◎ A soft, innocent rabbit turned cunning. When she wanted to coax, she could bring a man to his knees. ◎

The next evening, Chen Fang came home from work to pick up Tao Xiaoxi and head to Old Zhou’s place. Truthfully, Tao Xiaoxi didn’t particularly enjoy visiting other people’s homes for meals. She was the type who found her own space more comfortable than any fancy place. However, since she and Chen Fang were now married, and Old Zhou was not only their mutual teacher but also their matchmaker, it didn’t make sense for him to go without her.

Chen Fang had already prepared a birthday gift. It was simple—Old Zhou liked alcohol and cigarettes. A few bottles of good wine and some quality cigarettes would keep him happy for a while. As they passed a cake shop, Tao Xiaoxi suggested, “Should we buy a cake too?”

Chen Fang didn’t even stop the car. “Zhao Yijiang and the others will take care of that. Don’t worry, you’re not going just for a free meal. No matter how much you want to separate things between us, in front of others, we’re one unit. Whether it’s one gift or two, people will say it’s from us as a family.”

Tao Xiaoxi understood why he said those words—it all started with the renovations for her shop. Today, she got in touch with that person, A Jian. Just as he had described, A Jian seemed very reliable and appeared to be quite professional when it came to renovations. He offered reasonable suggestions and opinions on the ideas she proposed. In the end, she provided A Jian with a budget and asked him to evaluate what could be achieved within that amount.

A Jian had told her, “Sister-in-law, Brother Fang said you don’t need to worry about the money. Just go ahead with what you want.”

Only then did Tao Xiaoxi realize that A Jian also worked for Chen Fang.

When Chen Fang came to pick her up earlier, she mentioned she had set aside enough money for the renovation and insisted on settling the accounts properly.

Chen Fang chuckled at her words. “Settle the accounts? From your card to mine?” He had long held his opinion about her reluctance to share financial matters, but he never brought it up. Since she had started the conversation, he decided to have a proper discussion. “You didn’t touch the card for living expenses, and you didn’t use the money for the store, and now you want to settle the renovation fee with me. Are you planning to follow the trend and live an AA lifestyle^[1]An AA lifestyle means splitting expenses equally. It’s a way people share costs fairly, whether in relationships, friendships, or group activities. Each person pays for their own share instead of … Continue reading with me? If that’s the case, why even get married? You could have just found a meal buddy instead.”

Tao Xiaoxi was stunned by what he said and didn’t know how to respond for a moment.

It wasn’t that she was being difficult. She had never intended to live an AA lifestyle with him. It was just that… when you really thought about it, the two of them weren’t particularly close. In school, they barely interacted, and after graduation, they had no contact for years. In some ways, they were practically strangers. Even though they now shared the title of husband and wife, she still felt uneasy relying on him financially.

To be frank, the two of them had no emotional foundation. Even after sharing a bed, no feelings seemed to have developed. At this stage, she still couldn’t embrace the classic saying about married life: “What’s yours is mine, and what’s mine remains mine.”

Earlier, the old lady had called out to him from downstairs, interrupting their conversation halfway through. Now, thanks to a cake, the subject had been brought up again.

Tao Xiaoxi replied to him, “I was just talking about buying a cake. I didn’t say anything else. Does that deserve such a lecture from you?”

Chen Fang remained serious. “This isn’t a lecture; it’s a reminder for you to quickly understand this reality. It will save you from constantly drawing lines between what’s yours and what’s mine. Tao Xiaoxi, are you planning on living a perfectly split financial life with me?”

Before she could respond, Chen Fang added, “If you dare say yes, we won’t be going to Old Zhou’s house anymore. I’ll just take a turn here, and we’ll head home instead. Once we’re there, we’ll get into bed and have a proper discussion about this.”

Tao Xiaoxi was baffled by his logic. “Why does this discussion have to happen in bed?”

Chen Fang pinched her ear playfully. “Because in bed, you’ve spent countless nights with me, back and forth, ‘you in me, and me in you.’ Now, off the bed, you’re trying to draw boundaries and talk about splitting things equally. Isn’t that just being shameless?”

…

Wait, was she the shameless one here? Could she even afford to “spend nights” with him? And what’s with this “you in me, and me in you”…

Tao Xiaoxi swatted his hand away. Although her face turned red, her words didn’t falter. “Even if we’ve spent nights together, it couldn’t have been ‘countless.’ At most, it was three or four times—I remember.”

Chen Fang: …

He suddenly recalled a conversation with Zhao Yijiang about someone bragging about “seven rounds in a night.” So, in her eyes, was seven the benchmark for “many”?

He reminded her, “You passed out afterward. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have stopped at four. If you think it wasn’t enough, we can pick up where we left off tonight.”

…

Once a man and a woman enter deeper levels of intimacy, it’s hard for the woman to win when it comes to banter about shamelessness—whether in words or actions.

Chen Fang maintained a calm and composed demeanor, saying, “It’s just seven times. As long as you can handle it, I have no problem at all.”

Tao Xiaoxi now had a newfound sensitivity to the number seven. After all, Jiang Youlin constantly teased her with “seven rounds in a night.” Replaying his words in her mind, she began to wonder if he knew something. But she couldn’t ask—it would be like confessing to something she hadn’t done.

While double-checking with Jiang Youlin over WeChat to confirm whether she had let anything slip, Tao Xiaoxi muttered under her breath, “Overuse it, and you might wear it out before your age catches up with you.”

Chen Fang was both amused and exasperated. Forget going to a birthday party—he was ready to make a U-turn home and settle this once and for all. If he didn’t tame her tonight, who knew if he’d live to see Old Zhou’s next birthday? He regretted going easy on her last night.

After getting Jiang Youlin’s reassurance that nothing had been leaked, Tao Xiaoxi relaxed. She shifted her attention from her phone, noticed the car changing direction, and asked, “We’re not going to Old Zhou’s anymore?”

“No, we’re heading home. Tonight, I’ll show you if overuse can actually wear it out.”

Uh… Had she accidentally voiced her inner thoughts? This was bad. Men couldn’t even handle jokes about chili peppers, let alone being compared to needles. Besides, if it really “wore out,” how would that benefit her?

Tao Xiaoxi decided to steer the conversation away. “I never planned on splitting things equally with you. I’m just a bit slow to warm up and haven’t fully adjusted to being married yet. On second thought, this marriage is actually great. No matter what I do, I’ve got someone to catch me if I fall.” She nudged his arm. “So, with the shop renovation, does that mean I can decorate it however I want?”

Her dark, glossy hair was tied loosely at the nape of her neck, making her pale face look even more delicate. Her eyes gleamed with the softness of someone new to love as she gazed at him sweetly.

When she decided to play soft, she really knew how to do it. Chen Fang tightened his grip on the steering wheel, staying silent to let her stew a little longer.

Tao Xiaoxi wrapped her fingers around his sleeve. “Isn’t that right, husband?”

Her voice was sweet and sticky, like freshly fried sugar cakes during the holidays—warm, clinging to your teeth, and melting on your tongue. The sweetness spread from his throat straight to his heart.

A soft, innocent rabbit turned cunning. When she wanted to coax, she could bring a man to his knees.

Chen Fang kept his expression neutral, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. He responded with a curt “Mm.”

“Oh, having a husband is so wonderful,” Tao Xiaoxi sighed softly before withdrawing her hand and returning her attention to her phone to chat with Jiang Youlin.

She knew how to coax just right and when to stop. Once she got her way, she moved on without a second thought.

Chen Fang scoffed internally at how easily he was wrapped around her little finger. Even though he was aware of it, he couldn’t control the way his arm muscles tightened, the way his blood surged. His body was heating up.

He unbuttoned his shirt’s top button, loosened the collar, and still felt hot. Lowering the air conditioner was out of the question—she was there. Rolling down the window wasn’t an option either—she was there.

Finally, at a red light, he took a few gulps of bottled water.

A car pulled up alongside them and honked. The window rolled down slightly—it was Zhao Yijiang. Chen Fang ignored him. His ears were still ringing with the sound of her calling him “husband,” and he didn’t want anything disrupting it, especially Zhao Yijiang’s irritating voice.

But Zhao Yijiang called anyway.

The phone was connected to the car’s Bluetooth. Chen Fang answered with a terse, “What?”

Zhao Yijiang’s loud voice filled the car. “Brother Fang, are you in the wrong lane? To get to Old Zhou’s, you need to stay straight. Why are you on the left?”

“I know.” Chen Fang was about to hang up.

But Zhao Yijiang wasn’t done. “Oh, and Brother Fang, just so you know, Huang Zhenzhu is also going to Old Zhou’s. My wife was going stir-crazy during her postpartum recovery, so she jumped at the chance to get out. While chatting with Huang Zhenzhu, she mentioned Old Zhou’s birthday, and now Huang Zhenzhu insists on going too. She’s also Old Zhou’s student, so I couldn’t stop her. She’s picking up a cake now and will be there later. Just giving you a heads-up.”

Tao Xiaoxi paused her typing for a moment before continuing.

Chen Fang interrupted her, “We’re going to celebrate Old Zhou’s birthday. Who gets to come is his concern. Why are you rambling to me about it?”

Zhao Yijiang noticed something off in his tone. “Wait a second, you’re not on speakerphone, are you? Is Xiaoxi next to you?”

Chen Fang thought Zhao Yijiang must have left his brain at home today. Even if there was nothing going on between him and Huang Zhenzhu, Zhao Yijiang would surely create drama. Chen Fang instinctively glanced at the person in the passenger seat. She was smiling faintly, her fingers flying across the phone screen as she enthusiastically chatted with someone on WeChat. It was as if she hadn’t heard a word of Zhao Yijiang’s question.

Noticing his gaze, Tao Xiaoxi raised her head and glanced at him. Was he expecting her to greet Zhao Yijiang?

She leaned slightly and said, “Yijiang, I’m here. See you at Old Zhou’s place later. I haven’t met your wife yet. I’ve heard she’s really beautiful. You must introduce us.”

Zhao Yijiang chuckled nervously. “Of course, Xiaoxi! My wife has been looking forward to meeting you. I’m sure you two will get along well.”

Zhao Yijiang silently resolved to lecture Chen Fang later about the principles of marriage. Rule number one: never use the speakerphone when your wife is in the car unless absolutely necessary. If the wife doesn’t request it, it’s a no-go. A slip of the tongue could disrupt family harmony.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Tao Xiaoxi, Zhao Yijiang hung up.

Tao Xiaoxi continued chatting with Jiang Youlin. Meanwhile, Chen Fang tapped his fingers rhythmically on the steering wheel, slowing the pace as he coughed lightly. “Zhao Yijiang talks more and more since getting married.”

Without looking up from her phone, Tao Xiaoxi said, “Is it inappropriate for me to go to Old Zhou’s house now?”

Chen Fang glanced at her. “Why do you say that?”

“Your ex-girlfriend and current wife sitting at the same table—wouldn’t that be awkward for you?”

… She was surprisingly considerate of him.

Who told her he had an ex-girlfriend? He wasn’t even aware he had one.

Chen Fang decided to explain things clearly. “Huang Zhenzhu is Huang Baodeng’s daughter. After Old Zhou taught us, he taught her class. She’s also one of Old Zhou’s students and a classmate of Zhao Yijiang’s wife.”

“Oh, the burgundy-haired beauty. You’ve got good taste—she’s very pretty.”

No wonder she called him “Brother Ah Fang.” She was at least three years younger.

Chen Fang clicked his tongue, reached out to grab her hand along with her phone, and stopped her from chatting further. “I’ve never dated her, and she’s not my ex-girlfriend. I don’t have any exes. Before you, I never dated anyone. In fact, you’re officially my first love.”

… First love?!

The title felt too weighty for her to bear. Their relationship was more like a pragmatic arrangement to get through life together, with love being a stretch.

She might believe he didn’t have an ex, considering how inexperienced he had been in kissing or anything else. There was no faking that. But claiming he had never liked anyone? That was hard to swallow.

At sixteen or seventeen, even with Meng Qing nagging her on one side and Tao Wenyong watching her like a hawk at school, she still secretly admired tall, slender, fair-skinned boys. A crush was still a kind of love. At that age, whether naive or mature, there was always someone lingering vaguely in your heart.

No way could she be his first love. She’d seen him expertly mix truth and lies, convincing even the most skeptical. But she wasn’t a fool.

“I don’t believe you never liked anyone during school, whether openly or secretly.”

Chen Fang countered, “Why don’t you believe me? Are you projecting because you secretly liked someone during school?” He squinted slightly. “You wouldn’t dare have an open crush. Tao Xiaoxi, who did you secretly like?”

She was the one asking questions. How did the tables turn?

Chen Fang didn’t wait for her answer and continued, “Wasn’t it the top student in our grade from back then—Qiu Tingyu, right? Did you have a crush on that guy?”

…

How did he know?! Tao Xiaoxi was stunned. Only Jiang Youlin knew about that.

Seeing her reaction, Chen Fang knew he had guessed correctly.

Back in their school days, they barely interacted. However, one incident stood out vividly in his memory. During a basketball match between their class and Class Three, he and Qiu Tingyu collided, both falling to the ground. His elbow bled, and Qiu’s knee got scraped. Such minor injuries didn’t matter—winning the game did. In the end, their team crushed Class Three.

After the game, Qiu Tingyu, still dissatisfied, challenged him to a rematch. That’s when Tao Xiaoxi appeared with a band-aid. He thought it was for him, assuming it was a gesture of class camaraderie. He extended his hand, but she glared at him and handed it to Qiu Tingyu instead.

That was the only time Chen Fang had ever been self-deluded. He couldn’t believe their class’s top student would side with the “enemy,” leaving their own injured players unattended. It was a slap in the face for their class, especially for him, the injured party.

Now, the same girl who once embarrassed him had become his wife. Neither of them could have seen this coming. If she had known, she probably wouldn’t have given that tacky, cartoon-themed band-aid to Qiu Tingyu.

Chen Fang scoffed. “He was nothing but a scrawny guy—skinny as a monkey, practically genderless without his glasses. What on earth did you see in him?”

Tao Xiaoxi refused to let anyone criticize her teenage aesthetic.

“A tall boy, glowing white skin, a crisp white shirt, and gold-rimmed glasses, walking under the sun—it was like he stepped out of a comic book. How could anyone not like him? You just don’t understand.”

Chen Fang’s already dark complexion turned even darker. He was tall but had nothing to do with being fair-skinned. None of his clothes were white—forget white shirts, even his pants, jackets, and even underwear were always black. His vision was exceptionally good, so wearing gold-rimmed glasses was out of the question. At most, he might wear reading glasses when he got older.

The car pulled up below Old Zhou’s apartment building.

After parking, Chen Fang asked the person in the passenger seat with a serious expression, “Tao Xiaoxi, have you ever drawn Qiu Tingyu with his white shirt unbuttoned?”

…

Tao Xiaoxi was dumbfounded.