Shang Yuze was at a loss for words when scolded. How could he explain that he already knew what Gu Qingyue liked to eat? He had been careful not to serve her anything she might dislike, and since the girl wouldn’t refuse, he had been quietly observing her preferences, planning to serve her accordingly.
And his father… Well, that man’s schemes were truly unmatched.
From high school, he had his eyes on her, parading in front of her every day under the guise of discussing studies. After graduation, he confessed, and two months later, they were married, with the wedding certificate signed by the age of twenty.
Compared to speed, his father wasn’t faster Shang Yuze, however, had taken her home on the very day they met and registered their marriage.
Gu Qingyue almost choked on the food and hurriedly said, “Grandpa, I can manage by myself.”
Shang Yuze placed a piece of lamb chop on her plate. “It’s a tradition in our family. At home, the lady is always the most important.”
Gu Qingyue’s eyes lit up at the sight of the fragrant, sizzling lamb chops. She had wanted to try them for a while but had been too shy to reach over.
She tilted her head to look at Shang Yuze, her large eyes sparkling, the glazed irises shimmering like autumn waters, captivating and bright.
Shang Yuze’s expression remained calm. He picked up his chopsticks and placed a few more dishes on her plate dishes she had been glancing at from afar.
“Yueyue, Yuze may be older, but age comes with care. If he ever mistreats you, tell Grandpa, and I will take care of it,” Shang Lin said, sneaking a glance at Shang Yuze.
His look seemed to say: “You’re older, know your place and treat your wife well.”
Shang Yuze: “…Six years older, that’s it.”
Well, he had no real authority at home anyway.
Gu Qingyue lowered her gaze shyly. “Grandpa, Shang Yuze treats me very well.”
Although they had only known each other for a day, he was mature and composed, dignified yet gentle, reserved but not cold, attentive in every gesture, the epitome of a well-bred young man.
Shang Lin smiled in relief. “Seeing you two get along so well makes Grandpa feel at ease.”
After dinner, Gu Qingyue chatted with Shang Lin a little longer. If she didn’t have school the next day, he would have loved for the young couple to stay at the old residence.
Streetlights lined the road as their black car moved forward, the passing shadows blurring the night into a dreamy haze.
In the back seat, the car was quite so quiet that even a pin drop would have been audible. Gu Qingyue sat at the edge, pressed against the door, her back straight, legs together, hands neatly on her lap. The space between her and Shang Yuze was almost like the separation of two opposing forces.
She stared blankly at a video on her phone, lost in thought.
Sitting in the front passenger seat had felt different then Shang Yuze was driving, and it hadn’t been awkward.
Now, sharing the back seat alone, with the partition raised, creating a private compartment, it felt almost like sharing a room.
Shang Yuze was reviewing documents, and she didn’t dare make a sound, afraid of disturbing him. Trying to focus on her phone failed; she couldn’t concentrate.
The only sound in the car was the scratching of a pen against paper.
After signing the last document, Shang Yuze glanced sideways.
He noticed the video on her phone was the same as five minutes ago. His gaze shifted to the girl.
Gu Qingyue’s eyes were on the screen, but her focus was distant. She sat perfectly still, rigid as if facing a stern elder.
Shang Yuze closed the folder, placing it neatly beside him, hand resting on top, and asked softly, “Grandpa is a bit enthusiastic. Are you managing okay?”
The sudden voice startled Gu Qingyue, and her hand shook her phone slipped from her grasp.
Her heart leaped. That was a brand-new phone worth thirty thousand yuan! She scrambled to catch it.
Just as it was about to hit the floor, she snatched it up skillfully. After checking it for damage, she exhaled in relief.
Only then did she remember Shang Yuze’s question. She thought for a moment before replying, “I’m managing.”
Shang Yuze pressed his lips into a quiet smile. Her flustered reaction had been adorable. This girl always brought him small joys.
His gaze drifted down, noticing her thin wrists, bones protruding slightly. His brows furrowed. “Do you usually drink milk?”
Gu Qingyue, unsure why he asked, answered honestly. “Sometimes.”
Shang Yuze tapped on his phone with long, elegant fingers, as if sending a message. “Send me a copy of your class schedule.”
“Oh,” she responded obediently, sending it. “Sometimes I go to the lab. If anything comes up, please let me know in advance.”
These past couple of days, the lab had been quiet, leaving her with more free time.
They returned to the Shuying Manor around nine o’clock at night.
Just as Gu Qingyue prepared to find an excuse to slip back to her room, Shang Yuze approached, holding a cup of milk.
The cool white light fell on him, his features composed and cold, like snow-capped peaks distant and aloof. Shadows played across the room as he walked, his tall figure casting long, enticing shapes.
Outside, the moonlit roses gleamed, petals thin as silk edged with silver, sparkling like stars fallen from the sky.
The fragrant autumn wind drifted inside, carrying the faint scent of flowers, though his crisp, clean fragrance arrived first.
Gu Qingyue looked up, meeting his calm phoenix-like gaze, her heart fluttering slightly.
Shang Yuze extended the cup. “Try this milk. See if you like it.”
Her cool fingers touched the warm glass. Heat traveled through her fingertips into her body. She raised the cup and sipped lightly.
The milk was delicate, thin yet sweet, different from the three or four yuan milk she usually bought.
The faint aroma filled her mouth, and her nose tingled.
In just one day, Shang Yuze had given her a warmth she had never felt in twenty years.
Gu Qingyue finished the milk and smiled sweetly at him. “I like it. It’s very good.”
“Good. That’s enough for me. You have classes tomorrow, so go rest early,” Shang Yuze said, taking the empty cup. His movements were practiced and natural.
“Good night.”
His voice was low as always, but if listened to carefully, a subtle warmth could be detected.
Gu Qingyue felt happy and content, her red lips curving obediently. “Good night.”