What was she saying…?!
She stayed for him?! Truly?!
His usually stoic face flushed slightly.
Xue Ling, known for her fiery temper, couldn’t contain her frustration at his silence and let her thoughts spill out.
“You blockhead! Haven’t I made my feelings clear these past days? I’ve even asked you to share the rent, and yet you still don’t grasp my intentions?! Have you forgotten what I said on our wedding night? I like you! I want to stay and build a life with you! A lifetime!”
Cheng Tianyuan’s face reddened further, even his ears burning.
Raised in a conservative rural setting, such forthright confessions were beyond him.
For some reason, though the words weren’t his, he felt embarrassed, his heart pounding with a mix of surprise and joy, too overwhelmed to respond.
Xue Ling, growing impatient with his prolonged silence, moved closer and nudged his arm.
“Hey! Say something, will you? Give me a sign!”
Her voice, teasing and slightly coquettish, failed to hide her anxiousness.
Cheng Tianyuan cleared his throat uncomfortably.
“…Let’s get some sleep. We’ve got to move in early tomorrow.”
Xue Ling, taken aback and slightly annoyed, clutched his arm.
“What about you?! Are you going to share the place with me or not? What’s the point if I’m there alone!”
Cheng Tianyuan, with a faint smile and eyes downcast, finally revealed his thoughts.
“What roommates… Married couples should live together.”
His voice, usually calm and deep, now carried a hint of joy and warmth.
Xue Ling gaped in surprise, then broke into a delighted laugh, releasing his arm.
“You help me pack, then. I’ve still got some translating to do.”
Cheng Tianyuan nodded, deliberately ignoring her smile as he packed her belongings. Expecting a mess after several days, he was surprised to find everything tidy and in place, except for some laundry on the balcony.
After checking everything, he saw her still engrossed in her work. Not wanting to disturb, he sat on a wooden chair, silently admiring her graceful silhouette.
As the night deepened, Xue Ling yawned and glanced at the clock, realizing it was already eleven.
Stretching, she suddenly remembered Cheng Tianyuan was still there and turned around quickly.
He was asleep on the wooden couch, looking peaceful with a slight smile, as if pleased about something.
Xue Ling tiptoed over, draping a blanket over him.
These days, he had worked, freelanced, and house hunted for them, never complaining once.
Remembering his earlier words about married couples living together, she couldn’t help but smile secretly.
A new life, a new future was about to begin…
The next morning, Xue Ling settled her bill with the innkeeper.
Cheng Tianyuan hurriedly borrowed a bicycle, securing the luggage behind and guiding Xue Ling in front.
Riding close together, her hair fluttered in the morning breeze, occasionally brushing his face, which he didn’t bother to sweep away.
Xue Ling, turning her pretty face towards him, teased, “Brother Yuan, is it too heavy?”
Cheng Tianyuan shook his head, “Not at all.”
Xue Ling giggled softly, “I think I’ve gained some weight recently, haven’t you noticed?”
His ears tinged red as he replied in a lowered voice, “…No, you’re still slim. You eat too little; you should eat more.”
Xue Ling pouted, “Then you can’t dislike me if I get fat!”
Cheng Tianyuan, slightly embarrassed, relaxed his stern face.
“…I won’t.”
Xue Ling laughed triumphantly.
The early autumn morning was cool but not cold, the sun casting a warm glow on them, creating a picturesque scene like a beautiful mural.
Arriving at Songming Road, they found the old lady already cleaning the house.
She eagerly counted the money Xue Ling handed over, while Cheng Tianyuan carried the luggage upstairs and then hurriedly left for work.
“Go on, I’ll clean for you,” the old lady offered cheerfully.
With some time before work, Xue Ling sent Cheng Tianyuan off first.
“I’ll tidy up a bit more and then head to the newspaper. Hurry, it’s only a fifteen-minute walk.”
Cheng Tianyuan nodded and left but soon returned, pulling Xue Ling aside.
Gazing at his strong, tanned hand, she felt her heart race unexpectedly.
“…What’s wrong?”
Cheng Tianyuan, cautious, glanced outside before whispering, “We’re new here and don’t know this old lady well. Keep your valuables with you and don’t leave them in the suitcase.”
Xue Ling nodded, “Alright, I’ll do as you say.”
It was a precaution she hadn’t considered, but it was always better to be safe than sorry.
After airing the room and gathering some curtains, Xue Ling hurriedly informed the old lady and left for work.
Arriving at the newspaper at eight, she found her English column already completed and submitted it to the editor.
Her colleagues, Wang Qing and Liu Xing, enviously remarked, “You’ve got half a day off, lucky you!”
Xue Ling, puzzled, asked, “What half-day off? Tomorrow’s Sunday!”
Wang Qing explained, “Saturday afternoons are off if your work is done and approved. Once your article is cleared, you’re free to go after lunch!”
Thinking of the messy rental and the shopping she needed to do, Xue Ling hurried to her editor.
“Director Lin, is my article alright?”
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