Because of the New Year, Mu Wan and Kuang Ye stayed at the villa for a few days before returning to their apartment. Taking advantage of the rare holiday, Mu Wan made plans to meet up with her variety show group friends, including Li Shuqin and the others, for a meal.

After Zhou Yang posted a photo of the five of them online, the fans of the show went wild.

– “I knew it! Their friendship is so heartwarming!”
– “Wan wan’s boyfriend and Yi Ge’s wife are in the picture too. Only close relationships would bring family members to a gathering!”
– “Zhou Yang is such a show-off, making Ye Shen sign his phone case with a personalized message: ‘To the future King of Singing.’ Our Zhou Yang sure has ambition!”
– “A short trip leading to lifelong friends—so wonderful. I want to travel and make new friends too!”

After introducing Kuang Ye to her friends, Mu Wan accompanied him to meet his. While she had already met ST team members, this time she met Fu Zeyuan—the person who had helped Kuang Ye secure the apartment they were living in.

During their meeting, much like Tang Ce, Fu Zeyuan spilled plenty of Kuang Ye’s secrets. For instance, how Kuang Ye had often asked him to inquire about Mu Wan’s recent activities and how he had secretly peeked at her WeChat moments on Fu’s phone. However, most of these confessions had already been covered in Kuang Ye’s detailed self-reflection letter, which he had shared with Mu Wan.

Although she felt heartache, Mu Wan couldn’t help but find it funny.

That evening, as they lay in bed, Mu Wan hugged Kuang Ye.
“Ah Ye, you should’ve appeared in my life earlier.”

That way, in their past lives, perhaps they wouldn’t have missed each other so tragically.

Kuang Ye kissed her lightly.
“It’s because I used to be too insecure and timid.”
“If I had known, I would’ve printed proof of Kuang Shuyu’s scumbag behavior on a shirt and confessed to you wearing it.”
“That way, you’d see his true colors and also realize someone was silently in love with you.”

Back then, he had feared that Mu Wan would break down after discovering her fiancé’s despicable nature. That’s why he chose a roundabout way to arrange a marriage swap.

Mu Wan nodded.
“Exactly. If I had known he was a scumbag, I definitely wouldn’t have stayed with him.”

In her past life, after running away from the wedding, she hadn’t received the photos Kuang Ye had sent her, which was truly strange.

“Ah, forget it. Let’s sleep. I have to get up early tomorrow.” She yawned and closed her eyes, ready to drift off.

But then, a hand snuck under her pajamas and pinched her lower back.

Kuang Ye sounded displeased.
“Who are you meeting tomorrow, Jiejie? Another little vixen?”

It was still the New Year, yet his private time with his wife was even less than usual. He was annoyed!

Mu Wan replied, “I’m meeting Xingran to shop and get facials. It’s been ages since we last hung out.”

Since the variety show aired, Mu Wan had been so busy she barely had time for her daily two-hour violin practice, let alone meet up with friends. Xingran had asked her out this time, and she couldn’t decline.

Kuang Ye pouted silently. He couldn’t possibly crash a girls’ outing.

After a moment, he said, “Fine, then tomorrow I’ll visit the old man. While I’m there, I’ll sign the severance papers with the Kuang family. Otherwise, it’s hard for Xingran to be caught in the middle.”

Mu Wan’s drowsiness faded. She looked at Kuang Ye with concern.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay going alone? Should I come with you?”

Kuang Ye lightly tapped her nose.
“No need. This is between me and the Kuang family. If you get involved, it’ll turn into a matter between the Kuang and Mu families.”

Mu Wan stared at him seriously.
“You’re my fiancé. It already is a matter between the Kuang and Mu families.”

“I know you want to handle this yourself, and I respect your decision.”
“But if the Kuang family still tries to force you to give up your career, I’ll ask my parents to step in.”

Kuang Ye looked at Mu Wan, and then, like an octopus, wrapped his arms tightly around her under the blanket.
“What a strong golden thigh I have to hug.^[1]a powerful protector. I feel so safe~”

Mu Wan, trapped in his embrace like a ragdoll, couldn’t move her arms. Annoyed, she bit him lightly.
“Talk properly. Stop messing around.”

“Fine. Tomorrow, I’ll handle it. From now on, you’ll be my family.”

“Great! I’ll take your last name then. Tomorrow, I’ll officially change my name to Mu Ye.”

“Hey, you know what? That actually sounds nice. It suits your occasionally sly green tea vibes.”

“Jiejie, what are you saying? I’m not sly at all~~”

“Drop the tilde from your tone, and I might believe you—ah! Kuang Ye, you jerk! Get your hand out—mm~…”

Outside, fireworks lit up the sky intermittently, their fleeting brilliance illuminating the smooth curve of a bare back. It was a scene of passion and splendor.

—

The Next Day

After dropping Mu Wan off at her meeting spot with Kuang Xingran, Kuang Ye drove to the Kuang family estate, a hillside manor owned by his grandfather, Kuang Hongxuan.

Once decisive and ruthless in his younger days, the old man had since embraced a quieter life. His estate was filled with flowers, birds, fish, and even a large vegetable garden.

When Kuang Ye arrived, the old man was sitting in a wheelchair, directing several gardeners.

Seeing Kuang Ye, he showed no surprise, as if he had anticipated the visit. Using his cane, he pointed to a patch of cabbage and said,
“We’ll talk later. That cabbage patch seems to have pests. Go deal with them first.”

Kuang Ye: “…”