Chapter 13

The old man didn’t stay long at the house. His main purpose was to check on the couple’s progress.

It was true that Tang Ruan hadn’t visited them in a long time. Beyond that, the old man had always kept a close eye on their relationship, knowing exactly what state they were in. To be honest, when he had first asked the two if they wanted to marry, it had taken him a long time to make the decision.

Based on their fortunes and horoscopes, marriage was the best choice. But the old man still sought Tang Ruan’s opinion, and after confirming she had no objections, he had the two get their marriage certificate. In his view, love was something that could be nurtured.

After all—

Feelings grow over time.

The more time they spent together, the more likely they were to develop a bond.

Besides, if he hadn’t brought them together, his grandson might still be single without even a girlfriend. The old man knew Ji Jing’s personality—he was a germaphobe with a powerful family background. Women often threw themselves at him, but they were all unworthy, and Ji Jing had never shown any interest. Though he never indulged in messy relationships, the old man wanted to ensure that no stranger with ulterior motives entered their family. Better to keep it all in the family.

What’s more, Ji Jing had never shown any dislike toward Tang Ruan since she moved in with them. That alone was enough for the old man. He was well aware of how much Ji Jing disliked other women.

While the two initially lacked any romantic feelings, the old man had always known this. But a couple of days ago, the housekeeper had called to report progress in their relationship. Upon hearing there was some change, the old man had been eager to see for himself. He was only delayed because others talked him out of it.

Seeing how they interacted now, even if there was still a slight awkwardness between them, the old man was already satisfied. A marriage doesn’t develop overnight—it takes time.

…

After dinner, the old man turned to Tang Ruan, repeating his earlier words of advice. “I’ll head home now. If Ji Jing ever bullies you, just tell me. I’ll make sure to deal with him.” He even shot a glare at Ji Jing as he spoke.

Tang Ruan chuckled and smiled softly, replying in a gentle tone, “Okay, thank you, Grandpa.”

Ji Jing, standing to the side, had grown numb to these exchanges.

The old man then turned to Ji Jing and gave him a sidelong glance. “Tang Ruan, don’t see me off. Just let Ji Jing walk me to the door.”

“Alright.” She understood that the old man had something to say to Ji Jing in private.

Ji Jing nodded and escorted the old man to the courtyard where the car was waiting.

–

Ten minutes later, Ji Jing returned to the house. Tang Ruan was no longer in the living room.

He pondered for a moment and asked the butler Li, “Where is she?”

Butler Li, who was discussing work with the kitchen staff, turned his head and pointed, “The young madam said she felt a little tired and went back to her room to rest.”

“Young master, you should go up and check on her.”

Ji Jing glanced at Butler Li, slightly annoyed. Hands in his pockets, he stood still, thinking for a while before asking in a low voice, “You told him?”

An awkward expression flashed across Butler Li’s face. Clearing his throat, he admitted, “The old master happened to call and ask, so I just told him the truth.” After a pause, Butler Li added earnestly, “The old master is genuinely concerned about you two as a couple. The young madam is finally showing signs of change; you should seize the opportunity, young master.”

Ji Jing sighed lightly, giving him a resigned glance. Rubbing his temples, he said, “Don’t report trivial things to my grandfather in the future.”

Butler Li was startled but quickly nodded. “Understood.”

“Rest early.” With that, Ji Jing headed upstairs. Butler Li watched his retreating figure and sighed helplessly. Everyone in the household hoped the couple would grow closer.

–

After spending the entire afternoon with the old master, Tang Ruan was genuinely exhausted.

Back in her room, she glanced at her phone and, after some hesitation, sent a text message to Ji Jing. While she had conveniently used him to scare off Dai Jun during the phone call earlier, she still felt it necessary to explain herself.

Just as the message was sent, there was a knock at the door. Startled, Tang Ruan instinctively knew who it was.

When she opened the door, their eyes met.

Ji Jing stood at the door, casually dressed in loungewear. One hand was in his pocket, while the other held his phone. His gaze fell on her as he asked, “What do you mean by the message?”

Tang Ruan froze for a moment. Her eyes flitted from his face to his phone as she stammered, “It means exactly what it says. I used you to threaten Dai Jun. I’m not sure if it worked, but I still wanted to thank you.”

Apart from thanking him, her message had also briefly explained why she acted that way. She genuinely didn’t want any further involvement with Dai Jun—this much she wasn’t lying about. As for wanting to get along with Ji Jing—

Well, she figured as long as they didn’t hurt each other, it would suffice.

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow, his tone neutral. “If that’s your honest thought, then stick to it.” After a brief pause, he added in a low voice, “If he contacts you again, let me know.”

Tang Ruan’s face lit up with a smile, her eyes crinkling as she looked at him. “Thank you, husband.”

Ji Jing frowned slightly. Over the past few days, although he had reluctantly played along with her antics, her deliberately sweet tone was something he found difficult to tolerate.

Tang Ruan blinked, tilting her head in confusion. “What is it?”

Ji Jing’s gaze sharpened slightly. “You said you wanted to change the way we interact.”

“Yes, I did.”

Recalling the old master’s advice when he left, Ji Jing felt compelled to take a more reasonable approach. Since they were already married and Tang Ruan was willing to make adjustments, he should at least treat her with civility. While he didn’t expect love to blossom, they could live together without hostility.

The old master was well aware of their past dynamics, which was why he had pulled Ji Jing aside to give him advice. He believed that a man should be more understanding and tolerant, especially since Tang Ruan, spoiled since childhood, was already making an effort to change. That effort alone was commendable and worth appreciating.

…

Tang Ruan tilted her head, watching Ji Jing’s silent expression. In a small voice, she asked, “Is there something wrong with the way we’re interacting now? You don’t like it?”

Ji Jing pressed his lips together, looking at her for a moment before curtly replying, “No.”

Hearing that, Tang Ruan lowered her head and murmured an “Oh,” but her face was lit with a smug smile. She could tell Ji Jing disliked their current dynamic and had likely intended to tell her to stop. However, something had changed his mind, and she had no intention of overanalyzing it.

Suppressing the upward curve of her lips, Tang Ruan pretended to be composed. “Well then, husband, if there’s nothing else, I’ll go to bed now.”

Ji Jing looked at her for a moment and replied, “Alright.”

“Goodnight!” She smiled sweetly as she shut the door.

Ji Jing stared at the closed door for a moment, let out a soft laugh, and turned back to his room.

–

As soon as she returned to her room, Tang Ruan couldn’t contain herself. She let out a small scream of excitement.

This was great!

Her tactics were working. Ji Jing clearly disliked her overly sweet and artificial demeanor. She plopped down on the edge of her bed, then fell backward onto the soft mattress, wrapping herself in the covers as she laughed.

Tang Ruan thought—

A little more time, and Ji Jing would definitely grow so fed up that he’d want a divorce.

The thought made her giddy with excitement, and the feeling lasted all the way until the next morning.

…

The next day, the soft glow of dawn filtered through the sheer curtains, casting light into the room and waking Tang Ruan.

She burrowed under the blanket for a while before finally opening her eyes. After staying up late thinking about her plans, she felt groggy, still half-asleep.

She stared at the sunlight streaming in through the windows for a moment, rubbing her messy hair before reluctantly sitting up. She crossed her legs and sat dazedly on the bed until the sound of knocking startled her.

“Young Madam, are you awake?”

Tang Ruan froze for a moment and quickly replied, “I’m awake. I’ll come down right away.”

“Alright.”

Tang Ruan hurriedly freshened up. When she came downstairs, Ji Jing was already seated, but something unexpected caught her attention today—

The breakfast in front of him remained untouched.

She paused in surprise as Butler Li came out of the kitchen, carrying the steamed dumplings she’d requested the night before. He smiled warmly, “Young Madam, you’re finally down. Young Master has been waiting for you to have breakfast together.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

She smiled faintly, still a bit taken aback.

Meeting Ji Jing’s gaze, she smiled softly and greeted him, “Good morning, husband.”

Ji Jing suppressed his discomfort at her tone, responding with a curt “Morning.”

The two sat across from each other, eating breakfast quietly.

After finishing breakfast, Ji Jing went upstairs to change. Tang Ruan, noticing this, hesitated before asking in surprise, “Are you going out, darling?”

Ji Jing nodded, rolling up his sleeves as he explained briefly, “I have some work to attend to.”

Tang Ruan nodded in understanding and didn’t press further.

After he left, Butler Li shook his head with a helpless smile and comforted Tang Ruan, “Young Madam, please don’t be upset. The Young Master has always been like this—not one to explain much. But whenever he goes out, it’s always for business.”

Tang Ruan chuckled lightly. “It’s alright. I don’t mind.”

It was even better if Ji Jing wasn’t home—she didn’t need to put on a sweet, pretentious act and could relax completely. After a brief stroll in the garden, she felt a bit drowsy again and returned to her room to nap.

When she woke up, it wasn’t her alarm that roused her—it was a surprise.

–

Tang Ruan had only slept for a little over an hour when Butler Li startled her awake.

“Young Madam, please come downstairs!”

“What’s the matter?”

Butler Li appeared at her door, smiling with a twinkle in his eye. “You’ll find out when you get downstairs.”

Tang Ruan nodded, following him.

The moment she reached the living room, she froze in place.

There were several people standing there, surrounded by numerous shopping bags. Smiling, one of them stepped forward. “Madam, these are the latest winter collection items Mr. Ji purchased for you. Please check and accept them.”

Tang Ruan: “…”

After the people left, Tang Ruan watched as the servants moved all the items into the walk-in closet. She followed them in and took a closer look.

Ji Jing had sent her everything she had tried on at the store a while back. At the time, she had only purchased a few of her favorite pieces, but now, all of it was here.

Looking at the pile of items before her, Tang Ruan couldn’t help but smirk silently.

Did Ji Jing send these as a gesture of apology because she had softened her stance toward him?

She had to admit, when it came to such matters, Ji Jing exuded gentlemanly charm.

Tang Ruan sat on the carpet in the walk-in closet for a long time before pulling out her phone to message him: “The items arrived. Why did you buy so many?”

Ji Jing replied: “An apology gift.”

Tang Ruan smiled, her fingers typing back quickly: “That’s all? Such a simple apology?”

Ji Jing: “…?”

Tang Ruan: “Not enough.”

Ji Jing: “What else do you want?”

Tang Ruan looked at the message and decided to tease him a bit, just to irk him.

She replied: “I want your affection, darling.”

---

[Author’s Note] Small Theater: Some time later.

President Ji held her head gently, his gaze focused on her flushed face. In a low voice, he asked, “Still want affection?”

Tang Ruan, lying on the bed with sore legs and an aching waist, teary-eyed, shook her head weakly. “No more… no more… I don’t want it anymore.” She regretted teasing him now.