Filled with guilt and a little doubt, Yan Qing returned home and started rummaging through his belongings. In one of the cabinets, he found a folder containing all his documents, including his marriage certificate and marriage agreement.
The marriage certificate had Yan Qing’s birthdate. Its background was bright red and they looked like a good-looking married couple.
Yan Qing’s purpose was the marriage agreement. Sitting down, he casually flipped through it. The agreement itself seemed fine, but there were some strange additional clauses stating that both parties should not interfere in each other’s private lives after marriage.
As clever as Yan Qing was, he remembered the signing date. Using WeChat, he searched through the chat history with Wen JueLi and found the context of the marriage agreement.
It seemed like Wen JueLi had fallen ill at that time.
Wen JueLi: [I’ll go to the hospital first at noon.]
*5 hours later*
Yan Qing: [We’re just in an arranged marriage. You can write the agreement however you want, but let’s keep our lives separate! Don’t interfere in my life! And don’t make this public either!]
Wen JueLi: [Alright.]
Just a few lines of their conversation and it already made Yan Qing feel uneasy. It was as if he could now see how these so-called “cracks” in their relationship had formed.
It was all because he had resisted the idea of the arranged marriage, without paying any attention to Wen JueLi’s feelings or the fact that Wen JueLi had agreed to it. All he had wanted was to draw a clear line between them.
But now he could imagine how heartbroken Wen JueLi must have felt at that time.
Yan Qing sighed.
On their wedding anniversary, the Yan family went bankrupt after three years. If Wen and Yan had truly entered this marriage purely for business, why would they still be together?
It must have been because Wen JueLi had silently endured all of this for his sake. Thinking about how Wen JueLi had risked breaking the contract to defend him online, Yan Qing felt even more guilty.
What had supported Wen JueLi to silently endure all this for so many years?
It must have been love!
Starting from tomorrow, Yan Qing vowed to be extra good to his husband! He thought to himself. His phone received a message. Yan Qing snapped out of his thoughts and opened the message. It was from Director Zhang:
[I heard from Xiao Kan that you’re meeting Mr. Wen tonight?]
Yan Qing: [Yes, he already agreed to go! (*^▽^*)]
***
Director Zhang was a straightforward person.
The next day, the down payment was credited to Yan Qing’s account. After deducting the taxes, which were also a relatively small amount, Yan Qing, who had been accustomed to a life of luxury since childhood, didn’t have a precise concept of money. However, this was still a substantial sum, and he felt quite satisfied.
With his pockets filled, Yan Qing thought about treating himself to a good meal. Suddenly, his phone displayed a news notification about stocks. Out of curiosity, he opened it and realized that even after deducting the expenses for the romance show, his bank account still had a significant amount left.
It seemed like he had bought shares in the Wen Group.
This investment puzzled Yan Qing a bit, but he decided not to dwell on it too much.
Yan Qing happily treated himself to a fancy meal and transferred about sixty percent of the money to his parent’s account.
Then, they called after a while.
On the other end of the line, there was some background noise.
His mom asked, “Yan Qing, Why did you suddenly transfer money to us?”
With a calm tone, Yan Qing replied, “Since our family went bankrupt, I know you’ve been going through a lot these years. I made some money just now, so consider it a way to support our family. If it’s not enough, let me know.”
Yan Qing’s selfless gesture left his parents both puzzled.
Yan Qing’s mom said, “It’s the thought that counts. But the money you transferred, we won’t be able to use it here, especially since our meals and accommodation in the Maldives are already fully covered.”
Maldives? What’s this all about?
His mom continued, “Alright, I’ve said what I wanted to say. They are waiting for me now. We’ll talk more when you get home with JueLi!” Before Yan Qing could utter a word, his mom hung up the phone.
Yan Qing was lost in thought.
Something was not quite right here.
When he opened his social media feed, he could see it was filled with travel photos and scenery shots. Scrolling down, he saw a post from his dad: [I’m retiring!]
Yan Qing,”…”
Well, That’s Good.
*
After finishing his meal, Yan Qing began preparing to move.
Thinking about the perfect candlelit dinner from last night and the prospect of cohabiting with his husband, his heart raced again.
Looking back now, having a handsome and smart husband for over five years wasn’t such a bad thing.
There was a convenience store near the residential complex that sold cardboard boxes. Yan Qing was afraid of being recognized, so he wrapped himself up tightly before heading to the store.
However, when he opened his door, he saw a young man in his twenties lingering around his doorstep. The man looked nervous and furtive and quickly averted his gaze when he noticed Yan Qing coming out of the house.
Yan Qing glanced at him. Without saying a word, he casually left his doorstep as if nothing had happened. However, when they reached the staircase, he suddenly turned his head and made eye contact with the young man, only to find the man was actually spying on him!
Could this be a paparazzi? But he hadn’t brought a camera.
Yan Qing thought for a moment and then turned back, asking, “Hey, is there something you want?”
The young man was taken aback and stammered, “Is this your place?”
Yan Qing nodded cautiously.
The young man replied, “I thought it was your place but wasn’t certain. So it really is yours. I’m the Landlord’s son.” Feeling guilty and avoiding eye contact, he added, “I just returned to Nancheng and was still getting familiar with things, so I was just looking around.”
Yan Qing said, “Oh I see you’re Uncle Dong’s son! Just in time, I was going to talk to him about moving today.”
The young man was surprised and his father didn’t lie to him. Wasn’t Yan Qing married to Wen JueLi? Why was he living here, and why did he want to move now? Due to the shocking nature of the information he had just been exposed to, he didn’t hear Yan Qing correcting himself, saying, “Actually, I’m going back home.”
Yan Qing continued, “Since there is still a little over a month in my contract, can you help me tell Uncle Dong to find another tenant? If possible, mention it to him.”
Although it was April, Yan Qing had wrapped himself so tightly that he couldn’t breathe. He wore a face mask and sunglasses, yet even like this, his presence was distinguishable from others.
The man blushed and replied, “Oh, okay, I’ll inform him about it.”
It was only after Yan Qing left the building that he snapped out of his daze, remembering his purpose. He quickly shared everything he had seen and heard on the internet to gain attention.
*
After coming back to buy the boxes, he saw a man standing in front of his doorstep.
The man had his back turned to Yan Qing. He had a tall and imposing stature, with a dignified demeanor. He was wearing a khaki Chesterfield coat that accentuated his sharp shoulders and defined lines, giving off an air of confidence.
Due to the luxurious cut and style of the Chesterfield coat, he looked perfectly at ease standing there, blending seamlessly into the surroundings.
Hearing footsteps, Wen JueLi turned around, and his gaze fell upon Yan Qing’s outfit, leaving him momentarily stunned.
Yan Qing removed his sunglasses and face mask, revealing his slightly flushed face. His eyes sparkled as he asked, “JueLi, Why are you here?”
He recalled that there had been a crowd around a luxury car at the entrance of the residential complex.
Yan Qing had simply brushed it off at the time, not thinking too much about it. But now, looking at it, wasn’t that Wen JueLi’s car?
Yan Qing’s face instantly lit up with a sunny smile, and he said, “I just went to buy some boxes to start packing. By the way, what’s the address of our new place? I’ll contact the movers later.”
With that, he casually handed a cardboard box to Wen JueLi and unlocked the door.
Wen JueLi, feeling awkward holding the box, said, “I’ve already contacted a moving company.”
Yan Qing raised an eyebrow, “Really? But I’ve already bought the boxes. You should have mentioned it earlier. Well, since you’re here, how about helping me with the packing?”
Wen JueLi replied hesitantly, “?”
Yan Qing beamed, “I knew you’d agree!”
It was Wen JueLi’s first time in Yan Qing’s small apartment. Despite its small size, it was impeccably clean and organized.
Yan Qing had quite a lot of belongings, but everything was neatly sorted and ready to be packed. Yan Qing asked Wen JueLi to start assembling the cardboard boxes while he changed into more comfortable and breathable clothing.
Although Wen JueLi was somewhat unaccustomed to the way 18-year-old Yan Qing was treating him, he obediently began assembling the boxes.
Once the boxes were assembled, Yan Qing changed into his new outfit. He wore a loose-fitting round-neck t-shirt, and his slightly flushed cheeks remained calm.
Seeing how fast Wen JueLi got things done, he was a little surprised and said delightedly, “Thank you! Would I trouble you to make a call for the moving company? I’ve already sent you the number. I’ll be done in half an hour.”
*
Yan Qing loaded his packed things into the car after it arrived.
Yan Qing wore a loose sweatshirt bigger than him and every time he would bend down to load his things, his shirt would sway open and his thin waist and delicate collar bone would be seen by Wen JueLi.
Wen JueLi immediately looked away.
Soon after that, all the luggage for moving was neatly organized.
Yan Qing was a bit surprised that he could fit all his certificates, trophies, and awards in a single box. Wen JueLi, who had been silent, asked strangely, “Are you cold? Would you like to wear a coat?”
Yan Qing raised an eyebrow, “Cold?”
The sunshine outside the window was bright, although the temperature was a bit cold, wearing a sweatshirt somehow warmed him as it was. Yan Qing immediately realized that Wen JueLi was showing concern.
In that case, as a good boyfriend, Yan Qing naturally agreed.
*
Wen JueLi had a separate four-hundred-square-meter place in the city center. The real-estate agent helped move the luggage to Wen JueLi’s house.
The decoration style of the house was simple and cool, with not many decorations. The most prominent ones were awards from film festivals and some photos. Surprisingly, there were wedding photos as well.
Wen JueLi said, “There’s only me living here, and I don’t have any OCD or particular hobbies, so there’s not much stuff here.”
Yan Qing obediently changed into new slippers at the entrance and noticed that Wen JueLi handed him a card with a calm and clear tone, “This is my secondary card. You can use the money inside it as you like.”
Wen JueLi had a vague concept of marriage and only remembered that when his parents were alive, his dad would give his mom a secondary card for her to spend. So, he thought that he should have one for his partner. But Yan Qing didn’t really like this marriage, so he kept the card until now.
But when Yan Qing lost his memory this time, Wen JueLi thought that whether it was compensation for so many years or Yan Qing’s willingness to accompany him to his place, he should still give the card to him, whether he accepted or not.
“Use it as I like? Really?” Yan Qing asked.
“Yes, we are legally married.” Wen JueLi
Yan Qing’s heart was moved. How could he not want such a handsome and wealthy husband back then?
To appear as if he was considering Wen JueLi’s money, Yan Qing glanced at the card, then pushed it away with gritted teeth and said, “Having your heart is enough, my husband!”
Wen JueLi was stunned.
‘My Husband’
Just giving him the card and letting him swipe it freely made Yan Qing very happy.
When he walked to the living room and was about to ask something, an awkward and slightly forced smile froze on Yan Qing’s face.
‘Wait…’
He and Wen JueLi have been married for years. Even though their relationship is not good, it’s possible to say that nothing has happened. Besides, they are both adults, so Wen JueLi naturally has his needs.
But
Yan Qing, an eighteen-year-old pure young man, had snow-white skin. His face turned red and was clearly visible.
He felt himself burning up!
He noticed Wen JueLi approaching him, carrying a faint scent of absinthe, which invaded Yan Qing’s nose.
Wen JueLi explained, “I’ve already prepared everything during our time apart. Your room is next to mine and it has been tidied up.”
And as if seeing through Yan Qing’s nervous thoughts, he added, “Don’t worry, we are only married by contract.” Yan Qing breathed a sigh of relief.
Does that mean he would not touch him without his consent?
Although it was expected, Yan Qing truly felt that Wen JueLi was a good man! Even if his husband is by his side, he can only look but not touch; he was indeed a good man.
But why did he feel a bit disappointed?
