◎ In the end, don’t the buns always end up in the wolf’s mouth? ◎

If you were to ask Tao Xiaoxi about her wedding experience, she would only have one word for it: exhausting.

It was truly tiring—not just physically, but mentally as well. From the wedding procession to the ceremony, to toasting, and handling relatives and friends from all directions, she had to juggle everything, including dealing with the chaotic people and events that appeared just to add to the day’s excitement.

Wu Sining sent her a lengthy message, taking up the entire screen of her phone. Tao Xiaoxi didn’t even bother reading it; she deleted it straight away and then blocked her. She couldn’t believe she had forgotten to block her before, allowing her to show up and ruin her mood on such an important day.

When Wu Sining first joined the company, Tao Xiaoxi had been her mentor. It was Tao Xiaoxi’s first time guiding a newcomer, so she had been particularly attentive, helping her with everything. But in the end, her attentiveness backfired—Wu Sining ended up helping herself to Gu Zichu and taking him to bed. If Tao Xiaoxi hadn’t caught them red-handed, they would have continued treating her like a fool and lying to her.

Tao Xiaoxi kept reminding herself not to let Wu Sining affect her mood, but she still felt somewhat unsettled.

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Chen Fang noticed something was off and asked softly.

Tao Xiaoxi was surprised by his sensitivity. She thought she had been masking her emotions well.

“It’s just my feet; they’re a little uncomfortable,” she said, quickly finding an excuse. In truth, her feet were indeed hurting. To better match his height, she had worn a pair of 12-centimeter heels, sacrificing her comfort. Now, halfway through the toasts, her feet felt completely numb.

Chen Fang glanced down at her shoes. “Did you bring flats?”

She shook her head. Even if she had, she wouldn’t dare change into them. She didn’t want to appear like a “shorty” standing next to him.

Chen Fang shifted his wine glass to his right hand and used his left arm to hold her by the waist. “Lean on me; it should feel better.”

His arm supported her weight, transferring most of the pressure from her feet to him. It was a relief.

As she turned to thank him, the two were standing close due to her high heels reducing their height difference. Tilting her head up slightly, her lips accidentally brushed the corner of his mouth.

Both of them froze.

At that moment, they were toasting the table of their high school classmates, who erupted into laughter at the scene.

Zhao Yijiang led the teasing, “Hey, you two! When you were supposed to kiss earlier, you didn’t. Now you’re sneaking kisses? What’s this about?”

Earlier, during the wedding ceremony, when it was time for the groom and bride to kiss, Tao Xiaoxi had hesitated. She wasn’t comfortable showing affection in public, especially with her parents present. However, she also knew she couldn’t spoil the mood of the event.

She had mouthed to Chen Fang, “Let’s get it over with.”

Chen Fang, amused by her resolute expression, smiled faintly. He held her chin, and as she closed her eyes, he kissed her—not on the lips but gently on her eyelashes.

The audience wasn’t satisfied, shouting that it didn’t count and accusing them of fooling around.

Chen Fang took the microphone from the emcee and said, “I know we didn’t do it properly just now, but don’t worry. During the toasts, we’ll make up for it. How about that?”

His playful promise quieted the crowd for a while. Still, by the time they reached the table of high school classmates, the teasing resumed.

Zhao Yijiang poured two large glasses of strong liquor. “Chen Fang, we’re not making it hard for you. Either you and Tao Xiaoxi each toast us a glass, or you kiss in front of us—properly this time. You snatched away the class flower without a word; this is the least you can do!”

The others chimed in enthusiastically, “Yeah, it’s not too much to ask!”

Knowing that Tao Xiaoxi couldn’t handle strong liquor, Zhao Yijiang was clearly pushing for the kiss. However, Chen Fang quickly assessed the situation, picked up both glasses, and drank them in one go. He then poured another glass, raised it, and addressed the table.

“Tao Xiaoxi isn’t used to drinking, and her shy personality is something you all should know by now as her old classmates. We’ll skip the kiss. Instead, I’ll toast you all again as an apology.” He then turned to Zhao Yijiang with a half-joking, half-serious warning, “And Old Zhao, let’s not push it too far. I’ve already drunk a lot tonight. You wouldn’t want me to be too out of it to do what’s important later, would you? Remember your wedding? I helped you handle a lot of toasts. If I hadn’t, you’d have ended up drunk and spilling all your secrets to your wife.”

Zhao Yijiang, whose secrets Chen Fang knew well, immediately backed down, laughing, “Alright, alright, for your wife’s sake, we’ll let it slide. But you have to finish that drink—every last drop.”

With a faint smile, Chen Fang downed the glass and even tilted it upside down to show it was empty. “Satisfied?”

“Very satisfied,” Zhao Yijiang said with a grin.

Tao Xiaoxi handed him a napkin to wipe the liquor that had dripped down his chin and neck. “Are you okay?” she asked softly.

Chen Fang tossed the glass into Zhao Yijiang’s lap, took her hand, and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “I’m fine. This little bit of alcohol isn’t enough to knock me down.”

Tao Xiaoxi stiffened slightly at the unexpected hand-holding. For her, it felt even more intimate than a kiss.

Chen Fang released her hand after a brief squeeze, and Tao Xiaoxi quickly composed herself.

Before they moved to the next table, Chen Fang turned to Zhao Yijiang and said, “Bring your wife to visit us sometime.”

Zhao Yijiang shivered under Chen Fang’s gaze and muttered to himself that he’d never bring his wife to Chen Fang’s house. Otherwise, she might just file for divorce afterward.

After a few more rounds of toasts, Chen Fang and his groomsmen excused themselves to the restroom, both to take a break and regain their composure.

Finally, Jiang Youlin seized the opportunity to whisper excitedly to Tao Xiaoxi, “Did you see how you were staring just now? Admit it—don’t you think your husband is ridiculously handsome? I didn’t get why you picked him at first. You’re a softie, and he’s a wolf. You’re complete opposites! But now it makes sense. Soft buns are meant to be eaten by wolves. God, he’s so hot! Tao Xiaoxi, I bow to you. Your taste in men is top-tier. No wonder you’ve read so many romantic comics—you’ve got the eye!”

Tao Xiaoxi refused to admit that her eyes had lingered. “Did my eyes linger? Did I read any comics?”

And what were these terms like buns or snacks? Did she have to be eaten? Could she not escape this fate of being devoured?

“Didn’t you?”

“Absolutely not.”

Tao Xiaoxi denied both accusations outright. She never read comics, nor did her eyes linger. Although she did think his Adam’s apple moving up and down was slightly sexy and a little alluring, it was only a little.

She thought about drawing a comic later, titled… “Handsome Man’s Adam’s Apple Under a Wine Shower.”

When everything finally came to an end, Tao Xiaoxi let out a long sigh of relief. Thank goodness it was over. For the latter part, he had supported her waist, which took a lot of the pressure off her feet and made things somewhat bearable. He wasn’t so lucky. After being forced to drink too much, he was swaying on his feet and had to be helped into the car by Yan Chengbo and Fang Bin.

Meng Qing repeatedly instructed Tao Xiaoxi, “When you get home, dissolve some honey in warm water for him to drink. If you can get him to vomit, let him. He’ll feel much better afterward.”

“Got it, Mom.” Tao Xiaoxi obediently agreed, assuring her not to worry.

“Did Grandma go back already?”

“Yes, with all the commotion earlier, Chen Fang arranged for someone to send her back in advance.”

“That’s good.”

Meng Qing had a lot more she wanted to remind her of but thought better of it. After all, once married, a young couple needed to live their own lives, and she couldn’t interfere too much.

“Alright, hurry and get in the car. It’s freezing out here. Your father and I are heading back too.”

Tao Wenyong stood rooted to the spot, his eyes brimming with tears as he looked at Tao Xiaoxi. During the wedding, he had held back his tears, but now that the event was over and no one was around, he couldn’t hold it in anymore. How had his little girl grown up so quickly? And then, in what felt like an instant, she got married. He wasn’t mentally prepared at all.

Seeing him like this, Tao Xiaoxi couldn’t hold back her own tears. She walked up, wrapped her arms around him for a hug, then gave Meng Qing a hug too. “I’ll be back the day after tomorrow. It’s just a short while.”

Meng Qing’s nose tingled with emotion, though she felt slightly annoyed that Tao Wenyong was acting up at the last minute. “Oh, wipe those tears away. You’re making it seem like you’ll never see each other again. It’s less than a ten-minute drive. Whenever she wants to visit, all she has to do is press the gas pedal. Isn’t this much more convenient than when she was in the capital? Now get in the car; the driver’s been waiting for ages.”

She scolded Tao Wenyong in a low voice before turning to Tao Xiaoxi, her tone still tinged with frustration. “Alright, stop teasing him. Hurry up and get in the car. Check on Chen Fang and see how he’s doing.”

After being scolded by Meng Qing, the father and daughter both held back their tears. Tao Wenyong turned and got into the car behind them, while Tao Xiaoxi climbed into the one ahead.

Chen Fang leaned back in his seat with his eyes closed, resting. Tao Xiaoxi glanced at his pale face, uncertain if he had fallen asleep or passed out.

Chen Fang stirred slightly, opened his eyes, and asked, “Have your parents gotten in the car?”

Tao Xiaoxi had been staring at him absentmindedly and was startled when he suddenly spoke.

“Yes, they have. Are you feeling okay?”

He had drunk so much it could no longer be described as just “a lot.” By the end, he was practically treating alcohol like water.

“Not great. My head hurts, my stomach hurts, and my whole body hurts.”

Tao Xiaoxi thought for a moment. “Want me to massage you?”

Chen Fang raised an eyebrow, giving her a meaningful look. “Where do you plan to massage?”

His voice was low and slightly hoarse, audible only to the two of them. It was… well, a bit seductive, and clearly intentional.

Tao Xiaoxi shifted slightly in her seat, putting some distance between them. Seeing her reaction, Chen Fang thought he had pushed her too far and made her angry.

Tao Xiaoxi patted her own thigh. “Lie down here, and I’ll massage your temples.”

Chen Fang raised his eyebrows even higher, locking eyes with her to confirm her seriousness.

Her expression was both sincere and innocent. She patted her thigh again. “Come on, you said you’re not feeling well. This really works. I learned it from my mom.”

Chen Fang couldn’t help but laugh.

Before today, they had only kissed once, and hadn’t even properly held hands. She was too reserved, and he didn’t want to force her. He thought they’d take their time, gradually getting closer. But now, she had taken a giant leap forward, offering him her lap as a pillow. Did she even realize what this meant?

Well, since she had extended the invitation, he couldn’t exactly refuse. Without any hesitation, Chen Fang lay down.

Her light fragrance was soothing. Chen Fang had noticed it the first time they had dinner together. It felt familiar, and eventually, he realized it reminded him of the scent of the locust blossoms in his family’s old courtyard. Sweet and subtle, those blossoms would bloom in spring, and his mom would make locust flower pancakes for him. He hadn’t tasted that flavor in years.

Her hands were soft, her fingers gently pressing on his temples in rhythmic motions. By the time the car stopped, he felt reluctant for it to end.

Initially, he had planned to take it slow tonight, giving her a few days to adjust. But now, he had changed his mind. She had stirred something in him, and he figured some things were better enjoyed sooner rather than later.

When the car stopped, Tao Xiaoxi quickly got out. “Wait a moment, I’ll come around to help you out.” She was worried he might stumble.

But Chen Fang opened the door and got out on his own, steady as could be. He even exchanged a few polite words with the driver.

Tao Xiaoxi couldn’t help but marvel, “You sure can hold your liquor.” Just moments ago, he had seemed ready to collapse, yet after a short car ride, he was perfectly fine.

Chen Fang glanced at her, then reached out to pull up the hood of her bright red puffer jacket, covering her flushed ears.

“It’s all thanks to your excellent massage.”

Tao Xiaoxi could hear the teasing in his tone. She scoffed lightly and ignored him, hurrying into the building. She stopped at the first-floor door and waited for him to catch up. “Do you want to stop by and greet Grandma?” she asked.

Chen Fang replied, “No need, the old lady won’t let me.”

“Eh?” What does that mean? What’s the big deal about saying hello? Why would she be reluctant?

Chen Fang looked at her lips. Throughout the day, his gaze always ended up on that touch of red.

“She’s reluctant to waste our precious spring night.”

Tao Xiaoxi: …

°.✩┈┈∘*┈˃̶୨୧˂̶┈*∘┈┈✩.°

Author’s Note:

Tomorrow night, Brother Fang will know just how much his spring night is worth. Don’t laugh at a minute, mathematically speaking, 1,000 gold divided by 15 still amounts to quite a bit.