The man on the other end of the phone fell silent.
Ning Yuxuan and the others around her exchanged uncertain glances.
Tao You’s eyes widened in shock.
She had seen the men in the group chat mention that Ning Yuxuan was married, but she had never taken it seriously, assuming it was just an excuse Ning Yuxuan had made up to avoid unwanted attention.
But now, hearing Ning Yuxuan casually call someone "husband," Tao You was stunned.
The others were equally dumbfounded, unsure what to make of Ning Yuxuan’s behavior.
By modern standards, it wasn’t unusual for couples to affectionately refer to each other as "husband" or "wife," so the term alone didn’t necessarily mean anything.
But Ning Yuxuan had already told Shen Chipeng she was married, and now she was deliberately using the term in front of them while on the phone. It was hard not to think she was emphasizing her marital status on purpose.
Shen Chipeng was the most shocked of all. He stared at Ning Yuxuan, unmoving, waiting to see how she would react next.
Under their collective gaze, Ning Yuxuan remained completely unruffled.
These people couldn’t hear what Xie Zhiyan was saying, after all. If he played along, great. If not, she could still carry the act on her own.
In just a few seconds, she had already mapped out her next move.
The man on the phone finally seemed to regain his composure.
"Xuanxuan?" Xie Zhiyan’s voice sounded serious. "Are you in some kind of danger?"
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
She hadn’t expected Xie Zhiyan to be so alert. True, if someone you knew suddenly called you with strange behavior, the first thing to consider was whether they were in trouble.
Apparently, in Xie Zhiyan’s eyes, her calling him "husband" was so out of character that it must have been a distress signal.
While she understood his reasoning, she also found it a little amusing.
They were legally married—was the term really that shocking?
To avoid any misunderstandings—like Xie Zhiyan calling the police on her behalf—Ning Yuxuan quickly clarified, "No, no, husband! Tao You and I just finished dinner at Silverer. I called because I wanted to ask you something—"
There was a brief pause before his deep voice responded, "What is it?"
Ning Yuxuan softened her tone by a noticeable degree. "I heard there’s a huge new shopping center up north, and we wanted to check it out. But we can’t get a ride. Could you come pick us up and take us there?"
To make it sound more convincing, she paused, then added in a sweet, pleading voice, "Please, husband?"
Even if Xie Zhiyan refused, she had other ways to handle the situation. But if he actually showed up, even better.
Letting those men see her being picked up by her "husband" would drive the point home more effectively and hopefully deter any future harassment.
Two seconds later, Xie Zhiyan replied, "I’ll leave now. I’ll be there in ten minutes at the latest."
Ning Yuxuan’s eyes curved into delighted crescents. "Great! I’ll be waiting, husband."
After hanging up, she turned to Tao You. "Let’s head downstairs. My husband will be here soon."
They had originally planned to go shopping at a nearby mall after dinner—just a different one than initially intended.
Tao You was bursting with questions, but she knew now wasn’t the time. The priority was shaking off the three unwelcome tagalongs.
She nodded. "Okay, let’s go."
The moment they turned to leave, two male voices called out simultaneously from behind them: "Wait—"
Ning Yuxuan and Tao You rolled their eyes in unison.
Of course these guys wouldn’t give up so easily.
Shen Chipeng and Chu Bowen exchanged glances, each seeing a mix of disdain and reluctant camaraderie in the other’s eyes.
Ning Yuxuan had spoken to them in a flat, borderline impatient tone earlier, but her voice had transformed completely during that phone call.
The contrast made Shen Chipeng’s jealousy flare.
Back when he was a student at A University, he had sent Ning Yuxuan daily "good morning" and "good night" messages—only to be met with radio silence.
Now, that same sense of defeat returned, stronger than ever.
Back then, he had heard rumors that Ning Yuxuan was already smitten with some wealthy heir, which was why she ignored all her other suitors.
But since he had never actually seen her act affectionate toward anyone, it hadn’t felt as personal.
Now, witnessing firsthand how she sweet-talked another man, his frustration and envy surged.
He clenched his fists so hard his knuckles ached.
Maybe he didn’t even like Ning Yuxuan that much, but his pride refused to let him back down without a fight.
He wouldn’t retreat without at least seeing who he had lost to.
Chu Bowen felt much the same.
He had always assumed Ning Yuxuan dismissed him because he wasn’t wealthy enough. But now that he had a car, property, and a seven-figure bank balance, was he still unworthy of even a chance?
He refused to accept it. He needed to see for himself what kind of man Ning Yuxuan’s so-called "husband" really was.
Driven by similar motives, the two men—who had been subtly undermining each other earlier—temporarily united.
Shen Chipeng forced a smile. "Yuxuan, your husband is picking you up downstairs, right? We’ll walk you down."
Chu Bowen nodded eagerly. "Yeah, rush hour isn’t completely over yet, so traffic might slow him down. Yuxuan, Tao You, do you want something to drink while you wait? My treat."
Shen Chipeng shot him a look before adding smoothly, "Right, Bowen, why don’t you go grab them something? I think there’s a drink stand on the third floor."
Chu Bowen caught on immediately. "Haha, we should both go. Otherwise, how would I know what flavors Yuxuan likes?"
Watching their petty maneuvering, Tao You nearly laughed in disbelief.
These two were so transparently pathetic she was almost embarrassed to admit she had graduated from the same university—let alone the same department.
Tao You started to say, "We don’t—"
But Ning Yuxuan nudged her arm.
Confused, Tao You glanced at her.
Ning Yuxuan smiled sweetly. "Actually, that sounds great. Tao You and I are a little thirsty, and we’ve been wanting to try the new drinks at that shop. But I heard..." She feigned hesitation. "Their new items are so popular that they’re only available for in-person orders, and there’s a one-per-customer limit. Tao You and I both want to try them. What should we do?"
Catching on, Tao You chimed in, "Yeah, we both want the new drinks!"
Getting rid of these people would give them some peace.
Chu Bowen and Shen Chipeng exchanged glances.
On their side, there were three men. If they were to buy two drinks—
Both of them simultaneously turned their gazes toward Chen Jie, who had barely spoken a word.
If they could convince Chen Jie and one other to go together, they could stay behind and escort Ning Yuxuan downstairs.
Chen Jie: "..."
Heaven knew he’d only tagged along out of curiosity—to see what the once-popular department belle looked like now.
Now that his curiosity was satisfied and the spectacle had played out, he had no intention of becoming a pawn in these two guys’ rivalry.
Chen Jie had always been one to ride the wind and kick a man when he was down. Playing the selfless matchmaker? Not his style.
Chen Jie flashed a grin, slick with flattery. "Ah, I’m just here to make up the numbers. How could I possibly steal such a fine opportunity to serve these two lovely ladies from you two?"
……
After much back-and-forth, no one ended up going to buy anything.
Shen Chipeng and Chu Bowen shamelessly escorted Ning Yuxuan and Tao You to the lobby entrance.
Chen Jie, still in it for the drama, trailed behind them.
On the way, Shen Chipeng tried probing again. "Yuxuan, it’s only seven in the evening. Your husband has time to pick you up already? His job must not be too demanding, then?"
Ning Yuxuan curled her lips slightly. "Maybe. I don’t pay much attention to his work. As long as the monthly allowance of a few million hits the account on time, that’s all that matters."
Shen Chipeng: "..."
She said it so casually that if not for the "few million" figure, he might’ve believed her.
His confidence surged. Clearly, Ning Yuxuan’s so-called "husband" was probably just an ordinary office worker like them.
And not even a particularly valued one—otherwise, a high-earning corporate drone would still be buried in overtime or client dinners at this hour.
Still, this was a golden chance to mock his rival.
Shen Chipeng cleared his throat and shot Chu Bowen a pointed look. "Bowen, listen to this. Yuxuan’s husband gives her an allowance that nearly matches your entire relocation compensation."
Chu Bowen’s expression stiffened, but he fired back quickly. "Haha, very funny, Chipeng. At least I have a few million in demolition compensation. What about you? That measly salary of yours must be hard-earned."
A snort of laughter cut through the air—Tao You couldn’t hold it in.
Honestly, the way these two men tore into each other was pure comedy.
Hearing it, Shen Chipeng and Chu Bowen snapped back to reality, their faces darkening.
Their bickering had probably turned them into jokes in Ning Yuxuan’s eyes.
Finally reaching the entrance, Shen Chipeng and Chu Bowen peered outside.
Shen Chipeng spoke up. "Yuxuan, what kind of car does your husband drive? Is that his over there with the hazards on?"
He pointed to a white sedan parked by the curb, dusty and outdated—a model that couldn’t have cost more than 100,000 yuan brand new.
The question was another test, gauging her reaction.
Ning Yuxuan gave him a flat look. "No."
Chu Bowen seized the moment to flaunt his own purchase. "I just bought an Audi—cost me a few hundred grand. Let me tell you, you don’t realize how good it is until you drive it. The difference in quality is night and day. The way the accelerator responds—"
Mid-boast, Chu Bowen abruptly stopped.
No reason needed. A sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom glided toward them, halting at the gate barrier.
Just as he was waxing poetic about his new car, this pinnacle of luxury rolled up like a cosmic joke, a slap to his pride.
Chu Bowen trailed off, stealing a glance at Ning Yuxuan. Surely a woman wouldn’t know much about cars?
If she didn’t recognize its value, his embarrassment might still be salvageable.
But he’d forgotten—Shen Chipeng would never let this slide.
Spotting the Rolls, Shen Chipeng smirked, though he first checked Ning Yuxuan’s expression. Seeing no reaction, he concluded: No way this was her husband’s car.
Confident now, he goaded Chu Bowen. "Oh wow, bragging about a car worth a few hundred thousand? If you drove this Rolls, would us mere mortals even get an audience with you?"
Chu Bowen bristled. "Like you own it either. What’s there to gloat about?"
Their argument raged on, oblivious as the Rolls passed the barrier and pulled up smoothly in front of them.
The headlights washed over them, and both men froze mid-squabble, turning in unison.
The door opened, and a man in a tailored suit stepped out, his presence commanding as he approached Ning Yuxuan.
"Xuanxuan." His voice was warm as he took her bag without hesitation.
His gaze shifted to the girl beside her, nodding slightly.
Tao You stood rooted, utterly stunned.
Xie Zhiyan smiled politely. "Tao You, Xuanxuan’s roommate?"
Still dazed, Tao You stammered, "Y-yes… that’s me."
Ning Yuxuan muttered under her breath, "Ugh, Mom tells you everything. My dinner plans, who I’m with—no secrets left."
Xie Zhiyan chuckled but said nothing.
From the moment he’d driven up, he’d noticed the men flanking Ning Yuxuan and Tao You—particularly the two planted on either side of Ning Yuxuan like sentinels.
Between that and Ning Yuxuan’s tone on the phone, he’d pieced things together quickly.
He didn’t spare them a glance, asking Ning Yuxuan simply, "Shall we leave now?"
"Now," she said without hesitation.
At first, she’d found their petty rivalry amusing, a harmless diversion.
But the descent to the lobby and the wait at the entrance had worn her patience thin. Their bickering was grating. She couldn’t wait to escape.
Ning Yuxuan gave Tao You’s back a light pat. "Come on, let’s both take the backseat. You first."
Tao You: "...Oh—right!"
Once Tao You slid in, Ning Yuxuan smoothed her skirt and moved to follow.
Shen Chipeng: "Yu—"
A cold stare cut him off.
Even in the dim evening light, something in that gaze made his blood run cold. He couldn’t even finish saying her name.
For some reason, he had a feeling that if he continued to try and keep Ning Yuxuan, this man would make sure he suffered for it tomorrow.
Chu Bowen’s face turned ashen.
The sense of superiority he had finally gained from his family’s demolition compensation was now completely shattered by the sight of the car before him.
He couldn’t help but wonder—what kind of mocking expression had Ning Yuxuan worn earlier when he was proudly showing off his new car and watch?
……
The car started smoothly and slowly pulled away from the square.
Tao You and Ning Yuxuan sat together in the backseat, curiously taking in the luxurious interior.
Though Tao You had just as many questions now as before, she didn’t dare voice them immediately with the man in the driver’s seat present.
Ning Yuxuan asked the question she had been wanting to: "You changed cars? I didn’t even recognize it as yours at first."
Xie Zhiyan usually drove that bronze-colored Bentley, so Ning Yuxuan had instinctively looked for that one earlier. She hadn’t expected him to switch.
His voice came from the front: "This is the one the chauffeur usually drives for business engagements."
Ning Yuxuan remembered: "Oh, right—I didn’t ask earlier. Weren’t you in the middle of work when I called?"
She hadn’t held much hope that Xie Zhiyan would come pick her up so quickly, already prepared to stall those men a little longer.
Yet here he was.
Xie Zhiyan’s tone was calm: "I was at a dinner meeting."
Ning Yuxuan: "And you just left?"
Listening to their conversation, Tao You pretended to mind her own business, but her eyes darted around and her ears perked up—
Wait, was Ning Yuxuan’s husband one of those legendary domineering CEOs? The kind who would abandon a multi-billion-dollar project just to sweep his wife off her feet?
Xie Zhiyan replied evenly: "I wasn’t the main guest at that dinner. I was just there to show face. Besides—"
He paused, glancing at Ning Yuxuan through the rearview mirror.
With a meaningful tone, he added: "It’s rare for you to invite me so sincerely. I couldn’t refuse."
Ning Yuxuan’s cheeks warmed.
She knew he was referring to that sudden, unexpected "husband" she had called him over the phone.
Saying it over the call had been effortless, but now, with him bringing it up so pointedly in person, she felt a flicker of embarrassment.
Tao You absorbed every word, her curiosity burning—
So it wasn’t a grand romantic gesture after all. He hadn’t dropped everything to rush to her rescue.
But was this man really Ning Yuxuan’s husband? Their relationship didn’t sound quite so straightforward.
Just as Tao You was lost in thought, Ning Yuxuan suddenly called her name, startling her: "Huh? I’m here! What’s up?"
Ning Yuxuan smiled faintly: "I was just saying—I haven’t had the chance to introduce you yet. This is my boyfriend, Xie."
The moment the words left her mouth, she felt Xie Zhiyan’s gaze flicker to her through the rearview mirror again.
Ning Yuxuan remained unfazed.
She hadn’t even told her mother about their marriage yet. Giving him the title of "boyfriend" in front of Tao You was already generous.
Hearing this, Tao You blinked, then quickly greeted him: "Hello, Mr. Xie! I’m Tao You, Ning Yuxuan’s former roommate and her once-best friend."
Ning Yuxuan chuckled: "Still her best friend now."
Tao You grinned.
At first, the man’s intimidating aura had made her nervous.
But with Ning Yuxuan by her side, her tension eased. And now that she couldn’t see his face, she relaxed even more.
After a moment, Tao You leaned in and whispered to Ning Yuxuan: "So you’re just dating? Not married yet?"
Ning Yuxuan: "We haven’t had the wedding."
That wasn’t a lie.
But to Tao You, it sounded like Ning Yuxuan and Mr. Xie were already at the marriage stage, deeply in love—just waiting for the official ceremony.
Tao You: "You should’ve told me earlier! We might’ve ended up getting married around the same time! So, do you have any ideas yet? When do you want the wedding? Where?"
In her excitement, Tao You forgot to lower her voice. Only after realizing Xie Zhiyan could hear her too did she sheepishly quiet down.
Ning Yuxuan thought to herself—she had never planned on having a wedding.
She cleared her throat: "My boyfriend is really busy with work, right?"
Xie Zhiyan’s tone was light: "Busy, but I can make time for a wedding. The exact date depends on what Ning Yuxuan wants."
Ning Yuxuan: "..."
He made it sound so real.
She glared in Xie Zhiyan’s direction, but he didn’t look back, leaving her frustration with no outlet.
The new mall wasn’t far from where they had eaten—just a ten-minute drive.
Once the car stopped at the entrance, Ning Yuxuan and Tao You got out.
Xie Zhiyan stepped out as well, calling to Ning Yuxuan: "Ning Yuxuan."
Before Ning Yuxuan could respond, Tao You immediately took the hint: "You two talk! I’ll go grab some drinks inside!"
And with that, she darted off.
Ning Yuxuan watched Tao You’s retreating figure, speechless for a second.
Back in school, whenever Ning Yuxuan had unwanted suitors, Tao You had always been the first to shield her, refusing to budge.
Times had really changed.
Xie Zhiyan approached: "Ning Yuxuan."
She glanced at him: "What?"
She was still annoyed at him for playing along earlier.
Ning Yuxuan frowned: "When Tao You asked, you could’ve just gone along with what I said—that you’re too busy with work, so we’re not planning a wedding. That would’ve been enough."
Xie Zhiyan looked at her silently.
She met his gaze: "Why aren’t you saying anything?"
Under the neon lights of the city center, his sharp features remained untouched by the colorful glow, his demeanor as cool as ever.
But now, his expression softened slightly: "Do you really not want a wedding?"
Ning Yuxuan hesitated.
Xie Zhiyan held her gaze: "After we tell our families, if you want, we can have the grandest wedding. Any country, any city, anytime you choose."
His voice was slow, deliberate.
Somehow, Ning Yuxuan sensed something solemn in his tone—as if he were making her a promise.
As if in response to his words, the flashing red and green sign nearby suddenly shifted to a warm golden hue, casting his face in a gentler light.
Something fluttered in Ning Yuxuan’s chest.
From the moment she had agreed to marry Xie Zhiyan, she had already resigned herself to the idea of never having a wedding.
When Ning Yuxuan was a child, she once found her mother’s wedding videotape and played it on the TV.
In her memory, her mother looked breathtakingly beautiful in her wedding dress, radiant with joy, as if bathed in a halo of happiness.
Her father, equally handsome and dignified, made them seem like the perfect couple to anyone who saw them.
Yet none of that stopped her parents’ marriage from lasting less than a decade.
Perhaps because of this, Ning Yuxuan had never held any expectations for her own wedding.
But at this moment, as she gazed into the eyes of the man standing before her, she hesitated.
Sensing her conflicted emotions, Xie Zhiyan took a step closer.
“Well, Yuxuan,” he asked softly, “have you made up your mind?”
