During dinner, the table was once again adorned with the meticulously prepared Ten-Herbs Supreme Nourishing Soup crafted by the matriarch. Fù Liángmù consumed two bowls all by himself. The matriarch's chopsticks sharply tapped his hand as she scolded, "You brat, that bowl is for Wǎnwǎn!" Sū Wǎnwǎn stealthily glanced at Fù Liángmù, only to catch his gaze sweeping over her; their eyes met briefly before both quickly looked away. She then lowered her head and took a few bites of her food.
"Please don't bother with such useless things in the future," Fù Liángmù said coldly.
"What do you mean by useless? I've spent over half a year researching this, consulting more than a dozen doctors to ensure it has no side effects and is immensely nourishing!" The matriarch retorted passionately. Just as Fù Liángmù was about to reply, Sū Wǎnwǎn discreetly tugged his sleeve beneath the table.
After finishing dinner, Sū Wǎnwǎn retired to her room, while Fù Liángmù was summoned for a stern reprimand by the matriarch.
"Are you trying to turn the world upside down?" she scolded. "Having such a wonderful wife at your side, and yet you don't cherish her! What on earth are you thinking about all day? I'm old now, and who knows how long these brittle bones of mine will last. Can't you just spare me the worry?"
Fù Liángmù's face was filled with helplessness; he had heard these words so many times, his ears were calloused. The matriarch, indifferent to his lack of response, continued her incessant complaints until, exasperated, she waved him away.
Just then, Uncle Zhāng, the steward, entered from outside, placing a cup of milk—warmed thrice—on the table.
"Madam, you need not fret over the young master's affairs," he said gently. "He listens to your advice; when you asked him to marry, he did so without hesitation. But regarding having children, it's still too soon. After all, the young lady is only twenty-two."
The matriarch sighed with melancholy. "You think I don't know that? But what choice do I have? Rumors outside claim my grandson prefers men… that side of his life is still… awkward. We barely had any progress on the wedding night, and now it's gone cold again!"
Uncle Zhāng cleared his throat awkwardly, "You're still keeping a close eye on this, aren't you…"
The matriarch slapped her thigh emphatically. "No, old Zhāng, you must immediately contact the best doctors in Xīchéng! This illness of my grandson's must be treated promptly!"
"...Understood."
Inside the room, Sū Wǎnwǎn, freshly bathed, sat at her desk before a partially completed design blueprint, about two-thirds done. The incoming video call disturbed her concentration. On the screen appeared a sweet-faced girl clad in pink, with two playful buns atop her head, waving a large fan coquettishly at Sū Wǎnwǎn.
Sū Wǎnwǎn's lips twitched slightly. "Cosplaying as Xiǎo Qiáo?"
"Exactly! It's my wedding gift to you," the girl giggled.
"Xià Kělán, you're such a cheapskate," Sū Wǎnwǎn replied helplessly. "At least give me something tangible."
"Then tell me, what do you want? Girls either love clothes and jewelry or precious gems and diamond rings—and you disdain them all."
Xià Kělán rolled her eyes. Sū Wǎnwǎn lowered her gaze and said faintly, "I do care for jewels."
Xià Kělán sneered with disdain. "Don't kid yourself! It's only because of that upcoming contest—you just bought those to study your rivals' designs. Others may not know, but I sure do."
Sū Wǎnwǎn replied perfunctorily, "Uh-huh, you're the smartest."
Xià Kělán chuckled mischievously. "By the way, how's it going with your husband? Is everything harmonious between you two?"
Sū Wǎnwǎn blushed, struggling to respond to her cheeky, flirtatious friend. "It's fine… but between him and me… we haven't… yet…"
"Really?!" Xià Kělán's expression was one of shock. "Is there a man in the world unmoved by you? He must be physically defective!"
Sū Wǎnwǎn stared in disbelief. "How do you know?"
Xià Kělán choked and coughed theatrically, eyes wide with astonishment. "Oh my heavens, don't scare me! What are you going to do with the rest of your life?"
Sū Wǎnwǎn shrugged off such concerns. "I don't know—taking it one step at a time."
"Ah, that's rough. I looked up Fù Liángmù's profile recently. Heard he has some… peculiar habits. True?"
Sū Wǎnwǎn glanced toward the cabinet. "If by peculiar habits you mean his extensive collection of pajamas…"
"What pajamas?!" Sū Wǎnwǎn sprang up, phone in hand, and aimed it at Xià Kělán.
On the other end came a shriek. "Oh my god! So thrilling! The white one, put on the white one and show me!"
"Dream on."
Xià Kělán whined coquettishly. "Wǎnwǎn, we've grown up together. I've seen you running around naked in the yard—what's there to be shy about?"
"Besides, we're about the same build. If it looks good on you, send it my way!"
Sū Wǎnwǎn hesitated. "Isn't this a bit inappropriate...?"
"What's inappropriate? Keeping it would be a waste since your husband's no good."
Her gaze flickered uncertainly before she finally took out the garment. Before changing in the bathroom, she deliberately locked the door.
The sheer, delicate fabric worn by Sū Wǎnwǎn was devoid of any seduction; rather, it enhanced an ethereal grace, making her appear strikingly beautiful.
Xià Kělán, barely able to make out her silhouette, urged impatiently, "Where are you? You're so slow!"
"Coming!" Sū Wǎnwǎn called, just stepping out of the bathroom when the door clicked shut behind her.
Fù Liángmù entered, his long legs striding in confidently. Their eyes locked, and the air seemed to freeze for three seconds.
"Ah!" Sū Wǎnwǎn panicked, trying to retreat to the bathroom but collided painfully with the door, stars flashing before her eyes.
Fù Liángmù immediately stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "Are you alright?"
"Y-yes… I'm fine…" she stammered.
At that moment, Xià Kělán's voice burst out suddenly. "Who are you talking to? Your husband?"
Sū Wǎnwǎn: "…"
"Wǎnwǎn, something's come up here, gotta go. Oh, by the way, I'll be in Xīchéng next week—don't forget to pick me up at the airport!"
The call ended abruptly.
Fù Liángmù asked, "Your friend?"
"Y-yes… my friend," Sū Wǎnwǎn fluttered her long lashes nervously, pushing him aside and stepping forward.
Unexpectedly, her foot slipped on the still-damp floor, and she tumbled uncontrollably forward.
"Careful!" Someone caught her mid-fall, cradling her safely to the ground.
Opening her eyes, Sū Wǎnwǎn found herself in his arms, completely unharmed.
"You… are you okay? You didn't hit your head, did you?" she asked anxiously, reaching to touch his head but was stopped by his firm grip on her wrist.
"I'm fine."
"Then… then…" Her words trailed off as she sensed something amiss.
Before she could dwell on it, Fù Liángmù gently lifted her to sit upright.
Sū Wǎnwǎn exclaimed, "My god, you're bleeding from your nose!"