Chapter 10

Chapter 10

You Nan harbored no doubts about Qi Yuwen's words, assuming Yao Xianqing had already informed him. Qi Yuwen, not wanting him to interact with Yao Xianqing, had chosen to address the matter immediately upon his return.

It was unclear how long Qi Yuwen had suppressed his anger on the journey home; he hadn't even paused to change his shoes.

You Nan's bright, clear eyes fixed steadily on him, his voice softening, "He's your friend, Yao Xianqing, the one who was your groomsman yesterday."

You Nan now seemed to grasp his error, confessing to the person he admired that he shouldn't have grown too close to others. "After work, I was planning to take the subway home, but I ran into him, and he offered me a ride. Next time, I'll keep my distance."

Qi Yuwen listened as You Nan, fearing his displeasure, offered a detailed explanation. Seeing the moisture in You Nan's eyes, on the verge of tears, Qi Yuwen finally spoke to soothe him, "Hmm, you are my wife. While my friends and I share a good relationship, I prefer that you don't interact with them privately. You are so kind, and I would worry."

With a single sentence, Qi Yuwen subtly cast his friends in a negative light and instilled a sense of guilt in You Nan.

You Nan edged forward, tears welling in his eyes. He was genuinely afraid Qi Yuwen would be angry.

This small world featured two protagonists, though it leaned more towards the main *gong*, Qi Yuwen. You Nan had already experienced a taste of sweetness from the main *shou*, Yao Xianqing, and now, both apprehensive and eager, he hoped to gain some Energy Points from Qi Yuwen as well.

If Qi Yuwen, out of anger, were to ignore him, it would be a net loss. Even if they were to live under the same roof in the future, he would be unable to approach him for Energy Points.

You Nan approached the man, biting his lip, and with a sudden resolve, wrapped his arms around the man's waist, burying himself in his embrace. "I won't do it again."

Qi Yuwen's body stiffened for a moment when he was hugged, yet he remained motionless.

He felt no affection for the person in his arms; You Nan's action had overstepped a boundary.

He waited until You Nan's emotions had somewhat settled, then, softening his voice, finished speaking before gently disengaging You Nan's hands and easing him out of his embrace. "I believe you."

Qi Yuwen ascended the stairs. "I still have some tasks to complete. Can you prepare your own dinner and rest?"

Qi Yuwen's words were a directive, not an invitation for discussion with You Nan.

You Nan dared not contradict him, merely murmuring a response as he watched Qi Yuwen's retreating figure climb the stairs.

After Qi Yuwen's return, 007, who had been lurking nearby, emerged from beneath the cabinet and darted to You Nan's feet, using its fluffy little body to divert You Nan's attention.

In its heart, it vehemently criticized Qi Yuwen for his lack of chivalry, musing that it was no wonder Yao Xianqing had never been interested in him from the start.

"It's alright, we'll just ignore him." You Nan looked at the little cat, which seemed to share his indignation, and couldn't help but smile. He lowered his voice so only he and the cat could hear, "Anyway, we know he's like this; he won't change. It doesn't matter, no need to be angry."

"Once our storyline concludes, we should be able to go home." You Nan picked up the little cat and pressed his face against its soft, furry belly, "I hope we can accumulate a few more Energy Points."

The belly was a sensitive area for the little cat. 007 instinctively wanted to struggle and leap down, but recalling how You Nan had just been reprimanded by Qi Yuwen, it felt a pang of sympathy and, restraining its natural urge, remained still, allowing You Nan to nuzzle its plump little belly.

In the surveillance video, Qi Yuwen observed his young wife, hurt by his coldness, stand quietly in the living room, holding the cat for a long while before lowering her head and retreating to the kitchen.

Qi Yuwen switched off the surveillance, leaned back in his chair, and let out a silent sigh.

Ultimately, he had wronged You Nan. If You Nan desired a divorce in the future, he would grant whatever he wished.

All the ingredients and seasonings in the kitchen were readily available. You Nan prepared a bowl of *zhajiangmian* for himself and, following a phone tutorial, made a small bowl of cat food for 007. The two of them sat quietly at the dining table, finishing their dinner.

Even in the absence of the other man of the house, the atmosphere in the dining room remained warm and inviting.

After tidying the kitchen, You Nan took the cat into the room and did not emerge all night.

The next morning, You Nan awoke and descended the stairs to find that Qi Yuwen had not left early today. It seemed he was waiting for him. Across from Qi Yuwen at the table lay an untouched breakfast, prepared by Qi Yuwen himself.

You Nan's eyes filled with delight, and he quickly made his way downstairs.

"Morning, haven't you left for work yet?" You Nan's voice was cheerful, yet he spoke cautiously, eager to please the man. "Did you make this today? It looks absolutely delicious."

As he took a bite, You Nan was utterly captivated—truly worthy of a main character's skills; the protagonist's culinary abilities were no mere boast.

"Your cooking is truly exceptional!"

Facing his "beloved," You Nan showered him with unreserved praise.

Qi Yuwen had never received such unadulterated praise before, especially for something as mundane as cooking—a skill he himself had never given much thought to.

In a better mood, Qi Yuwen urged You Nan to eat quickly. "I'll give you a ride to work later."

The little cat, eating from its bowl, twitched its ears, a wave of disdain washing over it.

For newlyweds, when a wife praises her husband's cooking, the husband would typically respond with "If you like it, I'll make it for you anytime." Yet, with You Nan and Qi Yuwen, there was no such exchange.

You Nan obediently agreed. After finishing his meal, he asked, "But didn't you say it would be inappropriate if we went to work together?" What if their colleagues discovered them? Wouldn't it affect their work?

Qi Yuwen dismissed his concerns. He stood up to clear the dishes—tall, long-legged, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, his handsome features accentuated by the morning light streaming in, adding to the charm of a married man. "I'll be on a three-month business trip in the neighboring city starting soon. I can drive you to work every day since it's on the way."

Before You Nan could fully delight in this, his husband added, "I bought you a car without considering that you can't drive—that's my fault. Last night, I thought about it and signed you up for driving lessons. Will you go, dear?"

You Nan was stunned. "You signed me up for driving lessons?"

Qi Yuwen nodded. After washing the dishes and drying his hands, he naturally took You Nan's jacket from the coat rack by the door and helped him into it. "I've already paid the tuition. You just need to listen to the instructor there; I've arranged everything else."

In front of You Nan, Qi Yuwen embodied the perfect husband. He buttoned You Nan's jacket one by one, their proximity so close that You Nan could detect the subtle scent of magnolia on him. "The new branch in the neighboring city has been built and decorated. I'll need to oversee the preparations and opening for the next two months."

"The driving school said that if you pass all the tests on the first attempt, you can get your license in as little as two months," Qi Yuwen explained, not concealing his motives. "I don't want you riding in someone else's car or having others take you to and from work when I'm too busy to be there for you."

Qi Yuwen's words were strategically chosen, effectively preempting any refusal from You Nan.

As someone who adored Qi Yuwen, having harbored a long-standing crush and finally married him, You Nan absorbed every word and obeyed without question—he was utterly smitten.

Especially since Qi Yuwen had proactively paid for his driving lessons and even displayed a hint of "jealousy."

You Nan's eyes sparkled with adoration for the man. He assured Qi Yuwen, "I won't let you down, darling. I'll live up to your investment in me."

Qi Yuwen smiled. He opened the door, carrying his own belongings in his left hand and You Nan's bag in his right. You Nan simply had to follow obediently behind him.

007 remained confined at home. It flicked its tail and leaped onto the sofa. But when it opened the panel to check You Nan's current Energy Points, it let out a puzzled "Huh?"

"Is Qi Yuwen really that stingy? It's been two days, and he hasn't given a single Energy Point. So annoying!"

.

Qi Yuwen drove them near the hotel where they worked and stopped. You Nan took his bag and bid farewell to his beloved.

Qi Yuwen suddenly remembered something and called out to You Nan, who was about to leave. "I have a friend who couldn't make it to our wedding because he was busy. He's treating us to dinner tonight. I'll finish work early and pick you up after your shift."

You Nan's face flushed. "Okay!"

That evening, Qi Yuwen indeed appeared near the hotel as promised, at the same spot as in the morning. You Nan had been waiting for him for a while.

The car stopped, and You Nan opened the door and got in. The interior was comfortable, the air conditioning making it much cooler than outside. "Was your field work tiring today?"

You Nan had brought a bag with him. He opened it and pulled out a jasmine milk tea. "I noticed you drank this before, so I bought it for you."

Back then, it was during an office treat from the management, with various flavors available. You Nan had seen Qi Yuwen choose this one and drink most of it.

You Nan carefully pierced the film and offered it to Qi Yuwen's lips.

The man smiled, accepting You Nan's gesture without hesitation. He took a couple of sips from the cup You Nan held, praising, "It's really good."

He raised an eyebrow and said, "I got you something from the back seat. Unwrap it and see if you like it."

You Nan couldn't help but let a smile spread across his lips. "Wow, is it expensive?"

As he spoke, he leaned back to look. He hadn't noticed the back seat when he got in the car, but now he saw a bouquet wrapped in powder-blue paper and a box of specialty snacks lying there.

You Nan didn't bring them to the front; he just stared intently at the bouquet. "Maybe I should climb into the back and secure the flowers with the seatbelt."

He cherished Qi Yuwen's thoughtfulness. "I'm worried the flowers might fall."

Qi Yuwen obliged. He pulled over to the side of the road, and You Nan hopped out and back in.

He was delighted, his expression visibly brightening, as if the weariness of a day in the city had completely vanished. "That's much better now. The flowers you bought smell so nice—I see there are magnolias in there. The car's scent diffuser has the same scent. Do you really like magnolias?"

This question perfectly aligned with You Nan's lovestruck persona.

Qi Yuwen drove, the ring he wore yesterday now absent from his finger. His hand felt bare.

"I do."

You Nan nodded in understanding, knowing inwardly that it was only because Yao Xianqing liked them that Qi Yuwen did too.

By the time You Nan and Qi Yuwen arrived, the sky had darkened. In the private room sat three men and a graceful, charming woman.

Among the four, You Nan recognized two: Yao Xianqing and Shen Zihe. The other two were the married couple.

You Nan's gaze met Yao Xianqing's as the latter looked over at the sound of the door opening. Having interacted just the day before, their relationship had warmed considerably, and You Nan instinctively flashed Yao Xianqing a sweet, deferential smile.

Shen Zihe, seated beside Yao Xianqing, naturally noticed You Nan's expression. He glanced at his good friend, then at You Nan, who had only looked at Yao Xianqing and ignored him; he wondered.

He recalled that You Nan hadn't spoken much with Yao Xianqing the day before yesterday—why were these two so chummy today?

Shen Zihe suppressed a flicker of dissatisfaction and stood to greet Qi Yuwen and the group.