Jiang Shiyue had originally thought Gu Yian's attitude toward her would improve after seeing her cook. Who knew he would keep a dark face the entire time, as if she owed him millions.
Jiang Shiyue had no interest in fawning over someone who gave her the cold shoulder, so the only sounds at the dinner table were the clinking of bowls and chopsticks. No one spoke, and the atmosphere was inexplicably oppressive.
At first, Gu Yian had thought that for a pampered young lady like Jiang Shiyue, just being able to cook was already quite impressive. He had even prepared himself to eat undercooked rice.
But to his surprise, with just one bite, he found that not only was the rice cooked through, but the dishes were also delicious. Just like Jiang Shiyue herself.
Very delectable.
However, Gu Yian had never been a man of many words. Although he really wanted to ask Jiang Shiyue why she went to the Educated Youth Center to find Liang Zeyuan, he didn't want to ruin what he considered to be a very harmonious atmosphere.
From time to time, he would glance at Jiang Shiyue out of the corner of his eye and notice that her cheeks puffed out as she ate. It was very cute, like a little animal, making him want to reach out and poke them.
But he didn't have the courage, afraid that Jiang Shiyue would come to dislike him.
After finishing the meal, Jiang Shiyue dropped her bowl and chopsticks and ordered, "You do the dishes."
She had never liked washing dishes. Back in the countryside, she would cook while her grandparents washed up. After dinner, they would go for a stroll, and in the evening, they would sit in the courtyard, gazing at the stars and chatting.
Having given her order, she took some money and a few Coupons from her suitcase, put them in her handbag, and prepared to go out.
Seeing Jiang Shiyue's actions, Gu Yian couldn't stay seated. "Where are you going?"
"To town."
"You…"
Jiang Shiyue turned, her gaze landing on Gu Yian's face. "Gu Yian, I'll only say some things once."
"I genuinely want to build a life with you. But if you're going to pull a long face every day, then there's no need for us to continue. I don't want to face a dead man's expression all day long."
She knew that because of the original owner's misdeeds, Gu Yian's impression of her was probably not very good right now.
But why should she bear the consequences of what the original owner did? Besides, she had already given her first time to Gu Yian; she was his woman now.
She had already taken the initiative to cook, yet Gu Yian still wore that deathly expression. She didn't owe him anything. If anything, Gu Yian was decades older than her.
She was, after all, a woman of the new era. Even without a man, she could live very well with her Golden Finger, so why should she wrong herself?
Besides, she still had her parents and her brother. Even if she left Gu Yian, she wouldn't starve.
It was just that people have a tendency to imprint. Gu Yian was the first person she met in this era, and her feelings for him were different from her feelings for others.
On top of that, Gu Yian looked exactly like her ideal type. Having been single for thirty years, she couldn't help but want to experience a romance, so she was a little more tolerant toward him.
But if…
Gu Yian only heard "I genuinely want to build a life with you." In his excitement, he lost his balance and fell flat on his back.
Seeing this, Jiang Shiyue almost burst out laughing, but she still walked over and extended a hand to Gu Yian.
A blush crept onto Gu Yian's bronze face. He took her hand, using its strength to pull himself up. Patting his bottom, he pursed his lips and said in a low voice, "I've made a fool of myself."
Jiang Shiyue rolled her eyes. "So, did you hear what I said or not?"
Gu Yian nodded. "I heard you."
Jiang Shiyue wanted to build a life with him.
"Let the past be the past. After all, what's happened can't be changed. Since I've married you, I am now your wife. You have to love me, dote on me, be good to me, not let me suffer any grievances, and be loyal only to me for the rest of your life!"
After speaking, Jiang Shiyue looked at Gu Yian. "Can you do that?"
Gu Yian continued to nod. "I can."
"Likewise, I will be good to you too."
That was just how she was. How you treat me is how I'll treat you.
While making demands of others, she would also demand the same of herself, because only then would it be fair.
"But if you betray me or fall in love with someone else, then I won't want you anymore."
Because emotional infidelity was still infidelity. She couldn't accept a third person in a relationship; it was suffocating.
Rather than that, it was better to let go and avoid mutual torment.
There was a popular saying online: I never doubt sincerity, but sincerity is ever-changing.
Gu Yian spoke with some urgency, "I won't fall in love with anyone else!"
Jiang Shiyue's lips curled into a satisfied smile. Even if it was a lie, it was still pleasant to hear.
No wonder women loved sweet talk.
Seeing Gu Yian's good attitude, Jiang Shiyue's own attitude softened, and she took the initiative to explain, "Alright, I'm going to town to call my family and tell them about our marriage. I'll also buy some groceries on the way back. We're running low on food at home."
A flash of surprise crossed Gu Yian's eyes. He hadn't expected Jiang Shiyue to be willing to tell her family about their marriage.
He pursed his lips. "Maybe it's better not to. My family's… class background isn't good. I don't want to make your parents angry."
Jiang Shiyue said irritably, "What does your family's background have to do with you? Did you murder someone? Or commit some heinous crime?"
Gu Yian shook his head and said, "No."
"Then there you have it." After a pause, her eyes darted around. "If you're afraid of my parents getting angry, then you'd better be good to me from now on."
As long as a person hadn't made any mistakes of principle, it wasn't a big deal.
Besides, all parents wanted was for their children to be happy.
Hearing this, Gu Yian made a gesture and said with a serious expression, "Jiang Shiyue, don't worry. As long as I, Gu Yian, am here, I won't let you live a hard life."
He was willing, no matter how hard or tiring it was for him.
Jiang Shiyue smiled sweetly. "Mm, I believe you!"
Gu Yian swallowed and looked away. "Do you want me to take you?"
Jiang Shiyue waved her hand. "No need, I know how to ride a bike."
Never mind an Er Ba Da Gang, she could handle electric scooters, motorcycles, and three-wheelers with no problem.
After seeing Jiang Shiyue to the door, Gu Yian turned and went back into the house, his arms and legs moving in unison as he walked.
It was a good thing no one else was around, or he would have been laughed to death.
Thinking about what Jiang Shiyue had just said, the corners of Gu Yian's mouth lifted slightly.
Not only did Jiang Shiyue want to build a good life with him, but she was also going to tell her family about their marriage.
It seemed she had truly gotten over Liang Zeyuan.
He quickly washed the dishes and cleaned the table.
He hadn't noticed while they were eating, but now he saw that the room was filled with many of Jiang Shiyue's belongings. He glanced at the wardrobe, which was now full, and felt an instant breath of life in the home.
No wonder Jiang Shiyue had gone back to the Educated Youth Center. It turned out she was there to pack her things.
As for Liang Zeyuan, she probably just ran into him by accident.
Instantly filled with energy, he killed and cleaned the rabbit he had brought back earlier. He left a note for Jiang Shiyue, then went out to work again.