother, was there anything else you wanted to say?”

Zhou Mingyu finally spoke, “Last night… I kissed you. I hope Zhou Yuanzhe hasn’t troubled you because of it.”

Su Ran was taken aback, his face heating up at the mention, and quickly said, “No, Second Brother, you were drunk. Let’s pretend it never happened.”

Realizing his response might seem evasive, his eyelashes fluttered, and he quickly looked at Zhou Yuanzhe. What should have been an innocent incident caused by drunkenness came out sounding sneaky.

“I should go back,” he said, turning to leave. The atmosphere felt strangely tense around Zhou Mingyu.

But just a step away, Zhou Mingyu grabbed his wrist, pulling him back. His figure swayed, and Zhou Mingyu’s face bore a playful smile, his peach blossom face seemingly inviting.

Su Ran felt this tugging was inappropriate, especially given his current status. If it were Zhou Ji’an, it might be different, but Zhou Mingyu was well-known for his preference for men and his flamboyant lifestyle, often rumored to be involved with actors.

“Second Brother, what are you doing?” Su Ran frowned, his eyes trembling, but he forced a look of anger.

Zhou Mingyu looked at the vivid face before him, his smile widening, “Su Ran, do you need my help? Did you marry Zhou Yuanzhe willingly?”

Su Ran froze, Zhou Mingyu’s gaze intent as if he truly wanted to help. But Su Ran wasn’t naive enough to trust everyone, “It was my choice.”

Even if he did help, what could he really do? If it were about helping him escape, Su Ran wouldn’t have waited until now. He feared that escaping would leave him with an unstable life, alone and uncertain.

Hearing this, Zhou Mingyu’s smile faded, his expression turning somber. He then said, “Alright, if you ever have any trouble, tell me. I’ll help you.”

Su Ran nodded, then looked down at the hand grasping his arm, “Then, Second Brother, could you let go now?”

Zhou Mingyu seemed to realize, releasing his hand immediately. He smiled apologetically, “Sorry.”

“Then I’ll go back,” Su Ran said.

Zhou Mingyu’s gaze lingered, “Go ahead.”

When Su Ran returned to his own courtyard, he saw Zhou Yuanzhe at the door. As he entered, Zhou Yuanzhe’s expression was grim, clearly directed at him.

“I thought you weren’t coming back, thinking about moving into Zhou Mingyu’s courtyard,” Zhou Yuanzhe remarked, then waved his hand, and the maid pushed him inside.

Su Ran followed him in. Just as he was about to explain, Zhou Yuanzhe commanded, “Close the door.”

Once the maid had left and the door was shut, the atmosphere between them grew tense.

“Second Brother just apologized, he didn’t say anything else,” Su Ran explained.

But Zhou Yuanzhe ignored his words, “I see Zhou Mingyu treats you quite differently.”

Su Ran hurried to explain, but Zhou Yuanzhe interrupted, “No need to explain. I have a task for you.”

Surprised, Su Ran asked, “What task?”

Zhou Yuanzhe glanced at him, took a sip of tea, and then said, “Come here, I’m not going to eat you.”

Su Ran approached hesitantly. He naturally didn’t want to get close, so he stayed by the door, unsure what to say without being near him.

Once close, Zhou Yuanzhe stated, “I want you to seduce Zhou Mingyu.”

Su Ran was shocked, “What?”

Zhou Yuanzhe continued, “I want you to seduce him, then make a scene claiming he forced you. Whether you want money or freedom afterward is up to you.”

Su Ran struggled to calm down. He knew of the feud between Zhou Yuanzhe and Zhou Mingyu, their mothers had been rivals, and it extended to the brothers. It was rumored that his leg injury was caused by Zhou Mingyu, who had taken the wrong car on a trip to the temple, leading to Zhou Yuanzhe’s accident due to brake failure.

But Zhou Yuanzhe’s scheme was too risky for him. He instinctively refused, “No, if it’s discovered, I could be killed.”

Even if it succeeded, Zhou Mingyu, as a son of the Zhou family, might only be expelled, but his reputation would be ruined. How could he survive in the Zhou family then? And if Zhou Mingyu turned the tables, it was clear whose side the Zhou family would take.

Zhou Yuanzhe seemed indifferent to Su Ran’s concerns, instead changing his approach, “As far as I know, you have a little lover. It would be easy for me to do something to him.”

Su Ran’s face flashed with shock, and he stared at Zhou Yuanzhe, “How can you do this!”

His eyes reddened, but all he could do was question briefly, powerless to do more.