Chapter Sixty-Eight: After the Wedding.

Chapter Sixty-Eight: After the Wedding.

Their wedding was both refined and understated.

Only the closest friends were invited. Lu Zhihong didn't come, but Qiu Li attended in the identity of Lu Zuo, bringing gifts and blessings on behalf of Zhao Yayuan, who ultimately didn't attend.

Qin Si had helped him greatly in the business world, aiding the Zhao family in gradually getting back on track. His help was indispensable. Zhao Yayuan was finally able to let go, albeit still not attending the couple's wedding.

After the wedding, the couple visited Europe, starting at the foothills of the Alps, spending an entire month honeymooning there. Lu Nian finished all her drafts in advance, dedicating this month entirely to being with him.

Qin Si hardly ever had the opportunity to relax like this, from a young age, he was either studying, working, or building his career, habitually pushing himself constantly forward without any breaks.

Lu Nian felt there were so many places to see, so many things to experience, all of which she wanted to show him, to accompany him in experiencing the beauty of the world in every season.

However, that was merely a wish.

He was fluent in English, basically knowledgeable in many things; she was the one who ended up being fully taken care of during the trip, enjoying different kinds of fun during the day and at night, all equally delightful.

After their marriage, they moved to a new home.

The house was prepared early by Qin Si. It had similarities to the old Lu residence but was mostly furnished according to her preferences, especially the garden and art studio he had designed just for her.

But right after their honeymoon when they returned to the country, an urgent matter came up at Ning Sheng that the others couldn't handle, so Qin Si had to go back to the company himself.

Lu Nian was alone at home. Since Qin Si disliked having other people around, they had no live-in maid or nanny, just hourly workers that came at scheduled times.

So now, the huge house was left with only her in it.

Night fell along with a torrential rain.

After their formal marriage and honeymoon until now, he would hold her every night as they slept. He enjoyed the intimacy very much. Even when Lu Nian occasionally pestered or teased him, he would endure it - in any case, he would never let her sleep alone elsewhere.

But now, half the bed was suddenly empty.

Lu Nian wasn't used to it.

Outside, the rain poured in sheets. Inside, the heating was on but it couldn't compare to his body warmth. Lu Nian's health was poor with sluggish circulation, so she was always cold and kicked off the blankets. He would often warm her hands for her and didn't mind her uncovered feet, since he disliked sleeping apart from her.

She was suddenly reminded of his countless good qualities.

Strangely, Lu Nian found herself unable to fall asleep, staring at the ceiling long after lying down without a hint of drowsiness.

So she took out her phone and scrolled for a while before checking her old dorm group chat. Coincidentally, everyone happened to be online.

"Nian Nian, free today? Not going to accompany your husband?"

"He's away for work, not home," she couldn't help but elaborate a bit.

Ding Xueying and the others teased her, "I thought for sure you wouldn't be around at this hour!"

Lu Nian, "......"

"As expected of a newlywed young lady—feeling unsatisfied when your husband is not around, aren't you?"

"...You all better be careful before the group chat gets banned!" she warned, seeing the conversation spiraling out of control.

After exchanging a few jokes in the group, Lu Nian put her phone aside. Glancing at the time, she realized it was almost ten o'clock and Qin Si had not returned yet.

Her phone vibrated gently - he had sent her a message.

"Go to sleep first, don't wait up for me."

"Remember to drink your milk."

Considering Lu Nian's frail health, he always paid close attention to her wellbeing. Whether it concerned her diet, clothing, or daily routine, he kept it all in mind, always taking care of her in every possible way.

"Oh," Lu Nian typed in response, "When will you be back?"

He replied, "Not until tomorrow."

Lu Nian realized that he must have encountered a serious problem to be held up at the office for two days.

She drank the milk, took a bath, and then climbed back into bed alone.

The sound of rain outside grew louder, the bed felt emptier.

She pondered with a hint of sorrow, realizing that merely a month into their marriage, her dependence on him had grown profoundly. "What will happen if we part ways or divorce in the future?" she wondered.

Drowsily, she found herself awake at 3 a.m., without having really fallen asleep.

Suddenly, she was jolted awake by the gentle footsteps she heard. Fear surged through Lu Nian as she realized there was no other man in the house at the moment. Could it be a burglar?

Her fingers clung to the edge of the blanket as she reached for her phone on the bedside table, searching for Qin Si's number.

The footsteps unnervingly approached the bedroom. As she sensed a shadow drawing near, Lu Nian almost screamed, but then, she caught a familiar scent mingled with the dampness carried in from the rain outside.

The phone in his pocket rang abruptly.

Lu Nian, "..."

With a quick movement, she turned on the light, revealing a familiar face in its glow.

Lu Nian, "!"

"Weren't you supposed to return tomorrow?" she asked, her spirit still unsettled. Yet, she couldn't determine whether her overwhelming feeling was more of shock or joy.

Qin Si hadn't expected her to be awake at this hour either. Usually, Lu Nian was a deep sleeper, unaffected even by thunderstorms.

He missed her.

That's why, after finishing his work, he chose to return at this hour, longing to see her face as soon as he woke up the next morning.

"I didn't want you to be alone at home," he said.

He knew her well, aware of her fear of darkness, thunder, and myriad other things.

However, in truth, he had simply wished to return and see her sooner.

Still clad in his overcoat, he looked slightly weary, the signs of fatigue visible on his otherwise pale and delicate face.

After all, continuous work for such a prolonged period would exhaust anyone.

"Are you hungry? I made some food for you," Lu Nian said, rising from the bed to ask him.

Knowing his workaholic nature and guessing he must have skipped dinner to return home at this time, she suspected he hadn't eaten much.

She had never cooked anything for Qin Si before; he was the one with good culinary skills, always ready to cook for her whenever she wished.

But Lu Nian felt it was her duty as a wife to fulfill this role, which led her to experiment with her culinary skills these past few days.

He indeed had missed dinner, eager to finish his tasks and return to her.

And so, in the wee hours of the night, the lights in their home illuminated brightly, dispelling the darkness.

Dressed in a nightgown, Lu Nian moved gracefully in the kitchen, her long and soft black hair casually tied back.

Preparing a late-night meal for her husband, who was returning home late due to work.

Separated by a single door, he stood there, feelings surging within him that were hard to articulate.

It was in moments like these that he felt the weight of reality.

She truly belonged to him now, promising not to leave, to always be by his side in the future.

"Step back, okay?"

She found herself enveloped from behind in a hug; though the man remained silent, his mood seemed exceptionally buoyant.

Lu Nian ushered him out of the kitchen, soon emerging with her culinary creation.

It was simply noodles, nothing special, given the time constraints and her recent venture into learning culinary arts, starting from the basics.

She had also prepared a fried egg, although the edges were slightly charred.

In the kitchen, Lu Nian had secretly tasted a bite herself.

It was somewhat bland, largely tasteless, save for a hint of saltiness.

A bit embarrassed, she hesitantly brought the dish out, suggesting, "Or should we order some food?"

After all, there was 24-hour delivery service available outside.

He had already started eating, his manner of dining quite pleasant to watch, "No need," he replied.

Leaning in, Lu Nian asked a somewhat embarrassing question, "Is it good?"

He was gracious with his response, affirming, "It's delicious."

And indeed, he finished every bit of it.

Having experienced hunger numerous times in his childhood, not to mention this was personally prepared by her, the dish wasn't bad at all.

This man really was quite easy to please.

With a gentle curve to her brows and eyes, Lu Nian cleared the dishes, stating, "I'll practice more for next time."

"You should go take a bath." Determined to be a virtuous and considerate wife, she decided to pamper him now and then.

She helped him untie his tie, prepared fresh clothes for him, and adjusted the water temperature for his bath.

The sound of water ceased.

When Qin Si emerged, Lu Nian was still awake, lying under the covers with the light on, her bright, wide eyes gazing at him intently.

She felt no traces of sleepiness now, her spirit fully invigorated.

As soon as he climbed into bed, she rolled over, entwining her leg with his.

He planted a gentle kiss on her ear, murmuring, "Time to sleep."

With a coquettish tone, Lu Nian pleaded, "Hold me."

It continued to rain outside, and during such moments, she cherished being nestled in his embrace.

He was particularly susceptible to this kind of affectionate display.

Quickly, she found herself enfolded in his arms, a place of warmth emanating a subtle fragrance from his recent shower, a scent she adored deeply.

Despite feeling no traces of sleepiness, Lu Nian couldn't resist leaning in to kiss his long, clean eyelashes that captivated her attention.

His eyes flickered open, arms tightening around her just a fraction more.

"You should sleep; you've been busy for so long," Lu Nian advised, adding, "Don't mind me."

Given his exhaustion, she surmised he might not have the energy for anything else.

…

A few minutes later.

"It's not time yet," Lu Nian attempted, trying to retrieve her hand.

Kissing her collarbone, his voice held a husky undertone as he remarked, "Consider it an advance."

The two of them were in close proximity, causing Lu Nian to probe, "… Have you been thinking about this even while at the office?"

Had he returned early just for this? She had assumed he was almost too exhausted to entertain any desires, intending to have a peaceful evening.

"Mhm," he replied fluidly, adding, "I've missed you."

"Missed what exactly?"

Perhaps now that their relationship had a firm foundation, his mindset had undergone a shift compared to before.

It could also be her persistent teasing, compelling him to vocalize his desires, withholding until he did.

Leaning closer to her ear, he whispered three words with an intimate undertone.

The man bore a handsome countenance, his demeanour cool and aloof when silent, creating an inaccessible aura. Thus, the words that escaped his thin lips at this moment seemed to create a striking contrast.

Lu Nian could scarcely believe what she was hearing.

At times, she would forget that he actually hailed from the streets, a precocious understanding of many facets of life, far removed from the image of a pure and righteous young man.

A flush crept onto Lu Nian's cheeks as she accused softly, "Rogue."

In the past, before they were married, he had a thinner skin and no sense of security, but now he could say such things to her without reservation.

Lu Nian mumbled with a pout, "You've lost your innocence."

"It was you who corrupted me," he uttered softly.

Now, his body was more than familiar with her seductive advances, responding instantly whenever she drew close...

His eyes were downcast, his face clean and serene, and those once proud and sharp phoenix eyes were now tranquilly gazing at her, their depths even more profound.

Lu Nian, "......"

She recalled the scenes where she had coerced him into doing and saying certain things, the memories making her feel increasingly guilty as they flooded back.

Wanting to roll away, she found her ankle firmly grasped by him.

This time, Lu Nian slept straight through to the next day.

He had woken before her as usual. Breakfast was ready, and outside it was a sunny day, with radiant sunlight illuminating the blossoming flowerbed visible through the window, filling the air with a fresh scent of moist foliage.

Rubbing her back, Lu Nian sat down across from him, not in the best of moods.

Yet, the man seemed subtly content, appearing refreshed and radiant in the morning light, tirelessly serving her breakfast with warm milk.

In their marriage, it seemed Qin Si hadn't changed much,

Except that his impassive affection seemed to grow more active and intense by the day.

It was becoming somewhat too much for Lu Nian to handle.

Ming Ge suggested a strategy, "Have a child for him, preferably a daughter. It's said that a daughter is a father's intimate little cotton-padded jacket. This way, with a little girl to dote on, he might stop pestering you."

Currently, Ming Ge was solely focused on coaxing them to have children, but his subtle hints to Qin Si always met with cold rejection. Hence, he changed his tactic to persuading the more receptive Lu Nian.

Lu Nian pondered, considering the logic sound.

Therefore, during their evening conversation, Lu Nian bit her lip and hesitated, "… Shall we have a child?"

The man, with his finely chiseled features, was taken aback, a flash of crimson disappearing from the corners of his eyes as he fell into a momentary silence.

Having longed for her for so many years and finally having his wishes fulfilled, he still secretly felt her love for him was insufficient. The idea of bringing a child into the picture, potentially diverting her attention, was honestly something he didn't want for a lifetime.

Without receiving a response, Lu Nian wanted to ask again but found herself unable to voice the question.

He seemed extraordinarily accommodating that night, willing to do things he had previously been unwilling to. Lu Nian didn't have the heart to further discuss the matter of having children, and thus, the topic was left behind.

The next day, the kid with yellow hair was taken back to his own home.

Ming Ge was disheartened, daring not to bring up the subject with Lu Nian again.

"That damn brat," he cursed quietly to Xiao Qu.

With a heart as ruthless as his actions, and a character as despicable as a traitor, just a minor suggestion from Lu Nian had led him to seize his child. Instantly, Ming Ge felt as if all the joy had been drained from his life.

Xiao Qu gave a silent glance, full of affection, towards Ming Ge.

It was clear to any discerning eye that he would certainly not risk offending Qin Si.

Especially after getting married, having gained legitimacy, he took possession of Lu Nian in the truest sense.

But originally, he was a little wolf cub in his youth—staying in the shadows, not speaking much. However, when he set his sights on something, he was prepared to spend a lifetime acquiring it, with a clear memory of grudges and a strong desire to possess.

Ming Ge gritted his teeth, "... let him wait, see how long he can maintain his arrogance if they don't have a child in this lifetime. He will fall out of favor eventually."

Imagining that scene, he couldn't help but break into laughter again.