On the soft, large bed, Tan Qinyin was being tormented to the brink of life and death.
She couldn’t take it anymore and pleaded softly, “Nan Yu… no… please stop…”
The man’s large hand caressed her fair, tender flesh, his gaze dangerous. “Wife, what did you call me?”
Tan Qinyin couldn’t help but tremble, her beautiful eyes misty with tears as she obediently whispered, “…Husband, please stop, okay?”
“Good girl,” the man’s scorching breath brushed against the hollow of her neck, his voice mesmerizing. “Say you love me. Say you won’t divorce me.”
“I…” Tan Qinyin bit her lip, reluctant to speak, but the man on top of her intensified his actions, tormenting her until she felt her soul might scatter.
“Ah… I love you, we won’t divorce!”
Only then did the man seem satisfied, letting out a low chuckle as he gently nibbled her delicate earlobe. “Mm, I love you too.”
His voice was gentle, but his movements never ceased.
Tan Qinyin’s eyes welled up with tears, her expression full of grievance. “Didn’t you say you’d stop once I said it?”
The man gently kissed away her falling tears, tucking her sweat-dampened strands of hair behind her ear. His eyes were filled with tenderness, but his words sent chills down her spine.
“Darling, who makes you feel better—me or Lu Yanzhi?”
Tan Qinyin: …Is this ever going to end?
**
Two months earlier.
Spring in the capital was always drizzly, and Lu Yanzhi had developed a fever by evening, likely due to the drastic temperature fluctuations over the past few days.
Tan Qinyin stayed by his bedside, repeatedly wiping his forehead with a warm towel. It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that the burning fever finally began to subside.
In the midst of his delirium, a murmur broke the silence of the deep night.
“Yaoyue… Shen Yaoyue.”
Tan Qinyin’s hand, holding the towel, paused mid-air, suddenly losing all strength.
She froze for a moment, blinking in confusion, as if an invisible hand had clenched her heart, leaving her breathless and uneasy.
“Yaoyue… don’t go.”
The fragmented murmurs came again, filled with urgency and longing.
Tan Qinyin’s hand slowly fell, her slender fingers curling inward bit by bit.
She gazed quietly at the man she had been married to for nearly a year, a thin layer of mist forming in her eyes, though she stubbornly held back the tears.
Shen Yaoyue—that must be a woman’s name, right?
In the year since their marriage, she had become familiar with almost everyone in Lu Yanzhi’s social circle—his friends, his family.
Yet the name Shen Yaoyue had never once crossed his lips.
The Lu family of the capital and the Tan family of Nan City were old family friends, and their marriage had been arranged long ago.
A year earlier, Lu Yanzhi’s grandmother had fallen gravely ill, her only wish being to see her eldest grandson married. As a result, Tan Qinyin’s wedding was hastily arranged shortly after her graduation.
Getting married at twenty-three was far too early for Tan Qinyin, but she hadn’t been unwilling.
For one, Lu Yanzhi’s grandmother had always treated her with great affection, and she was happy to fulfill the elderly woman’s wish.
For another, she and Lu Yanzhi had known each other since childhood. He was three years older than her, exceptionally handsome, and outstanding in every way. Most importantly, he had always treated her well.
Everyone in the Tan family, including Tan Qinyin herself, considered Lu Yanzhi an impeccable match.
In the year since their marriage, he had undoubtedly played the role of a good husband.
He remembered her dietary restrictions, knew her preferences, and never failed to bring her gifts during holidays or upon returning from business trips.
They had never argued, never had a single disagreement. In the eyes of outsiders, they were the perfect couple, envied by all.
So she naturally assumed that this tenderness was a genuine affection reserved solely for her.
“Don’t go!”
With this intense cry, Tan Qinyin’s wrist was suddenly seized. Lu Yanzhi abruptly opened his eyes, his dark pupils still clouded with lingering confusion as they met hers.
The room was so quiet they could hear each other’s breathing.
“Yinyin?” Lu Yanzhi gradually came to his senses, his voice slightly hoarse from illness. “Have you been watching over me all this time?”
Tan Qinyin’s eyes reddened slightly. She pursed her lips and softly replied, “Mm.”
Realizing he was gripping too tightly, Lu Yanzhi slowly released her hand. He raised his hand and gently ruffled her hair, his tone tender. “You’ve worked hard.”
Tan Qinyin lowered her lashes, concealing the turbulent emotions swirling in her eyes, and whispered, “I’ll go pour you a glass of water.”
She turned and fled as if escaping. When she returned, Lu Yanzhi had already propped himself up and was sitting on the edge of the bed.
He took the glass of water and drank it in one gulp. “I’m much better now. You should go rest first.”
Tan Qinyin clutched the hem of her clothes, her lips trembling as she looked at him.
She wanted to ask him: Who is Shen Yaoyue?
Why was he calling that name even in his dreams?
And what exactly did his tenderness and care for her mean?
But the words stuck in her throat, afraid the answer would be the most dreaded one—that it was all just her wishful thinking.
Noticing her pale complexion, Lu Yanzhi frowned and reached out to touch her forehead. “Are you feeling unwell? Did I pass my illness to you?”
Tan Qinyin’s eyelashes fluttered violently. She hastily averted her gaze and made up an excuse. “No, I’m just a little tired.”
Only after confirming her temperature was normal did Lu Yanzhi relax his frown. “Then go to bed quickly.”
Tan Qinyin bit her lip. A suffocating tightness spread densely in her chest, almost making it hard for her to breathe.
After a long silence, she finally spoke softly, her voice carrying a hint of detachment she herself hadn’t noticed. “Brother Yanzhi, rest well.”
“Mm.”
She gently closed the door and returned to her own room.
…
Since their marriage, they had always slept in separate rooms.
A year ago, the wedding between the Lu and Tan families was grand, attended by nearly half of Beijing’s elite.
After the extreme fanfare came the quiet. Once the wedding ended, it should have been a beautiful wedding night.
But before Tan Qinyin could even feel nervous or shy, Lu Yanzhi said he wanted to talk to her.
He hoped they wouldn’t rush to register their marriage. Instead, they should spend some time getting to know each other normally. When the timing was right, they could register without delay.
At the time, Tan Qinyin thought he took this marriage seriously and wanted to wait until their feelings deepened before being together. She happily agreed.
Looking back now, why hadn’t she considered other possibilities?
For example.
Lu Yanzhi didn’t actually want to marry her.
**
The next evening.
Lu Yanzhi had an engagement and wanted to bring Tan Qinyin along.
He was still at a dinner and couldn’t come to pick her up, so Tan Qinyin went separately.
On the way, she gazed absentmindedly at the scenery outside the car.
In truth, ever since hearing the name “Yaoyue” last night, she had been restless, barely updating the new novel she had started.
Soon, the car pulled into a luxurious private club.
Tan Qinyin had been here twice with Lu Yanzhi and was somewhat familiar with the place. She headed straight upstairs upon arrival.
Five minutes earlier, Lu Yanzhi had texted that he had arrived.
Tonight, the entire place was booked, bustling with noise and activity.
Tan Qinyin ran into a few people she had met before, all of whom had dealings with Lu Yanzhi.
She had been in the capital for less than a year, and her only truly close friend was her university classmate, Song Qinghe.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Tan Qinyin found an excuse to slip away.
Scanning the upstairs area, she didn’t see Lu Yanzhi anywhere, but her attention was caught by a striking figure leaning against the railing.
The man wore a black shirt, the top button undone, sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms. Above the prominent wrist bone, a watch gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen.
He leaned casually against the railing, a cigarette held between his fingers—elegant yet aloof.
It wasn’t just Tan Qinyin; many women’s eyes were drawn to him, though no one dared approach.
As a friend of her brother, it was only proper to greet him when they crossed paths.
Besides, he was the inspiration for the male lead in her new story.
Tan Qinyin walked over.
…
“Nan Yu Ge.”
A soft voice came from beside him. Chu Nanyu turned and, seeing it was her, promptly extinguished the cigarette in his hand. His voice was cool and detached.
“Qin Yin.”
Tan Qinyin offered him a faint smile. “Long time no see, Nan Yu Ge. How have you been lately?”
“Same as always.” Chu Nanyu asked casually, “Did you come with Lu Yanzhi?”
“Yes.”
Tan Qinyin was about to ask if he had seen Lu Yanzhi when a familiar voice came from behind her.
“Yin Yin.”
Tan Qinyin turned to see Lu Yanzhi in a white shirt and black trousers, walking slowly toward them.
Stopping beside her, Lu Yanzhi gave Chu Nanyu a slight nod, which Chu Nanyu returned with a faint tilt of his head, saying nothing more.
“Let’s go over there,” Lu Yanzhi said to her.
“Alright.”
Tan Qinyin bid farewell to Chu Nanyu. “Well then, Nan Yu Ge, I’ll be going.”
Chu Nanyu responded lightly, “Mm.”
…
He Wenzhou appeared out of nowhere, asking in his usual flippant manner, “Who was that fairy-like girl just now? You two seemed to be having a lively chat. Why did she leave with Lu Yanzhi?”
He had just returned from Germany and hadn’t met Tan Qinyin before.
Chu Nanyu lit another cigarette, his tone indifferent. “Tan Qinyin from the Tan family in Nancheng. Lu Yanzhi’s wife.”
“She’s Lu Yanzhi’s wife?” He Wenzhou looked astonished. “Tsk, what a shame.”
Chu Nanyu knew there was more to his words. He slowly exhaled a puff of smoke. “Her brother is a friend of mine.”
“No wonder!”
He had wondered why the sun was rising from the west—Chu Nanyu being so amiable to a woman who approached him. He had thought Chu Nanyu was interested in that fairy-like girl!
“Hey, does your friend have any other sisters as pretty as her? Introduce me,” He Wenzhou began his usual nonsense.
Chu Nanyu couldn’t be bothered to respond and simply walked away.
“Chu Ge, where are you going?”
Chu Nanyu: “Somewhere you’re not.”
He Wenzhou: “…”
**
Lu Yanzhi led Tan Qinyin toward the sofa area on the east side, where a group of men and women were already seated.
Several of his close friends were there.
As they approached, two seats were automatically cleared for them. Lu Yanzhi guided Tan Qinyin to sit down.
After exchanging greetings, Zeng Yiyang began shuffling the cards with a grin. “Qin Yin Mei Mei, you two arrived just in time.”
They were planning to play King’s Game.
Tan Qinyin glanced at the alcohol on the table, hesitating. “But I’m not very good at drinking.”
Zeng Yiyang gestured with his chin. “Isn’t Yan Zhi here? Just play, he’ll drink for you.”
Lu Yanzhi looked indulgent, his voice gentle. “It’s fine, I’m here.”
Someone let out a teasing “tsk.” “Lu Ge, still so protective of your wife, huh?”
“Such a loving couple, I’m so envious!”
“Exactly, exactly! This past year, Brother Lu has practically become a wife-spoiling maniac!”
“It’s true, once a man falls in love, he really changes.”
…
Faced with the teasing, Lu Yanzhi simply smiled faintly without a word.
In the past, Tan Qinyin would have shyly lowered her head upon hearing such remarks.
But last night, Lu Yanzhi’s repeated pleas of “Yaoyue, don’t go” still echoed in her ears.
Everyone thought their relationship was perfect. Including herself.
Could it be… there was some misunderstanding?
Perhaps Lu Yanzhi was just talking nonsense in his sleep?
The game soon began, and Tan Qinyin’s thoughts drifted slightly.
She was lucky—after several rounds, she hadn’t been called out.
This round, a girl drew the King card.
“Hearts 10 must reveal the name of their ex, along with how long they dated and why they broke up.”
Tan Qinyin glanced at her card—the Three of Hearts.
She had no exes, so even if she were called, it wouldn’t matter.
It wasn’t that no one had pursued her, but she was already engaged and had never considered getting involved with anyone she shouldn’t.
Tan Qinyin glanced casually to her side—the Ten of Hearts was Lu Yanzhi!