The old-fashioned gramophone played softly in the background, while moonlight streamed through the window onto the shadow wall, illuminating the stone-carved clouds and cranes. The private booth was extremely quiet, and a goldfish swam in its tank, occasionally flicking its tail and creating a gentle splash that startled Xia Jiao awake.

She tentatively asked, “Sorry, did I just hear something I shouldn’t have?”

Wen Chongyue remained composed and said, “I don’t think so.”

Xia Jiao: “……”

She sat up straight, but her mind was already wandering, feeling restless.

Even though she had spent the previous night chatting with friends about the latest fictional characters, passionately discussing their new card appearances, she now found herself unable to say anything in response to Wen Chongyue’s polite confession.

We’re all adults. 

Xia Jiao thought.

If Wen Chongyue had sent her a text message, she might have started a serious discussion by now. However, this was face-to-face communication, something that made socially anxious people like her dread being alone with someone unfamiliar.

Even though her thoughts were racing and she had countless things she wanted to say, all that came out was a short and confused “ah.”

Wen Chongyue noticed her unease. He calmly said, “I believe this is also a factor in maintaining a stable marriage.”

Xia Jiao replied, “Yes.”

She felt sweat forming again and couldn’t help but take a sip of tea.

The tea was still warm, but it couldn’t quell her agitation.

“So, I think it’s necessary to clarify this with you,” Wen Chongyue said, gazing at her face. “To be honest, I have strong desires, but I will guarantee my loyalty to you—this is something you don’t need to worry about.”

Xia Jiao hesitated. She had initially wanted to ask what “frequent” specifically meant, but no matter how she tried to mentally prepare herself, the words just wouldn’t come out, so she continued to eat in silence.

“If you can accept this, we can continue our discussion,” Wen Chongyue said. “This is important, and you don’t need to force yourself.”

Xia Jiao said, “I can.”

She truly could.

Although she had gone on several blind dates, none had been as straightforward as Wen Chongyue, who clearly laid out the value he could offer, along with his pros and cons.

It felt like negotiating a contract.

Though it sounded a bit cold and lacked warmth, this was indeed the best scenario for a blind date. Everyone politely stated their goals and needs before deciding whether to explore further.

It saved time, and there were no feelings involved. However, a blind date is essentially a process for two emotionally detached individuals to attempt to develop feelings.

Xia Jiao didn’t mind this approach. She had a sensitive personality, and if the other person didn’t communicate directly, she might spend time trying to decipher the hidden meanings behind their words. Wen Chongyue didn’t require her to guess, he straightforwardly expressed his intentions.

Stir-fried lotus root was a common dish, and here the lotus root was particularly crisp and refreshing. Xia Jiao ate slowly while gradually chatting with Wen Chongyue.

Her questions remained cautious, but they subtly revealed her own objectives.

Xia Jiao currently worked in a luxury goods group as an ordinary employee in the PR department of a cosmetics brand. She didn’t particularly like her job and felt anxious, uncertain about when she might quit.

She is a paper-sexual person^[1]A paper-sexual person is someone who feels attraction to fictional characters from books, comics, or other written media rather than to real people. It highlights emotional connections to these … Continue reading, and her hobbies include reading, watching TV series, and playing games. She is spiritually barren, just like the Dalujiang River that had just experienced a severe crackdown in 2014.

Aside from that, Xia Jiao didn’t have many bad habits. She didn’t smoke and could drink a little alcohol, though she wasn’t very good at handling it. Occasionally, she could drink with Wen Chongyue. However, she wasn’t skilled at cooking and she didn’t cook much. To save time, she mostly ordered takeout or ate at restaurants.

If possible, after successfully finding a new job, she wanted to adopt a cat.

…

As they talked more, Xia Jiao felt increasingly uneasy. Upon reflection, she regrettably realized that she didn’t have many strengths, which left her a bit disheartened. Yet, Wen Chongyue kept smiling, seemingly very interested in what she had to say.

Xia Jiao felt a little embarrassed and said, “… Come to think of it, it seems I can’t really offer you much.”

“You already have everything I need,” Wen Chongyue replied. “You’re young and intelligent, those are priceless qualities.”

“I’m not very good at housework, and I struggle with some daily life issues,” Xia Jiao admitted. “Regarding parenting and other views, I agree with you.”

Wen Chongyue asked, “Would you consider my proposal?”

Xia Jiao nodded.

They chatted about some other topics, and before long, the conversation shifted to the games Xia Jiao had recently enjoyed. Her eyes brightened as she shared interesting tidbits she found in gaming discussions and the terrible drop rates in games.

She even explained some technical terms to Wen Chongyue. After talking for a while, Xia Jiao paused and asked, “Do you find this boring?”

“No,” Wen Chongyue replied. “It’s very interesting. Thank you for expanding my knowledge.”

Xia Jiao slowly relaxed her tightly clenched fists.

Feeling more at ease, she smiled, her eyes curving with joy. “And thank you too.”

As they left, light snow began to fall. Wen Chongyue drove, and he didn’t live far from there. Since it wasn’t rush hour, driving back was convenient. Xia Jiao sat in the passenger seat, enjoying the clean scent in the car. There was none of the dizzying leather smell or overwhelming fragrance. Only a subtle, refreshing minty aroma.

Xia Jiao was sensitive to smells. She cared about this a lot, and unpleasant odors made her feel uneasy as if she were being attacked on the street.

Wen Chongyue was very tidy, and his scent was fresh, a gentle herbal fragrance mixed with a hint of bitterness, reminiscent of the mountain breeze at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, soothing and sweet.

Xia Jiao said, “Teacher Wen, do you remember? The last time I attended the tutoring class, you drove me home on a rainy day.”

Wen Chongyue replied, “Hmm?”

He clearly didn’t remember, but he was willing to listen as she continued.

Xia Jiao hugged her backpack tightly and turned slightly to face him. “You said something to me at that time. You said that I don’t have to follow the crowd.”

Wen Chongyue smiled. “After all these years, you still remember that.”

Xia Jiao nodded.

“I’ve always wanted to thank you, but I never found the chance,” she said.

Unconsciously, she used a respectful form of address again. This time, however, Wen Chongyue didn’t correct her.

He accompanied Xia Jiao back to her rented apartment. Her roommate had gone home for the New Year, leaving Xia Jiao alone. He didn’t go upstairs, just entered the community, and saw her off downstairs, politely wishing her goodnight.

Xia Jiao didn’t sleep well that night.

A couple of days ago, she caught a chill while skiing. Uncertain if it was due to being frightened that night, she couldn’t sleep and woke up with a headache in the morning.

Jiang Wanjun called in the morning to check on her. Xia Jiao replied in a muffled voice that she had a headache and wanted to sleep a bit longer, promising to call her back in the afternoon with more details.

The room felt stuffy. Most people who planned to go home for the New Year had already taken leave. Many residents in this complex were from out of town. With the Spring Festival approaching, many had left, making the place feel empty and silent.

With the curtains tightly closed, sunlight couldn’t enter. Xia Jiao lay in bed, her headache amplifying her sense of loneliness, and she suddenly missed home.

She thought of her mother and the fragrant chicken soup she made.

Xia Jiao dozed off again, but it wasn’t long before she heard the doorbell ring. Assuming it was Jiang Wanjun, she groggily shuffled in her slippers to open the door—Wen Chongyue stood there, holding two bags and looking surprised to see her.

Suddenly, Xia Jiao wasn’t sleepy anymore.

She instinctively wanted to close the door, but that was obviously not feasible. She restrained herself, gripping the doorknob and standing stiffly.

Dressed neatly in a white shirt and black pants, Wen Chongyue was illuminated by the bright sunlight behind him.

In contrast, Xia Jiao was wearing a nightgown that was wrinkled from sleeping, her face was unwashed, and her hair was uncombed and messy.

She thought of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, where the main character would always do her makeup and hair before her husband got up. Yet here she was, meeting a potential marriage partner before she had even fully woken up.

Xia Jiao felt she could write a book titled The Marvelous Miss Xia Jiao.

After standing in a daze for a while, she heard Wen Chongyue say, “Wanjun said you’re very sick.”

Xia Jiao opened her mouth, “Ah, ah, yes, I’m not well…”

She stepped aside to let Wen Chongyue in.

Xia Jiao was grateful that she had just had a cleaning service come yesterday, so everything was still clean and tidy.

“You shouldn’t order takeout when you’re sick,” Wen Chongyue advised. “You should eat something light and nourishing for your health.”

He opened the food containers, taking out each dish.

There was a pumpkin soup with ribs, the golden pumpkin hollowed out and filled with tender ribs, garnished with chopped scallions. A fragrant oxtail mushroom soup with thick, rich broth. The last dish was spaghetti with tomato meat sauce, accompanied by a small plate of translucent cold vegetables that Xia Jiao couldn’t identify.

Wrapped in a blanket, Xia Jiao noticed the fruit Wen Chongyue brought and suddenly realized she should probably offer him something to eat. She wasn’t very good at handling social situations and rarely invited guests over. She tried to remember how her parents entertained guests at home and stood up, saying, “Ah, I have some cherries in the kitchen. I’ll go wash them—”

Wen Chongyue gently pressed her shoulder, the warmth of his palm seeping through her shirt: “No need, the patient should rest well. You sit, I’ll take care of it.”

He naturally went to wash the fruit. Xia Jiao paused for a moment before remembering to brush her teeth and wash her face in the bathroom. After quickly finishing, she returned to the dining table and began to savor today’s brunch.

Wen Chongyue had already set everything up. He opened the curtains, and the golden winter sunlight streamed in, bright and radiant.

The soft sweetness of the pumpkin mingled with the rich aroma of the ribs, creating a delightful flavor. The oxtail simmered down to a thick gelatinous texture, blending seamlessly into the mushroom soup, eliminating any greasiness. The cold dishes were refreshing, while the pasta was coated in a savory tomato meat sauce, chewy and satisfying.

Though early risers often lack a good appetite, the food was so delicious that Xia Jiao found herself eating more than she intended.

“Are you on vacation?” she asked.

“Yes,” Wen Chongyue nodded, “I took my leave early.”

As she gobbled up the pasta, she quickly finished a whole portion, still wanting more, and couldn’t help but ask, “Where did you order this from?”

Wen Chongyue poured her a glass of warm water infused with red dates and longan: “I made it myself.”

Xia Jiao was taken aback.

She recalled that he had indeed mentioned last night that he could cook.

“You’re amazing,” she couldn’t help but praise him, “I can’t cook at all.”

“Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses,” Wen Chongyue smiled, “For example, I’m not good at video games. In that regard, you’re better than me.”

Xia Jiao bit her lip, finishing the last piece of the refreshing cold dish.

Then she said, “About marriage…” Xia Jiao confessed, “I think I can accept it.”

Wen Chongyue smiled: “Then we can discuss when to register for marriage.”

“Ah?” Xia Jiao exclaimed.

“I have my ID, household registration book, and marriage status proof with me,” Wen Chongyue leaned in, asking her, “When would you be available?”

Xia Jiao felt she could go at any time.

She wasn’t sure if it was the warm meal or his appearance that had muddled her brain. Having such lovingly prepared food in this unfamiliar city while being sick, she found herself contemplating the value of marriage.

She knew little about what marriage would mean, but what Wen Chongyue proposed seemed to meet her needs.

With someone to accompany her in this strange city, perhaps life wouldn’t be so monotonous.

At four o’clock in the afternoon, Xia Jiao and Wen Chongyue successfully obtained their marriage certificate. In the photo, the two of them stood at a comfortable distance against a red background, both smiling gently in their white shirts.

The picture turned out beautifully, a thousand times better than their ID photos. Xia Jiao was extremely satisfied, even feeling a sudden impulse to sneak a glance at the camera brand.

This was by far the boldest thing Xia Jiao had ever done in her life.

Once in the car, she glanced down at the marriage certificate in her hand, thought for a moment, and then looked at Wen Chongyue beside her.

He was busy adjusting the cuffs of his shirt, and the twilight made his brow appear even more defined.

Hesitating, Xia Jiao cautiously asked, “Teacher Wen, do we need to be intimate tonight?”