94 One month later (The main story of the protagonist ends)
One month later.
Cheng Boyan went to the United States on a business trip for a week. On the night before returning to China, he was organizing documents at his desk in a Boston hotel when his phone screen lit up. It was a message from Wen Xueyan: "Send me your flight number. I'll pick you up tomorrow."
“No need to answer,” Cheng Boyan replied succinctly. “You get some rest. I’ll go straight from the airport to the hotel after I get back. I have a business dinner tomorrow night, it’ll be very late.”
Wen Xueyan replied quickly: "Okay. Then you should drink less alcohol."
The next night at 10 PM.
Wen Xueyan held little Cheng Jing, who was already sleepy but was forcing his eyelids open, and paced back and forth in the living room countless times. The child mumbled "Daddy" and nodded his little head, but stubbornly refused to fall asleep.
Finally, the soft click of the combination lock opening came from the entrance hall. Cheng Boyan walked in, looking travel-worn, his tie slightly loosened, his brows showing the fatigue from a long flight and social engagements. But when he saw his wife and children, his deep eyes immediately softened with tenderness.
“Dad…” Xiao Chengjing immediately stretched out his little hand.
Cheng Boyan put down his luggage, quickly stepped forward to take the child, and kissed him twice on his soft little face. He called the child by his newly given name, his voice deep and warm: "Jingjing, good boy, Daddy's back. Did you miss Daddy?"
The little one babbled in response, snuggling against him, and then yawned. Cheng Boyan carefully examined the child's face and nodded to the nanny: "Take him to sleep, thank you for your hard work."
After the nanny left with the child, his gaze turned to Wen Xueyan. A week had passed, and her long hair, loosely tied up, looked stunning in the warm light, stirring his heart.
"Didn't I tell you not to wait for me?" He reached out and gently stroked her cheek, his fingertips feeling the coolness of the night breeze.
Wen Xueyan lowered her eyes: "I told the baby that Daddy would be back today, and he should have understood. He wants to wait for you."
Cheng Boyan gave her a deep look, then turned and took an exquisite gift box from his suitcase. "It's for my mother-in-law," he said, handing it to her. "Remember to bring it to her next time you go back."
It was a silk scarf gift box from a top brand, and Wen Xueyan knew her mother would love it. As she took it, her fingertips inadvertently brushed against his palm, which he promptly grasped.
"Come with me." He took her hand and led her into the bedroom without further ado.
The door closed behind him, and Cheng Boyan loosened his tie, staring intently at her: "Are you angry?"
Wen Xueyan turned her face away: "You said you didn't need to pick me up from the airport, and you have a social engagement tonight. I feel like maybe it's because we've been together for so long and we have a child that you're getting tired of me."
Before she could finish speaking, Cheng Boyan had already scooped her up in his arms and gently placed her on the soft bed. He leaned over her, his gaze sharp: "Is that so?" His voice was deep and dangerous. "I'll show you now how much I've missed you. It's really not easy for the two of us to be together."
Cheng Boyan lowered his head and kissed her neck, lingering on her delicate skin.
Wen Xueyan trembled slightly, feeling his hot breath falling on her delicate skin.
"Wait..." she gently pushed his chest, "explain the situation clearly first."
Cheng Boyan looked up, his eyes deep: "There are two very difficult-to-arrive-in senior executives from the Ministry of Commerce at tonight's dinner party. Secretary Qiao can testify to that." His fingertips lightly brushed her collarbone. "Should I call Secretary Qiao now? We can put it on speakerphone."
"No need." Wen Xueyan felt there was no need for that.
He stood up and took a gift box from his suitcase: "This time, I bought you three gifts. Take a look at this first."
Wen Xueyan opened the box. Inside was a black lace corset from an Italian brand, hand-embroidered and boldly elegant in design, with glimpses of skin showing through the delicate lace. Her cheeks instantly flushed crimson, like peach blossoms bathed in the glow of the sunset.
Cheng Boyan approached, his fingertips gently stroking her flushed cheeks, and whispered, "Put it on. I want to see it now. I bought a C, right?"
“You know what? I like this contrast. During the day, you’re a capable and efficient technical director at the company; but at night, when you’re with me, you can fully display your charm.” His voice was magnetic.
Wen Xueyan blushed and accepted the bra under his intense gaze. When she came out of the dressing room, Cheng Boyan's eyes darkened instantly.
The lace accentuated her perfect curves, and her skin, partially obscured by the black fabric, appeared even whiter.
He approached step by step.
He reached out, his fingertips gently tracing the smooth, graceful lines of her waist. Wen Xueyan trembled involuntarily, like a startled butterfly. His touch was light, yet carried an electric current, instantly awakening all her senses.
“Turn around,” he said softly.
Wen Xueyan turned around and felt his burning gaze lingering on her back. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around her from behind and placed a hot kiss on the back of her neck.
“This week,” his voice was hoarse, “I’ve been thinking about you every night before I go to sleep. I want to video call you, but you should be at the company around ten o’clock.”
His hand touched her lower abdomen and slowly moved upwards.
Cheng Boyan turned her around and kissed her deeply on the lips. This kiss seemed to pour out all the longing he had felt throughout the week.
“Look at me,” Cheng Boyan said, propping himself up on his arms and gazing deeply into her eyes. “The second gift is a share transfer agreement. Although we haven’t had a wedding, we’ve already registered our marriage. My assets will be jointly owned by you.”
His tongue pried open her teeth, wantonly stealing her breath, and his hands ignited flames on her body.
He unfastened the clasp at the back of her dress, and the lace quickly unraveled. His kisses followed, lingering below her neck, causing her to tremble slightly.
“Bo Yan…” she called his name unconsciously.
Wen Xueyan's fingernails left faint red marks on his back...
The next morning, Wen Xueyan received an unexpected phone call.
She was Song Tiancheng's former mother-in-law.
Qi Dongling's voice was weak on the other end of the phone: "Xueyan, it's me. The doctor said I don't have much time left. Tiancheng isn't here today, could you come to the hospital? There are some things I want to tell you in person."
Holding her phone, Wen Xueyan pictured the always elegant and dignified old woman. Even when she divorced Song Tiancheng, this mother-in-law had never been harsh with her.
"Okay, I'll be right there," she replied.
Upon learning of this, Mr. Cheng immediately arranged for a capable female bodyguard to accompany him. "Having her guard outside the ward isn't because I don't trust you, it's just in case."
In the hospital ward, Qi Dongling lay on the bed, her cheeks deeply sunken, only her eyes still retaining the clarity unique to an educated woman.
"Xueyan, you've come." She stretched out her hand with difficulty.
"Mom..." The word that came out made both of them pause for a moment. Wen Xueyan felt a little embarrassed, but the old woman smiled with relief.
"It's so good to hear you call me 'Mom' again." Her gaze drifted to the window. "There are some things that, if I don't say them now, I'll never have the chance again. About that apartment..."
Wen Xueyan listened quietly.
“Back when we divorced, Tiancheng originally refused to give you the new house. I forced him to do it.” The old woman’s voice was very soft. “I told him that if he didn’t give the house to Xueyan, I would change my will and donate my villa to the country. I know that most mothers-in-law only care about their own sons, but Xueyan, you are different. Actually, not long after you and Tiancheng divorced, I saw you having dinner with other men at a restaurant, but I didn’t tell him. It was an unspoken understanding between the two of us women.”
Wen Xueyan stared at Qi Dongling in shock. She had always thought that the house was Song Tiancheng's last act of kindness.
"You don't know, do you? The Song family's first pot of gold came from my father." Her gaze became distant. "When I was young, I was also a rich girl. When I married your father-in-law, he had nothing. Later, he became successful, and he kept women outside. Those women even brought their children to our school to cause trouble. I'm a teacher, and that made me so embarrassed..."
At this point, Qi Dongling shed a tear.
“What chilled me to the bone was that Tiancheng actually spoke up for his father.” Tears welled up in the old man’s eyes. “He said it was normal for men to play along. I knew then that this child had been corrupted by his father. Sure enough, he did the same to you later… I will always remember that year when I had appendicitis, it was you who called an ambulance for me and saved me.”
Tears blurred Wen Xueyan's vision. Even after so many years, the old woman remembered these details.
"Most women of our generation chose to endure in silence. Even if they divorced, they would remarry, for the sake of their children, for the sake of their reputation, and also for social factors. That's how they lived their lives."
Qi Dongling continued, "But you're different. You bravely chose divorce and a new beginning. I admire you and support you. That house is a small compensation for you, and I've arranged for it to be renovated. It's my blessing for your fresh start. I know you haven't completed the transfer of ownership yet. If you're willing to accept it, you can go and process it soon."
These words warmed Wen Xueyan's heart. She realized that she wasn't entirely alone in this failed marriage.
"Mom, thank you," she said, her voice choked with emotion.
When they got home, the sun was setting. Cheng Boyan was playing with her baby, building blocks on the playmat, their figures, one big and one small, gently enveloped in the warm yellow light.
"You're back?" President Cheng looked up. "Are you alright?"
Wen Xueyan told him everything her former mother-in-law had said. President Cheng listened quietly, gently putting down the building blocks in his hands.
“Boyan, I have an idea. After Dr. Qi left, Ning Zhiyi and her child are in a more difficult situation than we imagined. She has considered giving up her postgraduate studies. The debts left by Dr. Qi have forced the auction of his property to pay off the debts. I think it's time to contact Song Tiancheng and complete the transfer of ownership of that apartment.”
She paused and continued, "Let Zhiyi and Haohao live in that house for now, as a temporary measure. That way, they won't have to worry about rent for at least the next two years. Zhiyi just got into graduate school this year. If we can save on that expense, plus some living expenses from me, she can focus more on her studies."
Cheng Boyan gently placed his warm palm on her shoulder: "Mmm."
He looked out the window at the setting sun: "Life is long, and we have all been through storms. True kindness is not condescending charity, but appropriate support. What you gave was not a house, but a buffer period, and the confidence to help them and their child stand firm again."
Cheng Boyan gently stroked her hair. "People can be very good or very bad, you know? Xu Junxian's death might have been intentional on Gu Mengzhou's part. The police told me that Gu Mengzhou had bought several large insurance policies for Xu Junxian. It's just that their affair was exposed prematurely, which affected Gu Mengzhou's plans."
Wen Xueyan nestled into her husband's arms.
She understood that Cheng Boyan understood her, understood her initial intention to help her best friend regain the courage to live, and understood the careful respect behind this help.
However, the peace was shattered the next day.
After receiving Wen Xueyan's message, Song Tiancheng went straight to President Cheng's company.
"Wen Xueyan! I can give you the house. I heard you divorced President Xi and are now with President Cheng? I'm the one who truly loves you! Look at him, he didn't even have a wedding, he's just taking advantage of you by living together!"
As he spoke, he grabbed Wen Xueyan's wrist. The familiar pain made her face turn pale instantly, and she was reminded again of the night she was abused at home.
"Let her go." Cheng Boyan grabbed his collar.
"Who do you think you are?" Before Song Tiancheng could finish speaking, President Cheng had already thrown a punch.
The punch was swift and decisive. Song Tiancheng staggered backward, covering his cheek in disbelief.
President Cheng shielded Wen Xueyan behind him, his gaze sharp: "I am her husband."
Song Tiancheng laughed maniacally, his confidence seemingly coming from nowhere. "We're just living together, right? Not even a proper wedding? I'm the only one who truly loves her, and she must still love me!"
"We have a marriage certificate. And our marriage was announced to the entire company!" After holding back for so long, Cheng Boyan could finally say this openly and honestly.
He stepped forward: "Don't think that just because you've left my company, I can't control you. If you disrespect my wife again, I'll make sure you lose your job again! Your company's boss is also my supplier. As for the house transfer, you can cooperate if you want, or you can wait for a lawyer's letter. This is my wife's property."
Song Tiancheng was speechless and stood there awkwardly.
Mr. Cheng pressed the internal phone: "Security, please ask this gentleman to leave."
With the lawyer's assistance, the procedures were completed quickly the next day.
In the evening, Cheng Boyan leaned against the headboard, holding a financial magazine in his hand.
"Xueyan," Cheng Boyan put down his magazine, "Haijing has been in Canada for a while now, hasn't she? Is she making enough money for living expenses?"
Wen Xueyan looked at his concerned eyes and said, "I asked her, and she said she has enough money."
Cheng Boyan nodded: "You need to remind her that she can't work on a tourist visa. If she needs anything else, let us know in time."
He sat up straight: "Xu Junheng was able to sponsor her to study abroad, so Haijing must have paid a considerable price. This man is known for his shrewdness and ruthlessness in the business world, so for him to do this is an unprecedented act of kindness. I asked Xu Junheng, and he probably won't get a divorce."
Wen Xueyan listened quietly.
“What I’m worried about,” Cheng Boyan continued, “is that if Haijing needs money later, will she go to President Xu again? After all, studying abroad is expensive. Sometimes, Xu Junheng’s own stance might not be very firm. Your cousin said he didn’t go to see her off that day. I think he was probably worried that he wanted to keep her. He was also afraid of losing control.”
Wen Xueyan grasped his hand: "I understand what you mean."
"I might be going to Seattle, USA on a business trip next month. It's very close to Vancouver. How about you come with me to visit her then?"
"Mmm." Wen Xueyan leaned on his shoulder.
That night, as darkness deepened, Cheng Boyan lay on his side, gazing at Wen Xueyan's sleeping face. Moonlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, revealing her slightly furrowed brows and gently pursed lips, which appeared exceptionally peaceful in her sleep.
Cheng Boyan gently pressed himself against her back, feeling her even breathing. His hand softly encircled her waist, pulling her into his embrace.
Wen Xueyan stirred unconsciously, made a soft nasal sound, and then fell into a deep sleep again.
After a while, Wen Xueyan turned over in her sleep to face him, unconsciously snuggling closer to him, seeking a warmer spot. Cheng Boyan kissed her forehead: "Xueyan, it's so good to have you in all these years."
Those long nights spent alone, those perseverances in guarding the glimmer of light in the darkness, all transformed into steady breathing and the warmth of close-fitting bodies at this moment.
Welcome all readers and fans to leave comments and vote! Thank you for your support.
I can't wait for the extra chapters!
The divorce rate was indeed very low in that era, but this low rate was due to the fact that many women had no choice but to endure it in silence.
Thank you for your message.
Congratulations to Toyama-sensei on the completion of the main story! Looking forward to the epilogue!
Congratulations to Teacher Yuanshan on the completion of the main text!
Thank you for reading, and the flowers are so heartwarming.
Are there any wedding-themed side stories?
Thank you for your comment; it will be posted later. Feel free to order!
Toyama-sensei's works are delicate, realistic, and captivating. Looking forward to the bonus chapters! Highly recommended!
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