Finally, Lu Jin’an closed the distance with his long strides.
He grabbed her suitcase in one hand and took her hand in the other.
“Hold on tight, little Gu Nianyi.”
He was the one holding her.
“I’m not a child,” Gu Nianyi protested.
The surging crowd swallowed her words.
They followed the signs to the parking lot, and Gu Nianyi looked up at Lu Jin’an’s back.
His figure was otherworldly, his steps steady.
The light gradually dimmed, and the noisy sounds around their ears faded away.
Gu Nianyi’s attention was fixed on the two of them.
Something on Lu Jin’an’s finger dug into her hand. When Gu Nianyi glanced down, she saw it was a ring.
He was wearing his wedding ring—the missing one from the ring box.
Lu Jin’an held her hand tightly, leading her along the way.
In a daze, Gu Nianyi felt like she was back in that morning.
The domineering Lu Jin’an, the Lu Jin’an who had kissed her.
Neither was the Lu Jin’an she knew.
At that thought, Gu Nianyi’s face flushed slightly. She quickly pulled her hand free.
“Dr. Lu, there are fewer people here.”
“Alright.” Lu Jin’an released the girl’s hand. It was a bit warmer now, not as cool as before.
North City was chilly, cooler than Gu Nianyi had expected. She slipped on her knitted cardigan.
Once inside the car, she tugged at the sleeves of her knit, her gaze flickering as she hesitated before speaking. “Dr. Lu, you can go take care of your own things this afternoon. I’ve got the itinerary all planned out.”
She didn’t want to go sightseeing with Lu Jin’an. They barely knew each other—who would end up compromising? They might even end up arguing.
It wouldn’t be worth it. Better to each do their own thing.
She wasn’t the type who needed someone to accompany her everywhere.
Lu Jin’an pressed the accelerator, eyes fixed ahead. “I’ll go with you.”
Gu Nianyi turned her gaze to the window outside, saying regretfully, “Fine.”
They were husband and wife, after all. They should be together.
Her disappointed expression was reflected on the glass—eyebrows furrowed, lips downturned. She couldn’t hide it if she tried.
Lu Jin’an glanced sideways at the back of the girl’s head. It looked much better than before; now her emotions showed plainly on her face.
“You don’t want to go with me.”
He stated it as a fact.
Gu Nianyi nodded blankly, then shook her head, making it even more obvious as she replied, “No.”
She quickly added, “I have plans with Yanyan tonight.”
To be precise, Chu Shuyan had heard she was coming to North City and invited her out.
For a moment, Lu Jin’an couldn’t place the name. It wasn’t one he was familiar with.
Gu Nianyi reminded him, “Your cousin’s wife.”
He hadn’t contacted Chu Zhiyuan since arriving in North City. He didn’t want to watch them flaunt their affection.
But now, it was a good chance to nurture those fake family ties.
They eventually settled on Chu Shuyan’s home for the gathering. It wasn’t far from the hotel—very convenient.
When the doorbell rang, Chu Shuyan hurried to open the door and enveloped Gu Nianyi in an enthusiastic hug. “Yi Yi Sis.”
Gu Nianyi smiled politely. “Yanyan.”
“Don’t scare her,” Chu Zhiyuan said, grabbing the back of Chu Shuyan’s coat.
Gu Nianyi replied, “No, it’s fine.” She actually envied her personality—lively, spirited, and adorable.
Chu Shuyan waved a hand at Chu Zhiyuan. “Chu Zhiyuan, you two go make dinner. Don’t disturb us girls.”
Chu Zhiyuan sighed. “Alright, as you wish.”
One gave direct orders, the other accepted them happily.
Was that what love looked like?
Gu Nianyi and Chu Shuyan occasionally interacted on social media, but since they lived far apart, and Gu Nianyi wasn’t much of a chatterbox, their chats were sparse.
Chu Shuyan led her upstairs to show off her novels, plus some cat-petting time.
Both girls had cats, so they had plenty to talk about.
Gu Nianyi read through her long-form story and sincerely admired it. “You’re amazing. How do you find the energy to write so much?”
Fa Cai nestled in her arms, letting her pet it—just like Nian Gao.
It was a sleek black thing, with only its bright eyes standing out.
Chu Shuyan waved it off. “Oh, it’s nothing.” Just a way to pass the time, keep herself busy.
They were alike in marrying first and building feelings later, though their paths couldn’t be more different. There were a few things she wanted to confide.
Of course, Chu Shuyan also had something to ask. She was planning a story about women from all walks of life, especially those in niche professions—a group portrait from a female perspective.
Downstairs in the kitchen, Chu Zhiyuan glanced at Lu Jin’an. “What are you standing around for? Help out.”
“I don’t know how.”
Lu Jin’an said it matter-of-factly, without a guest’s sense of propriety.
Chu Zhiyuan teased him. “Dr. Lu’s hands are made for scalpels. It’s a waste putting them in here.”
Not to mention a kitchen knife—Lu Jin’an had never even prepped vegetables.
Cooking held no interest for him.
He had no desire to learn or do it. Leave professional tasks to professionals.
He’d never do it in this lifetime.
Facing the table of delicious dishes, Gu Nianyi said politely, “This tastes great. Yanyan, you’re so lucky.”
Chu Shuyan didn’t hold back her praise. “Yeah, President Chu’s biggest virtue.”
The meal passed comfortably, without any awkward topics.
Gu Nianyi was in high spirits as she walked back to the car with a little bounce in her step. She buckled her seatbelt once inside.
The car sat in the underground garage, engine still off.
Lu Jin’an hesitated for a long moment, his long fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel. His eyes darkened as he asked, “Do you like guys who can cook?”
Gu Nianyi was speechless at his train of thought. She turned to face him directly. “Dr. Lu, do you understand politeness? ‘It tastes great’ is just courteous—after all, they spent the whole evening cooking.”
She didn’t say the second half: It’s not like it’s for you; of course they’d cook.
Lu Jin’an asked again, “So what kind of guys do you like?”
Their eyes met in the dim car interior, undercurrents surging as they vied for control.
Gu Nianyi flashed a smile. “I’m not falling into that trap you set.”
They were bound by marriage, protected by law.
Even without feelings, liking someone else would be cheating.
How could Gu Nianyi not know that? She tossed the question back. “Dr. Lu, what kind of girls do you like?”
Lu Jin’an stared at her face, then suddenly curved his lips. “No answer. Whatever happens, happens.”
Hmph, scumbag.
If he didn’t like her, why kiss her?
She rolled down the window and leaned out to admire North City’s night view.
The wind was cold, the stars sparse and the moon faint. Time and history lingered in every brick and tile of this ancient capital.
Gu Nianyi trailed behind Lu Jin’an into the hotel, keeping a deliberate distance.
It was her first time sharing a hotel room with a man, so she couldn’t help feeling shy.
The suite had a living room and two bedrooms.
Two bedrooms! Gu Nianyi’s eyes lit up.
She couldn’t let on her relief too soon. Pretending nothing was amiss, she headed straight to wash up.
Gu Nianyi dried her hair with a towel and excitedly wheeled her suitcase into the other room. “I’ll sleep in the next room over.”
Lu Jin’an grabbed her arm. “I won’t kiss you.”
Gu Nianyi: “…”
Why bring up that awkward thing? Couldn’t he just forget?
She’d already pretended it never happened.
The girl awkwardly smoothed her hair. “I didn’t bring my plushie. I’m afraid I might do something inappropriate at night and tarnish Dr. Lu’s reputation.”
It was a veiled jab, scolding him for stealing that kiss.
Gu Nianyi stiffly changed the subject. “Dr. Lu, where’d you get the car from?”
She didn’t really want to know—rented, borrowed, bought, whatever.
Knowing she was dodging the kiss topic, Lu Jin’an played along. “I have property in North City. The car’s just for convenience.”
She hadn’t wanted to know anyway. She just didn’t want to talk about the kiss.
“Oh, got it.” Gu Nianyi had just shoved her suitcase into the room. She leaned on the doorframe, smiling sweetly. “Dr. Lu, good night.”
She quickly locked the door from inside to prevent any midnight bed-climbing.
Lu Jin’an faced the closed door and smiled silently.
Had she forgotten who booked the room?
Five minutes later, there was a click. Gu Nianyi’s door opened.
“Dr. Lu!”
The man stood there, holding a hairdryer.
Lu Jin’an said, “You’ll catch a cold. Or get Bell’s palsy.”
The girl had been so focused on guarding against him that she’d gone into the room with damp hair.
Gu Nianyi: “…”
She touched her hair; the tips were still dripping. She usually just slept like that.
How many times had this Bell’s palsy scare saved her?
She took the hairdryer, yanked at her hair, and cranked it to max heat and power, desperate to dry it fast.
Gu Nianyi’s hair-drying method was rough and direct, nothing like her gentle demeanor.
“Let me do it.” Lu Jin’an couldn’t stand watching. He took it from her without asking.
Her black hair danced in his hands, strands falling one by one.
Cascading over her chest.
The tips brushed his fingertips, sending a tingling itch.
Lu Jin’an stood behind Gu Nianyi, keeping a few inches of distance.
His masculine presence was overwhelming, and that night’s scene flooded back.
Gu Nianyi stiffened her back and waist, pushing stray thoughts aside.
Once her hair was dry, the silky strands were tucked behind her ear by the girl.
Her delicate face entered Lu Jin’an’s view unbidden.
Her full, slightly parted red lips—the ones he’d bitten and kissed.
Lu Jin’an forced his eyes away.
“Get some rest.” He closed the door.
Lu Jin’an twisted open a bottle of ice water from the fridge and downed a heavy gulp, barely suppressing the sudden surge of heat.
He was a man, after all. Physiological needs were normal.