Qiao Shuran linked arms with her husband as she stepped out of the car, clinging to him as they walked into the courtyard.
As they passed by her father and stepmother, she did not even spare them a glance.
Ling Yaqin could only plaster a fake smile on her face while rolling her eyes inwardly.
A substitute bride, and the two had barely met before the wedding—how good could their relationship possibly be?
Most likely, it was all an act.
But the strange thing was, she was willing to act, and that man was willing to cooperate. It was truly baffling.
Or perhaps this wretched girl was exceptionally skilled in bed, managing to win over her husband’s heart in just one night.
Ling Yaqin could not figure it out.
Qiao Yuanshan did not give her time to think. “Hurry inside—what are you standing around for?”
“Oh, right, right.”
Surrounded by the crowd, Qiao Shuran and Zhou Yannan entered the banquet hall.
The hall was already packed with people. Seeing the newlyweds step in, everyone rushed forward to offer congratulations.
“Perfect match,” “a couple made in heaven,” “a golden boy and jade girl”…
Qiao Shuran had heard these phrases so often that her ears were nearly calloused.
Pulling Zhou Yannan along, she quickly dealt with the greetings before heading to the backyard to find her grandmother.
The old madam of the Qiao family was in her seventies, with only one son and one daughter.
Her son, Qiao Yuanshan, and her daughter, Qiao Chu, were over twenty years apart in age.
Now, looking at the man sitting before her—who was originally meant to become her son-in-law but had instead become her grandson-in-law—the old madam felt a mix of emotions.
The marriage between Zhou Yannan and Qiao Chu had been arranged when the elders of both families were still alive.
At that time, although Zhou Yannan already had a reputation, he had not yet become as ruthless as he was now.
Ruthless or not, if Qiao Chu—the unruly one—had married him, it would have been a fair match. The old madam would not have objected.
But that girl had always been wild and uncontrollable.
Just as preparations for the wedding began, she ran away without a word.
And so, her obedient granddaughter ended up marrying her own aunt’s intended husband.
The more the old madam thought about it, the more stifled she felt.
Looking closely at her beloved granddaughter, although her face was adorned with delicate makeup, it could not hide the exhaustion in her eyes.
“Ranran, come closer. Let Grandmother take a look at you.”
The old madam gently rubbed the back of her hand. “Why do you look so tired? Didn’t you sleep well last night?”
“I slept well.”
Not wanting her grandmother to worry, Qiao Shuran did not mention her fever during the night. “I just suddenly left you, so I’m a bit unaccustomed.”
She leaned her forehead against her grandmother’s arm.
The old madam’s heart softened instantly. “Oh, Grandmother misses you too. I can’t bear to part with you either…”
As she spoke, the old madam began wiping away her tears.
The elderly housemaid beside her quickly handed over tissues. “Oh, Miss, don’t make the old madam cry again. Yesterday, watching your wedding car leave, her eyes were swollen from crying.”
“Grandmother…”
“Alright, alright. It’s a happy occasion—we won’t talk about this.”
The old madam held her hand. “Now that you’re married, you’re an adult. Don’t act childish anymore…”
Grandmother and granddaughter spoke intimately, while Zhou Yannan sat nearby, observing coldly.
But the more he listened, the more something felt off.
Was the Zhou family some kind of dragon’s den? She was just getting married—why were they acting as if she were being sent into danger?
He wouldn’t bully her.
And that line about “I’m not used to being away from you”… Zhou Yannan did not even feel like commenting.
He hadn’t noticed her being unaccustomed at all.
Yesterday, at the Zhou family wedding banquet—held in two sessions, lunch and dinner—she, the bride, had only accompanied a few tables for toasts, but she had eaten more enthusiastically than anyone else.
A fever at night?
Thinking about it now, it was very likely indigestion.
After silently criticizing for a while, the old madam turned her attention to him as well.
“Yannan.”
“Grandmother.”
He used to call her Aunt, but now he called her Grandmother—it still felt a bit strange.
The old madam paid no mind. Grabbing his arm, she spoke earnestly, “Shuran is young—eight years younger than you. Be more accommodating to her.”
“I will, Grandmother.”
Zhou Yannan responded patiently, though it was merely perfunctory.
He understood that the old madam was hinting at him for “robbing the cradle.”
But since he had already “taken” her, a few words from others did not matter.
He had the tolerance for that.
“And another thing…” The old madam continued, holding onto him. “When her mother was pregnant with her, there was an accident. She was born at just over seven months—a premature baby. Her health has been poor since birth.”
A premature baby…
Zhou Yannan glanced at his wife. No wonder she looked so delicate.
“I understand. Once things settle down, I’ll have a doctor take good care of her health.”
“Mm. I’m entrusting her to you now. You must cherish her…”
Elderly people could go on endlessly once they started talking.
Qiao Shuran knew well that there was no affection between them. She did not dare expect him to cherish her—respect would be enough.
So before Zhou Yannan could show any impatience, she quickly interrupted.
“Alright, we understand everything you’re saying.”
“What do you understand, you silly girl?” The old madam tapped her forehead.
The old lady had long heard of Zhou Yannan’s cunning and ruthlessness.
Rumor had it that his father had many affairs and countless illegitimate children.
His mother had a weak personality and could only endure.
When he was fourteen, that foolish woman had swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills in an attempt to end her life.
Although she had been saved in time, her mind had been damaged, and she had remained in a sanatorium ever since.
From the age of fourteen, Zhou Yannan had begun dealing with his father and the women he kept outside.
Whenever he found them, he eliminated them completely.
Clean and efficient—so much so that no one could trace anything back to him.
Her granddaughter might have a bit of cleverness, but those little tricks would hardly be enough in front of him.
As an elder, she could only advise and remind him more, hoping that Zhou Yannan would show some leniency for the sake of the older generation’s ties.
Yet this girl was ungrateful, not even letting her finish speaking.
“Oh, Grandmother, don’t worry. We’re doing very well!”
Qiao Shuran put on a show and grabbed Zhou Yannan’s hand. “We’re newly married, inseparable and deeply in love. You’re getting older—save your energy.”
The man’s hand was long and clean, with distinct knuckles. It looked pleasing, though it felt slightly rough to the touch.
Qiao Shuran did not dare hold it too tightly, only lightly clasping it in her palm.
The old madam sighed helplessly. “Fine. The banquet should be starting soon. You two go ahead.”
“Aren’t you coming?”
“I’m old—I can’t eat much. I won’t join the crowd.”
In truth, ever since Qiao Chu ran away, the old madam had been unwell, relying on medicinal meals to maintain her strength.
Qiao Shuran did not insist and led Zhou Yannan back to the main hall.
According to tradition, the new son-in-law was to sit at the head table.
The staff did not dare neglect this and quickly arranged the seating, even calling over several distinguished guests to accompany him.
Qiao Shuran’s younger sister and brother should not have been seated at the same table.
Yet somehow, the siblings squeezed their way over and sat down with the newlyweds.