Ye Chuqing hadn’t originally held much hope for this marriage, or rather, she didn’t dare to hope, fearing that disappointment would be too devastating.

So her requirements were simple: both parties would save face for each other, keep the marriage clean, and get along peacefully like friends.

If things went smoothly, perhaps they could continue; if not, they could part ways amicably and start new lives.

But things weren’t developing as Ye Chuqing had expected.

She knew she shouldn’t hope for too much, yet she couldn’t help thinking about it, pondering whether to ask Chen Shao to test the waters.

Ye Chuqing knew she had become somewhat strange.

But she never imagined that peeling back the layers would reveal this truth.

Chen Shao kissed her lips, pulling back slightly moments later, his warm breath falling on her face as they gazed at each other in silence.

He chuckled softly, raising an eyebrow: “Not resisting?”

“Hmm?”

He kissed her again, no longer just brushing her lips, and Ye Chuqing finally understood what he meant by “not resisting,” letting out a muffled sound as she pushed him away, red-faced.

“Don’t push your luck!” Ye Chuqing was embarrassed and angry.

He smiled: “Just normal married life.”

“…” Ye Chuqing felt she would suffocate if they continued talking, so she turned away, facing away from him: “Going to sleep.”

Chen Shao embraced her from behind, his arm draped over her across the blanket, his chest pressed tightly against her back, feeling warm.

She suddenly remembered that after the birthday banquet, when she woke up the next day, Chen Shao had been holding her like this, but she had been too shocked to think about it at the time.

In the end, she couldn’t remember how she fell asleep that night, only that when she woke the next morning, everything had changed.

Last night, Wei Yuanhe had been out somewhere, and Ye Chuqing’s “get lost” voice message was heard by others. They said Wei Yuanhe’s face darkened immediately.

Life in wealthy circles was luxurious yet boring, and Ye Chuqing was a hot topic.

By the next day, that “get lost” had spread everywhere.

People spread ridiculous rumors, connecting it to Ye Chuqing and Wei Yuanhe’s previous relationship, speculating this must be some heart-wrenching drama. Combined with everyone witnessing how Ye Chuqing had casually arranged to go home with Chen Shao last time, the situation became even more mysterious.

Some even began thinking Ye Chuqing was playing both men.

This normally wouldn’t matter—those wealthy young ladies had been secretly hostile to Ye Chuqing for a long time, and gossiping behind her back was routine—except these rumors reached Huang Sheng’s ears.

Her parents had always believed Ye Chuqing and Chen Shao were dating normally. Though the pregnancy and hasty marriage were unexpected, they thought the couple had an emotional foundation.

How could the rumors they heard be so awful, with talk of hookups and manipulation?

When Huang Sheng called, Ye Chuqing was still asleep, fumbling for her phone and answering groggily without opening her eyes: “Hello, who is it?”

“It’s me.”

Ye Chuqing recognized the voice: “Mom, why are you calling so early?”

Huang Sheng: “Are you still sleeping?”

“What else would I be doing at this hour?”

“Is Shao next to you?”

“Yes.” Ye Chuqing found it strange, “Do you want to talk to him?”

“No. Today’s your prenatal checkup, right? Don’t let Shao take you. I’ll accompany you this time.”

“Oh, okay.” Ye Chuqing didn’t think much of it.

After hanging up, just as she was about to go back to sleep, Chen Shao pressed close, his lips almost touching the back of her neck, his voice husky: “Your mother’s call?”

Ye Chuqing’s back stiffened, her eyes tightly shut: “Yes, she’s accompanying me to the prenatal checkup this afternoon.”

“I’ll drive you both.”

“No need, don’t you have to go to the office?”

Ye Chuqing suspected Madam Huang’s reaction was indeed strange, perhaps wanting to discuss something in person.

But she never imagined it would be about her marriage to Chen Shao.

After the prenatal checkup, all indicators were normal with no problems. They left the hospital together and sat at a restaurant across the street.

Ye Chuqing realized Huang Sheng had something to tell her, as this behavior was too unusual.

But thinking back, she hadn’t done anything wrong recently, had she?

Huang Sheng ordered an afternoon tea set, took a sip of red tea, and finally spoke slowly: “How are you and Shao getting along?”

“…Pretty well.”

“I heard today that you and Shao never dated before, and only used pregnancy as an excuse to fool us elders?”

Ye Chuqing froze: “Huh?”

Huang Sheng knew her daughter too well; with her straightforward personality, this reaction confirmed she had guessed correctly. She immediately frowned: “I’m your mother, and you lied about something as significant as marriage!? Even if your father and I scolded you, is this something you can just lie about? This concerns the next several decades of your life!”

“…”

Ye Chuqing knew she was at fault and lowered her head to accept the lecture.

Previously, she might not have felt much hearing this, but after Chen Shao’s sticky kisses last night, it seemed even stranger.

It didn’t seem as bad as Huang Sheng was saying.

“You don’t even know what kind of person he is, yet you married him without a word. Did your father and I raise you for twenty-some years so easily? What if things don’t work out in the future, what do you plan to do?”

Ye Chuqing couldn’t help defending Chen Shao: “He’s not that kind of person…”

Huang Sheng snorted coldly: “Indeed he’s not, I think it’s Shao who’s been unfortunate in his match.”

“?”

Huang Sheng: “I also heard today that your ex-boyfriend is in contact with you again?”

“???”

Huang Sheng gave her an accusatory glare: “You’re married and pregnant now, be mindful of your private life. Even if your marriage lacks an emotional foundation, you’ve obtained the certificate. Follow basic legal and moral principles. If you truly can’t continue, divorce first before doing whatever else.”

She spoke as if Ye Chuqing were a middle-aged, greasy uncle who couldn’t resist young girls’ temptations.

Ye Chuqing was stunned and couldn’t help saying: “No, there’s nothing between Wei Yuanhe and me. Why is everyone asking about our relationship?”

“Shao has asked you too?” Huang Sheng froze, her expression clearly showing concern that her daughter hadn’t handled the relationship well. “You should show some restraint! Given your previous relationship with Wei Yuanhe, you should know to avoid suspicion!”

“…Mom.” Ye Chuqing felt exhausted. “Am I that kind of person?”

Huang Sheng looked at her, her eyes clearly saying: Aren’t you?

“…”

Just as she was about to argue, her phone rang. It was Chen Shao calling, so she had to pause this assault on her character to answer.

Chen Shao asked from the other end: “Is the checkup over?”

“Yes, just finished. The doctor says everything’s good.”

“Should I come pick you up then?” he asked.

“No need, you’re busy. I’m still with my mom.”

Chen Shao: “Alright, shall we invite your parents to our place for dinner tonight?”

Ye Chuqing looked up at Madam Huang and relayed Chen Shao’s words.

Huang Sheng hurriedly said: “No, no, too much trouble. Next time Shao can come to our place.”

So Ye Chuqing replied: “My mom says no need.”

Huang Sheng immediately slapped Ye Chuqing’s hand hard, glaring at her with a fierce expression, almost at the point of cursing, yet unable to because of the phone call with Chen Shao.

But the mother-daughter connection allowed Ye Chuqing to easily read her eyes: Would it kill you to speak properly? Just saying “no need” without mentioning inviting Shao over to eat! See how considerate he is! Even asking about the checkup results! Look at the mess you’ve made!

“…”

Now Madam Huang was convinced they were just a loveless one-night stand, and comparing her own daughter’s lingering attachment to her ex with Chen Shao’s repaying evil with good made her even angrier.

Ye Chuqing felt more wronged than Dou E.

She couldn’t be bothered to explain further, put the phone on speaker, placed it in the middle of the table, and asked: “Chen Shao, do you like me?”

The phone went silent. If the screen wasn’t still lit, she would have thought the call had ended.

Huang Sheng: “…”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

Hadn’t this guy been speaking so sweetly last night? How could he refuse to acknowledge it after taking advantage?

She coughed: “Chen Shao.”

“Hmm?”

Hmm, what!

“Say it quickly,” she urged.

“It’s alright, I guess,” Chen Shao said.

“…Take your luggage and get out of the house today.”

Chen Shao, unaware she was on speaker, laughed and casually flirted, “Do you love me then?”

“…”

I just asked if you like me, how did you escalate it to love? That’s not fair!

Ye Chuqing couldn’t answer, especially in front of Huang Sheng. Finally, she angrily blurted out “No” and hung up.

Looking up, she saw Huang Sheng’s gaze had become even more complicated.

…She truly didn’t know how to explain this situation.

Chen Shao, do you like me?

It’s alright, I guess.

Take your luggage and get out of the house today.

Do you love me then?

No.

This only confirmed Huang Sheng’s suspicions.

“Don’t worry, Chen Shao and I are getting along well, not as problematic as you think. The Wei Yuanhe thing is truly a misunderstanding. I would never eat old grass, especially when it’s foxtail grass.”

Huang Sheng looked at her for a while and seemed to believe the latter half, but found the first half hard to accept.

How could they be getting along well?

Huang Sheng looked at the daughter she had spoiled, almost in tears. Being her flesh and blood, she was biased and no longer scolded her, patting her shoulder: “If you truly can’t continue in the future, tell your parents. Don’t suffer. Can’t we support you? In today’s society, divorce isn’t considered a stigma.”

“…”

Ye Chuqing responded with difficulty: “Okay.”

When she returned home that day, Ye Chuqing mentioned this to Chen Shao.

Chen Shao was also surprised: “She was sitting across from you when you asked me that?”

“Yes, I had just asked if she wanted to come to our place for dinner.”

“I thought you had walked somewhere else before asking me.” Chen Shao frowned slightly, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier that your mother was across from you?”

“If I had mentioned it, she would have thought you were acting.”

“…” Chen Shao sat beside her: “What about my question afterward?”

“Why should I acknowledge when you didn’t?” Ye Chuqing was righteous, glaring at him, “Besides, I was telling the truth. Between us, you’re the one with the one-sided love.”

Chen Shao chuckled lightly, clearly pleased and unconvinced.

Originally this misunderstanding wasn’t a big deal; time would eventually clear things up, as these matters needed time to speak for themselves.

But they had both forgotten about Qiu Yao, that ticking time bomb.

Early April, during the Qingming Festival.

Neither family had the tradition of tomb-sweeping during Qingming, so they took advantage of the holiday to have a meal together.

Ye Chuqing had recently begun showing, with her belly noticeably larger. Being skilled at being pampered, having grown up well-fed and cared for, she began tormenting Chen Shao more after their heart-to-heart that night.

The living room of the Chen family’s main residence was rarely this lively, with everyone gathered.

However, Chen Die couldn’t return due to work, and given Wen Liang’s temperament, he naturally wouldn’t come if Chen Die hadn’t been there.

The elders chatted together, while Ye Chuqing sat with Chen Shao elsewhere, uninterested in their topics.

Qiu Yao arrived with her parents at this time.

Originally, Qiu Yao was supposed to be abroad, but somehow she had stayed domestically for so long. Ye Chuqing didn’t like her and couldn’t be bothered to ask why.

At the dining table, Ye Chuqing became the center of attention.

Due to her pregnancy, all topics revolved around her.

Qiu Yao rested her chin on her hand, watching her for a while. When Ye Chuqing looked over, she accidentally made eye contact with the pink-haired girl, and her heart sank.

She had a premonition that trouble was coming.

Sure enough, the next second, Qiu Yao smiled sweetly and asked: “Sister-in-law, I’ve been hearing many people say you and your cousin had a fake marriage.”

Ye Chuqing remained composed: “How could it be fake? We’ve been registered for several months.”

“The certificate is real, but the reason for marriage wasn’t because you were in love for years, was it?” Qiu Yao asked, looking quite curious.

Others had heard these rumors too—they were all in the same social circle. Even Huang Sheng had heard, so naturally Elder Chen and the others had caught wind of it.

But seeing the children getting along well, they hadn’t taken it to heart. After all, there were many purely political marriages, and whether there was an emotional foundation wasn’t their primary concern.

Elder Chen glanced at Qiu Yao, mildly rebuking: “Yaoyao, what are you saying?”

She muttered unhappily: “It’s true though.”

Chen Shao laughed, equally composed: “Indeed, it’s not a case of being in love for years. I had a one-sided love for Chuqing for many years, and our decision to marry after getting together was indeed sudden.”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

No one knew about this history between them, and it was the first time they heard Chen Shao mention it, leaving everyone stunned.

Qiu Yao finally had nothing to say.

Ye Chuqing and Chen Shao seized the opportunity to perform as a loving couple at the dining table, with dish-serving, whispering, and exchanging smiles—they did it all.

They finally dispelled everyone’s underlying doubts.

After dinner, since Chen Shao had been drinking and Ye Chuqing, being pregnant, couldn’t drive, a chauffeur took them home.

Ye Chuqing never concealed her dislike for Qiu Yao in front of Chen Shao. As soon as they got in the car, she began complaining about her, ending with the question: “Why hasn’t she gone abroad yet?”

“Poor grades, almost expelled from school,” Chen Shao said.

“…” Ye Chuqing, an academic star, blinked in response and sincerely said: “Impressive.”

Chen Shao had never had much patience for these sisters, reassuring her: “Don’t worry, she should be going back soon.”

Ye Chuqing: “Wasn’t she expelled?”

“I originally didn’t want to handle this, but now I’m planning to arrange another school for her. Given her grades, just getting any degree will do.”

Ye Chuqing laughed at his words, giving him a thumbs up: “You’re such a ruthless cousin, she seems to really like you.”

Chen Shao pressed his brow, coldly saying: “The sooner she’s sent away, the sooner we’ll have peace.”

Driving back to the villa entrance, the driver, who had been silent, looked at the situation ahead and reported back: “Mr. Chen, there seems to be a rear-end collision ahead. We’ll have to wait.”

Two luxury cars were blocking the entrance, and the crash was quite severe, with arguments about calling the police and insurance.

Chen Shao assessed the situation: “No problem, we’ll walk from here.”

They got out of the car and walked around the vehicles to enter.

Ye Chuqing looked back at the car logos and clicked her tongue, feeling pained: “Repairing these would cost enough to buy half a car…”

Before she finished speaking, something warm suddenly pressed against her palm—Chen Shao had taken her hand.

Ye Chuqing paused, looking up at him. Chen Shao seemed completely at ease, as if holding hands was the most natural thing.

She had previously thought Chen Shao’s hands were attractive—long, bony fingers, raised in luxury without calluses, perfect for playing piano.

She couldn’t help looking down at that hand now intertwined with hers, his fingers covering the back of her hand.

Since Chen Shao made it clear he liked her, they often cuddled. They had started with home base, clarified their feelings, then began kissing, and now were stepping backward to hold hands, which made Ye Chuqing’s heart race unexpectedly.

They held hands all the way home.

Upon opening the door, Chen Shao pulled her inside and immediately lowered his head to kiss her again.

If she doesn’t resist, does this man become addicted to kissing?

Ye Chuqing thought hazily, raising her chin.

Eventually, Chen Shao’s breathing grew heavier and deeper, his hand against her fair neck unconsciously applying pressure. Sometimes, the closer the heart, the harder it becomes to control oneself.

He cupped her face, moved back slightly, then couldn’t resist leaning in to kiss her lips again, his voice hoarse: “I’m feeling a bit regretful now.”

“About what?” Ye Chuqing asked, unconsciously licking her moist lips.

Chen Shao’s eyes darkened: “Indulging twice, now suffering for ten months.”

“…”

Very good, their relationship had progressed further—they were now a married couple who could make crude jokes.

Ye Chuqing suddenly felt concerned about her life after delivering the baby. The first two times happened in a haze, and apart from the body aches the next morning, she didn’t have clear memories of the details.

Thinking about it, Chen Shao was conscious, so she had been completely exposed to him, yet she hadn’t seen what he looked like in that state.

“Not fair,” Ye Chuqing said.

“Hmm?”

“I realized your indulgence was at least conscious, while I didn’t even get to indulge.” She spoke honestly.

Chen Shao was stunned for two seconds, then laughed: “If you want to indulge, I can oblige right now.”

“…”

Ye Chuqing’s uncontrolled gaze glanced down at his lower body, but before she could see clearly, she looked away, unable to bear it.

This man was becoming increasingly shameless.

Indeed, no man was good!

As she blushed, trying to think of a way to gain the upper hand and stop being embarrassed by his words, Chen Shao unexpectedly released her first.

He coughed lightly, quickly walked to the refrigerator, took out a bottle of cold water, and drank half of it.

…Was that necessary?

Ye Chuqing found it fascinating.

She sat on the sofa, looked at the “Superior Fortune” sign on the potted plant, and then raised her eyes toward Chen Shao.

This man was using cold water as a fire extinguisher, now lazily leaning against the refrigerator door, the dripping mineral water bottle still pressed against his face.

Sensing Ye Chuqing’s gaze, he looked back, meeting her eyes.

Ye Chuqing blinked, curious: “Are you better now?”

Chen Shao’s Adam’s apple moved: “No.”

…Quite honestly.

“Then have another bottle of water.”

Chen Shao laughed, walked to her side, didn’t lean for long, but leaned back against the other side, raising an eyebrow: “Help me?”

“?”

This is what’s called pushing boundaries—this is exactly it.

Ye Chuqing reminded him seriously: “I’m pregnant.”

Although the doctor had only warned against intimacy in the early stages and hadn’t mentioned it recently, she had no intention of telling Chen Shao this.

Chen Shao was equally understanding, nodding and leaning over to whisper in her ear: “We can use other methods.”

“…”

“Give me your hand.”

“…” So, several dozen minutes later, their relationship was elevated once more, this time witnessed by that “Superior Fortune” sign.

Chen Shao wiped clean the crime scene with tissues and threw them in the trash, and his entire being was relaxed and content, while Ye Chuqing was completely flustered.

Just a while ago, she had banished Chen Shao to the guest room for three days after he accidentally slapped her bottom, but now their marital relationship had suddenly jumped to this level of intimate encounter.

She was breathing heavily, her chest rising and falling along with her slightly bulging belly, still not recovered.

Chen Shao leaned beside her, watching her, unable to resist stroking her belly.

Ye Chuqing exploded, slapping his hand away, shooting a glare, and complaining: “Don’t dirty my belly!”

He laughed: “If we’re talking about dirty, it’s your hands.”

“…”

Ye Chuqing couldn’t sit still anymore and got up to go upstairs, no longer responding to him, but Chen Shao pulled her back down, causing her to bounce on the sofa.

Having just had his way, Chen Shao was smiling particularly brightly: “What, wanting to lock me out again?”

“You can sleep in the guest room from now on!”

“Hey.” He leaned close, pressing against her ear, “Let me ask you something.”

Ye Chuqing turned her head, eyeing him warily: “What?”

“Given our current situation, am I still having a one-sided love for you?”

“Of course!” Ye Chuqing raised her chin like a queen looking down on life, “What did you think?”

“Fine.” Chen Shao nodded, showing no disappointment despite being rejected, leaning against her and releasing half his weight, “That’s not bad either. Having a one-sided love for a goddess and still getting this service from her, I’m content.”

“Chen Shao!”

He laughed heartily, allowing Ye Chuqing to furiously swing a cushion at him.

No matter how much she hit him, it didn’t feel satisfying. Ye Chuqing patted her clothes and went upstairs.

Chen Shao followed a while later. After showering, Ye Chuqing washed her hands with soap three times before coming out, only to see Chen Shao leaning against the windowsill on a phone call, his back to her.

She averted her eyes before he could look back, lifted the covers, and got into bed.

The assistant on the other end was reporting recent cooperation intentions from various places to Chen Shao, hesitating slightly when mentioning Wei’s company, asking an additional question: “Does this cooperation need special handling?”

Chen Shao watched Ye Chuqing playing games on the bed, her fingers quite nimble, and thinking back to earlier, he became distracted, replying casually: “Yes, cancel the cooperation.”

Ye Chuqing heard the last few words, thinking his company had some issue, and tilted her head to look over, only to find Chen Shao had been staring at her, which annoyed her again. She silently mouthed: “What are you looking at!”

In the end, she didn’t ask him what “cancel the cooperation” meant.

Since breaking the rule, Chen Shao became increasingly shameless day by day.

Ye Chuqing could hardly imagine how such a rogue had remained so well-behaved for the past few months, making her feel guilty about sleeping with him before.

Now she realized she had been too naive.

Days passed, and their marriage gradually became more solid through Chen Shao’s relentless shamelessness.

Later, Ye Chuqing attended a golden wedding anniversary celebration with Chen Shao. The celebrant was about Elder Chen’s age, had become wealthy around the same time, and loved festivities. Taking advantage of 60 years of marriage, they held a banquet, inviting many from their circle.

Ye Chuqing’s pregnancy hadn’t been deliberately announced, only indirectly mentioned by Chen Shao to Wei Yuanhe, who naturally wouldn’t spread it to embarrass himself.

So her plastic socialite friends were unaware.

Now seeing her belly had grown, and the couple appearing very affectionate at the banquet, they collectively turned their attention to the person who initially spread rumors of marital problems.

“Even if marital problems were false, that time when Ye Chuqing seduced Chen Shao, several of us were present, weren’t we?”

“So this became real from pretend? They don’t look like they’re acting now.”

“What about that thing with Wei Yuanhe? How can she flit between two men and still have such a good relationship?”

“I heard from a friend of Wei Yuanhe’s that Ye Chuqing just sent him a ‘get lost’ message, don’t know how it got twisted into them being still attached. Thinking about it now, it was probably Wei Yuanhe being persistent.”

“He’s still persistent after she’s married?”

“Isn’t his philandering well-known? And honestly, his previous girlfriend wasn’t as pretty as Ye Chuqing.”

…

Thus, the rumors about Chen Shao and Ye Chuqing’s marital problems collapsed on their own.

But whether their marriage was in trouble or not was just gossip from outsiders. Ye Chuqing didn’t care much, but unexpectedly received a call from Madam Huang a few days later.

Madam Huang was quite a character, one moment taking them to a small temple to pray for a smooth marriage, yet not believing Ye Chuqing when she said things with Chen Shao were good.

Being a director for too long, she saw everyone as acting.

This time, she had heard through some grapevine about her daughter’s happy marriage and finally called Ye Chuqing to verify.

Ye Chuqing laughed, being as casual as always with Huang Sheng: “Sister, how many times do I have to tell you before you believe me?”

“Shao likes you, not just because of the baby in your belly?” she asked again, “He treats you well?”

“Yes, he’s had a crush on me for over ten years.” Ye Chuqing exaggerated, “Now that he can marry his goddess, of course, he treats me well. He’s truly fortunate to have married me.”

Huang Sheng reprimanded her for being “thick-skinned,” then asked: “What about you, do you like him too?”

After all, in marriage, for true happiness, one-sided love was far from enough.

Ye Chuqing quieted for a moment, standing straighter, and laughed softly: “Of course I like him too.”

In the middle to late stages of pregnancy, Ye Chuqing dragged Chen Shao into shopping for things the baby would need after birth. Just on baby clothes and socks, they bought a basketful, unable to stop picking.

As they stood at the counter, a voice called from behind: “Chen Shao!”

Chen Shao turned around, slowly raising his eyebrows, laughing: “What a coincidence.”

The person behind immediately rushed forward, lunged, hooked Chen Shao’s neck, and scolded: “You bastard! I’m cutting ties with you!”

The person rushed so quickly that Ye Chuqing couldn’t see who it was, only feeling the voice sounded familiar but unable to place it.

Chen Shao grabbed the person’s collar and pulled them off himself, smiling as he introduced to Ye Chuqing: “This is Lin Qimeng, my university classmate.”

Then he pointed at Ye Chuqing and told Lin Qimeng: “This is my wife.”

Lin Qimeng: “…”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

She didn’t know how to greet someone whom she had rejected 83 times and who was also Chen Shao’s university classmate.

Fortunately, Chen Shao quickly pulled her behind him, easing her embarrassment, but his next sentence sent her to the peak of awkwardness.

He smiled, explaining subtly: “Afraid you still have that habit of confessing as soon as you meet.”

“…” Lin Qimeng was furious, being falsely accused, “Get lost! I have a wife and daughter now!”

Ye Chuqing peeked out from behind him, waving in greeting: “Long time no see.”

Lin Qimeng also smiled: “Long time no see, junior.”

Chen Shao clicked his tongue, stepped to the side, and blocked Ye Chuqing again.

“Are you sick!” Lin Qimeng cursed again.

Chen Shao: “Why are you greeting my wife?”

Lin Qimeng sneered: “If I hadn’t confessed to her in university, would you even know her? Now you keep saying ‘my wife,’ where’s your gratitude? Strictly speaking, I’m your matchmaker.”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

Even Chen Shao’s friends seemed to have issues with their minds.

Chen Shao refused to back down: “I knew her before you did.”

Even Ye Chuqing was stunned: “Huh? When?”

“In your freshman year, didn’t you join Qichuan University’s student union?”

“Yes, I was in the External Relations Department.”

“When you entered as a freshman, I was the head of External Relations. We met once in the college hallway, but going back and forth between campuses was too troublesome, so I handed over to the deputy.”

“???”

Ye Chuqing was shocked—how much more was this old fox hiding from her?

Lin Qimeng was equally shocked: “I never heard you mention this.”

“It was just seeing each other once and knowing a name, nothing worth mentioning.”

Lin Qimeng: “…You’re too beastly, Chen Shao.”

He smiled without arguing, and having resolved the old story, asked, “How did you come to Yancheng?”

“Business trip, looking for things to get my daughter.”

Chen Shao smiled, casually saying: “Alright if you come to Yancheng again, contact me. It’s been a long time since we’ve met, we should have a drink.”

Lin Qimeng exposed him: “I’m standing in front of you now, why aren’t you suggesting a drink?”

Chen Shao: “Not today. My wife is here, and you had love at first sight with her, so it’s better to see less of each other.”

Even Ye Chuqing couldn’t listen anymore—the man had a wife and child, what was this idiot boasting about? She reached up to pinch him, whispering: “What are you saying?”

“I think you’re the one who had love at first sight! Do you still remember meeting someone once in a hallway? Didn’t you step down from department head in the first week of junior year?”

Chen Shao smiled without denying it.

Lin Qimeng looked at Ye Chuqing again, asking: “Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?”

They hadn’t bothered to check the baby’s gender, preferring to let nature take its course.

Chen Shao put his arm around her shoulder, his other hand patting her belly twice, and started making things up: “Boy-girl twins.”

Lin Qimeng looked delighted: “Really!?”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

Chen Shao was smug, cool as a cucumber: “I’m impressive, right?”

Ye Chuqing: “…”

After two seconds, Lin Qimeng shook his head regretfully, telling Ye Chuqing: “It must be hard for you, marrying such a bastard.”

Ye Chuqing: “…Eliminating a public menace.”

After chatting for a while, Lin Qimeng’s wife called, and Ye Chuqing and Chen Shao said goodbye before leaving.

Outside, the sun was perfect. It was summer, and the sunshine felt comfortable.

Ye Chuqing got into the car, recalled Lin Qimeng’s behavior, and laughed again.

Chen Shao looked over: “What’s so funny?”

She didn’t answer, squinting her eyes and suddenly having an idea: “Chen Shao, let’s visit that dilapidated temple again, the one we went to before our wedding.”

“Why go there?”

“To fulfill our vow.” Ye Chuqing said, “What he said was quite accurate, indeed ‘our destinies match, our union is most auspicious.'”

Chen Shao snorted lightly, a firm materialist: “You want to draw another ‘Superior Fortune’ sign to keep at home?”

“That’s not a bad idea.”

“You’re like a little nun.” Chen Shao sneered, “Not going.”

“Why not?”

“I told you, believing in these things is useless.”

The light turned red, and Chen Shao stopped the car, turning to look at her. “Trust me.”

Ye Chuqing was stunned, then laughed: “Oh.”

The light turned green, and he continued driving, seemingly casually remarking: “Little nun, surely it’s not just me having a one-sided love anymore, right?”

Ye Chuqing laughed again, not looking at him, turning her head to watch the traffic outside. After a long time, she said softly: “Probably not anymore.”

Spring was in the air.

No one knows who first said “I love you” in the car, but soon, another voice responded—

“I love you too.”