Young Brave Hearts – CH 088

Chapter 88

Everyone says newlyweds are blissful.

Zhu Yunque had never understood this term before, but that night, she finally experienced it firsthand.

First and foremost, there was Lu Rangchen, a man of his word.

He told her to show her how strong he was, and he really did, using all sorts of tricks and methods. In the end, Zhu Yunque couldn’t take it anymore and gave in, so Lu Rangchen stopped while he was ahead.

But then again…

Lu Rangchen genuinely didn’t want her to be hurt; even less did he want her to cry. He also thought that their life together had only just begun, and there was no need to rush things.

So afterwards, he carried Zhu Yunque into the bathroom and gave her a shower, then dried her hair.

The summer nights in the capital weren’t as humid and stifling as in the southern city.

The two of them lay in the same bed, Zhu Yunque nestled in Lu Rangchen’s arm, held tightly in his embrace.

This was the first time in eight months that she had felt so secure.

The man’s heartbeat pounded loudly in her ears, strong and powerful. After a long while, sleep still wouldn’t come. So, in the pitch-black night, by the pale moonlight, she focused intently on him.

She stared and stared.

Lu Rangchen also became more alert.

In the dim light of the night, the man looked down at her with a lazy smile. “So energetic, haven’t you had enough fun yet?”

Zhu Yunque’s slender fingertips traced the lines of his high nose. She said, “I’m thinking about tomorrow.”

Lu Rangchen hummed in agreement, his voice gentle, “What about tomorrow?”

Zhu Yunque paused, then spoke frankly, “I’m afraid you won’t be able to come back tomorrow.”

Her expression became inexplicably serious. “Being locked up again.”

A rather ominous statement.

Lu Rangchen clicked his tongue. “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Zhu Yunque blinked her clear, watery eyes at him, then burst out laughing a few seconds later, incredibly mischievous.

As punishment, Lu Rangchen simply grabbed her hand and placed it under his shirt.

They had been completely open with each other before, and Zhu Yunque had touched him all over, but Lu Rangchen still made her touch him, almost forcing her to feel his lean, powerful abs and masculine strength.

Her palm pressed against his soft skin.

Zhu Yunque swallowed softly.

Lu Rangchen raised an eyebrow at her. “Do you think I’ve been doing this for nothing all these years?”

“…You’ve worked out?”

“What do you think?”

“I go to the gym every day, except for this period of time, because you’ve been lazy.”

Lu Rangchen chuckled. “Otherwise, how could I have so many more tricks up my sleeve than eight years ago? I’d be exhausted by now.”

“…”

Although this remark had a hint of lewdness.

But indeed, Lu Rangchen’s stamina was better than it had been eight years ago, even though he was already quite formidable before.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yunque couldn’t help but tease him, saying, “Hmm, maybe it’s from training with some girl.”

She deliberately turned away, presenting him with the back of her head and her buttocks.

Lu Rangchen fell for her trap, chuckling in exasperation. He then became restless, reaching up to pinch her. Zhu Yunque bit her lip and let out a soft hum, then turned to glare at him.

That glare extinguished Lu Rangchen’s anger.

He lazily curled his lips, pinched her chin, and leaned in to kiss her lips.

“I’d like to train with that girl.”

“But that girl didn’t even acknowledge me abroad.”

The air conditioner and air purifier were on in the room.

A faint aroma of fragrance lingered in the air, gently permeating the room, accompanied by soft, murmuring kisses.

They kissed for an unknown amount of time. Swallowing hard, Zhu Yunque pushed him away, afraid of another rousing in the middle of the night.

She truly couldn’t take it anymore.

Lu Rangchen wasn’t that much of a scoundrel.

This girl was frail; she’d already had enough of him doing so much late at night. He needed to let her catch her breath.

So he held her tighter and coaxed her, “Sleep, go to sleep early. I’ll come back when you wake up.”

Zhu Yunque wouldn’t listen.

This feeling was like waiting for the results of her college entrance exams the day before they were released.

After thinking it over, she said, “Lu Rangchen, take me with you tomorrow.”

Lu Rangchen frowned slightly, looking down at her. “Are you sure?”

“…Yes.”

Zhu Yunque seemed to have been gathering her courage for a while, then tilted her head back and looked at him bravely. “Didn’t you say on the phone that Auntie has been taking care of the elderly recently? If I go with you, I can see her.”

The phone call she mentioned was the one Lu Rangchen had answered during dinner.

Lu Rangchen often admired this girl’s hearing; even though the voices on the other end weren’t very loud, she could still hear them.

Lu Rangchen smiled and said, “So that’s what you’ve been thinking about all this time.”

He raised an eyebrow. “So all those gifts you bought were for her?”

Silk scarves, Chinese pastries, bird’s nest—the kind of things older women like.

Zhu Yunque’s eyelashes drooped, and it took her several seconds to say, “But I still have to see her, don’t I?”

“Yes, you should.”

Lu Rangchen said, “But I didn’t expect you to be so proactive and so fast.”

He chuckled softly, pinching her cheek. “But have you thought it through? She might not forgive you, and she might not agree to our relationship. Even so, it’s okay?”

It wasn’t that she hadn’t considered this outcome.

Zhu Yunque shook her head frankly. “I know, it’s okay.”

She looked up at Lu Rangchen. “I just want to say sorry to her on behalf of my mother.”

At that moment.

Their eyes met sincerely.

All the words they wanted to say were conveyed in their penetrating gazes.

A moment of silence.

Lu Rangchen nodded slightly and said, “Okay.”

Suddenly, he raised his hand and touched her soft cheek, saying, “But I hope you understand that, whether in the past or now, you’ve never done anything wrong.”

“…”

Her eyes welled up with tears.

Zhu Yunque tilted her head slightly, half her face nestled in his palm, and said in a soft, husky voice, “Yes, I’ll listen to you.”

–

That night, the two slept in each other’s arms.

They thought they’d sleep in until late morning, but as if by unspoken agreement, they both woke up before nine.

Perhaps both were preoccupied and restless, so they didn’t linger long before heading to the Cheng family’s old residence outside the Third Ring Road.

Zhu Yunque was wearing the outfit Lu Rangchen had chosen for her yesterday.

A satin-white slip dress paired with a beige knitted cardigan—cool, gentle, and obedient.

Unbeknownst to Lu Rangchen, Zhu Yunque had even put on more elaborate makeup than usual to appear more likable.

But even so, it couldn’t hide the pent-up anxiety and tension in her heart.

It was Lu Rangchen who noticed her subtle emotions. Taking advantage of a traffic light, he tightly grasped her hand and reassured her in a nonchalant tone, “What are you afraid of? At worst, we’ll just cut ties with them.”

His eyes were serious as he said this, and he didn’t seem to be joking. “When holidays come, I’ll go back and meet them. You and the baby can stay at a nearby hotel for a couple of days, and then we’ll go home.”

“…”

Zhu Yunque was speechless.

She said with a hint of amusement, “Who wants to have your baby?”

Lu Rangchen raised an eyebrow. “Still being stubborn, huh? Who was it that begged me last night not to wear it?”

Although Lu Rangchen still insisted on wearing it.

He knew this girl was just arguing, trying to provoke him, and he couldn’t bear to let her take the pill.

He couldn’t help but tease Zhu Yunque, who was unrestrained at night and demure during the day.

Indeed, his words silenced Zhu Yunque.

She turned to look out the car window and, after a while, put on her headphones.

It was as if she found him annoying and was deliberately refusing to speak to him.

Actually, only Zhu Yunque knew that she was nervous and needed some music to distract herself.

Fortunately, they soon arrived at the Cheng family’s old residence.

Zhu Yunque could “die” more easily.

She was even prepared to be kicked out by the Cheng family.

But life wasn’t a drama.

There weren’t that many dramatic twists.

The Cheng family was a prominent and wealthy family in the capital, and they wouldn’t stoop to such a disgraceful act. Knowing that Lu Rangchen would be bringing Zhu Yunque, even the aunt who came out to greet them was all smiles.

The auntie would meet with Lu Rangchen every year or two; she addressed him affectionately as “Ah Rang,” while respectfully addressing Zhu Yunque as “Miss Zhu,” clearly taking good care of her.

The auntie even accepted the gifts from the two and led them inside.

While changing her shoes, Zhu Yunque glanced at Lu Rangchen, who gave her a reassuring look and squeezed her hand.

The large three-story villa, despite its luxury, exuded an empty and cold atmosphere.

Before Zhu Yunque could even finish scanning her surroundings, footsteps sounded from upstairs.

Zhu Yunque subconsciously looked up and saw Cheng Liru, whom she hadn’t seen for over eight years.

She was still elegant, noble, and youthful, but the look in her eyes when she looked at Zhu Yunque was no longer the gentle and kind one she once had.

Her heart clenched slightly.

A long-suppressed tightness welled up from the depths of her heart.

Zhu Yunque’s throat suddenly went dry. Before she could speak, Lu Rangchen spoke up, asking, “Where’s Grandpa?”

“He’s resting on the third floor.”

Cheng Liru came downstairs expressionlessly, her tone indifferent. “He’s still awake.”

“Okay.”

Lu Rangchen’s tone was equally natural. He then turned to Zhu Yunque, speaking with a generous air, “Do you want to come upstairs with me?”

Zhu Yunque’s thoughts paused for a second, then she looked up at him and said, “Can I?”

“No.”

Before Lu Rangchen could speak, Cheng Liru interrupted her.

She looked directly at Zhu Yunque, her expression both threatening and dismissive, and said, “Your grandfather hasn’t been feeling well lately. The fact that you two secretly got your marriage certificate is already infuriating enough. It’s better not to go upstairs and upset him.”

Quite sharp words.

It was a tone Zhu Yunque had never heard before.

For a fleeting moment, she even felt a sense of disorientation, wondering what kind of person the Cheng Liru she once knew was.

But this thought didn’t last more than a few seconds before Lu Rangchen interrupted her.

Unlike her, Lu Rangchen, now a man, wasn’t fooled by this at all.

He chuckled lightly and said, “How is it sneaking around? How is it being annoying? You didn’t tell me when you got your marriage certificate with Uncle Shang. Did I stop you?”

It seemed the mother and son had a good relationship.

So much so that Cheng Liru’s expression instantly changed, as if she was annoyed, or as if her carefully constructed facade had been exposed.

In short, she was quite angry and said sternly, “Are you going up or not? If not, get out.”

Lu Rangchen knew her all too well.

Judging from her tone, it was probably nothing serious; she’d probably just be sulking for a few days. Letting out a muffled laugh, Lu Rangchen said nonchalantly, “Going up is fine, but don’t bully my wife.”

The word “wife” instantly ignited Cheng Liru’s anger.

The woman’s face stiffened, about to erupt in anger, when she saw Zhu Yunque squeeze Lu Rangchen’s hand and give him a meaningful look.

It was strange.

With Lu Rangchen’s unruly and capricious temper, he would be a difficult problem for anyone else.

But with Zhu Yunque.

She didn’t even need to say a word, and Lu Rangchen would listen to her.

“…”

Cheng Liru’s expression seemed to darken even further.

Even so, Zhu Yunque showed no sign of backing down. As if slowly calming down, she softly said to Lu Rangchen, “Go up; I’m fine.”

Since she had said that…

Lu Rangchen had no reason to stand in the middle.

He had made up his mind.

The three floors were so close; if a fight broke out downstairs, he wouldn’t have much to say. He could just go downstairs and take Zhu Yunque away.

However, he was probably overthinking it.

Cheng Liru, although sometimes short-tempered, still had a basic level of manners.

Even if things got really bad, it wouldn’t escalate too much.

Having considered all the possible consequences, Lu Rangchen felt slightly relieved, nodded slightly, and said, “Okay, then you two can talk it out.”

He then looked up at Cheng Liru.

The mother and son exchanged a glance for a second, each with a different expression, before Lu Rangchen turned and went upstairs.

After he left, the atmosphere in the downstairs living room seemed even more tense.

Zhu Yunque’s lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but Cheng Liru spoke first. She glanced at her indifferently. “Sit down and talk, lest Lu Rangchen think I’m bullying you.”

“…”

Zhu Yunque obediently sat down opposite her.

The two were separated by a coffee table, a comfortable distance.

Cheng Liru questioned her, “When did you two get your marriage certificate?”

Zhu Yunque looked up to meet her gaze, her shoulders and neck graceful and elegant, and said, “Just yesterday.”

“…”

Cheng Liru laughed in exasperation, saying, “You brat, you’re quick on your feet, even acting first and asking questions later.”

She looked at her again, her tone ambiguous. “Does your family approve?”

“Family” referred not only to Zhu Ping’an’s side but also to Feng Yanlai, though that name seemed to be a taboo; she refused to say it.

Zhu Yunque wasn’t so blunt.

She looked at her, her tone calm. “My dad can’t control me, and as for my mom…”

She paused, then said, “She’s in Australia, found a new home, is doing alright, and doesn’t have the energy to worry about me.”

Not only wouldn’t she worry about her, but the two of them barely contacted each other anymore.

It was only a few years ago that Feng Yanlai had a son with a foreigner. She seemed to have a new life goal and was determined to sever all ties with China. She told Zhu Yunque, “I’ve fulfilled all my obligations to you. Mom doesn’t want to worry so much anymore. You’re grown up now; you can take care of yourself.”

Repeating these words, Zhu Yunque’s lips curled into a very faint smile.

She didn’t know how she could smile.

Cheng Liru didn’t know either.

She was only stunned for a moment, finding Zhu Yunque’s smile both ironic and tragic.

Since the topic had already come to this point, Zhu Yunque saw no need for further pleasantries.

Looking at Cheng Liru, she spoke as sincerely as possible, her eyes flashing slightly, “But even if she has nothing to do with me now, I want to apologize to you on her behalf, on my own behalf. I’m truly sorry, Aunt Cheng. It was our appearance that ruined your family and marriage.”

She truly hadn’t expected this.

She hadn’t expected Zhu Yunque’s opening remark to be an apology, not a request for her approval of her relationship with Lu Rangchen.

Cheng Liru’s heart skipped a beat.

Her throat tightened, and a sudden surge of bitterness welled up in her nose.

It was as if years of resentment and pain, buried deep in a corner, had been dredged up and exposed to the light of day.

Cheng Liru was speechless for a moment.

Zhu Yunque didn’t expect her to say anything and continued, “Actually, she’s had a very hard time these past few years. She knows she’s wronged you, but she just doesn’t have the courage.”

“…”

“Since she doesn’t, then I’ll say it.”

“Aunt Cheng, you are the best elder I’ve ever met. If it weren’t for your help back then, my mother and I wouldn’t be living that kind of life, let alone considering the terrible things she did.”

“I’m not speaking on her behalf; I just hope that your future will be peaceful, smooth, and happy.”

That’s all.

Cheng Liru interrupted her, “You want me to be safe, sound, and happy, so why are you still with Ah Rang?”

“…”

Zhu Yunque said, “That’s a different matter.”

Cheng Liru sneered, as if she didn’t believe crocodile tears at all. Her emotions were mixed as she said, “Don’t expect me to agree to your relationship just because you say a few nice words to me—”

“I didn’t expect your approval.”

Zhu Yunque, once she calmed down, was truly difficult to deal with.

Having said what had been weighing on her mind, she spoke with remarkable composure, “Auntie, we’re already married. We’re a legally married couple. Unless we voluntarily divorce, no one can force us.”

“Are you trying to intimidate me?”

“No.”

Zhu Yunque’s shoulders straightened, her confidence radiating from an unknown source, her tone exceptionally firm. “It was Lu Rangchen’s choice.”

If Lu Rangchen hadn’t chosen her, she wouldn’t be sitting in front of Cheng Liru. Just as Lu Rangchen said, she hadn’t done anything wrong from beginning to end.

Those shackles weighing on her, she didn’t want to carry them anymore.

“Fine, fine,” Cheng Liru laughed again, exasperated. “I never realized you were so sharp-tongued.”

Taking a breath to calm herself, the woman said, “Now that you’ve angered me, aren’t you afraid I’ll force you two to separate? Grandpa didn’t treat your family well back then; aren’t you afraid now?”

“…”

How could she not be afraid?

She was afraid.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have hesitated and wavered so much these past few days.

But now, she wasn’t afraid.

She wasn’t afraid anymore.

She took a deep breath, looked directly at her, and said, “I’ve already made it clear to my family that I won’t take on anything for them anymore, and they will treat me like I don’t exist. So even if you and the Cheng family try to manipulate me with my father and stepmother’s affairs, I will remain unmoved.”

Cheng Liru was speechless, caught off guard.

Zhu Yunque said, “So, do you have any other tricks up your sleeve?”

That one sentence felt like a direct attack on a prestigious family.

Cheng Liru felt a surge of anger, but then she didn’t know what to say.

What could she say?

From the moment she heard about Lu Rangchen getting his marriage certificate, her heart had been filled with despair.

She knew her son better than anyone.

He wasn’t just a womanizer.

He was stubborn.

Even if he saw many wonderful women, his heart only belonged to Zhu Yunque.

She seemed truly heartbroken.

Cheng Liru’s expression finally softened, her shoulders slumping slightly. She remained silent for an unknown amount of time before her voice, though dejected, still stubbornly said, “Even if I can’t separate you, I won’t accept you.”

Cheng Liru’s eyes flickered as she looked at Zhu Yunque, saying, “Just because your mother is Feng Yanlai, I could never accept you in this lifetime.”

“Don’t even think about stepping into the Cheng family and enjoying any of their benefits.”

After all the twists and turns, this was her final trump card.

Zhu Yunque, as if she had won a gamble, suddenly smiled faintly and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t covet anything.”

“…”

Cheng Liru’s eyes widened in surprise again.

But Zhu Yunque was so innocent, her eyes devoid of any desire or ulterior motives.

She said, “Auntie, I only want Lu Rangchen.”

“…”

“Only him.”

–

Cheng Fusen was nearly eighty years old this year. At such an advanced age, his health was already declining, and then he suffered a stroke, leaving him paralyzed on one side.

Fortunately, he was still conscious.

This was why Cheng Liru warned Lu Rangchen not to go and upset him.

Lu Rangchen had no intention of upsetting Cheng Fusen. He respected the old man deeply, and even knowing that Cheng Fusen had used such despicable methods to drive Zhu Yunque away years ago, he felt no resentment or hatred.

So that day, he went upstairs partly to give Zhu Yunque and Cheng Liru some private time and partly to be honest with the old man, explaining that Zhu Yunque was now Cheng’s granddaughter-in-law and hoping he would refrain from any further dishonorable actions towards her family; he truly loved her.

But his intentions were one thing.

Once the man went upstairs, things changed completely.

Sometimes, growing old could happen in an instant.

Just a few years ago, Lu Rangchen had thought Cheng Fusen was vigorous and energetic, but now, he suddenly felt the old man was frail and elderly.

The old man was still relatively lucid, but his speech was unclear.

He could only vaguely hear him calling his name, Rangchen, Rangchen.

Lu Rangchen’s throat tightened, and he immediately reached out and grasped the old man’s hand. Cheng Fusen just looked at him, a weak smile on his lips.

He held the old man’s hand, staying by his side, and Lu Rangchen didn’t say anything.

Until the old man fell into a deep sleep.

And by then, downstairs had been quiet for a long time.

Lu Rangchen exchanged a few words with the housekeeper, and after confirming that the old man’s condition was alright, he went downstairs.

The housekeeper was a very kind person.

Since Old Mrs. Cheng passed away, she had been taking care of Old Mr. Cheng’s daily needs; she was the closest person to him.

Although she didn’t know how Old Mr. Cheng would react if he knew that Lu Rangchen and Zhu Yunque had registered their marriage, she knew that, at least for the past month, Cheng Fusen hadn’t shown much emotion.

Back then, the old man hadn’t suffered a stroke.

He knew Zhu Yunque had returned from the capital, and he knew Lu Rangchen had met with her; he knew everything.

Hearing this, Lu Rangchen paused slightly and said, “Since he knows, why did he still…”

The aunt sighed and said, “Of course, it’s because over the years, he’s seen how stubborn you really are.”

No matter what conditions were offered to tempt Lu Rangchen, even if it meant giving him the Cheng family’s position, Lu Rangchen remained unmoved, refusing blind dates, arranged marriages, or marriage.

In Cheng Fusen’s words at the time—”If he keeps dragging this on, I’m afraid I’ll die before I even hold my great-grandson.”

Actually, for Cheng Fusen, great-grandsons were completely unimportant.

The family had many children; even if Lu Rangchen didn’t have one, other children would.

But of all these children, he favored Lu Rangchen above all others.

And it was precisely for this reason that he couldn’t accept Zhu Yunque.

But now, now?

This question popped into Lu Rangchen’s mind, and he suddenly felt a little lost.

The auntie said to him, “Don’t blame me for speculating about the old man’s feelings, but I think if he were healthy right now, he might not be angry with you.”

“It’s been so many years.”

“How much more stubborn can he be?”

“What parent doesn’t want their child to be happy?”

Following the woman’s words, Lu Rangchen slowly descended the steps and saw Cheng Liru sitting alone on the sofa on the first floor, lost in thought.

At this time, Zhu Yunque was also nowhere to be seen.

Lu Rangchen frowned and went downstairs. He called out, “Where’s Zhu Yunque?”

Cheng Liru slowly came back to her senses.

Her awkward expression vanished instantly. She frowned and said, “You’ve forgotten your mother as soon as you have a wife. You’re really something.”

Lu Rangchen chuckled and said, “That’s enough. You were holding back your anger back then, too.”

The “back then” he was referring to wasn’t just about Cheng Liru secretly marrying Uncle Shang.

It also included eight years ago when she lied to him and kept him confined to her side.

That anger led to a long period of cold war between Lu Rangchen and her, which only eased over the years.

Cheng Liru knew perfectly well that the affairs of these middle-aged people had nothing to do with Zhu Yunque.

It was just that she couldn’t get over that hurdle in her mind.

Cheng Liru shut her mouth, looking utterly speechless.

She gestured with her chin towards the outside and said, “She went outside to wait for you. She said she was worried I’d feel uncomfortable in front of her, and then she left.”

Lu Rangchen instinctively lifted his foot, about to leave, but then stopped, turning to look at her and asking, “What did you two talk about?”

Cheng Liru rolled her eyes at him, annoyed, and said, “What did we talk about? Ask her in bed tonight.”

“…”

Lu Rangchen was genuinely amused and exasperated.

They say people become more like children as they get older, and he now felt it was true.

Too lazy to argue with Cheng Liru any longer, Lu Rangchen turned to leave, but Cheng Liru called out and stopped him.

Lu Rangchen, slightly impatient, gave a helpless smirk and asked, “What now?”

Cheng Liru remained stubborn, saying, “No matter what, I won’t acknowledge her as my daughter-in-law. Don’t bring her over again; I won’t accept her.”

With that, she raised her hands and turned her head away.

She wouldn’t even glance at Lu Rangchen.

Lu Rangchen scoffed, his demeanor completely different, and said, “That’s perfect. It saves me the trouble of worrying about mother-in-law/daughter-in-law conflicts.”

“…”

Cheng Liru blushed, stung by his words. “You brat! You heartless bastard!”

Lu Rangchen had heard the word “heartless” countless times since childhood.

He chuckled indifferently, casually scratching his ear, and said, “That’s enough for today. I’m leaving now.”

Perhaps his attitude was too unyielding.

In short, everything went more smoothly than expected that day.

When Lu Rangchen came out of the old house, the sunlight was clear and bright. He glanced up and saw Zhu Yunque sitting on a bench not far away, head down, replying to a text message.

He had to admit that this girl had a truly beautiful figure.

Long, slender limbs, fair skin, a naturally cool-toned complexion—even just sitting there casually, her posture exuded elegance, not to mention the innate, innocent yet fragile aura she possessed, which inexplicably evoked both a protective and a destructive urge in one.

He stared at her for two seconds.

Lu Rangchen smiled slightly, then put his hands in his pockets and walked up to her.

Zhu Yunque was replying to a message from school at that moment.

Looking up and seeing him in front of her, she paused for a moment, then said, “Why did you come out so quickly?”

Lu Rangchen raised an eyebrow and said, “Quickly?”

For some reason, Zhu Yunque felt that he was in a very good mood right now, a bright and cheerful one.

His cheerfulness made her cheerful.

So their eyes met, and she smiled knowingly, reaching out to be led to her feet by Lu Rangchen.

Lu Rangchen put his arm around her slender waist, looking down at her with eyes full of doting and concern, and said, “Were you crying just now?”

Zhu Yunque knew he would ask that.

She smiled, pursing her lips, and shook her head, saying no.

She added, “But I feel like if I keep talking, Auntie is going to cry.”

Lu Rangchen raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes showing a hint of admiration. “Look how smug you are.”

Zhu Yunque pursed her lips. “It was alright.”

Peng Yuan’s car was parked in front of them. As if the most important matter had been resolved, the two walked forward with light hearts.

Lu Rangchen asked her, “So what exactly did you say to my mother?”

“Nothing much, just an apology. I told her that we’re already married, and nothing she did could stop us.”

Lu Rangchen chuckled. “I don’t believe it. There must be more.”

“…That’s all.”

“Really nothing?”

“…Really nothing.”

After saying this, Lu Rangchen stopped.

Zhu Yunque looked at Lu Rangchen with an unnatural expression and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Lu Rangchen looked down at her, then suddenly raised an eyebrow and said, “I just suddenly realized that my wife is really amazing. She can handle even a difficult character like my mother so easily.”

“…”

Zhu Yunque laughed in exasperation, “I don’t think that’s a compliment.”

After a pause, she asked again, “What about your grandfather? What’s his attitude?”

“Him?” Lu Rangchen said seriously, pulling her closer, shamelessly adding, “My mother said I should discuss things with you in bed.”

“…”

Zhu Yunque’s cheeks flushed an unnatural red, whether from the sun or from his teasing.

She nudged him with her elbow and said, “Lu Rangchen, be serious.”

Lu Rangchen let out a muffled laugh, his shoulders shaking with mirth.

He said lazily, “What’s wrong with me?”

“If I were really wrong, you would have already brought the child to see my mother.”

“…”

Zhu Yunque gave him a speechless glare.

As she turned to get into the car, she couldn’t help but smirk behind his back.

It was so inexplicable.

She actually felt that Lu Rangchen’s words weren’t so absurd.

–

Both the school and the club were pressing them.

So, after finishing everything that day, Lu Rangchen and Zhu Yunque went straight back to Nancheng.

The news of their marriage spread quickly within Lu Rangchen’s circle.

On Zhu Yunque’s side, it also spread throughout the school after she posted the official announcement on her WeChat Moments. The most surprised were Zhang Leyao and Xiao Qingyu.

Xiao Qingyu’s disappointment goes without saying, but Zhang Leyao was utterly devastated. She even went to Zhu Yunque to complain, saying, “You two have only been back together for a short time, and you’re already married? Did he buy you a diamond ring? Did he propose? Teacher Zhu, don’t be so easily fooled!”

What would outsiders think of these words?

Zhu Yunque didn’t know; she only knew she couldn’t be bothered to pay any attention.

Later, Zhang Leyao probably got bored too and just pursed her lips and didn’t ask again.

Zhu Yunque finally had some peace and quiet. Perhaps because of what Zhang Leyao had said, she spent those few days going to the nearby shopping mall to look at rings whenever she had free time.

She didn’t tell Lu Rangchen about looking at rings. Lu Rangchen was quite busy during that time; their engagement party for friends was postponed until mid-month.

Xu Linda even got her hair permed and eyebrows tattooed in advance for the party.

Zhu Yunque, however, was busy with her meager savings, figuring out which pair of rings to buy.

It wasn’t that Lu Rangchen didn’t want to buy any.

It was just that she hadn’t mentioned it to him at all.

She always remembered the rings Lu Rangchen had given her, engraved with English letters—not just rings, but also necklaces, jade Buddhas, and later designer bags and clothes.

Each of these could easily be a wedding ring.

How could Lu Rangchen possibly be stingy with them?

And she, she simply wanted to give him something, something with her own money.

It was like offering him her whole heart.

Thinking this, Zhu Yunque did just that. She gritted her teeth and bought the pair of rings for 11,000 yuan. A simple design—they wouldn’t look bad on either of them. Xu Linda even said she was really going all out for Lu Rangchen.

And how could it not be?

At the time, her savings were limited; this meant she had emptied her pockets.

The only saving grace was that she would soon receive her salary, and Lu Rangchen’s other apartment was also ready.

It was a small villa in a villa district outside the Third Ring Road in the southern part of the city.

Lu Rangchen had bought it as an investment when he earned his first fortune, and now it was perfect as their wedding home.

It was the day after the party that Lu Rangchen came to help Zhu Yunque move.

She had originally paid a year’s rent.

But since they were colleagues, Xiao Qingyu wasn’t too insistent and said he would refund the remaining amount.

Zhu Yunque felt a little guilty about this, and the two stood at the door and talked for a while.

Seeing that the two had been chatting for a while…

Lu Rangchen stood tall and slender at the doorway, his demeanor relaxed, yet his words carried a hint of authority. He said, “No need for all that trouble. The house can just stay empty; it’s not like I can’t afford it.”

Interrupted by his words, Xiao Qingyu froze.

This was the first time he had seen Lu Rangchen in person—Zhu Yunque’s legendary boyfriend, oh no, husband.

He’d heard from someone that Zhu Yunque’s boyfriend was just a supermarket owner.

He’d felt sorry for Zhu Yunque.

But seeing him in person, he realized, wow, his looks were truly outstanding.

Tall, long-legged, and with a stunning face, he looked like a male celebrity. Even he, a man, was stunned, let alone a woman.

He asked Zhu Yunque incredulously, “Is this your boyfriend?”

Zhu Yunque pursed her lips, glanced at Lu Rangchen, then looked at Xiao Qingyu, and introduced him generously, “Yes, this is Lu Rangchen, the founder of Dianchen Club.”

Xiao Qingyu was stunned again. “Dianchen Club? The one Zhang Leyao kept saying she wanted to go to?”

He looked at Lu Rangchen incredulously and said, “But don’t you own a supermarket?”

This absurd statement made Lu Rangchen raise an eyebrow. He chuckled and said, “Do I look like one?”

“…”

Indeed, he didn’t.

His air of wealth alone made him seem like it.

Xiao Qingyu’s face flushed red; his last hope was extinguished.

That was Dianchen Club, a club that was always making headlines in the city. He, an ordinary teacher, couldn’t compare at all.

Feeling rather disengaged, Xiao Qingyu didn’t continue the conversation after seeing Lu Rangchen, exchanging a few words before leaving.

She didn’t want to go back inside.

Lu Rangchen, however, was filled with jealousy. Zhu Yunque was tidying up her belongings, and he blocked her doorway, asking casually, “That teacher from earlier, did he share an office with you?”

Zhu Yunque put her things into a storage box and said yes.

Lu Rangchen snorted twice, put his hands on the bed behind her, and sat down, saying, “So you two see each other more often than I do.”

“…”

Zhu Yunque was speechless. She turned to look at him and said, “Then I’ll sleep with you.”

At the mention of sleeping, Lu Rangchen perked up.

Regardless of whether they were in a hurry to move, he grabbed Zhu Yunque’s waist, pulled her over, and pinned her beneath him.

Zhu Yunque chuckled in exasperation, weakly shoving him away, saying, “You jerk, the moving company’s almost here; what are you doing acting crazy?”

Lu Rangchen ignored her, directly pinning her hands above her head and demanding, “What have you been up to these past two days while I was gone? Hmm?”

His tone made it seem as if he’d punish her right there and then if she didn’t tell the truth.

Zhu Yunque’s face paled.

She said softly, “Let me up, and I’ll tell you.”

Lu Rangchen raised an eyebrow, chuckled, and surprisingly got up, exuding a lazy, carefree charm that was undeniably alluring.

Zhu Yunque leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, then stood up again.

Lu Rangchen’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his gaze fixed on her. He clicked his tongue and said, “Don’t flirt around like that; the moving company’s coming soon.”

Zhu Yunque rolled her eyes at him.

Right in front of him, she took a small box from her bag and sat down next to him again.

Seemingly sensing something.

Lu Rangchen narrowed his eyes, smiled, and leaned closer, saying, “Zhu Yunque, are you alright?”

He took the box from her hand, opened it, looked at the two rings inside, and said, “Am I crazy? Do you think I need you to buy my wedding rings?”

“…No.”

Zhu Yunque blinked her dark eyes, her gaze darting away, and said, “I just happened to see something I liked and wanted to buy it for you.”

Lu Rangchen knew perfectly well this girl was lying.

He pinched her chin, chuckled softly, and said, “So you love me that much, huh? You don’t have much money left, and you’re saving up to buy me a wedding ring?”

Zhu Yunque’s cheeks flushed at his words. “Who told you that?”

Lu Rangchen smiled slightly. “Do I need anyone to tell me?”

He raised his chin. “You’ve started taking the subway and buses lately.”

He’d been busy lately, and Lu Rangchen couldn’t pick Zhu Yunque up, so sometimes she’d go to him.

She used to take taxis, but these past few days she’d been taking the bus.

Later, he casually asked Xu Linda, and Xu Linda said that Zhu Yunque was out of money.

How could Lu Rangchen not feel heartache?

Heartache mixed with helplessness.

Just as the two were talking about this, he sighed with amusement, picked up his phone, and transferred some money to Zhu Yunque.

His phone chimed.

Zhu Yunque glanced at it; a full 50,000 yuan.

Zhu Yunque’s ears tingled: “…What are you doing? I—”

“Zhu Yunque.”

Lu Rangchen suddenly called her name seriously, his eyes slightly raised, “Don’t be so concerned about saving face, okay? Have you forgotten? You’re my wife now. It’s only natural for me to give my wife money to spend.”

Her heart instantly felt like it was being filled with honey.

Zhu Yunque was momentarily speechless, her heart racing, and she suddenly understood.

Yes, that’s right.

She was his wife, his only official, legal wife.

The mere thought of this fact filled her with joy. She looked at Lu Rangchen, pursed her lips, and said, “Then accept my ring.”

She thought Lu Rangchen would readily agree, but instead, he shrugged. “Unfortunately, I prepared one too.”

“…”

Zhu Yunque’s mind went blank.

She hadn’t expected Lu Rangchen to actually do it, to actually take a small black bag from his coat right in front of her.

It was unusually simple.

It looked like it hadn’t been decorated at all.

For some reason, Zhu Yunque’s heart skipped a beat.

When Lu Rangchen opened it and took it out, she indeed saw two rings. The rings looked somewhat familiar, yet not entirely.

Within a few seconds.

Zhu Yunque recognized them.

They were the matching rings Lu Rangchen had given her before.

However, the ring engraved with “wind” had been altered; it was now a woman’s wedding ring adorned with a sizable, dazzling diamond.

It looked incredibly expensive.

Completely stunned.

Zhu Yunque’s heart trembled.

Not stunned by the ring’s newfound value, but by the fact that Lu Rangchen had never lost it.

That year in college, they broke up.

In that deserted, romantic café, she removed the ring, declaring to Lu Rangchen it was over, saying, “Let’s end it here.”

At that moment, the instant her heart sank, she still remembered.

Even afterwards, she knew where the rings had gone.

The year after she and Lu Rangchen completely lost contact, she happened to visit a museum of broken hearts.

There, she saw the rings she shared with Lu Rangchen.

Standing before the display case, she suddenly burst into tears, startling the staff. Later, she begged the shop owner to buy the rings.

However, the rings were too valuable, and the owner lacked the authority to process them. He could only contact the person in question. It was then, two years later, that Zhu Yunque heard Lu Rangchen’s voice.

His deep, magnetic voice was cold and unfamiliar as he said, “Hello.”

Just that one syllable was enough to break Zhu Yunque. She hung up the phone, never daring to call back.

When she finally had the chance to return to Nancheng, the Museum of Broken Relationships had closed down.

She never imagined that Lu Rangchen would take the rings back and even alter them.

Lu Rangchen also never imagined that the person on the other end of that phone call would be Zhu Yunque.

He swallowed hard, then smiled, a smile tinged with melancholy and wistfulness. “Zhu Yunque,” he said, “how much are you still hiding from me?”

Zhu Yunque looked at him with a stubborn yet tender gaze. “Many more,” she said.

Their eyes met for a long, drawn-out time.

Lu Rangchen’s gaze was fixed intently on her. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her lips greedily. “And then? What else?”

Zhu Yunque, mesmerized by his kiss, couldn’t help but say, “And, that day, I actually talked a lot with your mother. I said I didn’t want anything; I only wanted Lu Rangchen.”

Lu Rangchen continued kissing her, his words muffled, “And then?”

“…And, you only want me.”

“Only I can make you happy.”

At this point, Lu Rangchen’s heart pounded violently. The kiss ended, and he looked deeply into Zhu Yunque’s eyes, saying, “Do you remember what I told you eight years ago?”

Zhu Yunque’s eyelashes moistened. She shook her head, then suddenly remembered something, nodded, and nodded again.

How could she not remember?

She always remembered.

She hadn’t expected that after all these years, Lu Rangchen would still be so unwavering and devoted to her.

He gently smiled, as if fulfilling a promise, and said, “So, from now on, my Queque can continue to be the wind.”

“I’ll be your kite.”

Zhu Yunque smiled through her tears.

She smiled, and Lu Rangchen smiled too, his smile gentle and tender.

Just then, the phone lying to the side rang.

Lu Rangchen held Zhu Yunque in his arms and put the phone on speakerphone. It was someone from the club, asking if he was ready to pack; they wanted to come help with the move.

The group of young people was boisterous and vibrant.

Zhu Yunque raised her moist eyelashes, looking at Lu Rangchen with tender eyes. Lu Rangchen looked down at her and told them he was almost done.

Jiang Sui, the leader, cheerfully said, “Great! They’ll be right there!” and hung up.

The air fell silent instantly.

Lu Rangchen leaned down and kissed Zhu Yunque’s forehead, a deep smile curving his lips. He said, “Queque, we should go home.”

But Zhu Yunque shook her head.

Her gaze was direct and bright as she looked at him, saying, “I went home a long time ago.”

“…”

“Lu Rangchen.”

“You are my home.”

“My only home.”

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