“Ah?” Gu Nianyi’s thoughts snapped back at Shen Lingyun’s words. Her wrist still seemed to carry the lingering warmth from Lu Jin’an’s palm.
How was she supposed to introduce him? The man was her newlywed husband, and today marked only their fifth meeting.
The first time had been at the Civil Affairs Bureau. Lu Jin’an had been held up by work, leaving her to wait two hours until the staff were about to clock out. Only then did he finally arrive.
The second time was for their wedding photos. He’d taken a rare day off, but the two complete strangers had spent it posing stiffly through five outfits.
It was all just to appease the elders, much like their marriage itself. The photos had turned out passable, at best.
The third time was the eve of the wedding, when she’d gone to the Lu Family home with him to meet relatives visiting from North City. She remembered them as a sweet young couple; she’d even added the woman’s WeChat.
The fourth time was the wedding itself. They’d played their parts in the grand performance and felt a collective sigh of relief afterward. That night, even sharing the same bed, they’d exchanged only a few necessary words before falling silent.
The fifth time was today—this sudden encounter.
What she knew about Lu Jin’an came mostly from a report that read like a résumé.
It listed his birth date, height, weight, family background, alma mater—everything short of his work history and elementary school.
When she’d received the PPT file, she hadn’t bothered downloading it.
One day, she’d opened it by chance, and the first thing that caught her eye made her laugh: the blue-background ID photo in the upper right corner. For a moment, she’d felt like an HR rep reviewing a job applicant’s résumé.
Three days had passed since the wedding, and this was their first meeting since.
When Lu Jin’an had stood before her, she hadn’t recognized him right away. Her mind had blanked for a second before she dredged up memories of him.
Caught off guard by the question about her relationship with Lu Jin’an, Gu Nianyi felt a flicker of bewilderment.
Both of them were staring at her now, Chi Wenjing especially intent on her answer.
The air hung still for a moment. Gu Nianyi lowered her gaze, thought for a few seconds, then offered a faint smile. “Someone I know. Not very well.”
It was true—they weren’t close. She wasn’t lying.
Shen Lingyun slapped her thigh. “I remember now! He’s the hot guy from that video. Damn, Yi Yi, you actually know him? No wonder you didn’t react when I showed it to you.”
She hadn’t matched the video to the man in person right away. He had an even colder, more standout presence—exceptional looks, sharp features, upright posture. He was the unforgettable type.
But deep down, he was unsmiling and aloof, just as the saying went: better admired from afar.
Shen Lingyun wanted to pry further, but her name flashed on the big screen. Gu Nianyi helped her into the exam room.
“Yi Yi, I’m fine… ow, it hurts.” Before she could finish, her ankle gave out again, sending fresh pain shooting through it.
Gu Nianyi said, “Don’t push yourself.”
Chi Wenjing watched Gu Nianyi’s retreating back, mulling over her answer. “Not very well” rang true, but their connection probably ran deeper than just acquaintances.
There had been reluctance, resistance—like she resented being put on the spot, yet she hadn’t stopped it. That didn’t fit her usual style.
What was the story? He couldn’t tell.
They didn’t seem like exes; their body language was too distant.
He quietly noted Lu Jin’an’s details, pulled out his phone, and texted a friend: 【Look into this guy for me. Make it thorough—like, how many people in his family, how many acres of land, that level.】
His friend replied: 【Young master, you turning over a new leaf?】
Chi Wenjing: 【Cut the crap. Urgent. Hurry up.】
In the exam room, the doctor gently squeezed Shen Lingyun’s ankle and asked about the pain. He quickly diagnosed a simple sprain—no swelling, no other damage.
Spray some medicine when she got home, ice it for the first twenty-four hours, then switch to heat. No weight on it, no heels. She’d be fine in a few days.
Gu Nianyi picked up the meds at the pharmacy and added, “I’ve cleared it with Director Cheng for your time off. Go home and rest properly.”
She glanced at Chi Wenjing, signaling him to help.
The guy hurried to say, “Can’t—men and women shouldn’t get too close like that. Besides, she looks fine. I’ll hold the umbrella and bags for you.”
Shen Lingyun hadn’t expected much from him anyway. She really wanted to call him out—he wasn’t like this around Yi Yi. Such a blatant double standard.
Gu Nianyi figured he had a point. What if he had a girlfriend? She handed over the umbrella. “Thanks, then.”
Chi Wenjing took it with a roguish grin. “No trouble at all. I’d beg for the chance.”
Shen Lingyun rolled her eyes internally a dozen times.
As evening approached, the outpatient department wrapped up, and the emergency lobby grew crowded. Chi Wenjing kept Gu Nianyi on his inner side, shielding her.
Two young nurses walked in from outside, chatting away.
“I heard Dr. Lu was in the ER today. Aw, missed him.” Regret tinged her tone.
“Yeah, and he disinfected a wound for some girl.” She emphasized “girl.”
“Dr. Lu handling a wound himself? For a woman? He’s usually so standoffish, especially with women.”
“Haha, maybe she was cute.”
“Lots of cute girls around. Last time, there was this patient’s family member—total celeb lookalike. Nurses from inpatient said she came every day with tickets, tea… Dr. Lu didn’t even glance her way.”
“Ooh~”
The nurses exchanged looks—definitely something there—then grinned and headed into the nurses’ station, dropping the gossip.
Gu Nianyi caught every word. The other two had too, naturally.
She didn’t care about strangers’ opinions or stares.
Before stepping into the Civil Affairs Bureau, she’d asked Lu Jin’an one question: Did he have anyone he liked?
Even without feelings between them, she didn’t want to be a stumbling block in his love life.
Chi Wenjing watched her reaction—calm as ever, like they were talking about someone else entirely.
His curiosity about their relationship only grew.
Shen Lingyun whispered, “Yi Yi, does Dr. Lu like you or something?”
She thought back carefully. His attitude had been cool, but he’d spotted the injury right away and cleaned it so gently. Not the actions of strangers.
Gu Nianyi shot it down. “No, just acquaintances. Watch the puddles.”
Under the deep gray sky, the rain had just stopped. Shen Lingyun sidestepped a puddle, and the topic shifted. She was nosy, sure, but she respected boundaries.
From what she’d seen, Yi Yi wasn’t lying.
Chi Wenjing walked beside Gu Nianyi. “Yi Yi, let me drive you home.”
He’d used “you,” ignoring Shen Lingyun entirely.
Shen Lingyun wanted to say, Buddy, your intentions are showing.
And what about her? She was still injured.
Gu Nianyi turned to him with a polite refusal. “No need to trouble yourself. I have to drop Yunyun off first.”
He compromised. “I’ll drop you both.”
“Really, no. It’s not on your way—you’ll be late getting off work.” Gu Nianyi wasn’t being polite; there was no need. It was just a scrape, not a broken arm.
Chi Wenjing flashed a crooked smile. “It is on my way. The earth is round.”
As they went back and forth, a cool voice came from behind.
“I’ll take her home.”
All three whipped around to see a familiar face from earlier.
Lu Jin’an’s naturally sharp features and deep brows were even more striking without the white coat. His crisp black shirt was impeccably tailored, sleeves rolled to mid-forearm, revealing pale wrists.
A sleek silver watch highlighted his refined taste.
His height and build were so superior that even she—who wasn’t all that into guys—couldn’t help stealing a second glance.
His aura was exceptional: reserved and profound, with the top button undone, unable to hide his innate nobility.
They were still in the hospital, surrounded by patients and his colleagues—not to mention her two coworkers nearby.
Their marriage had been so rushed they hadn’t discussed keeping it secret. She wasn’t sure of Lu Jin’an’s thoughts, so distance seemed wisest for now.
“No need to go to the trouble. I can drive.” It was just a skin scrape—no major injury.
Lu Jin’an strode up to her and said flatly, “Keys.”
Once more overshadowed by his tall frame, Gu Nianyi couldn’t adjust to their proximity so soon. She stepped back slightly and replied lightly, “Really, no need. I can manage.”
She stressed the “really”—she was fine, she could handle it, she didn’t need a ride.
What was with today? One refusal after another.
Chi Wenjing scoffed. “Yi Yi said no. Who are you anyway? Can’t you tell she doesn’t want your help?”
Yi Yi? He sure made it sound casual.
Lu Jin’an found it grating. His dark eyes swept over Chi Wenjing—from his view, the guy was just a kid.
The four of them stood at the emergency entrance as patients streamed past.
A moment later, Lu Jin’an glanced down at Gu Nianyi, thin lips parting. “I’m her husband.”
The words landed like a bombshell. Not just Gu Nianyi’s eyes widened—Shen Lingyun and Chi Wenjing forgot to school their faces, mouths agape.
No one was wearing wedding rings. Their slender fingers were bare.
Perhaps to forestall another refusal, Lu Jin’an added succinctly, “Mom wants us back for dinner tonight to talk about tomorrow’s visit to your family home.”
Gu Nianyi blinked in confusion. “Did she? When did she say that?”
“Mom called you, but you didn’t pick up.” He’d just finished rounds when his mother, Ruan Zhixu, had called him.
He immediately asked what Yi Yi was up to, but how would Lu Jin’an know? He wanted to call Gu Nianyi, only to realize he didn’t have her number.
It was almost funny. She was supposed to be the person closest to him, yet he didn’t even have her contact info.
“Sorry, I wasn’t checking my phone.” After getting her ticket number, Gu Nianyi had tucked her phone into her bag and hadn’t had a chance to look at it. Lu Jin’an’s mother had not only called but also sent a WeChat message, so she hurriedly replied.
She looked up at Lu Jin’an. “You go ahead with your work. I’ll take Yunyun home first, then head back to change. There’s still time.”
Lu Jin’an lowered his lashes, meeting her clear eyes. His expression remained stern. “My shift’s over. Let’s go together.”
One was calm and composed, the other gentle and aloof—they truly made a perfect match. But the atmosphere around them was far too strange.
A half-familiar couple, plus a watchful younger brother eyeing them like a hawk.
Goosebumps prickled along Shen Lingyun’s arms. She wanted to escape this tense romantic battlefield as quickly as possible. “Yi Yi Sis, if you have things to do, go ahead. I’ll call my brother to pick me up—he’s almost here.”
Thank goodness she had her brother. Thank goodness he was in the city on business today.
Gu Nianyi checked the time. “Then I’ll wait until your brother arrives.” She glanced at Chi Wenjing again. “Where’s your place? We can drop you off.”
Now that their marriage was out in the open, her wording had shifted from “I” to “we.”
“I’ll head back on my own.” The fact that Gu Nianyi was married hit Chi Wenjing harder than an atomic bomb. He needed some time alone to process it.
“Message the group chat when you get home safe.” Gu Nianyi sounded like a caring big sister, reminding the two youngsters.
At the same time, the results of Chi Wenjing’s favor to a friend came back—a long string of info.
【Lu Jin’an, 28, local from South City, eldest son of the Lu Family. Instead of returning home to inherit the family business, he works at South City First Hospital in Cardiovascular Surgery. At a young age, he’s already an attending physician there. A month ago, he got a marriage certificate with a woman named Gu Nianyi. They had the wedding three days ago. According to insiders, the two didn’t know each other before—they suddenly got hitched. Gu Nianyi comes from an ordinary family background, born in Blue Mountain Town, and has a younger brother. They’re a total mismatch in status, tied together by some elder’s connection. So, you’re the one eyeing the girl, huh?】
As for whether his buddy was playing homewrecker or what, he’d just be ready to hand over the shovel.
The shock was earth-shattering. Chi Wenjing climbed into his car and forgot to start the engine. It took him a long moment to snap out of it before he replied to his friend: 【Thanks, dinner’s on me next time.】
It had been a chaotic afternoon, but the moment Gu Nianyi slid into her own car, calm settled over her.
After some thought, she sent Shen Lingyun a message: 【Yunyun, sorry about the marriage thing—it’s a long story. I didn’t mean to hide it from you.】
Once Shen Lingyun was in her brother’s car, she finally pieced together the whole story. 【Arranged marriage, got it. Sigh, poor Yi Yi Sis. Hugs. If only I were a guy, I could marry you home and you wouldn’t have to deal with Ice Block Face.】
The way those two interacted so politely—it clicked in hindsight. And as family, she supported Gu Nianyi unconditionally.
Gu Nianyi laughed at her words. “Ice Block Face” was spot on. She glanced sideways at the man in the driver’s seat to see if he really fit the description.
Just then, Lu Jin’an caught her laugh. He turned his head, and their eyes met.
The light turned green. The orange glow filtered into the car, lighting up their eyes, with nothing in them but each other.
For an instant, the world went quiet. The curve of Gu Nianyi’s smile slowly faded.
Beep beep! The car behind honked. They both looked away in unison, and Lu Jin’an focused on driving.
The little cat keychain lay quietly on the center console, silent.
Just like its owner.
Gu Nianyi turned her face to the window. The car filled with an inexplicable awkwardness. At first, neither spoke, but after that eye contact, a strange feeling began to grow.
She wasn’t the type to make small talk anyway, so she switched to playing on her phone instead.
Ming Yue had sent Gu Nianyi some photos and videos of Nian Gao—the adorable cat she was fostering, all fluffy and cute, waving hello in the video.
On their wedding night, Gu Nianyi had mentioned the cat to Lu Jin’an. He hadn’t agreed to keeping it in the marital home because of his neat-freak tendencies and hatred for shedding fur.
Afraid her parents might drop by for a surprise inspection, she’d temporarily left Nian Gao with Ming Yue.
It had been days since she’d seen her. Gu Nianyi missed Nian Gao so much. She’d gotten even chubby in the video. 【Cut back on the snacks. Too fat isn’t healthy.】
Ming Yue sent a voice message: “You’re such a cruel mom, not even letting your Female Goose eat her fill.”
With someone beside her, Gu Nianyi couldn’t play the audio. She converted it to text, imagined Ming Yue’s fierce tone, and couldn’t help laughing out loud.
Lu Jin’an glanced at her from the corner of his eye. The corners of his mouth lifted, deeper than before.
She laughed again. As long as she wasn’t talking to him, she was happy. Relaxed.
He chuckled self-mockingly to himself. He still didn’t know what she was really like.
The drive passed in silence. The car pulled into the underground garage at Cypress View Pavilion. Amid the luxury vehicles, the Audi was utterly unremarkable. Lu Jin’an knew its origins—it was one of the Lu Family’s betrothal gifts.
Gu Nianyi had chosen a standard sedan: reasonably priced, neither embarrassing nor flashy. Best of both worlds.
Their steps matched as they headed to the master bedroom.
Lu Jin’an scanned the room. It was exactly as he’d left it—no flowers, no plants, no stuffed animals.
Not just him—the other person treated this place like a hotel too.
Remembering their wedding night, they had both returned to the marital home. Gu Nianyi grabbed some clothes and headed to the second bedroom, only to find no bed inside. The other rooms were the same.
The whole place had just one bed—in the master.
If you counted the sofa as a bed, then there were two.
He’d offered to take the sofa; she’d said they might as well both use the master. They’d end up sharing it eventually anyway.
She’d said “lie,” not “sleep,” and they’d quickly agreed. Neither crossed the line that night, maintaining proper sleeping positions.
There’d been a little hiccup midway. Gu Nianyi opened a drawer to put things away and spotted boxes of condoms. She closed it without a change in expression. “Mom and Dad went all out.”
No doubt that was Ruan Zhixu’s handiwork. Whether out of faith in him or to nudge him along.
Lu Jin’an hadn’t thought about intimacy—at least not on their wedding night. They’d barely met before, and he couldn’t take that step.
Gu Nianyi felt the same. Her reddening ears betrayed her unease.
On their wedding night, the two of them—stiff as robots with blank faces—lay down in their separate covers, one after the other. The king-sized bed was two meters wide; two more adults could have fit between them.
Lu Jin’an hadn’t come home the next few days.
All her luggage was in the master. Gu Nianyi picked out a water-blue long-sleeved dress to cover the injury on her arm—no long-lost relatives asking questions.
Her usual routine was simple: cleanser, lotion, essence, sunscreen. But today they were heading to the Lu Family Old Mansion for dinner, so she spent ten minutes on quick, natural makeup.
She emerged from the walk-in closet and didn’t see him. From the stairwell, she spotted Lu Jin’an in the living room, drinking water.
He’d changed into a white button-down, softening his sharp aura.
His watch was different too—not the one from earlier. Brown leather, understated and refined.
Gu Nianyi pulled her gaze from him and hurried downstairs. “I’m ready. Let’s go,” she said lightly.
Lu Jin’an just nodded and grabbed the car keys.
They’d had little contact, so Gu Nianyi’s understanding of him was superficial: few words, nods and head tilts as replies.
Lu Jin’an switched back to his own car.
The interior was minimalist—black leather seats, no decorations. Cold and stark, matching Gu Nianyi’s impression of him.
Going back to her family home was a mutual obligation. She asked, “Do you have time? If not, it’s fine. Customs aren’t that strict anymore—we can skip it.”
The car, just starting up, braked sharply. Lu Jin’an turned sideways, staring intently at the woman on his right.
They faced each other in silence.