The Marriage Harbor CH16
Chapter 16: Laying it Bare
Five minutes later, Tang Zhisong’s call came through. "Are you still busy?" His tone was slightly tense.
Recalling his constant stream of calls when he dropped her off that morning, Jiang Bin surmised he was handling an emergency. "It’s manageable. Why?"
Tang Zhisong, who had been occupied all afternoon, took a quick sip of water. "If you’re finished, I’ll have the driver take you back?"
Jiang Bin realized he wouldn't be joining her. She straightened slightly.
“You still have something to handle?”
"Mn," There was fatigue in his voice, mixed with a trace of apology. “Something’s come up in San Francisco. I need to fly there overnight.”
Business always came first. Jiang Bin understood this well.
"Then attend to your work." She paused briefly. "Take care of yourself." Though she was as much of a workaholic as he was, she offered the symbolic concern expected of a wife.
"Thank you. Should I send the driver?"
"No need. I’ll make my own arrangements."
"Alright." Knowing she had her own dedicated driver, Tang Zhisong concluded, "I still have a few matters to wrap up. I'll be in touch."
Jiang Bin hung up and stared at her computer screen for a moment, lost in thought. Since Tang Zhisong was headed to San Francisco, there was no point in her returning to the Tang Estate. Without him there, the social obligations would only hinder her work. This week was a battleground; she had to finalize the contract with Changjing Film.
She called Uncle Liu.
"We’re going back to Zhouyue International tonight."
She sent a text to her mother-in-law, who assumed they were simply staying at their apartment and didn't give it a second thought.
For the next two days, Jiang Bin threw herself into the acquisition. She personally led the team to finalize the contract with Changjing Pictures, restructured multiple issues, reviewed scripts, approved projects, and worked to bring the company back on track. She was so busy she barely slept five hours a night.
Meanwhile, Tang Zhishong flew overnight to San Francisco. After more than ten hours in transit and handling the emergency upon arrival, he finally had a moment to breathe by Wednesday evening. He was about to contact Jiang Bin, but realized it was already Thursday morning, 10 AM in Shanghai.
Peak working hours. She would definitely be busy. He decided not to disturb her. Instead, he called his mother.
She picked up quickly. “Hello?”
“Mom, what are you up to?” he asked warmly.
Madam Tang, who was busy snacking on melon seeds, looked out the window in surprise. Had the sun risen in the west? Her son actually had the leisure to chat. "What could I be busy with? You two never let your feet touch the ground.I just watch dramas and do skincare.” She couldn't help but envy the neighbors whose children and grandchildren visited constantly.
He chuckled, leaning back lazily on the sofa. “Doesn’t Jiang Bin keep you company in the evenings?”
Madam Tang froze. “Binbin hasn’t come back.”
The smile vanished from Tang Zhisong’s face. He uncrossed his legs, his grip tightening on the phone.
Sensing something was wrong, Madam Tang added, "She hasn't been back since Monday night. Weren't you two together?"
A dark cloud settled over Tang Zhisong’s brow. "I flew to San Francisco on Monday night."
"Oh..." Madam Tang was no longer surprised. Her son's unpredictable schedule was the norm. Before she could pry further, Tang Zhisong’s voice turned cool and distant. "Mom, I have to go."
He stared at Jiang Bin’s WeChat interface, his brow deeply furrowed. Had she avoided the Tang Estate because he wasn't there, or was it something else?
He dialed her number. It rang seven times before she picked up. "Is something wrong?" Her voice was low—she was clearly in a meeting.
Disturbing her for personal reasons during work hours felt beneath his dignity. He was not a man who allowed personal life to interfere with business.
"It’s nothing. Carry on." He hung up.
Jiang Bin glanced at her phone, noting it was the end of the workday in San Francisco. No wonder he called. But with a table of people waiting for her, she had no time for idle chatter. She silenced her phone and returned to work mode.
Tang Zhisong stared at his darkened screen, his pulse quickening with irritation. He thought that by agreeing to return to the Tang Estate and giving her his bank cards, they had decided to build a life together. Yet, she had moved back to her own place the moment he turned his back.
Did he have to "invite" her back every single time? Tang Zhisong found he couldn't bring himself to keep lowering his posture. He put his phone away and retreated to his study.
Later, his friend Cheng Yanjun called, inviting him out for a drink. Needing a distraction, Tang Zhisong agreed to meet at a private club, though he insisted on a private room to avoid any negative press that could affect stock prices.
"Bad mood?" Cheng Yanjun asked, noticing Zhisong’s unusual silence as they played cards.
Tang Zhisong didn't answer, simply tossing a card onto the table.
"You didn't have a fight with your wife, did you?" Cheng Yanjun joked.
Tang Zhisong looked up, his expression cold and indifferent. "Do I look like the type of person who fights?"
Cheng Yanjun laughed. "True. You don't fight. If someone offends you, you just destroy them."
* * *
Jiang Bin worked for half a month straight to stabilize Changjing Film. Between the sleep deprivation and the arrival of her period five days early, her body finally gave out.
Only her assistant and Uncle Liu knew she was ill. Uncle Liu, having rarely met Tang Zhisong, followed his habit and called Mu Yun.
"Master Mu, the Miss is sick. Could you come take a look?"
Mu Yun dropped everything and drove to Zhouyue International. He used the door code to enter and found Jiang Bin slumped on the small sofa in her study, her face flushed with fever. Her computer was still on.
"Do you have a fever?" he asked, pressing a hand to her forehead.
Jiang Bin forced herself up, clutching a Capybara-shaped pillow. She offered a dull nod. Mu Yun sighed. No one could control her workaholic tendencies. He found a piece of bread he’d left in her fridge two days ago to line her stomach before giving her fever reducers.
After she fell back into a restless sleep, Mu Yun changed the water for her fish and began preparing a lean meat porridge. When he saw her sweating later, he gave her a dry towel and told her to change.
The fever broke, and Jiang Bin emerged from her room feeling slightly better. Mu Yun, still in his apron, received an urgent call from the hospital.
"I have to go," he said, untying the apron. "The porridge will be ready in ten minutes. Take care."
Jiang Bin watched him leave. She was used to carrying her own burdens and never thought to tell Tang Zhisong. To her, being sick was just another routine inconvenience.
* * *
On the evening of October 1st, Tang Zhisong’s private plane landed in Shanghai. He had been working day and night in Europe to close a major deal.
He called Jiang Bin the moment he landed.
"Hello?" her voice sounded heavily congested.
Tang Zhisong’s brow snapped together.
"Are you sick again?"
"Yes," she admitted. "My 'auntie' has arrived."
There was a silence on the other end.
"I'm coming over."
He redirected his driver to Zhouyue International. When he arrived, Jiang Bin opened the door wearing a tweed jacket over her pajamas, her face pale and thin, though her eyes still held that sharp, bright spark.
"You're here," she said, stepping aside.
Tang Zhisong looked at her weakened state. He had married her for her competence and drive, but now, he found himself resenting how hard she pushed herself. He walked in and set his laptop down.
When Jiang Bin tried to get him tea, a pang of pain made her double over.
"Rest," he said firmly. "I'll do it myself."
Jiang Bin didn't argue. She curled up in a beanbag chair by the window and watched him. She was in too much pain to talk. Tang Zhisong, seeing her distress, set his cup down. "Should I take you to the hospital?"
She shook her head and pointed toward the study. "Can you get the heating pad for me?"
He found the pad on the sofa and brought it to her. "Have you eaten?"
"Some porridge. And you?"
"Not yet." He pulled out his phone to order food. "What else do you want?"
"Can I have seafood?" she asked weakly.
Tang Zhisong stared at her without a word. Jiang Bin knew it was a 'no.'
She ruffled her hair. "Fine, never mind."
"How old are you?" Tang Zhisong asked, amused despite himself. "You're sick and you still won't watch your diet?"
"You asked what I wanted," she countered, uncharacteristically stubborn. "That’s what I want."
Their eyes met, neither yielding. Perhaps it was the long separation or the lingering tension of her moving back, but the friction sparked a sudden, playful flame between them. The ambiguous air grew still for a few seconds.
Tang Zhisong was the first to give in, deciding not to argue with a patient.
"I’ll have someone prepare it." He helplessly sighed.
Half an hour later, Jiang Bin was happily eating a fresh shrimp and vermicelli pot. Once she finished, Tang Zhisong had his assistant take the containers away.
"It’s late," he said. "Are you going to rest?"
"What about you?" she asked, not meeting his gaze.
"I am your husband," he said, his eyes fixed on her. "You're sick, it's my responsibility to care for you. I’m staying tonight."
Jiang Bin felt a slight ripple in her heart. "The guest room belongs to my best friend."
She didn't mention the master bedroom. Last time, he had preferred the study than share a bed with her.
"I have jet lag," he replied smoothly. "The sofa is fine."
"Suit yourself," she yawned. "You can use the study, there's a comfortable lounge in there."
* * *
Jiang Bin went upstairs and sent him a text ten minutes later saying she was going to sleep. It was National Day. She decided to give herself a holiday and silenced her phone.
Tang Zhisong worked for a while before his assistant brought over a change of clothes. He had just finished washing up in the first-floor bathroom when he heard the front door open.
Two men came face-to-face, and the air turned frigid. As a husband, Tang Zhisong didn't even have the code to his wife's apartment, yet Mu Yun entered as if he owned the place.
No man wants to see another man in his wife's home, not even a "cousin." Tang Zhisong’s expression remained terrifyingly calm.
Mu Yun was equally stunned to see Tang Zhisong in loungewear. He had called Jiang Bin several times, and when she didn't answer, he feared her fever had worsened. Since Tang Zhisong was here, his concern was no longer necessary. He ignored the other man's obvious displeasure. Jiang Bin’s safety was more important than Tang Zhisong's ego.
Mu Yun calmly handed a package of medicine to Tang Zhisong.
"Twice a day, after meals." Then, he left.
Tang Zhisong stood by the closed door for several minutes. He had never been so thoroughly provoked in his life. Jiang Bin was the first and the only one to do so.
* * *
Three days later, Jiang Bin was fully recovered and stretching on the terrace.
"Feeling better?" a crisp voice asked behind her.
She turned to see Tang Zhisong in a black suit, looking impossibly refined. He sat in an armchair, watching her with a faint, unreadable smile.
"All better. Thank you for taking care of me these last few days."
Tang Zhisong smiled politely, his anger hidden beneath a mask of grace. He gestured to the seat opposite him.
"Now that you're well, we need to talk."
Jiang Bin sat down, her posture as composed as his.
"About what?"
"Why didn't you go back to the Tang Estate after I left for San Francisco?"
"I was working late every day," she replied flawlessly. "I didn't want to disturb your parents."
She couldn't tell him she was waiting for him to move in with her. Her pride wouldn't allow it.
Tang Zhisong realized he couldn't break through her professional facade. He stopped circling and looked her directly in the eye.
"Have you chosen the marital home Grandfather offered?"
Jiang Bin’s pulse jumped. He was finally tearing down the veil between them.
"They are all lovely, but the locations are inconvenient for work."
Tang Zhisong stared at her for a moment, deciding to finally stop playing the game. "If you don't like those properties, my apartment at Emerald Heights is close to your office. I’ll transfer the title to your name to serve as our marital home." He paused, meeting her eyes in quiet earnest. "How about you move in with me?"
At last, the two vast ships had finally found the same dock, and the tension between them was laid bare. Since he had lowered his guard, Jiang Bin would not remain indifferent.
"There's no need to transfer the title. I'll just move in," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. She proactively suggested, "We can pick one of the properties Grandfather offered as our vacation home instead."
She smiled and took the initiative to suggest.
With that, the "real" marriage had officially begun.
The frustration Tang Zhisong had been nursing for three days finally evaporated. He uncrossed his legs and softened his tone.
"Are you thirsty? I'll get you some water."
She wasn't, but she nodded anyway. He handed her the glass, his voice tender.
"No time like the present. Let's move in tonight?"
As for the incident with Mu Yun, Tang Zhisong never brought it up, nor did he intend to.
Translation Notes:
Five minutes later, Tang Zhisong’s call came through. "Are you still busy?" His tone was slightly tense.
Recalling his constant stream of calls when he dropped her off that morning, Jiang Bin surmised he was handling an emergency. "It’s manageable. Why?"
Tang Zhisong, who had been occupied all afternoon, took a quick sip of water. "If you’re finished, I’ll have the driver take you back?"
Jiang Bin realized he wouldn't be joining her. She straightened slightly.
“You still have something to handle?”
"Mn," There was fatigue in his voice, mixed with a trace of apology. “Something’s come up in San Francisco. I need to fly there overnight.”
Business always came first. Jiang Bin understood this well.
"Then attend to your work." She paused briefly. "Take care of yourself." Though she was as much of a workaholic as he was, she offered the symbolic concern expected of a wife.
"Thank you. Should I send the driver?"
"No need. I’ll make my own arrangements."
"Alright." Knowing she had her own dedicated driver, Tang Zhisong concluded, "I still have a few matters to wrap up. I'll be in touch."
Jiang Bin hung up and stared at her computer screen for a moment, lost in thought. Since Tang Zhisong was headed to San Francisco, there was no point in her returning to the Tang Estate. Without him there, the social obligations would only hinder her work. This week was a battleground; she had to finalize the contract with Changjing Film.
She called Uncle Liu.
"We’re going back to Zhouyue International tonight."
She sent a text to her mother-in-law, who assumed they were simply staying at their apartment and didn't give it a second thought.
For the next two days, Jiang Bin threw herself into the acquisition. She personally led the team to finalize the contract with Changjing Pictures, restructured multiple issues, reviewed scripts, approved projects, and worked to bring the company back on track. She was so busy she barely slept five hours a night.
Meanwhile, Tang Zhishong flew overnight to San Francisco. After more than ten hours in transit and handling the emergency upon arrival, he finally had a moment to breathe by Wednesday evening. He was about to contact Jiang Bin, but realized it was already Thursday morning, 10 AM in Shanghai.
Peak working hours. She would definitely be busy. He decided not to disturb her. Instead, he called his mother.
She picked up quickly. “Hello?”
“Mom, what are you up to?” he asked warmly.
Madam Tang, who was busy snacking on melon seeds, looked out the window in surprise. Had the sun risen in the west? Her son actually had the leisure to chat. "What could I be busy with? You two never let your feet touch the ground.I just watch dramas and do skincare.” She couldn't help but envy the neighbors whose children and grandchildren visited constantly.
He chuckled, leaning back lazily on the sofa. “Doesn’t Jiang Bin keep you company in the evenings?”
Madam Tang froze. “Binbin hasn’t come back.”
The smile vanished from Tang Zhisong’s face. He uncrossed his legs, his grip tightening on the phone.
Sensing something was wrong, Madam Tang added, "She hasn't been back since Monday night. Weren't you two together?"
A dark cloud settled over Tang Zhisong’s brow. "I flew to San Francisco on Monday night."
"Oh..." Madam Tang was no longer surprised. Her son's unpredictable schedule was the norm. Before she could pry further, Tang Zhisong’s voice turned cool and distant. "Mom, I have to go."
He stared at Jiang Bin’s WeChat interface, his brow deeply furrowed. Had she avoided the Tang Estate because he wasn't there, or was it something else?
He dialed her number. It rang seven times before she picked up. "Is something wrong?" Her voice was low—she was clearly in a meeting.
Disturbing her for personal reasons during work hours felt beneath his dignity. He was not a man who allowed personal life to interfere with business.
"It’s nothing. Carry on." He hung up.
Jiang Bin glanced at her phone, noting it was the end of the workday in San Francisco. No wonder he called. But with a table of people waiting for her, she had no time for idle chatter. She silenced her phone and returned to work mode.
Tang Zhisong stared at his darkened screen, his pulse quickening with irritation. He thought that by agreeing to return to the Tang Estate and giving her his bank cards, they had decided to build a life together. Yet, she had moved back to her own place the moment he turned his back.
Did he have to "invite" her back every single time? Tang Zhisong found he couldn't bring himself to keep lowering his posture. He put his phone away and retreated to his study.
Later, his friend Cheng Yanjun called, inviting him out for a drink. Needing a distraction, Tang Zhisong agreed to meet at a private club, though he insisted on a private room to avoid any negative press that could affect stock prices.
"Bad mood?" Cheng Yanjun asked, noticing Zhisong’s unusual silence as they played cards.
Tang Zhisong didn't answer, simply tossing a card onto the table.
"You didn't have a fight with your wife, did you?" Cheng Yanjun joked.
Tang Zhisong looked up, his expression cold and indifferent. "Do I look like the type of person who fights?"
Cheng Yanjun laughed. "True. You don't fight. If someone offends you, you just destroy them."
* * *
Jiang Bin worked for half a month straight to stabilize Changjing Film. Between the sleep deprivation and the arrival of her period five days early, her body finally gave out.
Only her assistant and Uncle Liu knew she was ill. Uncle Liu, having rarely met Tang Zhisong, followed his habit and called Mu Yun.
"Master Mu, the Miss is sick. Could you come take a look?"
Mu Yun dropped everything and drove to Zhouyue International. He used the door code to enter and found Jiang Bin slumped on the small sofa in her study, her face flushed with fever. Her computer was still on.
"Do you have a fever?" he asked, pressing a hand to her forehead.
Jiang Bin forced herself up, clutching a Capybara-shaped pillow. She offered a dull nod. Mu Yun sighed. No one could control her workaholic tendencies. He found a piece of bread he’d left in her fridge two days ago to line her stomach before giving her fever reducers.
After she fell back into a restless sleep, Mu Yun changed the water for her fish and began preparing a lean meat porridge. When he saw her sweating later, he gave her a dry towel and told her to change.
The fever broke, and Jiang Bin emerged from her room feeling slightly better. Mu Yun, still in his apron, received an urgent call from the hospital.
"I have to go," he said, untying the apron. "The porridge will be ready in ten minutes. Take care."
Jiang Bin watched him leave. She was used to carrying her own burdens and never thought to tell Tang Zhisong. To her, being sick was just another routine inconvenience.
* * *
On the evening of October 1st, Tang Zhisong’s private plane landed in Shanghai. He had been working day and night in Europe to close a major deal.
He called Jiang Bin the moment he landed.
"Hello?" her voice sounded heavily congested.
Tang Zhisong’s brow snapped together.
"Are you sick again?"
"Yes," she admitted. "My 'auntie' has arrived."
There was a silence on the other end.
"I'm coming over."
He redirected his driver to Zhouyue International. When he arrived, Jiang Bin opened the door wearing a tweed jacket over her pajamas, her face pale and thin, though her eyes still held that sharp, bright spark.
"You're here," she said, stepping aside.
Tang Zhisong looked at her weakened state. He had married her for her competence and drive, but now, he found himself resenting how hard she pushed herself. He walked in and set his laptop down.
When Jiang Bin tried to get him tea, a pang of pain made her double over.
"Rest," he said firmly. "I'll do it myself."
Jiang Bin didn't argue. She curled up in a beanbag chair by the window and watched him. She was in too much pain to talk. Tang Zhisong, seeing her distress, set his cup down. "Should I take you to the hospital?"
She shook her head and pointed toward the study. "Can you get the heating pad for me?"
He found the pad on the sofa and brought it to her. "Have you eaten?"
"Some porridge. And you?"
"Not yet." He pulled out his phone to order food. "What else do you want?"
"Can I have seafood?" she asked weakly.
Tang Zhisong stared at her without a word. Jiang Bin knew it was a 'no.'
She ruffled her hair. "Fine, never mind."
"How old are you?" Tang Zhisong asked, amused despite himself. "You're sick and you still won't watch your diet?"
"You asked what I wanted," she countered, uncharacteristically stubborn. "That’s what I want."
Their eyes met, neither yielding. Perhaps it was the long separation or the lingering tension of her moving back, but the friction sparked a sudden, playful flame between them. The ambiguous air grew still for a few seconds.
Tang Zhisong was the first to give in, deciding not to argue with a patient.
"I’ll have someone prepare it." He helplessly sighed.
Half an hour later, Jiang Bin was happily eating a fresh shrimp and vermicelli pot. Once she finished, Tang Zhisong had his assistant take the containers away.
"It’s late," he said. "Are you going to rest?"
"What about you?" she asked, not meeting his gaze.
"I am your husband," he said, his eyes fixed on her. "You're sick, it's my responsibility to care for you. I’m staying tonight."
Jiang Bin felt a slight ripple in her heart. "The guest room belongs to my best friend."
She didn't mention the master bedroom. Last time, he had preferred the study than share a bed with her.
"I have jet lag," he replied smoothly. "The sofa is fine."
"Suit yourself," she yawned. "You can use the study, there's a comfortable lounge in there."
* * *
Jiang Bin went upstairs and sent him a text ten minutes later saying she was going to sleep. It was National Day. She decided to give herself a holiday and silenced her phone.
Tang Zhisong worked for a while before his assistant brought over a change of clothes. He had just finished washing up in the first-floor bathroom when he heard the front door open.
Two men came face-to-face, and the air turned frigid. As a husband, Tang Zhisong didn't even have the code to his wife's apartment, yet Mu Yun entered as if he owned the place.
No man wants to see another man in his wife's home, not even a "cousin." Tang Zhisong’s expression remained terrifyingly calm.
Mu Yun was equally stunned to see Tang Zhisong in loungewear. He had called Jiang Bin several times, and when she didn't answer, he feared her fever had worsened. Since Tang Zhisong was here, his concern was no longer necessary. He ignored the other man's obvious displeasure. Jiang Bin’s safety was more important than Tang Zhisong's ego.
Mu Yun calmly handed a package of medicine to Tang Zhisong.
"Twice a day, after meals." Then, he left.
Tang Zhisong stood by the closed door for several minutes. He had never been so thoroughly provoked in his life. Jiang Bin was the first and the only one to do so.
* * *
Three days later, Jiang Bin was fully recovered and stretching on the terrace.
"Feeling better?" a crisp voice asked behind her.
She turned to see Tang Zhisong in a black suit, looking impossibly refined. He sat in an armchair, watching her with a faint, unreadable smile.
"All better. Thank you for taking care of me these last few days."
Tang Zhisong smiled politely, his anger hidden beneath a mask of grace. He gestured to the seat opposite him.
"Now that you're well, we need to talk."
Jiang Bin sat down, her posture as composed as his.
"About what?"
"Why didn't you go back to the Tang Estate after I left for San Francisco?"
"I was working late every day," she replied flawlessly. "I didn't want to disturb your parents."
She couldn't tell him she was waiting for him to move in with her. Her pride wouldn't allow it.
Tang Zhisong realized he couldn't break through her professional facade. He stopped circling and looked her directly in the eye.
"Have you chosen the marital home Grandfather offered?"
Jiang Bin’s pulse jumped. He was finally tearing down the veil between them.
"They are all lovely, but the locations are inconvenient for work."
Tang Zhisong stared at her for a moment, deciding to finally stop playing the game. "If you don't like those properties, my apartment at Emerald Heights is close to your office. I’ll transfer the title to your name to serve as our marital home." He paused, meeting her eyes in quiet earnest. "How about you move in with me?"
At last, the two vast ships had finally found the same dock, and the tension between them was laid bare. Since he had lowered his guard, Jiang Bin would not remain indifferent.
"There's no need to transfer the title. I'll just move in," she replied, a small smile playing on her lips. She proactively suggested, "We can pick one of the properties Grandfather offered as our vacation home instead."
She smiled and took the initiative to suggest.
With that, the "real" marriage had officially begun.
The frustration Tang Zhisong had been nursing for three days finally evaporated. He uncrossed his legs and softened his tone.
"Are you thirsty? I'll get you some water."
She wasn't, but she nodded anyway. He handed her the glass, his voice tender.
"No time like the present. Let's move in tonight?"
As for the incident with Mu Yun, Tang Zhisong never brought it up, nor did he intend to.
Translation Notes:
- Aunt/Great Aunt (大姨妈) is a common Chinese slang term and euphemism for a woman's menstrual period.
- National Day in China is celebrated annually on October 1st to commemorate the founding of the People's Republic of China. It is a 7-day "Golden Week" holiday, usually running from October 1st to October 7th, where the nation pauses for festivities and travel.
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