Green-muscle bound monster

Lu Jinchen remained utterly unbothered as if he were immune to public attention. Which, of course, he was. Without sparing anyone a glance, he strode toward the parking lot, carrying Xia Yuqing with ease. 

Meanwhile, Xia Yuqing was not nearly as composed. She wriggled in protest. "Put me down! I can walk just fine!"

"Nope," he replied smoothly. "You're injured."

"It's nothing! I'm strong!"

"Yes, yes," he drawled lazily. "A strong woman. Like the Hulk."

Xia Yuqing: "....."

Wait. Did this man just compare her to the Hulk?

Her lips twitched. "Are you calling me ugly?"

Lu Jinchen blinked. "What?"

"You compared me to the Hulk. The green, muscle-bound monster. That means, in your eyes, I'm ugly."

Lu Jinchen: "....."

When did he say that?! He was talking about her strength, not her beauty. How did she even come to that conclusion?!

Ah, women truly were complicated creatures. And now, he was experiencing it firsthand.

But, oddly enough, he didn't mind it one bit.

"My dear wife, I was not calling you the Hulk. I was praising you for being stronger than the Hulk," he said, his lips curling.

Xia Yuqing harrumphed. "Of course, I am stronger—wait. Whose dear wife? I'm not your dear wife! Don't call me that! And don't forget—you're just my contract husband. Nothing more. Nothing less."

"Yes, yes," he sighed, unfazed.

By then, they had reached the car. Gao Yiming was already waiting, and the moment he saw them, he swiftly opened the backseat door. Lu Jinchen carefully placed her inside, adjusting her position so that her foot wouldn't bear any weight.

Xia Yuqing bit her lip, noticing how gentle he was. "You don't have to be so careful. I'm not made of glass."

He adjusted her leg with a small smile. "Of course, you're not."

Then he slid in beside her, instructing Gao Yiming to drive.

As the engine roared to life and the car exited the parking lot, Xia Yuqing turned her gaze to the passing buildings outside, an odd unease settling in her heart. Why was he being so careful over a small injury? He was just her contract husband. They were married in name only, so why…?

Even the emperor in her past life had never treated her this delicately, not even when she had suffered wounds far worse than this. She didn't want to admit it, but there was a strange feeling creeping into her chest. Something unfamiliar. Something she couldn't quite grasp.

What was this feeling?

She pursed her lips, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Lu Jinchen relaxed in his seat—until his gaze flickered over her. And then he froze.

Only now did he realize what she was wearing.

The flimsy material of her dress clung to her delicate frame, accentuating her slender waist and graceful collarbone. Her long legs stretched out before him, smooth and bare. And though her dress covered what needed to be covered, it somehow made things worse—teasing rather than concealing.

The thin straps rested against her skin, and for a brief moment, his fingers itched with the absurd urge to trace them.

Lu Jinchen froze. His jaw tightened. His fingers curled into a fist as he realized where his thoughts were going.

What the hell?

He had always prided himself on his self-control. Even if a woman stood naked before him, he could remain indifferent. Treat her as nothing more than air.

Then why...

Why was she an exception?

Could it be… he was actually attracted to her?

The moment that thought crossed his mind, he ruthlessly shoved it away. No! There was no way he was attracted to this crazy woman! It must be the dress. Yes, it was the dress's fault. It was so ugly.

Muttering under his breath, he swiftly removed his coat and leaned toward her.

Xia Yuqing blinked at his sudden movement. "What are you doing?" she asked warily.

"Covering you."

"Why?"

"It's winter. You'll get cold," he answered matter-of-factly.

Xia Yuqing looked out the window at the bright, blazing sun and rolled her eyes. "Crazy."

Lu Jinchen said nothing. Only after making sure she was properly covered did he finally relax. But then, his gaze flickered to her leg again. "What happened to your injury?" he asked.

"Accident," she replied.

"How did you meet Miss Yan?"

"She hit me with her car."

Lu Jinchen's expression darkened. But before he could say anything, Xia Yuqing suddenly narrowed her eyes, realizing something.

Wait.

Why was she answering all his questions like an obedient little wife?

She straightened and shot him a pointed look. "Why are you interrogating me like this?"

"I'm your husband. Shouldn't I have the right to know?"

Xia Yuqing scoffed. "Mr. Lu, must I remind you? This is a contract marriage. You were the one who set the rules. So why are you breaking them one by one and prying into my life?"

 Lu Jinchen sighed, rubbing his temples. "Do we have to be so specific? We are going to live under the same roof. Shouldn't we at least have some conversation? Besides..." He paused, then added casually, "I was looking for you yesterday. I have the right to know.

Xia Yuqing stiffened. "You… were looking for me?"

"Yes," he nodded.

It was only now did she really looked at him. Her gaze trailed over his face, taking in the slight shadows under his eyes, the exhaustion between his brows, and the lingering fatigue in his eyes.

Don't tell her...

Had he not slept last night?

Had he really been awake the whole time searching for her?

"But why?" she murmured.

Lu Jinchen looked at her and smiled slightly. "Because..."

Just then, the car rolled to a stop. Gao Yiming glanced back. "Jinchen, we're here."

Lu Jinchen's gaze lingered on her for a fraction longer before he turned away. Without finishing his sentence, he stepped out of the car. Then, walking to the other side, he scooped her into his arms once more.

This time, Xia Yuqing was prepared.

So, as soon as he picked her up, she looped her arms around his neck and looked around curiously. The car had pulled into a grand estate. In front of her stood a grand mansion, surrounded by manicured gardens, a pond glistening under the sun, and vibrant flower beds stretching along the pathways. A swing set swayed lightly in the breeze.

It wasn't as grand as the palace she had once lived in, but…

It was beautiful.