Xu Yaoyao kept her head down, her mind replaying what happened that night over and over, but it was as if her memory had gone blank—she could not recall a single thing.
Yaoyao what are you daydreaming for? Hurry and see Aunt Lin out.
The arrangements had all been settled. Jiang Chiye’s parents and grandfather were preparing to leave, and her mother promptly nudged her distracted daughter to her feet.
No need no need let Yaoyao stay seated it is only a few steps. Jiang’s mother said warmly with a smile.
Yaoyao would not dream of staying seated. She stood right up and joined her parents in seeing them out. The two families exchanged a few more words at the gate.
The evening air was warm and pleasant so many people were out walking and enjoying the breeze. Someone sharp eyed soon noticed something unusual.
Well if it is not Sujuan! What is all this? Why such a grand gathering?
The woman was the compound’s most famous gossip. She had spotted the entire Jiang family coming from the Xu home and her eyes shone with curiosity and avid interest. Others strolling nearby also turned to look.
Lin Sujuan smiled gently. It is nothing really. Chiye and Yaoyao have decided to be together. We were just discussing their marriage plans.
She saw no reason to keep it quiet. Everyone would find out sooner or later so it was best to speak openly.
What! Everyone was stunned. The Jiang and Xu families joining in marriage? Had there not been bad blood between their daughters? Just a few days ago had Jiang’s daughter not stolen Xu’s daughter’s intended match? They had all seen how fiercely Li Lifen had scolded her. How could things have turned around so quickly?
The woman recovered quickly her face lighting up with delight. Sujuan have you set a date yet? Do not forget to let us all know so we may share in your joy!
You are marrying off one daughter and gaining a daughter in law what wonderful news indeed!
Rest assured you will all receive wedding sweets when the time comes Lin Sujuan said cheerfully. She chatted a while longer with her friend before heading home.
Li Lifen noticed Jiang Chiye had not left yet his gaze fixed intently on her daughter. She promptly took her husband’s arm to leave them be.
Yaoyao walk with Chiye will you? He has not been home in years. There is no need to hurry back.
Her husband was not pleased. His wife was sending their precious girl straight into the wolf’s lair! Surely that could not be right! My dear I think…
She shot him a sharp glare and tugged him toward the house. Think about what? Go wash the dishes now unless you expect me to do it.
I will wash them I will he said hurrying after her.
Jiang Chiye watched the scene with a faint smile. If his mother in law was so understanding how could he possibly disappoint her!
Come along little Yaoyao!
Yaoyao flinched and shot him a glare. Could he not speak properly? And really her mother could have come up with a more convincing excuse—the compound had barely changed at all in decades!
She did not know that in his eyes every look she gave him was irresistibly charming. Her features were soft and lovely and that glare held no real menace. It was like a hook tugging right at his heart. Emotions swelled behind his eyes and he clenched and unclenched his hands holding himself firmly in check. He must not frighten her. She was already wary of him and he would not have her running away!
Follow me then she said quietly glancing at him.
He watched her walking several paces ahead keeping as much distance as possible and could not help a twitch of amusement. Was he truly that intimidating? He took a few long strides forward wrapped his hand gently yet firmly around her slender wrist and held it secure. She stared wide eyed trying to pull free but could not and her temper flared.
What do you think you are doing?
He raised an eyebrow. Is it not obvious? Holding my wife’s hand.
Who is your wife? Her cheeks flushed pink as she retorted. How shameless he was acting as if they were already married!
His lips curved into a smile his voice low and warm. Who else could it be but you?
Her heart seemed to skip a beat. How was he so effortlessly persuasive? She felt completely outmatched.
Have you no shame at all? I am not your wife she said turning her burning face away.
Jiang Chiye shrugged. What was pride compared to claiming her? If he had arrived any later he was quite certain she would have fled already.
They reached a quiet spot surrounded by trees and away from prying eyes. Jiang Chiye stepped forward gently pressing her back against the trunk and looked at her with such intensity she felt a prickle of unease.
Why are you looking at me like that? It was as if she had committed some terrible wrong.
He let out a quiet breath and leaned close his voice dropping to a murmur right beside her ear. Someone has a very selective memory now that it suits them… and after clinging to me so tightly too!
She stiffened in shock. That was hardly one sided! You are a man you lose nothing in such things! I never asked you to take responsibility so why come looking for me now?
Lose nothing? he repeated softly. That was my first time too.
Heartless. Once you called me Chiye Gege so happily. Now it is Brother Jiang is it?
Her head spun at his words. Why was he being so persistent? She had assumed he would simply let the matter rest yet here he was holding her accountable.
What exactly do you want? Do you expect me to take responsibility… for you? She swallowed hard watching him draw closer until her breath caught in her throat.
His gaze fixed intently on her lips dark and focused. Her chest brushed softly against him and every movement felt like an invitation.
You want to… mmph—
He kissed her before she could finish. Her eyes flew wide open and he gently covered them with his hand. Looking into those bright clear eyes made him feel almost as if he were doing something he should not.
Crack— The sound of a snapping branch broke the silence.
Who is there? Jiang Chiye released her instantly his expression turning sharp and wary as he looked toward the sound.
It is me… Chiye Gege. Su Yurou stepped out from the shadows biting her lip her eyes glistening with unshed tears as if she had been deeply wronged.
Yaoyao straightened her clothes and looked at the newcomer in silence. She had been watching them secretly and now looked as if she were the injured party.
I will not disturb your reunion then Chiye Gege. She placed heavy emphasis on the last two words.
Do not go. I do not know her. Jiang Chiye held fast to Yaoyao’s wrist refusing to let her leave.
Su Yurou froze her face draining of color. She reached out toward him but he stepped back keeping himself and Yaoyao safely out of reach. There was something distinctly wrong about her showing up like this—trying to make his wife misunderstand him on purpose.
Unable to contain herself any longer Su Yurou’s voice broke into quiet sobs.
Chiye Gege it is me Yurou! Surely you remember me? We spent so much time together as children. Aunt Lin even spoke of arranging a betrothal between us! And we only saw each other this very morning!