The Marriage Harbor CH27

Chapter 27: The Rift

Jiang Bin stepped into the shower first, washing her hair and smoothing a layer of skincare oil over her body. Once dried, her dark hair was glossy and voluminous. A touch of light makeup at the corners of her eyes transformed her into a striking beauty. Since it was a date, there was no need for formal attire. She slipped into a long, white slip dress with a ruffled hem. The neckline was modest enough to stay secure, yet it left her throat and collarbones exposed, her skin appearing as delicate and white as fallen snow. The dress clung to her from chest to hip, accentuating her curves before flaring out into ruffles that revealed a glimpse of her straight, slender legs. Paired with small high heels, she moved with an effortless, swaying grace.

It was a deeply feminine look. But late October was teetering on the edge of winter, and wearing only a slip dress outdoors was impossible. She threw on a cashmere trench coat to wrap herself up, reasoning that any indoor restaurant would have heating. Aside from a pair of pearl studs, she wore no jewelry. She was confident enough that she required no extra gems to shine.

By 6:30 PM, she was ready. The Rolls Royce arrived downstairs, and Tang Zhisong texted to say he was waiting in the lobby.

As the rhythmic click of her heels approached, Tang Zhisong looked up from inside the car. The contrast of the black cashmere against the white dress, her ink-black hair against her snowy skin and crimson lips. She looked breathtaking, a perfect blend of elegance and allure. Tang Zhisong realized then just how well-matched they were. He had planned a gift for her tonight, and she was certainly rising to the occasion.

The building attendant opened the door, and Jiang Bin slid into the back seat. A faint scent of roses drifted toward him—a fragrance Tang Zhisong had long since grown accustomed to.

As they buckled their seatbelts and set off, she asked, "Have you been waiting long?"

"I just arrived," he replied.

He handed her a bouquet of roses. Since it was their first date, he wanted to ensure there was a sense of ritual. It would be awkward to give them later when they were surrounded by people. "I hope you like them."

Jiang Bin accepted them, only to find the "bouquet" was actually a single, extraordinary bloom. This rose was far larger than a standard one, nearly the size of a small sunflower. Its layers of petals spiraled into a stunning center, shifting in hue from the outer edges inward—a 'Golden Rose', her favorite variety. She knew this specific breed. It took no less than a decade to cultivate, and every bloom was unique.

"Thank you, it’s beautiful," she said, offering him a genuine smile. She noticed that Tang Zhisong’s gestures were always extreme, he gave nothing but the best.

To ensure she wasn't caught off guard, he gave her a heads-up.

"I’m taking you to meet a few friends. You likely know Cheng Yanjun." Jiang Bin paused, then smiled.

"I do. I know him."

It was a good sign. Tang Zhisong was finally letting her into his inner circle. She took another breath of the rose's scent as they spent the remainder of the thirty-minute drive tending to their respective work tasks.

Cheng Yanjun’s "club" was more of an ultra-high-end private manor. The entrance was traditional, featuring small bridges over flowing water. Beyond the courtyard lay the clubhouse, which connected to a massive supercar facility.

Cheng Yanjun and his wife, Jia Jing, were waiting at the door. Cheng Yanjun personally opened her car door.

"President Jiang, a distinguished guest indeed!"

In their world, Jiang Bin was famous—few socialite heiresses actually fought in the business trenches as she did. She was a rarity: beautiful, talented, and formidable. Because of this, Tang Zhisong’s friends addressed her as "President Jiang" out of respect, rather than simply as 'Tang Zhisong’s wife'.

"President Cheng, a pleasure," Jiang Bin said, shaking his hand before her gaze landed on Jia Jing.

Jia Jing was an extrovert, she immediately moved in for a hug. "Little President Jiang, I’ve heard so much about you!"

Jiang Bin hugged her back, laughing. "Just call me Jiang Bin."

"Then I’ll call you Binbin!" Jia Jing decided, pulling her inside while the men followed.

The clubhouse lounge was a private bar, occupied by about a dozen friends, all accompanied by wives or girlfriends. Jia Jing introduced her to everyone. Most of these women were "ladies of leisure" whose lives revolved around afternoon teas and shopping, a far cry from Jiang Bin’s reality.

"We didn't want to disturb you since you're so busy, but now that you're here, will you join us for a few rounds?" they asked, referring to Mahjong.

"Of course," Jiang Bin replied.

She was as adept at the game table as she was in the boardroom. She could talk skincare or offer sound investment advice with equal ease, and within a few rounds, she had charmed the entire group.

From the bar, Cheng Yanjun and Tang Zhisong watched the women’s table.

"I seriously suspect you had divine help when picking a wife," Cheng teased.

Tang Zhisong sipped his tea in silence, but a faint trace of pride flickered in his eyes. He couldn't deny it—he had chosen Jiang Bin because she was his equal.

After the games, as dinner was served, Jia Jing nudged Jiang Bin.

"The boys are going to play with their cars in a bit. You coming?" Jiang Bin hesitated. Tang Zhisong hadn't mentioned it.

"We’ll see," she said noncommittally.

She didn't drive, and she certainly didn't "play" with cars. She knew these men owned dozens of limited-edition vehicles, with Cheng Yanjun being the most obsessive collector.

"Is it always this lively?" Jiang Bin asked.

"Always," Jia Jing replied. "Cards, dinner, then the track. It's the standard routine."

Jiang Bin felt a slight tightening in her chest. If Tang Zhisong did this often and she couldn't join him, it would be a significant gap in their marriage—a regret in their already limited time together. Her thoughts were interrupted by another guest asking about a rare essential oil Madam Tang was cultivating on a private island. Jiang Bin promised to look into it, noting the curiosity. Everyone knew her relationship with her mother-in-law was excellent.

When the time came, Cheng Yanjun pressed a button, and a massive security door slid upward to reveal a spectacular garage—a palace of gleaming chrome and vibrant colors. Among the collection sat Tang Zhisong’s car.

As the others moved toward the vehicles, Jiang Bin stood still, a cold sense of dread beginning to pool in her stomach. Tang Zhisong approached her, his expression uncharacteristically warm.

"Come with me," he said, reaching for her hand.

In the dim light of the lounge, he didn't see the momentary stiffness in her eyes. Her logic told her to go, she was a master of social grace and this was their debut as a couple.

She placed her hand in his. They walked out to the plaza where ten supercars were fanned out like a fleet ready for war. At the center was the "King of the Night"—a mysterious, deep blue supercar that exuded raw power and luxury.

Tang Zhisong led her to it, his voice dropping to a tender note.

"A gift for you."

It was his way of making up for the lack of ritual on their wedding day. Standing beside the car in his dark suit, he looked like a king himself, his eyes bright with expectation. But Jiang Bin’s palms were sweating.

She never sat in the passenger seat. She didn't drive.

"A-Song, are we moving?" the others called out. Tang Zhisong squeezed her hand.

"Do you want to drive, or should I?" he asked quietly.

In their circles, everyone drove supercars. Jiang Bin smoothed her hair against the sea breeze and whispered, "I don't drive."

"That's fine, I'll drive," he said, opening the passenger door. It was a luxurious, beautiful trap.

"Get in. I'll take you for a spin."

Come on, Bingbing, get in. Grandpa will take you for a spin...

A sharp, piercing pain erupted from deep within her heart. It had been an autumn night just like this one. She had insisted on sitting in the passenger seat, leaving her grandmother in the back. They were going to see the moon. But the car flipped on a sharp turn. Her grandmother’s body had been thrown forward, blood spraying across Jiang Bin's face. She had been trapped for an entire night under the bodies of her grandparents, watching them bleed out. Bingbing, don't be afraid... were the last words they ever spoke.

"Jiang Bin? Jiang Bin!" Tang Zhisong saw her face turn ghostly pale and shook her arm. Cold sweat broke out from every pore. Her breathing became labored.

"Zhisong... I’m sorry... I don't feel well... I can’t sit in there..." She stuttered, forcing her wild beating chest to calm down.

Tang Zhisong’s face stiffened. "What’s wrong?"

But Jiang Bin felt as though her throat was closing.

Sensing the awkwardness, Cheng Yanjun signaled the others to leave first. With a roar of engines that felt like stones crushing her chest, the fleet sped away. The nausea was overwhelming. Jiang Bin turned and walked toward the shadows.

She managed to text her driver, Uncle Liu, to pick her up. She avoided Tang Zhisong’s Rolls Royce, telling his driver she was going to the restroom. When Tang Zhisong finally tracked her down, he saw a car pull up, and Jiang Bin vanished into the night without a backward glance.

His expression turned ice-cold.

* * *

By the time Uncle Liu arrived, Jiang Bin was a wreck. She collapsed into the back seat, her face devoid of color.

"Miss! Miss, is it happening again? Where is the medicine?" Uncle Liu asked, panicked.

"Zhouyue International..." she gasped. As soon as the privacy partition was up, she began to vomit violently.

She had been diagnosed with PTSD years ago after being sent abroad. Though she hadn't needed the medication in years, the "Passenger Seat" was her ultimate trigger.

At home, she took her pills and collapsed on the sofa. Her friends, Cheng Ying and Lin Zhouzhou, rushed back to care for her.

"I'm fine, just motion sickness," Jiang Bin lied when she came to. But they knew her better than that. When she explained what happened, Zhouzhou was outraged.

"He stepped right on your landmine! What kind of luck is this for a first date?!"

Jiang Bin felt a profound sense of defeat. "I need to apologize... he lost face in front of his friends."

She sent a text: [I'm sorry about today. I get motion sickness and don't drive. I ruined your night.]

Tang Zhisong replied quickly: [The fault is mine. I didn't tell you in advance and failed to take care of you. Are you feeling better?]

Jiang Bin stared at the message. His tone was polite, distant—the warmth from earlier was gone. A rift had formed.


Translator’s Note:

• Golden Rose (金黄玫): A rare, high-end cultivar.
• "King of the Night" (暗夜之声): Likely a reference to a Pagani Zonda Cinque or a similar ultra-rare hypercar.
• A-Song: Tang Zhisong's nickname. The Chinese "A-" (阿/ Ah) prefix is added to names to signify familiarity, affection, and informality, acting as a friendly nickname rather than part of a formal name.

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