Chapter 9

The bridal suite was a standalone two-story villa registered under Xie Jinnan’s name. It was located in an incredibly valuable area of Jingjiang City, surrounded by tranquility and elegance. The villa featured large front and back gardens and an underground garage spacious enough to hold several cars.

Because Xie Jinnan enjoyed swimming, he had a grand outdoor pool specially constructed.

Inside, the decor was minimalist, bright, and airy.

Abundant precious greenery was planted throughout, and the moment one stepped inside, a fresh and subtle fragrance greeted the senses.

It was Wen Jingyi’s first time visiting; previously, she had only seen the design plans.

When they decided to use this as their marital home, the villa was nearly finished with renovations. Wen Jingyi had barely any suggestions. Xie Jinnan had hired a top-tier designer, so from the initial drafts to construction, there was no need for her to worry. The final result was truly stunning.

However, tonight Wen Jingyi had little mood to admire it. After drinking, her cheeks felt flushed, and her head a little dizzy.

Supported by the bridesmaids, Wen Jingyi was led into the bridal suite. She sat down on the nearby sofa, gently massaging her temples.

The housekeeper who followed immediately handed her a cup of warm water to help her regain warmth, then went into the walk-in closet and brought out a brand-new set of red pajamas.

Wen Jingyi cupped the warm water, feeling its heat spread through her palms and gradually warming her body. She looked up at the bridesmaids and spoke softly, “You may go rest now. The housekeeper will stay here.”

The two bridesmaids exchanged glances and nodded. “Then please rest and recover your strength. Mr. Xie will be back soon.”

Wen Jingyi took a sip of the warm water. The housekeeper placed the pajamas by the bed and respectfully nodded. “Madam, warm water has been prepared for you. Would you like to take a bath now, or perhaps have some late-night snacks?”

Wen Jingyi shook her head. “No, thank you. You may leave.”

The housekeeper acknowledged with a “Yes,” then quietly left the bedroom, closing the door behind her.

Silence settled over the room. Outside, the chirping of insects fluctuated in volume, mingling with a gentle breeze. Under the bright moonlight, Wen Jingyi’s flushed cheeks slowly cooled.

Setting down the cup, she raised her eyes and surveyed the room, finally taking in her future bedroom.

It felt like a dream.

She had truly married into this life.

Taking a deep breath, with no one else around, she was finally able to relax a little.

She stood up and looked ahead.

There was a spacious, almost bedroom-sized, minimalist walk-in closet with automatic sliding doors. Wen Jingyi walked over and lightly touched the sensor area; the door slid open by itself.

Lights illuminated the large, tidy space inside. The wardrobes for the man and woman stood on opposite sides, filled with clothes and jewelry carefully prepared by the Xie family for her—from formal gowns and daily wear to shoes and exquisite accessories. In the center stood a soft leather sofa, and a full-length mirror reflected Wen Jingyi’s slender figure.

Recalling something, Wen Jingyi approached the men’s wardrobe on the left. She initially wanted to see what brands Xie Jinnan typically wore. After looking around, she realized most of his clothes were custom-made, crafted from top-quality fabrics with exquisite workmanship, bearing no recognizable labels.

She guessed there must be a tailor dedicated solely to the Xie family, specializing in bespoke garments.

After a casual look, Wen Jingyi left.

Taking the pajamas the housekeeper had placed by the bed, she stepped into the bathroom.

The housekeeper had already drawn the bath—an ample platinum bathtub steaming with hot water large enough for two adults. The ceiling light emitted a soft, enchanting glow. Rows of various bath products were neatly arranged nearby, all within easy reach.

Wen Jingyi slipped out of her cheongsam and stepped into the tub.

The warm water enveloped her shoulders, soothing the day’s fatigue. She picked up her phone, thinking Xie Jinnan wouldn’t be back anytime soon, so she found a game to pass the time.

After a few minutes, she remembered the gift she needed to send later. Reluctantly, she exited the game and promptly opened WeChat to contact Ren Sisi. Fearing a slow reply, she called via video instead.

Ren Sisi, who usually slept early and rose early, was already in bed. She answered groggily, barely able to keep her eyes open. “Jingyi?”

Wen Jingyi curled her legs, looking at Ren Sisi on the screen, her tone troubled. “Sisi, I don’t know how to deliver the gift later.”

She couldn’t just send it randomly when Xie Jinnan returned.

Nor could she be honest and say it was an apology for deceiving him last time.

Ren Sisi was silent for a long moment, then sighed deeply. She opened her eyes and looked at the distressed bride across the screen.

Coming to bother her on her wedding night instead of being lovey-dovey with her husband—truly, no one else could be like this.

“How about this…” Ren Sisi suggested, “Just say you’ve been wanting to thank him for coming to the southern city with you those few days, so you specially picked out a gift. Hope he likes it.”

Wen Jingyi lowered her head to consider, then smiled. It seemed acceptable.

Mentioning their date in the southern city could subtly convey her apology and also allow her to give the gift.

“Okay.”

He had even given her roses then, and she had never reciprocated.

Ren Sisi chuckled softly. If Wen Jingyi really planned to give a gift on her wedding night, she wasn’t worried about misunderstandings. Xie Jinnan wasn’t some clueless old bureaucrat. But she didn’t mention this, instead covering a yawn with her hand. “I’m going to sleep now. Good luck tonight, bride.”

Wen Jingyi: “…”

She’d sought Ren Sisi out to avoid Qiao Ran’s teasing, but now Ren Sisi was learning bad habits too.

As expected, one who associates with darkness becomes dark.

…

At the wedding banquet, guests came and went, countless dignitaries mingling. The drinks in their glasses shimmered coldly under the bright lights.

When Lu Ming’an arrived, he found only Xie Jinnan at the table—no sign of the bride. Slapping a friend’s shoulder, he sat down and furrowed his brow. “Where’s the new sister-in-law?”

Xie Yao gave a forced smile, looking at the man calmly drinking opposite them. “Ask my brother. I told him to bring her over to chat, but he said she’s tired and has gone back to the bridal suite to rest.”

Lu Ming’an laughed. “Jinnan, why be so precious? The brothers just want to meet her, get to know her a bit. No one’s going to steal her from you.”

Xie Jinnan glanced at him indifferently. “There’s plenty of time later.”

Xie Yao grinned. “Ming’an, listen to this. My brother insists on hiding the bride.”

At the banquet, he had seen Wen Jingyi but hadn’t had a chance to speak. He had asked his cousin to find a good time to bring Wen Jingyi over and sent many messages. In the end, he got word that she had already returned to the bridal suite. It almost gave him a heart attack.

They just wanted to chat, get acquainted. He didn’t understand why his cousin was so resistant.

Was he not worried about losing his sister-in-law again?

Leaning back lazily, Lu Ming’an spread his hands and smiled devilishly. “That’s Jinnan’s nature. As long as Miss Wen doesn’t mind.”

Some things could be saved for later.

When he worked at the hospital, his days and nights were chaotic. At home, he was busy with company affairs, leaving no time to nurture his relationship with his fiancée.

When busy, he didn’t answer calls or reply to messages. No wonder the girl was upset.

“Then let’s meet the day after tomorrow,” Xie Yao said, glancing at Lu Ming’an. Receiving a nod, both turned their looks toward Xie Jinnan.

Xie Jinnan set down his glass, his voice cool. “We’ll see.”

Xie Yao frowned. “Brother, don’t you have three days’ wedding leave? You’ll be back at the old mansion tomorrow, and nothing’s planned the day after. Meeting then wouldn’t be a problem.”

Before Lu Ming’an could speak, Xie Jinnan picked up the coat resting on his chair, draped it over his left arm, stood, and raised his glass, draining it in one gulp.

After a moment, he lowered the glass. His loosely rolled-up sleeve slackened slightly from the movement. Softly, he said, “You guys enjoy yourselves. I’m going back first. I’ll ask Wen Jingyi about the gathering and get back to you.”

“Brother…”

Before Xie Yao could respond, Xie Jinnan turned and left.

Xie Yao watched him go.

Lu Ming’an patted his shoulder with a knowing smile. “A moment of passion is worth a thousand gold coins.”

Xie Yao smiled helplessly. “True enough.” It was late; it wouldn’t do to keep the bride waiting too long in the bridal suite.

…

Night deepened. A black Maybach slowly entered the villa’s gates, its headlights illuminating the road ahead.

Xie Jinnan stepped out and, passing by the maid, casually asked, “Is Wen Jingyi in the bedroom?”

The maid lowered her eyes respectfully. “Yes, Young Master.”

Xie Jinnan acknowledged with a hum and strode forward.

The master bedroom was on the second floor. Though Xie Jinnan had been here several times, he had never stayed overnight.

He used to live in an apartment near the company. Since it was unsuitable as a marital home, after the engagement, he gradually moved his belongings here.

The master bedroom door was closed. Xie Jinnan paused at the door, hesitating for a few seconds before gently knocking twice.

No response came from inside.

He waited a moment, then turned the handle and entered.

He had expected Wen Jingyi to be lying in bed asleep, but upon entering, he saw the girl in pajamas leaning on the sofa, one hand supporting her head, eyes closed, with a classic novel resting on her lap. She had evidently fallen asleep while reading.

Was she waiting for him?

Xie Jinnan approached and looked at her fair face.

She was turned slightly to one side, her straight long hair cascading down, some strands resting on her defined collarbone. The loose, thin red pajamas softened but did not conceal her slender, graceful figure. The deep crimson complemented her pale, delicate skin.

The bedroom door opened and closed slightly. Wen Jingyi seemed to sense some movement, her eyelids fluttering.

The next moment, a large, strong hand snatched the book from her lap.

Wen Jingyi opened her eyes to see a pair of straight, long legs clad in finely tailored black trousers—firm and powerful.

Her gaze rose to the man’s handsome, resolute face. Noticing him examining her book, her heart stirred, and she instinctively stood. “Mr. Xie…”

The book was an English magical realism novel, worn and yellowed from many readings.

It dated back to Xie Jinnan’s high school days. His father had specially sent dozens of books from the old mansion, some of which were placed in the bedroom.

Wen Jingyi explained, “I saw a few books in the room and casually read to pass the time.”

Xie Jinnan responded with a hum, handing her the book. “Don’t call me that anymore.”

Wen Jingyi was stunned but took the book.

He unbuttoned a few buttons on his shirt with a casual, lazy motion and said softly, “We’re married now. Miss Wen, do you intend to remain so distant, calling your husband that way?”

Wen Jingyi’s cheeks warmed. “Sorry, I’ll change.”

He said, “So will I.”

Seeing him about to go to the bathroom to wash up, Wen Jingyi hurried forward, taking his jacket from his bent arm. Looking up at him, her voice was gentle and tender. “Are you going to shower? I’ve placed sleepwear for you on the bed.”

Xie Jinnan frowned slightly at her familiar, considerate care.

He hadn’t spent much time alone with a woman. Even the housekeeper only came when he was away. No woman had ever been so close to him.

Now, there was a female owner in the bedroom—the woman he was about to spend his life with, sharing a bed and pillow. No matter how unaccustomed, he had no reason to reject her closeness.

Wen Jingyi turned to neatly hang his clothing on the rack, then returned the book to its place.

Xie Jinnan watched her back but said nothing, taking the sleepwear and entering the bathroom.

After putting things away, Wen Jingyi turned just in time to see Xie Jinnan’s figure entering the bathroom.

The bathroom door closed behind him. Wen Jingyi took a deep breath, listening to the water running, then walked to the bedside table and took the small gift box in her palm. She pulled back the covers and sat against the headboard.

Men were always simpler and more straightforward when bathing. In a few minutes, he emerged, hair dried.

He wore the same style of pajamas as her, but unlike the usual black or white monotones, his were deep red. The thin fabric draped over his lean, tall frame, conveying an air of noble elegance mixed with casual ease.

He switched off the main lights. The bedside lamp cast a dim, hazy glow, and the warm mist flowing from the bathroom filled the room with an indescribable intimacy.

Their gazes met in the air. The man’s deep, inscrutable eyes rested on her with a calmness that was difficult to read.

Wen Jingyi’s heart, which had just settled, suddenly beat faster at his presence.

Even the spacious bedroom seemed to shrink inexplicably around them.