On the drive back, Lu Jin’an was behind the wheel while Gu Nianyi rested her head against the car window, murmuring to herself, “Dr. Lu, it must be that I’ve been neglecting Ming Yue lately. Otherwise, how could something so huge happen to her without me even knowing?”
They happened to hit a long red light, and Lu Jin’an eased down on the brakes.
He reached out to gently stroke her head. “Don’t blame yourself. It has nothing to do with you.”
Gu Nianyi turned to face him. “Aren’t you going to ask what happened?”
Lu Jin’an simply replied, “Everyone has their secrets.”
“Dr. Lu, marrying you has turned out so much better than I ever imagined.”
Her mindset suddenly cleared. He respected all her thoughts. He would accompany her late at night to search for her friend. He told her to do whatever she wanted. He celebrated her birthday and showed genuine care for her.
Her expression grew especially earnest, tiny flecks of light shimmering in her eyes.
Lu Jin’an’s brows lifted slightly. “So, what did you imagine before?”
Gu Nianyi said softly, “No communication at all. Then, after a few years, just waiting for you to bring up divorce.”
She had assumed it would be a marriage in name only, like living widowhood. But Lu Jin’an had given her a pleasant surprise.
Lu Jin’an had long sensed the pessimism deep in Gu Nianyi’s bones—she always assumed the worst. No hope meant no disappointment. Or perhaps she had been let down too many times in the past to dare hope again.
Gu Nianyi gazed back at him with gentle eyes and explained, “Dr. Lu, but I don’t think that way anymore.”
Perhaps it was Ming Yue’s influence, or the emotions stirred by the night, or even insights from Xu Wenyan. In any case, Gu Nianyi wanted to cherish the person before her. Being a little more proactive wouldn’t hurt.
She resolved to work on shedding her twisted personality and express her true feelings more openly.
This was her first step.
It wasn’t terribly direct, but it was the most she could manage right now.
Yet Lu Jin’an seemed stunned.
The man’s dark eyes fixed on her as his lips curved faintly. “That’s a big improvement. You deserve some praise.”
He really did treat her like a little kid.
But that was fine. One step at a time.
Meanwhile, in the Glorious Mansion, Ming Yue awoke to find Xie Yunting still keeping watch by her bedside.
The lights were off, leaving him shrouded in shadow.
Ming Yue sat up and leaned against the headboard, speaking slowly. “You’ve always wanted to know why I wouldn’t agree to you, haven’t you?”
With no response from him, Ming Yue began recounting her story.
“When I was five, I was sold to a village in Blue Mountain Town. That family couldn’t have children, so they bought me. Two years later, they had a son of their own. On paper, I was his big sister, but really, they planned to raise me as a child bride—no dowry needed that way, very cost-effective.
“After middle school, they didn’t want me studying anymore. They planned to marry me off once their son grew up, so I stole my ID and household registry and ran away. I nearly starved to death before Yi Yi found me and took me to her grandparents’ house.
“I just wanted to borrow money and go work somewhere, like most of the girls from the village. But Yi Yi saw my admission notice and convinced me to keep studying. She said education might not change everything, but it would let me see a different world.
“In a twist of fortune, heaven didn’t want me to drop out either. Since they wanted me marrying their son, my household registry was separate. I met a good teacher who helped me get fee waivers and sort out my enrollment.
“If not for Yi Yi, I would have fled as far from Blue Mountain as possible. My birth parents live in Blue Mountain Town too, in the next village over. Isn’t it ridiculous? I used to fantasize that I’d been kidnapped, but really, I was half-sold, half-abandoned. Do you know how much they got for me?”
Her tone was utterly calm, not a single tear falling. She spoke like a still, waveless pond, without the slightest ripple.
As if it weren’t her own story.
Xie Yunting cut her off. “Don’t say any more.”
Ming Yue gave a self-mocking laugh. “Twenty yuan.”
Twenty yuan could buy a cup of milk tea nowadays.
Twenty years ago, it could buy a living person.
Wasn’t that laughable?
Ming Yue stared at the ceiling amid the surrounding darkness. “Today, my birth parents showed up demanding money. Their precious son is getting married, but they don’t have enough for the bride price. Suddenly, they remembered me.
“Xie Yunting, you and I aren’t like Yi Yi and Dr. Lu. We’re not from the same world.”
She had thought it was all behind her, but some things could never be escaped.
An origin she couldn’t choose. Blood ties she couldn’t sever.
Ming Yue slipped the ring off her ring finger. “I’m sorry. I’ve wasted so many years of your time. Let’s end it here.”
She had clung to Xie Yunting’s favoritism for too long without letting go. It wasn’t fair to him.
Her tears had dried up long ago. There was nothing left worth crying over.
The only time she had shed tears tonight was moments ago, when Xie Yunting found her on the street.
He had said to her, “Come home with me.”
In her emotional state, she had blurted out, “Xie Yunting, let’s get married.”
While she slept, Xie Yunting had slipped the ring onto her finger.
Why delay him any longer?
She was afraid too—afraid of being abandoned again.
Better not to start at all.
On the second floor of Cypress View Pavilion, Gu Nianyi finished recounting the whole story. “That’s how Ming Yue and I met.”
Ming Yue had said it was fine to tell Dr. Lu.
“She was originally called Mingyue, the ‘yue’ from moon. Later, we decided to change it to the ‘yue’ from joy.”
Lu Jin’an asked, “What about your name?”
Hers was simple too, Gu Nianyi replied. “Nian generation, first child.”
Gu Mingxuan’s name, on the other hand, had been chosen by a master after calculating his birth chart.
Lu Jin’an wrapped his arms around her from behind, encircling her waist.
She had shared Ming Yue’s story, but what about his own? He had never been favored, never firmly chosen.
Gu Nianyi patted Lu Jin’an’s arm, turning the comfort back on him. “Dr. Lu, that’s all in the past. Things are good between us now.”
Born into misfortune, they had found each other to keep warm together.
Lu Jin’an rested his chin on the tips of Gu Nianyi’s hair. “Gu Nianyi, I don’t want to be merely your husband in name only.”
His voice came from above her head, solemn and earnest—far more sincere than the vows at their wedding, a thousand times, ten thousand times more so.
Ming Yue had accepted Xie Yunting’s proposal, so Gu Nianyi thought she could try being brave too.
Gu Nianyi’s heart melted in a rush. She turned around, clutching the collar of Lu Jin’an’s sleepshirt, her voice a mosquito’s buzz. “Dr. Lu… want to kiss?”
The darkness lent her courage, but her heart pounded wildly.
Lu Jin’an didn’t answer. She couldn’t make out his expression.
What was he thinking?
Gathering her nerve, Gu Nianyi tilted her head up, seeking his lips and softly capturing his cool ones.
So soft. So nice to kiss.
If nothing went wrong, they would be together for life.
She only traced his lips, nothing more.
Clumsy, yet utterly endearing.
With no response or reciprocation, she deflated and pulled away.
Lu Jin’an’s hand settled on her waist, preventing her escape. “Gu Nianyi, little one, giving up so easily?”
His voice rose playfully at the end, as if teasing her.
“I’m not. I’m just tired.”
She wouldn’t admit she didn’t know how. Kissing seemed effortless for him.
They had started from the same place, after all.
Lu Jin’an lowered his head, drawing out his magnetic voice. “Let me teach you.”
True to his word, he taught step by step.
“First, press close.”
He cradled the back of her head, guiding the motion.
“Open your mouth.”
Gu Nianyi obeyed like a model student, listening intently and putting it into practice.
“Good girl, baby.”
He even had the spare attention to praise her, offering emotional support.
“Now, try sliding your tongue out to lick my lips.”
His voice held magnetic allure, tempting her.
“Then…”
Then Lu Jin’an’s tongue tip coiled around hers, dancing in her mouth.
Gu Nianyi couldn’t tell if it was still a lesson or a real kiss. He had said just lick the lips—why had he sucked her tongue away?
Her mind grew hazy, tossed amid raging waves, a massive swell rising ahead.
Suddenly, the waves crashed to a halt as Lu Jin’an released her.
She was left hanging, frustrated and unfulfilled.
“Got it, classmate Gu Nianyi?”
Now Lu Jin’an was the strict teacher, checking her progress.
Gu Nianyi caught her breath. “Yes.”
Lu Jin’an said matter-of-factly, “Come on, let’s test it. See how well you’ve learned.”
His tone was so casual, as if they weren’t practicing kissing but some ordinary skill.
Gu Nianyi steadied herself on his arm, recalling the steps.
She pressed her lips to his, extended her tongue for a lick, pried past his teeth, and tangled with his tongue tip.
All in one smooth motion. She had learned it.
Not hard at all.
So simple. She was thrilled.
Unaware she’d been led along, Lu Jin’an was delighted and praised her. “Baby, you learn so quickly.”
Baby? What had he called her?
Gu Nianyi got briefly distracted. He had said it earlier too.
“Still got room to get distracted.”
Lu Jin’an seized her hand, raised it overhead, and spun her beneath him in a dizzying whirl.
Their hearts pressed together, thudding in sync.
The onslaught came abruptly, and Gu Nianyi softly called out, “Dr. Lu.”
“Baby, you’d better not talk right now.”
Lu Jin’an’s voice was hoarse as he sealed her mouth.
He had held back for so long that his self-control was already at the breaking point, ready to erupt at any moment.
The two of them tested the results of their recent lesson together, tumbling into an endless abyss.
His hand gripped her wrist, his cool breath threatening to drown her.
Gu Nianyi could clearly sense Lu Jin’an’s changes.
Bit by bit, inch by inch.
Pressing against her thigh.
Her ears filled with the rustle of fabric and the sound of buttons coming undone.
He loved that mole of hers; every time, he had to nibble at it.
But Lu Jin’an didn’t go any further, even as another insistent presence demanded attention.
Gu Nianyi asked softly, “Do you need my help, Dr. Lu?”
“No need.”
“Not even… with my hand?”
Her face burned red enough to bleed, her voice barely a whisper.
“No need.”
Gu Nianyi wasn’t sure if she felt disappointed or saddened by Lu Jin’an’s refusal.
He had said he needed rest after surgery, but she had checked—two months post-op should be fine.
And this time it was only hands, yet he still refused.
Moreover, Lu Jin’an had backed out at the last moment more than once.
Could he really be… incapable?
Seeds of doubt took root in Gu Nianyi’s heart, sprouting wildly like weeds.
And she had no other options.
Xie Yunting had finally convinced Ming Yue. They would register their marriage next month and hold the wedding in spring.
On a sunny weekend, Gu Nianyi accompanied Ming Yue to try on wedding dresses.
After all these years, they had finally tied the knot.
Gu Nianyi was thrilled for her—a thousand times, no, a million times happier than she’d been at her own wedding.
“This one’s the best. It really shows off your waist, and the fabric feels amazing.”
Gu Nianyi watched her friend eagerly trying on one dress after another, her thoughts drifting to her own wedding.
Back then, she and Lady Ruan had gone to the bridal shop together. Lu Jin’an had been too swamped with work to join them.
Gu Nianyi had given the dresses a quick glance and picked a simple one at random.
Everything had been decided in a flash—the wedding included—all handled by others.
She and Lu Jin’an might as well have been puppets in a shadow play.
Ming Yue twirled in front of the mirror, her mermaid gown hugging her curves. “Yi Yi, why don’t you have another wedding with us?”
Gu Nianyi shook her head vigorously. “Too much hassle. Last time was exhausting—you’d better brace yourself.”
Ming Yue laughed. “I know, but I’m so happy.”
Seeing Ming Yue finally release her old burdens, Gu Nianyi felt joy bubbling up from the depths of her heart.
It was obvious Xie Yunting truly loved her.
Why else would he have stayed by her side all those years, without title or claim?
As Gu Nianyi stepped out of the bridal shop, her eyes caught the massive urology ad plastered on the building across the street. She memorized the contact number without a word.
Right below the billboard sat Tongren Hall, a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy.
Gu Nianyi slipped on a mask and ducked inside to fill a prescription.
While the shop auntie stepped away, Gu Nianyi crept into the kitchen like a thief. Following the staff’s instructions, she began decocting the herbs.
When it was nearly ready, Lu Jin’an came home. He noticed the kitchen light on and Gu Nianyi bustling about inside.
Gu Nianyi held out the bowl of murky brown liquid. “Dr. Lu, this is… this is…”
This pitch-black, congealed mess of a decoction—Dr. Lu probably wouldn’t recognize it.
The good girl was lying again.
She couldn’t very well tell him it was an aphrodisiac.
Men had their pride, after all. She had to protect his.
Lu Jin’an gave the medicine a quick glance, picked up the bowl, and drained it. “Another batch from Mom. Sorry to trouble you.”
Only Ruan Zhixu would think to regulate his stomach with Chinese medicine.
As if she could refuse her.
“Ah, no—it’s not.”
She couldn’t let anyone else take the blame for her mess.
Lu Jin’an clearly didn’t buy it. “I get it.”
He headed to the bar counter for a glass of water to rinse the bitterness from his mouth.
Lu Jin’an tried to reassure her. “If you don’t want to do something, just say no. It’s not a big deal.”
“I’ll talk to Mom.”
“No, really—no need.”
Gu Nianyi’s guilt kept her eyes glued to the floor.
He trusted her without question, never once suspecting otherwise.
Nothing happened that night. It was utterly peaceful—so much so that Lu Jin’an slept on the very edge of the bed, keeping his distance as if she might burn him.
Forget lovemaking; there wasn’t even a kiss or a touch.
Was the medicine not potent enough? Or was he truly incapable?
Gu Nianyi clutched the blanket tight. “Dr. Lu, if you’re sick… shouldn’t you get it treated right away?”
Lu Jin’an cleared his throat. “Yes. The longer you put it off, the worse it gets.”
You know the logic, then—why aren’t you doing it?
Lu Jin’an didn’t dare get close to her. That evening’s medicine had been off; after drinking it, heat coursed through his body in strange waves.
He suspected it wasn’t for his stomach at all. Lady Ruan must have decided he was moving too slowly and swapped it for something else.
Gu Nianyi had no idea. She had simply followed instructions, brewed it, and served it to him.
Suddenly, the bedroom lights flicked on.
Gu Nianyi sat up in alarm. “Dr. Lu? What’s wrong?”
Lu Jin’an threw back the covers, fighting the building fire in his veins. “Heater’s cranked too high. I’m taking a shower.”
In the bathroom, his nose started bleeding again.
It confirmed his suspicions.
Gu Nianyi had brushed his arm earlier—it had been scorching.
The medicine worked fine. The problem was with him.
He stared at the urology doctor’s contact he’d just added to his phone, closed his eyes, and fired off a message.
“Suspecting my husband has a hidden condition. How do I gently convince him to see a doctor?”
Then he powered down the phone to avoid any slip-ups.