Volume 1, Chapter 37: I Like It Too

Lin Chen did not notice Xu Mi's unusual reaction. He took out the egg tarts and turned to change his shoes.

"Honey, let me tell you, I ran into a total weirdo today!" he grumbled. "The company assigned me a car, and my boss in the Marketing Department said I could use it, and if he ever needed to go anywhere, I could drive him. That was fine by me. After all, I’m more than happy to act as a chauffeur since they gave me such a nice car to drive. But you won't believe what happened next!"

Lin Chen looked indignant. "The head of the Finance Department came over and demanded I take her staff out to collect debts!"

Xu Mi felt a weight lift from her heart, though she was slightly confused. "You didn't want to take them?" If that were the case, she would need to have a word with Shen Wei later. After all, the car was intended to be Lin Chen's private vehicle under the company's name.

Lin Chen shook his head. "It’s not that I didn't want to help—we’re all colleagues, and it’s only right to work for the company. It’s just that the people from the Finance Department... you have no idea how bizarre they are!" He proceeded to recount everything, from meeting Yu Lingyan in the breakroom to her persistent flirtations while they were out in the field. "I told her I was married, but she wouldn't believe me! She even demanded to see my marriage certificate!"

When Xu Mi heard about the female colleague asking for his WeChat in the breakroom, her expression darkened. She had always felt insecure because she was nearly twenty years older than Lin Chen. She knew the young women at the company were all glamorous and well-dressed, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. However, when she heard that Lin Chen had stated his married status without hesitation, she began to smile. At that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of sweetness.

"Your husband is being harassed, and you're still laughing?" Lin Chen looked aggrieved. "You have no idea. Being in that breakroom today felt like Tang Sanzang entering the spider cave—I was terrified!"

Xu Mi giggled. "Being harassed just means you're charming! Besides, you rejected them without hesitation, didn't you? That’s why I’m happy. I’m happy that you always keep me in your heart and can resist temptations from the outside world."

Sensing her underlying worry, Lin Chen replied helplessly, "Silly, you're so wonderful, and I already have you—how could I possibly fool around?"

"With you around, nothing else is temptation."

"Then what would you call it?"

"Flies. Harassment. It’s to the point where looking at them for even a second is disgusting. I have to look at my precious wife more to heal my emotional trauma!"

"You're awful, always sweet-talking me." Xu Mi gave him a playful glare, feeling sweeter than ever.

Lin Chen walked over, crouched in front of her wheelchair, and looked at her intently. "I'm not just sweet-talking you. I mean every word."

"Honey, in my heart, you are perfect! All the women in the world combined aren't worth even a single finger of yours!"

Xu Mi’s face turned bright red instantly. Shy and flustered, she pushed Lin Chen away, maneuvered her wheelchair back to the room, and slammed the door shut.

Shy again! Lin Chen sighed. His treasure was perfect in every way, but she was just too prone to blushing! They were already married, had exchanged vows, kissed, hugged, and even slept in the same bed, yet she still acted shy at every turn. At this rate, he feared that even when her health improved, he would never make it to their wedding night. Lin Chen silently made a resolution: he would have to say more romantic things and initiate more intimate gestures to help her get used to it as soon as possible! Otherwise, he didn't know how much longer he could hold out.

...

When it was time, Auntie Zhou arrived to cook dinner. Seeing Lin Chen home so early, she asked curiously, "How come you're home so early today?"

"Because I was missing my wife! I worked my heart out all day to finish my tasks as quickly as possible so I could come back and be with her," Lin Chen said candidly.

Xu Mi blushed. "Don't talk nonsense!"

Auntie Zhou chuckled, "Oh my, newlyweds really are different. So sweet! If only my old man were like you!"

Lin Chen corrected her, "Auntie Zhou, it’s not because we're newlyweds; it’s entirely because my wife is perfect and I love her so much. This love won't fade with time. It’s not just now—ten, twenty years from now, when we’re both old, I’ll still be thinking of her just like this..."

"Lin Chen!!!" Xu Mi covered her flushed face. "Stop talking!"

Lin Chen wasn't finished. "Alright, since my dear wife has spoken, I’ll stop."

"You're still saying it!" Xu Mi was so flustered she almost stomped her feet.

Auntie Zhou watched them bicker with a smile, sighing, "It’s so good to be young! Alright, this old woman won't be a third wheel. You two eat; I should head home to cook for my old man!"

After she left, Xu Mi frowned. "Besides working for us, Auntie Zhou seems to have taken on a cleaning job. She works all day, and her husband doesn't even cook dinner, just waits for her to come back..."

"Don't worry, honey, I would never do that to you!" Lin Chen interjected. "Look at me—I have a good job now and I’m earning good money. It’s enough to support you so you don’t have to work. As for chores, if you want, Auntie Zhou can keep coming. If not, I’ll learn to cook and do it myself. I promise I won't let you lift a finger!"

Xu Mi felt a warmth in her heart, though she feigned distress. "But my mother pays Auntie Zhou’s salary..."

"Once I pass my probation and things stabilize, I’ll tell Mom that I’ll cover it from now on!"

"And the rent..."

"That’s definitely on me too!" Lin Chen said as if it were obvious. "Providing for the family is a man’s responsibility. Isn't that how it should be?"

Xu Mi smiled and hooked her finger at him. "Come here."

"What is it?" Lin Chen leaned in.

Xu Mi suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled him close, and kissed his cheek. Lin Chen was stunned. He had felt incredibly lucky just to get a kiss when he left that morning. To think he’d get such a treat at home, too!

Lin Chen reacted instantly, pulling her close to take the lead. The light peck on the cheek turned into a lingering kiss on the lips. The sound of their lips parting created an intimate melody. Xu Mi was shy and flustered, yet overcome with sweetness; she sat in her wheelchair, eyes closed, head tilted back, letting him take what he wanted.

When they finally broke apart, both were breathless. Xu Mi, in particular, had not fully recovered her health, and the intense emotional surge left her looking pale. The blush that had been on her cheeks faded.

"Honey, are you alright?" Lin Chen panicked. "It’s all my fault. I knew you weren't well, but I couldn't control myself. Don't be afraid, I’ll take you to the hospital..."

"No need." Xu Mi pressed her hand against his, speaking weakly. "I’ll be fine after a rest. It’s not that serious." She paused, a faint flush returning to her pale cheeks. "Just now... I liked it too."