nominal husband and wife

[Introduction] Marriage? What a ridiculous word! Tang Xiao was forced to marry her because of a remark from his grandfather!
Is this his bride? For this iceberg beauty, disgust is the only feeling he has.
Hmph! Don’t expect him to give his heart. Dare to set him up, and you’ll have to bear the consequences!
Since she was young, her parents’ discord had made her accustomed to protecting herself with indifference and isolating herself from the outside world with closed doors.
She knew that she had no right to make demands and could only silently bear everything.
But at least she can hide away! Why does he always treat her so cruelly?
Doesn’t he know that she has a loving heart too?

[1]Prologue

Some people say that no matter how calm and peaceful a lake may seem, once a storm hits, it will set off ripples.
What happens when a man and a woman, who have never met before, are forced to marry for political reasons?
The beautiful Wang Qijun comes from a famous family and has a flawless appearance, but beneath her stunning appearance is a cold and indifferent heart, like a finely sculpted porcelain doll. Her heart is cold and indifferent, and no one has ever aroused her passion.
Pang Xiao, who also comes from a politically powerful family, studied in the UK for many years and inherited all the best qualities of his grandfather and father. He has a handsome appearance and a deep and introverted personality. He is full of aristocratic bearing but also full of firmness and uninhibitedness.
No one can influence his future at will, even his grandfather, who has always been a powerful figure in the political arena and unscrupulous in achieving his goals.
Political interests and power struggles, a marriage based on ‘fame and fortune’ entangle the destinies of Wang Qijun and Pang Xiao, setting off a series of love and hate.
Pang Xiao, who resists political marriage, has long faced such a beautiful wife after marrying Wang Qijun. Is he really unmoved?
If he is unmoved, why is he always angry and at a loss when she ignores him?
She even tries to avoid him at all costs. Although they agreed to a ‘live together, but not share the same bed’ rule, she is still being too, too, too responsible, isn’t she?
What’s wrong with her? Handsome, talented and popular as he is, he can’t get his wife’s attention. This is a huge blow to his pride. It seems that he has to regain his exclusive rights as a ‘husband’ and find a way to consummate the marriage!
Wang Qijun, who is calm and collected, meets Pang Xiao, who is handsome and domineering. Is she really not the least bit interested? If so, why does she feel a little bit of a sense of loss when she doesn’t see him?
Facing the teasing of Pang Xiao’s younger sister and the servants, who don’t welcome her, what is she going to do?
The so-called ‘royal gate is deep like the sea’. What kind of fate will Wang Qijun, who married into the Pang family, suffer? And how will Pang Xiao capture the beauty whose heart has been frozen for a long time?
A series of questions, let readers find the answers! Please open your eyes wide and enjoy the love story I have prepared for you.

[2] Chapter 1

A private mansion covering an area of 100 pings stands in a prime location on Yangmingshan. The magnificent exterior resembles an ancient European castle. Those who live there enjoy a life of nobility in the 21st century. The average person could struggle for a lifetime and still not come close to a thousandth of their luxurious lifestyle.
She, Wang Qijun, is the daughter of this mansion, the envy of everyone, the pride of heaven. Her father, Wang Xiongming, is a powerful politician in the political arena, and her mother, Ji Huamei, is a popular movie star in the film industry. Growing up in a wealthy, powerful, and prestigious family, she attended an aristocratic school from an early age, went out in a foreign-imported luxury car, and had a dedicated
driver to and from school, wearing silks and satins, eating bear’s paws and shark’s fins, and growing up under the envious gaze of others.
Servants in the mansion attended to their duties, just like princesses in ancient castles. How could they not make the commoners envious?
However, Wang Qijun did not think so. She had inherited her mother’s beautiful appearance, and her beauty surpassed that of her mother’s. At the age of twenty, she was already as beautiful as a fairy, but what was out of place was her pair of beautiful, big eyes, which flashed with a mocking light! The indifference and silence towards human nature and worldly affairs was something that a normal girl at the age of twenty should not have.
Qijun stood on the white, intricately carved staircase on the second floor, looking down coldly at her parents arguing in the hall. This had been a common occurrence during her years growing up, except that the drama was intensifying.
‘You mean to say that you actually transferred the stocks and the house in Taipei to that vixen’s name!’ Jihua Mei was completely like a shrew cursing in the street, a complete reversal of her graceful and elegant temperament on screen.
Father has a new love interest. The reason why the mother, who no longer feels any affection for her husband, is reacting so strongly is because the character in this affair is so ruthless that it has endangered her position as the owner of this luxurious home.
‘Don’t yell at me! It’s my business who I want to give it to, so stop yelling!’ Wang Xiongming also shouted back in anger, completely different from his gentle gentlemanly image in public.
What followed was an unendurable tirade of abuse and wild accusations. The servants had long since become accustomed to it and, to avoid being caught in the crossfire, they all looked away and pretended not to see.
This was their parents. Qijun leaned against the stairs, propped her fragrant face in her hands, and a sneering expression appeared at the corner of her mouth. She watched her parents’ quarrel without emotion.
She could no longer remember when it had started. Ever since she could remember, all she had seen were her parents arguing. Whenever they met, it was as if they were enemies. Her father had found a new love and was never at home, while her mother was addicted to partying and socialising with the upper classes, leading a luxurious nightlife.
This pair of strangers hardly spoke to each other all year round, but they refused to get a divorce. The reason was that they were too proud to lose face and also had practical considerations to take into account. They would rather continue to play the role of the loving couple on screen in front of others.
If ordinary children are caught between such parents for many years, they will probably go crazy. But Wang Qijun is special. She has become a spoilt brat who is willful and unruly, and also an unruly girl with an extreme personality or a self-abandoning girl under a dysfunctional family. She is just as usual, taciturn and indifferent, not listening to or talking about the hatred between her parents.
‘Miss…go to your room,’ the nanny on the side worriedly advised.
Qi-jun looked back at the nanny who had cared for her since childhood. The sixty-year-old woman’s old face was full of worry and love. Only the nanny truly loved her and treated her like her own child.
‘Go to your room? You’re right, I’ve seen enough of this play, it’s time to go to my room and rest.’ She gave a faint smile and let the nanny help her up and walk towards the bedroom.
‘What a pity!’ the maids whispered behind her back. “God gave the young lady a stunningly beautiful face, but not a healthy body.”
The cleaning lady also came running to gossip. ’Since she was little, her heart has been weak. The doctor said she can’t be exposed to too much excitement and has to stay calm, but her parents argue like crazy in front of her, never minding the safety of their only daughter.’
‘Yes! Others think that the daughter of a wealthy family is happy, but they don’t know that the young lady has grown up without the love of her parents, growing up amidst the fighting of her parents, and has become a cold and silent porcelain doll. If I were her, I would go crazy.”
The servants chattered on, ostensibly sympathising, but in the end they were just using other people’s misfortunes as a topic of conversation. Wang Qijun had long since become indifferent to what she heard, but the wet nurse next to her was sniffling.
‘Nanny, why are you crying again?‘ Qi-jun took out a silk handkerchief to wipe away the tears of the nanny.
’I’m sorry, miss, I…’ The tears of fear only added to the sadness of the young lady.
Qi-yue revealed a gentle smile, understanding that the nanny was sad for her. She comforted her, “Don’t be sad, I don’t care at all. I got used to my parents” selfishness a long time ago, and I let other people talk.’
‘Miss…‘ The nanny was worried about her young mistress’s unusual indifference.
Qi-jun’s beautiful, wide eyes looked blankly into the distance. “Sometimes I wonder if I’m not really their daughter. Watching them argue is like watching a play. It’s good! It adds some excitement to these dull days.”
’Miss, it’s wrong to think like that…’
she interrupted her nanny, ‘What’s right and wrong? An enamel doll doesn’t need to distinguish between right and wrong,’ she had long ago given the servant a title.
On the way back to her room, passing through the long corridor, Wang Qijun glanced out the window and saw the morning sun shining golden in the garden. She turned to her nanny and said, ‘Nanny, help me take a walk in the Bijing Garden, I’m not going back to my room.’
‘Yes,‘ the nanny replied happily. Her young mistress loved nature, and she had privately named the garden “Bijingyuan” (Garden of Tranquility). Although her young mistress did not have the opportunity to go outdoors, the European-style garden, which was almost 3,300 square meters, was large enough for her to take a stroll all day.
Walking into “Bijingyuan” and feeling the fragrant air in the spring breeze, Wang Qijun’s mood immediately lifted.
’You don’t need to keep me company, go about your business,’ she thought, wanting to quietly experience this beautiful artistic conception alone.
‘Yes, my lady,’ the maid replied softly.
After the maid left, Wang Qijun walked into the flower garden and immediately felt the light floral fragrance wafting towards her. The breeze was cool and caressed her dark, beautiful hair, while the chirping of birds in the branches surrounded her as they flew down and played around, stopping to chirp loudly on her delicate shoulders.
Birds are not close to people, but they are an exception to her. Years of feeding birds and her special connection with the surrounding nature have made the birds not afraid of her.
‘Are you welcoming me?’ she asked softly with a smile.
Teasing the birds and brushing her hair, she showed an angelic smile that no one else could see, completely different from her usual cold and indifferent demeanour.
The fair and beautiful face flushed with a delicate pink from the morning sun. This rare side of hers only appeared when she was alone in the face of all things natural. This was a world apart from the world of mortals, where even blood relatives like parents could not enter, even if they wanted to.
She believed that no one in this life would be able to share her inner world. She was so indifferent to the emotions of the human world, cold and silent.
★★★
Today, it is rare for Wang Xiongming and Ji Huamei to break the ice and show Wang Qijun what ordinary people call a kind father and mother’s smile, flattering her to quickly get dressed and accompany them, the celebrity couple, to pretend to be a loving family and rush to the mansion of the political bigwig Pang Tianhao to attend a dinner party.
‘I’m going too?’ She looks at her mother doubtfully.
“Yes! Go get dressed quickly, we’ll leave soon.’
Qijun sneered to herself, wondering if the time had come for them to join in the hypocrisy.
Her father needed to ally himself with the Pang family to strengthen his position in politics. Although her mother did not get along with her father, his rise to power would not mean that she, his wife, would not also become more important? Whenever their interests coincided, they would temporarily set aside their rivalry and cooperate seamlessly. She really admired their ability to put on a front.
Qijun sat in front of the dressing table, letting the nanny and maid comb her hair and dress her. Her long, soft hair was a natural compliment, but the maid curled it up high without asking her permission, leaving a few strands of hair framing her face to accentuate her mature beauty.
Qijun frowned slightly. In the past, when she attended celebrity parties with her parents, she had worn her hair down to her shoulders. But what was the point of today’s style? It wasn’t needed and it wasn’t necessary.
‘Comb it down,‘ she ordered softly.
’Er… miss?‘ The maid froze for a moment.
’No need to be fancy, just comb it straight.‘
’This…‘ The maid hesitated, looking troubled.
’Just comb it straight,’ she ordered again, not understanding why the maid was hesitating. Her soft tone was unyieldingly firm.
‘Don’t put it down, the comb is very good.’ Ji Huamei interrupted the tense atmosphere as she entered the room.
Mother? When did she start caring about her hairstyle? Qijun looked at Ji Huamei, who had just walked into the room, in the mirror with puzzlement.
The nanny and maid both stepped aside, and Ji Huamei, holding a cocktail dress in her hand, looked pleased with herself. She leaned close to her daughter and looked at her in the mirror with satisfaction, admiring the resemblance in their appearances.
‘The hair is done nicely, it really looks like me when I was younger,‘ Ji Huamei praised with satisfaction.
’Thank you, mother,‘ Qijun responded indifferently, without any expression.
’Come, try on this evening dress for me,’ she said, immediately ordering the nanny and maid to help the young lady change.
It was a mature and charming low-cut evening dress. The design of the upper body exposed her snow-white shoulders, while the long skirt tightly wrapped around the lower body, outlining her beautiful and slender curves. With an angelic face and a devilish figure, she really made people fall for her.
‘Let me see!’ Ji Huamei was amazed and led her daughter over to the mirror.
“How beautiful! You are worthy to be my daughter!’
Qi-jun looked uncomfortably at the gorgeous woman in the mirror. Her mother had never praised her like that before.
She still remembered the year she turned sixteen. Her father used her birthday as an excuse to invite celebrities and gentlemen from all walks of life to a party at the family home. Qi-jun was like a beautiful porcelain doll for people to admire, and the constant stream of praise made Ji Huamei feel very uncomfortable. Her mother could not tolerate anyone being more beautiful than her, even if it was her own daughter. From then on, Qi-jun rarely attended parties.
So at this moment, her mother’s praise sent a chill through her indifferent heart. She had an instinct that she shouldn’t have attended tonight’s banquet.

The resplendent lights illuminated the entire Pang family mansion. The magnificent hall glowed with a rainbow of colours. The extravagant decorations and the extraordinary gold ornaments, as well as the presence of celebrities and wealthy people from all walks of life at the feast, all boasted Pang Tianhao’s political power.
Qijun stood in the corner of the hall, coldly watching her parents’ pretence of affection as they mingled with the celebrities and noblewomen. Her mother was still afraid that Qijun would steal the limelight, so she told Qijun to wait in the corner of the hall.
Suddenly, she felt a menacing gaze staring at her, sending shivers down her indifferent heart. She looked around, but the hall was full of chatting gentlemen and ladies, and she couldn’t find the source of the gaze.
Was she being paranoid?
No, she wasn’t being paranoid! She really felt someone looking at her, and the gaze was suffocatingly oppressive and cold, as if it wanted to devour her, sending shivers down her spine.
‘Qijun! Come here.’
The voice snapped her out of her thoughts. It was her mother calling her. What, was it her turn to go on stage?
The oppressive feeling disappeared. She hesitated for a moment, then gathered her thoughts and walked towards her parents, pondering how she should act in this ‘family portrait’.
‘Pang Lao, this is my daughter, Qijun,’ her mother said, smiling sweetly. ‘My dear, say hello to Grandpa Pang.’
‘Hello, Grandpa Pang,’ Qijun said, bowing lightly.
Following her mother’s wishes, she acted like a polite young lady, pretending to be shy like any other young girl when she looked at the older person. However, Pang Tianhao, a powerful figure in the political arena, exuded an air of authority and awe that made people feel uneasy in his presence.
‘Well, she really is a stunning beauty with the bearing of a great lady,’ Pang Tianhao nodded approvingly, surveying her with a commanding gaze.
‘You’re too kind, Mr Pang,‘ Wang Xiongming said humbly and happily.
’Yes, how can my daughter compare to the daughter of your family?‘ Ji Huamei also flattered him, secretly delighted in her heart.
’You’ve grown so big, how old are you?‘ Pang Tianhao asked in a deep voice.
’Twenty,’
‘Oh, she’s old enough to get married.’ Pang Tianhao’s tone of voice made Qi-jun’s heart tremble with apprehension.
She wanted to ask something, but then other celebrities and politicians crowded in, also wanting to curry favour with Pang Tianhao and get closer to him, leaving her and her parents on the outside. Wang Xiongming and his wife were unwilling to be snubbed and of course did not want to be outdone, so they pushed their way back into the crowd.
She didn’t want to say hello to her parents and walk back to the sofa in the corner of the hall to rest, but when she saw her parents struggling to take up the opportunity to speak with Pang Tianhao in the crowd, it seemed that they had already forgotten about their daughter. With no choice but to smile, she walked back to the corner of the hall and found an inconspicuous seat, estimating in her heart how long she would have to put on an act tonight.
Here it comes again!
The same suffocating chill as before hit her, and someone was really staring at her!
Who is it? She looked around, a little startled by the calmness of her emotions. Why was her heart beating so fast?
Not being able to find the source of the gaze made her feel even more inexplicable fear.
She noticed that on the second floor steps, a handsome and upright man stood next to a pillar, holding a glass of wine and leaning against the railing, quietly and coldly watching the iceberg beauty—his future wife Pang Xiao.
A pair of deep, intelligent eyes, full of resentment and rejection, the beautiful young lady that everyone praised as absolutely beautiful, could not arouse any enthusiasm at all, there was only annoyance and disgust.
★★★
Recently, her parents seemed to be treating her particularly well. The correct way to put it was that they had finally noticed that they had a daughter at home. Her father often told her things like how good it was to have a daughter, and they all came home for dinner together every day. Her mother, on the other hand, would buy her lots of presents every now and then, like clothes and jewellery.
The nanny happily tidied up the mountain of gifts for her young mistress, saying, ‘Master and Mistress must have come to their senses. They’ve been treating you so well lately, and rightly so! It’s so nice to have a happy family again!’
Qijun sat on the balcony, leaning against the railing. Her pale face did not show the slightest hint of joy at the gifts or the change in her parents‘ attitude. It could be said that she was deeply puzzled…
’Young mistress, are you thinking?’ the nanny noticed the seriousness in her expression.
‘How could my father, who values fame and fortune above all else, and my selfish mother suddenly change their ways so drastically and treat me so well like a caring parent? There must be some greater interest at play for them to be so attentive. And the fact that they have stopped fighting for the first time in history is suspicious.
‘You’re thinking too much. And who describes their parents like that anyway!’ The nanny shook her head dismissively.
‘Are you going to sell me?‘ What use was their daughter to them?
’Nonsense! You are their daughter after all, and it is only natural that they should do well by you.‘ Sometimes the young lady’s thoughts were so unusual that she really worried.
She had always been in poor health, and after her third year of high school the doctor advised that she rest at home and not go out. Therefore, she had several tutors at home to teach her. In her parents’ eyes, she was useless.
Her father wanted a son, and she knew it. She had vaguely heard from her nanny that her father had a concubine and two sons, which meant that she had two younger brothers wandering around somewhere!
To be honest, she really wants to meet these two younger brothers! The word ‘siblings’ sounds so beautiful! Thinking about this, she couldn’t help but smile beautifully.
This smile looked like the maid’s satisfaction with the change in the master and the lady. After all, God is fair and has given the lady a reasonable treatment, so she can stop worrying about the lady in the future.

[3] Chapter 2

A dark cloud hangs over the Pang household today. The solemn atmosphere in the hall makes everyone there cautious about breathing. This suffocating atmosphere comes from Pang Tianhao’s ultimatum to his eldest grandson Pang Xiao. Pang Xiao’s future wife can only be the one chosen by Pang Tianhao, and the one he has chosen is Wang Xiongming’s only daughter, Wang Qijun.
‘I do not accept this political marriage,’ Pang Xiao said coldly.
Pang Tianhao sipped the tea in silence, his whole body radiating an air of majesty and authority, as if he were a king, sitting unruffled in the armchair.
‘Cancel this marriage!’ Pang Xiao declared once again, trying hard to resist the urge to yell.
“This marriage has already been decided. The Wang family daughter is the perfect match for our family, you have no choice.’
‘I decide who I marry, you have no right to order me to marry someone I don’t love!”
As the eldest grandson of the Pang family, he had been intelligent from a young age and had always grown up in the expectations of the whole family. Because of his outstanding qualifications, he had won the special affection of Pang Tianhao, who sent him to the UK to study.
Pang Xiao, who had been deeply influenced by a Western education, returned to China and immediately threw himself into politics, embarking on a political career and becoming what people called a second-generation political figure.
His handsome and serious appearance was made even more cold due to his grandfather’s overbearing decision. A marriage ordered by one’s parents is already outdated, let alone one ordered by one’s grandfather.
Pang Tianhao remained indifferent, put down his teacup and slowly spoke, ‘What’s wrong with the Wang family daughter? Not only is her family background prominent, her appearance is also beautiful, what more do you have to complain about?’
“That’s not the point, I don’t accept an emotional marriage,’
‘Love?‘ Pang Tianhao laughed contemptuously, “If you want to become a politician, you have to abandon your personal feelings. You have to make use of any resources that are beneficial to your political career, and marriage is no exception. You’re still young and don’t know the importance of things. I have climbed to the position of calling the shots today by putting emotions aside and putting ”profit’ first. If you want emotions, you can cultivate them after you get married.‘
’I’m not you, and politics is not my calling! I returned to China specifically to help my father establish connections within the Party and government. When the time is ripe, I will naturally withdraw from the business I founded.‘
’Damn you!’ A loud shout shook the hall. Pang Tianhao, who had been quiet, glared at Pang Xiao in exasperation. He could not bear it the most that his grandson had disobeyed orders and wanted to abandon politics for business.
No one in the hall dared to make a sound. Pang Xiao’s parents and sister could only stand by and worry as they faced the grandfather and grandson in the confrontation.
Pang Xiao, with his strong and deep personality, stared at his grandfather with steely eyes. The tension between the two was palpable and seemed to be about to erupt.
Pang Tianhao was the patriarch of the Pang family and wielded the greatest power. He controlled everything and had been calling the shots in the political arena for years. To him, the word ‘love’ was insignificant. A political marriage was the best strategy. To become a political figure, one had to have this understanding. The power he has built up over his lifetime is the best candidate for succession only if he is an outstanding Pang Xiao. In any case, he will not allow his grandson to set up his own business. However, Pang Xiao is a strong-willed person, and no one can argue with his stubbornness, which is the same as his. It seems that he has no choice but to let go.
‘You want to start a business? Fine! I have spent 26 years training you, spent a fortune sending you to top schools and even sent you to the UK for further studies. Now it’s time for you to repay the favour. If you want this family to survive, you will have to repay me in full for all the kindness I have shown you, otherwise you are a rebellious and ungrateful son!”
This remark effectively struck Pang Xiao’s weak point, and he stared at his grandfather for a long time without being able to say a word.
Pang Tianhao understood his grandson’s proud personality and knew that he would never accept favours without repaying them. So he planned to blackmail him and would not give up until he got what he wanted.
Pang Xiao said coldly, ‘I will never forget the kindness you have shown me, and I will repay you for the 26 years of expenses.’
“Money? I have plenty of that! Can you repay me with kindness? If you really want to repay me, just marry the Wang family’s daughter and help your father in politics, and that will be enough to repay me. After everything is settled, you can do whatever you want.’ Hmph! By then, his grandson will definitely continue to pursue a political career as he wishes. After having tasted the sweetness of power, who would be willing to let go? Let him submit for now, and then slowly brainwash him.
Pang Xiao remained silent, the only thing that remained unchanged was the cold gaze in his eyes. The tense and cold atmosphere continued. Unable to bear to see her son in pain, Pang Xiao’s mother mustered the courage to go up to her father-in-law and persuade him, ’Father, I think for the time being…’
The words she had not finished speaking immediately gave way to Pang Tianhao’s fierce glare, and Pang Xiao’s mother was so scared that she shut up and dared not say anything more, retreating to her husband’s side. The couple looked at each other helplessly.
‘If the eldest brother doesn’t want to marry, then don’t force him!’ Pang Juan, the youngest sister, ventured to speak up in opposition, in a low voice. She and her eldest brother had been close since childhood, and although he hated her as much as he hated her, she still gathered her courage, even though she hated her grandfather.
“The Wang family’s daughter is not bad! This marriage is very rare, it’s not bad!”
Zheng Weiming, the cousin, said resentfully. Because the family had fallen on hard times, they were living with the Pang family. Everything revolved around Pang Tianhao. If you wanted to make a difference in politics, it was definitely the right thing to do to go along with what Lord Pang wanted. Not to mention that Lord Pang had chosen a beautiful woman from a famous family. Although they hadn’t met, he had heard of her reputation. He was really jealous and envious!
Zheng Weiming’s previous remark had earned him a few disapproving glances from the others. He was always saying the opposite at critical moments, the bastard! Everyone cursed him in their hearts.
‘Other than the Wang family’s daughter, there is no second choice. If you want to repay my kindness, you must marry Wang Qijun.’
Pang Tianhao made himself very clear, and the majesty and coldness in his tone indicated that there was no room for negotiation.
Pang Xiao still stared straight at his grandfather’s resolute and merciless face. His whole body stood still with rigid lines like those of a knife carving, only his clenched fists trembling.
Pang Juan tried to speak up for her eldest brother, but was stopped by her father.
‘Fine, I’ll marry her,’ Pang Xiao made a commitment, his attitude turning cold.
‘Eldest brother?’ Pang Juan called out, and Pang Tianfu and his wife looked at their son in surprise.
Pang Xiao’s mouth curled into a smile, but his eyes were cold and full of hatred. He looked at his grandfather coldly and said, ‘As you wish, I will marry the Wang family’s daughter. After marrying her, will I no longer owe you a favour, as you said?’
‘Good.’
“Then as you wish! However, I am not responsible for the consequences!’
Pang Tianhao was very pleased with his son’s submission and ignored the provocation in his last words. He then turned to his son and gave an order. ‘Tianfu.’
‘Yes, father.’ Pang Xiao’s father hurriedly stood up and responded.
‘Choose a date to go to the Wang family to propose marriage, announce the news to the media, and let them get married within three months.’
‘Uh… yes, father.’
Pang Tianfu respectfully replied, secretly sighing that he dared not voice any objections.
‘Tell the driver to get ready, I want to go to Minister Luo’s house for a visit.‘
’My lord, I’ll accompany you,’ Zheng Weiming said solicitously.
Pang Tianhao nodded in agreement, and Zheng Weiming happily trailed behind him. As he passed by Pang Xiao, he accidentally received a murderous glare from him, so he quickly slunk out like a turtle.
Zheng Weiming secretly glared at Pang Xiao, thinking to himself: Marrying the Wang family’s daughter is the one thing everyone dreams of. Marrying Wang Qijun is the same as combining the power of Wang Xiongming. I heard that Wang Qijun is even more beautiful than her mother Ji Huamei. Pang Xiao doesn’t want to marry her, he would rather be willing to. Hmph! An arrogant guy who doesn’t know his place in the world.
The matter was already a foregone conclusion, and everyone looked at Pang Xiao with concern.
‘This is too much!‘ Pang Juan cried out angrily after her grandfather had gone, “For Grandpa’s sake, he’s forcing Big Brother!”
Her mother sighed helplessly, “To become a powerful politician, there are many things you can’t help doing.”
’Marriage is no joke, how can you tell Big Brother to marry a stranger with no feelings? Grandpa is being overbearing, I object!‘
’You mustn’t be disrespectful to Grandpa! He has a reason for doing this,’ her father warned Pang Juan sternly.
‘Bullshit!‘ she snorted.
’You—‘ Pang Tianfu glared at his youngest daughter and raised his hand to discipline her.
’Juaner, stop!’ Holding her husband’s hand, her mother rebuked her wayward daughter.
Pang Juan was not afraid of anyone except her grandfather and eldest brother, so she stubbornly protested, ’That’s right! No matter what stubborn old man Grandpa decides, I will never recognise that woman as my sister-in-law.’ Her lips pouted in anger.
‘How dare you!’ her father roared.
Her mother was also angry. ‘Juan, shut up…’
A loud thud on the table silenced everyone. The sound came from Pang Xiao, who gave them a cold stare and then walked towards the door without saying a word.
‘Big brother…’ Pang Juan called out cautiously.
Pang Xiao swept away without looking back. No one dared to go up to him and hold him back, so they could only watch his back and sigh helplessly.
At this moment, someone noticed that Cindy, the housekeeper’s daughter, was hiding behind the curtain in the corner of the hall. When she heard that Pang Xiao was willing to marry the Wang family’s daughter, she was shocked and hurt beyond measure.
She had sworn since she was young that she would marry Pang Xiao, but he had already decided to marry someone else. What was she supposed to do?
A sense of crisis filled her entire head. Pang Xiao, whom she had admired for many years, was about to get married, but the bride would not be her, but…the one of Ming Wang Qijun, who had a good family background without having to work hard, and who became Pang Xiao’s bride without having to pursue her. She hated it! She hated it so much!
Pang Xiao roared out of the Pang family gate in a sports car, and the car sped recklessly on the highway, her mind flashing back to that face. The person she met at the dinner party was the one Grandpa wanted him to marry. Wang Xiongming was trying to curry favour with Grandpa by doing everything he could to get his daughter to marry him, and even said that his daughter had long had a crush on him.
That’s just bullshit! Personally, he really hates what Wang Xiongming has done in terms of many policies, and the two also have very different political philosophies. This person is always fawning over the powerful and the rich in order to climb the social ladder, and has done many shady things that are not to be seen by others. Where will his daughter go from there?
She is pretty, but her attitude is cold and arrogant. She is probably unable to break away from the personality of a spoilt rich girl. The grandfather actually deliberately blackmails him with kindness to get his way. Good! He will marry that one, but don’t expect him to give her a good face. Pang Xiao stepped on the accelerator hard, venting all his anger in the extreme speeding car speed.
A chill ran down her spine. It was so cold!
Qijun unconsciously hugged herself. Why did she feel cold?
‘Miss, are you cold? Do you want to go inside? Be careful not to catch a cold,’ the nanny asked with concern.
It was a sunny day with a gentle breeze. How could she catch a cold? She wasn’t that weak.
‘I want to stay here for a while longer,’ she didn’t want to give up the tranquillity and spring-like beauty of the ‘Bi Jing Garden’.
She has rarely seen her parents lately, and she deliberately avoids them. No way! No matter how good her parents’ acting skills are, they can’t hide it from their daughter, who has lived with them for 20 years. She knows that their friendliness is for a purpose, but she can’t guess what it is. And she doesn’t want to act with them even at home. She is very tired, so she simply hides in the “Green Garden” to get some peace and quiet.
Unfortunately, the heavens don’t obey man’s wishes, and the peace and quiet doesn’t last long.
The maid came running from afar, shouting, ‘Miss! Sir and Madam would like to see you in the living room.’
‘Oh?’ Qi-jun raised her eyebrows lightly. It was broad daylight, why were her parents still at home and not out socialising at work?
‘I’ll be right there,’ she said lightly.
The maid nodded and ran back to the hall to report back.
‘Get married?’ Qi-jun’s face, which had been solemn for a hundred years, rarely showed a surprised expression.
‘Yes, you should get married too!‘ said Ji Huamei with a delighted expression on her face. “The Pang family’s son is an outstanding young man, not only handsome and capable, but also a top student who studied in the UK. He is the rising star in the political arena with the most unlimited prospects. He likes young ladies, and there are countless of them, but he fell in love with you at first sight. You marrying him will not only be a glorious occasion, but more importantly, it will greatly enhance your status!”
’Love at first sight? Has he seen me?’ She looked at her with a suspicious expression.
‘It was the dinner party we went to last week! Pang Dao spoke highly of you! No one else’s daughter can compare to the daughter I gave birth to, hehe…”
Qi Jun’s cherry lips tightened even more. So this was the reason why her parents took her to the dinner party. Otherwise, her mother, who valued beauty above all else, would never have let her appear in a big scene to steal her mother’s limelight. She sighed inwardly. She was so stupid! She should have guessed.
Wang Xiongming followed suit. ‘I really can’t bear to give my daughter away in marriage, but since he is the son of the Pang family, I can rest a hundred and twenty hearts. After all, only he is worthy of my daughter Wang Xiongming.’
The two parents sang in unison in front of her. Even though their relationship was like fire and water, they could cooperate incredibly well.
Qijun pondered: This family is so big, but there is no place for her. People care about their thoughts. To put it nicely, it’s marrying off one’s daughter; to put it bluntly, it’s treating her like a tribute in exchange for a more advantageous position of power. This is a political marriage, right? Can she say no? She has the right to choose.
That’s fine. She doesn’t miss this family anyway, so it might as well be somewhere else!
‘Fine, I’ll marry,’ she said calmly.
The abrupt reply left Wang Xiongming and Ji Huamei looking surprised and stunned.
Really, is this the expression of being unable to adapt to an answer that came too quickly? Qijun smiled to herself.
‘Really?’ Ji Huamei asked in surprise.
‘Just arrange it as you wish,’ Qijun said, getting up. ‘I’m a bit tired and want to go back to my room and rest.’
‘Okay, go: you can’t be too tired to be a bride!’ Wang Xiongming said happily.
After her daughter had gone, Ji Huamei sighed and frowned. ‘I really don’t know who she takes after. She’s always cold and doesn’t have any temper.’
‘The daughter you gave birth to should take after whoever you want her to.’
‘Wang, what do you mean by that?’
‘You think that’s funny?’
‘Stop pretending! I really don’t know what was wrong with me that I married a scumbag like you!’ Ji Huamei started to lose her temper. She had held back for a long time.
‘The feeling is mutual! I wish I could turn back time and go back to the past to wake up the person who was blind and married you. It was a mistake that caused eternal regret.’
An unbearable stream of abuse came into the corridor. Qijun shook her head. Once their goal was achieved, they immediately revealed their true colours. She couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Why did she laugh? She didn’t understand either, she just wanted to laugh, laugh at her parents, laugh, and laugh at this family…
★★★
The wedding was scheduled for three months later, and Qijun became a June bride. The wedding was a grand sensation, and media reporters scrambled to cover it.
‘This scene is even more impressive than the wedding of Wang Xiongming and Ji Huamei back then.’
The nosy VIP women guests competed to comment on the event. However, it wasn’t just the long-winded ones who joined in the three-inch tongue battle, even the men joined in, telling the story of the wedding.
‘Pang Jiaquan is very powerful. Not only has he been calling the shots in politics for many years, his influence in the business world is also not to be underestimated. Many of the companies under his name are doing well. Such a wealthy and powerful family has always been a family that everyone wants to marry into. Coupled with the fact that Pang’s eldest son is young, accomplished and extraordinarily good-looking, he is the perfect choice for the princesses.’ A reporter explained to the other men, and everyone listened with interest.
Then someone else provided gossip. ‘But after a fierce competition, the Wang family’s daughter was chosen, and I don’t know how many people were left with broken hearts. The Wang Xiongming couple couldn’t stop smiling.’
When the bride and groom appeared, everyone stopped their discussion and scrambled to see how handsome the groom was and how beautiful the bride was.
This was the first time she had the chance to see him. When a pair of broad, strong hands lifted the snow-white veil, she saw a pair of deep, expressive eyes. The owner of those eyes was a handsome man with flying sword-shaped eyebrows, a handsome nose and thin, pursed lips that outlined the untamed character of the man.
But…she didn’t feel anything. The word ‘husband’ meant nothing to her. She was only worried about what the future would hold.
Seeing her covered in white satin, Pang Xiao was momentarily stunned. There was no denying that she was beautiful, especially up close, like a doll exquisitely carved, flawless and stunning. Even though he had seen her before, he was still shocked by her beauty and unable to take his eyes off her for a long time.
Pang Xiao calmly put the ring on her finger and bent his head to kiss the bride as instructed by the priest.
When he touched those two perfectly arched cherry lips, Pang Xiao couldn’t help but feel surprised. The lips were cold to the touch, and when he saw her indifferent expression, the feeling of surprise was immediately replaced by disgust. He would never like someone who was cold and arrogant.
Was it an illusion? Qijun felt like she had just received a cold and resentful stare.
During the three months of wedding preparations, she had not seen him. Even the marriage proposal was made by the parents of the other party. She was not curious about her future husband, but she was also wondering why he had never shown up.
He is tall, much taller than her! I wonder what his personality is like?
The wedding banquet continued until the evening. Many famous politicians and politicians vied to toast the newlyweds. Suddenly, the woman shook hands with enthusiasm and said, ‘Qijun, congratulations!’
‘I’m Shao Wei, Zhong Shao Wei! Your high school classmate, remember? It’s hard to wait for a chance to talk to you, there are really a lot of people here!‘
’Why did you come to my wedding?‘ She didn’t invite any classmates to attend because she didn’t think she had any friends in high school, and Zhong Shao Wei’s appearance really took her by surprise.
’My cousin is good friends with your husband, it’s really thanks to my cousin that I get to see such a beautiful bride!’ Seeing that Zhong Shaowei was so excited that she kept holding Qi-jun’s hand, her rosy face flushed with excitement, she was truly happy for Qi-jun.
Today is the day Qi-jun wears the veil and becomes a bride. Receiving the blessings from Zhong Shaowei’s palm, it suddenly touched Qi-jun’s heart with an inexplicable feeling. So many people came to the wedding banquet, and Zhong Shaowei, a girl who used to be in the same class in high school, her blessings and enthusiasm were even more sincere than her parents’.
Qi-jun showed a rare smile. ‘Thank you,’ she said, her voice tinged with an unnoticeable excitement.
Without a moment’s rest, Qi-jun was pushed by the crowd towards the other congratulatory groups.
I’m so tired! She sighed inwardly, always feeling that this was someone else’s wedding and had nothing to do with her. Strangely, she felt that the man next to her—the husband she would spend the rest of her life with—seemed to feel the same way as her, indifferent and apathetic towards the wedding.
He doesn’t like her. For no reason, a thought touches her feelings, any sign of it, but he just doesn’t like her. It seems that he is disgusted by this political marriage.
A sensational wedding banquet, from the wedding hall to the Pangmen mansion, until the evening break time, only then did the last group of guests who wanted to disturb the newlyweds leave. Qi Jun finally got a chance to rest. The wedding and banquet were held and completed within one day. Oh my god, how tired!
After a comfortable bath, she sat quietly on the bed.
Looking around at the gorgeous and elegant bedroom, she saw that all the furniture had been imported from Europe and was exquisitely and pleasingly arranged. However, to her, it was only ‘strange’. Could this be the place she would spend the rest of her life?
A wave of sadness came over her. She, Wang Qijun, was twenty years old and had married today, to someone she had never met and had never experienced the taste of love…
Suddenly a suffocating gaze shot over, and Wang Qijun looked alertly towards the door. It was him!
Pang Xiao coldly examined the beautiful bride-to-be.
Wife? He sneered, his eyes devoid of emotion, but instead full of disgust. He spoke coldly: ‘I don’t want to marry you.’
‘Huh?’
The two’s first opening words left Qijun confused, and she looked at him with big, puzzled eyes, indicating that she didn’t understand.
‘Marrying you is not my wish, I am following orders, so we must talk,’ he explained coldly, his tone full of disdain.
This was not what she expected, but she was not too surprised, because she had doubts about this marriage beforehand, she just didn’t bother to find out the truth. She never imagined that what she really thought was a 100% political marriage, and the other party was also a victim, and it seems that the other party’s reaction was even more intense than hers.
She spoke indifferently, ’Since marrying me is not what you want, why don’t you refuse?’
‘That’s why I have to talk to you.‘
’Please go on,‘ she replied politely.
Pang Xiao paused, taken aback by her unexpected calmness. He continued, “My grandfather wanted me to marry you, and for some reason I can’t disobey him. But the fact that I don’t love you is indelible.”
’I…’ she nodded.
Pang Xiao was stunned again. Did she understand what he was saying? Did she want to change her mind by submitting instead of fighting?
Grandpa was deep and resourceful, and he would surely choose a first-class role. Hmph! Do you want a long war? He will never compromise. He will decide the future. Marrying her was already the biggest concession he has made in his life, but don’t ever think of controlling his future!
Thinking about this, he couldn’t help but burn with anger. ‘Listen carefully. You are marrying only the Pang family, not me, Pang Xiao. In the future, you can do whatever you want in this family, but don’t ask about anything, because it’s none of your business!’
Qi-jun trembled involuntarily. The cold look was the same as the feeling she had at the dinner party. So it was him…
‘What… do you mean?’
He walked up to the bed and suddenly held her fresh face in his hands, looking at her closely. This unexpected action made her lose colour.
‘I mean…’ he said, narrowing his eyes and speaking word by word. ‘I will never touch you, and you should behave and not provoke me.’
He suddenly let her go, turned around, and strode out of the room to the adjoining study. When he reached the door, he stopped and turned to glare at her coldly.
‘From now on, I’ll sleep in the study!’
The door to the study was closed mercilessly, and Qijun was not given the opportunity to explain for even a moment. She sat stunned on the bed, her entire mind in a flurry from what had just happened. All she could feel was the depth of his gaze and anger just now.
She stroked her chin, which had been sore from his grip, and digested what he had said. What kind of family had her parents married her into? Would the Pang family accept her? Judging from his attitude just now, he had to be made to face this question squarely.
Alas, she still didn’t even know her husband’s name!
He said he wouldn’t touch her and told her to mind her own business, which means she can still maintain the quiet life she had when she was single! This is good news. She was worried that her quiet personality would make it difficult to get along with others. This family ignores her, which saves the trouble of socializing. It’s not bad to be a nominal wife, at least you can get a quiet and comfortable life.
Looking in the direction of the study, she couldn’t help but smile. She would comply with the request, because that was exactly what she wanted.
★★★
The early morning family breakfast gathering was to allow Wang Qijun to formally meet every member of the Pang family.
After everyone was seated, Pang Tianhao smiled as he looked at his new daughter-in-law and gently asked, ‘Qijun, did you sleep well last night?’
Qijun nodded gently. ‘Yes.’ She behaved politely and appropriately.
Pang smiled in return, secretly observing Pang Xiao’s expression and the attitude of the new granddaughter-in-law. The two of them seemed calm and unruffled, but there was no sign of the shyness and joy that a newlywed couple should have.
‘Qijun, let me introduce you to the members of this family.”
Pang Tianfu, the father-in-law, kindly introduced each person to his daughter-in-law. In fact, this should be done by Pang Xiao, but Pang Xiao seemed to have no intention of doing so. He was good at reading people’s expressions and was afraid that the atmosphere at breakfast would be ruined, so he took the lead in enthusiastically introducing Qijun, hoping to avoid possible arguments.
‘I’m Zheng Weiming, your sister-in-law. Please give me your advice in the future.‘ Without waiting for his uncle to introduce him, Zheng Weiming answered first, staring at Wang Qijun with wide eyes in disbelief. The shock of amazement from yesterday’s wedding ceremony had not yet subsided, and a closer look made her even more breathless with awe.
’You’re welcome,’ she said, nodding slightly. She didn’t like the look in his eyes, and immediately looked away to the servants.
What a pretty girl, Qi-jun thought to herself. It was rare to have the opportunity to get to know a girl of similar age, so she smiled at her in a friendly manner. However, she was rewarded with a look of disdain and indifference.
Qi-jun was momentarily stunned by this coldness, and Pang Tian-fu warned his daughter with his eyes.
“This is Pang Juan, Xiao’s younger sister. Juan’er, quickly greet your sister-in-law.’
‘Sister-in-law.’ She called out in a clear, soft voice, and Pang Juan revealed a warm, pretty smile, completely reversing the indifferent expression she had just had. Did she misread the situation? Qi-jun wondered.
After breakfast, Pang’s mother took Qi-jun to familiarise her with the Pang residence and introduce her to the other servants, while also letting the servants know that this was the new young lady of the house.
The Pang mansion was at least three times larger than her family’s home, and the landscaping was first-class, as if she had entered a paradise. However, this was not the most important thing. What most caught her eye was a greenhouse in the corner of the garden. The crystal-clear glass reflected the sunlight in a rainbow of colours, like a dream, and she was mesmerised.
Following her gaze, Pang’s mother noticed her attention to the greenhouse and smiled, saying, ‘Let’s go take a look.’
‘Hm,’ she nodded.
Once they entered the greenhouse, the light floral fragrance hit her nose. The aroma mixed with the warmth, and the sunlight through the glass was softer. Bathing in it, she felt an indescribable sense of comfort throughout her body, and a smile of contentment could not be helped from the corner of her mouth.
‘You like plants?’ Pang’s mother asked.
‘Yes,’ she nodded happily.
‘I like them too,’ she said softly.
Qi-jun’s beautiful eyes were bright and clear, reflecting the green flowers all around the room, and she was full of rare excitement.
Pang’s mother, who was watching her carefully, thought that girls who liked flowers and plants were generally kind. This girl might seem cold and aloof, but her eyes were so gentle at the moment, and she didn’t seem like a spoiled rich girl. She was quite different from the impression she had at first. She thought that this daughter-in-law should be quite good, but… her son was quite prejudiced, and Pang’s mother couldn’t help but worry.
She prayed that the days ahead would be peaceful.
★★★
It’s actually not difficult to be the Pang family’s young wife. Honestly, it’s quite relaxing. This was Qi-jun’s feeling during her first week in the Pang family.
Although she is already married, she is the only one sleeping in the huge bedroom, so she feels very relaxed and carefree. Her husband, Pang Xiao, as I think his name is, doesn’t see her for two or three days. He either leaves for work before dawn or goes to the study to rest after she has fallen asleep, leaving her the comfortable big bed.
She was lost in thought, playing with the rose petals in the vase. Her mother-in-law had cut them from the garden herself and given them to her. Her days here were very easy to pass. In the morning, she would go for a walk in the courtyard, or spend the whole day in the greenhouse with the flowers and plants.
Thinking of the greenhouse, she suddenly remembered that she had promised her mother-in-law to help her arrange the roses in the greenhouse. So she put on her coat and walked outside. As she was about to approach the greenhouse, she unexpectedly stumbled upon a scene that she should not have intruded upon.
A beautiful woman was looking pitifully at the man in front of her, her face covered in sad tears. The man she was weeping at was her husband, Pang Xiao, whom she didn’t see for two or three days.
“Cindy, don’t cry. I appreciate your kindness, but I’m fine.
‘My lord shouldn’t have forced you into marriage. You don’t love that person. When I think of the injustice you suffered, I… I feel so sad.’ She said this and her tears flowed again.
Pang Xiao frowned and looked at her. Cindy was the daughter of the housekeeper. She grew up with him since childhood and could be said to be childhood friends. Like everyone else, she also feels injustice for him, but there is no need to cry so exaggeratedly, right?
‘Don’t cry,‘ he said soothingly. “You didn’t ask me here just to cry, did you?”
’Yes…‘ she said, wiping away her tears. “Even though you were forced to marry, you can’t go on like this forever. You can’t stay emotionally empty forever.”
’Marriage is just a contract. Marriage can’t tie me down,’
Cindy echoed with delight. ‘Yes! Your heart is still free, you can still fall in love. You deserve someone who understands you, who is compatible with you, and who knows your needs, not someone who will be tied down for life by that wooden beauty who doesn’t understand you!’
Pang Xiao raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Cindy’s attitude. ‘What do you want to say?’
‘Xiao, you deserve me…’ Cindy expressed her admiration for him with her eyes.
‘Cindy…’ Pang Xiao looked embarrassed. He hadn’t completely missed Cindy’s feelings, but he had always regarded her as a sister.
Qi-jun couldn’t see what expression Pang Xiao had when his back was turned, but it was inappropriate to peek at people making love at the moment! She wanted to quietly turn around and leave, but the branches and leaves of the bushes caught the hem of her skirt and made a sound.
Suddenly, the two of them turned around in surprise to look at the source of the sound.
Pang Xiao looked at Qi Jun in surprise, and she was also stunned by the unexpected scene.
Time seemed to have stopped. Slowly, Pang Xiao’s surprised expression gradually turned cold. Her eyes flashed with an unyielding vigilance, and she asked coldly, ‘Did you come here to do it?’
Qi Jun felt a chill down her spine. Her eyes were so cold that they made her tremble unconsciously. She hurriedly looked away and looked elsewhere, but her eyes met the woman next to him.
The woman also looked at her with a guarded gaze, mixed with a hint of resentment.
Yes! She had interrupted them and intruded on their privacy, so the two of them glared at her with unfriendly gazes at the same time. It seemed that she needed to explain clearly that she hadn’t meant to do so.
‘I went to the greenhouse to help my mother arrange the flowers,’ she answered friendly.
‘Xiao…‘ Cindy leaned helplessly into Pang Xiao’s arms and said, “If she tells the master a lie, I’m afraid he will expel me and my parents…” Her tears flowed again, making her look even more pitiful.
’Don’t worry, we didn’t do anything, and besides, she wouldn’t dare!’ The last three words were said with an iron-hard heartlessness, and the person who met them with cold eyes made Qijun tremble slightly.
She had long since understood that he didn’t like her, but she didn’t think that he already had someone else. She never imagined that she would somehow become the bad third party that interfered with someone else’s relationship.
‘Sorry, I’ve disturbed you.’ Qijun sensibly turned around and quickly left.
Once she was gone, Pang Xiao moved Cindy’s body out of the way. Just now, he didn’t stop Cindy’s inappropriate closeness because he also wanted Qijun to see this side of the story, as a kind of revenge!
‘Xiao, if you say yes, I’ll be devoted to you and be your mistress.‘ She looked at him with hope in her eyes.
Pang Xiao said sternly, “Thank you for your feelings for me, but I’ve always treated you like a sister.”
’You don’t like me?‘
’You’re very beautiful and generous, but our relationship is just like that of brother and sister.‘
’Just now, you didn’t stop me from leaning on your chest—’
‘That was an act!’ he declared. “I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, it won’t happen again.”
Pang Xiao turned and left, leaving a stunned Cindy standing in the garden.
Qi-jun returned to her bedroom and sat by the window, gasping for breath. She had almost run back, somehow she was just afraid of seeing his cold eyes, which made her suffocate.
After a few breaths, she didn’t expect Pang Xiao to enter the room after her. Qi-jun turned her head to meet his deep eyes under his thick eyebrows. The two of them looked at each other wordlessly for a long, long time. Finally, Pang Xiao said lightly, ‘This marriage was originally built on political interests. I said that marrying you is not my wish. You cannot force feelings. I hope you can understand.’
‘I understand,’ Qi-jun replied.
Pang Xiao paused for a moment, and then, quite suddenly, she looked at her rationally and calmly, with a suspicious expression.
Finally, she had the opportunity to explain. Qijun stood up and faced him. My God, the pressure was so great, especially when looking at the serious poker face up close. For the first time since they got married, they had the chance to have a formal conversation. She spoke softly and sweetly, ‘My parents decided for me to marry you, and I just married you as they wanted. I have no intention of destroying everything for you. You can just maintain the status quo and treat me like I’m invisible. I won’t interfere with anything you do, like what you were doing with that woman just now…’ She looked at him carefully and cautiously. ‘And I won’t care, so you don’t have to worry.’
She carefully observed Pang Xiao’s facial expressions, afraid of saying the wrong thing. This person was someone she could not afford to offend. Seeing that he was still listening carefully, she continued, ‘Marriage is just a formality. The spiritual aspect is the most important. We are all victims of this marriage, so I understand your helplessness very well. You don’t have to worry about me. Really, just treat me like an invisible person.’
Finally, she had got all the words out of her system. Wang Qijun had never spoken so much to anyone in her entire life, except for her nanny. Today was an exception.
Pang Xiao couldn’t help but look at her with a strange expression. What she had just said completely took him by surprise. Did she really mean that she didn’t care? That would be good, but…wouldn’t he feel his pride hurt?
This was the first time she had been so generous as to let it go, and she was his wife! She was being too honest, too, too honest! He was speechless. She looked so serious, it was hard to tell if she was lying. This made him feel like he was being presumptuous, thinking that she would cling to him as soon as she saw him. A hundred emotions welled up in him, and he didn’t know how to talk to her.
Stared at by his deep, soulful eyes, Qijun felt very uncomfortable, her heart beating a little faster. Unconsciously, she tilted her face slightly to the side, and the gentle breeze from the window blew softly, caressing her fine, silky hair. She looked gentle and ethereal, as if an iceberg had melted into the spring water, floating with a warm, tender feeling.
Pang Xiao was even more confused. He had always thought her beautiful, but he had never paid any attention to her. After all, he had seen so many beautiful women, but now he had an indescribable feeling.
Seeing that he was silent, Qijun’s heart was a little panicked. She was not used to being alone with someone for so long. It was a kind of torture for her, especially since the man in front of her was so cool and collected, exuding an air of authority that repelled people.
He had made himself clear, so why was he silent? Was he looking at her? What should she do now? Shouldn’t she be the one to speak if he wasn’t going to? They were both so awkward here! She was usually used to being alone, but her normally calm heart was beginning to feel a little restless. If he wasn’t going to leave, then she would leave, so as to avoid the strange atmosphere.
‘Excuse me,’ she said, bowing her head, and walked around him to leave the room.
“Wait,’
Pang Xiao inadvertently grabbed her hand and wanted to say something, but unexpectedly felt the tenderness after the touch. The skin on her wrist was as smooth as water, but a little cold.
Shocked by this sudden move, she reflexively pulled back her grasped hand and looked at him with fear in her eyes. Immediately, her reaction and actions hurt her pride.
Pang Xiao looked at her awkwardly and fiercely. She made him feel like he had violated her, rejected his touch like a pervert.
What the hell! He was the one rejecting her, but now the roles have reversed. He is a man of honour, an outstanding intellectual in the eyes of the public, the most promising newcomer in politics, and a young talent in high society. Now he is being rejected, it is simply too…too…too damaging to his pride.
A wave of anger rushed to his head, but he suppressed it. After all, she had the right to refuse. Pang Xiao walked back to his room without looking back, leaving Qijun, whose heart was still pounding, behind.
She had angered him again. He stroked his wrist and pondered. Her reaction was a bit excessive, but it wasn’t her fault! Who could blame her? He always had that poker face of his, so cold and oppressive. It seemed like the air even stagnated whenever he was around. I really doubt he knows how to smile. It seems best to avoid him in the future. After all, we’re just nominal husband and wife…
★★★
Since the embarrassing incident in the bedroom, Qijun has not met with him again. Pang Xiao still goes out early in the morning and returns late at night, sometimes not even returning for several days. Politics is just that busy! The reason she knows whether Pang Xiao is back or not is because she notices that the door to his study remains open when he is not home, and if he is home, the door is definitely locked. She doesn’t need him to declare that his study is off-limits, and she would not enter his study whether he is home or not.
Today, Qijun went for a walk in the garden as usual. She felt that Pang Xiao was really a good-for-nothing, doing nothing all day. She couldn’t help laughing at herself. At that moment, she noticed someone approaching her. When she looked back, it was the strange woman from the other day. The woman didn’t look like an ordinary maid, and she didn’t seem to belong to the Pang family either. But why was she at the Pang residence?
‘Hello, I’m Cindy. We met near the greenhouse that day, remember! My father is the butler of the Pang family, but I’m not a maid, don’t get me wrong.‘ Cindy’s eyes were full of arrogance.
’I remember, hello.‘ Qi-jun nodded politely. It turned out to be the daughter of the butler. This must be related to Pang Xiao if she came to see her.
’I’ll be frank about something, and I won’t beat around the bush with you. You should know about my relationship with Pang Xiao, right?’ Cindy deliberately lied to Qi-jun.
Huh? This tone is not good, and her personality and attitude are a complete contrast to the impression she gave the other day of being gentle and weak.
‘I can guess,’ Qijun replied.
‘I am Pang Xiao’s lover. I was before he got married, and I am still his lover after he got married.’
Cindy did not say ‘you’ got married, but ‘he’ got married, which shows that she simply does not take her into consideration.
‘What do you want to say?‘ Qi-jun asked.
’Pang Xiao and I were always recognised as a couple, and although he was forced to marry you, his heart is still with me. It’s all your fault that we can only meet in secret now. I hope you’ll be sensible and not destroy Pang Xiao and me. If you tell Master Pang or anyone else, Pang Xiao will never forgive you!”
This is both sharp and clever. Will Pang Xiao like it? It’s hard to imagine.
‘What do you say?‘ Seeing that Qi-jun was silent, Cindy pressed her question.
’It’s got nothing to do with me.‘
’?‘
’How you get along with Pang Xiao is none of my business.‘
’None of your business? You mean it doesn’t matter?‘ Is she really that generous? Cindy didn’t believe her.
’If it matters, you can talk to Pang Xiao, he will explain it to you.’ Not wanting to waste any more time with her, Qi-jun ended the boring conversation and tried to walk away.
‘Wait!’ Cindy stood in front of Wang Qijun and announced in a hostile tone, “I don’t think you have any ideas, but I am determined to get Pang Xiao. I have worked hard for so many years and I will not let him go easily. Don’t think that you are a rich lady and pretty and you can be complacent. I will never give up on him! We will see.” After leaving her provocative words, Cindy quickly left, still throwing a vicious glance as she left.
Cindy cursed under her breath as she walked away. Hmph! That big beauty is really a bit worrying. Pang Xiao’s refusal to take her as a mistress was a miscalculation on her part, but she would not give up so easily. She must make the young mistress’s dream come true!
Suddenly, a muffled laugh came from behind the bushes.
‘Who is it?’ Cindy asked in surprise. Someone was actually hiding in the garden!
Zheng Weiming leisurely walked out from behind the bushes, smiling slyly at Cindy.
‘Mr Zheng?’ Cindy’s sharp gaze softened and she returned to her usual gentle and polite demeanour.
‘Why aren’t you at work today? Taking the day off?’ she asked warily, wondering how long he had been there and whether he had overheard their conversation.
‘Master Pang asked me to come back and get some information, and I’ll be leaving soon.’ He kept his smiling eyes on her as he looked her up and down.
‘In that case, I won’t disturb you anymore. I still need to help the old lady make tea.‘ He nodded and then left.
’I heard that.‘
’?’ Cindy stopped in her tracks.
‘I heard your conversation just now, and I feel for you.’ Zheng Weiming said with a hint of mystery in his voice, and the smile on his face was even more treacherous.
He really did hear it. He looked like he was hiding a knife in his smile. All along, she had thought that the most difficult person in the Pang family was him. Cindy pretended to be calm, trying to cover up her rapid heartbeat. He wants to?
Zheng Weiming walked up to her, examined her for a long time, and then said with a smile, ’Maybe, we can cooperate.’

[4] Chapter 3

With the exception of the grandfather and the father-in-law, the family members did not like her, and the servants around her were also cold and distant.
‘I heard that the wife threatened Cindy not to go near the young master, that’s really too much!’
Several servants gathered around Cindy, whispering and discussing how cold and harsh the new young wife was.
Cindy pretended to be sad and said with grievances, ‘Maybe she found that the young master has a crush on me, so she treats me like a thorn in her side. She warned me not to approach the young master, and even scolded me for being shameless…’
Cindy cried like a tearful person, winning the sympathy of all the servants.
The appearance of this new young wife has caused the young master Pang Xiao, who everyone has always admired, to lose his usual smile. Now he is even bullying the innocent Cindy, which has caused public outrage.
‘I know! She’s the young mistress.‘
’So what if she’s the young mistress? She always looks so cold and indifferent, and she looks down on us servants.”
Everyone chided Wang Qijun for her faults, which made Cindy feel very pleased. Her first step was to make everyone resent Wang Qijun, so that she could be set off by comparison and also take this opportunity to get even with her.
Over the next few days, Qi-jun noticed that everyone seemed to be rejecting her. They were always busy and never had time to help her. She was left to do everything on her own, without any help from the maids.
The servants always did things half-heartedly. For example, when they delivered the laundry today, they threw out a few of the clothes she had brought from her family. The maid in charge of cleaning and tidying the house hadn’t been around for two weeks.
They were doing it on purpose, but she never imagined that she would be so unpopular. Never mind! It’s good to get some exercise, so she started cleaning, taking out the trash, and even washing clothes.
They didn’t like her, and she tried to avoid them as much as possible. However, there was always a chance they would run into each other.
On her way to the greenhouse, Pang Juan was chatting with a group of maids. It was clear that Pang Juan was the happy-go-lucky of the family. She was the spoiled brat of the family, and she acted haughtily towards the servants. She got along with everyone like the little sister next door.
‘I hate you!‘ Suddenly, Pang Juan shouted at the passing Qi Jun.
Qi Jun was stunned for a moment, then returned a faint smile.
’Don’t act like that! I won’t accept you. My brother doesn’t like you, and I don’t like you either!‘
’Me.‘
’That’s good! And don’t deliberately find Cindy in trouble,‘ Pang Juan warned.
’Find Cindy in trouble? Me—’
‘Don’t think that just because you’re the master, you can scold the servants at will. Don’t forget that this is the Pang family, not the royal family where you can do whatever you want!‘
’I understand,’ Qijun didn’t want to explain, and anyway, no one would believe her if she did.
Qijun’s eyes were a little sad. She nodded and turned around to leave.
The servants immediately came up to her. ’Miss is so impressive, finally giving her a little taste of her own medicine.’
‘Yes! If we don’t teach her a lesson, she’ll think she can get away with anything.”
Everyone was praising her, and they didn’t notice Pang Xiao, who happened to be passing by, come back to get something. He happened to come back and saw what just happened. Standing behind the corner, he pondered over their conversation.
Qijun threatened Cindy not to get close to him? Really?
★★★
Having long been accustomed to days of silence, Qijun just laughed at the attitudes of the people around her. Her life was no different from before she married here. Anyway, she didn’t care. She didn’t know how to smoothen interpersonal relationships anyway. Since she wasn’t welcome, she’d just try to avoid crowds.
Although it is a little sad, she has her own inner world, doesn’t she…
Taiwan’s summers are hot and humid, especially during the ‘Indian summer’ season. The muggy climate is even more unbearable. No matter how hot it is, Qijun is not used to air conditioning. After helping her mother-in-law tidy up the greenhouse for the morning, she is drenched in sweat returned to her bedroom, which she was used to sharing with no one else. She didn’t even think about whether there was anyone else in the room, and of course she didn’t notice Pang Xiao in the study, because the door was open. In the past, this would have been a sign that he wasn’t there, but she didn’t realise that there were exceptions.
Taking off her sweat-soaked clothes revealed her beautiful pale skin and slender figure. The sunlight streaming in through the window illuminated her virgin, clean body, which was breathtakingly beautiful.
Unexpectedly, he saw this blood-pumping, seductive scene. Pang Xiao should have turned his head to avoid it, but…his eyes seemed to be disobeying him.
The scene in front of him was like the goddess of the earth in Greek mythology. Her hair fell to her chest, barely covering the budding flowers. Her soft, pink curves were the embodiment of perfection. It looked like she wasn’t paying attention to him, and he was also stunned by the sight. Time seemed to have stopped.
After an unknown period of time, Pang Xiao finally recovered his mind. He had originally wanted to take the opportunity when she entered the bathroom to shower to quietly enter the room, but unexpectedly, an inopportune knock on the door suddenly sounded, so Pang Xiao had to retreat back to the study.
‘Who is it?’ Qijun poked her head out of the bathroom and asked.
‘Cousin, it’s me, Weiming!’
Weiming? What does this fellow want? Pang Xiao frowned.
‘Is there something the matter?’ she asked.
‘I want to chat with my cousin and invite her out for a stroll.‘
Is it his turn to make advances? Do they know each other well? Pang Xiao’s face showed her displeasure.
’No need to trouble yourself, thank you.‘
’How is it a trouble! My cousin is too formal, and my cousin is too busy to spend time with my cousin properly, so he asked me to take good care of you!”
! When did I ask him to? Is this guy up to something? Pang Xiao’s handsome face grew even gloomier.
Qijun looked a little nervous. She didn’t really like Zheng Weiming and always felt that there was something sinister about him. Although they were separated by a door, his presence always made her uneasy. Ignoring Zheng Weiming, she quickly washed her entire body, wrapped herself in a large bath towel, and walked out of the bathroom. She didn’t hear him anymore, so he must have left.
‘Cousin, open the door!’
She was shocked. Zheng Weiming hadn’t left?
Zheng Weiming heard the sound of the shower running, so he could see that Wang Qijun was in the middle of showering. He wondered how a woman emerging from the shower could be so beautiful and charming, and he couldn’t help but want to… Oh no, he meant to say, he wanted to take a peek at the beauty.
From what he had observed, it seemed that cousin and cousin-in-law were probably just married in name only. The two slept in separate rooms. Pang Xiao was a man who had no compassion for women, and he left his young and beautiful wife alone in the empty bedroom. It was just perfect for him to comfort his cousin-in-law.
‘Cousin wife, open the door!‘ he knocked on the door without giving up.
’I want to rest, it’s not convenient to open the door.‘
’Cousin wife, it’s not good to always stay at home, if you have something on your mind, you can talk to me to relieve your boredom.‘
’No, I really want to rest, thank you for your kindness.’ This person is so difficult to deal with, she decided not to talk to him anymore.
Zheng Weiming called for quite a while, and it seemed that today was not a good time. In order to avoid offending his cousin and ruining the plan, he had to give up for the day.
However, he would wait for an opportunity. For the time being, he would resist the urge to do something, sooner or later he would get her.
After making sure that Zheng Weiming had left, she put on a light and elegant tulle coat, which comfortably covered the beautiful body that was faintly visible underneath. She sighed with relief after her bath.
Did Pang Xiao ask Zheng Weiming to keep her company because he was afraid she would be bored? It was a lie, right? Pang Xiao obviously didn’t like her, and she didn’t quite trust Zheng Weiming.
However, she felt a hint of joy when she heard this. For joy, she didn’t, from the time they got married until now, they had always been like strangers, and they hadn’t said many words. The only few times they had talked, it had ended in discord.
Her heart was on that Cindy person, but that…had a pair of ambitious eyes that shone with a sharp gaze like they wanted to devour their long-coveted prey.
Cindy warned her not to ruin her relationship with Pang Xiao, and Qi-jun laughed helplessly, where did she get the ability to ruin them! In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, she would have to avoid Pang Xiao in the future, and there would be no intersection on their parallel lines.
A strong sense of sleep came over her. Qijun lay on the soft bed, letting her hair fall loosely. The freshness after her bath, combined with the hypnotic gentle breeze, made her feel like a lazy kitten, her consciousness gradually becoming blurred…
Pang Xiao quietly walked out, admiring the sleeping beauty in the bed. Her even breathing showed that she was having a good dream. The faint smile at the corner of her mouth seemed to be innocent and peaceful, as if untouched by worldly affairs, which made people feel a little jealous.
She is sleeping so contentedly, occupying the whole bed. She is not afraid of catching a cold despite wearing so little clothing. The bright scenery inside her blouse is faintly visible. This is the first time he has had a chance to take a good look at her from head to toe: her baby-like skin, her slightly parted lips of cream, her delicate neck, and that body that arouses one’s imagination… Damn it! He is daydreaming!
For no reason at all, a surge of masculinity rises within him. He tries his best to suppress the unwanted impulse, and without looking back, he goes back to his room.

★★★
‘Politics is inseparable from socialising, especially when there are media photo opportunities. In order to increase your popularity and exposure, you must seize every opportunity to attend public events.’
His father kindly advised Pang Xiao to obey his grandfather’s order and attend the dinner party invited by Member of Parliament Wu, and to ‘bring your wife along.’
‘Okay,’ he said indifferently.
His son did not strongly oppose this, which was quite unexpected.
At the dinner party, Qijun was not used to being in a crowd. In the past, she had followed her parents to parties, where they were the leading actors and actresses, while she was just a supporting role who could keep quiet and just nod and smile at people. But now it was different. She was the hostess representing the Pang family, and she had to say a few polite words. If she didn’t behave well or said the wrong thing, it would reflect badly on the Pang family. Thinking about this, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.
Even though she was married, many men still vied to talk to her, surrounding her so that she had nowhere to hide, leaving her helpless and wanting to cry for help.
A warm, large hand rested on her shoulder and embraced her.
‘Sorry, my wife is shy by nature, so please let me answer any questions for you.‘
Pang Xiao skillfully prevented anyone from talking to her, displaying excellent social skills as he took care of all the formalities.
’Just keep smiling and nod along with me,’ he whispered softly in her ear.
Was she being sensitive? Qijun felt that Pang Xiao seemed to have sensed her unease and had come to resolve the situation, or perhaps…he was afraid that she would lose face for the Pang family and had to put up with it.
The shoulder he touched felt a little hot, and the uneasy feeling disappeared instantly. It was replaced by an indescribable flutter. Watching him as he deftly mingled with the crowd, she could see that he was elegant and manly, with a witty and uninhibited demeanour. From the many people gazing at him, she realised that he was deeply charming. It turned out that he also had a humorous and gentle side, unlike his usual silence and coldness.
‘Are you tired?’ he asked, looking down.
‘A little,’ she said.
‘You don’t know how to drink?‘
She looked at the blush on her cheeks from the alcohol, and the glass in her hand was still eight-tenths full.
’No, is that rude?‘ she asked.
’Not really rude, but there are some occasions when you need to drink.‘
He replaced the strong drink in her hand with a light rose-coloured one, very similar to her, which looked icy and prickly but had a charming and fragrant appeal.
’Try it,’ he urged.
Seduced by his low, magnetic charm, Qijun took a small sip. A warm current burned in her throat, and the bittersweet taste made her feel a little dizzy. She accidentally choked a little, which made Pang Xiao laugh. This laugh was very deadly and charming. Qijun’s calm heart inexplicably stirred, and her big eyes met his deep, dark eyes. They looked at each other for a long time…
The atmosphere was unusual. She wanted to escape, so she looked away from his eyes and said, ‘I… want to rest for a while,’ pointing to the sofa in the corner of the hall.
Pang Xiao looked at her thoughtfully and told her to go and rest on the sofa.
Tonight was a rare opportunity for the two of them to be together, and they didn’t say much, but they were very polite. Even though there were so many famous ladies and ladies in front of him, his gaze was locked on her figure.
The position of Qi-jun in his heart had undergone a subtle change.
What was that fluttering of the heart just now? She didn’t want to explore it, and tried hard to ignore it. She had to keep her distance from Pang Xiao as much as possible. That kind of careless gentleness was just an illusion. Qi-jun interpreted his gentleness just now as having to be so because of the special circumstances today.
A handsome man approached her and attracted her attention.
‘Are you Wang Qi-jun, the daughter of Wang Xiong-ming?’ the man asked kindly.
‘Yes.’ Who is this person?
‘My name is Gao Wenjun. I’ve seen you in newspapers and magazines before, and I never thought I’d meet you here.‘ The man smiled broadly and frankly, as if this wasn’t the first time they’d met.
’Hello, is there something the matter?‘
’No, I just wanted to get to know you. You’re very pretty, but a bit thin. You should eat more.’
Qi Jun’s clever eyes blinked. The man was about her age, and his speech and smile were a little childish and straightforward, very kind. He was the kind of boy who would give a good impression when you met him. Although she didn’t like to get close to strangers, this man didn’t make her feel repelled.
‘Thanks, it’s probably due to my constitution. I don’t gain weight easily.’
‘You can adjust your constitution. You need to eat more.’
“I have a small appetite.’
‘You can eat small amounts of food many times a day! And it’s important to cultivate the right mood before eating!‘ He said with a serious expression.
’Cultivate the right mood?‘ she asked curiously.
’Exactly! For example, when eating a roast chicken, you should first say to it, ‘Chicken, chicken, you look so delicious, it really makes me drool. If I don’t eat you, I’ll be sorry for your great sacrifice.
A burst of laughter. Qi-jun was amused by Gao Wenjun’s comical facial expressions and movements, and she laughed out loud. She quickly covered her mouth for fear of being rude, but her cheeks turned red from holding back her laughter.
“You finally laughed. You’ve been quiet and unsmiling since you entered the venue. In fact, you look beautiful when you laugh. Don’t be too uptight in life, it’s better to relax a bit.’
Hearing these words from him, it seemed as if he had been paying attention to her and understood her thoughts. Qi-jun was surprised to feel the urge to talk to him.
‘You’re still studying, right?’ Although he was wearing a suit, Qi-jun felt that he had the temperament of a student.
‘I’m nineteen years old, a year younger than you, and I’m studying information technology at T University.’
He even knew how old she was! Huh? He looked a bit familiar, as if…as if I’d seen him somewhere before.
‘I’m very handsome, right?‘ Gao Wenjun said proudly, sitting up straight so she could take a good look.
Her straightforward honesty made Qi-jun shake her head and laugh.
’You’re very interesting.‘
’I’m full of interesting things! It’s a pity we don’t have the chance to live.”
Live? Qi-jun’s face paled in shock. He was talking about living together! This was too…too much.
Seeing the change in her expression, Gao Wenjun found that he really liked teasing her, so without bothering to explain the origin of his words, he leaned forward and said playfully, ‘In fact, our relationship is extraordinary, so at first you felt an indescribable sense of intimacy when you saw me, didn’t you!’
Qi Jun’s face turned even paler. Could it be that her intuition in judging people was wrong? This person was getting more and more bold with every word, it was almost a bit outrageous. His expression was clearly meant to tease her, and she had misjudged him.
‘Sorry, I have something to do and can’t chat with you anymore.‘ She got up and was about to leave.
’Wait, I haven’t finished yet!”
He grabbed her hand and had no intention of letting her go.
Surprised and bold, Qi-jun struggled with a pale face. This is a public place! How can he do that to her? Men and women are not supposed to be intimate with each other, not to mention that she is a married woman!
‘Let go of me, or my husband won’t let you off!‘
’Listen to me, I am…‘ He stopped short before finishing his sentence, because he saw a cold and ruthless devil’s face behind Qi-jun.
’Let her go,’ Pang Xiao ordered, his voice low and cold, his expression threatening. He held Qi-jun’s shoulders and pulled her towards him, his face so dark that it could scare many people to death.
Pang Xiao? She was startled again. When did Pang Xiao get behind her? Oh my god! She just said something about her husband, I wonder if he heard it? This is so embarrassing!
Gao Wenjun quickly returned to a smiling face, completely remorseful for doing something wrong, and extended his hand to introduce himself. ‘My name is Gao Wenjun, hello.’
Pang Xiao looked at him up and down with a stern face. He was just a young guy, and he actually dared to be so unrestrained!
“Go!’
Ignoring Gao Wenjun’s hanging greeting hand, he domineeringly took his wife’s arm and was about to leave.
‘Qijun!’ Gao Wenjun called out.
Qijun turned her head and looked at Gao Wenjun incredulously. He only called her by her first name, which was really not polite.
‘My mother is Gao Ruyan. We will meet again!’ After saying this, he immediately disappeared into the crowd.
Gao Ruyan? What a familiar name… Ah! Isn’t Gao Ruyan the younger wife father had kept outside the family? He said Gao Ruyan was afraid of mother, so he…he is the younger brother? Right, he looks like father, no wonder she felt familiar. She was shocked and happy, and her emotions were surging and difficult to calm down.
Suddenly, the hand around her waist tightened, and Qi-jun, startled, looked back and met Pang Xiao’s fierce eyes, feeling a hidden anger.
“Who is he?’
‘I don’t know him.‘
She couldn’t say that Gao Wenjun was her younger brother. Family scandals should not be spread outside the family. Although she didn’t think this was a family scandal, she understood that it was a secret that could not be made public.
’You don’t know him? Then why were you talking so happily?‘ Pang Xiao asked with raised eyebrows.
Huh? Has he been paying attention to her? Otherwise, why were they talking so happily? This anger…does he think she’s not behaving like a good wife?
’He came over and started chatting with me. I couldn’t help it!’
‘But you two were having a good time.‘ He was very unhappy about this.
’Didn’t you tell me to keep smiling?’ she asked him innocently.
As a result, Pang Xiao gave her a face full of anger and glared at her. For the rest of the time, he stopped talking to her, but he didn’t let her go anywhere else either. His iron-like arms always held her waist tightly.
On the surface, he still maintained his gentlemanly demeanour and chatted with people with a smile, but only she and he were angry. What was he angry about? Qi-jun felt so innocent, but she didn’t dare challenge his anger. When he was angry, his face was even more terrifying than the king of hell. The days that followed seemed…not very peaceful.
Gao Wenjun, he’s my brother! I never thought my father really had a son out there. She was so happy and relieved to have a younger brother…
★★★
Dressed in an elegant cheongsam, Pang Xiao’s mother, Madam Pang, sat in a chair in the side hall, sipping the tea fragrance. Although she was over 40 years old, she still exuded the charm of a mature 30-year-old. She quietly pondered Cindy’s plea.
Cindy was like a half-daughter to her. She had watched her grow up since childhood, and in the blink of an eye, she had blossomed into a beautiful young woman. Cindy had always been in love with her son, and her son liked her, so as a mother, she didn’t care about social status.
But things are unpredictable. Cindy is not her son’s bride in the end. She can only shake her head helplessly and hope that Cindy will forget Pang Xiao and find someone else. At this moment, Cindy’s plea makes her quite difficult.
‘Do you really want to be Pang Xiao’s assistant secretary?’
‘Yes.’
‘No,’ Pang’s mother shook her head.
‘Why?‘ Cindy half-kneeled in front of her.
’Cindy…‘ her mother sighed. “You’re doing it for…”
’You’re worried I can’t do the job?‘
’Cindy, forget about Pang Xiao. You’re still young, you can find someone better,‘ her mother said understandingly.
’Madam, you’ve got it wrong! I’m not doing it for Pang Xiao,’ Cindy deliberately declared solemnly. No way! How could she give up so easily! Pang Xiao belonged to her.
‘Oh? How do you mean?‘
’The Pang family has always taken good care of our family. I and Pang Xiao have no fate in this life, but I still have my own ambitions and aspirations. I became Pang Xiao’s secretary to repay the Pang family’s kindness. As you know, I am interested in politics and hope to learn from Pang Xiao, who happens to be looking for an assistant secretary. You often praise me for being smart and resourceful, so I am sure I can handle this job. Please give me a chance to help!’
Cindy begged Pang’s mother desperately. She understood that this woman was easily influenced, and as long as Pang’s mother was willing to help, Pang’s father would have no problem with it. With their guarantee, she believed that Pang Tianhao, the old man, would not be too stubborn.
‘Have you given up on Pang Xiao?’ Pang’s mother asked with concern.
‘Well, we are still good friends,’ Cindy nodded.
Pang’s mother examined Cindy for a long time. The child’s expression did not show that she was lying. Perhaps she was just too worried?
‘Okay!’ Pang’s mother sighed and smiled. ‘I’ll talk to your uncle Pang.’
‘Thank you, ma’am!’
Cindy happily hugged Pang’s mother, burying her face in her bosom so she wouldn’t see the cunning smile on her face after she got what she wanted.
Just wait and see! There’s still a battle to be fought, and she won’t lose!
★★★
With a desk full of papers and a heavy leaning back, Pang Xiao’s handsome face showed signs of fatigue.
‘Have a cup of coffee,’
Cindy said in a gentle voice, holding a cup of fragrant coffee in front of him.
Today was her first day as Pang Xiao’s assistant secretary. Dressed in an elegant suit, she looked dignified and beautiful. Her long hair was combed high at the back of her head, revealing her beautiful ears and neck. She looked very bright and clear, like a strong woman, but she also had a gentle and charming air about her. She was very satisfied with her appearance, and she was pleased with the effect it had, judging from the astonished looks of the other male colleagues. She believed that Pang Xiao was no exception.
‘Thank you.’ He glanced at the coffee and continued to close his eyes to rest.
He didn’t even look at her! Damn it.
‘You seem tired. Do you want to go lie down on the bed?’ She tried to get him to open his eyes and look at her.
‘No, I’ll just lean against it,’ Pang Xiao said, still keeping his eyes closed.
“Then I’ll massage your shoulders for you, just like “back then”,’
This ambiguous remark successfully made Pang Xiao slowly open his eyes and look at her. Cindy flirtatiously posed in front of him with charm and allure. Isn’t it amazing? She has always been confident in her charm. Look! Pang Xiao really couldn’t take his eyes off her.
What was she thinking? What did those words just mean?
After looking her up and down, Pang Xiao’s eyes rested on the pearl necklace around her neck. Oh yes, Qi-jun doesn’t seem to wear a necklace every day. Every time I see her, she’s dressed in plain colours, with no jewellery or the like. Even the necklace she wore on her wedding day and the last dinner party was the same one. Is it because she naturally prefers simplicity, or is it because she doesn’t have any jewellery?
Cindy felt a burning sensation. Pang Xiao kept staring at her chest. She really aroused his masculinity. She really wore the right clothes today! The silk shirt made her breasts appear to be barely visible. Pang Xiao still had feelings for her. Zheng Weiming had said that what he had with her was just nominal. If that was true, then she had won a big advantage. She must seize the opportunity now.
‘Xiao, I want to…’
‘Cancel our afternoon appointment,’ he ordered.
‘Huh?‘ Cindy was puzzled.
’Cancel all my appointments for this afternoon. I have to go out.’ He stood up, grabbed his jacket and prepared to go out.
Cancel? Why suddenly… The atmosphere was just so good, and Cindy stared at him in disbelief. ’Why cancel the appointments? How do I explain to the group of National Assembly representatives?’
‘Just tell them I’m not feeling well today and went to the doctor. Anyway, those people are just there to lobby for a rich guy, so it’s fine if we meet up some other time.‘ He put on his jacket and walked towards the door.
’What about me?‘ She hurriedly asked.
’?’ He turned back and asked seriously.
Seeing the displeasure on his face, Cindy quickly changed her words. ’Er…what I mean is, do you want me to go too? I am your assistant secretary, aren’t I?’
A cold smile escaped from the corner of Pang Xiao’s mouth, and she saw her heart pounding.
‘Since you are my assistant secretary, should you not listen to my orders well, do more work and ask fewer questions?’
“Yes.’
She lowered her head in fear, afraid to make eye contact. Whenever he was displeased, the air around him would always become cold and clammy.
After watching Pang Xiao leave with adoring eyes, Cindy couldn’t help but feel a sense of crisis. Had her charm lost its effect on him?
No, it couldn’t be! Zheng Weiming had told her for sure that Pang Xiao hadn’t even touched her. He must still be attracted to her. She told herself firmly, ‘I can’t lose!’ 3232
★★★
Qijun was delighted to discover that the room on the top floor of the Pang family home contained so many books, almost like a small library. There was everything from literature, politics and philosophy to encyclopedias on flowers, plants and animals. She never expected to wander around and find such a world of books. This was great! She could just stay here and read every day. She wasn’t worried about being reported missing, and she could even stay in her room for a month.
But whose books were they? It can’t be a private room! Never mind, let’s just assume it’s not. She’s an outsider, after all, and no one seems to care if she lives or dies.
Pang Xiao asked the butler and all the servants, but they all said that Madam was nowhere to be found. He looked in several places where she would normally be, but there was no sign of her. The Pang household was large, but it wasn’t so big that they couldn’t find one person. The guard at the gate was sure that she hadn’t gone out. Where could Qijun be?
Usually she wouldn’t come home until the middle of the night, but today she had specifically left work early and returned. In her hand she was holding the pearl necklace he had bought for her. Pang Xiao didn’t know why this was the case, and he didn’t want to find out, nor did he want to subconsciously resist finding out the answer.
Damn it! Where the hell is she? It was getting dark, and was she, a frail woman, staying somewhere safe?
‘You’re back…?’ Strange! Why is he here today?
Qijun, who was getting ready for bed, froze at the sight of Pang Xiao as soon as he entered the room. She didn’t know what to do and stood by the bed.
Was that her expression? It looked as if he was going to eat her. Pang Xiao frowned at her.
He didn’t want to see her. Qijun explained the reason for her frown and turned her back on him, sitting in front of the dressing table and brushing her long hair.
‘Where were you all day?’ he asked.
She looked down and replied in a low voice as she continued to comb the ends of her hair. ‘I…was in the greenhouse.’ Why did he ask that?
‘I looked there and didn’t see you. Where did you go in the afternoon?’
Why was he looking for her? Qi-jun peeked at him from the mirror and saw a serious and cool expression that made her afraid to tell the truth. Perhaps she shouldn’t say anything, as that small library was not a place to be casually visiting.
“I took a walk in the garden.’
‘Oh?‘ Pang Xiao stared at her thoughtfully.
Qi-jun felt uncomfortable all over. He was looking at her, but what he was thinking about was not something she could guess.
Pang Xiao hung an elegant pearl necklace around her neck, and Qi-jun was stunned by this sudden gesture.
’It suits you very well,’ he said, looking at her in the mirror with satisfaction.
Qi-jun stroked the pearl pendant on her chest. It was a pale pink colour, with two leaves encircling the outside, set with tiny diamonds. It was a very special design, looking simple and elegant, and fully expressing the elegance of pearls.
‘For me?’
He nodded, ‘Do you like it?’
A little flattered, she didn’t understand Pang Xiao’s intentions, why he had suddenly given her a necklace, and just stared blankly at it.
After a moment of silence, Pang Xiao seemed to have made up his mind. He took off his jacket and loosened his tie. Lying half-reclined on the bed, he leisurely admired the delicate figure of his wife from behind.
Huh? He wasn’t going to leave? Qi-jun stared at him in surprise in the mirror, and he stared back at her, amused by the rare variety of expressions on her face.
‘You… aren’t going out?’ she asked cautiously.
‘No.‘
’No?‘
’No.”
There was another moment of silence. Qi-jun really couldn’t guess what he was thinking. Pang Xiao always stayed out late or didn’t come home at all, right? He should be at his lover’s place! Sitting on the bed without saying a word, it was like the silence before a storm, the atmosphere was very frightening and strange!
Just as she was thinking, she didn’t know when Pang Xiao moved closer to her and took the hair on her shoulders in his hands.
‘So soft. I’ve never seen hair as soft as yours.”
This amazing touch shook Pang Xiao’s heart. It was as light and soft as a baby’s hair, and he forgot to let go of it.
Qi-jun felt a tremor. She had never let anyone touch her hair before, not even the ends. The touch of the hair stimulated the sensitive nerves at the roots of her hair, and her entire neck felt numb.
This feeling…she hates it! Unconsciously, she wants to escape again! Once again, she reflexively tries to pull her hair away from his hands, but even faster, Pang Xiao changes his grip to a gentle one and presses it so that she can’t escape.
‘Where are you going?’
She always wants to escape, and he is becoming more and more intolerant of her deliberate avoidance. He suppresses his anger, speaking in as calm a tone as possible, but his pair of bright, fiery eyes are also intimidating enough.
‘I… I’m going to get a drink of water.‘
’Isn’t the teapot right next to you?‘
She cursed under her breath at his lame excuse.
’I want to help you… hang up your jacket.‘
’I’ll do it later.‘
He still held her hand firmly.
Qijun was getting a little impatient. She couldn’t stand being in the same room with him for even a moment.
’Then… I’ll help you fill the bathtub.’
This remark had the desired effect, and Qi-jun picked up the message in his expression.
‘You must be very tired after a long day, and a bath will make you feel better,’ she tried to persuade him, pretending not to be in a hurry to get up, hoping to fool him.
Pang Xiao examined her for a while, and when he saw no suspicious behaviour, he let go of her hand and let her get up. He even felt a little admiration in his heart.
However, he never expected that while he was in the bathroom taking a bath, his wife would take the opportunity to slip away.
When Pang Xiao came out of the bathroom and saw the message posted on the door, a dark cloud covered his handsome face. The note read: I’ll leave the big bed for you, I’ll sleep somewhere else.

[5] Chapter 4

The morning sun kissed the sleeping face of the beauty through the window lattice, waking up the lazy Qi Jun. The sun was so warm, and the birdsong was crisp and pleasant. I never thought that sleeping in this small library attic on the top floor was quite comfortable.
Perhaps it is because it is close to the top floor that the birdsong is particularly clear. Sometimes you can see sparrows jumping and playing in the window lattice. This is a great place. She was surprised to discover once again that trying to open the long-unopened window would startle dozens of sparrows around her into flight.
Wow! This is great! she exclaimed in her heart.
This is the highest place in the Pang household! From here, you can overlook most of the garden and the distant view. The servants are busy with their day, and no one is paying attention to her, so she can watch without restraint.
But her stomach is starting to rumble. A cup of fragrant milk with toast would be perfect. Sitting here and spending a wonderful morning is such a joy! She has begun to enjoy the pleasures of life.
It’s already past nine o’clock, and Pang Xiao has already left for work. He probably isn’t angry about last night’s unannounced departure, is he? In fact, he should be happy. He got to sleep in such a comfortable bed, and she, this annoying person, showed up, so he must have had a good night’s sleep. Thinking about this, she can’t help but feel a little lonely, and she doesn’t know why.
As Qi-jun pondered, she walked into the bedroom, but didn’t notice that there was someone in the room who wanted to spank her and was waiting for her. Before she could come back to her senses, she was trapped in a small space by a pair of iron arms.
Pang Xiao! Her unbelieving beautiful eyes stared at him blankly.
‘Where did you go last night?’ he asked angrily, his tone threatening but not cold. His sharp eyes were full of anger, and Pang Xiao tried hard to restrain her temper, which was about to explode.
‘Don’t you have to go to work?’ She was still unable to believe it, that he was waiting for her?
‘I’ve been looking for you all night! Where were you hiding?‘
’Did you take leave?‘
Followed by! They were talking past each other! This is so damn—
’Let’s go!”
Without further ado, Pang Xiao dragged her away. This is so annoying! He didn’t sleep all night, and when he came out of the shower, she was gone! Deliberately avoiding him really hurt his male pride, and she actually did it to him, and what’s even more annoying is that she’s acting innocent.
He needed to get some fresh air and let off some steam! He had looked in every room last night but couldn’t find her, but he couldn’t ask anyone else for fear of being the laughing stock. She really made him angry and anxious. She disappeared for the whole night and didn’t say where she went. She was just playing hide-and-seek with him on purpose!
He couldn’t figure out why he had to bring her along, and he didn’t want to find out!
Qi-jun’s appearance amazed Pang Xiao’s colleagues and subordinates. They kept on flattering or introducing themselves, not only because Qi-jun was the boss’s wife, but also because she was really beautiful, so beautiful that people couldn’t help but want to take a second look at her.
Pang Xiao glared at his colleagues and subordinates while saying to Qi-jun, ‘You go into the office and wait for me.’ After saying this, he immediately opened the office door and pushed Qi-jun in.
Cindy glared at Wang Qijun with a pale face, wondering why the shameless woman had come here. Did she really think she was Pang Xiao’s wife? How dare she come here with such an ulterior motive!
‘You came here to work?’ Cindy said in an unhappy tone, completely in a posture of territorial aggression.
‘I…’
“This is Pang Xiao’s office, isn’t it? You can’t just come in without an appointment, even if you are Pang Xiao’s wife, Pang Xiao won’t let you in arbitrarily…’
Cindy stopped suddenly because she saw the pearl necklace around Wang Qijun’s neck. Wasn’t it the famous designer’s ‘Pink Makeup’? She had always wanted it, and in order to hint to Pang Xiao that she wanted it, she deliberately wore the pearl necklace in front of him a lot.
This necklace is only available at the ‘Liying Town Gold Shop’, and the Pang family is one of the shareholders. Qijun usually doesn’t go out, so did Pang Xiao buy it for her? Thinking about this, she couldn’t help but feel angry!
‘Get out!‘ Cindy shouted.
Qijun was at a loss for words. Cindy regarded her as an enemy and she wanted to explain. “You’ve got it all wrong, I don’t…”
’Get out! This is Pang Xiao’s office, not a place you can come to. Do you think Pang Xiao will welcome you? Wrong, he doesn’t even want to see you. If you know what’s good for you, get out now—‘
’Shut up!’ Pang Xiao shouted.
‘Xiao!‘ Cindy walked over to Pang Xiao happily, knowing that he hated this and would definitely send her away, especially for barging in without an announcement.
But Pang Xiao walked past her and went straight to Qijun, asking gently, “Are you okay? Did I scare you?”
Cindy, who didn’t know what was going on, still pressed her case. “Xiao! She barged in without permission, shouldn’t you ask her to ”go out’?’
‘I brought her here,‘ Pang Xiao was displeased with Cindy’s choice of words.
’You brought her here?‘ Cindy doubted if she had heard it correctly and her voice also rose by eight octaves.
’This is none of your business, go out!‘ he ordered.
’You brought her here? You said that you should keep business and personal matters separate!’
Ignoring the order completely, Cindy began to interrogate him aggressively, asking how he could bring this to the office, when this was supposed to be a place for the two of them!
‘I said get out and listen,’ his patience was almost at its limit.
‘Xiao! She must have an ulterior motive, don’t be fooled by appearances, she’s up to something, get rid of her now—’ His unfinished words were silenced by the cold, merciless glare from Pang Xiao.
‘Get out, and don’t make me ask you again.‘ Pang Xiao’s tone was cold and unfeeling, his ultimatum.
’Yes…”
Without daring to object, Cindy reluctantly left the office.
What had gone wrong? Why had Pang Xiao brought Wang Qijun to the office? He never brought people to the office, and he never mixed business with pleasure.
Cindy was very disturbed. Could it be that Pang Xiao really liked her? Did she stand no chance? No! She wouldn’t allow it! If he really did that to her, she would destroy him.
Pang Xiao impatiently sank down on the sofa. He hadn’t slept all night and was feeling very tired. Now at last he could relax.
Qijun was still standing, a little at a loss for words.
‘What’s wrong?’ he asked.
“I caused you to argue.’
‘It’s not your fault.‘
’I’m sorry…‘
Pang Xiao stared at her gentle face, which did not look like someone who would threaten others. Seeing Cindy’s domineering attitude just now made him doubt the rumours he had heard from the servants.
’I heard that you once warned Cindy not to come near me. Is that true?‘
’No, that’s not true,’ she hastily denied.
‘I don’t blame you. After all, you are my wife, and you have every right to do so.‘
’You’ve got it all wrong! I really, I don’t have the right either.”
Seeing her anxious expression, he realised that he had only wanted to confirm the truth of the rumours. But now he found that what aroused his interest even more was admiring the rare facial changes in his wife. Teasing her was really a lot of fun, and it made him feel good to see another side.
‘If you really have a problem with Cindy, you can voice your opinion, and maybe I’ll consider replacing the assistant secretary.‘
’No, I really have a problem with her, and I don’t mind at all. Please don’t let our relationship get hurt because of me.‘
The words “don’t mind” made him feel a little unhappy.
’There is hurt feelings.‘
’You should explain the misunderstanding to her.‘
’Explain? Misunderstanding? For?’ He asked provocatively.
Not noticing Pang Xiao’s displeased tone, they tried their best to explain. ‘She is your lover, isn’t she? Of course you’re not happy to see your lover bringing someone else in. Explain it clearly to her, and she won’t—’
Qi Jun finally realised that something was wrong. Pang Xiao’s face was even greener than a frog’s. She was 100% sure that he was really angry, and he was furious. The bad thing was that she had no idea where his anger came from.
‘Cindy is my lover?’ Pang Xiao stood up and walked towards her.
‘Yes,‘ she said slowly as she backed away.
’You always thought she and I were together?‘
’Wasn’t that the case?‘ she asked, swallowing hard.
’As a wife, you really don’t mind?’
He had cornered her, leaving her no way to retreat. Qi-jun’s entire back was pressed against the cold wall, her whole body enveloped in his dangerous aura, with nowhere to escape. Her body trembled uncontrollably. She had to be very careful with her answer, otherwise, a certain answer might provoke him, might drive him crazy.
His eyes fixed on hers, his breath blowing against her, as if he were expecting a certain answer, but there was also an element of danger lurking, ready to erupt at any moment.
‘I don’t mind,‘ she replied.
’You!’ he exploded.
Qijun was so scared that she closed her eyes tightly. Oh my god, is he going to hit her?
Unexpectedly, he domineeringly seized her lips, and a warm current enveloped her cold lips, sweeping through her body. She was trapped in his arms and unable to move.
Oh, my God! What is he doing? She was unable to struggle as she felt dizzy and hot in his iron arms.
Pang Xiao held her tightly, and all his anger disappeared because of her cold and soft red lips. It was replaced by a passion he had never felt before, which burned all his nerves.
This was the first kiss, and Pang Xiao immediately knew that her tightly closed lips were full of awkwardness, and her confused breathing showed that she was at a loss. This realization made him even more tender. The rude plunder gradually changed to a gentle kiss, but his arms still held her tightly. A deep temptation made him explore the sweetness in his wife’s lips, and he was patient and persistent in guiding her.
Qi-jun tried very hard to stay calm.
What’s going on? He’s…intimately close to her, and…kissing her. It’s so hot! Her whole body feels like it’s on fire. She should struggle. She has to struggle…
‘Open your mouth…’ he said hoarsely.
‘Huh?’
Her confused mind was spinning, and she obediently opened her lips slightly as he commanded.
‘No…’ she exclaimed, and suddenly felt like she had been struck by lightning.
Her tongue wildly invaded her lips and entwined with hers, sucking the sweet nectar uncontrollably. Shocked by this unprecedented experience, Wang Qijun collapsed in his arms. She wanted to call for help, but her heart sank…
Unexpectedly, lips are so soft. Pang Xiao was a little unable to stop, and shyness aroused even more possession. Originally, he wanted to scare her in retaliation, but he was surprised to discover that the sweetness in these two red lips could actually ignite passion.
He—began to feel an urge.
★★★
As usual, Qijun was cleaning the room with a rag and a small bucket.
‘Are you doing that?’ Pang Xiao asked, standing in the doorway in surprise. His eyebrows were knitted together in a frown that could kill a fly.
‘I’m…uh…doing exercise.’ It was broad daylight, so why wasn’t he at work?
‘Exercise? I think you’re cleaning!‘ He looked around the room and noticed that there was underwear drying by the window.
Qijun quickly took the underwear down, mortified that he had seen her underwear.
’You do the laundry?‘
’Um…‘ She nodded, looking fearfully at the terrifying poker face. She had long since stopped drying the laundry indoors, and look, he was unhappy.
’Where are the maid in charge of cleaning and the laundry lady?’
‘Well…they said they were busy…‘
Pang Xiao realised that something was wrong and turned to go out to find the servants and ask them questions. As he was about to reach the room, he heard a group of servants talking inside.
’We haven’t cleaned the mistress’s room for a month. Do you think something’s wrong?‘ asked the maid Ah Min, worried.
’Don’t worry! She wouldn’t dare say anything. It’s already good that she didn’t ask her to clean the toilet,’ said the maid nicknamed Ah Chubby, and the others nodded in agreement.
Ah Min glared at her and said, ‘Aren’t you responsible for helping the mistress with the laundry? In case you haven’t collected the laundry for months, you’ll be in trouble.’
‘Don’t worry! Cindy said that the master and his family are very busy, and the young master goes out early and comes home late, rarely returning. He has been sleeping in the study since they got married and simply doesn’t care about the mistress. We can mess with her like this without her noticing.’
“Sleeping in the study? That’s so miserable?’
‘So Cindy said that we just need to clean the master’s study.‘
’I see! Then the mistress is like a widow.‘
The group of people laughed heartily, but Pang Xiao walked in with anger and fury.
’Young… young master…’ Everyone looked at Pang Xiao with pale faces and fear.
Under Pang Xiao’s intense gaze and interrogation, the maids could not hide the truth and had to tell the truth one by one, so he knew how bad the actual situation was.
‘Pack your things and go to the butler to collect your salary for this month. You are fired,‘ he ordered coldly and turned around.
After a moment of shock, there was a series of miserable wails.
Qijun, who was sitting in the corner, looked at him carefully, not knowing who had offended him, his expression was so fierce.
’Come over and help me take off my jacket,’ he ordered.
Qijun obediently did as she was told and went over to silently undress him.
While untying his tie, Pang Xiao suddenly took her hand and pulled her into his arms.
‘Pang Xiao?’
‘Don’t say anything for now.’
He was very angry, angry at the way she had been treated in this family, angry that she didn’t even say a word or care. But she was also to blame, if she hadn’t been so rude, the servants wouldn’t have been affected.
Holding her in his arms, he suddenly realised that he actually cared about her, and he had to be sure about his feelings.
‘Pang Xiao?”
The poor Qijun was too afraid to move while he held her.
In the past, the only person in this house that she needed to avoid was Zheng Weiming. His eyes revealed an unsettling feeling, but as long as she locked herself in her room, she would be fine, and he could do nothing to her. But dealing with Pang Xiao would not work, because Pang Xiao also had half the rights in the bedroom.
This room used to be her own private world, but now there was another owner who was in the open and aboveboard. It seems that he could not stand sleeping in the study for a long time.
‘Where are you going?‘
Pang Xiao’s tall frame blocked the doorway, and his deeply furrowed brows stared at Qi-jun, who was hugging a pillow and quilt, fully expressing his dissatisfaction.
’You can have this place, I’ll sleep somewhere else.‘
’No, you stay.‘
’Stay? Where will I sleep? In the study?’ She looked at him with a completely innocent expression.
He returned her a gentle but “deep” smile.
‘Sleep.”
Qijun curled up under the covers, feeling uneasy. Under Pang Xiao’s “threat”, she had no choice but to obediently stay in bed and not go anywhere.
She couldn’t understand why they had to sleep suddenly. Didn’t he hate seeing her?
Sometimes he seemed very gentle, but also very dangerous. It was really complicated, she couldn’t figure it out! What was clear was that she definitely wouldn’t be able to sleep peacefully tonight.
The sight that Pang Xiao saw when he walked out of the bathroom made him feel a little ridiculous. Qi Jun was wrapped in a quilt like a mummy and was sleeping by the side of the bed. Wasn’t she afraid of falling off the bed at night? He wasn’t going to let her fall to the cold floor.
Lying on the bed, he looked at her back. He hadn’t fallen asleep at all. His body was stiff as wood, and even his hair was stiff. It seemed that sleeping in the same bed with him was putting a lot of pressure on her.
Did she really hate sleeping with him that much? Pang Xiao felt a little irritated, and an urge to dominate came over him. With an iron grip, he embraced her in his arms.
‘Ah!’ she exclaimed, putting her hands on her chest and looking at him with frightened eyes.
‘So you weren’t asleep?’ he asked, raising an eyebrow.
‘I was asleep, but you woke me up.’ She still tried to push her hands away from her chest.
“If you sleep so close, you’re afraid of falling out of bed.’
‘No, I’m used to it.‘
’Oh, but I’m not used to it,‘ he said mockingly.
Seeing her uncomfortable expression, Pang Xiao’s mood to tease her rose again.
’Don’t you always sleep in the study?‘ She was extremely uncomfortable and her tone was a little panicked.
’You don’t think I’ll sleep in the study for the rest of my life, do you!’ His gaze was very threatening.
He really was blaming her for taking up the bed for too long, so she replied sensibly: ‘That’s why I said I’m willing to sleep in the study.’
Pang Xiao stared at her coldly. She really knew how to provoke him. Then he thought about the last time she left a note and escaped, causing him to be angry and worried and unable to sleep all night. He wanted to tease her, but his mood had completely vanished, and his tone turned cold. ‘You’re really generous.’
‘No, I should.‘
Her eyes were about to burst out of her head with anger, her expression was terrifyingly pale. Qi-jun finally realised that she had said the wrong thing, but… where had she gone wrong?
’I…‘
’Go to sleep!’ he snapped.
Qi-jun was so scared that she fell silent, not knowing what she had done to offend him. She tried to move away from him slowly, but he held her even tighter.
Was he angry? Why could she never figure out what he was thinking? Qijun racked her brains over this, and all night long she gradually fell asleep in his arms, while Pang Xiao stared at her face all night long.

It was Sunday, and Pang Xiao didn’t seem to want to go out, so she didn’t even have a chance to be alone. Qijun went upstairs carelessly, not paying attention to her surroundings, when Zheng Weiming suddenly appeared in her way.
‘Cousin, you look great today, you look exceptionally beautiful.‘
’What is it?‘ She sighed inwardly, blaming herself for not noticing him.
’The weather is nice outside, it’s a rare Sunday, why don’t you go for a walk?‘ He deliberately blocked the way, meaning to get her to go with him.
’I’m not feeling well, I shouldn’t go out in the sun.’ She then tried to walk past him.
Zheng Weiming, however, moved even closer and gestured. ‘You can sit in my sports car, you don’t need to be in the sun. I’ll take you for a drive in Yangmingshan.’
Because he was leaning in so close, she backed up even further. Qi-jun smiled coldly. Yangmingshan? The place where she grew up from a young age, where she had left behind many bad memories. A drive around the neighbourhood of her mother’s house? Not even a thought.
Since the way upstairs was blocked, she simply turned around and headed downstairs. She didn’t want to talk to this person anymore.
Unexpectedly, Zheng Weiming, undaunted, grabbed her wrist. Qi Jun was startled and, in her struggle to free her hand, lost her balance. She saw her body about to fall down the steps, and at that moment a broad and majestic arm caught her in time.
A pair of angry eyes swept towards Zheng Weiming, making his spine go cold.
‘What did you want to do to her?’ Pang Xiao spat out coldly, without the slightest hint of warmth.
‘I… I just want to take my cousin out for a drive. Yours is always… staying indoors is not good…‘ Zheng Weiming stammered.
’You’re not the one who’s going to take her out.‘
’Haha… if my cousin doesn’t want to, then some other day will be fine.”
Zheng Weiming awkwardly looked for a way out, but Qijun took his words seriously and hastily added, ’Some other day won’t work either, I’m busy.’
Zheng Weiming was truly speechless, and Pang Xiao lowered his gaze at her because of her remark.
‘I have to go because I have something to do first,’ Zheng Weiming took the opportunity to leave in a flash.
She finally got rid of the difficult person, and she let out a relieved sigh.
‘Thank you,’ she said softly, and then tried to embrace him, but Pang Xiao didn’t seem to intend to let her go. This kind of touch made him unconsciously yearn for her, and his eyes were thoughtfully fixed.
‘What’s wrong with my face?‘ she asked, puzzled, not understanding what was wrong with her face.
’You’re very…special, very intriguing,’ he said softly.
All along, he had always thought that she was no different from the others, except that she was exceptionally beautiful. Her actions and words were just rebellious and meant to provoke or attract attention. But now he began to doubt that he might have been wrong.
She is very genuine, the kind of innocence that has not been refined by the world. But the indifferent temperament she exudes seems to have experienced the vicissitudes of the world, indifferent to worldly affairs, becoming a contradictory complex of innocence and worldliness.
He now realised that she had always protected herself behind a façade of silence, indifferent to many things, even her emotions were flat and unruffled. This home…no, it should be said that no person or thing seemed to mean much to her. As a result, she could calmly regard all injustices, and even their marriage meant nothing to her.
What did she look like when she was in the mood? He couldn’t help but long for a look that she would only show him.
Qi-jun wanted to break free from the clutches of the pinching, annoying stares, as if the whole person was being seen through, and she called out softly, ‘Can you let go?’
Pang Xiao not only did not let her go, but instead stroked her rosy cheeks with one hand and said unhappily, ‘Your face is a little pale, and you really should go out more often, it’s better for your health.’
Why had he suddenly started picking on her?
“I don’t like the sun.’
‘Just don’t stay out in the sun for too long. Moderate amounts of sunlight are good for you. Come on, let’s go out.‘ He then put his arm around her and walked towards the lobby.
’Where are we going?‘ she asked, surprised, still struggling a little.
’To the movies.‘
’Us?‘ she couldn’t believe it.
’Yes!‘
’Why aren’t we taking Cindy?‘
’Don’t mess with me!”
★★★
Cindy stamped her feet back and forth, her face full of domineering anger, and she called out unwillingly. ‘Bitch! So despicable, pretending to be weak, trying to steal my Pang Xiao, it really makes me so angry!’
Zheng Weiming sat leisurely on the sofa, watching with interest the lady in front of him who had always been recognised as gentle and graceful in the Pang family, but now looked like a shrewish tomboy. It turned out that this was her true face, haha! Interesting, interesting!
Seeing Zheng Weiming snickering on the side, Cindy asked angrily, ‘What’s so funny?’
He tilted his head and smiled wickedly, looking at her ambiguously. ‘Who’s stealing you? Don’t forget, he’s her husband!’
“He belongs to me in the first place. If it weren’t for that family’s wealth and power, Pang Xiao would never have married her, because he doesn’t love her at all!’
‘That doesn’t seem to be the case!’ Zheng Weiming said with glee. “Pang Xiao seems to be enchanted by her. It seems that your charm has no effect on him!”
Cindy couldn’t stand the verbal provocation and turned the tables on him, ’You’re not much better! It was your stupid idea to say that if you wanted to get that, make her cheat on you, Pang Xiao would divorce her. Look at you, Wang Qijun doesn’t even look at you, and you say they are a nominal couple. With her heart lonely, she will definitely commit to you, hmph! I almost laughed my teeth out! People ignore you, you are a loser!”
Zheng Weiming’s face turned gloomy, and he said coldly, ’I can’t see that you are beautiful, but what you say is so mean. Everyone in the Pang family has been fooled by your appearance.’
‘So what!’ she shrugged her shoulders, her flirtatious eyes full of anger. “At least I still have a chance. I spend every day with him, and I’m sure that over time, I’ll develop feelings for him. But you, no way.”
The two locked gazes for a while, and then Zheng Weiming burst out laughing. “Okay, okay, I was wrong! Beautiful lady, don’t be so serious! Don’t forget, I’m on your side. Let’s not fall out, okay?” He made a show of apologizing.
‘That’s more like it!’ She arrogantly picked up her handbag on the table. “I’m leaving, in case I’m seen by an acquaintance, it would be troublesome.” She said this and then walked away haughtily.
After she walked out of the office door, Zheng Weiming put away the smile at the corner of his mouth, replaced by an unpredictable expression. This idiot! His ambition is not just to get it, fame and fortune and power are the symbols of success. When he replaces Pang Xiao and gets all the fame, fortune and power, Wang Qijun will naturally be.
She is losing her value as an asset. She has no brain and only knows how to act recklessly. No wonder she can’t capture Pang Xiao’s heart. However, she is still somewhat useful, at least in stirring up trouble. For now, I will tolerate her and teach her a lesson once my goal is achieved.
Zheng Weiming has always resented Pang Laoye’s stubbornness. He has followed him for so many years, always obedient and submissive, but Pang Laoye is only interested in promoting Pang Xiao, who is interested in politics, and letting Pang Xiao take up important positions in the central government and represent him at important meetings.
He has secretly vowed that one day he will get what he wants.
★★★
In the cinema, Qi-jun saw Pang Xiao laugh for the first time, which was very novel and surprising.
Pang Xiao took her to the city to watch the most popular comedy film of the summer. He laughed like a big child, and she couldn’t help but be curious about this kind and uninhibited side of the gentle and handsome man. His smile, which was not threatening, attracted her even more than the movie.
It was already dusk when they finished watching the movie, and the sun was no longer so blinding. Pang Xiao took her for a stroll. Crowds on holidays were intimidating, especially in the bustling city centre.
She couldn’t remember the last time she had gone out shopping, probably since she dropped out of high school. The only other times she went out were to attend high society functions with her parents, and the rest of the time she either stayed in her room or took walks in the garden at home. There was simply no opportunity to go shopping, and with her habit of staying at home, let alone going out of the house, she didn’t even think about it.
Qi-jun noticed that, whether intentionally or not, Pang Xiao would always shield her from the crowds. She thought she was mistaken, that he would treat her so gently? What did it mean? She didn’t understand.
They didn’t return home until the evening, and she felt particularly tired. After a long time outside, her delicate body could not help but feel the fatigue. After bathing, she fell into a daze as soon as she got into bed, and she had even less strength to resist Pang Xiao’s embrace.
She said breathlessly, ‘You can’t keep hugging me.’
He had just wrapped his arms around her and was enjoying the soft, fragrant feeling when he heard this killjoy comment. Pang Xiao asked in an unhappy tone, ‘Why?’
‘I’m asking you…’ she was so sleepy.
‘Me?’ he frowned.
Qijun endured the attack of sleepiness and explained to him. ‘You said you…hate me!’
Here we go again. This is so unromantic. He wants to pretend it didn’t happen and be a scoundrel, but he can’t.
‘So what?’ he asks coolly.
‘So what? You’re the one who should be asking, not me, aren’t you?’
Damn it! Does she have to discuss this so explicitly? Her displeasure is evident in the way she crosses her arms, causing the soft, fragrant body to press even closer against his chest, tempting his manly instincts at every turn.
Yes, at first he was repelled by her, and even wanted to torment her with a loveless married life, but after a few months, unexpectedly, he couldn’t help being attracted by her special temperament. His gaze gradually followed her figure, and his initial vows of negotiation had long since wavered.
He is big and proud, and his self-esteem won’t allow him to go back on his word. He doesn’t want to slowly draw the two closer to each other in an attempt to smooth things over and let things develop naturally, but he can’t forget what he said on their wedding night, and it’s making him unsure of what to do! He’s domineering enough to have taken her already…
‘Say something…’ She moves her body with difficulty, not used to being held so tightly.
‘This big bed is a waste with just one person in it,’ he says somewhat petulantly.
Oh? So it was her who was to blame for taking up the bed for so long, she declared again in a bad mood. ‘I said it before, you can have the bed, I’ll go to the study—’
‘Don’t even think about it!’
A bellyful of pent-up anger vented itself in a predatory attack of the lips, and Pang Xiao covered all the things she wanted to say with a passionate kiss of deep emotion—
He had wanted to kiss her ever since he first tasted her. This kiss successfully calmed his anger, but was replaced by uncontrollable passion.
The kiss moved to her earlobe, down her neck, with small, teasing bites enclosed in light kisses.
‘It’s… it’s tickling, don’t…’ she protested, too weak to make a sound.
A moment of crisis awakened, and Wang Qijun hid her head from his seductive kiss and gasped. Sleepiness had long been scared away by him, and she said in a calm tone, ‘Fine! Sleep however you want! You be happy, I’m going to sleep.’ Qijun buried her face in her bosom, afraid that he would see her blushing cheeks.
She secretly stroked her fast heartbeat and suppressed her trembling emotions with all her might. She would not give in anymore. She was afraid of what would happen next.
Why did Pang Xiao always kiss her? Didn’t he hate her? Did he take advantage of her just because she was his wife? A feeling of heartache came over her, and she couldn’t help but push back, but she was not pushed back.
Pang Xiao let out a long sigh of relief, very, very, very reluctantly. Although he was holding a soft, warm body in his arms, he could not touch her. She was his wife, wasn’t she?
He felt the resistance. Was she afraid?
At that time, an angry agreement was reached, but unexpectedly, it bound them instead, and he had to endure the torment of a meaningless married life. What a self-inflicted calamity!
Tonight, he won’t be able to sleep again. Sigh…

[6] Chapter 5

From an unknown time onwards, Pang Xiao’s eyes always followed the graceful figure of Qi Jun.
Pang Xiao’s change in attitude towards Qi Jun was obvious. Although no one understood the reason, they could not go wrong by following the young master’s preferences. Gradually, the attitude of the servants also changed from cold to attentive.
Only Pang Juan still maintained an icy face. Her always arrogant and spoiled personality made it as difficult for her to change her attitude as it was for her to bow to someone.
Sitting on the lawn on the A University campus, Pang Juan leaned lazily against the banyan tree, enjoying the shade under the tree. Her eyes were lightly closed as she pondered the transformation between her brother and sister-in-law.
It seemed that her brother had fallen in love with his sister-in-law. What the heck was going on!
The rustling of the grass indicated that someone was approaching her. Pang Juan opened her eyes and looked at the person approaching. Her heart was beating wildly.
‘Hi!’ Gao Wenjun greeted her cheerfully, flashing a dazzling smile.
‘Hi… is there something you want?’ She tried to remain calm, but she couldn’t let his charm get the better of her.
‘This place is really cool, no wonder you’re hiding here sleeping.’
Hiding? Strange, who was she hiding from? With an arrogant tilt of the chin, she said, ‘If you have something to say, just get it over with, otherwise leave me alone.’
She’s really cute when she’s stubborn! He didn’t care at all about her little temper tantrum.
Pang Juan was famous for being a difficult beauty, and he had heard other male classmates talk about it before, but it didn’t matter. His skin was thicker than cowhide, and if he wanted to woo a girl, he had to have that kind of self-awareness. What’s more, she was his sister’s sister-in-law, so of course he shouldn’t care, and he just needed to cultivate their relationship. He had deliberately joined the art club in order to get close to her, and a breakdown would ruin his plan to get closer.
Pang Juan felt embarrassed when he showed it to her. In order to hide her shyness, she involuntarily said in an unruly tone, ‘Look! What impoliteness!’
Gao Wenjun still said with a smirk, ‘There will be a birthday party the day after tomorrow. Everyone has to attend. You are one of the birthday stars, don’t forget!’
‘Birthday party, who is organising it?’ She asked in surprise. Why was this activity suddenly added? She was the president, why didn’t she know beforehand?
Gao Wenjun gave a dashing smile and winked at her. ‘I am the organiser, and you must come, beautiful lady. That’s all I have to say!’
He bowed exaggeratedly, giving Pang Juan the opportunity to reply, and then he whizzed away, shouting from afar that she must come.
‘Well…making decisions without consulting me, what an arrogant guy.’
She muttered to herself, but a happy smile inadvertently appeared at the corner of her mouth. Gao Wenjun, who is unrecognisable, is really handsome and charming. He has countless secret admirers among the female students. It’s not that she is being too self-absorbed, but she always feels that he treats her more positively than other female students.
Her classmates say that Gao Wenjun seems to be particularly nice to her. Is that true? In fact, she is also…attracted to him. Just now, did she treat him too harshly? Pondering this, Pang Juan began to regret her shy temper and stood there in a daze.
★★★
Qijun sat in the attic, leaning against the window lattice of the roof, and stared into the sky.
Pang Xiao had cuddled her to sleep every night, and…had kissed her beyond the bounds of propriety. Alas! Just thinking about it made her cheeks burn. Right? Could it be that he no longer loved Cindy?
No! She shook her head hard, not believing that Pang Xiao could fall in love. She would never forget the disgust in Pang Xiao’s eyes, which were as cold as frost. Why was he now treating her so well, so different from his usual self?
But why is it that she can never firmly refuse his inappropriate advances? She is so scared, and the thought that he is having difficulty breathing scares her even more.
Although she married him, she doesn’t want to lose her heart as well. She can’t afford to, so she can only blindly avoid it.
Why is it that she can’t remain calm whenever she sees Pang Xiao, when she originally had a calm and indifferent heart? She doesn’t want to, and she doesn’t want to think about it. If she cares too much, it will only hurt. She doesn’t want to get hurt…
She gathered her wandering thoughts and walked downstairs to the garden. She knew that the midday sun was not suitable for sunbathing, but she ignored the warning of her senses and walked in the scorching sun. She was always afraid of the light and avoided all places with light. Now, standing in the hot sun, she wondered how much she could endure.
Pang Xiao leaned against the stone pillar under the eaves of the balcony, and the image of Qijun in the rose garden was reflected in his eyes.
These days, Pang Xiao had been observing her carefully. What did she do at home? What were her hobbies?
She was always indifferent to everything. What could possibly make her emotions rise and fall? He wanted to understand her, because he was in love with her and wanted to be loved in return, but she always deliberately avoided him, which only aroused his burning desire to possess her.
Qijun walked in the rose garden and did not notice Pang Xiao under the eaves.
Meilun’s beautiful face was slightly sad, as if the delicate and weak Xi Shi had come down to earth, real and illusory, and captured Pang Xiao’s bright eyes.
Suddenly a sharp pain in her chest made Wang Qijun unable to breathe smoothly. It had not occurred for a long time, so why had it suddenly—she felt like fainting, her body was unsteady and she was about to fall to the ground…
‘Qijun!‘ His strong chest wrapped around her in time, preventing the surrounding roses from injuring her tender skin.
’You…‘
’Don’t talk!’ Pang Xiao anxiously picked her up and carried her into the room.
Her chest hurt so much that she closed her eyes. The pain in her chest prevented her from thinking and made her dizzy. The last thought she had was the feeling of a firm and broad chest, surrounding her in a reassuring embrace.
Cool water droplets touched her face gently, and the cool feeling made her slowly wake up. Her dazed eyes saw Pang Xiao’s worried face. Was it her eyes playing tricks? Was that expression concerned about her?
‘You’re awake,’ Pang Xiao said with relief.
‘I’m sorry for causing you trouble…’
‘Speak!’ He frowned, displeased.
She lowered her head without saying a word, still feeling a little weak.
‘How long has it been like this?’ he asked.
‘Since childhood.‘
’Do you still feel unwell?‘
’Once it has occurred, I will be fine.‘
’You must pay special attention in the future. I will be worried.”
Qi-jun looked up at him in surprise, wondering if she had heard him wrong. Pang Xiao’s handsome face came into her eyes. Since their marriage, she had never been able to look at his appearance so clearly. This thought made her forget her concerns for a moment, and she looked at him curiously.
His features, with his bushy eyebrows and straight nose, were handsome, and his calm, introverted temperament naturally exuded an air of nobility. In particular, his eyes always gave off a strange, dangerous glow, looking at her like a spell. Ah! She felt a sharp jolt inside, and only then did she realise that she had been staring at him impudently. A wave of heat spread across her cheeks, and she looked down shyly, at a loss.
Pang Xiao watched her rare coyness with fascination. A strong sense of possessiveness quickly invaded his rationality. It was this fatal coyness that made him unable to extricate himself, especially as it was even more precious when it appeared on her usual cold face.
Although she had just regained her spirits… Go to reason! With a tightening of the heart, Pang Xiao seized the two lips and explored them.
Qi-jun collapsed in his arms, powerless. This was not the first time he had kissed her, but the intertwining of lips and tongues always made her heart race. Her thoughts were in disarray, and her struggling hands were pulled behind her back by his overbearing grip.
After a long time, Pang Xiao finally freed a glimmer of reason, and he restrained his overzealous urge to respond with self-control. He looked at her face and observed it carefully.
Qijun was panting from his kisses, and could only lower her head to look at the small hand he was holding. Her emotions had long since been surging, and her heart could not help but throb.
Pang Xiao could not read her mind, and was anxious to know how she really felt about him. He called out gently, ‘Qijun.’
She was just as quiet as usual, because if she spoke, it would immediately make him notice her throb. She was afraid to confess, but her heart was also conflicted.
‘Look at me,‘ he said, holding her gaze. “Do you have something to tell me?”
’Yes,‘ she answered with difficulty.
’Really?‘
’Can I?’ she asked, her tone of voice a little helpless.
Disappointment was hard to hide in his eyes. Did Qijun not have the slightest feeling for him, not even a kiss?
‘I’m tired,’ she said, lowering her head to avoid his probing gaze.
Pang Xiao was silent, his arms still tightly around his body. He had already made up his mind: tonight, he would exercise his exclusive rights as her husband, to win her over and capture her wavering heart.
After dinner, the Pang family continued chatting. Pang Xiao started by telling anecdotes from the political world, which made everyone laugh. Everyone felt that it seemed like there had been a long time since the family had been able to have a good chat together. Pang Juan, with her playful and mischievous personality, also joined in the laughter, making everyone extremely happy.
In this warm atmosphere, Qijun was a little stunned. She had never enjoyed family harmony, and from the bottom of her heart she envied this picture of family bliss. But she also felt like an outsider who had been excluded, and couldn’t help feeling a little sad.
A warm hand held a small hand under the table. It was Pang Xiao! Qi-jun looked happily at him. Pang Xiao was still making humorous remarks, but his hand sometimes tightened and sometimes lightly squeezed her small, white, tender hand, as if to comfort her and tell her…
Ripples arose in Qi-jun’s heart. Somehow, she seemed to sense the message Pang Xiao was conveying.
After bathing in the evening, Qi-jun sat on the bed as usual, lost in thought. The recent emotional fluctuations had been troubling her. The thought that Pang Xiao would be entering in a moment made her feel restless. She kept telling herself not to care, but she just couldn’t calm down.
The sound of the door opening pulled her wandering thoughts back to reality. Pang Xiao was standing in the doorway, looking at her. He was handsome and tall, with an irresistible air of authority. His eyes, beneath his thick eyebrows, stared straight at her.
Her heart began to beat faster and faster. She looked away, combing her hair with her hands, trying to calm her thoughts.
‘Ah!’
She let out a small cry as the sudden darkness made her question why the lights had gone out. Was there a power outage? She stood up unsteadily.
‘Ah!‘ she exclaimed again.
Pang Xiao picked her up from behind, placed her on the soft bed, turned on the yellow bedside light, making the room soft and dark, and smiled at her, slightly surprised.
’What’s going on?‘ she asked.
’Your startled expression is so charming.‘
’You turned off the light?‘
’Mm,‘ he smiled and admitted.
’Why?’
‘Because it’s more atmospheric.‘
Before she could understand, he took action. He sucked her lips, her face, her earlobes, invading her body with abandon.
He kissed her neck, and his right hand began to roam her body.
She gasped in shock, “You can’t!”
’I can’t?’ He asked with a wicked smile, his eyes fierce and deep.
Qijun blushed and stammered. ‘No…touch me, you said…not to touch me.’
‘I regret it.’
She stared at him in disbelief, her eyes wide with surprise.
‘Wh-what do you mean!’ Her heart was pounding with fear.
With deep affection, he looked at her deeply. ‘All along…I didn’t notice your specialness, and now I just realised how different you are.’
Pang Xiao fondly stroked her long hair, the smell of hairspray so natural and gentle, with only a faint scent of bath perfumes drifting by.
Tonight’s Pang Xiao was different from usual, she realised only now, trying to break free from his embrace, her instinct telling her to escape! But she could not overcome the iron arms around her.
Pang Xiao stroked her silky hair, wandered to her rosy cheeks, and along her fair neck, smoothly unbuttoned her blouse.
She struggled in horror, but her hands were already fixed by him. The more she struggled, the tighter he held her, their noses intertwined.
‘You are my wife, aren’t you?‘ The meaning is very clear, he wants her.
’Yes… no… not really…’ She began to ramble incoherently. The sudden turn of events caught her off guard, and her breathing became rapid and erratic.
Pang Xiao laughed at her reply, a gentle and deep laugh that captivated her mind like a spell. He took hold of the struggling and restless hands and said hoarsely, ’Don’t be afraid, I want you…’
His final words disappeared in a lingering, passionate kiss. One touch was all it took, and he began to release his passion, not allowing her to retreat or escape. His wandering hands slipped off the soft silk shirt and covered the small, virginal peaks.
The touch of her breasts made Wang Qijun tremble with fear. She had never been involved in the forbidden territory of men and women before, and she was so scared!
She didn’t know what to do either, as this process was not what she had expected. ‘No…’ she pleaded.
Pang Xiao looked at her big, innocent eyes with love and compassion. Her cheeks were a blushing red, and tonight she was no longer the usual cold and indifferent person. She was a weak and vulnerable little girl, and she was so pretty when she blushed.
‘Qijun…’ he sighed, and once again he couldn’t help kissing her.
Her firm, tightly clasped hands wouldn’t allow her to refuse anymore. Although it was a bit like taking advantage of a vulnerable person, even the Great Wall couldn’t withstand his determination. He wanted her to become his wife immediately and in name only.
A raging fire ignited within both of them. Pang Xiao caressed the beautiful body, the naked skin and everything that was exclusively hers.
He used his masculine body to take possession of the virgin body, pressing close and rubbing every inch of skin, and sucking on the pink buds that bloomed on her breasts, making her moan involuntarily.
Her angelic gasps attracted him to kiss and suck her wildly, moving down her abdomen and exploring the forbidden territory of a virgin.
‘No!’
Qijun trembled with fear, struggling to withdraw, but her lower body was fixed in place and unable to move. Without warning, Pang Xiao closed his lips on the two forbidden lips and sucked like crazy, as if he had long tasted sweet rain in the desert.
Unexpectedly, the petite and delicate body ignited all his passion and he could not help himself. Qijun was addicted to his fiery possession and could not extricate herself. Pang Xiao’s plunder forced her to pant continuously, which aroused his deeper feelings and drove him to possess her deeply.
‘Ah—’ A burst of pain sent her deeper into ecstasy.
Tears rolled down her rosy cheeks, and Pang Xiao kissed the tears. His heart ached as he savagely hurt her, slowing down his movements and waiting patiently for the pain to pass.
After she had adjusted, he couldn’t help but go deeper again, deeper to the very bottom…
Three months and thirteen days after they got married, Qijun finally experienced her first time tonight. With a trembling heart, everything was so unexpected and confusing, and in the moment of pain there seemed to be a hint of joy.
★★★
When she woke up in the morning, everything had changed.
Qijun surveyed her surroundings, happily looking at Pang Xiao beside her, and then noticed that she was still naked. She pulled the quilt up shamefully.
She…had sex with him…
Recalling last night, a hot flush immediately covered her cheeks. Pang Xiao actually did it to her…again. She glanced happily at Pang Xiao, who was sleeping peacefully, without a hint of danger. He was really handsome, especially now with his dishevelled hair, which gave him an uninhibited, charismatic air. Why did he do that to her? Was last night just a passing whim of his?
And how was she going to face him in the future?
Qi-jun sighed softly and quietly got out of bed to look for her clothes, but she was unexpectedly pulled back into his arms by a pair of iron arms.
‘Why are you sighing?’ Pang Xiao asked, staring at her intently.
He was awake? Qi-jun looked at him in surprise. How long had he been awake?
‘Why aren’t you saying anything? Are you unhappy?’ He frowned.
‘No, I… I just…’ She didn’t know what to say when faced with the aftermath.
“Just?’
‘Just… I want to get dressed.‘ She blushed.
Pang Xiao’s originally serious face gradually broadened as a result of her bashfulness, and he realised that she was shy. He was worried that his poor skills had upset her.
After understanding, his mood improved greatly!
’Don’t get dressed, I want to hold you.”
Once again, his skin was in contact with hers, and one hand was restlessly wandering over her thighs. Every place he touched her flared up with passion.
She couldn’t help but tremble slightly, and with difficulty she persuaded him, ‘…later, Zhang Ma will come knocking on the door and ask us to have breakfast.’
‘Just ignore her, she’ll know better than to disturb us.’
She was embarrassed by his teasing gaze, and she felt uncomfortable as she tried to find something to say to get rid of him. ‘If you don’t eat, you’ll get hungry. Aren’t you hungry?’
‘Of course I’m hungry, not only hungry but also ‘thirsty’.”
After saying that, he once again invaded her soft and flawless body, and the hand that wandered over her thigh covered her mysteriously beautiful breasts, causing her to gasp.
A fire burned through her body, and she fell into a storm of passionate love. A seed of affection was quietly planted in her heart without her knowledge…

[7] Chapter 6

‘Madam, shall I comb your hair up for you?‘
’Up?‘ Qi-jun looked at her maid, Xiao-bi, who was fixing her hair, in the mirror.
’Yes!‘ Xiao-bi, who was only 18 years old, suggested innocently and cheerfully. “Your neck is so beautiful, it’s a pity to let it be hidden by long hair. Besides, if you put your long hair up in a bun, you’ll look especially mature and charming, and your husband will definitely like it.”
’Oh…really?’
She remembered that in the past, the maid who dressed and styled her hair at her parents‘ home had also suggested this to her.
’Madam has such a beautiful complexion, you should wear your hair up and try a different hairstyle, it will definitely charm your husband.‘
Qijun’s faint smile at her unreserved praise made Xiaobi gape.
’Madam has such a beautiful smile…‘ she exclaimed.
’Nonsense,’ Qijun was embarrassed by the praise.
‘It’s true!‘ Xiaobi emphasised. “When you first came here, you looked cold and didn’t smile once. No one dared to talk to you!”
’Really?‘ She was surprised to hear her servant’s opinion.
’Everyone thought you didn’t like the Pang family and that you and your husband didn’t get along!’ Xiaobi realised she had said the wrong thing and nervously covered her mouth as she looked at her mistress.
Qijun looked at her with a smile and said softly, ‘It’s okay, it’s the truth, but the truth is that it’s actually Mr. Pang who doesn’t like me.’
‘No way! Mr. Pang cares about you very much! Every time he comes home from work and doesn’t see you, he rushes around looking for you. Everyone is smiling to themselves but dares not show it, for fear that Mr. Pang will be embarrassed and upset.’
‘Really?’ Qijun was a little surprised, but a warm feeling of sweetness welled up in her heart.
Xiao Bi continued as he combed her hair, ‘Actually, you should smile more often. A smiling face makes you look approachable and friendly, and doesn’t give people the impression that you’re cold and heartless.’
‘So that’s how I’ve been perceived.’
“That’s why you should smile more often, a smiling face makes you look charming, and even I, as your husband, am mesmerised by it!’
Qijun laughed shyly at his teasing, and inwardly pondered what Xiaobi had just said. It turned out that everyone didn’t really dislike her, they just felt detached by her coldness.
After Xiaobi finished dressing her, the driver waiting at the door was ready to take her to the restaurant near the Pangxiao office building to meet him. Pangxiao had an important meeting to attend today, so he had specifically instructed the driver to pick her up on time and go out for dinner together. This also made her, who didn’t like going out, have to obey orders and get dressed up.
Sitting at a reserved table in a fancy restaurant, Qijun looked out the window at the people on the street. It was an ordinary street scene, but she couldn’t take her eyes off it.
★★★
“May I sit down, beautiful lady?’
‘Sorry, I’m waiting – wait.’ She was about to refuse the sudden approach, but after taking a good look at the man who had accosted her, she gave a gentle smile and said, “Please sit down.”
Gao Wenjun sat opposite her in a dashing manner, putting on a cool and handsome appearance, and said to her in a tone full of ambiguity, ’You’re sitting here alone, which is a bit lonely. Allow me to keep you company and relieve you of your loneliness.’
Qi-jun was stunned at first, then she covered her mouth and laughed, then she forced herself to be serious and said to him, ‘Little brother, call me sister.’
Gao Wenjun almost lost his balance and fell off the chair, and he yelled in dissatisfaction. ‘You ruined the mood, it’s really unfair, we’re less than a year apart, but I have to call you sister!’
“Of course! Even if I’m older than you, I’m still older than you, so call me sister.’
Well…that’s…really…unacceptable. Gao Wenjun blushed embarrassedly and said, ‘Sister…’
‘That’s my boy,’ she said, smiling happily.
Gao Wenjun propped his chin up and stared at her. ‘It’s rare to see you smile so happily. In the past, you always had a cold face. You have to keep smiling to be healthy, right?’
“In the past? You used to see me often?’
‘Yes! When Dad and Auntie took you to all those parties, I was always there with my brother, secretly watching you.‘
’Brother? You have a brother too! What’s his name? How old is he?‘ She asked eagerly, unable to hide her excitement.
He laughed. What a cute sister. “His name is Wensheng, and he’s in the third grade.”
’What does he look like? Do you have a photo?‘
’He’s just as handsome as me! But I’m a little better.’
‘There you go again! You’ve got a face thicker than a cow’s hide.‘
’Hey, you really know me well. But don’t worry, you’ll get to meet Wensheng.‘
Putting away his mischievous smile, Gao Wenjun asked with a serious expression, “Qijun…are you getting along well with your brother-in-law?”
’Not bad.’ She sipped the hot milk tea, still meditating on the image of Wensheng in her head.
‘Are you in love?‘
’Huh? Who are you talking about?‘ Qijun was only then able to snap back to reality, looking at him with a puzzled expression.
’Of course it’s you and your brother-in-law!‘
’Me and him?‘
’Yes! Are you close?‘
’Oh, you mean close! We’re not close.‘ She answered flatly and as if it were none of her business.
’Not close? Why not?‘
’Pang Xiao has someone else he likes.’
No way! Wen Jun looked incredulous. ‘He treats you badly, doesn’t he?’
‘No, he’s quite nice.’
‘How is he nice?’ Wen Jun was confused.
“Well…for example…for example, today he told the driver to take me out here and wait for me to have dinner together, so that’s quite nice, isn’t it?’
Wen Jun was really at a loss for words. He really couldn’t understand what Qijun was thinking. Did Pang Xiao have someone else he liked? He really couldn’t believe it. He hadn’t forgotten Pang Xiao’s devilishly serious and terrifying face at that banquet, an expression of anger that forbade others to approach his wife. It was a display of pure, unadulterated jealousy. How could it be…
Wait! Did she just say that Pang Xiao told her to wait here for dinner? That means Pang Xiao will be here soon!
Wow, this is bad! He has to hurry, and he must not let Pang Xiao see him sitting here with his sister. What’s more, it is inappropriate for them to be brother and sister, lest the scandal of an illegitimate child tarnish his sister’s reputation. The Pang family patriarch, with his deep-seated classist values, will never allow someone with an unclear family background to enter the family.
Although there are still a lot of questions in her heart that she wants to ask, it seems that she will have to find another opportunity.
‘Qijun, I’ll stop here, before Pang Xiao bumps into me. Don’t let him find out about our relationship. Wait for me tomorrow at noon at this restaurant, and we can talk more.‘ He got up and left.
’Wenjun!’ Qijun looked at him with reluctance and protested a little sheepishly. “You have to call me sister.”
Gao Wenjun said with a smile, ’Yes, dear sister, I have to go now. Please take care.’
Qijun smiled like a flower, returned a satisfied smile, and watched his back as he left.
It’s really great to have siblings. When you discover that there are people in the world who are connected by blood, and that you are not alone in the vast sea of people, it’s like having a support system when you’re a lonely duckweed. She can also chat with her younger brothers like everyone else, and suddenly a long time of loneliness is comforted, and she can’t help but break into a sweet, happy smile.
She doesn’t know what her younger brother looks like, but I’m sure he looks a lot like Wenjun! How I wish they could always be together! She would definitely be a good sister and take good care of her brothers. She imagined the three of them together, and it was such a warm and interesting picture…
She was so absorbed in her thoughts that she didn’t notice Pang Xiao sitting across from her, staring at her beautiful face. Occasionally, a small smile escaped her lips, adding to her beauty. Was she smiling because of him?
‘Are you smiling?‘
’Well…smiling at how naughty he is…‘
’Naughty who?‘
’Wen Jun…‘
’Who is Wen Jun!”
A heavy, stern voice startled Qi-jun back to reality. It was only then that she realised that her husband, Pang Xiao, was sitting in front of her.
When did he arrive? Qi-jun looked at him with some trepidation. It was obvious that Pang Xiao’s displeased expression came from the name she had blurted out just now.
‘Who is Wen Jun?’ he asked again, his tone softening a little, but still concealing the jealousy he felt at hearing another name from her lips.
Qi-jun looked at him warily. What should she do? She couldn’t let him know that Wen Jun was her younger brother. This secret had to be buried deep in her heart. If it got out, it would only hurt her parents and brothers. But Pang Xiao’s piercing gaze made her feel exposed. She couldn’t think of a way to lie on the spot. She was not good at lying in the first place. She could only lower her head to avoid his piercing gaze. The atmosphere fell into a silent silence.
Pang Xiao immediately felt an invisible wall separate them again. After finally drawing the two closer together, he could not let jealousy make him drive Qi-jun away again.
He suppressed his urge to interrogate her and dined with her in a pleasant manner, chatting about other topics, but his heart was not at ease. It was still closed—to him, which he could not bear.
Who was this Wen Jun she kept talking about? She never went out, so she didn’t have the chance to meet other men. And she didn’t have the personality to want to make friends with other people on her own, so the man she kept talking about must occupy a very important place in her heart.
This thought weighed heavily on Pang Xiao’s mind. He couldn’t bear to be ignored, and he had to seize her fickle heart.
At night, Pang Xiao passionately embraced her. Qi-jun felt like she was about to be swallowed up by him as they fell into a raging, fiery storm. Pang Xiao was different tonight. His embrace was overbearing, not the gentle treatment of the past. The touch was like an aggressive flame burning every inch of her skin, making her moan involuntarily. But her moan did not get him to reduce the intensity, instead it brought a more wild and deeper penetration.
‘No…”
she whispered, as an inexplicable feeling surged from the depths of her lower abdomen, racing through her limbs and bones and up to the top of her head, forcing her to cry involuntarily. Was this a feeling? She didn’t understand, but she resisted the urge to scream, allowing herself to sink deeper and deeper.
She kept hearing Pang Xiao’s love words murmuring by her ear, and gradually fatigue made her consciousness blur…
★★★
Qijun looked at herself in the mirror and felt almost embarrassed. Pang Xiao had left tiny, bruised kiss marks on her fair, snow-white neck.
Did he love nibbling people so much? She felt very different last night. When she thought back, her heart fluttered a little, and a hot blush rose to her ears. She felt so embarrassed!
Looking at the wall clock by the bed, the hour hand was about to reach 11 o’clock. Thinking of her appointment with Wen Jun yesterday, she hurriedly changed into a plain suit and asked the driver to take her to the same restaurant.
Wen Jun was already sitting in the seat reserved for him, waiting for her. Next to him was a pretty little boy. Of course, this pretty little boy was ‘Wen Sheng’.
The brother introduced the sister to the younger boy, and the two of them recognised each other for the first time. Sheng blinked his big, sparkling eyes and looked curiously at his sister, who had suddenly appeared. He felt fresh and new, and she was so beautiful that she looked like a fairy come down to earth. Happy and not at all shy, he asked, ‘Are you really my sister?’
‘Yes!’ Qijun nodded bashfully.
‘Great!‘ Wen Sheng exclaimed. “Sister, will you come to the family gathering next month? It’s boring for me to come every time, and it’s even better if my beautiful sister comes. I’ll definitely be the centre of attention then!”
An unthinking fist hit Wen Sheng’s head.
’Boy, you’re a dog that can’t stop eating shit! You forget your brother as soon as you see a pretty girl and say such nonsense! Why do you say it’s boring for me to go to the gathering? Every time I go, I create a sensation for you, isn’t that enough?’
Wen Sheng scolded Wen Sheng while petting his head. ‘It’s because you came that all the girls in the class only looked at you and stole all the limelight from me. It was a beautiful girl who came to the meeting, and a handsome guy with a beautiful girl is what makes for a great sight!’
‘Handsome guy? Who?’ Wen Jun asked with raised eyebrows.
‘Of course it’s me!’ Wen Sheng pointed dramatically.
“Rotten brat! What a big mouth!’
The two brothers then wrestled and played around, making Qijun laugh non-stop and full of envy.
The three siblings happily ate lunch together, not noticing that there was someone in the corner not far away, staring at them with sparkling eyes.
Cindy was surprised to find Wang Qijun here as soon as she entered the door. The man next to her was not Pang Xiao! Who was that man?
Wang Qijun, who had never left the house, was actually here. She is the only daughter of Wang Xiongming, so that man is definitely not her brother. He is really handsome and charming. Look at the tender and flirtatious way Wang Qijun looks at that man. Hmm! There must be something going on!
Cindy smiled mysteriously. She had to find out more. Maybe this was her chance to turn the tables. Wang Qijun was having an affair with that man. In a fit of rage, Lord Pang would definitely want Pang Xiao to divorce her in order to protect the Pang family’s reputation. Wouldn’t that give Cindy another chance to become the Pang family’s young mistress?
Even if they are having an affair, the man must have feelings for Wang Qijun. She just needs to find a way to add fuel to the fire and secretly plot a little, so that Wang Qijun will be disgraced and her goal will be achieved. Wow, what a clever and resourceful woman!
It was not difficult to hide Qi-jun’s secret meetings with her two younger brothers. Usually, Pang Xiao went to work during the day, Pang Juan went to class, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law also had their own careers. Although Master Pang had already retired, he still attended many political dinners as a consultant. The yes-man Zheng Weiming followed him around and served him. Basically, apart from her and the servants, no one else was there.
Therefore, she doesn’t need to report to anyone when she goes out. Today is a rare cloudy day, which blocks the scorching sun. Wen Jun happens to have no classes at university, so he drives Qi Jun to the countryside for a picnic.
The weather in the mountains and forests is refreshing and pleasant. The two siblings go to Maokong for tea.
‘Wen Jun, I haven’t seen a single cat along the way,’
says Gao Wen Jun, who almost spits out his tea when he hears this. ‘No way! Do you think everyone who lives in Maokong is a cat?’
‘Isn’t it?‘ she asked seriously.
Wen Jun held back the urge to laugh and said, “Since it’s called ”Maokong’, it means ‘empty as a cat’, so there won’t be any cats.‘
’Oh…I see.”
Qijun nodded in understanding, but then she noticed Wen Jun’s strange expression, a strange expression of wanting to laugh but holding back. It was only then that she suddenly realized and exclaimed, ’You tricked me!’
Wen Jun fell to the floor laughing, and Qi-jun, red-faced and embarrassed, raised her right hand as if to hit him, but Wen Jun caught it. The brother and sister laughed and wrestled together, and Qi-jun was also infected by the atmosphere of laughter. Her rosy young face was full of a beaming smile, like the blooming beauty of spring flowers, so delicate and charming that even the surrounding flowers looked pale in comparison.
Click! The long-lens camera kept clicking away.
Cindy, who was hiding in a corner not far away, dressed all in black, wearing sunglasses, and armed with a camera and a large bag of equipment, had been following them all day.
They were indeed having a secret meeting! Cindy smiled evilly. This stack of photos should be enough to start a storm!
She followed them on Sunday, but unfortunately didn’t get any shots of them kissing. In order to capture proof of the couple’s tryst, she bought this expensive camera, with a long lens imported from abroad!
The Pang family couldn’t help but be scandalised by this affair, and there’s going to be some good drama to watch! Cindy raised the corner of her mouth wickedly, estimating how much longer Wang Qijun could enjoy her good life.
★★★
Pang Xiao’s handsome face paled, his brows knitted, as a stack of photographs sent by a nameless person hit him like a thunderbolt.
It was obvious that someone had meddled in his wife’s whereabouts, waiting to see a good show by destroying their relationship.
As for the deeper purpose, it was unknown. Knowing that someone was deliberately stirring things up, he was still seriously affected. His expression was cold and stern, staring at the photographs, his eyes full of deep thought.
He had never seen her innocent and charming smile before, not a trace of coldness in it. It was as if it were a different person. This smiling face, like a blooming flower, she had never shown him before, and that was exactly what hit him the hardest.
Who was she with? It seemed like he had seen her somewhere before. Yes! At the charity dinner, he had once hit on Qi-jun. How did they get together later? And when was it? Looking at the way Qi-jun looked at this man, full of kindness and tenderness, could it be…
The sound of knocking on the door interrupted the train of thought.
‘Come in,’ he said, putting away the photo and regaining his usual calm and seriousness.
Cindy walked slowly into the room, wearing a confident and charming smile. She was holding a coffee in one hand and a meeting briefing in the other. She said in a soft tone of voice, ‘This is the coffee you wanted, and this is the environmental engineering briefing you asked for. It’s all been sorted out.’
‘Mm,‘ he nodded, his face expressionless.
Cindy happily observed his expression, unable to detect any difference. What self-control! She admired him sincerely. His focused expression was so cool, and he exuded an air of nobility, like a king, inspiring admiration in others. How could she bear to give him up!
’Is there anything else?’ He still kept his head down, his eyes on the briefing notes.
‘Yes, this is an invitation sent by Councillor Chen’s people. The youngest daughter is getting engaged, and the dinner is scheduled for the Regent.‘
He nodded, putting the invitation card aside.
’This…‘ she continued to remind him. “The letter mentions that there will be a ball after the engagement ceremony, and please bring a female companion to attend.”
’Got it.‘
’Xiao, you need a female companion, and I think I can do it,’ she boldly proposed.
Pang Xiao looked up and met her intent gaze. So that was the point. ‘Thanks, I don’t need a date.’
Cindy couldn’t hold back any longer. ‘Remember how we used to go to parties together? We always looked good together, and you need someone to keep those difficult heiresses at bay. Xiao, trust me, I’ll be your best partner.’
“I already have the perfect person to keep those difficult heiresses at bay,’
‘Who?‘ she asked eagerly.
’Who else but my wife?‘ he replied sheepishly.
’She’s not good at socialising and can’t resist those arrogant young ladies, who don’t care if you have a wife!‘
’Don’t worry! She has a powerful weapon that can resist any arrogant young lady.‘
’Weapon?’ she said with disbelief.
‘Beauty.’ The expression instantly softened, and she said fondly, “Beauty is the best weapon. It can make everyone who sees her feel inferior and flee in shame, so how dare they intrude without thinking?”
Cindy’s face suddenly turned white. Pang Xiao’s answer left her speechless. It was the truth, and she had no response.
Did he really love Wang Qijun that much?
Pang Xiao stood up from the briefing table and put on his suit jacket.
‘You’re going out?’ she asked.
‘Yes, I have some errands to run.’
‘Errands?’ she pressed.
‘Personal errands. If the phone rings, just say I’m in a meeting.’
‘What errands? Why don’t you take me with you? I want to follow you…’ She stopped suddenly.
Pang Xiao looked at her askance with cold eyes, her slightly furrowed brows indicating displeasure. ‘It seems that your duties as secretary have “overstepped your authority”! It’s as if I were the boss, isn’t it?’
‘I’m sorry.’ Her coldness made her heart tremble.
Pang Xiao walked out the door, feeling a trace of pity for the naive Chu Chu, leaving Cindy standing there alone.
Carrying her briefcase, which contained photos of Qi-jun and the man she was seeing, Pang Xiao’s heart grew heavier. This matter must be thoroughly investigated by someone else.
Ah, Qi-jun! The person he thought about day and night, both mentally and physically, must be hers. The sudden appearance of a rival made him prepare for battle, and the desire to win her heart grew even more fervent.
Facing her cold and quiet demeanour, how much of a chance did he really have?
★★★
A large bunch of calla lilies filled Qijun’s entire field of vision.
‘For you,’ Pang Xiao said tenderly, looking at her.
Qijun was a little taken aback by Pang Xiao’s sudden tenderness. Receiving flowers was a very ordinary thing in her life. Ever since she was fifteen, she had received flowers and gifts from countless admirers at every banquet she attended, hoping to win a smile from the beauty. The same scenario had played out over and over again, and she had long since lost her feelings for it.
But the flowers from Pang Xiao made her feel a little fluttery, because it was unlike him to do something like this. She suddenly had a strange thought: Could it be that the flowers were originally meant for someone else, and only ended up with her because of a last-minute change of plans? Yes, she seemed to be able to accept them more easily.
She gazed in wonder at the elegant white calla lilies.
Zhang Ma brought the vase and Qi Jun inserted the calla lilies, carefully adjusting the position of the flowers. There was no doubt that she really liked the bouquet. After adjusting it, she tilted her head to look into Pang Xiao’s eyes.
‘Why did you think of buying flowers?’ she asked, casually starting a conversation.
‘Seeing it made me think of you.’
Qi Jun’s cheeks flushed slightly, telling her not to get the wrong idea. He might have just bought them on his way here.
‘You’ve gone to all this trouble to buy me flowers. I’m really very grateful.‘
Pang Xiao moved closer, his eyes locked on her the whole time, observing her every emotion and movement.
’I’ve neglected you because I’ve been busy, and these flowers are my apology.’ He had moved to stand beside her.
The polite and deliberate tenderness made Qijun feel uncomfortable. Apology? Why was he apologising to her? He didn’t owe her anything!
‘Busyness is only natural. You don’t need to feel guilty towards me. I don’t feel uncomfortable.‘
’But it’s my fault for leaving you alone at home because of my busyness.‘
’No, I have a lot to do, and I’ve been staying at home all the time. Occasionally, I go out…‘ Qijun paused, suddenly feeling that she had said too much.
’I heard from the driver that you’ve been going out to see friends a lot recently, is that right?’
Qijun looked down sheepishly and whispered, ‘Well, I get bored and occasionally want to find friends to chat with.’
‘Friends? Who?’ He asked softly but firmly, with a steady sharpness in his tone.
Qijun’s heart was a little nervous. For some reason, she always felt Pang Xiao’s tone of voice exuding an overwhelming pressure.
“Well…high school friends, I haven’t seen them for a long time, so I’ve been catching up and chatting a lot recently.’
She was lying.
Pang Xiao had attended an all-girls school in high school, but the driver, Chen, said that the man she was meeting was, he guessed, the man in the photo.
Qi-jun deliberately hid it, why didn’t she just tell him? Could it be that they really had… A fleeting thought made his heart ache, and he didn’t want to explore it further. Pang Xiao put his arms around her from behind and embraced her in his possession.
‘Pang Xiao?‘
She felt the domineering strength of his arms and the strength of his embrace, which caused ripples in her heart.
’It’s my fault,’ he whispered hoarsely in her ear. ’I was the one who turned you off in the first place, and I deserve to suffer the consequences. But it’s not too late. From now on, I just want you to look at me and think about me.’
What was he saying? Surrounded by his masculine scent, Qijun struggled uneasily, but Pang Xiao hugged her even tighter.
‘Pang Xiao! I can’t breathe, so let go, okay?’
Pang Xiao hugged her tightly, and nibbled her shoulder and jade-like skin.
‘Pang Xiao…no, people will see us here.’
‘It doesn’t matter!’
He couldn’t stand the temptation of her unique fragrance.
“No…it tickles!’
The more she struggled, the more aroused he became. Pang Xiao picked her up and laughed wickedly, ‘You’re shy? Why don’t we go back to the bedroom?’
‘But…no!’
‘No? You’re saying I can’t? Then I have to prove it to you.’
Qijun blushed, her heart racing even faster. She changed her words and explained, ‘No, I mean it’s broad daylight, you can’t—’
‘No? You’re insulting me by saying that. You must take responsibility for what you say!”
Next, Pang Xiao used his mouth to silence him, completely denying him the opportunity to speak. He strode into the bedroom, shutting a beautiful scene behind the door, and only faintly heard the sighs coming from it.
★★★
Qi-jun was too weak to move, and Pang Xiao wildly made love to her twice.
This is crazy. Sometimes he is cold and ruthless, sometimes impulsive and irritable, and sometimes…he is so unpredictable and tender that she is increasingly unable to understand him.
Qi-jun never expected that her body would feel such strong emotions in response to his touch.
Although husband and wife have the duty to fulfil their conjugal duties, does he love her? She has never heard him say the word ‘love’.
Her parents also share the same bed, but each has a new lover and different dreams.
After all, what is love? It made her feel so sad.
Pang Xiao put his left arm around her and stroked her back with his right hand. He wondered if he had been too rough just now. She was so delicate, and he was afraid that he might have hurt her.
The touch felt so good, and the cool, smooth skin beneath his hands was always so mesmerising. He couldn’t help but lower his head again and nibble on her beautiful shoulder.
He nibbled on it in a small, delicate way, which made her feel a tingling, itching sensation and made her laugh involuntarily.
She tried to cover her mouth with her hand, but he held it and sucked on her slender fingers.
‘I like to see you smile.’
‘But there’s no need to do it like that. If you want to see me smile, just say so.’
‘No, I want a smile from the bottom of your heart, not just a forced one.’
She gazed at him, pondering his words.
‘What’s the difference?’
‘I don’t want you to force it.’
“But you’re already making me do it.’
‘If that’s the case, why don’t you protest to me?‘
’Is it necessary?‘ she replied helplessly.
’If you protest, at least I will understand your thoughts.‘
He had successfully taken the first step in communicating with her, and she had unconsciously answered along with the words.
’What happens after understanding? Will you respect my wishes, or express your dissatisfaction with anger?‘
’You are afraid that I will get angry, so you are unwilling to explain, preferring to annihilate yourself? Or are you afraid to confess?’
Pang Xiao’s piercing gaze made her want to look away. What was he trying to say? Qi-jun’s words faltered. ‘I just don’t want to cause unnecessary trouble. When two people don’t agree, one side has to compromise, doesn’t they?’
‘But it’s always you who compromises. Don’t you want to be the one who makes the decisions? Expressing your views clearly is the only way to give things a chance. Avoiding and staying silent doesn’t mean you can solve everything.’
Qi-jun suppressed the impact of her fluctuating emotions, but her tone lost its poise.
‘At least, I can get some peace and quiet and not have to deal with pointless arguments.”
Pang Xiao looked deeply into her eyes and struck home every word. “So, you’re afraid to confess, afraid that the confession will bring harm that you can’t bear.”
She broke free of his grasp on her right hand and built up a protective wall of indifference. ’What do you want to say? I’ve never interfered in anything you’ve done, but you’ve repeatedly restricted and forced me! Like now, probing my thoughts, what’s the point?’
‘Are you unhappy with my behaviour?‘
’Of course! You’ve been in control of everything from beginning to end. You’re the one who said not to interfere in your life, you’re the one who forced me to go out, even the sex, everything is you, you…”
Qijun then noticed that Pang Xiao had given her an incredibly gentle smile and was quietly listening to her protest.
He should be angry! Why is he smiling so gently at her? Why? Why? She was protesting like a fool. Why…
An emotion welling up from the bottom of her heart made her eyes slightly wet. She wanted to escape, but Pang Xiao hugged her even tighter. She pounded him, weakly, but in the end, her actions turned into a grip on his strong arms.
Finally, tears that had long been forgotten flowed down her cheeks.
The silent weeping and trembling body pained Pang Xiao’s heart. She was only twenty years old, a young girl in her prime, but she was already married and closed off.
He wanted to let her, no matter what had happened in the past, the only place she could call home in the future was in his arms. He would never let her go, and he wanted her heart to be open only to him.
Qijun, what a lovely person he was so attached to…

[8] Chapter 7

As usual, Qijun and Wenjun’s brother had a date about once a week. In order to avoid people’s attention, Qijun was always driven by the driver to a fixed point to meet Wenjun, and then Wenjun would take her and her brother to other places for tea and dinner.
The driver, Chen, was instructed by Pang Xiao to keep a close eye on his mistress.
In addition to Chen’s surveillance, there was also Cindy’s covert investigation. She followed closely, dodging and weaving, not bothering to run and stalk.
It’s infuriating! Cindy complained angrily, having followed them for weeks, but there had been no progress. Holding a heavy imported camera in her hand, she hadn’t managed to take even half a storm-stirring intimate shot. And damn it, these two never went anywhere, but always went hiking in the countryside and mountains. The 45-degree slope made the camera on her shoulder even heavier, and she was sweating all over. She just didn’t believe that these two were so sacred that they didn’t even touch hands.
Just as she was complaining, perhaps heaven pitied her for working so hard and finally gave her a chance to get a good shot. Because of the hard climb, Qijun felt that she couldn’t take it anymore, so the athletic Wen Jun simply picked her up and carried her up the hill.
Such a once-in-a-lifetime shot made Cindy forget about her sore feet and back as she desperately pressed the shutter.
Wen Jun carried her to the base of a large tree to rest, saying, ‘The view is great here, let’s sit and enjoy it!’
Qi-jun nodded and asked apologetically, ‘Are you tired? I’m so useless, I’ve caused you so much trouble.’
‘That’s good! Can’t you see how envious everyone is of my good fortune along the way?’
‘That’s not fair! You’re the one carrying her, I want to carry her next,’ Wen Sheng whined.
‘You?’ Wen Jun pretended to look down on him.
‘Why not?’ Wen Sheng looked unconvinced.
‘Okay, okay! Stop fighting. When I leave in a while, will you help your sister, Wen Sheng? Otherwise, she might not be able to walk.‘
’Don’t worry, sister! I’m here, so don’t worry.”
Wen Sheng showed a satisfied, childish smile. With these words of reassurance from Qi-jun, his young male pride was soothed.
Qijun smiled with relief and happiness. Wensheng, being naive, wanted to protect her, and she felt a warm current flow through her heart, giving her an indescribable sense of comfort.
She opened the picnic box she had prepared in advance for her two younger brothers to eat, and picked up an exquisite sandwich for Wensheng, while Wenshun got the extra-large bento.
Wenshun happily took the bento, and while eating, said, ‘You look much better than before.’
‘Really?‘ she asked.
’Your complexion is much rosier than before. It was definitely the right decision to take you outside more often.‘
’Thanks to you!‘ she said with a smile, nibbling on a piece of cake.
’Brother-in-law isn’t coming out, is he?‘
’Well, he’s very busy, so he won’t notice if I go out.‘
’Really?’ Wen Jun said nonchalantly. ’My observation was correct. He should really care about you.’
‘No,‘ she shook her head. “He has always had a prejudice against our marriage, and he already had a favourite.”
’But everyone says that he loves his wife very much, that he goes home on time after work, that he is not as sociable as he used to be or attend meetings as much, and that he even cancels meetings that are not held during work hours, all for the beautiful young lady at home.’
‘How could that be!’ Qi-jun shook her head. “Maybe he’s just tired and wants to go home early to rest!”
How could Pang Xiao do that for her! She’s not so delusional as to think that Pang Xiao would like her. Pang Xiao is just having to acknowledge the reality of the situation, isn’t he? Although, occasionally he will show an unintentional gentleness, most of the time he is angry, especially when he is talking to her.
Wen Jun observed Qijun, who was lost in thought. After spending time together these days, he discovered that Qijun seemed to have a delicate sense of feeling, but she was extremely slow to respond emotionally. She always responded indifferently to many things, keeping her heart closed to prevent all unnecessary hurt. Her indifferent nature did not mean that she really didn’t care; she was just protecting herself with an indifferent attitude. A closed heart rejects any attempts to find out what’s going on, and if she continues like this, she will miss out on many worthwhile things in her life.
Although he had only met Pang Xiao twice, from his actions and attitude, Wen Jun could tell that he cared deeply for Qi-jun. But if she continued down this path, she would never be able to seize happiness. She was also blind to the fact that she might even miss her chance to be happy.
How could she make her close her heart?
‘Do you have an opinion on Pang Xiao?’ he asked.
‘Opinion?’ Qi-jun looked at him in puzzlement.
“What I mean is, what do you think of Pang Xiao as a person?’
She pondered for a long time before slowly answering. ‘He’s—very serious, scary when he’s angry, but sometimes…very gentle, sometimes wild and unruly.’
‘Has he ever lost his temper with you?’
‘Well, he gets really angry when I say the wrong thing, but I don’t say anything wrong.’
‘You say everything?’ Wen Jun asked curiously, looking excited.
‘I remember the time he was most angry when I told him that I would not object if he went out on a date with someone else.‘
Wen Jun burst out laughing, and stared at Qi Jun in disbelief. “You really said that?”
Qi Jun didn’t understand why Wen Jun’s reaction was so exaggerated, so she explained, “My marriage to him is a political marriage. We can’t restrict him from going out if there is any affection.”
’What you mean is… you guys are just nominal husband and wife, right?’
Qijun blushed suddenly and could not answer such a shy question.
Seeing Qijun’s reaction, Wen Jun let out a sigh of relief. They had done it, and this answer temporarily set his mind at ease. He thought about it carefully, and after a while he sighed and said, ‘If it’s someone I like, I definitely won’t be able to bear hearing her tell me to find another date or say something that shows she doesn’t care about me.’
Qijun looked up, her eyes full of doubt.
Wen Jun smiled helplessly and concluded to her: ‘It means that Pang Xiao must really care about you, that’s why he lost his temper with you. Getting angry sometimes is a sign of love.’
‘No way! He’s never said anything about loving me,’ she shook her head in disbelief.
‘Some words of love cannot be spoken, especially by someone like Pang Xiao. Trust me, you can’t go wrong!’ Wen Jun continued to enjoy his meal after saying this. He had said all he needed to say, and it was up to his sister to figure it out. Let’s see if she has the wisdom to understand!
★★★
Another letter was delivered with no name on it. It was full of photos of Qi-jun going out with a man.
Pang Xiao’s handsome face was even gloomier than the dark clouds outside. He called on Lao Chen to ask about it and learned that Cindy had secretly followed and taken the photos this morning, and that Qi-jun was indeed very close to this man.
According to his detective agency friend’s investigation, the man’s name is Gao Wenjun, currently studying at A University. His mother is the proprietress of a famous clothing store in the eastern district and the second wife of someone in power, but due to extreme secrecy, it is still impossible to find out anything for the time being.
Looking at the photo, where Qi-jun is being held closely by the man, makes his eyes burn with rage, and he wants to chop off the man’s hands.
What should he do? Damn it!
Cindy took these photos, no doubt to destroy his relationship with Qi-jun. It seems he has to face Cindy’s scheming head-on.
Cindy incited the servants to spy on Qi-jun. He didn’t do it for nothing. He only didn’t argue with her because she grew up with him.
He thought that she, being worldly-wise and mature, would know how to keep her distance. Although she kept hinting that she was willing to become his mistress, he believed that a firm refusal would always make him back off and find happiness elsewhere.
Unexpectedly, she not only did not give up, but actually started investigating their private lives. She took these photos and sent them to him. What was she expecting? Did she think that there was a chance?
He, Pang Xiao, had never been fooled before, and it looked like he couldn’t indulge her anymore.
When Cindy was notified that Pang Xiao was looking for her, her heart leapt with joy. It was rare for Pang Xiao to take the initiative to find her; in the past, she had to take advantage of work to get close to him. It seemed that the photos had had an effect, and perhaps Pang Xiao had remembered something good and wanted to see her again. After tidying herself up outside the door, she walked into Pang Xiao’s office with a thousand charms, dressed in pink and looking exceptionally bright.
‘You’re fired.‘
That was all he said slowly, as an explanation and a sign.
Cindy couldn’t believe her ears. She was dumbfounded. She must have heard wrong.
’You heard right. I said you’re fired.‘
’Why?‘ she asked excitedly.
He threw the photo on the desk.
’That’s why.’ His eyes turned fierce.
‘This, this is not me—‘
’I haven’t even asked you, and you’re already denying it. Isn’t that like admitting it?”
Cindy tried to argue some more, but Pang Xiao waved her off, impatiently ordering, ’This position of assistant secretary doesn’t suit you. You may go! I’ll let you go because your parents have worked for the Pangs for many years, but you are not allowed to set foot in the Pang household again from now on.’
‘No! You can’t do this to me!‘ she screamed.
’You don’t call the shots here. It’s over between us. I’ve put up with you for a long time, but you’ve gone too far, interfering in my personal life. Enough is enough! I’ll leave before I lose my temper!‘
’I love you, Pang Xiao!’ she said, stepping forward and grabbing him.
He sneered, utterly disdainful of her confession.
‘Don’t you understand! I don’t love you at all. You’ve made me lose even the last bit of brotherly love for you. Just go!’ He pressed the bell on the table to call for other security personnel to take her away, and then he went back to his office without looking back.
That night, Qijun tossed and turned in bed alone. Pang Xiao had rarely stayed out so late, and she suddenly felt a little cold and a little lonely when she looked at the empty space next to her.
Recalling the words Wenjun had said to her during the day, she felt her mood become confused.
Does Pang Xiao love her? Is that even possible? She kept asking herself.
She had grown accustomed to Pang Xiao’s embrace, and suddenly not having someone to lean on made her sleep very uneasily. She really wanted to see Pang Xiao and snuggle up next to him. Although he could be scary at times, he gave her a sense of security.
Her heart was restless as she fell asleep. In the haze, she slept very lightly and slowly felt as if someone had come to her side, a pair of large hands stroking her hair gently, but the look in their eyes seemed to be mixed with sadness…
It was Pang Xiao! She woke up.
‘You’re back,’ she said softly, and sat up.
She noticed that he looked a little haggard today, but his eyes were still bright and shining. She stared at him, a little shy, and asked him in a low voice: ‘What’s wrong?’
Pang Xiao took out a stack of photos and placed them in front of her.
Qi Jun looked at the scattered photos on the bed in disbelief, and all sleepiness disappeared. Aren’t these the photos of her outing with Wen Jun and Wen Sheng this morning?
Did he know? That Wen Jun and Wen Sheng were her brothers? Qi-jun’s face turned pale, and she couldn’t speak for a long time. At that moment, she could imagine how much Pang Xiao despised her. He must not be able to bear the fact that her brothers were illegitimate.
‘You often go out with Gao Wenjun?’ He asked indifferently, trying hard to suppress the anger caused by jealousy.
‘Mm,‘ she nodded in silence, and since the truth could not be hidden, she had no choice but to admit it frankly.
’You like him?”
She nodded honestly. How could she not like her brother?
Pang Xiao’s heart fell to the bottom of the valley, and he almost couldn’t bear the blow and lost his reason.
Now that it had come to this, he could still say that it was him who had rejected her in the first place! How could he blame her for falling in love with someone else when he had been indifferent to her, ignored her, and even avoided seeing her?
But he can’t let her go. She is his wife, and she belongs to him for the rest of his life. Even if she falls in love with someone else, he won’t let her go. Since his mind is made up, he forces himself to calm down his turbulent emotions and thinks about how to win her heart.
Qijun secretly observes Pang Xiao’s expression, unable to tell what he is thinking. She asks uneasily, ‘Are you…very angry?’
Pang Xiao took a deep breath. Things had come to such a serious pass that he could not scare her. He said slowly, ‘No, I’m not angry.’
Qi Jun’s disappointment welled up. He wasn’t angry, which meant…he didn’t care about her. She had an indescribable feeling of loss. After all, Wen Jun had been wrong in his judgment!
Since she had already solved the mystery, what had she lost? She should never have had any hope. She was really ridiculous, not at all like her usual self. Hadn’t she always been indifferent?
But honestly, the photo was really well taken, and she really wanted it. It was a photo of her and her brothers!
‘Can I have the photo?’ she blurted out.
These words were like a knife stabbing into Pang Xiao’s heart. Did she like that man that much? Jealousy once again burned through his body and reached his head.
‘No!’ he roared, grabbing the photo and throwing it accurately into the trash can.
‘No!‘ She instinctively reached out to pick it up, having forgotten how scared she was of Pang Xiao’s anger.
As she leaned forward to pick up the photo, Pang Xiao embraced her, pinning her to the bed.
’You are my wife, and you are not allowed to see him again!‘
’Why? You have no right to restrict me!’ She boldly challenged his anger. It was a matter of her dear younger brother, and an originally timid heart awakened to his unreasonable demands.
‘As long as you are my wife, I have the right to restrict you!‘
’That’s not fair! On our wedding day, you said that I should not interfere with anything about you, and that I could do whatever I wanted! I have never interfered with you, so why are you being unreasonable?‘
’Yes, you can do whatever you want, but I won’t allow this!‘
’You’re being so overbearing!‘
’Whether you call me overbearing or unreasonable, from now on, you are not allowed to see him!’
‘You…are so heartless.‘ Her eyes turned helpless, unable to believe that he could be so heartless, not caring about her feelings at all, just like her parents.
He suddenly let her go, turned his back to her big, helpless eyes. Her empty, helpless eyes were fatal.
’Anyway, I won’t let you see him again.’ With those words, he picked up the photo in the trash can and walked out of the bedroom. He let her hate him, it was better than losing someone. Love hurts, not just the heart, it’s not easy for him either!
★★★
Qijun became even more silent, avoiding Pang Xiao at all times. It was hard for the two of them to make progress in their relationship, and when they finally did, they reached an impasse.
Every time Pang Xiao came home from work, he couldn’t find her. She didn’t appear until dinner time, but she was still quiet and reserved, just as she had been when she first arrived at the Pang household.
Her deliberate avoidance made Pang Xiao feel bad, and even the others could sense the unusual atmosphere.
After dinner, Pang Juan walked into her brother’s study. The door was open, and she went straight in, but she saw Pang Xiao staring at the photo and lost in thought, not even noticing her enter.
Pang Juan crept up quietly, curious about what her brother was looking at that made him look so solemn. But she expected to see something shocking, and she excitedly snatched the photo, staring at it in disbelief.
‘Pang Juan?’ He frowned, wondering when his younger sister had entered. He didn’t even notice.
Pang Xiao immediately noticed that his younger sister’s expression was even more solemn than his own, from surprise to stunned silence, and from stunned silence to sadness. Finally, tears fell apologetically and she ran out of the study crying, leaving Pang Xiao completely confused. He was the one who should be sad! It was strange that his younger sister was even more sad than he was!
The maid Xiaobi had obeyed the eldest young master’s order that if Qijun wanted to go out, she must be accompanied by her, so that Qijun couldn’t find a chance to see Wen Jun.
This is too much! Qi-jun was so sad that she ran back to her room. Pang Xiao, how could you tell someone to spy on my movements? She hated him so much!
She only realised now that she didn’t have Wen Jun’s phone number and couldn’t notify him of the situation. She hadn’t seen him for two weeks and he must be very worried about her. Would Xiao Wen Sheng blame her for not meeting as agreed? Thinking about this, she couldn’t help but shed tears.
In the evening, Pang Xiao returned home and looked for Qi Jun. After listening to Xiao Bi’s report, she was unhappy because Xiao Bi insisted on going out with her.
She still wanted to see Gao Wenjun.
This idea made him sad and angry. He was actually inferior to a young man.
He searched every room but couldn’t find a trace of her, and the servants didn’t know either. Where would she go? Pang Xiao recalled that this had happened more than once. Where did she hide? After thinking about it, he realised that he had searched the whole house, but she was nowhere to be found. She wasn’t in her room, she wasn’t in the garden, could it be… Suddenly, he knew what had happened.
Qi-jun was sitting in the attic, leaning against the small window, lost in thought. She didn’t want to see Pang Xiao, who should have been back by now. The whole family was listening, and she felt like she was under house arrest, unable to even go out. The only place she could be at peace was in this attic, which was about one ping in size.
There is a blue sky outside the window, but she has a pair of wings that allow her to soar freely. Ever since she went out with Wen Jun’s two younger brothers, she has gradually yearned for the outside world and can no longer be confined to a place like before. Wen Jun doesn’t care about her delicate body and patiently takes her to experience nature, even carrying her up steep slopes. Although he is a year younger than her, he has a high degree of gentlemanly demeanour, unlike…unlike Pang Xiao!
She was angry again when she thought of how Pang Xiao had thrown the photo into the trash can! He didn’t even give her the photo, and he was even younger than her, which was infuriating! She, she must seek justice from him.
Qi-jun is here after all! Pang Xiao was relieved from his initial worried state.
The perceptive Qi-jun suddenly felt a sense of presence behind her, and when she turned around in alarm, she couldn’t help but be surprised by Pang Xiao’s appearance.
‘Why are you spacing out here?’ he asked, his tone full of tenderness.
‘Why are you here?‘
’This is my library, of course I am.‘
! So this is also his territory! Qi-jun’s mood dropped.
’Do you like it here?’ he asked.
‘Not really,‘ she replied helplessly.
’This is where Pang Juan and I used to play when we were kids. I remember that when we were kids, our parents were very strict with us, so Pang Juan and I often hid here to play and do all the things that adults normally wouldn’t let us do. When we got into trouble, we would also hide here until the adults calmed down. Now that we’re grown up, I realise how small this place is, and how much I miss it! I haven’t been up here in years.’
Pang Xiao told Qijun about the interesting memories that happened in the attic when he was a child, and she gradually became engrossed in listening, forgetting for a moment the things that made her angry with him.
When he showed his gentle and humorous side, that tenderness always made people dizzy… It would be so good if he could always stay like this for her. He was so gentle and pleasant at the moment, and the strength of his hand holding her slender waist was so gentle that it was addictive. She asked him for something, and he would probably say yes, right?
She nestled into his arms, listening to his whispering voice. ‘You and your sister have a very close relationship, which is enviable. I, on the other hand, am an only child, and have never experienced the closeness of siblings.’
‘You can treat Pang Juan as a younger sister. She is lively and kind, and a girl who is easy to get along with.’
“She doesn’t like me,’
Pang Xiao comforted with guilt. ‘That’s not her nature, everything started because of me, it’s my fault.’
Qi Jun didn’t understand why Pang Xiao blamed her, but he made her happy. When he wasn’t angry, even a little tenderness moved her deeply.
She tried to make him understand, speaking softly. ‘Ever since I was little, I’ve always been alone. My brothers and sisters let me pour out my heart. Often at night, I learned again and again to have a younger brother or sister. We all played together, but we were so unhappy. But because I had to take care of them, they were so naughty, I was exhausted like a cow, unable to catch my breath.’
‘Oh, so you were a very responsible older sister!’ He smiled, showing off his handsome features.
‘When the dream woke up, all the noise and laughter suddenly fell silent, and all I could see was the deserted room and the endless darkness. My children felt so disappointed and sad…‘
Pang Xiao couldn’t help but tighten his grip around her. Her sad expression made his heart ache.
’All that is in the past. You won’t feel lonely anymore. As long as you’re happy, I’ll agree to anything you want.‘
’Really!’ She looked up, her watery eyes sparkling with light.
It was rare to see her excited, and he liked it, really liked it, nodding at her like a fool.
‘I promise,’ he said firmly.
‘So, you won’t object if I meet Wen Jun, right?’
In an instant, Pang Xiao’s face turned dark and deep, and she was shocked.
Pang Xiao narrowed his eyes dangerously at her, suddenly tightening his grip, forcing her to gasp.
He almost fell for her trick. The tender confession and the intoxicatingly lovely face were all for that purpose. She actually wanted him to agree to let them meet.
‘Pang Xiao…’ She tried to break free in fear.
After staring at her for about five minutes, Pang Xiao declared to her word by word: ‘You—must—not!’
Qijun protested angrily with tightly pursed lips. ‘So the promise just now was a lie!’
‘Not at all. You are being unreasonable!‘
’You call this unreasonable? Pang Xiao, I’m only asking you to let me see Wen Jun, even once a week, and you won’t even do that?‘
’I’ve already said, I won’t allow this, and don’t forget, you are my wife!‘
’Wife?‘ she said mockingly. “Who said I married only your family, not you?”
’Don’t provoke me!’ he warned.
‘I don’t understand! You said all these things, and I never refuted you, and now you’re rejecting them all? You’re being outrageous!”
Pang Xiao said with clenched teeth, ’Fine! Let’s not talk about anything else. Just the fact that you are the Pang family’s daughter-in-law today is enough to show that you cannot see Gao Wenjun, lest you damage the Pang family’s reputation!’
Qi-jun broke away from him. Leaning against the window, she forced back the urge to cry. Seeing Wen-jun was damaging the Pang family’s reputation was enough to make her feel bad. Wen-jun was being so unfairly treated!
No matter how sad Qi-jun looked at the moment, he had to be firm and continue, ‘Anyway, in the future, you are not allowed to go out at will. If I want to go out, I will take you with me.’
‘No need,’ she said coldly. ‘I will not set foot outside the door again, so don’t trouble yourself.’
The relationship between the two once again reached an irreparable impasse. Pang Xiao looked at her silently with a pale face, his meaning clear: she didn’t need him at all, so what was there for him to say?
Why was there always an invisible wall between them, one after the other? He had always been the object of her affection. If he wanted something, he would get it immediately, but his cautious personality would not allow him to bare his heart so easily. Now that he had finally found the woman of his life, he was at his wit’s end. He felt deeply defeated and powerless. What was he supposed to do with her?
‘Qijun!‘ He shook his shoulders.
’I understand, don’t worry, I won’t see Wen Jun again.”
Pang Xiao panicked, his eyes were so vacant, cold like an angry enamel doll. He hugged her tightly, but he doubted if he could hold onto his heart.
★★★
Qi-jun, at her wit’s end, agreed to Zheng Weiming’s invitation, because it would get her away from Chen Lao’s watchful eye. Although she didn’t really like Zheng Weiming, at least he was the one in charge in the Pang household.
‘It’s rare that my cousin-in-law would agree to my invitation. I’ll accompany you wherever you want to go,’ he said, flattering her to no end. It was a real pleasure to have a stunning beauty accompany him; just looking at her made him feel at ease.
Qi-jun’s mind kept racing, full of thoughts about how to get rid of Zheng Weiming. Fortunately, she had managed to get past the Pang family’s front door, and the next step was much easier: she just needed to find an opportunity to slip away.
Suddenly, she had a plan. She spoke softly. ‘I want to go to Shin Kong Mitsukoshi. The maid said that the view of Taipei from the top floor is very beautiful.’
‘Great! Your cousin hasn’t been to the top floor of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi yet. Cousin, you really should make more of an effort to take your cousin out and about. Like me, I love to go out and about. In the future, when your cousin wants to go out, I will be happy to accompany you. It would be my honour to accompany you.’
Zheng Weiming kept on talking all the way, ranting about Pang Xiao’s faults and boasting about his strengths. The noise was so loud that it made Qi-jun feel as if there were a swarm of mosquitoes buzzing around her ears. How could there be such a long-winded person in the world? She really wished she could jump out of the car right away.
Standing in the square in front of Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, the fast pace of people coming and going, and the crowd of people helped her slip away. Qi-jun lied and said she wanted to go to the bathroom, and with a shallow sweet smile, she told Zheng Weiming to wait a moment.
Fascinated by this smiling face like a flower, Zheng Weiming nodded without doubting.
‘Can you buy me a drink, I’m so thirsty…‘ she asked.
’No problem, you want to drink? We’ll go buy it when you come out in a while.”
No, if he doesn’t go buy it now, she won’t have a chance to slip away, Qi-jun begged reluctantly and coquettishly. ’You go buy it now, then when I come out of the bathroom, I’ll be able to drink it right away. Please, I’m so thirsty.’
These soft words are irresistible to anyone who hears them, and Zheng Weiming was naturally no exception, so he obediently did as he was told to win the beauty’s favour.
When he returned, Qi-jun had already slipped away. Unaware of what had happened, he was holding various bottles and cans of drinks in his hands, waiting foolishly by the bathroom door, happily planning the romantic world of the two of them later. He was immersed in it alone, but he had already made a big mistake.

[9] Chapter 8

Qi-jun walked aimlessly through downtown Taipei, not knowing where to go.
She had never acted alone before, having always been chauffeured around since she was a child. She didn’t know the roads of Taipei at all, and she had no way to contact Wen Jun, so it seemed that she had acted too hastily this time.
Pedestrians on the street kept turning around, and Qi-jun’s pretty face attracted a lot of surprised attention, but she was too preoccupied to notice.
Autumn is in the air, and she forgot to bring her jacket with her when she went out. She hugged her arms around herself to warm her skin, and walked alone on the street for a long time, watching people come and go. A few couples passed by her, and she saw the look of happiness on their faces. Is it really that good to be in a relationship?
She didn’t know where she was or how long she had been walking. She felt a slight headache coming on—
‘Hey, isn’t that Qijun?”
The surprised call came from her high school classmate, Zhong Shaowei. She blinked in disbelief, shook Qijun’s hand excitedly, and exclaimed happily, “Why are you here? Where’s your husband? It’s rare to see you go out, shopping? Buying things?”
Qijun felt as if a great weight had been lifted, and seeing the relief in her acquaintance’s face, she stammered, ’I… I came out with someone.’
‘You?‘ she asked in surprise.
’Yes,‘ she nodded.
’Where’s your driver?‘
’Driver? I took a ride with a relative.‘
’Oh! Where is that relative? He couldn’t have left you here alone, could he?”
Qijun smiled helplessly, not knowing how to answer. She was in a difficult situation and couldn’t explain much, so she just gave a vague answer. ’Because I wanted to go out for a stroll by myself, so I didn’t let anyone else accompany me.’
Zhong Shaowei sensed that something was wrong. Given Qi-jun’s circumstances, the Pang family could not possibly let her go out alone. She tried to inquire, ‘Where are you planning to go now?’
‘To Rosa’s Restaurant.‘ She always met Wen Jun there, so she thought she might try her luck there and find him.
’Do you know the way?‘ Zhong Shaowei was worried that she might get lost.
’Well… I was going to take a taxi.‘
’You don’t think you can just tell the driver ‘Rosa’s Restaurant’ and get there, do you?‘
’Don’t I?’ Qi-Qun asked innocently.
Ha! Sure enough! Zhong Shaowei tapped her forehead as expected. There are at least 20 branches of Rosa’s Restaurant in Taipei. It’s lucky that Qijun met her today, otherwise Qijun would definitely get lost. She dares not imagine what would happen to such a beautiful woman walking in the perilous urban jungle. At least she is sure that Qijun’s beauty will make lawbreakers covet.
No! She can’t just ignore Qijun!
‘Follow me.’
“Where to?’
‘First let’s go to my place, it’s not far from here. We can figure out what to do when we get there. Come on!‘
So Zhong Shaowei dragged Qi Jun to her place. It was a typical one-bedroom apartment for a single person, about 66 square metres in size, with a warm and elegant decor. It was located on the 19th floor, with a good view. Although it was in the city centre, it was quiet and a good place to live.
’Make yourself at home! Just consider this your place!’ Zhong Shaowei brought two cups of instant coffee and a delicate slice of cheesecake.
She walked back and forth, busy with the preparations, lowering the silk curtains to block out the strong sunlight, and laying out a tablecloth with a chic pattern on the coffee table. Once everything was ready, she sat on the floor facing Qi-jun, exhaled and said, ‘Okay, help yourself to some refreshments. Now you can tell me what happened. Why did someone go out? Your husband didn’t accompany you? Don’t be polite! Just say what you want to say, I’ll listen very attentively.’
Qi-jun hesitated for a moment and asked softly, ‘Well…do I look like something’s wrong?’
‘Of course. The fact that you’re going out alone is very unusual. Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve always been driven around by a chauffeur. After you married into the Pang family, there’s no way you’d still have a chauffeur protecting you. Tell me, what’s going on? Is your marriage life good?’
When asked about the sore spot in her heart, Qi-jun forced a smile and said, ‘Very good, thank you for your concern.’
It can be seen that Qi-jun has a lot on her mind, but because she is used to treating people with a cold and indifferent attitude of silence, she always swallows all her thoughts, leaving people unable to guess or fathom what she is thinking. If Zhong Shao-wei had not known Qi-jun’s personality from before, she would probably have given up due to the silence.
Since she had the heart to bring her back, Zhong Shaowei certainly would not give up so easily. Perhaps it was because of Qi-jun’s uniqueness that she had been attracted by her unique temperament and could not help but care about her. In short, she, Zhong Shaowei, was determined to take charge!
First, she had to find out the latest situation of Qi-jun and what had happened to her. Zhong Shaowei could feel that Qi-jun had changed a little and was not quite the same as she was before her marriage.
‘Is your in-law family treating you well?’ she asked.
‘Very well,‘ Qi-jun smiled.
Zhong Shao-wei asked about her relationship with her in-laws. From the tone of her voice, she didn’t notice anything wrong, so she changed the subject.
’You seem to be in much better health than before. You have a healthy rosy complexion. You must go out a lot, right? Because you were so pale before marriage, it seems that your husband often takes you out, right?‘
’No, he rarely takes me out. It’s…I go out.’
‘You?‘ she repeated in surprise.
’Well…and friends.‘
’Friends? Really! So why aren’t you with friends today?‘
’Pang Xiao doesn’t let me go out with him,‘ she answered aggrievedly.
’Why? Could it be…the other person is a man?’ she guessed.
Qijun nodded, but then she was busy explaining. “He and I are not in that kind of relationship, don’t get me wrong! It’s for another reason, so—” her words began to waver.
Ha! I’ve found the problem. Zhong Shaowei asked with great concern, ‘Since you are just friends, Pang Xiao has reason to restrict your dating situation. Perhaps he feels that friend wants to do you harm and is only objecting to you seeing each other to protect you.’
‘No, it’s not true! Wen Jun is not that kind of person!’ she hurriedly explained.
‘Wen Jun? Is that your friend’s name?’
“Yes! Wen Jun is a good boy. It was because I met him that I changed and had a brand new outlook.’
Zhong Shaowei asked worriedly, ‘You’re not in love with him, are you?’
‘We’re not in that kind of relationship!’ Qi-jun denied again in all seriousness.
Zhong Shaowei thought about the conversation they just had and methodically put together the message Qi-jun was trying to send.
‘Since you are just friends, and Wen Jun is a good man of integrity, there is no reason for Pang Xiao to object to you seeing each other! As far as I know, Pang Xiao is not unreasonable. He studied in the UK and was a classmate of my cousin at the same time. My cousin said that he is humorous and witty, and has always been reasonable in everything he does. It shouldn’t be like this!”
Zhong Shaowei looked carefully at Qi Jun, ’Or… is there some other hidden truth?’
There was a moment of silence as Qi-jun’s face filled with worry, as if she had another reason for her distress. Zhong Shao-wei urged enthusiastically, ‘You trust me, so you might as well tell me the reason for this. I will do my best to help you.’
Qi-jun was a little moved, but she still hesitated, not knowing whether she should speak.
Zhong Shao Wei sighed and said, ‘You should know me. I’m not the kind of boring woman who tells tales or reveals other people’s secrets. I just want to help friends I care about. Qijun, try to open your heart. I may be the only female friend in your life who won’t be scared away by your cold attitude. Even if I can’t help you, wouldn’t it be nice to have a friend to talk to?’
Qijun apologised guiltily for Zhong Shao Wei’s enthusiasm, ‘I’m sorry, I’m always so cold. I didn’t mean to…’
‘I.’ Zhong Shaowei held her hand in comfort. “Everything has a beginning, and as they say, all beginnings are difficult. Take your time and don’t be nervous. Now, you can start telling me what’s going on.”
★★★
The Pang family was experiencing a terrible storm in the evening. Everyone gathered in the hall and was overwhelmed by the fiery atmosphere. Zheng Weiming was pushed back into a corner by Pang Xiao’s anger and explained fearfully, ’I, I didn’t, didn’t mean to lose…’
Pang Xiao was furious, but his tone of voice was so soft that it was chilling.
‘Since when did you have the right to take her out of the house on your own?’
‘I… I just saw that my cousin-in-law was in a bad mood, so I kindly took her out for some fresh air…’
‘Did no one tell you that no one is allowed to take Qijun out without my permission?’ He stepped closer.
‘This…’ Zheng Weiming’s head was sweating with cold sweat. He had never dared to provoke Pang Xiao’s anger, and he knew he had really messed up this time. He looked for help at his aunt, Pang Xiao’s mother, who was standing nearby.
Pang’s mother was also very worried about Qi-jun’s whereabouts, but interrogating Zheng Weiming was not the solution. The most urgent task was to calm down and search for Qi-jun. She persuaded her son, ’Why don’t you give your in-laws a call? Maybe Qi-jun has gone back to the Wang family.’
Pang Juan also persuaded him: ‘Yes, brother! Give her a call first, otherwise wait a little longer and maybe your wife will come back.’
Zheng Weiming swallowed hard and stuttered, ‘I’ve been… waiting outside the women’s toilet, and I haven’t… taken a single step. How could… someone… just disappear? This… can’t be blamed… all on me…’
‘Get out,’ Pang Xiao ordered.
‘Cousin…’ he said with a smile.
‘Get out!’ Pang Xiao yelled.
Zheng Weiming was so scared that he fled through the door, and it seemed that he would have to hide from Pang Xiao for a while until his anger subsided.
He had never seen his son so angry before. In fact, it wasn’t late, and it wasn’t certain that Qi-jun had disappeared. There was no need for his son to be so furious. This was the first time that the usually calm and rational man had acted so abnormally.
Pang Juan, full of worry, took her brother’s wrist and called out softly. ‘Big brother…’
‘Leave me alone,‘ he said, waving his hand. “Chen, get the car ready, I’m going out.”
’Where to?‘ asked Pang’s mother kindly. “Looking for Qijun?”
’Just going for a walk,’ he replied casually, not wanting to let on what was on his mind.
No mother could ever not understand her child. Pang’s mother knew her son’s character all too well. The boy stubbornly tried to hide his inner anxiety. She motioned for everyone to leave, and when they were alone, she asked tenderly, ’Why are you losing your temper like that? This isn’t like you.‘
’I just don’t want anything to happen to her.‘
The boy is so stubborn, Pang’s mother thinks to herself with a smile.
’Something happened between you? In the past, Qijun never went out. I just asked the Chen couple if it’s true that you restricted her from going out?”
Pang Xiao is still as usual, silent, but under his mother’s persuasion, he gradually takes off his mask and reveals a frustrated and worried side. He says sentimentally, ’She doesn’t want this marriage.’
‘Oh?‘ Pang’s mother was slightly surprised. “I thought… it was you who disliked this marriage.”
’At first, yes.‘
’And now?‘ she asked, concerned.
’Now—‘ he said with a wry smile. “It seems the situation has reversed itself. She deliberately avoids me.”
’Maybe she’s just afraid of you.‘
’Afraid of me? For what?’
‘Qi-jun is a sensitive child who is usually afraid of being hurt. Don’t be fooled by her calm and indifferent appearance, it may just be a mask for self-protection.‘
’What Mum means is…‘
’You care about her, don’t you, son?”
Pang Xiao looked away sheepishly, unable to answer his mother’s question.
His mother laughed softly, ’You’re just like that. Even if you love each other to death, you won’t say so. But we just love to hear people say they love each other.’
‘Mom, stop teasing me!‘ he said, embarrassed.
’If you care about her, find a way to win her heart, but remember to change your stubborn temper, which is just like your grandfather’s. Don’t scare your wife away.‘
’Yes,’ he said, scratching his hair, pondering where Qi-jun might have gone. The thought of her, a single woman, wandering somewhere in Taipei, made his heart feel like it was being stabbed by a thousand needles, and he could not sit still.
At this moment, the maid Xiaobi ran in, shouting.
‘Sir! Madam is back!’ she announced excitedly.
‘Really?’ Pang’s mother let out a sigh of relief. See, nothing was wrong after all. Her son had worried too much. She turned to call her son, but noticed that Pang Xiaoren had already run off to the hall.
Wow, so eager? Pang’s mother laughed and shook her head. Her eldest son, who was usually so quiet and serious at home, had actually lost his cool over his daughter-in-law. It seemed that he had really fallen in love this time. Maybe he and Qi-jun were just getting started now!
‘I’m Zhong Shao-wei, Qi-jun’s high school classmate,’ she introduced herself to Pang Xiao.
‘You brought my wife back?’ Pang Xiao looked at her. For the first time, Qi-jun had a familiar same-sex friend.
‘Yes! We met on the way. Qi-jun got lost. It was dangerous! Luckily, she met me.’ She said this on purpose to see Pang Xiao’s reaction.
Sure enough, as she expected, when Pang Xiao heard her say that Qi-jun got lost, there was a moment of panic in her calm and introverted eyes. This should be someone who cares about Qi-jun.
Qi-jun had already told her everything that had happened, including the fact that Wen Jun was her half-brother. Since Qi-ru had snuck out, the Pang family must be going crazy with worry, so of course she was obliged to bring Qi-jun back! She also wanted to find out Pang Xiao’s feelings for Qi-jun, and perhaps things weren’t as innocent as Qi-jun had said, perhaps it was a political marriage.
Pang Xiao stared at Qi Jun, who was hiding behind Zhong Shao Wei, the whole time. Her face was a little pale. Damn Zheng Weiming actually let her get lost on her own. Thinking about this, she couldn’t help but feel heartbroken. She asked with a tone that couldn’t hide her worry, ‘Are you feeling unwell? You don’t look well.’
‘I’m okay…’ Qi Jun answered with her head bowed, not daring to look him in the eye. She was afraid! Afraid of seeing the coldness in his eyes, afraid that she wouldn’t be able to bear the contempt. Right now, she just wanted to hurry back to her room.
‘Don’t worry!’ Zhong Shaowei broke the ice and interrupted. ’She stayed at my place all afternoon, and I didn’t let her out in the sun and wind! I even treated her to some delicious snacks and personally walked her back here, so she hasn’t suffered at all. But…she wandered around downtown Taipei for a long time before she met me, and she’s not feeling well.’
Qijun, who was standing nearby, hurriedly stopped her and told her not to say anything, but Zhong Xiaowei pretended not to understand. She didn’t want the scene to end so quickly, and she had to see how much Pang Xiao cared about Qijun. She continued, ‘It’s windy outside, and Qijun didn’t bring a jacket, so she might have caught a cold.’
‘Caught a cold? You have a cold?’ He asked Qijun nervously.
‘Just a bit of a headache,’ she said, a little startled by his serious expression.
‘Help your wife go to bed and rest,‘ Pang Xiao hurriedly instructed the maid, his heart even more worried and angry with Zheng Weiming. He was there now, and he would definitely show him up!
’Thank you for bringing Qi-jun back,‘ Pang Xiao sincerely thanked Zhong Shao-wei.
’You’re welcome. Who told you to be my cousin Lin Xudong’s good friend? It’s only right to help you, and Qi-jun is also my good friend!‘
’Lin Xudong! You’re his cousin?’
‘Yes! Didn’t your cousin tell you that he has a beautiful cousin?‘
Pang Xiao smiled and said, “I’ve heard of it, but it’s not you.”
’Thanks to my cousin, I had the opportunity to attend your wedding banquet! Okay, it’s fine now! I’ll leave my wife to you, and my task as a flower guardian is over!‘
’Shao Wei…’ Qi Jun took her wrist, wanting to say something but not knowing what to say, but she didn’t want it to be so soon.
Zhong Shaowei understood what Qi Jun meant, and patted her on the wrist to comfort her, saying, ‘Rest well, and I’ll come see you again some other day, and we can chat some more. Brother Pang won’t object, right?’
‘Of course,’ he said with a smile. ‘Having you as a friend to keep her company, I won’t have to worry about her being lonely.’
‘OK! It’s settled then.”
Zhong Shao Wei said goodbye to the Pang family. She was right in her observation: Pang Xiao actually loved Qi Jun very much. It was just a pity that Qi Jun never believed that Pang Xiao would fall in love with her. Perhaps she couldn’t even understand love. It seemed that she would have to rely on her clever and intelligent friend to enlighten her from time to time!
Pang Xiao had someone prepare a meal and have it delivered to Qi-jun’s bedroom, and after the meal was over, she was told to rest in peace. But that night, Qi-jun started to have a fever, and everyone was in a panic, rushing to call the family doctor. Pang Xiao was sweating with anxiety, and his nervousness even affected the doctor, who felt as if he were treating a cancer patient.
Pang Xiao stayed by her bedside all night until her fever broke, and then he went out alone to the balcony of the library. He lit cigarette after cigarette, and Qijun’s charming figure kept recurring in his mind. He had perhaps gone too far. If he had not restricted her movements, this would not have happened.
In a marriage based on feelings, no one should be blamed! He had once told Cindy that feelings could not be forced, but he was forcing Qi-jun. Pang Xiao laughed at himself, lit another cigarette, and looked at the crescent moon in the sky, feeling a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness.
He forced her to meet him, and things like this kept happening, and he would rather give up. The thought of the dangers she might encounter alone out there, and the pain she was suffering from the cold, was like a thousand knives cutting his heart. He felt as if he had fallen into a dark abyss and lost his reason.
She deliberately ran away, otherwise Zheng Weiming would not have lost her.
This can’t happen again! He can’t take it! He is more afraid of losing someone than losing his heart. This heart-wrenching pain is something he has to bear alone…
When he woke up in the morning, Qi-jun’s fever had already subsided, but she still felt weak in her limbs. She took the sleeping pills prescribed by the doctor last night, and her consciousness was hazy throughout the night. However, she kept dreaming that Pang Xiao was by her side keeping her company. When she woke up, she couldn’t see him, and she felt a sense of disappointment from the loneliness. She was afraid to face Pang Xiao, but not being able to see him made her feel even more scared.
Until the evening, she could not see Pang Xiao. Chen’s mother said that her husband had gone out early in the morning and was furious with her for going out without his permission.
Pang Xiao was also scolding her for going out without his permission.
At that time, his eyes seemed sad and helpless. It was the first time she had seen those eyes in him.
Covered in a coat, she quietly walked out of the room and went to the garden. Pang Xiao was in the study. Where could he be? Could it be that…he is not coming back again?
Perhaps…her behaviour yesterday was too extreme. Since she has married into the Pang family, she should consider the family’s reputation, but she cannot meet Wen Shuang and Wen Sheng. It’s so difficult! She’s afraid she won’t be able to do it. What should she do?
The coolness of the evening is strong. Qijun sneezes without realising it. Every time it gets to the end of autumn, her nanny won’t let her go to the garden, saying that she is weak and will catch a cold easily.
In fact, she feels much stronger than before. Wen Jun said that she needs to exercise more to build up her strength, and that having strength is the key to good health.
Achoo! She sneezed again, her body trembling with cold.
A large, masculine jacket covered her frail, petite body.
‘Why aren’t you wearing more clothes?’ Pang Xiao scolded lightly.
Unexpectedly appearing, Qijun inadvertently revealed a surprised face, but Pang Xiao mistook it for her unwillingness to see him.
‘It’s late, go to bed early.‘ He said and turned to leave.
’Wait…’ She couldn’t help but call out to him.
Pang Xiao turned back, the weak moonlight illuminating her, her pale flawless skin looking even more tender and delicate in the moonlight. The thin veil under her outer garment could not hide her barely visible body.
Qi-jun’s cherry lips were slightly open, but she couldn’t speak. Pang Xiao looked at her expectantly. He couldn’t deny that he still had endless feelings for her. His rational mind repeatedly suppressed the urge to hold her in his arms, but she had never belonged to him.
‘Is there something wrong?’ he asked.
‘I…’ She kept telling herself to find something to say.
Pang Xiao looked at her quietly, and an inexplicable feeling of expectation arose in his heart. He was waiting for her to speak.
‘I’m sorry.‘ After a long time, she managed to say these three words, and her heart was beating like a drum.
’For apologising?‘
’I heard from Chen’s mum that you scolded Zheng Weiming for what he did to me.‘
It turned out to be about that, and he gave a smile, then sighed and said, “That guy deserves to die! He actually let you get lost out there alone. He was lucky that nothing happened, otherwise things wouldn’t have ended so easily.”
’You’re very…angry?’ she asked hesitantly.
Pang Xiao looked into her beautiful eyes, and Qi Jun lowered her head shyly at what he was showing her.
‘I am very angry,’ he replied.
Qi Jun was too sad to know what to say, but then Pang Xiao spoke again. ‘But… I’m more worried about your safety. What happened yesterday was my fault.’
She looked up in surprise at his dark, sparkling eyes. Was he telling the truth when he said he was worried about her?
‘I won’t restrict your movements in the future,’ he continued.
“What do you mean…’
‘If you want to go out, Chen will drive you. You’re right, this is a political marriage, and we are both victims of this marriage. I have no reason to restrict you, not to mention…you didn’t marry me willingly, did you?”
No…no! Qi-jun’s heart sank. She didn’t marry him willingly. Maybe at first she did, but in fact she liked having him around. She couldn’t say it, and whatever she wanted to say got stuck in her throat and couldn’t come out.
‘If you want to be with the one you like, I won’t object. If you want a divorce, you can do it. Just do whatever you want.”
She was dumbfounded. Pang Xiao’s words just now made it very clear that he didn’t care about her, and he even encouraged her to find someone else. He didn’t even care about a divorce. He felt a serious sense of loss and sadness for her!
Looking at the expressionless Qi-jun, Pang Xiao’s only remaining glimmer of hope vanished. Qi-jun didn’t react at all to what he said, and didn’t care about the proposal. He was so stupid, thinking that he still held at least some weight in her heart. It seems that he has really come to his senses this time.
‘Go back to your room early and rest. You can keep your jacket on for now.’
Resisting the urge to hug her, Pang Xiao walked quickly back to the house. If he didn’t do something to her in the next second, he would.
Big tears fell on her flawless jade-like cheeks. She covered her lips to prevent herself from crying out, shocked by her uncontrollable emotions. What was she feeling? Why did her heart feel so painful?
★★★
Wen Jun didn’t know what had happened to Qi-jun. For two weeks, he had heard nothing. He had wandered around the Pang family neighbourhood several times waiting for a chance to see her, but had never seen Qi-jun go out. In a situation with no way out, he could only try to get news from Pang Juan.
In a corner of the woods on the university campus, Pang Juan sat on a stone with a drawing board, concentrating on her sketch. Her focused expression blended into the surrounding sunshine, creating another beautiful scene.
Not far away, Gao Wenjun sat on the lawn, kicking leaves with his feet and admiring the view for a long time. Looking at her absorbed expression, he saw her dignified appearance and beautiful temperament. Unlike her previous shrewish and stubborn self, he could not see this charming side of her, and did not want to disturb her, so he quietly admired her from behind the trees.
However, others were not as considerate as he was, and a handsome man came up and interrupted Pang Juan’s painting.
‘Pang, what a coincidence, here we meet again, hey? You’re painting!”
What a coincidence! Wen Jun looked at the interloper disdainfully. Yang Wensheng, a fourth-year student in the Department of Business Administration, ranked first every semester. He was quite lucky, had a lot of girlfriends, and was not bad-looking, but he was too effeminate. In particular, his pretentious and charming personality was the type he hated the most, and he believed that Pang Juan would not like it either.
I just saw him hovering around Pang Juan, deliberately thinking up his lines before approaching and pretending to run into her. Would anyone choose to walk through the grass when they could walk on the tarmac? His skills at wooing girls are really poor, there’s no skill to speak of.
‘Yes, what a coincidence to run into you,’ Pang Juan responded, trying to hide the fact that she had deliberately chosen a secluded place to paint so as not to be disturbed. How did he manage to find her?
‘It’s really good. Do you often draw on campus?‘
’It’s for the art club exhibition next week.‘
’Oh? Then I’m really lucky to get a sneak preview of the exhibition.‘
’Nah, it’s just something I do to make up the numbers.‘
’You can draw so well just casually, I’m really impressed. You’re definitely the material of a future painter!’
Gao Wenjun glared at him coldly. Is this guy an idiot? His exaggerations gave her goosebumps. She really couldn’t understand why this guy had the luck to be able to talk like that. She just wanted to punch him!
‘It’s not that exaggerated! I just like to draw,’ he said. Why isn’t he leaving? Pang Juan shifted her body to keep her distance from him.
‘You should teach me to draw too,’ Yang Wensheng leaned in closer.
‘Me? No way!‘ She felt uncomfortable with his intentional or unintentional closeness.
’No, I’m sincere.‘
Pang Juan had retreated to the end of her seat, but Yang Wensheng became more and more bold, and simply held her hand.
’You—”
Pang Juan had reached her limit and was about to scold, but then a cold sentence came. “I’ll teach you.”
Yang Wensheng and Pang Juan jumped up in fright at the same time, but they didn’t notice that there was a third person.
‘Who are you?‘ Yang Wensheng glared at Gao Wenjun.
’I’m also a member of the art club, and I’m telling you, if you want to learn to draw, you have to pay a one thousand yuan initiation fee, and then you have to individually greet the seniors who have already joined the club, serve them tea and massage their backs. In addition, you have to pass a rigorous test before you are admitted as a full member.’
‘Is it a rigorous test?‘
Gao Wenjun said with a cold smile, “After joining the club, new members have to clean all the painting equipment every day, clean the studio, help everyone buy various supplies, and if necessary, they have to strip naked and be everyone’s model.”
’Nonsense, I don’t believe it!‘ Yang Wensheng sneered in disdain.
’Whether it’s nonsense or not, just ask the president next to you.’
Yang Wensheng turned his head and looked at Pang Juan, who immediately added fuel to the fire with great enthusiasm. ‘Not only do you have to be a nude model, but in the early stages you also have to follow the seniors around to learn from them. In particular, some seniors especially like male trainees, I don’t know why.’
‘Maybe they have a homosexual tendency,’ Gao Wenjun added.
‘No! But every time the male trainees who follow them are scared and quit the club in the end,’ Pang Juan said seriously.
‘Haha…really? I’ll think about it. I have to go now, bye!‘ Yang Wensheng said with a pale face as he said goodbye.
After he left, the two of them burst out laughing, laughing like a bunch of idiots.
Later, Pang Juan glared at him and asked with a smile, “Why are you here?”
’To relax!‘
’Don’t bullshit me, I don’t believe anyone would come here to relax.’
‘Hey, don’t give me that ungrateful look! Don’t forget that it was lucky for you that I helped you get rid of that guy, Yang Wensheng, who is notorious for being a womaniser.‘
’Who asked you to help?’ She sat down and continued painting.
Gao Wenjun sat down too, resting his hand on his chin as he quietly watched her.
Pang Juan didn’t want to bother with him. Arguing with him would only make her angry, so she simply ignored him. After all, no one was talking to him, so he would naturally go away.
However, five minutes passed, then ten minutes, and Pang Juan could no longer hold back. Her cheeks flushed as she shouted angrily, ‘Look at you! What do you want?’
‘You’re beautiful,’ said Gao Wenjun suddenly.
‘Wha…’ Her heart was pounding furiously.
‘You look so beautiful when you concentrate on painting. How come I never noticed before?‘ He praised her seriously, even trying to think about the question.
Really, really, really shouldn’t be angry and happy! Pang Juan was blushing all over from him, but didn’t know where to start scolding. She suddenly thought of the photo of him hugging his sister-in-law, and her face turned red as she stood up angrily and left.
’Hey! Wait!‘ He held her hand.
’Fuck, let go!’
‘First tell me why you’re suddenly angry. I just praised you, I didn’t offend you.‘
’You’re just like that Yang Wensheng!‘
Gao Wenjun was confused by her, and didn’t understand why she suddenly accused him.
’What did I do? Don’t make things up!‘ He also angrily asked.
’Anyway, that’s your business, I can’t control it, just let go!’ She struggled.
Gao Wenjun grabbed even tighter. Couldn’t he be a little gentler? He had just praised her, and then he immediately went back to his old self, and suddenly he accused him of something he didn’t do, which made him feel very confused.
‘I won’t let go until you explain yourself today!’ His tone was very firm.
Unable to break free from his iron grip, Pang Juan became angry and started to yell. Gao Wenjun couldn’t stand the hysterical yelling, and the fastest way to make her shut up was to seal her lips.
For some unknown reason, he kissed her. A soft, tender feeling spread through her body, and she felt weak in the knees. It was as if she had been enchanted, and her body fell limp.
It tastes so good. Gao Wenjun lost himself in the softness of her lips, and wrapped his arms around her limp body. They lay in the grass, with the surrounding trees providing the best possible cover.
After a long time, Pang Juan pushed him away, and her words of rebuke turned into choked sobs.
Kao Wen-chun was at a loss for words, and comforted her, shocked to realise that what he had just done was like an assaulting pervert.
‘You’re so bad! You obviously like me,’ she said, beating him sadly.
He asked anxiously, ‘Who said I like you?’
‘Don’t lie to me! You’re a bad person…‘ Tears flowed uncontrollably, and she cried pitifully, breaking his heart.
Gao Wenjun had to admit that tears were the most powerful weapon in the world. The expression “tears in the pearly white of the eyelids” really described it well! However, now was not the time to appreciate it. He had to figure out why Pang Juan said that he already had a crush on her.
’Don’t cry! I didn’t say I wouldn’t take responsibility.’
‘Who wants you to be responsible? I don’t want to be one of your many girlfriends!‘ She shook her hand away.
’Wait! Let me declare that I, Gao Wenjun, am not a playboy, and I don’t have a lot of girlfriends. Please be careful with your words,‘ he corrected sternly.
’You’re talking nonsense! I’ve seen you with other people with my own eyes, and they were even married!‘
’If you keep talking nonsense, I’ll really be angry!’ Gao Wenjun was infuriated by her.
‘I’m not making things up, because that married woman is my sister-in-law, Wang Qijun.‘
Gao Wenjun’s eyes widened, his mouth wide open. What kind of misinformation is this? Suddenly, he felt that there was something fishy about it, and it might have a lot to do with the fact that Qijun had never shown up.
’Come with me,’ he said, grabbing her hand.
‘Why should I listen to you!’ she struggled.
With a magnetic shrug, a cool expression, and an aggressive gaze, he exuded irresistible charm and surrounded her in his arms, mesmerising her with an aura of irresistible charm, gently commanding her.
‘I said I would take responsibility. Since your lips have been touched by me, no one else will have the right to touch your lips in the future. Relationships take time to cultivate. Our date starts now. If you don’t go with me, how will we get the chance to get to know each other? Isn’t that right?”
She nodded blankly, confused and puzzled. Before her brain could catch up, Gao Wenjun didn’t let her have time to wake up, half-coaxing and half-forcing her to go with him.

[10] Chapter 9

She woke up early in the morning and the other side of the bed was cold.
Qi-jun had been sitting on the bed for a long time. It was really difficult to get along with other people. She didn’t understand Pang Xiao’s heart or his state of mind. If she were to describe her current mood in a simple way, she might use the word ‘disappointed’ as the most appropriate word.
In the past, no matter what happened, whether it was related to her or not, she always kept her distance and watched everything with a calm heart. Now, however, in the quiet of the night, the shadow of Pang Xiao always lingers, occupying her entire thoughts.
In fact, everyone in the Pang family now likes her very much. The servants often give her little gifts to please her, and the younger maids always love to gather around her and chat. She doesn’t know why she is so popular, except that she is much more talkative than before and has become more cheerful.
Her life can be described as carefree, with no worries about food or clothing. It is like a paradise on earth, and she is not involved in worldly disputes. But why is she still not happy?
She thought, she must be sick! What should she do? She didn’t understand why she was so depressed. Who should she confide in? Suddenly the image of Zhong Shaowei popped into her head. The last time Zhong Shaowei walked her home, she gave her the address and phone number, telling her to go and see her when she had time.
So, Qijun took the address and decided to go and see her, perhaps Zhong Shaowei could give her the answer.
★★★
Pang Xiao solemnly reviews several official documents. Although he is young and holds a key position in the central government, he is already very tired. Every day, he has to deal with endless social engagements and lobbying. Despite his enthusiasm and knowledge, he wants to use his talents. However, politics is actually synonymous with the transfer of interests. Many people in power only do things that are beneficial to their reputation and status, and ignore other thankless tasks.
Perhaps it was time to call it a day. Politics had never been his calling, and he had only taken the job because his grandfather and father had expected him to.
Suddenly there was a commotion outside the door. A tall man pushed his way in, followed by his secretary, who was struggling to keep up. But the secretary was small and the man was big, so she couldn’t pull him along, and he dragged her in instead.
Tall frowned impatiently and looked at Pang Xiao and said, ‘Do me a favour, quickly stop pulling my clothes, I’m not interested in her!’
Before Pang Xiao could say anything, Secretary Li angrily shouted, ‘Who’s interested in you! Mr Pang, this person just barged in without an appointment, like a bull, and there was no stopping him.’
Pang Xiao smiled and said, ‘It’s okay, let him in, he’s my good friend.’
The tall man turned his head and said expressionlessly to Secretary Li, ‘I heard you! I told you that I’m a good friend, and I don’t need an appointment at all. Can you let go of my clothes now?’
Secretary Li was so angry that he wanted to yell at him again, but Pang Xiao took the lead and apologized. ‘He’s just like that. Secretary Li, please don’t be offended. I apologize to you on his behalf.’
‘No, no, Mr. Pang, you’re too kind. Since he’s your friend, of course there’s no problem.’ Secretary Li immediately showed a pleasant and refined smile, but gave the tall man a cold stare before exiting the office.
‘Is this menopause?‘ he asked.
’You haven’t changed a bit, and you always lose your temper. You’ll never get married,’ Pang Xiao laughed, shaking his head. This man was a friend he had met in the UK named Jason, a Chinese-British mixed race man. He was tall and stocky, and had inherited his physique from his father. The two had become friends at a business dinner. As his mother was Chinese, he had spoken fluent Chinese since childhood.
‘These animals are too much trouble, it’s best to avoid them,‘ Jason said without comment.
’You could have called me before you came,‘
’It’s no trouble, I was nearby anyway, here’s the information you asked for, the business in Hong Kong is fine, just waiting for you to set a time to sign,”
Pang Xiao looked at the information with satisfaction, raising an eyebrow in approval. ’Thanks to having such a capable partner, I can rest assured,’
Jason slumped onto the sofa and asked the same old question: ‘If you like starting businesses so much, why work as a civil servant? Just quit! The software developed by the computer company we jointly invested in is very popular abroad, and the whole company is on track. If you don’t get distracted by the business here, with your abilities and talents, the company can grow even bigger.’
‘I will quit, but I have to wait a while,’ he shrugged.
‘Still about your grandfather and your father’s political dreams?‘
’Not exactly. I can’t let go until I’ve ‘eliminated the traitor’,‘ he replied.
’By ‘traitor’ you mean your cousin Zheng Weiming?‘
’Exactly!‘
’You have a plan?‘
’The evidence against him for colluding with the consortium for personal gain is probably complete. I’m just choosing the right moment.’ He smiled coldly.
‘Anyone who goes against you Pang Xiao will end up miserable, I pray for him.‘
’Let’s have dinner together later?‘ he asked.
Jason teased him in a sour tone. “Those who are married have the right not to go home to dinner with their wives, not to mention that your wife is famous for her beauty, and you always come home for dinner on time, don’t you?”
’There’s always an exception!’ He smiled bitterly, with a hint of sadness in his expression.
Jason’s sharp eyes caught Pang Xiao’s unusual expression and he asked directly, ‘What’s wrong? Are the young couple fighting?’
‘Nothing,’ he said, shaking his head carelessly, suddenly looking exhausted as if a thousand-pound burden was weighing on his shoulders.
‘From what your colleagues say, you love your wife very much, and that’s enough to make the normally unstoppable you come home on time. She must be someone very special.‘
’She is very special, but… I can’t read her mind.‘
’What do you mean?‘ Jason asked curiously.
’You and I are married for political reasons, and she doesn’t seem to love me,‘ he said, his voice tinged with helplessness and sadness.
’Seems to? Is that your guess?”
Pang Xiao shrugged and didn’t deny it.
Jason said noncommittally, ‘You Easterners are used to keeping things to yourself and often speak in ambiguous terms; we Westerners, on the other hand, speak our minds and say “yes” or “no” clearly. That’s the way I like it. If you love someone, just say so. Even if you’re rejected, at least you’ve made your feelings known to the other person. Speaking your mind clearly can reduce a lot of misunderstandings. It’s better than leaving people to guess. You can laugh and be sad afterwards, but it’s better than leaving people to guess. Have you ever told her you love her?’
Pang Xiao thought carefully. From the time they got married until now, it seems that he has never said the words ‘I love you’ to her. But his actions have expressed it clearly enough, right? She won’t not know.
But is it useful to say this now? She is already in love with someone else, and forcing her will only make her feel even more despicable in her heart.
‘Forget about all that. To put it simply, do you want to go eat together?’ He asked somewhat poutingly.
‘Of course I’ll accompany you,’ Jason said, spreading his hands in submission and shrugging playfully.
Looking at Pang Xiao’s emotion, Jason knew for sure that his handsome and arrogant friend, who was regarded as cool and arrogant by everyone, had really fallen in love this time. Pang Xiao was married when he was abroad and had only seen the bride in the photos. He would definitely have the opportunity to witness that stunning beauty with his own eyes.
★★★
Qijun sat quietly on the small, cute sofa chair, watching Zhong Shaowei come and go, bustling around preparing the meal. She said that it was rare for Qijun to come visit, and she wanted to make some delicious snacks to treat Qijun.
‘If you’re bored, you can turn on the TV,’ Zhong Shaowei said, poking her head out of the kitchen to say hello.
“Actually, you don’t have to go to all this trouble. I’d feel really bad about it.’
In a moment, Zhong Shaowei served a plate of homemade cake, dusted with European-style chocolate powder, and Qi Jun took a small bite with a spoon.
‘It’s not a bother at all,’ she exclaimed. ‘Just praise my cooking more later.’
‘It’s delicious! Did you make this?’ she asked incredulously.
“Haha! I just learned how to make it recently. You’re so lucky, I haven’t let anyone else try it yet!’
‘You’re amazing, unlike me who can’t do anything.‘ Qi-jun was amazed and deeply felt useless.
’Don’t be discouraged! I’m not that good either. It’s because I’m interested that I’ve learned it in particular. You also have your own advantages, so don’t belittle them.”
Qi-jun still looked melancholy and looked very unspirited. Zhong Shao-wei could tell that she was troubled and asked with concern, ’What’s wrong? You look troubled.’
‘I’ve been very unhappy lately,‘ Qi-jun said hesitantly. “I didn’t used to be like this. I have no ambitions, I just want to live a simple life, so I don’t have any emotions about many things. Even when my parents divorced, I just treated it with indifference. But now… I can’t be as calm as I used to be. Shao-wei, do you think I’m sick?” Qi-jun looked at her helplessly, begging for an answer.
’The Pangs are all good to you, aren’t they?’ she asked.
‘Everyone is very nice to me, from my in-laws to the servants and children.‘
’And Pang Xiao?‘
Qijun hesitated before answering with a mixture of certainty and uncertainty. “He is…kind to me, I suppose?”
’Do you love him?”
Qijun blushed as if she had just been awakened by the frankness of Shao Wei’s question. She shook her head vigorously and said, ’I don’t love him. How can I answer that?’
‘So you hate Pang Xiao?‘
’No, I don’t hate him,’ she replied affirmatively.
Zhong Shaowei snickered to herself, asking her if she loved him and getting an ambiguous answer, and if she hated him and an immediate denial. Qi-jun must be in love, but unfortunately she is an idiot in love with few brains, and Pang Xiao is suffering.
‘Let me put it this way!’ said Shaowei, leaning forward and interrogating her seriously. “When you see Pang Xiao, doesn’t your heart beat faster with nervousness, and does a flush of heat rise to your cheeks, burning up to your ears?”
Qi-jun nodded honestly.
Shaowei continued, ’When he says something to you, it affects your emotions, and you spend the whole day thinking about it. You can’t stop thinking about his whereabouts, and you toss and turn at night, unable to sleep.
‘What about you?‘ she asked admiringly.
Shaowei shook her head and sighed, taking Qi-jun’s hand and announcing, “Qi-jun, you’re sick, and not just a little.”
’What should I do?‘ Qi-jun asked anxiously.
’There’s no cure for your illness, and it’s useless to see a doctor.‘
’How can that be? I’m sick?‘
’Many people have this illness. We call it ‘love sickness’,’ Shaowei said plainly.
Qi-jun was stunned and stared at her suspiciously.
‘You mean I’m in love with Pang Xiao…’
‘You’re the one I should be asking.’ Fortunately, she was not hopelessly slow, just unintelligent.
‘No way!’ Qi-jun blushed like an apple.
‘Trust me, Qi-jun, you’re in love with him. Your reaction right now is proof,’ she said decisively.
“No way, I…’
‘Qijun, be honest. Admitting your feelings will do you good. I think you’ve been in love with him for a long time, you just didn’t realise it. Pang Xiao, do you love him?‘
’If I don’t, how could he?’
This sentence made Zhong Shaowei cry with laughter. Don’t look at Qijun as if she has seen it all, she is a blank sheet when it comes to love. Fortunately, she has met someone today who is full of love and a sense of justice, and her nosy cell is beginning to stir. Shaowei has to help Qijun.
‘You have to find a chance to let Pang Xiao…’
‘No way! He hates me.’ She vigorously shook her head in opposition.
“Why does he hate you? Did he say that himself?’
Qijun thought about it carefully and said, ‘From his attitude, he…’
Shaowei interrupted and said firmly, ‘Don’t judge from appearances. The most common mistake between men and women is to jump to conclusions based on what they see. Experts say that one of the many reasons for the high divorce rate in modern society is that men and women are prone to judge each other’s intentions based on their own positions, but they are often reluctant to explore the other person’s true thoughts, and misunderstandings arise as a result.’
‘Is it possible that there is a misunderstanding between Pang Xiao and I?‘ Qijun asked hopefully.
’In my opinion, it is very likely. It is strange that you are not attracted to him. Think about it, if anyone sees you and is not attracted to you, they are either an idiot or mentally or physically handicapped.‘
’You are teasing me,’ Qijun protested shyly.
Zhong Shao Wei encouraged her earnestly. ‘Maybe it started out as a political marriage, but nothing is ever set in stone. You have to find a way to figure out Pang Xiao’s intentions.’
‘What should I do?’
‘Tease him, of course!’
Qijun really couldn’t get used to Shao Wei’s shocking words, and she couldn’t associate the word tease with anything. She asked hopefully, ‘Is there another way?’
“Yes! Just ask Pang Xiao!’
‘That’s…even less likely…‘ Qi-jun looked miserable.
Zhong Shao-wei rested her cheek on her arm and admired Qi-jun’s rarely seen changeable expressions. They really became more and more interesting. Qi-jun really has changed a lot.
’Other than these two methods, is there any other way to make Pang Xiao feel for you?‘
’That…I don’t.’ Her hands nervously squeezed her palms until they were bloody.
‘So!’ Zhong Shaowei used her three-inch tongue to persuade her to do everything she could. “Asking directly is too impersonal and may have the opposite effect. You are husband and wife, and your red strings are already tied. Even if the foundation of your relationship was weak at the beginning, you can cultivate it from now on! Isn’t that right?”
Qijun obediently nodded, feeling that Shaowei had a good point.
She continued, ‘Since we were born, we must make good use of the weapons we were born with, otherwise we will fail to live up to God’s good intentions in creating Adam.’
‘Huh?’ The last sentence left Qijun baffled.
Zhong Shaowei’s face was full of a strange smile as she drew Qijun close and began to impart a series of seduction techniques. Poor Qijun was like a newborn calf being fooled around with, and she could only obediently follow the tricks.
★★★
Under Gao Wenjun’s firm assurances, Pang Juan reluctantly believes that there is no romantic relationship between him and his sister-in-law, but once she is caught up in the whirlpool of emotions, all the symptoms of love come out.
Reason repeatedly warns her not to fall in love with Gao Wenjun, but her heart stubbornly draws her closer to him. In the end, she cannot resist his fiery advances and falls into the trap of love.
Pang Juan mustered up the courage to go and see her sister-in-law. Qi Jun was tidying up the flowers in the greenhouse. The flowers in the room were competing for beauty, but none could compare to the peerless beauty standing in the middle of them. She looked like a flower fairy, bright and charming. Even Pang Juan, who was the same age, couldn’t help but stare in awe.
Qi Jun accidentally noticed Pang Juan standing by the door, staring at her quietly for a while before saying softly, ‘Is there something the matter?’
Pang Juan came back to her senses, coughed a few times and said, ‘Are you busy?’
‘No,’ she smiled. ‘I’m just bored, so I came here to arrange flowers. These are the new purple roses that my mother brought back recently, they’re very pretty. Did you come here to see them too?’
‘No, I… I want to ask you something.’
‘What?’ Qi Jun blinked her big, curious eyes, it was rare for her sister-in-law to ask her for anything.
Pang Juan entered thoughtfully, wondering how to start the conversation. She spoke with some hesitation. ‘I’ve got a boyfriend.’
‘Really? Congratulations!’ Qijun said sincerely.
Pang Juan’s face flushed slightly, and then she said cautiously, ‘He… you know him too.’
‘I do?’
‘Yes,’ Pang Juan nodded. ‘His name is Gao Wenjun.’ She fixed her gaze on Qijun’s expression.
As she expected, when Qijun heard Wenjun’s name, she was momentarily stunned, but then she revealed a surprised expression and wished them well with all her heart.
‘You…don’t mind?’ Qijun’s reaction surprised her.
‘I’m so happy, why would I mind? Wenjun is a good boy, you two are a perfect match.’
‘Thank you.’
“You said you had something to ask me earlier, what is it?’
‘Well…‘ Pang Juan hesitated for a moment, not knowing whether to ask. From Qi-jun’s reaction just now, she really couldn’t tell anything was wrong. If she didn’t ask for clarification, she would die of curiosity. Her mind was made up, and she blurted out, “Do you know Wen Jun well?”
’Of course, he’s my…‘ Qi-jun paused, almost blurting out that Wen Jun was her younger brother! So she changed her words and said, “Good friend.”
’Really?‘
’Mm.’ Qi-jun nodded, it seemed that Pang Juan still didn’t know.
‘…I once saw a photo of you and Wen Jun out together, and he was—holding you.’
Qi-jun gauged the hint of jealousy in Pang Juan’s tone and realised that she had misunderstood.
‘Have you asked Wen Jun to explain?’
‘Of course he has an honest reason!’
‘You don’t believe him, so you came to me for confirmation?’ Qi-jun’s smile revealed a knowing line.
Pang Juan blushed and her limbs moved with embarrassment, looking like she wanted to ask but didn’t know how.
Qi-jun walked towards her, gently took her hands and spoke softly to comfort her. ‘You also think that Wen Jun is a good person and only then did you start dating him, right? If you love him, you should trust him. Photos are just superficial, they don’t reflect the real truth. Don’t let a few photos shake your trust in Wen Jun. What’s important is how you feel about each other. Wen Jun is lucky to have found a girlfriend as sweet and kind-hearted as you. I’m happy for you.’
Seeing her sister-in-law’s sincere attitude and heartfelt words, Pang Juan finally felt relieved, but also realised that she actually liked her sister-in-law very much. She began to regret her initially unfriendly attitude towards her. The deliberate snubbing and cold words in the past made Pang Juan feel guilty.
‘Sister-in-law… I…’ Pang Juan was embarrassed and her words were still stuck in her mouth.
Qi-jun was at first taken aback, but then she said with a happy sigh, ‘This is the first time I’ve heard you call me sister-in-law.’
Pang Juan finally stopped being coy! She lowered herself and said apologetically, ‘Sister-in-law, I’m really sorry for saying things that hurt you before. Can you forgive me?’ She took Qi-jun’s delicate hand.
“Don’t say that, it was my fault. I always acted too coldly, which made everyone hate me.’
‘Not at all! It was a misunderstanding. In fact, everyone in the Pang family really likes you. It’s just that the servants don’t dare show it because of me. You are naturally beautiful and everyone loves you. Even my brother has a crush on you.”
When she mentioned Pang Xiao, she couldn’t help but look worried, and she muttered, ’Your brother doesn’t like me. He had a crush on someone else before we got married. I ruined their good thing. I think…he will resent me for the rest of his life.’
‘How can that be!‘ Pang Juan retorted with an exaggerated expression. “I’ve never heard of your brother having a crush on anyone, you must have got it wrong! Even if there was, it’s in the past tense, your brother and you are in the present tense now, don’t get carried away and ruin the future tense!”
’The way you talk really sounds like Wen Jun, no wonder you make a good couple,‘ Qi Jun laughed.
’Ouch! You’re teasing me, that’s annoying!’
The two sisters-in-law laughed and teased together, and Qijun felt a lot happier. Being with Pang Juan’s cheerful sister-in-law was like having an extra younger sister, and it swept away the gloom she had been feeling for a while.
Qi-jun hadn’t noticed the big change. In the past, she rarely smiled, and even smiling was a luxury. But since meeting her two younger brothers, Wen Jun and Wen Sheng, and Zhong Shao-wei, the passionate woman, she has gradually let her smile again, like the girl she once was. It was almost unbelievable, at least in Pang Xiao’s eyes, that she was laughing and joking with Pang Juan at the moment.
Pang Xiao stood by the greenhouse door and looked at these two sisters for a long time. It turned out that she also had such a naive and beautiful smile, like a spring blooming flower, which was pleasing to the eye and stunning.
‘Hey, big brother!‘ Pang Juan ran happily towards Pang Xiao, grabbed one of his arms with both hands, swung it back and forth, and shouted, “Why are you back so early today?”
’I just finished a meeting. I needed to find grandpa for something, and before I even reached the house, I heard the sound of a silver bell-like laughter in the greenhouse. I almost mistook it for the sound of a flower fairy who had come down to earth.’ He fondly stroked his sister’s head.
‘You praise people, but I dare not accept it. But that person is indeed a fairy worthy of the name.’ Pointing in the direction of Qi-jun, she said loudly and deliberately playfully, “Be careful serving her, don’t scare the fairy away!” After that, she winked at her eldest brother and ran away tactfully.
Smilingly seeing off her younger sister, Pang Xiao turned back to Qi-jun’s big, watery eyes. They had avoided seeing each other for a few days, but it seemed like years had passed, and she was still overwhelmed by her passion.
‘Welcome back.‘ She didn’t know what to say, and felt a flush rise to her cheeks.
’These flowers are blooming more beautifully than before. No wonder Mum always praises you as a flower expert.‘
’Mum is flattering me too much. I just really like plants. Apart from taking care of flowers and plants, I can’t do anything useful.’ The last sentence was said with some sadness.
‘The servants can take care of the household chores, so you just stay put.’ He didn’t want her delicate hands to become rough from doing chores.
Why did he say that? Qijun felt sad again. Did he also think that she was useless? God, she wanted to contribute to the family, because she had gradually come to like this family.
Qijun was lost in thought, and Pang Xiao looked at her quietly for a while before saying, “I won’t disturb you anymore.” He pretended to leave.
‘Wait,’ Qi-jun shouted out of desperation.
Pang Xiao looked back at her, his expression a little surprised and a little expectant.
Qi-jun stared at him, my god! Were his eyes always so deep and charming? How come she never noticed before? He had a pair of stunningly handsome eyes that made her heart race, and she shyly looked away.
Say something! She told him, but her throat felt like it was tied up with a rope and she couldn’t get the words out.
Qijun remained silent for a long time, and finally Pang Xiao was disappointed. How silly! He actually still had some expectations. A feeling of self-loathing quickly replaced the feeling of disappointment, and Pang Xiao left without looking back.
It’s over! She’s screwed up again. Seeing the disgust in his eyes just now made her feel like she was in hell, suffering. Alas! She wanted to cry!
No, no! She hasn’t even started trying to break out of her predicament, so how can she be discouraged! Shaowei once said that one should never jump to conclusions. Maybe things aren’t as bad as she thinks. She must find a way to get Pang Xiao’s attention, or she won’t give up. But can she really do it?

[11] Chapter 10

A series of evidence clearly showed that Zheng Weiming had betrayed the Pang family and had long been in league with Wu, the rival political party of Pang Da. He was trying to profit from both sides.
The detailed information and financial records collected by Pang Xiao left Zheng Weiming with no way to defend himself. In a rage, Pang Da revoked all the powers Zheng Weiming had been given and ordered him to never set foot in the Pang family again.
In this incident, Pang Xiao fully demonstrated his political talent and judgment. After everything that had been worrying him was resolved, he tendered his resignation to his grandfather.
‘I want to start a business,’ he said firmly.
Pang Da’s expressionless face was impossible to read, showing only seriousness and coldness. He loved and hated his grandson, who looked and had the same personality as he did when he was young. He loved that his grandson was as talented as he was, if not more, but he also hated that his stubborn grandson always went against him on important decisions.
Pang Xiao has a better grasp of politics than his father and is sure to succeed him in politics in the future. He had originally hoped that Pang Xiao would go on to make a difference, but now he has come to tell him to give up on politics. This is sheer nonsense.
‘How many people have pursued your achievements today? Either they have suffered setbacks or worked hard for decades to climb to your current position. Those who are unlucky have achieved nothing and have never even had a chance.’
“I don’t care.’
‘Damn it!’ Boss Pang yelled. ’Why do you think I sent you to study in the UK?’
He had expected his grandfather to fly into a rage, and he was prepared for it. He had entered politics to help his weak-willed father consolidate his political position and future. He had also done so because he sensed that Zheng Weiming had other ulterior motives that would harm the Pang family. After much hard work, he had uncovered the truth and removed a great threat from the family. After everything had settled down, he wanted to resume his interest in business. This time, no matter how much his grandfather threatened or lured him, his mind was set and he would never compromise.
‘I studied for my own sake, to please you and help Dad. I’ve made the biggest concessions over the years, and now that everything is more or less settled, and Dad’s political career is also very stable, you have no reason to force me to follow the path you set out for me!‘
’Isn’t the path I paved for you good? Are you dissatisfied with everything I’ve arranged for you?’ Pang Da shouted.
‘That’s not true. I also have my own will. I’m tired of your dictatorial and one-handed way of life! You even interfered with my marriage!‘ Pang Xiao also complained back.
’You’re still angry with me for arranging your marriage to Qijun without consulting you? So you’re provoking me for a reason?‘
’I am indeed very angry with you for making decisions on your own.’ Because Grandpa had made him fall in love with someone he didn’t love.
Pang Dao was convinced that he was unhappy with this political marriage and was making a scene for no reason. He continued, ‘What’s wrong with Qi-jun? She comes from a prestigious family and is well-matched with the Pang family. What’s more, she’s a beautiful woman. Her personality is a bit aloof, but that’s not a big deal. The most important thing is that her family has an absolute interest in and can help with your political career. If you’re not happy with her, you can just take a mistress. Just be careful not to let the media catch you.’
‘Shut up! I didn’t come here to discuss it with you!’ Pang Xiao was a little out of control with anger, because whenever they talked about her, it made him lose his mind. Grandpa still doesn’t understand how important it is for him to live according to his will. This family is under the dictatorial control of Grandpa, and everything is based on Grandpa’s orders.
Pang Tianmeng has been calling the shots in politics for many years, and it has always been others who have taken orders from him. The only one who has the right to make the final decision is Pang Tianmeng. Pang Xiao, who is defying orders in front of him, is boldly challenging authority. How can Pang Tianmeng allow Pang Xiao to be so unrestrained? Therefore, he said harshly, ‘Fine! If you want to rely on it, I will cut off all your financial support. The family will not give you a single penny. If you want to start a business, rely on it. In that case, do you still insist on that stupid decision?’
Pang Xiao’s mouth curled up slightly, his smile confident and calm. Not only did he back down from Pang Tianhao’s intimidation, but he seemed to be satisfied with the way things had turned out, as if he had expected it.
‘Yes, my mind is made up,’ Pang Xiao said indifferently.
‘You will regret it,’ Pang Da’s anger rose to the surface in his veins, but he was as cold as ice.
Pang Xiao turned and walked towards the door, and before leaving, he looked back and said, ‘Even if my business fails and I end up on the streets begging, I will never regret it.’
He slammed the door behind him, took a deep breath, and although the negotiation process was harsh, he had finally achieved his goal and relieved himself of the heavy responsibility that had been weighing on his mind for many years. He was well aware that his grandfather, who was a dictator, would definitely cut off all his financial resources to deal a blow to him, so a few years ago he had secretly started a business that had already developed steadily and impressively, although it had only been exposed in name.
However, knowing his grandfather as a deep and cunning person, he believed that his grandfather would never let go of this. In order to avoid his grandfather’s monitoring, Pang Xiao moved out of the Pang mansion and settled in a mansion in the city for convenience, so that he would have less time to return to the Pang family.
★★★
Seeing that Pang Xiao was not around, Qi Jun was filled with indescribable disappointment. Her face returned to its usual cold and silent expression, and she became less likely to smile.
At dinner, there was one unexpected guest in addition to the missing Pang Xiao. Gao Wenjun stared at Qi Jun across the table with a smile, leaving her dumbfounded.
Pang Juan timidly introduced him to everyone, her blushing cheeks unable to hide her deliberately hidden shyness. The discerning people immediately understood the relationship between the two as soon as they saw them, and they looked curiously at the handsome young man.
Gao Wenjun’s simple but elegant attire and his naturally good looks made the Pang family really like him more and more. Just like a mother-in-law looking at her son-in-law, they immediately started doing a background check.
Gao Wenjun’s humorous wit made the dinner lively and enjoyable, and he soon became friends with everyone in the Pang family.
After dinner, Qi Jun found an opportunity to have a private conversation with Wenjun.
‘Why did you come?’ she asked worriedly.
‘I couldn’t get in touch with you, so I had to break in!‘ He still looked carefree.
’Aren’t you afraid of being seen by the Pang family?‘
’Seen in what way?‘ he asked jokingly.
’Wen Jun!‘
’Okay, okay! Seriously,’ he pretended to apologise. ’I’ll tell the Pangs at some point.’
‘Okay? I’m worried that after that, Grandpa Pang will oppose your relationship. He places a lot of importance on family background, so I don’t think it’s a good idea—‘
’Don’t worry! I have my own ideas about this.”
He interrupted, patting her shoulder reassuringly. But this intimate gesture was witnessed by Pang Juan, who happened to be bringing in fruit.
Pang Juan’s face was extremely ugly. Her expression always hid her thoughts. Qi-jun misunderstood, and was eager to explain when Wen Jun spoke first, saying, ‘You’ve come at the right time, I have something to tell you.’ His face was full of a smile, not at all guilty.
‘Something to tell?’ The tone was sour.
Wen Jun pulled her over and introduced her with a smile and gentle words. ‘This is my older sister, Wang Qi-jun.’
Pang Juan and Qi Jun both stared in disbelief. Qi Jun was stunned for a long time before turning to Pang Juan and forcing a smile. Wen Jun’s unexpected remark shocked Pang Juan. It can be imagined if it were anyone else—hey, Qi Jun didn’t dare think about it.
★★★
Standing outside the magnificent Hongyu Enterprise Building, Qi-jun, with a worried heart, hesitated to go in. This was Pang Xiao’s place, and she didn’t want to upset him by coming here without permission.
Shao Wei had said that she should make the most of her advantages to seduce him, so how could she seduce him without seeing him? So she had no choice but to come to his company to see him.
Holding a large bunch of calla lilies she bought last night, she lingered in front of the building, thinking back to when Pang Xiao had given her calla lilies, so she chose to give him calla lilies in return. People entering and leaving the building couldn’t help but stare at her. She was dressed in a white one-piece dress, with her long hair tied with a ribbon in a bow at the back of her neck. She looked like a young girl of her age, pure and adorable. Standing in front of the door with a bouquet of flowers in her arms and a worried look on her face, she attracted the admiring glances of the men below.
Soon, the most pretentious one in the group, who considered himself to be the best, came over and struck up a conversation with her.
‘Miss, you look troubled. Have you encountered any difficulties? Is there anything I can do to help?‘
Qijun looked sideways at the strange man who had suddenly appeared and asked shyly, “I’m looking for… Mr. Pang Xiao.”
’You’re looking for him? You’re a friend of Pang Xiao’s?”
She nodded, not intending to explain any further to the stranger.
The man looked carefully at the woman in front of him, wondering when Pang Xiao had met such a beautiful woman, as he had never seen her before! He had no idea that Pang Xiao had made many female friends in the UK, and that he was so lucky even in Taiwan.
He really didn’t want to take his eyes off her, so he made up excuses to chat with her.
‘Pang Xiao is in a meeting, so why don’t I buy you a coffee? There is an elegant café downstairs…’
‘Hey, you’re hitting on someone again. Which beautiful lady attracted you this time?’ came from another man, a mixed-race man who spoke fluent Chinese.
‘Jason? Aren’t you in a meeting?‘
’The meeting ended early. Why? Do you think I’m getting in the way?‘ Jason teased him and told Qi-jun.
’Miss, be careful with this one, he’s quite the flirt!‘
’I’m looking for Pang Xiao. Do you know where he is?’ she asked the foreigner.
Jason looked her up and down. She was very pretty, the most beautiful Oriental beauty he had ever seen. Wait, could she be… ’May I ask your surname?’
‘I’m Mrs. Pang.‘
★★★
Pang Xiao was sitting in his office, looking over the briefing notes from the meeting. He was deep in thought when Jason opened the door and came in. Pang Xiao had something to ask him, and when he saw Qi-jun behind Jason, he froze, then immediately stood up and walked over to her.
’How did you get here?‘ He didn’t dare to run around again, so Pang Xiao couldn’t help but look nervous.
’I… took a taxi…’
‘Taxi! Damn it! Old Chen is at it!‘ He reached out to pull her.
’Uncle Chen is off today, the housekeeper called the taxi for me,‘ she hid behind Jason in fear.
’! Isn’t it dangerous for him to take a taxi now? How could you let him take a taxi alone!‘ He grabbed her from the other side.
’No, the housekeeper called an acquaintance, it’s very safe,’ she was really afraid of his anger, she didn’t want to make him angry!
‘Damn it! Why do you keep avoiding me?‘ he asked loudly.
’If you could be a little gentler, lower your voice, and speak more softly, I’m sure the little lamb wouldn’t be so scared as if it were meeting the big bad wolf,’ Jason explained methodically.
Thanks to Jason’s reminder, he realised that his attitude was too agitated, and it had frightened Qijun.
The group of male colleagues behind him had been so shocked that they couldn’t stop gaping from beginning to end. They couldn’t believe that this was actually Pang Xiao’s wife. Although they had heard that his wife was beautiful, they had never imagined that she would be so young and pretty, almost like a girl! It was such a pity!
“Thank you for bringing her up here. I want to speak to my wife alone.’
‘Of course,‘ Jason nodded with a smile, about to leave and close the door, but then he saw that his male colleagues were still standing in shock, so he couldn’t help but shake his head and sigh.
After Jason left, Pang Xiao looked at her and asked, “Why are you here?” Seeing the calla lilies in her hands, he asked, “Did you buy the flowers and then pass by here?” asking the most likely answer.
’No… I came to find you.‘
’Find me?’ He was very surprised, ’Did Grandpa tell you to come?’
‘No, I… wanted to come.‘
Worried that he would see her with a face of anger, Qijun was mentally prepared for anything, but this time she was wrong, as Pang Xiao returned a handsome smile.
’Do you need something from me?‘
’I bought flowers for you.‘
’Thank you.’ He was a little flattered, but afraid of falling into the abyss of disappointment again, he hid all his affection in his heart.
Qi-jun wanted to put the flowers in a vase, but embarrassingly discovered that there was no vase in the office. She didn’t know what to do, so she just stood there.
Pang Xiao was in a dilemma. He took out a celadon vase from the cabinet, the mouth of which was just the right size to hold the bunch of calla lilies. He ordered someone to take it away to be cleaned and used as a vase.
Qi-jun placed the calla lilies in the ‘vase’ and pretended to adjust the position of the flowers. All she could think about was what Shao Wei had said about ‘teasing’. What should she do?
‘You shouldn’t have taken a taxi,‘ he was still bothered by it.
’Well, I’ll be more careful in the future,‘ said Shao Wei, who believed that obedience was the beginning of improving their relationship.
Qijun looked around. The office was pure in smell, elegant with a unique style, very much like a personality.
’I… Am I disturbing you?’
‘No, it’s almost time for lunch anyway.‘ He paused, asking the question on his mind, “You didn’t come here just to give me flowers, did you? Is there something you want?”
Qi-jun swallowed, gathering her courage to explain the real reason for her visit, but before she could speak, she was interrupted by a woman barging in.
’Mr. Pang, the meeting minutes are ready,’ the secretary said, coming in with a folder.
‘Just put it on the table.‘ Pang Xiao’s eyes were still fixed on Qi Jun.
The secretary seemed to sense the tension between the two and quickly left after placing the folder.
The room was once again just the two of them, and the atmosphere was even more weird and awkward.
’Let me get you a glass of water.’ He turned around, but he forgot where he was going with the interruption… Right, he was going to ask her if she had come to see him about something important.
He turned around and was about to ask her again when the sight in front of him almost made him drop his jaw!
Qi-jun had taken off her white jacket, and underneath was only a thin piece of clothing, especially the low-cut neckline that showed off her breasts. She was trying to use the seduction techniques that Zhong Shao-wei had taught her.
Pang Xiao-fei also rushed over and quickly covered her up with his jacket.
‘Why are you wearing so little? Aren’t you afraid of catching a cold?‘ he yelled angrily.
’I…‘ She froze at his yell.
’Next time you go out, wear more clothes. Don’t forget that you catch colds easily.’ Fortunately, there was no one else in the office, or else he would be jealous and gouge out their eyes if they saw it.
Strange! Why didn’t it work? She was trying to seduce him, but… “Come and drink some water!” He walked towards the counter.
Qi-jun obediently followed, but accidentally bumped into the chair leg and fell to the ground unsteadily. Fortunately, Pang Xiao caught her quickly.
‘You want to scare me into a heart attack!’
‘I’m sorry, I’m…dizzy,’ she hurriedly made up an excuse.
‘Dizzy? Do you have a cold?’ Pang Xiao’s attitude immediately turned gentle, with a worried look on his face.
‘Maybe,‘ she said, leaning against her chest, thinking about the second trick that Zhong Shaowei had taught her – feigning illness.
’Apart from feeling dizzy, are you feeling unwell anywhere else?‘
’Fortunately, I’ll be fine in a moment.”
Being gently held and cared for by Pang Xiao emboldened her. The current atmosphere was very good, and she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to confess her love to Pang Xiao, so she looked up at him lovingly.
However, this angle just so happened to let Pang Xiao see a blood-pumping scene, and from top to bottom it just so happened to let him see the pair of breasts squishing against his chest.
The longing that had been suppressed for so long surged again, and he quickly pushed her away, put her coat back on and kept his distance.
‘You sit down and rest first, I’ll bring the water over.’
Damn it! He thought! He almost lost his mind.
When he turned around again to get the water, he found her standing in the doorway, her eyes red.
‘What’s wrong with you?‘
’I need to go back, sorry to have bothered you for so long.‘ She held back her tears.
’Wait! Aren’t you feeling well?‘
Pang Xiao grabbed her hand. Although he tried his best to calm his pounding heart, he couldn’t help but show his affection when she said she wanted to.
’I’m fine already.‘ Pang Xiao didn’t respond to her at all, and she still shamelessly stayed here.
’I’ll give you a ride.‘
’No need, I—’
‘Shut up! Listen to me!”
★★★
The black Cadillac sped along the highway. Qi-jun sat in the car, playing with her fingers. She didn’t dare look at Pang Xiao. He was angry again. Why did she always make him angry and call him useless?
Seducing him and pretending to be sick didn’t work on him. It made her lose confidence. She was sad and wanted to go home. However, she didn’t expect Pang Xiao to drive her. If she didn’t take advantage of this opportunity, wouldn’t it be a waste?
No, she had to think of something. On the spur of the moment, she said to Pang Xiao, ‘I’m hungry.’
‘Huh?’ Pang Xiao looked at her in puzzlement.
‘I heard that there is a famous noodle shop in the east district. Can you take me there?’ she asked carefully.
‘Okay,’ the car sped off in the opposite direction.
She hadn’t gone shopping for a long time, and although Wen Jun had taken her shopping a few times, most of the time they had spent chatting in restaurants, unlike now, when they had the opportunity to slowly browse the beautifully decorated shops.
Along the way, Qi-jun was like Liu Lao-lao entering the Grand View Garden, mesmerised by the wide variety of shops, and had long forgotten that she had originally said she wanted to eat noodles, and had even forgotten that she was looking for an opportunity to flirt.
She was weak and vulnerable in the crowd, and if she wasn’t careful, she would be knocked off balance by the oncoming tide and fall right into the arms of Pang Xiao, who was behind her. Pang Xiao blocked the bustling crowd for her, separating her from all possible collisions and protecting her in a small world of her own.
His careless thoughtfulness and tenderness confused her, and she always felt safe in his arms, making her unable to help but cling to him even more. Unexpectedly, this action aroused Pang Xiao’s male instinct in her once again.
No! He mustn’t think about it! Pang Xiao warned, resisting the temptation she had aroused.
‘Wow, what a cute penguin doll.’ There was a stuffed animal shop full of rooms, and she was immediately attracted to the extra-large penguin, lovingly stroking the soft fluff.
‘Do you like it?’ he asked.
‘I love it! This penguin is so cute!’ Her smile was innocent and pure, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
He would buy the entire stuffed animal store for her rare smile, especially because her careless display of innocence was so enchanting. He loved this side of her, loved it so much!
He was originally going to take her back to the Pang family, but instead he spent the day shopping and eating with her. Eventually the day had to end, and even though Pang Xiao didn’t want to part with her so soon, the moonlit night was pressing on, and he always had to send her home.
Qijun sat silently in the car, occasionally stealing glances at Pang Xiao, who was concentrating on driving. The suit jacket draped over her body smelled of Pang Xiao.
She didn’t want to part with him. This was the one constant reminder that she was his wife, wasn’t she? Her parents’ relationship was like that of strangers, having long since separated and lived apart. She didn’t want to be like her parents, not at all. So how was she going to solve her current dilemma?
Being cute! One of the most powerful weapons. Even the strongest man can be softened by it. This is what Shaowei said. …What should she do! She can’t imitate the cute tone and movements she sees on TV, and she feels so ashamed.
‘You’ll be home in two more turns,’ Pang Xiao said.
Reminded by him, Qi-jun suddenly plucked up her courage and said without thinking, ‘Is where you live comfortable?’ In fact, she wanted to say, ‘I’ll go to where you live for the night.’
“Not bad, it’s close to my company and the transportation is convenient.’
‘You must have decorated it beautifully.’ Hurry up and invite her to visit! She prayed anxiously in her heart.
Pang Xiao didn’t understand why she suddenly became interested in the place where he currently lived, so he just answered casually: “Of course it’s not as luxurious as home, but it meets my needs.”
Qi-jun couldn’t help but show a disappointed face. The home was right in front of her, but she still couldn’t muster the courage to confess to him. She felt useless and couldn’t help but burst into tears.
This crying frightened Pang Xiao, who hurriedly asked the reason. Qi-jun just shook her head and cried more and more uncontrollably. Finally, she broke down and could no longer care about anything else, and she sobbed.
The tears made Pang Xiao’s heart feel like it was being cut with a knife. No matter what he did, he could not stop his wife’s tears.
So that night, Qi-jun successfully made Pang Xiao stay with her. She fell asleep in the tears that intertwined, and Pang Xiao looked at her tearful face all night.
The next morning, Jason went to Pang Xiao’s office to find him. When he saw the calla lilies by the window, his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
‘My God! That’s a million-dollar Tang Dynasty porcelain vase, and you’re using it as a vase? Are you out of your mind?’
Pang Xiao didn’t care. To him, the calla lilies were a hundred times more precious than the Tang Dynasty porcelain vase.
‘Is there something the matter?’ he asked lazily.
‘Look at you, you look tired! You look like a panda from the mainland. Working overtime on a Sunday, you work like crazy!‘
’It’s nothing, I’ll survive,‘ he said in a bad mood.
’Ooh, you have a bad temper,‘ Jason stared at him with interest, smiling strangely, and asked, “Are you not getting enough sex?”
’Fuck you!’ he said, swinging an unseeing fist at Jason’s handsome nose.
Jason dodged the punch and jumped away, saying seriously, ‘Fine! Since you’d rather be a bully, I’ll be the one to protect your beautiful wife today.’
‘What do you say?’ Pang Xiao immediately jumped up.
‘I’ll tell Mrs. Pang, who is waiting in the reception room right now, that you’re too busy to see her.’ He said this deliberately and walked away.
Before he could even open the door, Pang Xiao rushed up to him and asked, ‘Is she here?’
‘Yes! You’re too busy. I’m happy to—‘
’Forget it!”
Pang Xiao quickly walked towards the reception room, leaving Jason, who was smiling so broadly that his jaw was about to cramp up, behind.
Naturally, as soon as Pang Xiao saw Qi-jun, he lost interest. Accompanying her all night last night made him miss her even more today. But why did Qi-jun suddenly come to see him twice in a row? Could it be that…
No, he can’t just speculate. He has long since given up any hope, hasn’t he? The higher the expectations, the harder the fall. He might as well give up and move out, not only to avoid Grandpa’s monitoring, but also to avoid seeing her and not being able to help himself.
As soon as Qi-jun saw Pang Xiao, she shyly begged, ‘Can you go shopping with me?’ To capture someone’s heart, you have to first capture their stomach. This is another method provided by Shao Wei.
Pang Xiao really couldn’t figure out what was going on with Qi-jun, and although he had a lot of questions about her behaviour, he still accompanied her to the supermarket. Qi-jun explained that she wanted to learn how to cook and hoped that Pang Xiao could give her some advice.
Red carrots, cabbage, corn…Qi-jun was like a newlywed, going to the supermarket to choose her favourite dishes, with the joy of a newlywed wife.
After shopping, the two went to Pang Xiao’s apartment in the city. Although she didn’t know how to cook very well, she had watched her nanny cook a few times before, so she shouldn’t have any problems.
As she watched Qijun busily going in and out of the kitchen, Pang Xiao remained silent the whole time, his face showing his usual expression of coldness.
When everything was ready, the table was set with the delicacies that Qijun had carefully prepared. Although they weren’t perfect, they were at least 60 points. Wang Qijun was so excited! This was the first time she had done it all by herself, so this meal was very special to her. Later, when they ate, she was determined to tell Pang Xiao her true feelings.
Pang Xiao looked at the table of dishes and remained silent. Qi-jun did not notice anything unusual and was just worried whether the food would be to his liking.
‘I’m not very good at cooking, so please bear with me if I don’t do a good job,’ she said shyly, looking down.
“Where… it’s not easy to make these dishes for the first time.’
‘I like all of them, so I decided on the menu.‘
Is he referring to Gao Wenjun? Pang Xiao’s brows furrowed slightly.
’This middle dish was often cooked by my nanny in the past, and I thought it was delicious, so I cooked a lot of it. Try it.”
He took a bite and nodded approvingly. Qijun was overjoyed and let out a sigh of relief, saying, “I was worried that it wasn’t cooked well, but fortunately it’s still edible.”
Pang Xiao didn’t say anything, just came and ate the dish.
She continued, ‘I’m really sorry to drag you down when I’m the one who wants to learn to cook, but I really couldn’t control my stomach, so I had to trouble you for help.’
‘Why did you suddenly want to learn to cook?’ he asked.
This question made Qijun’s heart flutter, and she couldn’t help but lower her head as she put down her bowl and chopsticks and stammered her reply. ‘Because… I hope that after I’ve learned how to cook… I can enjoy… cooking…’
Finally she said it! Qi-jun felt her cheeks burning with shame, she was so embarrassed! She didn’t dare to look up at Pang Xiao’s face!
‘That’s enough!’ Pang Xiao roared.
‘You…what…’ she looked at him in horror.
He could no longer bear it, how could she treat him so cruelly, actually using him as an experiment, just to cook for Gao Wenjun herself.
‘What do you mean! You came all the way to my place to cook, and there are so many people in your family, just ask someone to taste it for you, why bother coming here to annoy me!‘
She didn’t understand what had gone wrong. It had been going so well, why had Pang Xiao suddenly lost his temper. She begged him and apologised. “I’m sorry, I went to your company without your permission and rudely demanded—”
’Don’t look so pathetic!’ He knocked the plate on the table onto the floor. He’d had enough!
‘It’s your business to learn how to cook, but why do you deliberately show off in front of me?‘
’That’s what I mean.‘ She helplessly shook her head, her vision blurred by tears.
’I moved out of your sight so that you would have a chance to flirt with other people, but now you’re putting on an act in front of me. Wang Qijun, you’re ruthless! You’ve completely trampled on the last of my self-respect. Are you happy now?’
She couldn’t believe her ears. Pang Xiao actually thought of her as that kind of person. No! It was all wrong! She kept shaking her head, her bloodshot face gradually turning pale. Pang Xiao said she couldn’t hear her, and she only felt a suffocating pain in her chest, tightening her breathing, as if it were trying to engulf her.
Pang Xiao’s face suddenly turned pale, and Qijun was falling mercilessly to the ground. He rushed over to hug her and called her name frantically.
Everything went dark, and she could neither see nor hear. The only sensation she had was the excruciating pain in her chest.
This was what it felt like to have your heart broken…
★★★
The doctor and nurses kept coming and going, and time seemed to be an endless torment, tormenting everyone outside the ward as they waited helplessly.
Three hours passed before the attending doctor finally came out of the emergency room.
‘The situation has been stabilised, the patient needs to rest, please come back to visit her tomorrow morning,‘ the doctor announced to the Pang family.
’Big brother, go home first, we’ll come back to see your wife tomorrow,’ Pang Juan worriedly persuaded her brother, who looked so scary, not saying a word since just now.
Pang Tianfu and his wife followed suit, not knowing that there was a problem between their son and daughter-in-law.
‘You all go back, I’ll stay,’ he ordered.
‘No way! You need to rest too, why don’t we go to the lounge and talk about it?’
The group was about to go to the lounge when Gao Wenjun arrived. When he received a call from Pang Juan, he dropped what he was doing and came running.
Unexpectedly, as soon as Pang Xiao saw him appear, he punched him without saying a word.
Everyone screamed, as it happened so quickly that there was no time to stop it. Pang Xiao said coldly, ‘The matter between the three of us will have to be resolved sooner or later.’
Gao Wenjun patted his stomach. Fortunately, he was in good health, and Pang Xiao’s punch was not light. He guessed why Pang Xiao was so angry, and said with a smile that did not change his nature, ‘It’s about time it was resolved.’
‘What the hell is going on? Will one of you tell me?’ Pang Juan asked nervously, wondering why her brother had suddenly punched Wenjun.
‘You go back first,‘ Pang Xiao ordered his family.
’My child…‘ Pang’s mother tried to intervene.
’Go back!‘ he snapped, surprising everyone.
’Wen Jun?‘ Pang Juan worriedly supported him.
’Don’t worry! I’m fine. Pang and I just have some things to sort out. Please go back first. Juan, you go too. I’ll call you tonight.’ He looked at ease, not at all intimidated.
Pang Juan still hesitated to leave, and it was only after Wen Jun repeatedly assured her that he and Pang Xiao would be fine that the Pang family finally agreed.
‘Now that we’re alone, you can explain why you punched me, right?’ Wen Jun rubbed his stomach, which still hurt from Pang Xiao’s punch.
‘Qijun is my wife, so stop pestering her.‘
’What do you mean? How can you say such a thing?‘
’Don’t act like you don’t know. I’ve seen the photos of you two together.‘
’You had someone investigate?‘
’I, well, someone else, but I saw the photos of you two on a trip.”
So that was it. Gao Wenjun understood why Pang Xiao was so angry and had punched him. Could it be… because of this reason as well?
‘Have you asked Qi-jun to confirm those photos? What was her explanation?‘
’Shut up! It’s not your turn to ask me.‘
’If you want to stay with Qi-jun for the rest of your life, answer me first, before you make a mistake that you can never undo!‘ Gao Wenjun rebuked him sternly, not at all afraid of Pang Xiao’s anger.
’Meaning?‘ He glared fiercely at Gao Wenjun.
’I believe that Qi-jun deeply loves you. You shouldn’t misunderstand loyalty.’
‘She loves me?‘ Pang Xiao looked him straight in the eye. “If she loved me, she wouldn’t have insisted on seeing you! She would even…have learned to cook for you.”
Alas! This misunderstanding is really deep! It seems that his younger brother should bear most of the responsibility. I hope it’s not too late, and I’ll let him clarify this misunderstanding!
’I’m a bastard,’ he announced.
Pang Xiao looked at him in confusion, not understanding why Gao Wenjun had suddenly started confessing after such a sudden change of topic.
‘My father is Wang Xiongming and my mother is a concubine,‘ Gao Wenjun continued.
’I don’t care who your father is — wait! Did you just say that?‘ Pang Xiao grabbed him in shock.
’What I mean is — Qijun is my sister, understand? My dear brother-in-law,’ he smiled, somehow feeling a sense of ownership when he saw Pang Xiao’s shocked and discoloured face.
Qi-jun and he are brother and sister! They are brother and sister! Pang Xiao suddenly felt like he had been saved, but then he fell into another dark place. Oh my god! What have I done to Qi-jun? He realised with horror that he had made a terrible mistake. He had hurt Qi-jun. Oh no! Pang Xiao regretted it and held his head in his hands.
“Brother-in-law, don’t blame yourself too much. I’m also at fault. I told Qi-jun not to say anything. If I had told you earlier, this wouldn’t have happened today.’
‘I’ve broken her heart. No matter what happens, I shouldn’t have hurt her.”
Gao Wenjun patted his shoulder in comfort, “Luckily, it’s not too late. After she’s sobered up, tell her you love her, and everything will be fine.”
The two men, who both loved Qijun dearly, shook hands and made peace. Everything will wait until tomorrow! Pang Xiao decided to kneel before Qijun and beg for forgiveness. He really is a fool! After studying so hard, he’s made such a ridiculous mistake.
Tomorrow, he will ask Qi-jun to forgive him. Even if she doesn’t, he will still love her for the rest of his life to make up for his mistakes.

***

You have to pay a price for a happy ending. The next morning, before dawn, Pang Xiao brought Hai-yu to the hospital. He wanted his wife to see his bouquet of flowers when she opened her eyes for the first time. But he never expected to be greeted by an empty hospital room.
Qi-jun is gone? This made Pang Xiao panic, and someone said that they seemed to have seen her on the top floor balcony. Pang Xiao rushed up there like a flash, and Qi-jun, standing on the top floor balcony admiring the sunrise and enjoying the baptism of dawn, was looking at it in rapture when the sudden sound of the door opening startled her.
It’s Pang Xiao! She backed away and leaned against the railing.
‘Qijun!’ he called out joyfully, quickening his pace towards her.
Qijun didn’t want to go near him, and turned to avoid him, but Pang Xiao, who was even faster, embraced her from behind and wouldn’t let her go.
‘No!’ Qijun shed tears of sadness again, unable to bear any more of Pang Xiao’s words.
Pang Xiao hugged her tightly, regardless of whether she wanted it or not, and kissed her weeping face. He captured her red lips with the gentlest, most tender, teasing yet soothing of grips, and transformed thousands of words into tender lip movements, speaking deeply of his love.
For a long time, Pang Xiao looked up at her in a daze, and spoke the confession he had never been able to utter lightly: ‘I love you, Qijun.’ He looked deeply into her eyes.
Qijun was momentarily stunned, looking at him in disbelief.
‘I wronged you,’ he apologised remorsefully. ‘Forgive me for misunderstanding you. I always thought you were in love with Gao Wenjun, until he told me the truth about you being brother and sister. Oh, Qijun, forgive me! I will surely die if I lose you.’
‘So you said those things because you thought I was with Wenjun…’
He nodded, hating his ignorance.
‘I have come to ask for your forgiveness.‘ He took her hand and kissed it, “I love you!” confessed again.
Qi-jun hardly believed it, that Pang Xiao actually said he loved her. Her moist eyes were once again covered in a layer of mist, this time from tears of joy.
’I love you too, Pang Xiao, I have loved you for a long time when I realised it,’ she stroked Pang Xiao’s face, also expressing her love.
Pang Xiao hugged her tightly in excitement. It turned out that he had not been singing a one-man opera in this relationship. He had come full circle before returning to the starting point. Thank God! He had lost her.
“We once missed each other, but fortunately, God favoured us, giving me the opportunity to recognise our feelings for each other. Qijun, I swear I will love you forever.’
‘People say that it takes ten years to get in the same boat and a hundred years to sleep in the same bed. Maybe we were blessed in a previous life to be husband and wife in this one.‘
’Yes,’ he nodded with a smile, kissing his wife in his arms again. He had finally won her heart as he had wished.

[12]Epilogue

The joy of completing a novel is indescribable.
It is like the feeling of a primary school student who has completed a task independently for the first time and is eager to show it off to others, happy and excited.
The first love story dedicated to the reader was carefully and cautiously written. I have always liked observing the state of mind of lovers when they fall in love, and the way I used to describe the touching sentences was nothing more than hoping to resonate with the reader, because this is the greatest expectation of every author.
I wonder how much resonance my novel will get in response?
When I was writing this novel, my friends were all very curious and often tried to find out my pseudonym under various pretexts, so that they could read it as soon as it was published.
But Mo Yan is naturally shy, and no matter how much they cajoled and tempted her, she always believed that keeping a secret was the only way to be beautiful, and she never mentioned her pseudonym or the title of the book. She announced that if they wanted to read her novel, they would have to read every Lin Bai book, and sooner or later they would read her novel.
Unexpectedly, those close friends and also the ones who hurt you, call from time to time to ask after you, and always take advantage of the times when I’m not paying attention to make insinuations. Fortunately, Mo Yan is quite clever and has never let anything slip. I advise everyone, if you don’t want someone to find out your secret, don’t even mention it at first, so as to avoid endless trouble.
Mo Yan also has a way to counteract the interrogation by her best friends. She deliberately advertises in front of them how hard she has been writing, and how exciting the scenes between the hero and heroine are! This makes them almost drown in curiosity, but they can’t get answers, which makes Mo Yan feel very uncomfortable.
This tactic really worked, and they were afraid to ask any more questions. They obediently ran to the bookstore to read Lin Bai’s novels to satisfy their curiosity, adding a few more readers to the romance novel world.
The expression techniques used in the next novel will probably be very different from this one, because Mo Yan wants readers to feel like they’ve had a change of taste, not a sense of sameness.
It’s better to do something than just talk about it. Mo Yan, I’m going to start working hard on my writing. See you next time!