The next morning, when Lou Jingyi woke up, Yan Hao was still fast asleep.
This was the first time in his life that he woke up to find a woman sleeping right beside him. He stared at Yan Hao’s profile for a moment, trying to process this strange sensation. There were still six months left, and yet, on just the very first day, he was already unaccustomed to having someone sleeping next to him.
Since they were heading back to the old residence for dinner in the afternoon—essentially a newlywed banquet for the two of them—Lou Jingyi planned to spend the morning handling work at the company first.
By the time Yan Hao woke up, Lou Jingyi was already gone.
Sleeping last night had felt a bit peculiar; she kept having the lingering sensation that someone had been brushing against her hand. Shaking off the thought, she figured it must have just been a dream.
When she arrived at the dining room, Aunt Chen beamed and scooped a bowl of soup for her. “You’ve worked hard, Young Mistress.”
Having just woken up, Yan Hao’s brain hadn’t fully booted up yet. It took her a full ten seconds to grasp what Aunt Chen was implying. Blushing, she gave an awkward cough and tried to explain, “Aunt Chen…”
With a knowing, playful smile, Aunt Chen interrupted, “You young folks are all the same, Aunt Chen understands! Hurry up and drink it—it’s great for your health!”
In the end, Yan Hao abandoned her explanation. She couldn’t let anyone find out that her marriage to Lou Jingyi was just a marriage in name only, especially not anyone connected to the old residence, as it might stir up unnecessary trouble for him.
After finishing breakfast, Yan Hao was in high spirits and decided to spend some time in the backyard. “Aunt Chen, please have some fruit prepared for me out in the pavilion.”
“Right away, Young Mistress.”
Having wrapped up his work, Lou Jingyi suddenly remembered Yan Hao back at Jingyuan and realized he had forgotten to notify her about heading to the old residence that afternoon.
He pulled out his phone and sent her a message: [We’re heading to the old residence for dinner this afternoon. Make sure to get ready.]
There wasn’t really anything major to prepare, of course—it was just a heads-up.
Yan Hao was sitting in the backyard pavilion enjoying some fruit, with freshly trimmed flower branches resting on the stone table. Her phone buzzed, and unlocking it, she saw a little red notification dot pinned right at the top.
It was from Lou Jingyi.
Brother Jingyi: [We’re heading to the old residence for dinner this afternoon. Get ready.]
Her heart skipped a beat. This was the first time Lou Jingyi had ever taken the initiative to text her. She read the message over and over again, took a screenshot, and only then tapped back to reply with a cheerful single character: Okay.
After waiting a few minutes without a reply from Lou Jingyi, she switched over to her photo album and stared at that screenshot countless times.
That afternoon, Lou Jingyi drove back to Jingyuan to pick up Yan Hao for the old residence.
Since it was the height of summer, Yan Hao had originally thought about wearing a short skirt, but then reconsidered. Today was meant to celebrate their marriage registration, so she ought to dress a bit more formal and elegant.
She chose a dress set—a white round-neck off-the-shoulder top paired with a matching midi skirt, giving off a gentle, intellectual vibe.
With her handbag in hand, she walked downstairs. Several servants turned to look, and one exclaimed, “Young Mistress, you look stunning in this outfit!”
Ever since Yan Hao had arrived at Jingyuan, she had strictly worn casual loungewear. From the very first day she stepped foot inside, her breathtaking looks had thoroughly stunned them. Yan Hao belonged to that rare category of pure yet cold-laced beauties who looked gorgeous even without a hint of makeup. From childhood on, her appearance truly lived up to her name: Yan Hao (graceful and beautiful appearance).
“Young Mistress, let me walk you out; the sun is blazing outside.”
“No need, it’s just a few steps.”
With a bright smile, she exchanged a few words with them and headed out the door.
Lou Jingyi was waiting outside in his car. With the sunlight glaring intensely, Yan Hao used her handbag to shield her face as she walked over, silently muttering to herself about why Lou Jingyi hadn’t just driven the car straight into the courtyard.
Sitting inside the car, Lou Jingyi glanced over and saw Yan Hao walking toward him. He had to admit, Yan Hao’s appearance was certainly striking enough to warrant a second glance—or even a few more.
Still, he harbored no romantic intentions toward her.
Averting his gaze, he watched as Yan Hao reached the car, pulled open the door, and slid into the passenger seat, grumbling under her breath, “It’s so hot… turn the air conditioning down a bit.”
Mid-sentence, the hand Yan Hao was using to fan her face froze mid-air. Why on earth did I just use such an affectionate tone of voice…? She really had gotten a bit too used to acting spoiled around Aunt Chen.
Lou Jingyi paused for a second as well, then wordlessly lowered the climate control temperature.
The cabin temperature dropped noticeably, and Yan Hao felt much more comfortable. She clicked her seatbelt into place and waited for him to drive off.
A minute passed, but the car remained stationary.
Curious, Yan Hao turned to look at Lou Jingyi. He wasn’t looking at his phone—what could he possibly be thinking about instead of driving?
Sensing her gaze, Lou Jingyi reached into his suit jacket pocket and pulled out a small ring box.
“…Since we’re married, we should have rings. This is for you.”
“What if it doesn’t fit?” That was the very first question that popped into Yan Hao’s head. How could someone buy a ring without even having her try it on first?
Lou Jingyi placed the ring box directly into her hands. “If it doesn’t fit, we can exchange it. Try it on.”
“Thank you.” Yan Hao flipped open the lid. Inside rested a five-carat diamond ring. “It fits like a glove, actually. It’s so pretty.”
Sliding the ring onto her left ring finger, she smiled, “Let’s go.”
At the Lou family old residence.
Most of the relatives present today were the same ones from her previous visit, alongside a few unfamiliar faces.
Lou Jingyi left Yan Hao by herself for a moment to go greet the various relatives.
“Yan Yan is here.”
“Grandma.”
Zhao Laifang was dressed in festive attire today, and the old residence had been fully decorated for the occasion. “That diamond ring is sparkling!”
Yan Hao smiled and nodded. “He bought it for me.”
“As he should. Now that you’ve registered your marriage, a husband and wife must share both the blessings and the hardships. Support each other moving forward and take good care of your little family.”
“I understand, Grandma.”
Zhao Laifang looked over at her eldest grandson, who was chatting with someone nearby. “Did you hear that?”
“…Got it.”
Ever since Yan Hao arrived, his grandmother hadn’t been nearly as gentle-tempered with him as she used to be.
Two little mischief-makers, Lou Ying and Lou Yang, scampered over and planted themselves right in front of Yan Hao. “Uncle and Auntie, may your hearts beat as one forever~”
“Aww, Yingying and Yangyang are such good boys~” Yan Hao had always been quite fond of children. However, according to Grandma, their mother had left Lou Jingyang right after the two boys were born.
“Big Auntie~ Big Auntie~” Yan Hao bent down slightly. “What is it, Yingying?”
“Will you come be our mommy?”
Yan Hao: “???”
“Oh, crap!” Lou Jingyang felt a headache coming on. Striding forward, he grabbed the back of Lou Ying’s collar. “You little brat, do you think your old man is invisible?”
Hearing this, Zhao Laifang burst into laughter. “Hahaha, do you little guys like your auntie that much?”
“Like her~ Auntie is so pretty!”
Scolding them, Lou Jingyang muttered, “No matter how pretty she is, she can’t be your mommy, understand?”
“Why not?”
Zhao Laifang pulled the two children close and explained, “Because your auntie is your uncle’s wife. Do you want your uncle to not have a wife?”
The two little boys adored Lou Jingyi. Upon hearing that, they pondered the question seriously and shook their heads. “Don’t want that~”
Scooping up both children in exasperation, Lou Jingyang said, “No talking nonsense, you hear me?”
Lou Yang protested, “Daddy, we aren’t talking nonsense~”
“Fine, fine, whatever you say. Daddy’s taking you inside to eat.”
Why on earth are these two turning out just like their mother? After raising them for a few years, they weren’t affectionate at all and just stirred up trouble every single day.
“Yan Hao.” Song Ying descended the stairs, holding a small box in her hands.
“Mom,” Yan Hao greeted her naturally, prompting an immediate smile from Song Ying.
“My dear!” Song Ying stepped right up to her and flipped open the box. “This jade bracelet was passed down to me by your grandmother when I first married into the family. Now that you and Jingyi are married, it naturally belongs to you.”
“Mom, this is way too valuable, you should keep it.” Yan Hao felt terribly embarrassed to accept it, especially knowing her marriage to Lou Jingyi would only last half a year. This jade bracelet rightfully belonged to whoever Lou Jingyi’s true future wife would be.
“Nonsense. You’re the daughter-in-law of the Lou family now, so of course it’s yours. Let’s put it on.” Song Ying slid the jade bracelet directly onto Yan Hao’s wrist.
Left with no other choice, Yan Hao accepted it, figuring she could always return it to Lou Jingyi later. “Thank you, Mom.”
“Don’t mention it. The others have prepared other wedding gifts for you too; they’ll all be handed over to you shortly.”