The Marriage Harbor CH21
Chapter 21: He Believes in Letting Things Take Their Natural Course
A main road passed beneath Aloft Rock, and the once-quiet trail began to fill with an increasing influx of visitors. Tang Zhisong and Jiang Bin adjusted their pace as they left the lookout behind, continuing their steady ascent into the higher reaches of the mountain.
Some employees spotted the President and his wife and began frantically snapping photos to share in group chats. The executives from Ningsheng Technology and the Jiang Group, hearing that the boss had already reached the summit, grew anxious. How could they let the leadership beat them to the top? One by one, they began huffing and puffing their way up the mountain.
The summit featured a stone-paved platform offering a panoramic view of Shanghai. Drones circled overhead, capturing video footage of the event. Beneath the wide terrace sat two small kiosks next to the restrooms.
Jiang Bin stepped out of the restroom and bumped into Cheng Ying, who was gasping for air alongside several interior design directors. Seeing Jiang Bin looking completely unruffled, Cheng Ying was shocked. "How are you so fast?"
"We took a shortcut," Jiang Bin smiled.
The two walked onto the terrace to enjoy the breeze. Staff members had arrived early to set up grill stations and Western-style catering. The Administrative Director of Ningsheng Technology personally brought Jiang Bin a glass of juice. "President Jiang, please try this and see if it’s to your taste."
"Thank you for your hard work today," Jiang Bin said.
"You’re too kind, President Jiang. It’s the least we could do." The director was a sharp one. She had discovered through some channel that the President’s wife enjoyed fruit juice and had prepared it specifically for her.
In truth, Jiang Bin's "fondness" for juice stemmed entirely from Mu Lingshu's habit of making it for her. Over time, she had come to believe she actually liked it.
The Administrative Director glanced toward Tang Zhisong, who was currently on a call with the San Francisco HQ. She didn't dare disturb him. Even when he wasn't on the phone, most staff found him quite intimidating.
The Ningsheng employees found this "President's Wife" to be exceptionally approachable. One by one, they came up to ask for photos. Some called her "President Jiang," others "Madam President," and Jiang Bin met them all with a smile.
When Tang Zhisong concluded his call, he turned to find that his wife had become the inadvertent center of attention. She was being pulled into one photograph after another, her presence acting as a magnet for the surrounding crowd.
He frowned slightly. Assistant Li, well-acquainted with his boss's temperament, gave a small cough to the Administrative Director. Taking the hint, the director found an excuse to guide Jiang Bin over to the grilling station while Assistant Li brought Tang Zhisong a coffee.
Once the executives had all arrived, the Administrative Director organized a group photo. Tang Zhisong and Jiang Bin stood at the dead center, the background perfectly framing the Ningsheng and Jiang Group towers on opposite banks of the Sangjiang River.
Afterward, Tang Zhisong discussed work with several directors, while Jiang Bin was pulled into conversation by the Fuheng executives. The rest of the crowd drifted off in small groups to eat, chat, and take photos.
Around 5:00 PM, seeing the sunset was perfect, the Administrative Director whispered to Assistant Li, "The scenery is beautiful. Should we let President Tang and his wife have a private photo together?"
Assistant Li agreed the opportunity was rare. Aside from essential public appearances, Tang Zhisong rarely took photos. Today was different. With the President's wife present, rules were meant to be broken. He approached Tang Zhisong during a brief break in the crowd.
"President Tang, would you like to take a commemorative photo with your wife?"
Tang Zhisong looked over at Jiang Bin. She was currently striking various poses for a group of Jiang Group employees and seemed to be enjoying herself. He handed his coffee cup to Assistant Li and walked over. The Administrative Director followed eagerly.
"President Jiang, we’d like to get a photo of you and President Tang together."
Jiang Bin found it impossible to refuse such a direct request. Seeing that Tang Zhisong had already approached, she assumed the director had invited him to join her. Cheng Ying, already prepared with a professional camera, immediately stepped forward to clear the viewing platform.
"Come, come! I’ll take it for you." she insisted, her tone bright and commanding.
As a dedicated hobbyist photographer, Cheng Ying was not about to let the day pass without capturing this moment. She hadn't lugged her heavy equipment up a mountain for nothing.
Jiang Bin looked at Cheng Ying and realized she hadn't formally introduced her to Zhisong. She gestured to her friend.
"This is Cheng Ying. She’s helping me out at the Jiang Group right now. Her father is Cheng Yuan, the Chairman of Kejia-Kekou Beverages."
"I see," Tang Zhisong replied, the name clicking into place. He offered a polite smile and reached out to shake Cheng Ying’s hand.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Chairman Cheng once before."
Cheng Ying, who habitually referred to him as "your man" in their private messages, was suddenly overcome with a rare wave of nerves. Facing his formidable presence, she reached out with both hands for a brief, respectful shake.
"Hello, President Tang. My father is a big fan of Ningsheng Technology. He often remarks that your latest products are truly top-tier."
"I am honored to hear that," Tang Zhisong replied, his tone gracious yet maintaining his typical noble distance.
Tang Zhisong and Cheng Ying swapped places. Several cameras were aimed at them, each photographer seeking the best angle. Tang Zhisong generally disliked such scenes, but he had Jiang Bin beside him. Aside from their marriage certificate photo, they hadn't taken a single picture together. On that previous occasion, they had been stiff and detached. This time, burdened by their roles as prominent CEOs in front of their own employees, they remained equally upright and composed.
Looking through the lens, Cheng Ying grew visibly impatient with their rigid posture. While the other staff members did not dare to speak a word, Cheng Ying’s long-standing familiarity with Jiang Bin gave her the necessary courage.
"President Jiang, lean a bit closer to President Tang." She suggested.
Though she was often bossy in their private messages, Cheng Ying was careful to maintain a professional tone in public. It was a subtle, calculated hint directed as much toward Tang Zhisong as it was to her friend.
As Jiang Bin began to lean toward him to close the gap, Tang Zhisong suddenly raised his arm and pulled her firmly against his shoulder. Jiang Bin found herself drawn almost entirely into his embrace, the sudden intimacy striking a chord in the quiet mountain air. Cheng Ying seized the moment immediately, snapping several frames in quick succession.
Tang Zhisong was not a man for casual smiles, so the crowd didn't dare push their luck. Within three minutes, the two stepped down. Jiang Bin wanted to see the photos but restrained herself.
As Tang Zhisong returned to his group of directors, Cheng Ying cast a knowing smirk at Jiang Bin. Jiang Bin responded with a light, playful swat.
"Have some dignity," she murmured, teasing her friend for the uncharacteristic subservience she had shown toward Tang Zhisong only moments ago.
Cheng Ying shrugged.
"Can’t blame me. Your man’s aura is just too strong. Seriously, I barely dared to look at him." It was hard to imagine how Jiang Bin lived with him. She wondered if she’d ever see this "Untouchable Peak" fall from his pedestal.
* * *
As the gathering began to wind down, the various groups started their descent. The summit had been densely populated by the corporate elite, prompting many of the junior staff to remain on the lower slopes to avoid the imposing presence of their superiors.
Jiang Bin scanned the dispersing crowd but found no sign of Tao Xing. She turned to Li Yang with a quiet inquiry.
"Where did she disappear to?"
"Likely abducted by now," Li Yang replied, her laughter carrying a hint of knowing amusement.
Jiang Bin could only offer a resigned sigh. They were all adults, and if Tao Xing and Qin Mian wanted to move things along before the wedding, it was their own responsibility.
"Ensure everything remains in order here. I need to head back," she instructed. Tang Zhisong was already waiting for her at a short distance, his composed posture suggesting he had further pressing matters to attend to.
While others walked down, the driver brought the Cullinan to the summit. As they drove back, Cheng Ying sent the photos. Jiang Bin opened them. The first few were so solemn they looked like a meeting between heads of state. She laughed quietly.
Tang Zhisong looked over. "What is it?"
Jiang Bin composed herself, not yet used to sharing these small joys. "Nothing."
Cheng Ying: [Want the rest?]
Jiang Bin sent back a string of periods, showing her exasperation.
Cheng Ying: [Beg me.]
Jiang Bin: [Send them or don't. See if I care.]
Cheng Ying sent a winking emoji.
[That means you want them. Since these are good, you owe me a bigger year-end bonus.]
She sent the last two. In the first photo, Tang Zhisong had his arm around Jiang Bin and both were looking at the camera, looking like an established, peaceful couple. In the last one, Jiang Bin had pushed her sunglasses up onto her forehead and was smiling brightly, the usual sharpness of her features softened by the light. Tang Zhisong was looking at her, and the gaze behind his tea-colored lenses was undeniably deep and tender.
Jiang Bin felt a sudden, rhythmic hammering in her chest. She quickly saved the photos and locked her screen to hide the evidence of her fluttering pulse. From the corner of his eye, Tang Zhisong noted her focus on the images, yet he remained silent, unsure of how to bridge the distance to ask for the photos himself.
* * *
They reached Emerald Heights at dusk. Following a day on the trails, both retreated to shower and change. Jiang Bin took the master suite while Tang Zhisong used one of the other bathrooms, keeping to their usual, unspoken boundaries.
When they eventually met in the living room, Jiang Bin had changed into a comfortable slim-fitted dress, and Tang Zhisong was in a set of high-end loungewear.
"What are you having for dinner?" she asked.
She leaned back against the kitchen island. Her black cashmere dress was modest, but its fine knit traced every curve of her figure with elegant allure. Tang Zhisong sensed something was different about her tonight. He watched her for a few seconds.
"I could boil some noodles for you," he suggested, noting her tired expression.
Jiang Bin blinked, her interest piqued. "You actually know how to cook?"
"Not exactly," he admitted with a short, self-deprecating laugh. "I have only ever managed simple noodles for myself."
He was rarely without his private chef, but on the rare nights he wanted the house to himself, he preferred to keep things minimal. He had never prepared a meal for anyone else before. However, Jiang Bin was his wife, and taking care of her was his duty.
Jiang Bin felt a small pang of disappointment at the "simple noodles." She was a disaster in the kitchen herself. Accustomed to her cousin’s gourmet skills, she wasn't sure what to expect from Zhisong. But she knew the value of emotional support.
"Then I’ll wait for President Tang’s grand feast."
Her face was clean of makeup, looking fresh and spirited. Tang Zhisong caught her expectant gaze and let out a short laugh before deliberately rolling up his sleeves. Jiang Bin remained leaned against the counter, her eyes following his every move.
A man likes to be encouraged. Watching her wait gave Tang Zhisong the brief, flickering illusion of a wife truly waiting to be fed, and he suddenly felt a rare, unexpected weight of pressure.
"Try it first," he cautioned, his tone light yet guarded. "If it is bad, then don't force yourself to finish it."
If Cheng Yanjun was here, he surely would have mocked Tang Zhisong for being so uncharacteristically insecure over a simple bowl of noodles.
"Did you cook for yourself while abroad?" she asked.
"My family home is in San Francisco," he replied. She had momentarily overlooked the fact that he had grown up in an environment with a full staff at his disposal.
"And you?" he countered. He remembered she had studied in France, the US, and the UK. Though they hadn't been close then, his grandfather’s interest in the Jiang family meant her news always reached his ears.
"I never once stepped into a kitchen," she admitted with a laugh. "I either ate out or someone cooked for me."
Tang Zhisong immediately thought of that "someone," and the image of Mu Yun flashed briefly in his mind. He chose not to ask. He was far too proud and rational to let the shadow of another man stand between them now.
"The Tang family has several great chefs. I’ll have them rotate for you." The implication was clear: she didn't need to eat anyone else's cooking.
Jiang Bin agreed, though she found herself wishing Tang Zhisong would be the one to do it. Moments like these made the marriage feel grounded and real. It had been over a decade since she had experienced this specific kind of domestic warmth.
Fifteen minutes later, the bowls were ready. She tried to help carry them, but he insisted on doing it himself.
Tang Zhisong hadn't been humble. They were indeed simple noodles in a clear, translucent broth. The only quality they shared with her cousin’s professional culinary skill was... they were light.
"Not bad," she remarked, maintaining her composed expression as she took the first bite. She was privately relieved that the portion was modest and manageable.
Halfway through the meal, Tang Zhisong paused, his own chopsticks hovering for a moment.
"It's been too long," he admitted, a trace of amusement in his voice. "I'm clearly out of practice."
They both laughed, the sound breaking the quiet of the kitchen and leaving the atmosphere more harmonious than it had ever been since their marriage began.
* * *
Following their meal, Tang Zhisong handled the cleanup while Jiang Bin stepped out to water the plants on the terrace. She paused, casting a quiet glance back toward the kitchen through the glass. The steady breadth of his shoulders and the sharp, refined lines of his profile made even the most mundane housework appear dignified and noble.
This marriage was turning out much better than expected. She had initially viewed their union as a strategic alliance where she would manage the expectations of their elders and he would lend her his influence. Now, they were both willing to invest in the relationship. He fulfilled his role as a husband with a quiet, consistent dedication both in the public eye and within the privacy of their home.
As for deeper feelings, she felt those could simply develop over time.
Tang Zhisong leaned against the kitchen island, his gaze following her every move. She stood amidst the terrace flowers with a small watering can, her dark hair gathered loosely to one side. Neither of them seemed in any hurry to return to their respective studies.
A wordless understanding was brewing in between them.
When she eventually stepped back inside, he reached out and handed her a wet wipe. She accepted it, leaning against the island comfortably close to him.
"Would you like some tea?" he asked, his voice low and attentive.
"Just water, please."
He poured a glass and remained standing close to her. Despite the cool October breeze drifting against the glass outside, the interior of the apartment was perfectly tempered. They both looked toward the glowing silhouette of Zhouyue International across the river..
"Are there still many flowers left at your old apartment?"
"Mn, the larger ones haven't been moved yet," she replied.
"I'll arrange for a gardener to move them over whenever you have the time," he suggested.
It was typical of him to solve most of his problems with money. Jiang Bin thought about Mu Yun looking after them.
"We'll see," she said quietly. Moving the rest of her things felt like a final commitment to this shared life, and a small part of her still preferred having a retreat of her own.
They stood together in the comfortable silence of the kitchen. In the past, they were always busy with phones or work. Today, they had nothing in their hands. The lingering ambiguity from the mountain hike had followed them home, and after months of living within the same walls, they both sensed the need for a breakthrough.
Unlike normal couples who started with falling in-love first, they were a match forged of shared interests and strategic alignment. A moment of genuine vulnerability was fleeting, and Jiang Bin knew that if they missed this chance, there was no telling when another would arrive. It was precisely why she had been so deliberate when selecting her dress earlier that evening.
She kept her gaze fixed on the city lights outside, yet she could feel his focus entirely on her. Tang Zhisong had never been a man who valued weakness. He admired competence and sharp intellect above all else. With a woman as strikingly beautiful and capable as Jiang Bin standing before him, it was impossible not to have thoughts. His body reacted to her presence every night they shared a bed, but he had exercised restraint. He was a patient, elegant hunter by nature, one who believed in letting things take their natural course.
"More water?" he asked, his voice low and subtly coaxing.
He posed the question, yet his dark eyes remained fixed on her face, and he made no move toward the pitcher on the counter. If this was his signal, Jiang Bin understood perfectly.
She turned to meet his gaze directly. Without the barrier of his tea-colored glasses, his features were strikingly handsome and remarkably clear.
"Tang Zhisong... in the future, don't wear your glasses when you're with me, okay?"
He felt a sudden, profound stir in his chest. If this was her response, he understood just as perfectly as she did. The gentle, guarded look in his eyes vanished, replaced by a sharp and focused intent. He wrapped a broad palm firmly around her waist and closed the remaining distance until he was only inches from her lips.
"Okay." he murmured, his breath ghosting against her skin.
Translator's Notes:
A main road passed beneath Aloft Rock, and the once-quiet trail began to fill with an increasing influx of visitors. Tang Zhisong and Jiang Bin adjusted their pace as they left the lookout behind, continuing their steady ascent into the higher reaches of the mountain.
Some employees spotted the President and his wife and began frantically snapping photos to share in group chats. The executives from Ningsheng Technology and the Jiang Group, hearing that the boss had already reached the summit, grew anxious. How could they let the leadership beat them to the top? One by one, they began huffing and puffing their way up the mountain.
The summit featured a stone-paved platform offering a panoramic view of Shanghai. Drones circled overhead, capturing video footage of the event. Beneath the wide terrace sat two small kiosks next to the restrooms.
Jiang Bin stepped out of the restroom and bumped into Cheng Ying, who was gasping for air alongside several interior design directors. Seeing Jiang Bin looking completely unruffled, Cheng Ying was shocked. "How are you so fast?"
"We took a shortcut," Jiang Bin smiled.
The two walked onto the terrace to enjoy the breeze. Staff members had arrived early to set up grill stations and Western-style catering. The Administrative Director of Ningsheng Technology personally brought Jiang Bin a glass of juice. "President Jiang, please try this and see if it’s to your taste."
"Thank you for your hard work today," Jiang Bin said.
"You’re too kind, President Jiang. It’s the least we could do." The director was a sharp one. She had discovered through some channel that the President’s wife enjoyed fruit juice and had prepared it specifically for her.
In truth, Jiang Bin's "fondness" for juice stemmed entirely from Mu Lingshu's habit of making it for her. Over time, she had come to believe she actually liked it.
The Administrative Director glanced toward Tang Zhisong, who was currently on a call with the San Francisco HQ. She didn't dare disturb him. Even when he wasn't on the phone, most staff found him quite intimidating.
The Ningsheng employees found this "President's Wife" to be exceptionally approachable. One by one, they came up to ask for photos. Some called her "President Jiang," others "Madam President," and Jiang Bin met them all with a smile.
When Tang Zhisong concluded his call, he turned to find that his wife had become the inadvertent center of attention. She was being pulled into one photograph after another, her presence acting as a magnet for the surrounding crowd.
He frowned slightly. Assistant Li, well-acquainted with his boss's temperament, gave a small cough to the Administrative Director. Taking the hint, the director found an excuse to guide Jiang Bin over to the grilling station while Assistant Li brought Tang Zhisong a coffee.
Once the executives had all arrived, the Administrative Director organized a group photo. Tang Zhisong and Jiang Bin stood at the dead center, the background perfectly framing the Ningsheng and Jiang Group towers on opposite banks of the Sangjiang River.
Afterward, Tang Zhisong discussed work with several directors, while Jiang Bin was pulled into conversation by the Fuheng executives. The rest of the crowd drifted off in small groups to eat, chat, and take photos.
Around 5:00 PM, seeing the sunset was perfect, the Administrative Director whispered to Assistant Li, "The scenery is beautiful. Should we let President Tang and his wife have a private photo together?"
Assistant Li agreed the opportunity was rare. Aside from essential public appearances, Tang Zhisong rarely took photos. Today was different. With the President's wife present, rules were meant to be broken. He approached Tang Zhisong during a brief break in the crowd.
"President Tang, would you like to take a commemorative photo with your wife?"
Tang Zhisong looked over at Jiang Bin. She was currently striking various poses for a group of Jiang Group employees and seemed to be enjoying herself. He handed his coffee cup to Assistant Li and walked over. The Administrative Director followed eagerly.
"President Jiang, we’d like to get a photo of you and President Tang together."
Jiang Bin found it impossible to refuse such a direct request. Seeing that Tang Zhisong had already approached, she assumed the director had invited him to join her. Cheng Ying, already prepared with a professional camera, immediately stepped forward to clear the viewing platform.
"Come, come! I’ll take it for you." she insisted, her tone bright and commanding.
As a dedicated hobbyist photographer, Cheng Ying was not about to let the day pass without capturing this moment. She hadn't lugged her heavy equipment up a mountain for nothing.
Jiang Bin looked at Cheng Ying and realized she hadn't formally introduced her to Zhisong. She gestured to her friend.
"This is Cheng Ying. She’s helping me out at the Jiang Group right now. Her father is Cheng Yuan, the Chairman of Kejia-Kekou Beverages."
"I see," Tang Zhisong replied, the name clicking into place. He offered a polite smile and reached out to shake Cheng Ying’s hand.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Chairman Cheng once before."
Cheng Ying, who habitually referred to him as "your man" in their private messages, was suddenly overcome with a rare wave of nerves. Facing his formidable presence, she reached out with both hands for a brief, respectful shake.
"Hello, President Tang. My father is a big fan of Ningsheng Technology. He often remarks that your latest products are truly top-tier."
"I am honored to hear that," Tang Zhisong replied, his tone gracious yet maintaining his typical noble distance.
Tang Zhisong and Cheng Ying swapped places. Several cameras were aimed at them, each photographer seeking the best angle. Tang Zhisong generally disliked such scenes, but he had Jiang Bin beside him. Aside from their marriage certificate photo, they hadn't taken a single picture together. On that previous occasion, they had been stiff and detached. This time, burdened by their roles as prominent CEOs in front of their own employees, they remained equally upright and composed.
Looking through the lens, Cheng Ying grew visibly impatient with their rigid posture. While the other staff members did not dare to speak a word, Cheng Ying’s long-standing familiarity with Jiang Bin gave her the necessary courage.
"President Jiang, lean a bit closer to President Tang." She suggested.
Though she was often bossy in their private messages, Cheng Ying was careful to maintain a professional tone in public. It was a subtle, calculated hint directed as much toward Tang Zhisong as it was to her friend.
As Jiang Bin began to lean toward him to close the gap, Tang Zhisong suddenly raised his arm and pulled her firmly against his shoulder. Jiang Bin found herself drawn almost entirely into his embrace, the sudden intimacy striking a chord in the quiet mountain air. Cheng Ying seized the moment immediately, snapping several frames in quick succession.
Tang Zhisong was not a man for casual smiles, so the crowd didn't dare push their luck. Within three minutes, the two stepped down. Jiang Bin wanted to see the photos but restrained herself.
As Tang Zhisong returned to his group of directors, Cheng Ying cast a knowing smirk at Jiang Bin. Jiang Bin responded with a light, playful swat.
"Have some dignity," she murmured, teasing her friend for the uncharacteristic subservience she had shown toward Tang Zhisong only moments ago.
Cheng Ying shrugged.
"Can’t blame me. Your man’s aura is just too strong. Seriously, I barely dared to look at him." It was hard to imagine how Jiang Bin lived with him. She wondered if she’d ever see this "Untouchable Peak" fall from his pedestal.
* * *
As the gathering began to wind down, the various groups started their descent. The summit had been densely populated by the corporate elite, prompting many of the junior staff to remain on the lower slopes to avoid the imposing presence of their superiors.
Jiang Bin scanned the dispersing crowd but found no sign of Tao Xing. She turned to Li Yang with a quiet inquiry.
"Where did she disappear to?"
"Likely abducted by now," Li Yang replied, her laughter carrying a hint of knowing amusement.
Jiang Bin could only offer a resigned sigh. They were all adults, and if Tao Xing and Qin Mian wanted to move things along before the wedding, it was their own responsibility.
"Ensure everything remains in order here. I need to head back," she instructed. Tang Zhisong was already waiting for her at a short distance, his composed posture suggesting he had further pressing matters to attend to.
While others walked down, the driver brought the Cullinan to the summit. As they drove back, Cheng Ying sent the photos. Jiang Bin opened them. The first few were so solemn they looked like a meeting between heads of state. She laughed quietly.
Tang Zhisong looked over. "What is it?"
Jiang Bin composed herself, not yet used to sharing these small joys. "Nothing."
Cheng Ying: [Want the rest?]
Jiang Bin sent back a string of periods, showing her exasperation.
Cheng Ying: [Beg me.]
Jiang Bin: [Send them or don't. See if I care.]
Cheng Ying sent a winking emoji.
[That means you want them. Since these are good, you owe me a bigger year-end bonus.]
She sent the last two. In the first photo, Tang Zhisong had his arm around Jiang Bin and both were looking at the camera, looking like an established, peaceful couple. In the last one, Jiang Bin had pushed her sunglasses up onto her forehead and was smiling brightly, the usual sharpness of her features softened by the light. Tang Zhisong was looking at her, and the gaze behind his tea-colored lenses was undeniably deep and tender.
Jiang Bin felt a sudden, rhythmic hammering in her chest. She quickly saved the photos and locked her screen to hide the evidence of her fluttering pulse. From the corner of his eye, Tang Zhisong noted her focus on the images, yet he remained silent, unsure of how to bridge the distance to ask for the photos himself.
* * *
They reached Emerald Heights at dusk. Following a day on the trails, both retreated to shower and change. Jiang Bin took the master suite while Tang Zhisong used one of the other bathrooms, keeping to their usual, unspoken boundaries.
When they eventually met in the living room, Jiang Bin had changed into a comfortable slim-fitted dress, and Tang Zhisong was in a set of high-end loungewear.
"What are you having for dinner?" she asked.
She leaned back against the kitchen island. Her black cashmere dress was modest, but its fine knit traced every curve of her figure with elegant allure. Tang Zhisong sensed something was different about her tonight. He watched her for a few seconds.
"I could boil some noodles for you," he suggested, noting her tired expression.
Jiang Bin blinked, her interest piqued. "You actually know how to cook?"
"Not exactly," he admitted with a short, self-deprecating laugh. "I have only ever managed simple noodles for myself."
He was rarely without his private chef, but on the rare nights he wanted the house to himself, he preferred to keep things minimal. He had never prepared a meal for anyone else before. However, Jiang Bin was his wife, and taking care of her was his duty.
Jiang Bin felt a small pang of disappointment at the "simple noodles." She was a disaster in the kitchen herself. Accustomed to her cousin’s gourmet skills, she wasn't sure what to expect from Zhisong. But she knew the value of emotional support.
"Then I’ll wait for President Tang’s grand feast."
Her face was clean of makeup, looking fresh and spirited. Tang Zhisong caught her expectant gaze and let out a short laugh before deliberately rolling up his sleeves. Jiang Bin remained leaned against the counter, her eyes following his every move.
A man likes to be encouraged. Watching her wait gave Tang Zhisong the brief, flickering illusion of a wife truly waiting to be fed, and he suddenly felt a rare, unexpected weight of pressure.
"Try it first," he cautioned, his tone light yet guarded. "If it is bad, then don't force yourself to finish it."
If Cheng Yanjun was here, he surely would have mocked Tang Zhisong for being so uncharacteristically insecure over a simple bowl of noodles.
"Did you cook for yourself while abroad?" she asked.
"My family home is in San Francisco," he replied. She had momentarily overlooked the fact that he had grown up in an environment with a full staff at his disposal.
"And you?" he countered. He remembered she had studied in France, the US, and the UK. Though they hadn't been close then, his grandfather’s interest in the Jiang family meant her news always reached his ears.
"I never once stepped into a kitchen," she admitted with a laugh. "I either ate out or someone cooked for me."
Tang Zhisong immediately thought of that "someone," and the image of Mu Yun flashed briefly in his mind. He chose not to ask. He was far too proud and rational to let the shadow of another man stand between them now.
"The Tang family has several great chefs. I’ll have them rotate for you." The implication was clear: she didn't need to eat anyone else's cooking.
Jiang Bin agreed, though she found herself wishing Tang Zhisong would be the one to do it. Moments like these made the marriage feel grounded and real. It had been over a decade since she had experienced this specific kind of domestic warmth.
Fifteen minutes later, the bowls were ready. She tried to help carry them, but he insisted on doing it himself.
Tang Zhisong hadn't been humble. They were indeed simple noodles in a clear, translucent broth. The only quality they shared with her cousin’s professional culinary skill was... they were light.
"Not bad," she remarked, maintaining her composed expression as she took the first bite. She was privately relieved that the portion was modest and manageable.
Halfway through the meal, Tang Zhisong paused, his own chopsticks hovering for a moment.
"It's been too long," he admitted, a trace of amusement in his voice. "I'm clearly out of practice."
They both laughed, the sound breaking the quiet of the kitchen and leaving the atmosphere more harmonious than it had ever been since their marriage began.
* * *
Following their meal, Tang Zhisong handled the cleanup while Jiang Bin stepped out to water the plants on the terrace. She paused, casting a quiet glance back toward the kitchen through the glass. The steady breadth of his shoulders and the sharp, refined lines of his profile made even the most mundane housework appear dignified and noble.
This marriage was turning out much better than expected. She had initially viewed their union as a strategic alliance where she would manage the expectations of their elders and he would lend her his influence. Now, they were both willing to invest in the relationship. He fulfilled his role as a husband with a quiet, consistent dedication both in the public eye and within the privacy of their home.
As for deeper feelings, she felt those could simply develop over time.
Tang Zhisong leaned against the kitchen island, his gaze following her every move. She stood amidst the terrace flowers with a small watering can, her dark hair gathered loosely to one side. Neither of them seemed in any hurry to return to their respective studies.
A wordless understanding was brewing in between them.
When she eventually stepped back inside, he reached out and handed her a wet wipe. She accepted it, leaning against the island comfortably close to him.
"Would you like some tea?" he asked, his voice low and attentive.
"Just water, please."
He poured a glass and remained standing close to her. Despite the cool October breeze drifting against the glass outside, the interior of the apartment was perfectly tempered. They both looked toward the glowing silhouette of Zhouyue International across the river..
"Are there still many flowers left at your old apartment?"
"Mn, the larger ones haven't been moved yet," she replied.
"I'll arrange for a gardener to move them over whenever you have the time," he suggested.
It was typical of him to solve most of his problems with money. Jiang Bin thought about Mu Yun looking after them.
"We'll see," she said quietly. Moving the rest of her things felt like a final commitment to this shared life, and a small part of her still preferred having a retreat of her own.
They stood together in the comfortable silence of the kitchen. In the past, they were always busy with phones or work. Today, they had nothing in their hands. The lingering ambiguity from the mountain hike had followed them home, and after months of living within the same walls, they both sensed the need for a breakthrough.
Unlike normal couples who started with falling in-love first, they were a match forged of shared interests and strategic alignment. A moment of genuine vulnerability was fleeting, and Jiang Bin knew that if they missed this chance, there was no telling when another would arrive. It was precisely why she had been so deliberate when selecting her dress earlier that evening.
She kept her gaze fixed on the city lights outside, yet she could feel his focus entirely on her. Tang Zhisong had never been a man who valued weakness. He admired competence and sharp intellect above all else. With a woman as strikingly beautiful and capable as Jiang Bin standing before him, it was impossible not to have thoughts. His body reacted to her presence every night they shared a bed, but he had exercised restraint. He was a patient, elegant hunter by nature, one who believed in letting things take their natural course.
"More water?" he asked, his voice low and subtly coaxing.
He posed the question, yet his dark eyes remained fixed on her face, and he made no move toward the pitcher on the counter. If this was his signal, Jiang Bin understood perfectly.
She turned to meet his gaze directly. Without the barrier of his tea-colored glasses, his features were strikingly handsome and remarkably clear.
"Tang Zhisong... in the future, don't wear your glasses when you're with me, okay?"
He felt a sudden, profound stir in his chest. If this was her response, he understood just as perfectly as she did. The gentle, guarded look in his eyes vanished, replaced by a sharp and focused intent. He wrapped a broad palm firmly around her waist and closed the remaining distance until he was only inches from her lips.
"Okay." he murmured, his breath ghosting against her skin.
Translator's Notes:
- High-Cold Flower (高岭之花): An idiom referring to someone who is beautiful but aloof and untouchable.
- White Moonlight (白月光 ): An idealized, pure, and unforgettable first love.
- Ceiling (天花板): Slang for the absolute highest level or peak of a certain category.
- Let things take their natural course (水到渠成): Literally "when the water flows, a channel is formed." An idiom meaning that when conditions are ripe, success will follow naturally.
(Update Schedule: Atleast 1 chapter every Mondays & Thursdays. )
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