A man's nagging

Lu Jinchen carried Xia Yuqing in his arms and strode into the house. Behind them, Gao Yiming stood frozen for a second before his lips curled into a knowing smile. Without realizing it, Lu Jinchen had just fulfilled the age-old tradition of carrying the bride home.

How could he possibly miss such a golden moment?

Without letting the couple know, Gao Yiming swiftly took out his phone and snapped a picture, his grin widening at the masterpiece he just captured. He was definitely going to keep this one for future use. 

The moment Lu Jinchen entered the grand mansion, a middle-aged man in his mid-fifties came rushing over. "Master, Young Madam," the man greeted with a deep bow, his tone dripping with reverence.

Young Madam?

Xia Yuqing nearly choked on air.

Lu Jinchen merely nodded, carrying her inside, and placed her on the couch. The moment her feet touched the ground, she exhaled in relief. "Finally... this man put me down..." she muttered under her breath as if she had survived some terrible journey.

A glimmer of amusement flickered in Lu Jinchen's eyes, but she pretended not to hear it. Instead, he gestured toward the middle-aged man. "Xia Yuqing, this is Housekeeper Xu. He has been serving our family for years. If you need anything, just tell him."

Xia Yuqing nodded politely. "Hello, Housekeeper Xu."

Housekeeper Xu smiled warmly. "Young Madam, I am at your service."

Young Madam. Again.

Xia Yuqing felt a migraine incoming.

While Housekeeper Xu left to bring some refreshments, Lu Jinchen continued his introduction, "Your room is on the first floor. If there's anything you don't like, let Housekeeper Xu know. He'll take care of it."

Xia Yuqing nodded again, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes. Was this man going to brief her about every single thing in the house? Did he think she was a clueless toddler?

"Did you eat breakfast?"

"Yes," she answered, nodding for what felt like the nth time. 

"Good." He gave a satisfied nod. "This is your home now, so don't hesitate to do whatever you want or ask for anything."

Xia Yuqing blinked at him. Was there a switch to turn off this man's nagging? Why was he speaking like a kindergarten teacher reassuring a nervous child on the first day of school?

Then, to her relief, Lu Jinchen glanced at his watch. "I have to get back to the office. We'll talk later tonight. Take care."

"Mm," she hummed, hoping that was the end of his endless instructions.

Lu Jinchen turned to leave, but just as he reached the door, he suddenly paused and spun around. Xia Yuqing tensed up. What now?!

He walked straight up to her, eyes locked onto her like a predator eyeing its prey. She raised a wary brow. "What is it? Did you forget something?"

"My coat." He pointed at the garment draped over her shoulders.

"Oh." She hurriedly shrugged it off and handed it to him. But just as she thought he'd take it and finally leave, he… didn't.

Instead, he smoothly sat down beside her, far too close for comfort. Before she could even process what was happening, Lu Jinchen pulled out his phone with one hand, and with the other, he tilted her face, pressing her lips against his cheek in one swift motion.

Click.

A picture was taken.

Xia Yuqing sat frozen, her brain freezing like a lagging computer. Who am I? Where am I? And what in the world just happened to me?! By the time her stunned brain rebooted, Lu Jinchen was already standing up, smug as ever, tucking his phone like nothing happened. 

Her face instantly flushed a furious red. "YOU PERVERT! YOU HOOLIGAN! YOU SCOUNDREL!" she shrieked, pointing a trembling finger at him.

Lu Jinchen burst into laughter, thoroughly enjoying her reaction. "You kissed me, and I'm the pervert?"

"I kissed you?! SAY THAT AGAIN!" she fumed, eyes burning with fury. "It was you who grabbed my chin and—!"

"Hmm? But the picture clearly shows you kissing me," he mused with faux innocence, blinking his eyes innocently. "If you want, I can take out my phone and show it to you. We can analyze the evidence together." 

Xia Yuqing was speechless.

Seeing her fuming yet unable to argue, Lu Jinchen chuckled. "Relax. I just needed to send a picture to your mother-in-law. She wanted to see a picture of us together."

Xia Yuqing gawked at him. If this man wanted a picture, he could've just asked! It wasn't like she would refuse. Well, actually, she would. But that wasn't the point!

This man simply had to do something so shameless and pull such a stunt!

"Pervert!" she huffed.

Lu Jinchen chuckled, clearly in a fantastic mood. "Says the woman who tied me up and stripped me yesterday. This picture is just the interest. I haven't even collected my revenge yet!" 

Xia Yuqing froze. 

Oh. Right. That did happen.

Her ears turned crimson as the memories of that incident flashed through her mind. She had no rebuttal. Lu Jinchen's smirk deepened. "What? Got nothing to say?" he teased, clearly enjoying the silence.

Xia Yuqing glared at him. Seeing his infuriatingly smug expression, she grabbed the nearest object—a pillow—and hurled it at his face. Unfortunately, Lu Jinchen was quick. He dodged the attack with a laugh and sprinted toward the door.

Seeing his disappearing figure and thinking about the cheek kiss, her hands clenched into fists.

She couldn't live like this!

Today, he forcefully pressed her lips against his cheek. Who knew what shameless stunt he'd pull next?!

This marriage had to end.

DIVORCE! DIVORCE!

She needed a divorce!

At this moment, Housekeeper Xu walked out of the kitchen, carrying a white tray with fresh lime juice and neatly cut fruits. He paused when he saw Xia Yuqing alone on the couch, her face dark like storm clouds.

"Young Madam, where did the Young Master go?" he asked politely.

"Straight to hell," she answered through gritted teeth. 

Housekeeper Xu blinked in confusion. Before he could say anything, Xia Yuqing stood up and limped towards the stairs. Then, as if remembering something, she turned back, grabbed the tray from his hands, and continued her slow, vengeful march upstairs.

"Young Madam, do you need help?" he called after her.

"I'm fine," she muttered, waving him off. But after a few more steps, she stopped again, glancing over her shoulder. "Oh, and Housekeeper Xu?"

"Yes, Young Madam?"

She exhaled sharply. "You don't have to call me that."

Housekeeper Xu looked startled. "But, Young Madam, you are married to Young Master. This is your rightful title. How can I call you something else?" 

Xia Yuqing stared at him for a long moment before sighing in defeat. "Forget it," she grumbled. "It won't matter soon anyway."

And with that, she continued her journey upstairs, muttering under her breath. Meanwhile, Housekeeper Xu stood frozen in place, watching her leave with a puzzled expression.

Had the Young Master already done something to get himself kicked out of his own marriage? This level of skill was.... impressive. 

He let out a long sigh, shaking his head. 

Young Master, Madam put so much effort into finding you a wife, and you've already made her so furious on the second day of the marriage itself?

If you keep this up, you might want to start preparing for a bachelor's life... permanently.