Chapter 8

The store had limited entry due to its size, allowing only four or five customers at a time before restricting access.

Currently, including Tang Ruan’s party, there were just four customers: two women shopping together, Tang Ruan and Ji Jing, and Ding Chenyi with another woman. The store had around five sales associates, most of whom couldn’t help but laugh at Tang Ruan’s words.

Tang Ruan was truly—

Full of surprises.

Although her tone was soft and playful, it wasn’t irritating. Instead, it was amusing and endearing.

“Give me a ride? Who knows where that ride would’ve ended up!”

Her playful remark sparked endless imagination.

She smiled sweetly at Ji Jing, meeting his gaze.

Ji Jing was momentarily taken aback by her antics. However, after spending the day together, he’d grown about 50% accustomed to his wife’s eccentric behavior. Calmly, he shifted his gaze to Ding Chenyi, his lips curving faintly.

“Good girl.”

He was curious to see who had the audacity to offer his wife a ride.

Ji Jing’s aura was imposing. As soon as he stood up, the atmosphere grew tense. Even the sales associates couldn’t help but steal glances at him. A man this exceptional couldn’t go unnoticed.

–

Ding Chenyi froze, staring at Tang Ruan in shock. “You… you’re married?”

Tang Ruan smiled faintly. “Don’t I look the part?”

Hearing this, Ding Chenyi felt an urge to curse inwardly. How does she even remotely look married?

He instinctively glanced at her hand.

Tang Ruan noticed his intent and raised her hand with a cheerful smile. “My husband said he’d take me shopping for a new ring today, so I came out barehanded.”

Ding Chenyi: “…”

Ji Jing: “…”

When had he ever said that?

But Ji Jing wouldn’t ruin his wife’s playful act. Just as he was about to walk past Ding Chenyi, the latter turned to him.

“Could it be your husband is even—” The words caught in his throat.

As his gaze landed on Ji Jing, Ding Chenyi froze. His eyes widened in disbelief. “Ji… Ji Ge?”

Ji Jing smirked faintly, towering over Ding Chenyi. His brows arched slightly. “Even what?”

He chuckled coldly. “Go on. Finish your sentence.”

Ding Chenyi swallowed hard, pointing to Tang Ruan. “Is… is she your wife?”

He knew Ji Jing was married but was also aware that the marriage was more or less in name only.

Ding Chenyi, though a rich and idle playboy, had some connections—his cousin was Ji Jing’s close friend. So, he had always addressed Ji Jing respectfully as “Ge” (brother).

But now—

He was in trouble.

He had flirted with Ji Jing’s wife. His sister-in-law, of all people.

Ding Chenyi silently calculated how much longer he might have to live. Should he measure it in minutes? Or seconds? He wasn’t sure.

Standing beside Tang Ruan, Ji Jing remained stoic as she clung to his arm, feigning fear. He couldn’t bear to look.

Ding Chenyi panicked and hastily explained, “Ji Ge, it’s all a misunderstanding! I swear I wasn’t trying to hit on your wife. This morning, I just saw her leaving the house. She looked so pretty, and I couldn’t bear the thought of a beauty walking alone by the road, so I offered her a ride. I swear, I had no other intentions!”

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow, his voice low. “Didn’t know you were so compassionate.”

Ding Chenyi frantically shook his head. “No, no, Ji Ge, that’s not what I meant. I just… thought she looked a bit pitiful.”

By the end of his explanation, even Ding Chenyi himself wasn’t sure what he was saying anymore.

Tang Ruan, still holding Ji Jing’s arm, stifled a laugh and offered, “Husband, maybe I misunderstood him. Don’t be mad, okay?”

As she spoke, she patted Ji Jing’s arm, as if trying to soothe him.

Ji Jing: “…”

He shot a glance at Ding Chenyi, clearly deciding that this wasn’t the time or place to address the issue. With a cold look, he said curtly, “Leave.”

“Yes, of course!”

In the blink of an eye, Ding Chenyi disappeared from their sight.

–

The store returned to its usual calm, with a sales associate stepping forward to break the lingering awkwardness.

The store assistant didn’t recognize Ji Jing and Tang Ruan but was familiar with Ding Chenyi, a regular customer. If someone like Ding Chenyi was so visibly afraid and called someone “brother,” then that person’s status was undoubtedly extraordinary.

The assistant turned to Ji Jing with a radiant smile and complimented him, “Your wife looks absolutely stunning in this outfit. It suits her temperament perfectly, and the color highlights her complexion beautifully.”

Ji Jing glanced at Tang Ruan briefly, his expression indifferent.

Tang Ruan’s fair complexion was further enhanced by the soft pink outfit, making her appear rosy and delicate. It was no surprise that people were astonished when she mentioned being married—she certainly didn’t resemble a typical married woman.

“What do you think, hubby?” she asked in a sweet, tender tone, seeking his opinion.

Hearing her words, Ji Jing’s Adam’s apple moved slightly. He gazed at her deeply, his voice husky as he replied, “We’ll take it.”

They ended up buying two bags and three outfits from the store before moving on to the next shop.

By noon, after several hours of shopping, Tang Ruan finally paused. She had accumulated quite a haul by then, with everything arranged to be delivered to their home.

After lunch, they resumed shopping.

Tang Ruan had a mischievous plan to test Ji Jing’s patience, intending to frustrate him. However, to her dismay, the plan backfired spectacularly. By 3 PM, as they walked toward the next mall, she couldn’t help but wonder—why wasn’t Ji Jing showing any signs of fatigue? She was already exhausted, yet he seemed perfectly fine.

Frowning, she mulled over this puzzle, not noticing Ji Jing’s subtle, amused gaze.

Ji Jing silently observed her, a faint smile playing on his lips. Although he couldn’t fully decipher what schemes Tang Ruan was plotting, he had no problem playing along flawlessly.

…

After taking a few more steps, Tang Ruan suddenly stopped.

“Hubby.”

“Yes?”

Swallowing her pride, she looked at the calm and composed man before her and hesitated for a moment before admitting, “I’m a little tired. I want to go home and rest.”

Ji Jing raised an eyebrow and chuckled lightly. “Are you sure?”

“Absolutely sure,” Tang Ruan responded quickly, unfazed by contradicting herself.

“I’m feeling a bit sleepy. Let’s save the shopping for another day.”

Without saying much, Ji Jing pulled out his phone and made a quick call. Moments later, a car pulled up in front of them.

“Let’s go,” he said.

Tang Ruan marveled at his effortless ability to summon a car with a single call. She silently grumbled about capitalists as she followed him into the vehicle.

“To the office,” Ji Jing instructed.

Tang Ruan panicked, quickly waving her hands. “I want to go home!”

In a sudden burst of inspiration, she scooted closer to him with a flattering smile. “Hubby, can you drop me off at home first?”

Ji Jing gave her a measured look before nodding. “Sure.”

Tang Ruan froze, her expression caught between disbelief and frustration.

Why wasn’t Ji Jing acting according to the script? He was supposed to hate clingy, coquettish women who disrupted his work!

Why wasn’t he refusing her?

Tang Ruan felt like pulling her hair out. This wasn’t how the storyline was supposed to unfold!

“What’s wrong?” Ji Jing suddenly leaned closer, his breath brushing against the exposed skin of her neck, sending a ticklish sensation that made her scalp tingle. In a low, deliberate voice, he asked, “Do you no longer want me to take you home?”

“I do!” Tang Ruan responded instinctively, trying to back away, only for Ji Jing to follow her retreat.

When her back hit the car door, Tang Ruan took a deep breath to steady herself. Despite her inner frustration, she maintained a sweet demeanor. “Of course, I need my hubby to take me home. Thank you, hubby.”

Ji Jing withdrew and returned to his usual demeanor. “It’s my pleasure.”

Rendered speechless, Tang Ruan remained still for the rest of the ride.

When they arrived at the house, the car stopped, and Tang Ruan hesitated. “This is…”

“Is there a problem?” Ji Jing asked.

“No, no problem at all.” Tang Ruan forced a smile. “Hubby, you should hurry back to work. I’ll be waiting for you to come home tonight.”

Ji Jing smirked faintly, his gaze carrying an unreadable depth.

“Alright.”

Once the car disappeared from sight, Tang Ruan exhaled a sigh of relief. Looking at the house she had just left yesterday and now returned to, she let out a quiet groan.

“Home,” she muttered.

The term was technically accurate, but she should have said her original home! Not their home!

–

The house where she and Ji Jing lived wasn’t in a remote location, as it needed to be convenient for Ji Jing’s work.

The villa was situated in a tranquil yet central part of the city. The property was highly sought after, with prices that were astronomical. When it was first developed, wealthy buyers clamored to purchase homes here, but the properties were only sold to a select group.

Without her keys, Tang Ruan was about to ring the doorbell when the gate opened. Standing there was the ever-smiling butler, Mr. Li.

“You’re back, young madam,” Mr. Li greeted warmly.

Tang Ruan hesitated briefly before nodding. “Hello, Mr. Li.”

Beaming with joy, Mr. Li continued, “I’ve been practicing making jianbing guozi these past couple of days. Would you like to try some?”

Tang Ruan nearly stumbled. Turning to look at Mr. Li’s enthusiastic expression, she found herself unable to decline.

“Sure,” she agreed.

“Excellent! But it’s not suitable for dinner. How about trying it tomorrow morning?”

“That works.”

As the two walked into the house, the servants greeted Tang Ruan with smiles that stretched from ear to ear. Tang Ruan glanced around suspiciously. Was something good happening in this house?

When they reached the stairs, her curiosity got the better of her.

“Butler Li, is there some good news at home?”

Butler Li’s face flushed as he grinned broadly, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

“Yes, it’s about you and the young master.”

Tang Ruan froze mid-step, her foot hovering in the air before she placed it back down.

“Me?” She pointed at herself in disbelief. “Me and your young master?”

She must be hearing things.

Butler Li chuckled with a sigh. “Young Madam, you and the young master have been married for half a year, and there’s finally some progress. Of course, we’re thrilled!”

Before Tang Ruan could process his words, Butler Li continued, his excitement evident: “Young Madam, all your belongings have been moved to the young master’s room. The young master also mentioned that you’ve had a long day and must be tired. I’ve already prepared a bath with rose petals for you, so you can relax immediately.”

Hearing this, Tang Ruan’s legs gave out. With a loud thud, she missed a step and landed squarely on the staircase.

Holy—!

Author’s Note:
Tang Ruan: I’m done for. I’ve become a piece of soft candy at everyone’s mercy.
Ji Zong: I don’t like chewing candy; I prefer savoring it slowly.
Author: Hahaha, Butler Li, you’re truly romantic.