I was forced into an arranged marriage by my father. At the wedding, my long – time rival kissed me.
He whispered in my ear, “I’m not reconciled.”
I thought for a moment, took off my veil, put it on his head, and said,
“Then you get married in my place.”
1.
The moment Shen Zhao rushed up and kissed me, the whole world fell silent.
The emcee, who was in the middle of giving the congratulatory speech, even blurted out a “holy shit” that spread throughout the hall through the microphone.
I stared wide – eyed at the extremely familiar face that was so close.
At my wedding, my rival Shen Zhao suddenly rushed up and force – kissed me.
After the kiss, he leaned down and spoke in my ear, his voice slightly trembling, “I’m not reconciled. Why do you get to have an ending?”
I was completely confused, with three big question marks in my mind.
“Dude, are you crazy? You can’t stand me having an ending and being jealous of my marriage, so why are you kissing me?! Kiss him!” I promptly pointed at the bewildered groom.
Now, Shen Zhao was also stunned.
He mumbled, “That’s not, you misunderstand…”
I took off the veil and put it on Shen Zhao’s head, saying in a relaxed tone, “Hehe, well, since you can’t stand me, you can get married in my place.”
After that, I picked up my skirt and ran.
By the time everyone reacted, I had already reached the door.
“Hey! Li Chengcheng! Stop!” I heard many people calling me from behind, but at this moment, these voices became the motivation for my running.
I was already annoyed about getting married in the first place.
Now that someone couldn’t stand me and was jealous of me, I’d just let him get married instead.
Hehe.
I’m outta here.
Whoever wants to enter this marriage grave can go.
Coincidentally, there was an empty taxi downstairs at the hotel where the wedding was held. I rushed straight up and urged, “Master! To the east gate of Wanshangcheng Mansion! Hurry up!”
The driver looked at my wedding dress, then at the people continuously coming out of the hotel, and immediately understood.
“Running away from a wedding, right? I get it! I’ve watched TV. Fasten your seatbelt!”
The driver gave me a reassuring look, shifted gears, and drove off.
I turned my head and saw Shen Zhao chasing after me in his car, wearing the veil.
To be fair, the veil actually looked quite good on him.
2.
Wanshangcheng Mansion was my best friend Fu Xue’s home.
I knew I couldn’t go back to my own home, so I came here.
She had a fashion show abroad and really couldn’t come back, so she missed my wedding.
She originally felt very sorry, but I directly said, “It’s a forced marriage by my family. It’s not interesting. You not coming is okay. Wait until my second marriage when I find someone I like, then you can come.”
Who knew, I didn’t even have to wait for a second marriage.
Hehe, thank you, Shen Zhao.
I really appreciate it.
I knew the password to Fu Xue’s house. I opened the door happily. I was singing “Free Flying” with abandon when I looked up and saw a tall, long – legged man in home clothes looking at me in confusion.
“Yo yo baby go c… Holy shit! Who are you?!” I exclaimed in horror, grabbing the shoehorn on the shoe cabinet next to me and pointing it at the strange man.
He blinked, then suddenly smiled. His eyes were gentle, which didn’t match his slightly ruffian – looking cropped hair. “I’m Fu Xue’s cousin. My name is Fu Yubai.”
I was stunned. “How come I’ve never heard her mention having a cousin?”
Fu Yubai spread his hands helplessly. “Because she can never pass the exams better than me, so she doesn’t admit to having me as a cousin.”
I was silent.
I believed him.
Because this was indeed something Fu Xue could do.
But… she had such a handsome cousin and didn’t introduce him to me!
I’ll make a fuss with her when she comes back!
I cleared my throat, put the shoehorn back in place, stood up gracefully, and gave him a shy smile. “Well, hello. I’m Fu Xue’s best friend. My name is Li Chengcheng.”
Fu Yubai curved his eyes and smiled gently. “I know. She’s mentioned you to me.”
After we introduced ourselves to each other, he finally had the chance to look at my wedding dress. He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “What’s this about?”
I looked down at my wedding dress. “Oh, this? To put it simply, I ran away from my wedding.”
Fu Yubai was stunned for a moment, then said, half – laughing and half – crying, “Isn’t this a plot from a novel?”
I shook my head and seriously refuted him. “No no no! Reality is more melodramatic than novels!”
Hearing this, he took a bottle of Coke from the fridge and waved it at me. “Come in and tell me in detail?”
I instinctively joked, “Venmo me $50 to listen to my wedding – escape story.”
Fu Yubai pursed his lips and chuckled, being very good at picking up the joke. “It’s the weekend today. How about I treat you to KFC this Thursday?”
I readily agreed. “Very okay!”
Then I sat down on the living – room sofa and told Fu Yubai the whole process of my marriage.
From being forced into marriage, to getting married, from getting married to being force – kissed, and then from being force – kissed to running away from the wedding.
Fu Yubai’s expression changed from sympathy for me being forced into marriage to pity for my marriage situation, then to surprise at the force – kiss, and finally to confusion at my running away from the wedding.
Although I didn’t understand what he was confused about.
“Why are you so confused?” I asked.
He hesitated for a moment before saying, “Is there a possibility that your rival doesn’t…”
“Li Chengcheng! Open the door! I know you’re in there!”
Fu Yubai’s words were interrupted by a series of knocks on the door.
And the voice outside the door was also very familiar to me.
It was my rival, the man who force – kissed me.
Shen Zhao.
3.
I immediately froze on the sofa, my mind racing to think of a countermeasure. At the same time, I couldn’t help but curse Shen Zhao in my heart for knowing me so well.
So annoying!
Fu Yubai raised his eyebrows towards the door and used his eyes to ask me whether to open the door or not.
I decisively waved my hand and then quietly sat in the room, pretending to be dead.
Shen Zhao stopped knocking on the door and sneered. “Li Chengcheng, you’re pretending to be dead in the room with me, huh? If you don’t open the door, I’ll throw the love letter you wrote to me in front of your parents.”
Hearing this, I quickly rushed to open the door and angrily shouted at him, “Shen Zhao! You’re bullying me!”
As for that love letter, it was completely an accident and also the beginning of my bad luck with Shen Zhao.
In high school, Shen Zhao and another transfer student named Wei Huai transferred to our school at the same time. I took a fancy to Wei Huai and asked someone to inquire. But that person told me the wrong name.
As a result, I always thought the person I liked was Shen Zhao.
I even wrote a love letter at the end of the semester and asked someone to give it to the “Shen Zhao” I liked.
When I saw the classmate who helped me hand the letter to Shen Zhao, who was beside Wei Huai, I was completely dumbfounded. I was so anxious that I was about to die, but I didn’t dare to go forward. I could only wait for the classmate to come back and then tell him, “You gave it to the wrong person! The one I want to give it to is Shen Zhao! Not Wei Huai!”
The classmate looked at me in confusion. “Yes, I gave it to Shen Zhao.”
I was stunned. I looked at the two boys in school uniforms over there and unwillingly asked again, “The one with the tiger teeth is?”
“Shen Zhao.”
Hearing this answer, I was completely stunned.
I clearly liked Wei Huai, who didn’t have tiger teeth.
Help!
Seeing that Shen Zhao was about to open the letter, I didn’t care about being shy or not. I rushed out from the corner and tried to grab the letter back.
But Shen Zhao was quick – eyed and quick – handed. He raised his hand, and the letter reached a height that I couldn’t reach even when I jumped.
“Give me back the letter!” I said angrily after jumping a few times and failing to reach the letter.
Shen Zhao, who was already over 1.8 meters tall in his sophomore year, looked down at me with his thin eyelids drooping, a smile in his eyes. “Why should I? Did you write it?”
I was momentarily speechless and didn’t know how to answer.
Seeing my reaction, Shen Zhao smiled even more happily. “If you didn’t write it, why should I give it to you?”
I had no choice but to admit it. “Yes, I wrote it! Give it back to me!”
Hearing this, he raised his eyebrows. “So you like me?”
I quickly refuted him. “How could I like you?”
Shen Zhao looked up at the words on the envelope and then read them word by word, “For Shen Zhao, to be opened personally.”
After reading, he looked down at me with an innocent face. “It seems there’s only one person named Shen Zhao in this school.”
Looking at his innocent and annoying expression, I was so angry that I told the truth.
“I was going to write it to Wei Huai! I got the names wrong!” I looked at Wei Huai, who was quietly watching the show with a happy expression.
He was slightly surprised, his eyes widening a little. He pointed at himself, in disbelief. “You like me?”
Looking at his somewhat world – weary and sickly appearance, I shyly nodded.
But the next second, I was heartbroken.
“Then I’m sorry. You’re not my type.” Wei Huai smiled politely, but the words he said were like cold thorns, piercing me.
“What’s not in line with your type? I can change it.” I asked unwillingly.
The corner of his mouth curled up. “Mainly the gender doesn’t match.”
???
I was completely confused. After reacting, I almost burst into tears.
I originally wanted to say what wasn’t in line and that I could change it.
But… Wuwuwu.
I covered my mouth, almost crying out loud. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Shen Zhao lower his hand, so I wanted to take the opportunity to grab the letter back.
But Shen Zhao seemed to have expected it. He put the letter behind his back and said, “Once it’s in my hands, it’s mine.”
I clenched my fists, and finally, I glared at him. Before turning around and leaving angrily, I left a sentence, “Just take it then!”
Since then, Shen Zhao and I have been at odds.
Every time we met, he would provoke me. When I got angry, he would show his tiger teeth and smile brightly.
Later, we even dramatically got into the same university. Because of him, my entire college life was extremely “interesting.”
During those four years, he threatened me countless times with that love letter to bring him food.
If I refused, he would say he would expose the love letter.
Then I would think of the second – rate love letter I wrote. I was young and naive at that time. I adapted a bunch of non – mainstream words and wrote them in it. After writing, I was even moved by myself. Later, when I thought about it, I really wanted to slap myself.
This is why I’ve been under Shen Zhao’s thumb for eight years.
Even today when I ran away from the wedding, this trick of his still worked, and it was even more effective.
Because my family was crazily urging me to get married. Coupled with the fact that Shen Zhao kissed me at the wedding today, if he took out that love letter, I would definitely have to marry him.
Then I might as well die.
Shen Zhao first looked me up and down to make sure I was okay, and then he provoked me. “So what if I bully you?”
I stared at him angrily, but could only say, “You didn’t tell my parents I’m here, did you?”
He shook his head. Just as he was about to say something, he saw Fu Yubai in the room.
Shen Zhao narrowed his eyes unhappily, but his tone was relaxed when he asked, “Who is he?”
I stepped aside and introduced them to each other.
“He? He’s Fu Xue’s cousin, Fu Yubai.”
“And, Fu… Brother, this is Shen Zhao.”
I originally wanted to call Fu Yubai directly, but then I thought it was a bit impolite, so I paused and called him brother.
Fu Yubai didn’t mind this. He came over, smiled gently at Shen Zhao, and stretched out his hand. “Hello.”
Shen Zhao naturally shook his hand and greeted him. “Hello.”
It wasn’t appropriate to talk at the door after all. Fu Yubai invited Shen Zhao to come in and talk if he had something to say. But I reached out to stop Shen Zhao and straightforwardly and ruthlessly asked him, “Do you still have something to say? If not, you don’t need to come in.”
Shen Zhao, who was about to enter the door:?
“Li Chengcheng, I sacrificed myself to save you from the marriage grave, and this is how you treat me?” Shen Zhao was really angry and laughed.
That’s what he said, but…
He also took my first kiss!
But I didn’t say it out because when I was a junior in college, in order to prevent him from laughing at me for being single, I boasted that I had dated several people.
Shen Zhao was stunned for a moment, then sneered and said, “6.”
Then he ignored me for several days, and I was happy for several days because of this.
Fu Xue knew about it. She looked at me, hesitated to speak, and finally said nothing.
I glanced at Shen Zhao’s lips, then silently withdrew my hand and let him in.
Fu Yubai politely gave him a bottle of mineral water, then went back to the bedroom, leaving the living room to me and Shen Zhao.
I watched him enter the bedroom, feeling reluctant.
Wuwuwu, handsome guy, don’t go!
Shen Zhao, who had watched the whole process, clicked his tongue. He took out a piece of candy from his pocket and threw it into my arms. “Li Chengcheng, look at your worthless appearance.”
I picked up the candy and saw that it was my favorite strawberry flavor.
Although we couldn’t stand each other, we knew each other’s habits and hobbies very well.
“What’s so worthless about it? Aren’t you excited when you see a beauty?” I opened the candy, stuffed it into my mouth, and retorted vaguely.
Shen Zhao stared at me and without hesitation denied it. “I’m not excited.”
I rolled my eyes, not believing him.
Shen Zhao didn’t dwell on this topic anymore. Instead, he asked me, “What are you going to do next? You’re not going to live here with a man, are you?”
Me: “Mind your own business.”
Shen Zhao was choked by me. After a pause, he said, “I bought an apartment in the south of the city. If you don’t want to go home, you can live there. Don’t live with other men.”
I caught the key point in his words. “What do you mean by ‘other men’? Is it okay to live with you?”
Shen Zhao was speechless and started to retort. “Dream on. I don’t want to live with you either.”
I was also speechless and directly retorted, “Mr. Shen, how much have you drunk to talk like this? If I want to live with you, I’m a dog.”
Retorting was one thing, but whether to live there or not was another.
I still accepted the key to the apartment in the south of the city, and then reluctantly said goodbye to Fu Yubai.
I also added him on WeChat by the way.
During this time, Shen Zhao coughed so hard that it seemed his throat was about to come out.
“Are you okay, kid?” I stopped pressing the accept – friend – request button, turned my head, and asked Shen Zhao worriedly.
He said a bit awkwardly, “I’m okay now.”
I looked at him several times to make sure he was really okay, and then instinctively retorted, “Then why are you coughing so hard? I’ll give you two punches.”
After that, I pressed the accept button and then went back to his apartment with Shen Zhao.
Fu Yubai politely saw us off downstairs.
In response, I said in the car, “Shen Zhao, can’t you learn from others? Look how polite he is!”
Shen Zhao, while backing out of the parking space, sneered, “I hope the hot pot later can shut you up.”
I immediately sat up straight, pretentiously tucked the hair by my ear behind my ear, and said, “Mr. Shen, you know how to make people shut up.”
Shen Zhao didn’t say anything more, but the corner of his mouth turned up.
Then I skillfully rummaged through the snacks in the car.
I’ve known him for eight years. I’ve taken his car countless times and know the placement of every item in it very well.
Just like I know his preferences.
4.
Since I write online novels, I didn’t continue my studies after graduating from college. I directly made a living by writing, and occasionally I would take on some painting commissions. Shen Zhao, on the other hand, stayed at school to pursue a master’s and a doctor’s degree, and later planned to stay on as a teacher.
The apartment in the south of the city was also bought near the school.
After I moved in, he moved into the school dormitory.
When my family called to ask where I was, I refused to say, only telling them that I was in a safe place, fearing that they would catch me and force me to get married again.
The groom I left behind didn’t care either because he was also forced.
In fact, after seeing me run away from the wedding, he followed my example and went abroad without hesitation.
On Thursday, Fu Yubai sent me a message:
“Are you free? I still owe you a meal at KFC.”
Only then did I remember this. I was at home, drawing drafts until my brain was almost fried, and I immediately agreed.
Mainly, I wanted to take this opportunity to relax.
Unexpectedly, the next second, Fu Yubai asked, “Should we invite your friend along?”
I thought for a while before realizing who he was referring to.
“Shen Zhao? No need. He knows the way to KFC. If he wants to eat, he can go by himself.”
Fu Yubai typed for a long time and then sent three words: “Okay then.”
Fu Yubai originally planned to pick me up, but I refused.
I said, “It’s okay. I’ll take a taxi. See you at the KFC.”
As soon as I went out, I received a message from Shen Zhao:
“Li Chengcheng, do you want to have barbecue today?”
I happily walked out of the elevator and sent him a voice message:
“Sister is not having barbecue with you today. Sister is going to enjoy KFC’s Crazy Thursday with a handsome guy.”
Shortly after sending it, Shen Zhao sent me a series of question marks and even called to ask who I was with.
I answered the phone and said teasingly, “I won’t tell you.”
Shen Zhao gritted his teeth on the other end and replied, “Li Chengcheng, you’d better tell me quickly.”
“No way. Alright, don’t talk to me for the next forty minutes. I’m going to enjoy myself. Bye!” After saying that, I hung up the phone and took a taxi to the agreed – upon KFC.
I hadn’t seen Fu Yubai for a few days, and he had dyed his cropped hair red.
He looked wild.
But as soon as he spoke, the tough image was shattered.
His tone was very gentle when he spoke, unhurried, and it was very comfortable to listen to, which was completely different from his handsome and ruffian look with red – haired cropped hair.
“Is your family still pressuring you recently?” Fu Yubai asked while we were waiting for the food.
I propped my chin with one hand and said, “They pressured me a couple of days ago, but these days, it suddenly became quiet. They don’t ask me anymore. I guess they’re afraid I won’t go home.”
He nodded in understanding and suddenly smiled. “Fu Xue told me that you and Shen Zhao have known each other for eight years?”
“Yeah, eight years. Do you know how I’ve spent these eight years?” I said, covering my chest in pain.
Fu Yubai’s eyes were tinged with a smile. “Then did he allow you to come out for a meal with me?”
I was a bit puzzled. “What does who I have a meal with have to do with him? Anyway, as long as it’s not with him. After all, we can’t stand each other.”
Fu Yubai glanced at me, then lowered his eyes and didn’t say anything more.
Later, during the meal, he didn’t mention Shen Zhao again but told me some interesting stories about Fu Xue’s childhood.
I laughed so hard that on the way back, I directly sent a message to Fu Xue, who was still abroad, to mock her for wetting the bed in the third grade.
She immediately sent a voice message, shouting angrily, “Was it Fu Yubai who said that?! Damn it! I knew that guy was always revealing my embarrassing things to get back at me. When I get back to the country, I’ll tear his mouth apart.”
After listening to the voice message, I silently crossed my hands in my heart for Fu Yubai and sent my sincere wishes: “Good brother, good luck to you.”
Then I listened to Fu Xue talk about the troubles at work and cursed with her all the way to the apartment building.
Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm, and I was so scared that I screamed.
When I looked, it was actually Shen Zhao.
I was about to complain about him, but he held my arm tightly and asked, “Who did you go out with?”
I was stunned. Looking at him, I raised my eyebrows and said, “Have you been waiting for me downstairs? What, you don’t want me to have a meal with other men?”
Shen Zhao was stunned, and the strength on my arm weakened a bit. But I didn’t break free. Instead, I asked him, “Shen Zhao, I’m not yours alone. Why are you so strict with me?”
As soon as I finished speaking, Shen Zhao quickly let go of my hand and sneered. “If it weren’t for you living in my place, would I care? I’m afraid you’ll be tricked to Myanmar, and the police will come to me.”
I pouted, took out the watch strap I bought for him from my bag, left a “Don’t curse me” and then walked towards the elevator.
Yesterday, the strap of his watch broke. When I passed by the mall on my way back, I remembered and bought an identical one for him.
He was a nostalgic person. Once he liked something, he would keep using it unless it was out of production.
Shen Zhao followed me with the watch, entered the elevator, and stood beside me.
We both looked straight ahead and didn’t speak.
It was not until the elevator door closed that I looked at his tall figure reflected on the elevator door and said, “I had KFC with Fu Yubai today. We made an appointment last time, and it was hard to refuse. We talked about some interesting things Fu Xue did when she was a kid.”
After a few seconds of silence in the air, Shen Zhao dryly replied with an “Oh”.
The atmosphere became quiet again. It was not until the elevator was almost at the 16th floor that Shen Zhao broke the silence:
“So when will you have barbecue with me?”
I, who had been waiting for a long time:?
Why does this guy only know about barbecue?
“How much does barbecue pay you? I’ll double it for hot pot.”
His voice gradually became smaller, and his tone was a bit aggrieved. “Didn’t you post on Moments yesterday saying you wanted to eat barbecue…”
Only then did I remember the Moments I posted when I was crazy about writing last night.
“Ahem, well, I’m fickle. I want to eat Sichuan cuisine tonight.” I said a bit awkwardly.
Just then, the elevator door opened. Shen Zhao followed me out, and I heard him reply:
“I’ll beat you into Sichuan cuisine.”
???
I was just praising him in my heart!
Damn it!
But anyway, we still went to eat Sichuan cuisine that night.
5.
Shen Zhao has been a bit busy recently, and the number of times he comes back to the apartment to pick on me has obviously decreased.
Just then, Fu Xue returned to the country and started inviting me to dinner.
At the dinner table, I finally learned the reason why Fu Yubai shaved his head into a cropped style.
Because every time Fu Xue quarreled with him and got angry, she liked to pull his hair…
During the meal, Fu Yubai gracefully ate while calmly retorting to Fu Xue, successfully making her angry. Fu Xue subconsciously raised her hand and grabbed at his head.
But she couldn’t catch anything.
Fu Xue was so angry that she shouted that she would tell the family about his little secret. Fu Yubai remained calm:
“Then I won’t do what I promised you.”
As soon as he said this, Fu Xue, who was still angry just now, immediately calmed down and started eating quietly.
This left me, who was eating and ready to watch the drama, completely confused.
What little secret? What promised thing?
I tried to ask Fu Xue, but she said, “Kids, don’t ask nonsense.”
Later, I wanted to ask Fu Yubai, but these two people, who usually couldn’t stand each other, were surprisingly united at this moment. He said, “Kids, eat more and gossip less.”
Me:?
Do they think I’m a fool just because I don’t get angry?
In the end, I still didn’t get the answers to these two things.
6.
After having dinner with them, I thought of Shen Zhao, who was still busy at school. After thinking about it, I went to a dessert shop on the way and bought some of his favorite desserts to fill his stomach.
Shen Zhao was in the library, reading papers, doing data analysis, and dealing with courses. He was very busy.
Although he liked to quarrel with me, he was still very serious about his studies. He often got so absorbed in his studies that he didn’t want to eat.
When I arrived downstairs at the library, I called him. He didn’t answer until I called twice.
“Li Chengcheng? Sorry, I didn’t see my phone just now. What’s wrong?”
Hearing his obviously more tired tone than usual, I sighed and softened my voice a bit. “Come downstairs. I bought you some desserts. Take them up and eat. Don’t starve again.”
Shen Zhao exclaimed in surprise, “You’re here? Wait, I’ll come down right away!”
“Okay.” I said and hung up the phone. Soon, I saw Shen Zhao quickly walking out of the library.
He ran towards me, smiling with his tiger teeth showing, his puppy – like eyes curved. The black hair on his forehead was messed up by the wind, making him look like he was in his freshman or sophomore year.
“What are you smiling so happily for?” I asked.
After that, his smile froze. He silently put away his smile and said calmly, “Why are you here?”
I handed him the cake and said irritably, “I’m afraid you’ll starve to death, so I brought you something to eat.
“I bought you your favorite mango pancake, chocolate bread, and some flower pastries from the neighboring pastry shop. They said online that they’re very delicious. Try them. If they’re not good, bring them back for me to eat.”
I babbled a lot. When I looked up, I saw him staring at me blankly.
“Li Chengcheng…” He suddenly called me.
I chuckled. “What? Moved by my tenderness? In love with me?”
Shen Zhao immediately changed his expression and sneered. “In love with you? Love you for grinding your teeth while sleeping, or for eating three big bowls like a little pig when you eat?”
I immediately darkened my face and punched him on the shoulder. Just as I was about to say something, a sweet voice sounded behind me:
“Senior! What are you doing here? And who is this?” A little beauty appeared and quickly looked me up and down.
That look… how should I say it? I’ve seen it quite a few times.
It was the look of someone who liked Shen Zhao and regarded me as a rival.
As usual, before Shen Zhao could speak, I explained, “I’m his sister. I came to bring him dinner, afraid he’d be hungry.”
Actually, Shen Zhao is older than me, but I wanted to be superior to him, so I always told those people that I was his sister.
At first, he would be speechless and refute, but later he just let me be.
The scrutinizing look in the little beauty’s eyes disappeared. She sweetly called me “sister” and then stood beside Shen Zhao with a shy face.
Tsk.
How should I put it?
They were a perfect couple, a match made in heaven.
But… it felt like the distance between them was a bit too close.
No way. As an older sister, I had to protect my younger brother.
So, I confidently stepped forward and squeezed between Shen Zhao and the little beauty. Under the little beauty’s surprised and puzzled eyes, I smiled and explained, “I want to say a few words to my brother in private.”
Since I had said this, the little beauty was too embarrassed to stay. She forced a few laughs and then left.
Only then did I pull Shen Zhao to a bench nearby and let him eat first before going back to his business.
But he looked at me with a deep gaze.
“What’s wrong?”
“Why did you make her leave?” he asked in a hoarse voice, and there seemed to be something hidden in his eyes.
I was a bit afraid to look at him. I quickly averted my eyes, lowered my head, and took out the things from the bag, placing them on the bench.
“Why else? I’m in a hurry to watch you finish eating so I can go back and write.” I said stubbornly.
Shen Zhao was silent for half a second. Finally, he coldly snorted and picked up the food to eat.
This left me completely confused.
Was he angry? Why?
I blinked but finally didn’t ask.
Anyway… I just came to deliver food.
7.
Since Fu Xue came back, my entertainment life became more colorful, and I gradually got closer to Fu Yubai.
This led to me occasionally mentioning Fu Yubai when I was with Shen Zhao.
And then… he got angry.
“Li Chengcheng, can you stop mentioning him in front of me?” Shen Zhao suddenly said coldly in the living room while cutting fruits and listening to me.
I paused, said “oh”, and didn’t say anything more.
The atmosphere became quiet. Neither he nor I said anything. The only sound in the living room was the sound of him cutting things.
I sat for a while and then got up and went back to the bedroom.
I didn’t say a word.
I’m not angry. I just don’t like it when he suddenly snaps at me.
I just feel wronged.
Although I don’t quite understand why I feel so aggrieved myself.
8.
Shen Zhao and I started a rather baffling cold war.
He didn’t even come back to the apartment for a month. I sent him the negotiated rent on my phone and then moved out directly.
During this period, I found a new place to live.
One night, Fu Xue came to my new place to sleep with me. She lay beside me and nudged me with her butt.
“What are you doing?” I turned to look at her, distracted from watching the drama.
She leaned closer to me, narrowed her eyes, and said, “Your expression has been off these days, and you moved out of Shen Zhao’s place… Did you two have a fight?”
My heart skipped a beat. I instinctively refuted, trying to find an excuse. “What are you talking about? Which day didn’t Shen Zhao and I fight? I moved out mainly because I thought living with him and arguing with him every day would make me angry and affect my lifespan!”
Yes! That’s it!
As if to deceive myself, I nodded vigorously after I finished speaking.
Fu Xue looked at me suspiciously and finally said, “Okay, I’ll believe whatever you say.”
I forced a smile, lowered my head to look at the not – so – interesting TV drama, but my heart felt a bit sad.
I had quarreled with Shen Zhao for eight years, but this was the first time I felt so bad.
The connection between Shen Zhao and me suddenly stopped.
We both tacitly didn’t look for each other.
I even saw him post a rental notice in the Moments. The apartment for rent was the one in the south of the city.
The moment I saw that Moments, I froze for a moment. Then I suppressed the bitterness welling up in my heart and unconsciously continued to scroll down.
But every time I woke up in the middle of the night, I would always think of this Moments.
The more I thought about it, the more blocked I felt, so much so that I couldn’t calm down to write or paint.
I decided to find something to do to relieve myself.
At the same time, I told myself every day that Shen Zhao had rented out the apartment, which clearly meant he didn’t care about me anymore. So why was I still feeling so blocked? What was there to be blocked about?
Besides, without him provoking me, I would only live a better life!
Humph!
I started eating, drinking, and relaxing every day, and I also took pictures and posted them on Moments for my friends to see my leisurely life.
Sometimes I would also go out for dinner with Fu Xue and Fu Yubai and take pictures to post on Moments.
One day during dinner, Fu Xue suddenly said, “Chengcheng, you’ve been posting on Moments very frequently recently.”
I was in the middle of taking a picture of my food. My hand paused, and I explained guiltily, “Life is so good. Why not post on Moments? I will post! Let others envy me!”
Fu Xue pouted, showing a strange smile, and then glanced at Fu Yubai next to her.
The next second, Fu Yubai gracefully swallowed the food in his mouth and casually mentioned, “Do you want to go on a trip? Fu Xue is relatively free recently. We can go around together.”
I hesitated for a moment.
He smiled gently and continued, “What’s so enviable about just eating and drinking? No matter how much you eat, it’s all within the province. It would be more interesting to travel more, take more pictures, and then post on Moments. Then people will envy you.”
His gaze towards me was gentle but full of power, as if he could see through my little thoughts.
I quickly lowered my head to eat and mumbled, “Fine, let’s go!”
The three of us, me, Fu Xue, and Fu Yubai, started our trip.
Fu Xue also posted a lot of Moments because of this, with photos of me and Fu Yubai in them.
We smiled as we fed giraffes together, played bumper cars together, and took photos with local customs.
We traveled around for almost two months. I was a bit tired and wanted to go back. But then I saw a Moments post from someone who had been quiet. It was a photo of desserts on a table.
Mainly, the person sitting across the table was also in the photo.
It was a girl.
I recognized the dress. It was the one the little beauty wore that day.
After forcing smiles for several months, I finally couldn’t hold it in at that moment. I hid under the covers and couldn’t stop my tears.
I wanted to ask Shen Zhao why he was having desserts with that little beauty, or perhaps those desserts were bought by the little beauty?
But I had no position, no right to ask.
After all, we were just rivals, people who always quarreled when we were together.
Crying until midnight, with swollen eyes, I blurredly looked at my phone and deleted Shen Zhao.
In case I would be annoyed seeing his love – showing Moments in the future.
So what if he found a partner?
I could do it too!
9.
But the truth proved that I couldn’t.
I simply couldn’t let go of Shen Zhao.
I even wanted to add him back. I wanted to see what he had posted. I had no choice but to check on him in the game “Honor of Kings”, fearing that he would change to a couple avatar one day.
Fu Xue noticed my absent – mindedness and wanted to end the trip early, suggesting that I go home and rest well.
I stayed at home for a while but couldn’t adjust my mindset. I wanted to go to the school to find Shen Zhao, but I was afraid of seeing him holding hands with another woman.
I suddenly understood Shen Zhao’s words.
I saw him living a good life and having an ending, and I was not reconciled.
No wonder he was willing to force – kiss me and disrupt my wedding back then. I finally understood.
Wait!
Suddenly, a light bulb went off in my head.
Why could he disrupt my wedding, but I couldn’t disrupt his relationship?
At that moment, I found an excuse to see him.
I instantly felt full of energy. I jumped out of bed, rummaged through the clothes in the closet, and despite the autumn temperature, I put on a short skirt to show off my figure. I also put on a perfect makeup.
How should I put it? On the way, my mood was both excited and nervous.
It was like… like eight years ago when I asked my classmate to hand the love letter to the “Shen Zhao” I liked.
I learned from Shen Zhao’s doctoral classmates that he should be in the library at the moment, so I went straight there.
On the way, I drafted countless things in my mind, like “I’m not reconciled that you have an ending”, “You disrupted my wedding last time, and this time you don’t expect to have a good relationship either”, “You’d better stay single for the rest of your life”.
But all these words became invalid the moment I saw the little beauty sitting across from him, quietly passing him a piece of candy.
Thousands of words welled up in my throat, making me feel an unbearable bitterness and sourness.
Look, how sweet they were, just like that piece of candy.
My eyes felt sore and swollen, and I wanted to cry.
But I had put on eye makeup, so I couldn’t cry.
I took two deep breaths, suppressing my distress, and then remembered the purpose of my visit.
Showing off your love, huh? I’ll end your relationship right away.
I straightened my back and walked with determination, until Shen Zhao heard the sound and looked up at me.
Suddenly, I was like a balloon pricked by a needle. All the momentum I had built up disappeared in an instant.
I stood beside him awkwardly, my eyes fixed on the candy, not daring to look at him. After a long while, I stammered, “Sister came to bring you a cup of milk tea…”
Then I handed him the milk tea in my hand.
Shen Zhao looked down at the milk tea but didn’t take it. Instead, he asked me indifferently, “Why did you bring this for me? Shouldn’t you be giving it to Fu Yubai?”
I was stunned. “Huh? Why should I give it to him? Can’t he buy it himself?”
Hearing this, the cold look on Shen Zhao’s face froze for a moment. Then he stood up, grabbed my hand, and pulled me to the open space downstairs. Turning around, he roared at me.
“Li Chengcheng, you’re already with Fu Yubai. You even deleted me to avoid suspicion. What are you doing here?” he growled in a low voice, his eyes filled with disappointment and anger I had never seen before.
I was stunned, and the grievance almost made me burst into tears. All the pent – up emotions of these days erupted. I snapped back angrily, “Are you out of your mind! Who’s with Fu Yubai? There’s nothing between us! But you, you ate the desserts someone else gave you and even took pictures and posted them on Moments for me to see. What’s the deal? You think you’re so great just because you’re in a relationship? I’m such an idiot for coming to see you.”
After that, I forcefully threw the milk tea into his arms, turned around, and left. Tears welled up in my eyes at that moment.
However, I hadn’t walked two steps when Shen Zhao grabbed me.
“Although I don’t know what you’ve misunderstood, but I didn’t eat the desserts sent by others, and I’m not in a relationship. I… Don’t cry, Li Chengcheng.”
Hearing that he wasn’t in a relationship, I completely broke down. I turned around, looking at him with tear – filled eyes, crying even more fiercely. This made him stop mid – sentence and hurry to comfort me, clumsily wiping my tears.
“If you’re not in a relationship, why did you post that Moments? Shen Zhao, are you just trying to make me uncomfortable because my life is too good?”
Shen Zhao, who was wiping my tears, froze. Finally, he mumbled, “What… are you talking about?”
Still pretending!
Angry, I took his phone out of his pocket, entered his password that he hadn’t changed for ages, found the Moments he posted, and pointed the little beauty to him.
“You’re still stubborn! Look! You’re having desserts with another woman! What else could this mean if not that you’re in a relationship!”
Shen Zhao carefully looked at what he had posted. After a long time, he suddenly laughed.
“What are you laughing at…” His laughter made me feel flustered.
Suddenly, he forcefully pulled me into his arms, hugged me, and put his head in the crook of my neck, laughing more and more happily.
I was so confused that I even forgot to cry.
Most importantly, my hands hanging by my sides were itching to hug him back.
But I was hesitating.
“Idiot.” He suddenly whispered, scolding me.
I couldn’t break free from his embrace, but I couldn’t lose in words. “You’re the idiot. You’re a dog – egg, a pig – egg, you…”
“Li Chengcheng, I like you.”
“…Huh?” I was stunned.
Shen Zhao let go of me, looked into my eyes gently, and said word by word, “I like you. Shen Zhao likes Li Chengcheng. Do you understand?”
I stared blankly into his eyes. After a second, my face turned bright red. I started to stutter, thinking he was lying to me.
“Shen Zhao, you’re too much. Are you trying to deceive me? Let me tell you, I won’t be fooled by you. Let me go. I’m going back. You’re so annoying.”
He held my hand tightly, looking at me steadily, and said, “I’m a puppy if I’m lying to you.”
I immediately quieted down, looking at him intently.
We stared at each other for a long time until Shen Zhao couldn’t take it anymore.
“Honey, say something. I’m getting nervous with you just staring at me.”
“What are you nervous about?” I immediately asked in return.
Shen Zhao smiled and replied, “Afraid you’ll say you like someone else, not me.”
Did I like him?
Of course I did.
I finally found the source of my awkwardness these days.
I liked Shen Zhao.
I was unhappy seeing him with other girls. I wanted to have him all to myself and stand by his side as his girlfriend.
Not as his sister, nor as a friend who quarreled with him every day.
I hugged Shen Zhao’s waist tightly, buried my head in his chest, and raised the corners of my mouth. I whispered in a voice he could hear, “I don’t like anyone else. I like you. I really like you!”
Shen Zhao’s body stiffened, then he laughed out loud, his chest vibrating slightly, which made my heart flutter.
The next second, he lifted my chin, forcing me to look up at him.
“Then, do you like Fu Yubai?” Shen Zhao asked carefully, his puppy – like eyes full of fear.
I furrowed my brows in confusion. “Why would I like him? We’re just friends. I even call him cousin following Fu Xue.”
After I said that, Shen Zhao grinned stupidly.
“I thought you liked him… I’ve been feeling sad and awkward for so long.” Someone pouted, looking wronged.
“Uh, I mainly appreciate his good looks.”
At most, I thought Fu Yubai was handsome and appreciated him.
If Fu Yubai was in a relationship, I could sincerely and wholeheartedly wish him well. But if it was Shen Zhao, I couldn’t.
I would feel panicky, disappointed, upset, and I would cry.
Shen Zhao earnestly negotiated with me, “Then, you’re not allowed to look at him anymore. Look at me more. I’m handsome too! I’m not bad!”
He made me laugh.
“Shen Zhao, you’re like a salesman promoting himself, hahaha.”
However, Shen Zhao was indeed handsome.
He laughed with me, rubbed my head, then pinched my face. Finally, he managed to say, “So I must have been successful in promoting myself, right?”
…Oh my god! I suddenly realized how cute Shen Zhao was!
I stood on tiptoe and kissed his face, leaving a red lip – print on his cheek. Then I nodded in satisfaction and said, “I’ll give you a stamp, boyfriend.”
Shen Zhao was like a young lad. Being kissed by me made his face turn bright red. Like a shy little woman, he gently touched his face with his hand, then happily hugged me into his arms again, mumbling in my ear over and over again:
“I like you. I like you so much.”
We hugged for a long time. Suddenly, he let go of me, looked down at my short skirt, and frowned. “You didn’t wear sheer leg stockings?”
I said righteously, “Yeah, those look too fake.”
“Aren’t you cold?”
I was about to say that I valued appearance over warmth, but when I saw the lip – print on his face, I changed my words and started to act coquettishly, hugging him.
“I’m cold. I’m freezing. But I still wore it to seduce you.”
Shen Zhao was stunned. Without saying a word, he grabbed my wrist and walked towards the garage.
“Shen Zhao, what are you doing?”
“Going home.”
As for that Moments, I later found out that he wanted me to see the desserts.
They were all my favorite desserts, meaning he wanted to make up with me.
But when taking the picture, he didn’t notice the little beauty sitting across from him getting into the frame.
And unfortunately, my attention was all on the little beauty, and I didn’t notice the desserts at all.
10.
Shen Zhao asked me to move back, but I shook my head and refused. I would never move back.
I could come to visit him, but I wouldn’t live there again.
He insisted on an answer, so I had to tell him the thorn that had been hidden in my heart.
“Move in? If we have a fight next time, I’ll have to move out again. And then you’ll post something like ‘room for rent’ on Moments. I’m sure it’ll break my heart to see that. I’d rather not move in, so I won’t feel bad later.”
After I said that, Shen Zhao fell silent. He gently hugged me, his tone full of apology:
“I’m sorry. I… I was really excessive last time. It won’t happen again. I promise.”
Actually, I didn’t blame him. I could understand.
But I really felt terrible at that time.
“It’s okay. I forgive you.”
I looked up at him and smiled, pinching his face.
Shen Zhao was silent, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
But from then on, except for the usual bickering, he never quarreled with me again.
Not even once.
11.
I told Fu Xue about me and Shen Zhao being together. She immediately organized a gathering, saying that Shen Zhao should treat us.
Shen Zhao agreed.
But the moment he saw Fu Yubai, Shen Zhao subconsciously tightened his grip on my hand.
He was scared.
As a man, Fu Yubai quickly noticed his on – guard look. He burst out laughing, walked over, and patted Shen Zhao on the shoulder. “Good brother, there’s no need to be so hostile to me. Li Chengcheng might be more hostile to me instead.”
Fu Yubai’s words left both me and Shen Zhao confused.
I was even more confused and asked, “Why would I be hostile to you? Do you want to snatch Shen Zhao from me?”
To be honest, I said it in a joking tone. But when the box fell silent after I said that, I admitted I was panicked.
I was so scared that I immediately pulled Shen Zhao behind me, protecting him like a mother hen protecting her chicks. “No way, are you serious?!”
Fu Yubai raised his eyebrows but didn’t speak.
Fu Xue spoke up at this moment. “This is my cousin’s little secret.”
I was dumbfounded.
I suddenly thought of Wei Huai back then.
I also thought of the last time we talked, when Fu Yubai said he was helping Fu Xue with something.
“So what did you ask your cousin to do for you?” I asked.
Fu Xue glanced at me and Shen Zhao, then pulled out a bench and sat on it like an old man, crossing her legs. She said proudly,
“I saw that there was something between you and Shen Zhao a long time ago. So I deliberately asked my cousin not to tell the truth and hang around you, forcing you two to recognize your feelings. I have to say, this move of mine was perfect. You two should really thank me for finally getting together.”
Hearing this, Shen Zhao and I looked at each other, then blushed and averted our eyes.
But I still went over to massage Fu Xue’s shoulders and back. Shen Zhao also said quietly, “Order whatever you want to eat.”
Fu Xue enjoyed it and said leisurely, “It seems that my favorite brand has a new bag out recently.”
Shen Zhao poured her a glass of water, immediately understood what she meant, and we both said in unison:
“Buy it.”
Fu Yubai, who was left out, clicked his tongue, his tone resentful. “I’m completely forgotten, this great hero…”
I quickly waved my hand. “What do you want to buy? Just say it!”
Fu Yubai directly made a request. “I hope you can talk to Fu Xue and ask her not to pull my hair when we quarrel. I really want to grow my hair long.”
Before I could say anything, Fu Xue exploded. “Dream on. Don’t provoke me if you don’t want me to.”
Then, they started arguing.
Shen Zhao and I stood aside, sweetly holding hands and ordering food, staying away from the battlefield.
12.
Shen Zhao got busy again, so I would go to school to bring him food, and I would see that little beauty.
She must have followed us out of the library last time and seen me and Shen Zhao together, so she knew about our relationship.
So when she saw me, her eyes changed.
Even when Shen Zhao wasn’t around, she came up to me and asked, “Is it fun to play with me?”
I felt a bit sorry. “I’m really sorry. I really didn’t know I liked him at that time, so…”
She glared at me, then left angrily. But later, she was really cute. She didn’t come to bother me and Shen Zhao anymore. Even after she got a boyfriend, she came to me and said she wanted to tell me about her love experience, providing me with material for my novels. It made me laugh.
When it was Shen Zhao’s birthday, I showed our love on Moments. I was so happy that I forgot to block my parents. When they called to ask, I just remembered.
“You’re with that Shen Zhao guy?” Mom asked in the video while peeling an orange.
I nodded shyly.
But then I suddenly remembered something.
“How do you know his name is Shen Zhao?”
Although Shen Zhao and I had been bickering for eight years, I had never mentioned him to my parents. The first time our parents saw him should be when Shen Zhao rushed up and force – kissed me at the wedding last time.
Mom stuffed a piece of orange into Dad’s mouth, who was acting as a phone holder, and told me the truth.
“Do you think we dared to let you run away from the wedding and live outside casually? And live in a boy’s house?
“Shen Zhao asked us for our phone numbers, saying he would take good care of you and report your information to me every day. Otherwise, we’d be worried to death about you, you little heartless one.”
Only then did I know that Shen Zhao had known my parents for a long time.
And judging from my parents’ reactions, they really liked Shen Zhao.
This meant…
“When are you two getting married? Should the parents on both sides meet…”
“Ah? What? What are you talking about? The signal is bad. I’m hanging up!”
I pretended to be stupid and quickly hung up the phone. When I looked up, I saw Shen Zhao sitting on the other side of the sofa, looking unhappy.
I got up and ran over, sat on his lap, curled up in his arms, looked up and kissed his chin, and asked, “What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy on your birthday?”
Shen Zhao pinched both sides of my face, kissed me on the lips, and then said pitifully, “Why didn’t you agree when your parents said the parents on both sides should meet? Don’t you want to marry me?”
? Shen Zhao is so cute.
Although, I really like it.
I held his face, gave him a smooch on the cheek, and then rubbed his face freely, sharing my thoughts with him: “I was thinking that last time you rushed up and force – kissed me during my wedding, and then getting married to you not long after that might not be so good.”
Shen Zhao fell silent.
Presumably, he was also thinking about what he had done last time.
So, the two of us discussed and decided to wait for another year.
13.
As New Year’s Day was approaching, Shen Zhao told me that he was going to pick up an old classmate at the airport.
I thought I didn’t know this person, but when I saw him, I was a bit stunned.
It was Wei Huai.
He still had that world – weary look, like a noble vampire.
He entered the room, saw me on the sofa, smiled slightly, and greeted me, “Hello, Li Chengcheng.”
I didn’t expect him to remember me, considering we hadn’t been in touch since the end of our senior year in high school.
“Hello, Wei Huai. I didn’t expect you to remember me.” I got up to pour him a cup of hot water.
He took the cup, held it in his hands, and then said something I didn’t anticipate.
“It’s hard not to remember. Shen Zhao mentioned you to me even before you sent that love letter.”
Me:???
I looked at Shen Zhao, who was drinking water, with three big question marks over my head. His ears turned bright red.
Only then did I know that he actually noticed me on the first day he transferred to our high school because he saw me helping the teacher organize test papers when he went to the office.
In Wei Huai’s words, “He fell in love with you at first sight but was too stubborn to admit it. Yet, he couldn’t help but mention you in front of me.
“Shen Zhao didn’t realize that the love he refused to admit was revealed in every glance he stole at you.”
I moved closer to Shen Zhao, patted his butt, and gave him a look that said, “You’re quite good at keeping things to yourself, huh?”
He remained quiet, not daring to say anything, but his hand went behind him to protect his butt.
Wei Huai watched us showing affection, a smile in his long and narrow eyes, and then revealed another truth.
“Actually, I like girls. I just said that back then for Shen Zhao’s sake.”
I was shocked.
At the same time, I had to say that Shen Zhao and I, these two stubborn – mouthed people, were really lucky.
We met so many kind – hearted people.
14.
Wei Huai stayed here for a few days and then left, saying he was going abroad for further study.
Shen Zhao and I saw him off at the airport.
On the way back, I deliberately teased Shen Zhao, “So, someone has liked me for a long time, huh? Tsk tsk tsk, my charm is really extraordinary.”
This time, Shen Zhao, who was in the wrong, could only smile indulgently and let me tease him.
In the middle of the night, while lying in bed, I suddenly received a message from the high – school classmate who delivered the love letter.
“I heard you and Shen Zhao are together?”
“Yeah, hehe.”
“Hahaha, I’ve been waiting for you two to officially announce it for a long time. When he asked me about your college entrance examination choices, I knew he had feelings for you. He still stubbornly said he didn’t like you and told me not to talk nonsense, haha.”
Seeing this message, I realized that Shen Zhao was really stubborn – mouthed.
I decided to go find him in the middle of the night.
When he opened the door with a messy hair, I pounced on him and kissed him.
“Li Chengcheng, what are you doing?”
“Let me see if your lips are as hard when I kiss them as when you talk!”
– End –
