Yu Antong suffers from congenital heart disease and lives carefully everyday. He didn’t expect that in the end he would die in an accident. At the last moment of his life, he only regretted that his short life was tasteless.

When he opened his eyes again, he was transmigrated into a book and he was overjoyed in getting a healthy body.

As soon as he passed through, he was getting married and what more his marriage partner is still the dream lover of many zeros in the book!.

Yu Antong let go of himself, being happy every day.

At the beginning, Xing Lixuan: It seems different from the investigation, what kind of family can cultivate this evildoer?

Later, Xing Lixuan: The wife he married is really clingy and the way he calls him husband always makes him uncomfortable but for some reason he doesn’t want to stop it.

Finally, all of Xing Dashao’s friends said that they already know that Xing Dashao’s wife is a good at cooking, earns a lot of money, and looks good. They hope that in the future, Xing Dashao can stop talking about his wife and let them single dogs live!

Xing Lixuan: You don’t know how cute my wife is at home, but I won’t say that.

Half a year later, Yu Antong touched his belly and was shocked: “I ‘m pregnant?! Xing Lixuan, you get here!! I want Divorce!!!”

Xing Lixuan: “Wife, we already have a child, don’t make trouble.”

Yu Antong: I regret it now, I only thought this was a romance novel but never know this was a male pregnant one!

______________________________________________

Chapter 1

At the wedding reception, Yu Antong noticed Xing Lixuan heading towards the restroom. Feeling the call of nature himself, he decided to follow.

Yu Antong unzipped his trousers next to Xing Lixuan. As the clear sound of Xing's stream hitting the porcelain stopped, Yu's curiosity got the better of him, and he sneaked a glance towards Xing.

P

After all, standing beside him was the dominant lead character from the book, rumored to be the very epitome of masculinity.

Yu Antong took a quick peek.

He then gasped, exclaiming, "It's enormous!"

He then looked down at his own.

Sighing internally, he wondered, "How can there be such a disparity between two men, even considering their respective roles?"

"Shameless!" Xing Lixuan frowned deeply, shooting a disgusted glare at Yu Antong.

The man who always kept his composure during intense business negotiations was now flustered, hastily adjusting his trousers.

"What's the matter?" Yu Antong teased as he approached Xing Lixuan, "Not only did I want to see, but I might want to use it too."

"In your dreams!" Xing Lixuan retorted, his forehead veins bulging in irritation. He quickly distanced himself from Yu, walking out in long strides.

In stark contrast to Xing Lixuan's frustration, Yu Antong cheerfully hummed a tune as he returned to the lounge.

Who would have thought that after a car accident, he would find himself in a novel?

At the moment of the accident, Yu Antong thought he was done for. In the last second before he lost consciousness, he regretted living such a dull life, solely focusing on his health.

Perhaps it was his unwillingness to let go, but after what felt like an eternity, he was awakened by the deafening sounds of firecrackers, only to find himself in unfamiliar surroundings.

"Why are you still in bed? Don't you know what day it is?" The bedroom door burst open, and in stormed a middle-aged man in red traditional attire. Upon seeing Yu Antong still in bed, he looked extremely displeased.

Yu Antong was bewildered. "What day is it? Care to enlighten me?"

What on earth was happening?

Noticing Yu Antong's clueless expression, the middle-aged man's disdain was palpable. Yet, his voice changed, feigning kindness with an underlying threat, "After you're married into the Xing family, make sure you visit often. Your sister, An Nan, will miss you."

After saying that, the man stepped aside to let a few attendants in, "Get him ready. The Xing family's procession will be here shortly. We can't miss the auspicious hour."

Getting married? What's happening? Moreover, he was an orphan abandoned by his parents; since when did he have a sister?

Wait a minute, An Nan? That name sounded familiar. Where had he heard it before?

Before Yu Antong could collect his thoughts, he was hustled by several women into changing clothes and then seated in front of a makeup mirror.

The face in the mirror had delicate, fair skin with exquisite features, especially the expressive, captivating eyes.

His eyes, a unique phoenix shape, were not too elongated. They gave him a gentle, warm gaze, the slight upward tilt adding an unapproachable nobility, balancing out his rather stunningly beautiful appearance for a man.

It was undoubtedly the face he found so irresistible even when looking at himself.

He reached out to touch his Adam's apple—it was still there. No doubt, he was still a man.

Yu Antong wondered: Since when could men marry in the dynasty?

A flash of memory streaked across his mind, swift as lightning.

He recalled it—the name An Nan. Wasn't she the sister of the novel's main character he was following, "Spoiled by the Rich"?

He had amusingly commented when he first discovered the novel: "The protagonist shares my name! I'm definitely reading this!"

Someone replied to his comment: "Be careful of novel-transmigration!"

Back then, he had laughed it off, but now, could it be that he had indeed transmigrated into the story, becoming the character with his name?!

Pushing away the makeup artist working on his face, Yu Antong said, "I need a moment in the restroom."

Once inside, the shock induced a rapid heartbeat. In this confined, silent space, the pulsing was all the more pronounced.

Pausing for a moment, he placed a hand over his heart. The robust rhythm excited him further.

He was born with congenital heart disease, frail since childhood. His heartbeat had never felt this strong before.

It made sense why he felt different upon waking. The chronic frailty he was accustomed to was gone. He now possessed a healthy body!

A healthy body—something Yu Antong had never dared to dream of. It was as if he was reborn.

He hopped in place a couple of times.

No discomfort in his heart whatsoever!

His reflection in the mirror showed flushed cheeks, radiating life, a far cry from his past pale and feeble appearance.

Elated, Yu Antong began to jump around in the restroom, laughing gleefully, eyes misting up, almost on the verge of tears of joy.

After composing himself, he stepped out, allowing the makeup artist to continue, while recollecting the novel's plot.

In the story, after Yu Antong's parents died in a plane crash during his childhood, he and his sister were adopted by their greedy uncle, Yu Qingnian, who coveted their inheritance.

Under their uncle's roof, the siblings faced maltreatment and hardship.

That was until rumors spread about the heir of the Xing family being gay.

Yu Qingnian, always striving for the top tier of the city's elite, initially took the rumors lightly. After all, in a prestigious family like the Xings, even if the heir did have such inclinations, it was but a fleeting dalliance. In the end, he would still marry a woman to bear heirs.

The domineering matriarch of the Xing family would never allow her only grandson to marry a man.

But then, an idea struck him. His face lit up with hope. Yu Qingnian envisioned the pathway to the upper echelons laying right before him.

After two days of contemplation, he hurried to the Xing residence, met with the family's matriarch, and astonishingly, brokered a matrimonial alliance between the two families.

Many readers have commented, questioning what exactly Uncle Yu said that could make Mrs. Xing force the protagonist to marry a man.

No matter how much the readers inquired, the author only responded: "It's a foreshadowing. If you're curious, dear readers, keep following the story."

The book's synopsis depicted a gentle and affectionate 'uke' versus a domineering 'seme' who verbally disapproves but is genuinely infatuated. Sadly, the author's skills didn't live up to it, causing character inconsistency.

The uke, who was supposed to be tender and easily wooed, was inexplicably portrayed as a saintly figure. Even when the Yu family went overboard, he would retaliate with kindness, emphasizing they were still family.

Yu AnTong, with a can't-stop-now mentality, continued reading despite the discomfort, mainly because the description of the protagonist's seme was too enticing.

A sharp nose, slender fingers, a well-built torso, he appears aloof and arrogant in public but becomes incredibly shy when in love. He might voice his complaints, but his actions scream devotion. He's the utmost husband material.

He's eagerly waiting for the seme's transformation in the story.

But not all readers were as patient as him. Most claimed to be misled by the synopsis, rating it lowly, criticizing the uke for being too sanctimonious and not matching the seme's stature, even demanding a character replacement.

Influenced by the readers' feedback, the author shockingly revealed in the latest update that they planned to 'write off' Yu AnTong and introduce a new uke.

That's when Yu AnTong lost his Zen-like approach.

With his failing health making each day uncertain, he worried about burdening young men with his condition. Having never dated in his 20 years, he treasured finding a character sharing his name and identity in a novel. He wanted to live vicariously, romancing the seme, but the author was not only destabilizing the story but now planning to kill his character. In frustration, Yu AnTong commented, "Dropping this story!"

A few days later, having some free time, Yu AnTong revisited the novel, curious about the subsequent chapters.

To his surprise, there were no new updates from the author.

It turned out, after the author's announcement to change the uke, half of the remaining readers revolted, commenting that they'd abandon the story.

The author, overwhelmed, declared in the synopsis: "This story has been abandoned and will never be resumed."

Feeling cheated, Yu AnTong harbored resentment towards the author but still remembered the story vividly.

While lost in thought, which only lasted minutes, something happened.

Before he realized, the Xing family's procession arrived for the wedding, but the seme, Xing LiXuan, he was most looking forward to seeing, was absent.

Understandable, since Xing LiXuan was being forced into the marriage. His displeasure was expected.

En route to the wedding venue, Yu AnTong pondered if he should flee. Even though the seme was depicted as dashingly handsome in the novel, marrying a complete stranger felt rather rash.

But the moment he saw the real Xing LiXuan upon alighting from the car, his decision was made.

marry!

In the wedding backstage lounge, Xing LiXuan sat on a sofa, feigning sleep.

He looked youthful with sharp facial features, neatly combed-back hair exposing a broad forehead and fierce eyebrows.

[Note: "哔嘀阁" seems out of context. It might be a term or a placeholder, so I've left it as "Bidi Ge."]

His prominent nose bridge and thin lips radiated a strong masculine aura.

Disturbed by the noise, Xing Lixuan furrowed his brow and lazily opened his eyes, visibly annoyed at being interrupted.

The man's gaze was momentarily languid and hazy, but it quickly sharpened into a penetrating depth, radiating a commanding presence. His tailored black suit accentuated this aura, making it easy to forget that he was just twenty-five years old.

Yu Antong's heart skipped a beat. "He's breathtakingly handsome!"

His once dormant heart as a character in the novel immediately awakened; every feature of this man was exactly to his liking.

The suit looked impeccable on him, utterly top-tier!

It's no wonder the author exaggeratedly described Xing Lixuan as the dream man for every young person in Jiang City.

"I'm totally smitten with this man!"

Trapped in a book and gifted with an ideal spouse? This is perhaps the greatest stroke of luck I've ever had.

Recalling his previous life of hesitations and twenty years of solitude, now with a second chance and a potentially short life span, why hesitate? It's time to live it up!

After all, it's just a fictional universe. Being with a character has no real consequences, and given the author intended for his character to perish, shouldn't he seize every joyous moment while he can?

...

"Hurry, the auspicious time is upon us! Where are the rings? Have you got them?" the wedding planner anxiously ushered the two from the restroom to the stage, "Alright, alright, just don't lose them. Let’s go."

...

On stage, two grooms stood in their elegant attire—one tall and striking, the other lean with unparalleled beauty.

Individually, both were undoubtedly striking, but together their energies felt a tad mismatched.

The shorter groom seemed relaxed with a constant smile. The taller one, however, appeared tense, as if he might bolt any second.

The audience wasn't fazed. In the world of the elite, nothing is truly surprising. Same-sex marriage had been legalized years ago, and this wasn't the first pair to wed.

What was truly peculiar to the attendees wasn't the wedding itself, but the stark contrast in social standing between the two men.

While the Yu family held some reputation in Jiang City, it paled in comparison to the Xing family's stature. The match seemed uneven, and there was no obvious affection from the younger Xing towards his groom.

"May I ask if the two handsome grooms are ready to commit to each other, to love, honor, and cherish for a lifetime?" Having witnessed all kinds of dramatic events, the MC decided to keep things brief and straightforward.

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"I do," said Yu Antong breezily.

"I...do," Xing Lixuan gritted out the words.

"May the groom exchange rings now," the officiant stated succinctly.

Yu Antong pulled out a ring, quickly slipping it onto Xing Lixuan's finger, then extended his own hand, "Your turn."

Xing Lixuan reluctantly followed suit.

Observing the groom's clearly unhappy expression, the officiant hesitated for a long moment before daring to say, "The groom may now kiss his partner."

Yu Antong turned his gaze to Xing Lixuan, who remained still, clearly uncooperative.

Undeterred, Yu Antong tiptoed, wrapped his hands around Xing Lixuan's neck, and initiated a kiss.

Despite Xing Lixuan's resistance, Yu Antong persisted for a full three seconds before pulling away, whispering, "Happy wedding day, husband."

After uttering those words, a smiling Yu Antong couldn't believe he was now married. Maybe it was all just a dream. Maybe he'd wake up and still be the frail person he always was.

The officiant, having held his breath throughout, wiped the sweat from his brow, relieved the ceremony had proceeded smoothly.

Subsequently, the couple stepped off the stage and headed to the lounge to quickly snack before attending to their guests.

Xing Lixuan was in a sour mood, and he accepted every drink offer without refusal.

Yu Antong had always been frail. He had merely tasted alcohol before, never consuming it in any significant amount, hence he was uncertain of his alcohol tolerance.

The wedding guest list was expansive, a mandate from Yu Qingnian, who insisted on holding a grand celebration.

Yu Qingnian had always aspired to gain a foothold in the real estate industry.

Everyone wants a slice of the cake, but it's not so easily obtained. Yu Qingnian couldn't break into that circle, whereas the Xing family, with their early foresight, had long dominated a significant portion of the real estate market.

The union between the Xing and Yu families, coupled with a grand wedding, undoubtedly elevated the Yu family's stature in Jiangcheng's business circle.

"Congratulations, Mr. Yu! Your nephew is truly a sight to behold, quite the match with young master Xing. A match made in heaven."

"Indeed, Mr. Yu has done an excellent job raising the child..."

"Thank you, thank you!"

Listening to the surrounding praises, Yu Qingnian gleefully clinked glasses with the guests, confident in the newfound respect he commanded.

The wine served during the toasts was mostly diluted with water, so after all the rounds, Yu Antong felt no discomfort.

It seems my alcohol tolerance isn't too shabby! Even though it was diluted, I've had quite a bit after all these toasts.

Yu Antong thought smugly.

After the toasts, the couple retreated to a private room designated for the Xing family.

A sophisticated middle-aged woman approached, saying warmly, "Finished with the toasts? Come sit, Tongtong."

Yu Antong recognized her as Xing Lixuan's mother; he had paid his respects with tea during the ceremony.

Somewhat awkwardly, he greeted Xing's parents, addressing them as 'mom' and 'dad'. Xing's mother then brought him over to an elderly lady, prompting, "Tongtong, call her 'grandma'."

The elderly lady seemed frail, but her sharp eyes seemed as though they could peer right into one's soul. Despite her age, remnants of her youthful elegance were evident.

The pronounced laugh lines on her face gave her a stern appearance. Though she was petite, the well-read Yu Antong knew this elderly woman held significant sway in the Xing family. It was largely her influence that had brought about his marriage to Xing Lixuan.

Yu Antong quickly assessed her, then obediently greeted, "Hello, Grandma."

"Hmm," the elderly matriarch responded, handing Yu Antong a red envelope. "Good boy. Live a good life with Lixuan."

Oddly enough, despite her instrumental role in orchestrating the wedding, the old lady's face didn't betray much joy.

"I will, thank you, Grandma," replied Yu Antong, taking the envelope but still observing the old woman.

If he wasn't mistaken, there seemed to be a hint of scrutiny and displeasure in her gaze.

Internally, Yu Antong scoffed. If she was so unsatisfied, why did she force her beloved grandson to marry him?

Xing Lixuan also noticed his grandmother's expression, sharing Yu Antong's sentiments.

Xing Lixuan, with a furrowed brow, said to his grandmother, "If there's nothing else, I'd like to retire for some rest."

Today, his mood was particularly sour, and even his usually respectful tone towards his grandmother had an edge to it.

Noticing Xing Lixuan's dark mood, the elderly lady refrained from commenting further. "You've had quite a bit to drink," she said. "Let the driver take you home. Yu, please look after him."

Given that he naturally lacked familial ties, Yu Antong wasn't accustomed to dealing with these people. He quickly acknowledged her request, hurrying to keep up with Xing Lixuan's brisk pace.

Xing Lixuan didn't reside in the Xing family mansion; he lived in a nearby apartment complex close to his office.

The wedding venue was about a thirty-minute drive from Xing Lixuan's residence.

As soon as they entered the car, Xing Lixuan leaned back with his eyes closed, paying no attention to Yu Antong, who, feeling the effects of the alcohol, remained silent for the journey.

Upon arrival, Xing Lixuan was the first to disembark, only to realize Yu Antong hadn't followed.

Even though he didn't particularly like Yu Antong, now that they were married, he couldn't just abandon him.

He turned back, opening Yu Antong's car door to find him sound asleep.

"Hey, wake up!" He leaned in, shaking Yu Antong with a hint of impatience. Xing Lixuan felt like his years of cultivated patience were being tested.

"Hmm~" Yu Antong opened his eyes in a daze, seeing Xing Lixuan's handsome face close by, thinking he was in a dream.

Xing Lixuan said, "Now that you're awake, get out."

However, Yu Antong clung to Xing Lixuan's neck, feigning sleep. "I'm not awake, carry me, hubby."

Caught off guard, Xing Lixuan lost his balance, tumbling into the back seat with Yu Antong.

Laughing, Yu Antong teased, "Hubby, you're quite eager, aren't you?"

Startled by his nonsensical words, Xing Lixuan quickly covered Yu Antong's mouth. Feeling embarrassed, he glanced at the driver, his face red with mortification. "What are you yelling about?!"

With the obstacle removed, Yu Antong leaned in, licking the palm of Xing Lixuan's hand in his 'dreamy' state.

"You!" The sensation of the wet touch made Xing Lixuan pull back in disbelief.

Yu Antong murmured, "Hubby, hold me."

"Damn it! Shut up," Xing Lixuan growled.

Fearing what this drunken fool might utter next, Xing Lixuan hurriedly helped Yu Antong out of the car, urging the driver to leave.

As the driver left, Xing Lixuan visibly relaxed, supporting Yu Antong as they waited for the elevator.

In his inebriated state, Yu Antong's expressive eyes glistened, gazing affectionately at Xing Lixuan. In a soft voice, he cooed, "Hubby~"

After calling out, he shyly buried his face into Xing Lixuan's chest.

"Damn it!" Xing Lixuan felt overwhelmed by the sudden intimacy, the warmth from Yu Antong's face seeping through the thin summer fabric. A peculiar sensation swelled in his chest, leading him to curse under his breath.

To his surprise, that comment hit a nerve. Yu Antong perked up playfully, saying, "Oh, you naughty husband, being so straightforward. Give me a kiss first."

Saying so, he puckered up, expecting a kiss.

The elevator door opened, revealing a middle-aged couple stepping out. Caught off guard by the sight of two men embracing, they paused, then quickly averted their eyes in embarrassment.

Once the couple left, Xing Lixuan, a vein throbbing in his forehead, steered Yu Antong into the elevator.

As the elevator doors closed, Xing Lixuan distinctly heard the retreating couple mutter, "Young people these days, really..."

For a split second, Xing Lixuan considered leaving Yu Antong behind. He regretted turning back for him earlier.

Xing Lixuan watched the elevator's floor indicator, praying to reach their floor quickly.

Unaware of his predicament, Yu Antong saw how close Xing Lixuan's face was to his own and couldn't resist.

Standing on tiptoes, he planted a soft kiss.

A gentle "smack" echoed, sounding especially loud in the enclosed space.

Never having been kissed, Xing Lixuan's ears turned beet red. He exclaimed in exasperation, "What on earth are you trying to do?!"

Once they reached their apartment, Xing Lixuan beelined to the bedroom and tossed Yu Antong onto the bed with its bright red wedding linens.

Sitting on the edge, Xing Lixuan felt more exhausted than if he'd run ten kilometers.

Fatigued, slightly inebriated, and having woken early, he felt an overwhelming wave of sleepiness. He intended to freshen up and rest.

He tried... and failed to rise.

Turning, he saw Yu Antong gripping his shirttail.

Lying on the bed made Yu Antong sleepy too, yet he still managed to mutter dreamily, "Husband, kiss..."

Seeing him genuinely drunk, Xing Lixuan cautiously asked, "How did you and Yu Qingnian persuade my grandmother to let you marry me?"

Here, 'you' referred to both Yu Antong and Yu Qingnian.

Xing Lixuan couldn't fathom his grandmother's thinking—insisting he marry a man whose only redeeming quality was his looks.

His grandmother wasn't unreasonable. Like many elderly people, she nagged him to date and get married once he began working. But it was always gentle prodding, meant to keep him on track.

Fed up with the nagging, he finally came out to his family, telling them he was gay and wouldn't be marrying a woman.

While his family struggled with acceptance, they eventually came around. His grandmother was heartbroken but stopped pressing him about marriage.

Recently, she was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer, with the prognosis giving her at most six months.

After that, she hinted that he should bring home a boy he liked, emphasizing that gender didn't matter. What mattered was finding someone compatible and kind. She wouldn't interfere in his love life.

Given all this, Xing Lixuan was utterly baffled as to why she suddenly insisted on him marrying Yu Antong.

The elderly lady had always doted on him. When he fell into the water as a child while playing, without hesitation, she jumped into the icy winter waters to save him, leaving her with lingering health issues ever since.

Her love for him went beyond the typical bond between grandparents and grandchildren. She had also saved his life. So, when she began to stubbornly refuse food, Xing Lixuan felt compelled to agree to marry Yu Antong.

In truth, if he had truly been against the marriage, he could have refused. But he knew that she only wanted what was best for him, and so, during the last six months of her life, he decided to humor her wishes.

He had others investigate Yu Antong multiple times and found him to be unremarkable, even incompetent.

But this seemed like a positive aspect to Xing Lixuan; such a person would be easier to manage. After the marriage, he planned to sideline Yu and then gradually persuade the elderly lady.

Yet, the man before him was quite different from the report. It was intriguing.

His thoughts were interrupted by Yu Antong's voice.

Yu Antong mumbled, "You're asking me? Haha, how would I know? You should... you should ask the author."

"Ask who?"

Yu Antong's last words were so faint that even when Xing Lixuan leaned in closer, he couldn't catch them. He pressed on, "Clarify, why did you agree to marry me?"

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Something seemed to tickle Yu Antong's fancy as he covered his face and giggled, saying amidst laughter, "Oh, how could I possibly say~"

Xing Lixuan was speechless. He should've known better than to expect a straight answer from this man.

As he removed Yu's hand from his clothes and stood up, Yu Antong cheerfully suggested, "Kiss me and I'll tell you."

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"Are you genuinely drunk?" Xing Lixuan started to suspect that Yu might be pretending to be inebriated to take advantage of the situation.

"Of course I'm drunk. Why else would I dream about getting married? And my husband is super handsome!" Yu Antong continued seamlessly.

Squinting with his beautiful almond-shaped eyes, not seeing Xing Lixuan, he gestured around, "Hey, where's my husband? The tall, handsome one? He was just here."

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Sitting up and searching, he burst into laughter when his eyes landed on Xing Lixuan, reaching out, "Husband~ There you are."

After some contemplation, driven by curiosity, Xing Lixuan proposed, "If I kiss you, will you tell me why you married me?"

Growing tired, Yu Antong lowered his arms, tilting his head playfully, "Okay."

Gazing into Yu Antong's alluring, smiling eyes, Xing Lixuan began to think that a simple kiss might not be so hard after all.

He felt as though he too might be intoxicated.

Slowly, he leaned in.

Xing Lixuan leaned down and lightly brushed his lips against Yu Antong's slightly puckered ones, then recoiled as if he had been burned.

Stepping back, Xing Lixuan subconsciously licked his lips, realizing the sensation of a kiss was soft and warm.

It seems... not unpleasant.

Yu Antong, previously seated, fell backward onto the bed in a fit of giggles, rolling joyfully.

"So that's what a kiss feels like~ I quite like it."

At that, Xing Lixuan blurted out, "Was that your first kiss with anyone?"

He found it hard to believe that this was Yu Antong's first kiss, given the confidence he just displayed.

"Hehe, yes, yes it was," Yu Antong replied gleefully. "But I got married today! After tonight, I'll go from a young man to a young husband!"

Xing Lixuan held his forehead, wondering what sort of background could produce such an eccentric character.

After all, the report he received described Yu Antong as timid and introverted.

If that was considered introverted, Xing Lixuan might as well be a recluse.

"Hey, answer my earlier question."

Yu, with a memory span of mere seconds, Antong: "What question?"

"Why did you marry me?"

Yu Antong gazed at him intently, "Do I really have to say it?"

With a stoic expression, Xing Lixuan replied, "Yes."

"Of course I married you because I like you~"

Giggling, Yu Antong covered his face, "Silly husband, making me confess out loud! How embarrassing!"

Xing Lixuan felt as if he had been struck by lightning and, not wanting to engage further with Yu's flirty remarks, turned to take a shower.

Yet, his steps seemed a little unsteady.

Burying his face in the pillow, a drowsy Yu Antong thought: Is it really just 'liking' him? More like I'm after his body!

Hehehe, won't tell you the truth! Speaking it out loud would mean no more kisses or fun.

I'm just an emotionless kissing machine!

After his shower, Xing Lixuan returned to the bedroom, drying his hair. Seeing Yu Antong sprawled without inhibition across his bed, Xing Lixuan realized a significant issue.

He never brought outsiders to his residence, and in this apartment, there was only one bed in the master bedroom.

So where was he to sleep now?

The living room did have a couch, but how could Xing Lixuan, a young master raised amidst the splendors of the elite, possibly sleep on it?

Despite the air conditioning on a hot summer's day, sleeping on the couch would be far from comfortable. Xing Lixuan would rather sleep on the floor than feel confined on a sofa.

Upon opening the closet, Xing Lixuan couldn't help but laugh in exasperation.

That cunning old lady had actually moved all his bedding. It seemed she intended to prevent him from sleeping separately from Yu Antong on the floor.

In reality, if he was truly adamant about sleeping apart from Yu Antong, he could call for a bed and bedding to be delivered, but that would undoubtedly take time.

He really didn't want the hassle and hoped to rest soon.

Returning to the bed, Xing Lixuan gently rolled the peacefully sleeping figure to one side, successfully freeing up half the bed, and then set the air conditioner to sleep mode.

Perfect. Time to sleep.

They were awakened by the sound of thunder.

Yu Antong opened his eyes to find it dark outside. Glancing at his phone, he saw it was half-past six.

He was startled, thinking he had slept from the afternoon straight into the next morning.

On closer inspection, it was still the same afternoon, but the thunderstorm outside and overcast skies made it seem much darker.

Xing Lixuan had also awakened. He turned on the light and got up to wash his face.

Yu Antong noticed Xing Lixuan in pajamas and reflexively looked down at himself. His tailored suit from the wedding had been rumpled in his sleep, no wonder he felt so uncomfortable.

Staring at Xing Lixuan's broad shoulders, Yu Antong mentally cursed: This despicable man! Not a shred of chivalry, not even considering helping me out of my clothes.

On second thought, undressing someone while they're drunk isn’t chivalrous—it's downright lecherous.

Recalling his audacious behavior when drunk, Yu Antong chuckled. Letting loose felt truly liberating!

Yu Antong's belongings had been transferred to Xing Lixuan's place a day before the wedding. He opened his suitcase, planning to find something to wear after a shower.

"What is all this? So outdated, everything's faded. Nothing looks good." Yu Antong critically sorted through the clothes in his suitcase, unimpressed by every piece.

The original owner didn't have many outfits. Since attending university, the Yu family had stopped providing him with an allowance. Tuition and living expenses were covered by his own part-time jobs. It was only natural his wardrobe was a bit modest.

Though Yu Antong had been adopted, his adoptive father, Old Man Yu, was wealthy, and Yu Antong himself had earned a considerable amount. Having never really experienced hardship, seeing the original body's clothes, and being used to high-quality fabrics, it was a bit of a shock.

Closing the suitcase, Yu Antong turned to Xing Lixuan, who had just emerged from the bathroom, "Honey, can I borrow one of your shirts?"

"Where are your own clothes?" Xing Lixuan frowned. "And stop calling me that."

He had thought Yu Antong's tipsy declarations were just drunken ramblings, but to think he'd still call him that when sober!

"All of my clothes are old; I don't want to wear them," Yu Antong replied.

Regarding how to address Xing Lixuan, Yu Antong felt rebellious. "How is it inappropriate? I am, after all, your legally wedded wife. We're married! Using names feels so distant. Calling you 'honey' is much more intimate."

Xing Lixuan said, “Just a reminder, even though we're married, we're not exactly close.”

To his surprise, the next moment, Yu Antong jumped into his arms, wrapping both arms around his waist, and gazing up at him, fluttering her eyelashes, "Is this close enough for you, darling?"

Xing Lixuan, for the first time, encountered someone as shameless as Yu Antong: "Hey, let go!"

Yu Antong held on tightly, "Lend me some clothes, and I'll let go."

In this position, Xing Lixuan struggled to break free, "Let go first!"

"Only if you lend me clothes."

Xing Lixuan compromised, "There are unworn clothes in the left wardrobe. Take whatever you need."

Triumphant, Yu Antong released him and teased while picking out clothes, "Even if you've worn them, I wouldn't mind."

Ignoring Yu Antong, Xing Lixuan's secretary called, and he headed to his study with a hand on his forehead.

When Yu Antong emerged from her bath, Xing Lixuan had just finished his work. Looking at his phone, he asked, "What would you like to eat? I'll order takeout."

Yu Antong remarked, "Ordering delivery during a storm? How heartless, typical of a capitalist."

Glancing outside at the rain, Xing Lixuan realized he'd been thoughtless. He usually had meals at the company during workdays, which were arranged by his assistant.

On days off, his housekeeper would cook, so he rarely ordered delivery and hadn't considered such issues.

He admitted, "I suppose this isn't the best weather for it. I'm not sure we have much to cook with, though."

"I'll have a look."

Yu Antong rummaged through the kitchen. While there weren't many main ingredients, the pantry was well-stocked with condiments and spices.

The fridge had some homemade noodles, tomatoes, and ham.

Yu Antong proposed, "How about tomato, ham, and egg noodles?"

Just hearing the idea left Xing Lixuan unenthusiastic, "You're going to cook?"

Yu Antong retorted, "What else would I be doing in the kitchen? Inspection?"

To be honest, Xing Lixuan had assumed she was looking for something to order, "You can cook?"

The disdain in his voice was palpable.

That irked Yu Antong. She could handle criticism about many things, but not her cooking skills!

Emphasizing with hand gestures, she declared, "Not just cook, but masterfully so, okay?"

Xing Lixuan merely nodded, dismissing her words as he turned to leave, "Go ahead then. Don't bother with mine; I'm not hungry."

As Yu Antong was washing the tomatoes, she turned her head to glance at him upon hearing his words.

"I'll make something that'll leave you salivating."

"You'll see what true deliciousness is."

Yu Antong carefully washed two tomatoes, made a crosswise cut on their tops, and placed them in a bowl before pouring hot water over them to peel the skin.

The tomatoes needed to be blanched for two to three minutes. Using this time, Yu Antong chopped spring onions, ginger, and prepared slices of ham.

After Xing Lixuan walked away, he couldn't help but return, worried that Yu Antong might cause a kitchen catastrophe. He tiptoed back to get a glimpse of what she was up to.

Xing Lixuan's kitchen was designed in an open concept, and while visually appealing, it wasn’t particularly practical for traditional Chinese cuisine, which involves a lot of frying and sautéing.

The biggest drawback being the kitchen could easily fill the house with cooking fumes.

However, for someone like Xing Lixuan, who rarely cooked, this wasn't a significant concern.

Setting that aside for now, as Yu Antong was about to slice the ham, she noticed Xing Lixuan's return. Winking and flashing a playful grin, she confidently said, "Watch closely."

Xing Lixuan, nonchalantly leaning against the counter, was taken aback the very next second, a clear look of astonishment painted on his face.

Yu Antong's left hand held the ham in place, while the fingers of her right hand followed the rhythm of her knife's rapid chops. Before Xing Lixuan could even process what was happening, the ham was already perfectly sliced.

Xing Lixuan stammered, "That was fast?"

Yu Antong smirked with pride, "Mm-hmm!"

The twinkle in Yu Antong's eyes and her elevated chin awaited admiration, resembling a proud little peacock flaunting its plumage. Her spirit was vibrant and lively.

Something stirred within Xing Lixuan, and he averted his gaze to the cutting board.

On closer inspection, he noticed that the other side of the ham appeared untouched. It looked as though she had made a single incision through the center, "Did you trick me...?"

As he tried to lift the untouched side of the ham, with just a nudge, the slices toppled over like dominoes.

They were neatly stacked in a perfect diagonal, and on closer inspection, each slice was cut to the same thickness.

He initially thought Yu Antong was merely pretending to slice, but to his surprise, she had managed to make such precise cuts that the ham looked untouched. Her knife skills were incredibly swift.

Xing Lixuan was momentarily at a loss for words.

Not that he was ignorant, but witnessing such a skill from a hotel chef wouldn't faze him. After all, each profession has its masters.

But who would believe that Yu Antong, a seemingly fragile orphan who had faced hardships growing up, possessed such a talent? Even her uncle, Yu Qingnian, would likely be oblivious to her capabilities.

After a brief pause, Xing Lixuan inquired, "Did you hone these knife skills yourself?"

Lifting her chin with evident pride, Yu Antong responded, "Of course."

She thought to herself that for the first twenty years of her life, apart from enjoying tea and attending concerts, she had mostly spent her time experimenting in the kitchen. Acquiring such knife skills was simply a matter of course for her.

Just as his adoptive grandfather, Old Master Yu, often remarked, he had a keen sense of smell and taste, and a deep passion for food – he was born to be a chef.

But the actual responsibilities of a chef, like wielding the spatula and stir-frying, demanded considerable physical strength. How could a top-notch chef not be physically robust? Unfortunately, he was frail and often ill, relegating his culinary adventures to home.

Thinking of this, not a hint of sadness clouded Yu Antong's face; instead, there was a touch of pride. After all, his home experiments led to the creation of several best-selling secret sauces, making quite a profit for old Master Yu.

Lost in these thoughts, Yu Antong said to Xing Lixuan, “Have you forgotten what our Yu family was founded on?”

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