Chapter 3, "Relax, Don't Be So Tense"
Qiao Shu couldn't see, but she could hear his voice. Through her imagination, she could picture his terrible expression at that moment.
Her temper flared up instantly. She couldn't explain why she was friendly and polite to everyone else, but only towards Yu Zeheng. She attributed the problem to Yu Zeheng, and that he was the one who should be looking for the cause.
Through the blindfold, Qiao Shu glared at him, her lips pursed, her tone icy: "Why should I be angry? What's there to make me angry?"
Yu Zeheng's voice was even calmer: "You keep turning over and over, it's hard for anyone not to notice."
Qiao Shu remained motionless, her chin slender and beautiful, her lips pressed together, exuding arrogance and domineering: "I've said it before, I'm used to being alone. I can't sleep with someone next to me. Besides, your breathing is too heavy, how can I sleep?"
After the wedding, she moved into the marital home in South Bay and mentioned sleeping in separate rooms that night. The master bedroom and the secondary bedroom were both suites with no difference in size or layout. The only difference was that the bed and mattress in the master bedroom were the best available. It was reasonable for her to ask Yu Zeheng to sleep in the secondary bedroom.
Yu Zeheng: "Why are we having separate rooms? Is our marriage a sham?"
"Of course not, it's just that I'm a restless sleeper and I'm afraid of disturbing your sleep." Her tone was more like she was afraid he would disturb her, but she wanted to appear considerate of him.
Yu Zeheng sat on the edge of the bed, the softness of the mattress causing him to furrow his brow slightly: "Tell me about it."
Qiao Shu: "Hmm?" "Snoring or teeth grinding?"
Qiao Shu closed her eyes, her brow twitching slightly. Why were these words associated with her? She felt as if she had never been so insulted in her life. She gritted her teeth and said, "I'm used to sleeping with the lights on. I can't sleep with the lights off."
"That's it?" Yu Zeheng looked at her calmly.
"I'm a light sleeper, and even the slightest noise will disturb me."
She made a bunch of random requests, some of which were indeed her habits, and some that she made up on the spot. She thought Yu Zeheng would find her spoiled and troublesome, but Yu Zeheng said it was fine, whatever she wanted, and that he would do as she asked. He said he slept quietly and wouldn't disturb her. She was silent for a moment, feeling extremely annoyed.
I wanted a divorce on the very first day of our marriage.
Qiao Shu slipped into the bathroom in her slippers, and when she came out, Yu Zeheng had changed into his newlywed red pajamas. One button was undone at the neckline, revealing an inch of skin below his collarbone. The cool white color gave it a touch of warmth. He was leisurely flipping through a magazine when he heard her push open the door. He closed the magazine and placed it on the bedside table, then casually picked up his watch and glanced at the time.
Beneath his high brow bone, his eyes were deep and dark. His tone was flat: "One hour and 37 minutes. If you don't come out in three more minutes, I'll consider whether to go in and rescue you."
Qiao Shu didn't have a fetish for keeping track of her washing and grooming time; she wasn't that perverted. But that sentence laid the foundation for their subsequent way of getting along. They wouldn't say nice things; the more sarcastic and annoying they were, the better. Only when they stabbed each other twice in the end would they feel satisfied.
On their wedding night, it was their first time together. Qiao Shu didn't know how long it took. It was their first time together, and the process ended with some minor twists and turns. She had no experience and only heard bits and pieces from her sisters' conversations. For someone like Yu Zeheng, it didn't last long.
It's clear that no matter how big it is, it's useless; it looks good but isn't practical.
There were no hugs or sweet words afterwards. Qiao Shu crossed her arms, standing a hand's width away from Yu Zeheng. She felt a little dazed. She was married, and lying next to a man she barely knew.
After a moment of silence, Yu Zeheng's voice was hoarse: "How are you?"
Qiao Shu only caught the last three words. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes and gave a perfunctory reply: "It's alright."
She initially wanted to say "so-so," but out of kindness, she changed her mind, thinking, "You don't know whether it's feasible or not, so why ask me?"
"Then let's continue."
Qiao Shu was stunned for a second. The woody scent wafted over her, and before she could dodge, he pressed his lips to hers. Only then did she realize that the "How are you?" was not a question for her evaluation, but a question about her condition.
That next time, it was unexpectedly good.
More importantly, it helped her sleep. She slept soundly and opened her eyes to bright daylight. The fatigue from the non-stop wedding was swept away, which indirectly led to her not having time to adjust to having another person by her side for seven days after the wedding.
Now, Qiao Shu doesn't want to endure it. The worst outcome is that they argue, he goes to sleep next door with a dark face, and then takes a plane to Morocco or Brazil the next morning. He can also disappear for half a year or so, so that they can both have some peace and quiet. This married life won't be so hard to bear.
Qiao Shu's voice was like rain mixed with ice: "I don't understand what the point of your insistence on not having separate rooms is? I can't think of any motive other than deliberately going against me?"
She suppressed her raging anger, but if he responded, the flames would rise several feet high.
“I’m not trying to fight you.” Yu Zeheng released her hand, the faint fragrance of her body wafting to his nose. His voice was unusually gentle. “Xiao Shu, we’re already married.”
"Really?" Qiao Shu curled her lips in a mocking smile. "Thank you for telling me. I almost forgot about this identity."
Yu Zeheng remained silent for a long time, to the point that Qiao Shu thought she had poisoned him and rendered him mute. After not seeing him for several months, his fighting ability had weakened so much that she suddenly felt bored and there were some things she couldn't say to him.
After a while, the blindfold was pushed up to her forehead. She squinted, sensitive to the light, and in the half minute it took to adjust to the light, she first saw the general outline of Yu Zeheng's face, then his straight nose, and then his features became clearer and clearer. Finally, she saw his eyes. His eyelashes were long and black. He was looking at her, and she realized how close they were.
Qiao Shu frowned, pursing her lips in an unapproachable manner: "What exactly do you want?"
Yu Zeheng looked into her eyes and said softly, "I'm sorry."
The sudden apology left Qiao Shu puzzled and intrigued. She smiled wryly, "You're apologizing to me?"
Yu Zeheng propped himself up on his arms. The soft, beige-gray loungewear and the warm lighting made him look even more gentle, and more like a... husband? This thought suddenly flashed through his mind, and even Qiao Shu found it a bit absurd. He lowered his head, the faint shadow of his long eyelashes falling on his eyelids.
“This time it’s my fault. I’ve been away for too long. This year is crucial for our team. I didn’t think about my family or you. If you have any complaints, you can tell me.”
Qiao Shu was stunned.
She thought she had misheard, but the next second she became wary again. Yu Zeheng suddenly speaking human language was a trap. Once she relaxed her guard, he added sarcastically, "He does everything the princess arranges."
Qiao Shu tilted her head, her long black hair cascading down her body. Her face, free of makeup, was clean and clear, with red lips and white teeth. Her bright and flamboyant appearance had been somewhat restrained. She both distanced herself and re-examined him. She opened her lips and said softly, "You really think too highly of yourself. Don't you realize that I'm better off without you?"
She was telling the truth.
There is no entanglement between them. The marriage changes their marital status from unmarried to married. Their lives before and after marriage are not much different.
Yu Zeheng wasn't there to argue with her about some obvious facts. He softened his tone and said, "Isn't your grandfather's birthday coming up soon? Eighty years old, a very important year."
Qiao Shu's gaze froze for a moment, and she remained silent.
"I will stay until then."
This means he will stay for more than half a month.
Qiao Shu suspected that Yu Zeheng knew something. She could hear the rumors, so it was impossible for him not to. Whether it was unintentional or intentional compensation, it was beneficial to her. More importantly, Yu Zeheng's humble attitude at this moment was very pleasing to her.
She lowered her eyes in thought. What she thought was unimportant; what mattered was what the old man thought. Her emotions didn't show on her face. She lifted her eyelashes and glanced at him, her interest waning, her tone icy: "Do as you please. This is your home too. No one will kick you out if you want to stay."
Before Yu Zeheng could react, Qiao Shu lazily pulled back her eye mask. A very faint brown mole was on the tip of her upturned nose. She said, annoyed, "Are you done talking? I'm going to sleep."
Qiao Shu has always been someone who responds better to gentle persuasion than force.
Yu Zeheng stared at her for a few seconds. No matter what happened, Qiao Shu accepted it all with a clear conscience. Her arrogant demeanor made it seem like she was giving in, as if it were her duty. It would be a sin if the whole world didn't revolve around her. This kind of domineering attitude in her didn't annoy him.
With his long eyelashes half-closed and a faint smile playing on his lips, he lay back, accepting the princess's "favor."
—
Yu Zeheng stayed behind. After finishing his breakfast, he stayed in the study on the second floor.
The study was Qiao Shu's proud creation. One wall was made of irregularly shaped bookshelves, filled with books. On the other wall, there was a separate large bookcase, which contained some rare and rare editions because of her profession. The floor was covered with a dark carpet, and there was a brown wooden desk. The desk was clean and free of clutter, except for a vase with a bunch of blooming lisianthus.
The windows were wide open, letting in sunlight that shone on half of the desk, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
After the race in Morocco, the team flew to the Spanish circuit. The Circuit de Catalunya, which resembles an F1 steering wheel, is a key point in the entire F1 season. With sixteen corners and a one-kilometer straight, it is extremely difficult for all drivers.
Since no one was physically present, a remote meeting was held online.
Given Morocco's good performance, the atmosphere within the team is relaxed.
Driver Ke Ming is only twenty years old. His performance from F4 to F1 is not particularly outstanding. He is impulsive and aggressive, fearless and has an aggressive and adventurous style. When no one had high hopes for him, Yu Zeheng took a liking to him and signed him as the number two driver. He did not disappoint and performed brilliantly in the new season, even overshadowing the number one driver Bruni.
Because of the straights and long corners of the Circuit de Catalunya, as well as the high-speed long distances and low-speed corners, the requirements for engine and aerodynamic design are quite high.
The engineers are communicating with the drivers and making optimizations.
Yu Zeheng leaned back in his chair. He was used to this atmosphere. He had been interested in racing since he was a child. When he was ten, he watched an F1 race live for the first time. The cheers and the sound of the racing engines ignited not only the atmosphere of the track, but he also participated in Formula Ford at the age of 14. After that, he obtained his Class A racing license and accumulated points from F4 to F2. At the age of 20, he officially started his F1 career.
Having won a section championship, he was young and arrogant, and didn't take anything seriously. Later, the accident forced him to end his professional career.
Ke Ming, propping himself up on the table, asked, "Boss, when are you coming?"
"It will be a little late, I've run into a bit of a problem on my end," Yu Zeheng said calmly.
"What's the situation? Is it serious?" Ke Ming asked instinctively. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Is it serious?
Yu Zeheng tapped the wooden table lightly with his fingertips, lost in thought about the question. This was the first time in two years that Qiao Shu had mentioned whether divorce was a serious matter, but more or less, it indicated that their marriage might be experiencing some problems.
Just like a car, everything needs to be repaired promptly when problems arise. Otherwise, even the loss of a small part can lead to a serious car accident.
After a while, Yu Zeheng pulled himself out of his thoughts, his eyes beneath his long eyelashes devoid of emotion: "No need."
"A minor issue."
—
When we came out of the gallery, Uncle Qin's car was already parked on the side of the road.
Beside Qiao Shu was a mature and steady middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses whose lenses reflected a cold light. He smiled and said, "It is an honor to have the opportunity to view the exhibition with Miss Qiao today."
Song Yue stood behind the two men. She glanced back and saw that the two young men had already loaded the painting into a van. She put her hands in her pockets; this collaboration hadn't been cheap.
This painting, "No Regrets After a Move," is a late work by the modern painter Liang Wei. It depicts two monks playing chess in a pine forest, each holding a black or white chess piece. Their focused expressions complement the tranquil and solemn atmosphere of the environment.
It took a lot of effort to get this painting. In the blink of an eye, Qiao Shu smiled and flattered, "You understand the artistic conception of this painting better than I do. If Teacher Liang Wei were alive, he would probably call you a confidant."
She sighed, "Art is priceless. In the hands of someone who doesn't know its value, it's just a piece of waste paper. But in the hands of an expert, it's a priceless treasure. Mr. Wei, do you think you could accept this painting so that its value won't be buried in my hands?"
President Wei laughed: "Too precious, I can't accept it."
“Our two families have always been partners, and we have been grateful for your help over the years. My father always remembers your kindness and said he would like to invite you over for a meal sometime when he has time.”
"Even if Chairman Qiao hadn't said anything, I would have wanted to pay him a visit long ago."
Qiao Shu smiled, her eyes bright and lively: "Then it's settled."
The piece "No Regrets After a Move" was taken down, carefully packed by the staff, and then gently loaded onto a special vehicle.
Mr. Wei, a senior executive at Daxing Logistics Company, shook hands with satisfaction, saying that logistics prices were still negotiable this year, and he would handle the arrangements at the company.
"That would be too much trouble for you." Qiao Shu saw him into the car, closed the door, and raised her hand to say goodbye: "Mr. Wei, have a safe trip."
Song Yue walked over, watching the departing van, then looked at Qiao Shu rubbing his shoulders and neck expressionlessly, and asked, "Are we still going to see the old man?"
Qiao Shu parted her lips, her tone calm: "Go."
After all, it's best to claim credit early.
Qiao Zhenkai attended a private dinner party hosted by an old friend. Qiao Shu appeared gracefully, entered the room arm in arm with the old man, and briefly explained the outcome.
"You handled this matter beautifully."
Qiao Zhenkai remained expressionless as the two moved through the crowd, occasionally smiling and greeting acquaintances. Despite his high seniority, the old man still held his place, showing no sign of accepting his age. People around him gave him face, envying his large family and his obedient granddaughter who was filial and well-behaved and willing to accompany him to these events.
“My granddaughter isn’t very successful; she can only stay by my side. Unlike your son, who is already an attending physician at a young age and I heard he’s about to be promoted to associate professor?”
"It's just a lot of pointless activity; you hardly ever see a soul around here." The other person waved his hand, a broad smile on his face.
"To save lives and heal the wounded, we still have to rely on doctors for treatment."
Qiao Shu could recite such conversations by heart. No one is born knowing how to say nice things to make people happy. It's just that she has been hanging out with the old man for a long time and has learned to do it. She has a good memory and is also beautiful, so being a little sweet-talking is not a bad thing.
The old man was clearly in a good mood tonight.
When he had a moment to himself, Qiao Zhenkai asked, "How are things going between you and Zeheng?"
Qiao Shu swirled the wine: "He wants to stay until your birthday to celebrate with you."
The old man finally smiled at her, patted Qiao Shu's hand and said, "Of all the Qiao family members, you are the one who makes me feel the least worried."
Qiao Shu smiled faintly, her gaze falling on the slightly overweight man in a black suit walking towards them a few steps away. She whispered, "Song Qi, the branch manager of Huzhou Commercial Bank."
"Mr. Qiao, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Qiao Zhenkai smiled: "President Song."
The banquet lasted until 10 p.m., a full two hours. Qiao Shu's heels ached from wearing high heels, perhaps because they were new. They were rubbing against her heels, and even after applying foot patches, she still felt uncomfortable from the pressure. After attending to the old man's social duties, she took a glass of champagne, left the stage, and walked to the terrace. She leaned against the stone railing to relieve the discomfort from standing for so long.
Her face was hidden in the darkness, without a carefully crafted smile. Her demeanor was bright yet aloof. She gazed at the thousands of lights in the distance, her eyes empty, a hint of weariness in the corners of her eyes and brows.
She wore a pink and white dress, cinched at the waist like a butterfly's wing, with delicate rhinestones adorning the straps, sparkling and making her face even more radiant and beautiful.
Lost in thought, Qiao Shu saw a car cutting through the night without slowing down. She couldn't make out the license plate, but she recognized the car; there were only a handful of them in the whole country.
The car door opened, and Yu Zeheng got out of the car.
Why is he everywhere?
Qiao Shu lowered her eyes and looked at him coldly, unsure of his purpose in coming. As if sensing her gaze, Yu Zeheng suddenly raised his head and met her staring gaze.
She didn't feel guilty; instead, she looked back even more coldly. Strangers could be more friendly than the couple, at least in this situation, they would nod and smile out of politeness.
Qiao Shu felt that she had already given him face by not turning her head and showing him the back of her head.
Yu Zeheng has a great sense of style. Even the most boring and dull suits can look extraordinary on him, thanks in part to his physique and in part to his face.
After exchanging glances for a moment, Yu Zeheng lowered his head and walked inside, while Qiao Shu looked away. After a moment of silence, she straightened up and, having recovered her energy, rejoined the crowd.
Qiao Shu saw Yu Zeheng next to Qiao Zhenkai. They were talking, and Qiao Zhenkai patted him on the shoulder and smiled appreciatively.
She watched from afar until the old man saw her. She put on a smile, her eyes curving like the moon. The old man gestured for her to come over, and Yu Zeheng, standing beside her, calmly watched her.
Qiao Shu walked over and asked in a sweet voice, "Why are you here?"
“I’m here to be your driver. Uncle Qin took the day off tonight. His daughter has a performance tonight. He called you, but you didn’t answer,” Yu Zeheng said gently.
Her phone was in her handbag, unnoticed. She suddenly realized that her phone was on silent. She said softly, "I'll just take Grandpa's car back. I wouldn't dare trouble you with such a small thing."
"Nothing you're concerned about is trivial."
At this moment, Qiao Shu should have given him a reproachful look, but the thought made her stomach churn, and she couldn't bring herself to say it. She deepened her smile, her lips curving upwards: "You're just trying to coax me."
Qiao Zhenkai put his hand on Yu Zeheng's back and said, "It's good that you mean it. When you get to my age, you'll understand that the relationship between husband and wife is the most intimate one and needs to be carefully nurtured."
“Grandpa is right,” Yu Zeheng said.
"Everything's alright here. Zeheng is finally back, so you should head back early and be careful on the road."
"Thank you, Grandpa."
After Qiao Zhenkai finished explaining, he went to chat with his old friend. Qiao Shu crossed her arms and stopped smiling. "Don't think I'll appreciate your kindness."
We put on this play to make the old man happy.
Yu Zeheng said, "The old man is looking over here, give him a smile."
Qiao Shu straightened her back reflexively and smiled before she even realized what was going on. Qiao Zhenkai was chatting enthusiastically with his old friend and didn't even glance at her. She walked forward with her shoulder against his arm. She pretended to twist her ankle and bumped into him, then grabbed his arm tightly.
She said "Oh" without any apology, "Sorry, I twisted my ankle."
Yu Zeheng caught a glimpse of her slender high heels out of the corner of his eye; there was a hint of red on the heels. He took her arm and asked, "It's alright, can you stand on your own?"
Qiao Shu felt disgusted, as if she had swallowed a fly. She said with a straight face, "If you let go, I will be able to stand more steadily."
"Not necessarily, you just sprained your ankle." Yu Zeheng considerately let her take his arm.
"..."
Once the car stopped, there was no need to continue the act. Yu Zeheng let go of her, and as she opened the back door to get in, there was a box on the seat. She frowned, and Yu Zeheng, with one hand on the door, bent down and picked up the box.
Inside were a pair of white flat shoes.
"This is a new one, it's your size, it'll be more comfortable to wear."
Qiao Shu paused for a second, then pursed her lips and commented, "Straight male aesthetics, disastrous level. I've never worn such ugly shoes in my entire life."
She crossed her arms and looked resistant, as if she would rather break her leg than let those shoes appear on her feet.
Yu Zeheng remained leaning against the car door, his shirt creased, the first button undone, the collar slightly open, revealing the prominent lines of his collarbone. He kept his head down, his black, tousled hair covering his forehead.
He looked at her, his expression good-natured: "Do you need me to change it for you?"
Although there were few people outside, there were staff members walking around, and other guests were leaving.
Qiao Shu: "Don't you feel ashamed?"
Yu Zeheng retorted, "Why is it shameful to put shoes on your wife?"
He then opened the passenger door in an unyielding tone and told her to get in. Qiao Shu, confused, stretched out her leg at his instruction, holding onto the car with one hand. She lowered her eyelashes, and in the dim light, Yu Zeheng knelt down on one knee.
His long, slender fingers grasped her ankle, warm to the touch. His large palm covered the instep of her foot, the edges of the foot patch tinged with red. He took off his shiny high heels, and she instinctively pulled them back, only to be forcefully pulled back by him.
Her slender, white legs were taut and straight, and Qiao Shu's lips tightened in response.
Yu Zeheng gave the instep a slap as punishment and whispered, "Relax, don't be so tense."
A note from the author:
----------------------
I'm late, but even the most indifferent person would forgive me after seeing this short message. [noob emoji]
50 random red envelopes, kiss kiss!
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