The Marriage Harbor CH34
Chapter 34: The Irresistible Kiss
Tang Zhisong’s gaze swept over her calm, unreadable eyes. He swallowed hard, trying to quell the heat rising from deep within his throat. After a moment to compose himself, he rubbed his brow and turned toward the dressing room to change.
Jiang Bin followed suit. She chose a long-sleeved black cashmere dress and paired it with a cream wool coat—a classic ensemble that looked as though it had been meticulously tailored to her frame. When she emerged, Tang Zhisong was already waiting.
Since this wasn't a formal business event, he was also dressed casually: a black cashmere sweater under a long black overcoat. Without any prior discussion, they had somehow managed to dress in matching couple’s attire.
Jiang Bin liked this unspoken synchronicity. "I’m ready. Let’s go."
She grabbed the bag her mother-in-law had bought her and followed him out. Tang Zhisong glanced at the bag—noticing it wasn't the one he had purchased—but said nothing. At the entryway, he picked up the keys to the Cullinan.
He had considered driving himself and letting Jiang Bin sit in the passenger seat, but recalling the previous sports car incident, he decided to notify his driver instead. He employed three drivers on rotating shifts, all coordinated from the Tang estate, ensuring a vehicle was ready for him 24 hours a day.
In the basement garage, he handed the keys to the driver, and the two of them settled into the back seat.
Noticing she seemed a bit low on energy, Tang Zhisong leaned over to fasten her seatbelt for her. As he drew close, his eyes fell on her bag again.
"I told you to use the other one whenever you want. If it gets worn out, I’ll just buy you a new one." He really thought she had looked stunning with that bag yesterday.
Jiang Bin looked down at the rare-skin Birkin in her lap. "This was a gift from your mom."
Between a mother-in-law and a husband, she knew the importance of balance. Tang Zhisong understood the subtext immediately.
"I see." A shadow of a smile touched his lips. Fine, he thought. I'd just have to buy her more so she’d have no choice but to rotate them. He could lose to anyone, but he wasn't about to lose to his own mother.
It was after five, the height of the evening rush hour, and the roads were congested. Since it was New Year's Eve, people were everywhere. Tang Zhisong spent the time catching up on work. Jiang Bin checked her own work groups and, being in a good mood, sent out several digital red envelopes.
They arrived at the bar at 6:00 PM. The venue was already a surging sea of heat and music. As they entered, they shed their outer layers, their matching attire drawing eyes from the crowded floor. Tang Zhisong proactively took Jiang Bin’s coat, draping it over his arm as she held his hand, leading him through the crowd to a VIP booth on the second floor. It was a private perch that overlooked the entire venue, reserved exclusively for the owner's inner circle.
Zhou Zhou and Cheng Ying were dancing on the stage, but they retreated the moment they saw Jiang Bin. Tang Zhisong looked different tonight—without his suit or his glasses, he looked like a clear-eyed, strikingly handsome man—approachable and "down to earth." Zhouzhou and Cheng Ying almost didn't recognize him.
"President Tang," they greeted.
"Hello."
Zhou Zhou shot Jiang Bin a teasing look, relieved her friend had finally brought the man out into the light. "What would you like to drink, President Tang? I'll mix it myself."
"A Blackcurrant Martini, thank you."
"And for you, Bingbing?"
Before Jiang Bin could speak, she felt Tang Zhisong’s gaze settle on her. She caught the message instantly: no alcohol during her cycle.
"Warm water," she replied. Tang Zhisong’s gaze drifted away, satisfied.
Zhouzhou and Cheng Ying watched this interaction with wide eyes. It was almost unbelievable. Zhouzhou winked at Jiang Bin. "Wait a moment, President Tang, I'll go get those started." She gestured for Jiang Bin to follow her.
Jiang Bin leaned in close to Tang Zhisong. "I’m going to the restroom."
When the two left, Cheng Ying was left alone with Tang Zhisong. Leaving would be rude, but staying felt like sitting on a bed of nails. Even without a suit, this man's aura was incredibly powerful. Drawing on her PR experience, she eventually struck up a conversation about her father’s industry. Tang Zhisong replied seriously, offering insights into new paths for the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
At the bar, Zhouzhou clucked her tongue. "Not bad, sister. I’ve never seen you bow your head to anyone, but now you’re being "managed" by your husband! One look and you won't even touch a drop of gin."Jiang Bin rubbed her stomach with a wry smile. "I'm not being 'managed', okay? My 'relative' is visiting."
"Well, whatever you say. But seriously, seeing you two like this makes me happy," Zhou Zhou said, rolling up her sleeves. "Your President Tang is looking more and more like a "Husband-face" every day."
Jiang Bin gave a guilty smile. She didn't tell her that she had "sold" a kiss on his Adam's apple just to trick him into coming here—of course she had to play by his rules now.
When Jiang Bin returned to the booth, she found Tang Zhisong staring into the dance floor. She thought he was looking at another woman, but then she recognized a familiar figure.
She pointed and asked Cheng Ying, "Do you know Pei Qing?"
Zhouzhou returned with two glasses—one for Tang Zhisong and a glass of warm water for Jiang Bin. "Is that his name? That kid has been coming here lately to drown his sorrows. He books the whole place out at the drop of a hat. I figured he had more money than brains, so I let him stay." Usually, if Zhouzhou found someone annoying, she’d kick them out."Mhn. He’s my husband's friend," Jiang Bin explained.
Tang Zhisong noted the way she said "husband"—it had a pleasant ring to it. He wondered if she were willing to say it during more... intimate moments. Throughout the drive, that kiss on his throat had been flashing through his mind. Had she done it just to please him so he’d come to the bar, or was she actually starting to like him? He suspected that with Jiang Bin’s pride, she wouldn't just "please" someone for a favor. He hoped it was the latter.
While he was lost in thought, Zhouzhou went to the dance floor and pointed toward their booth. When Pei Qing saw Tang Zhisong, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. He had grown up with Tang Zhisong; no one knew this young master's fastidious habits better than him. To see him deign to enter a noisy bar was the news of the century.
In front of outsiders, however, he had to give Tang Zhisong face. He composed himself and approached with a grin to greet Jiang Bin and the others. With Pei Qing there, the atmosphere lightened considerably.
Jiang Bin smiled at him. "What are you having? Order whatever you want, it's on us tonight."
The "us" referred to her and Tang Zhisong. Zhouzhou understood—it was the classic "my man is treating my best friends" gesture.
"Next time," Zhouzhou interjected. "Today is on the house." She didn't want Tang Zhisong to pay on his first visit.
Tang Zhisong noticed Jiang Bin’s glass was empty. "More water?" He remembered that drinking warm water helped with menstrual cramps. He didn't like this crowded place, so his focus was entirely on her.
"I'm fine, I've had plenty," she said, looking back at him.
His eyes were dark and gentle. Seeing him here as her husband, taking care of her throughout the gathering, she suddenly felt that he wasn't so different from any other husband. She had accepted the marriage when they became intimate, but this feeling made it seem much more real.
Soon, Jake appeared. Zhouzhou waved Jiang Bin over. "Come say hi. He's asked about you several times."
Jiang Bin stood up. "I'll be right back," she told Tang Zhisong.
As she headed to the stage, the front desk called for Cheng Ying to handle some VIP guests, leaving Pei Qing and Tang Zhisong alone.
Pei Qing moved to sit next to his friend. Both watched Jiang Bin on stage. "Not bad, A-Song. Who else but Little President Jiang could drag you to a bar?"
Tang Zhisong ignored the jab, slowly sipping his martini. "I heard you've been drowning your sorrows here lately?"
Pei Qing choked slightly, looking uncomfortable. "It’s alright."
"Family matters still not settled?"Pei Qing’s expression darkened. "She eloped. A flash marriage."
"Decisive," Tang Zhisong noted coolly. "If you let her marry someone else, I suppose the feelings weren't that deep."
Pei Qing felt the sting. "She wasn't determined at all. She just left. How was I supposed to chase her?" His pride had been his downfall, and in the end, both had lost. He looked at Jiang Bin on stage. "Actually, maybe your kind of interest-based marriage is better. Sometimes, interests are more stable than emotions."
Tang Zhisong fell silent at that last sentence and finished his drink without another word.
His eyes remained on Jiang Bin. She was talking to the Irish drummer on stage. The man seemed very warm and familiar with her. Jiang Bin spoke to him with clear respect as they discussed rhythm and posture. Jake began showing her some techniques.
Jiang Bin picked up the drumsticks and tried a few beats, her face lighting up with excitement. The sight reminded him of the first time they met. She was five, visiting the Tang estate with her grandfather. He was nine, studying math in the library. His grandfather had sent her to find him. The little girl with two ponytails had come bouncing in and promptly knocked over his inkstone. She had been a little terror. Tang Zhisong smiled at the memory.
Back then, he found her too noisy and wanted nothing to do with her. She had been arrogant and pampered. He wondered now how she had made it through the years after her grandfather passed away.
* * *
On stage, Zhouzhou and Jiang Bin stepped back to leave the floor to Jake. As they stood in the corner talking, Zhouzhou glanced at Pei Qing in their booth.
"Bingbing, what’s the story with that Pei Qing?"
Jiang Bin followed her gaze, then looked back at Zhouzhou. Seeing the "predatory" glint in her friend's bright eyes, she frowned. "Don't even think about it. He has a "cinnabar mole". Basically his family disapproved and forced them to break up."
Zhouzhou took a slow sip of her drink, unbothered. "If they're broken up, I have a chance."
"His family is overseas Chinese," Jiang Bin warned. "Singaporean tycoons. They only moved back to Shanghai recently for investments."
Zhouzhou’s interest only grew. "Perfect. I’m a Shanghai native; we'll hit it off. He's got the looks, the body, and the family background. He’s exactly my type."
Jiang Bin knew her friend, once she made up her mind, nothing could stop her. She turned back to watch Jake’s performance. Zhouzhou, meanwhile, headed to the bar to mix two more drinks. She brought Tang Zhisong another Blackcurrant Martini and mixed a Bloody Mary for Pei Qing.
"Try this, President Pei," she said, sitting across from him.
Pei Qing, having been a regular for days, knew Zhouzhou was the owner and a famous "hot girl" in Shanghai. He took a sip. "This pepper is really spicy."
Zhouzhou smiled, resting her chin on her hands. "What, can't handle the heat?"
"I prefer light flavors," Pei Qing said, perhaps intentionally.
"Many people who come here start with light tastes," Zhouzhou said, finishing her own drink in one go. "Gradually, they all come to love my spicy liquor."
Pei Qing: "..."
Tang Zhisong cast a teasing glance at Pei Qing, whose handsome face showed a hint of discomfort.
Nearby, Cheng Ying found Jiang Bin. "Why has Zhouzhou set her sights on Pei Qing?" Jiang Bin asked.
Cheng Ying leaned against the railing with a wry smile. "She liked him the first day he showed up. She’s always had a thing for 'prodigal son' types. Nothing we can do."
Tang Zhisong had no interest in being a third wheel. He used the restroom as an excuse to slip away. The bar was packed, but it was quiet near the corner of the bar counter. He found an empty booth in the shadows and sat down to check his work messages.
Even sitting down, his tall, straight posture and handsome features were a magnet for attention. By the time Jiang Bin found him, a beautiful mixed-race woman was sitting across from him. She was clearly a pro—her words were tactful and she presented herself as an innocent girl who had wandered into the bar by mistake.
Jiang Bin had seen this a thousand times. She walked over, carrying their two cashmere coats. Hearing the woman speaking French, she glided over and called out "Sòng." in the same language.
The woman looked up, slightly startled by the arrival of such a stunning, commanding woman, and even offered a compliment in French.
Jiang Bin elegantly draped the coat over Tang Zhisong’s broad shoulders. "It’s cold. You forgot your coat."
The bar’s heating was on full blast and the place was crowded; it was anything but cold. But there was a type of cold called "Jiang Bin thinks you're cold".
Tang Zhisong met her piercing eyes. It was the first time he had seen such a strong sense of possessiveness in her. He took his hand and smiled warmly.
"My apologies. I'll remember next time. Shall we go?" He had been planning to leave anyway.
Seeing the situation, the woman took the hint. "I’m new here; I wasn't sure which drinks were good," she said in Chinese.
Jiang Bin glanced at her and recommended a few drinks—in French. The woman had a sneaking suspicion the last few sentences were subtle insults.
Tang Zhisong paid for the entire bar's tab before they left. Since it was his first time meeting her friends, he had to give her face.
Tang Zhisong, returning from a late international call, found her tossing and turning.
"Do you need a hospital?" he asked.
She threw a hot water bag out from under the covers. "Just... more hot water in my heating pad," she murmured.
He gave her a long look. This was the consequence of her "unwinding" at the bar. Jiang Bin avoided his gaze.
A moment later, he returned with the refilled bag. She curled around it at her lower abdomen and closed her eyes. When Tang Zhisong climbed into bed and turned off the lights, he found her feet were like ice. He pulled her legs over his own to warm them. Jiang Bin leaned back into his solid chest, the radiating heat finally bringing her some relief.
Just as she started to relax, she heard a soft, mocking snort from behind her.She knew exactly what it meant—he was mocking her for her stubbornness at the bar and for overestimating herself. Annoyed, she tried to pull away.
He immediately chased after her, sliding his arm under her head as a pillow. "Alright, I wasn't laughing at you.""What did you say?" she challenged, turning to look at him in the dim light. The blackout curtains were tightly drawn, and only a tiny nightlight in the corner remained lit. He could only see her silhouette, but he could feel her formidable aura. He wisely chose not to argue with his wife.
"I said I was wrong," he replied, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "I shouldn't have agreed to take you. If I hadn't gone, you wouldn't have gone, and you wouldn't be in pain now."
With one's wife, it was best not to be too literal. "It's all my fault."
His tone was so sincere she almost believed him. She hadn't expected him to swallow his pride like this to coax her. If the lights were on, she’d love to see his face. She felt her mood lift and relaxed back into his embrace.
Tang Zhisong realized she was actually quite easy to appease. "Where does it hurt?" he asked softly.
"Here..." she murmured, clutching the water bag.
Tang Zhisong felt his way toward her hand. He took the water bag away and replaced it with his own palm. Finding her lower abdomen ice-cold, he frowned but said nothing, simply committing himself to warming her.
The water bag was either too hot or too cold, but Tang Zhisong’s palm was just right. His broad hand covered the entire area of discomfort. Wrapped in his solid embrace and surrounded by his heat, she felt much better.
Jiang Bin covered his hand with her own, her fingers lacing through his—a silent response to his care.Tang Zhisong stiffened. Between the intimate hug that afternoon, the neck kiss earlier that evening and now this. He was reaching his limit.
"Sleep," he urged. Only if she slept would he find any peace.
Hearing the unromantic command, she let her hand drop.
They lay there in silence, a quiet battle of wills. Tang Zhisong immediately regretted being so blunt; he had liked the feeling of her hand on his. Sensing she was sulking, he leaned in and pressed a light, clean kiss to her forehead.
It was the first time he had kissed her like that—without passion, just pure tenderness.
No woman could resist such a kiss. Satisfied, Jiang Bin let the question of being "moved" drift away. For now, this was enough. She reached back laced their hands once more.
Chapter Notes:
Tang Zhisong’s gaze swept over her calm, unreadable eyes. He swallowed hard, trying to quell the heat rising from deep within his throat. After a moment to compose himself, he rubbed his brow and turned toward the dressing room to change.
Jiang Bin followed suit. She chose a long-sleeved black cashmere dress and paired it with a cream wool coat—a classic ensemble that looked as though it had been meticulously tailored to her frame. When she emerged, Tang Zhisong was already waiting.
Since this wasn't a formal business event, he was also dressed casually: a black cashmere sweater under a long black overcoat. Without any prior discussion, they had somehow managed to dress in matching couple’s attire.
Jiang Bin liked this unspoken synchronicity. "I’m ready. Let’s go."
She grabbed the bag her mother-in-law had bought her and followed him out. Tang Zhisong glanced at the bag—noticing it wasn't the one he had purchased—but said nothing. At the entryway, he picked up the keys to the Cullinan.
He had considered driving himself and letting Jiang Bin sit in the passenger seat, but recalling the previous sports car incident, he decided to notify his driver instead. He employed three drivers on rotating shifts, all coordinated from the Tang estate, ensuring a vehicle was ready for him 24 hours a day.
In the basement garage, he handed the keys to the driver, and the two of them settled into the back seat.
Noticing she seemed a bit low on energy, Tang Zhisong leaned over to fasten her seatbelt for her. As he drew close, his eyes fell on her bag again.
"I told you to use the other one whenever you want. If it gets worn out, I’ll just buy you a new one." He really thought she had looked stunning with that bag yesterday.
Jiang Bin looked down at the rare-skin Birkin in her lap. "This was a gift from your mom."
Between a mother-in-law and a husband, she knew the importance of balance. Tang Zhisong understood the subtext immediately.
"I see." A shadow of a smile touched his lips. Fine, he thought. I'd just have to buy her more so she’d have no choice but to rotate them. He could lose to anyone, but he wasn't about to lose to his own mother.
It was after five, the height of the evening rush hour, and the roads were congested. Since it was New Year's Eve, people were everywhere. Tang Zhisong spent the time catching up on work. Jiang Bin checked her own work groups and, being in a good mood, sent out several digital red envelopes.
They arrived at the bar at 6:00 PM. The venue was already a surging sea of heat and music. As they entered, they shed their outer layers, their matching attire drawing eyes from the crowded floor. Tang Zhisong proactively took Jiang Bin’s coat, draping it over his arm as she held his hand, leading him through the crowd to a VIP booth on the second floor. It was a private perch that overlooked the entire venue, reserved exclusively for the owner's inner circle.
Zhou Zhou and Cheng Ying were dancing on the stage, but they retreated the moment they saw Jiang Bin. Tang Zhisong looked different tonight—without his suit or his glasses, he looked like a clear-eyed, strikingly handsome man—approachable and "down to earth." Zhouzhou and Cheng Ying almost didn't recognize him.
"President Tang," they greeted.
"Hello."
Zhou Zhou shot Jiang Bin a teasing look, relieved her friend had finally brought the man out into the light. "What would you like to drink, President Tang? I'll mix it myself."
"A Blackcurrant Martini, thank you."
"And for you, Bingbing?"
Before Jiang Bin could speak, she felt Tang Zhisong’s gaze settle on her. She caught the message instantly: no alcohol during her cycle.
"Warm water," she replied. Tang Zhisong’s gaze drifted away, satisfied.
Zhouzhou and Cheng Ying watched this interaction with wide eyes. It was almost unbelievable. Zhouzhou winked at Jiang Bin. "Wait a moment, President Tang, I'll go get those started." She gestured for Jiang Bin to follow her.
Jiang Bin leaned in close to Tang Zhisong. "I’m going to the restroom."
When the two left, Cheng Ying was left alone with Tang Zhisong. Leaving would be rude, but staying felt like sitting on a bed of nails. Even without a suit, this man's aura was incredibly powerful. Drawing on her PR experience, she eventually struck up a conversation about her father’s industry. Tang Zhisong replied seriously, offering insights into new paths for the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
At the bar, Zhouzhou clucked her tongue. "Not bad, sister. I’ve never seen you bow your head to anyone, but now you’re being "managed" by your husband! One look and you won't even touch a drop of gin."Jiang Bin rubbed her stomach with a wry smile. "I'm not being 'managed', okay? My 'relative' is visiting."
"Well, whatever you say. But seriously, seeing you two like this makes me happy," Zhou Zhou said, rolling up her sleeves. "Your President Tang is looking more and more like a "Husband-face" every day."
Jiang Bin gave a guilty smile. She didn't tell her that she had "sold" a kiss on his Adam's apple just to trick him into coming here—of course she had to play by his rules now.
When Jiang Bin returned to the booth, she found Tang Zhisong staring into the dance floor. She thought he was looking at another woman, but then she recognized a familiar figure.
She pointed and asked Cheng Ying, "Do you know Pei Qing?"
Zhouzhou returned with two glasses—one for Tang Zhisong and a glass of warm water for Jiang Bin. "Is that his name? That kid has been coming here lately to drown his sorrows. He books the whole place out at the drop of a hat. I figured he had more money than brains, so I let him stay." Usually, if Zhouzhou found someone annoying, she’d kick them out."Mhn. He’s my husband's friend," Jiang Bin explained.
Tang Zhisong noted the way she said "husband"—it had a pleasant ring to it. He wondered if she were willing to say it during more... intimate moments. Throughout the drive, that kiss on his throat had been flashing through his mind. Had she done it just to please him so he’d come to the bar, or was she actually starting to like him? He suspected that with Jiang Bin’s pride, she wouldn't just "please" someone for a favor. He hoped it was the latter.
While he was lost in thought, Zhouzhou went to the dance floor and pointed toward their booth. When Pei Qing saw Tang Zhisong, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. He had grown up with Tang Zhisong; no one knew this young master's fastidious habits better than him. To see him deign to enter a noisy bar was the news of the century.
In front of outsiders, however, he had to give Tang Zhisong face. He composed himself and approached with a grin to greet Jiang Bin and the others. With Pei Qing there, the atmosphere lightened considerably.
Jiang Bin smiled at him. "What are you having? Order whatever you want, it's on us tonight."
The "us" referred to her and Tang Zhisong. Zhouzhou understood—it was the classic "my man is treating my best friends" gesture.
"Next time," Zhouzhou interjected. "Today is on the house." She didn't want Tang Zhisong to pay on his first visit.
Tang Zhisong noticed Jiang Bin’s glass was empty. "More water?" He remembered that drinking warm water helped with menstrual cramps. He didn't like this crowded place, so his focus was entirely on her.
"I'm fine, I've had plenty," she said, looking back at him.
His eyes were dark and gentle. Seeing him here as her husband, taking care of her throughout the gathering, she suddenly felt that he wasn't so different from any other husband. She had accepted the marriage when they became intimate, but this feeling made it seem much more real.
Soon, Jake appeared. Zhouzhou waved Jiang Bin over. "Come say hi. He's asked about you several times."
Jiang Bin stood up. "I'll be right back," she told Tang Zhisong.
As she headed to the stage, the front desk called for Cheng Ying to handle some VIP guests, leaving Pei Qing and Tang Zhisong alone.
Pei Qing moved to sit next to his friend. Both watched Jiang Bin on stage. "Not bad, A-Song. Who else but Little President Jiang could drag you to a bar?"
Tang Zhisong ignored the jab, slowly sipping his martini. "I heard you've been drowning your sorrows here lately?"
Pei Qing choked slightly, looking uncomfortable. "It’s alright."
"Family matters still not settled?"Pei Qing’s expression darkened. "She eloped. A flash marriage."
"Decisive," Tang Zhisong noted coolly. "If you let her marry someone else, I suppose the feelings weren't that deep."
Pei Qing felt the sting. "She wasn't determined at all. She just left. How was I supposed to chase her?" His pride had been his downfall, and in the end, both had lost. He looked at Jiang Bin on stage. "Actually, maybe your kind of interest-based marriage is better. Sometimes, interests are more stable than emotions."
Tang Zhisong fell silent at that last sentence and finished his drink without another word.
His eyes remained on Jiang Bin. She was talking to the Irish drummer on stage. The man seemed very warm and familiar with her. Jiang Bin spoke to him with clear respect as they discussed rhythm and posture. Jake began showing her some techniques.
Jiang Bin picked up the drumsticks and tried a few beats, her face lighting up with excitement. The sight reminded him of the first time they met. She was five, visiting the Tang estate with her grandfather. He was nine, studying math in the library. His grandfather had sent her to find him. The little girl with two ponytails had come bouncing in and promptly knocked over his inkstone. She had been a little terror. Tang Zhisong smiled at the memory.
Back then, he found her too noisy and wanted nothing to do with her. She had been arrogant and pampered. He wondered now how she had made it through the years after her grandfather passed away.
* * *
On stage, Zhouzhou and Jiang Bin stepped back to leave the floor to Jake. As they stood in the corner talking, Zhouzhou glanced at Pei Qing in their booth.
"Bingbing, what’s the story with that Pei Qing?"
Jiang Bin followed her gaze, then looked back at Zhouzhou. Seeing the "predatory" glint in her friend's bright eyes, she frowned. "Don't even think about it. He has a "cinnabar mole". Basically his family disapproved and forced them to break up."
Zhouzhou took a slow sip of her drink, unbothered. "If they're broken up, I have a chance."
"His family is overseas Chinese," Jiang Bin warned. "Singaporean tycoons. They only moved back to Shanghai recently for investments."
Zhouzhou’s interest only grew. "Perfect. I’m a Shanghai native; we'll hit it off. He's got the looks, the body, and the family background. He’s exactly my type."
Jiang Bin knew her friend, once she made up her mind, nothing could stop her. She turned back to watch Jake’s performance. Zhouzhou, meanwhile, headed to the bar to mix two more drinks. She brought Tang Zhisong another Blackcurrant Martini and mixed a Bloody Mary for Pei Qing.
"Try this, President Pei," she said, sitting across from him.
Pei Qing, having been a regular for days, knew Zhouzhou was the owner and a famous "hot girl" in Shanghai. He took a sip. "This pepper is really spicy."
Zhouzhou smiled, resting her chin on her hands. "What, can't handle the heat?"
"I prefer light flavors," Pei Qing said, perhaps intentionally.
"Many people who come here start with light tastes," Zhouzhou said, finishing her own drink in one go. "Gradually, they all come to love my spicy liquor."
Pei Qing: "..."
Tang Zhisong cast a teasing glance at Pei Qing, whose handsome face showed a hint of discomfort.
Nearby, Cheng Ying found Jiang Bin. "Why has Zhouzhou set her sights on Pei Qing?" Jiang Bin asked.
Cheng Ying leaned against the railing with a wry smile. "She liked him the first day he showed up. She’s always had a thing for 'prodigal son' types. Nothing we can do."
Tang Zhisong had no interest in being a third wheel. He used the restroom as an excuse to slip away. The bar was packed, but it was quiet near the corner of the bar counter. He found an empty booth in the shadows and sat down to check his work messages.
Even sitting down, his tall, straight posture and handsome features were a magnet for attention. By the time Jiang Bin found him, a beautiful mixed-race woman was sitting across from him. She was clearly a pro—her words were tactful and she presented herself as an innocent girl who had wandered into the bar by mistake.
Jiang Bin had seen this a thousand times. She walked over, carrying their two cashmere coats. Hearing the woman speaking French, she glided over and called out "Sòng." in the same language.
The woman looked up, slightly startled by the arrival of such a stunning, commanding woman, and even offered a compliment in French.
Jiang Bin elegantly draped the coat over Tang Zhisong’s broad shoulders. "It’s cold. You forgot your coat."
The bar’s heating was on full blast and the place was crowded; it was anything but cold. But there was a type of cold called "Jiang Bin thinks you're cold".
Tang Zhisong met her piercing eyes. It was the first time he had seen such a strong sense of possessiveness in her. He took his hand and smiled warmly.
"My apologies. I'll remember next time. Shall we go?" He had been planning to leave anyway.
Seeing the situation, the woman took the hint. "I’m new here; I wasn't sure which drinks were good," she said in Chinese.
Jiang Bin glanced at her and recommended a few drinks—in French. The woman had a sneaking suspicion the last few sentences were subtle insults.
Tang Zhisong paid for the entire bar's tab before they left. Since it was his first time meeting her friends, he had to give her face.
* * *
In the car, Jiang Bin asked about Pei Qing’s situation. "What's his family situation like? Are they planning an alliance in China?"
"That’s the plan," Tang Zhisong replied, rubbing his brow. "They’re looking at local Shanghai families."
"Zhouzhou’s family would be a good fit, then. But is he reliable?" To Jiang Bin, Pei Qing seemed like a typical playboy, nothing like the disciplined Tang Zhisong. She would always choose someone like her husband, but Zhouzhou was clearly smitten.
"He’s reliable enough," Tang Zhisong replied. "But he’s the type who follows his feelings. If he isn't moved, he won't marry."
Jiang Bin went quiet. Their own marriage had been entirely based on mutual interest and logic. She had found an ideal partner based on criteria; he had found her suitable based on the same.
What is being 'moved'? It’s the subconscious choice where feelings override logic. So far, she hadn't seen that in him.
She didn't know how to respond to his statement. The conversation suddenly went cold. She pulled out her phone to check messages, and Tang Zhisong remained silent.Back at the apartment, the atmosphere was still strained. Jiang Bin went to the master bath, and Tang Zhisong went to shower and change. Neither could quite put their finger on why the mood had shifted.
Emerging from the bath, Jiang Bin’s cramps returned with a vengeance. She crawled into bed, shivering despite the heating. When Tang Zhisong returned, she asked, "Do you have to work late?"
"I have a short meeting." He noticed her pale complexion. "Are you in a lot of pain?"
Jiang Bin shook her head. "I’m going to lie down for a bit."
In the car, Jiang Bin asked about Pei Qing’s situation. "What's his family situation like? Are they planning an alliance in China?"
"That’s the plan," Tang Zhisong replied, rubbing his brow. "They’re looking at local Shanghai families."
"Zhouzhou’s family would be a good fit, then. But is he reliable?" To Jiang Bin, Pei Qing seemed like a typical playboy, nothing like the disciplined Tang Zhisong. She would always choose someone like her husband, but Zhouzhou was clearly smitten.
"He’s reliable enough," Tang Zhisong replied. "But he’s the type who follows his feelings. If he isn't moved, he won't marry."
Jiang Bin went quiet. Their own marriage had been entirely based on mutual interest and logic. She had found an ideal partner based on criteria; he had found her suitable based on the same.
What is being 'moved'? It’s the subconscious choice where feelings override logic. So far, she hadn't seen that in him.
She didn't know how to respond to his statement. The conversation suddenly went cold. She pulled out her phone to check messages, and Tang Zhisong remained silent.Back at the apartment, the atmosphere was still strained. Jiang Bin went to the master bath, and Tang Zhisong went to shower and change. Neither could quite put their finger on why the mood had shifted.
Emerging from the bath, Jiang Bin’s cramps returned with a vengeance. She crawled into bed, shivering despite the heating. When Tang Zhisong returned, she asked, "Do you have to work late?"
"I have a short meeting." He noticed her pale complexion. "Are you in a lot of pain?"
Jiang Bin shook her head. "I’m going to lie down for a bit."
Tang Zhisong, returning from a late international call, found her tossing and turning.
"Do you need a hospital?" he asked.
She threw a hot water bag out from under the covers. "Just... more hot water in my heating pad," she murmured.
He gave her a long look. This was the consequence of her "unwinding" at the bar. Jiang Bin avoided his gaze.
A moment later, he returned with the refilled bag. She curled around it at her lower abdomen and closed her eyes. When Tang Zhisong climbed into bed and turned off the lights, he found her feet were like ice. He pulled her legs over his own to warm them. Jiang Bin leaned back into his solid chest, the radiating heat finally bringing her some relief.
Just as she started to relax, she heard a soft, mocking snort from behind her.She knew exactly what it meant—he was mocking her for her stubbornness at the bar and for overestimating herself. Annoyed, she tried to pull away.
He immediately chased after her, sliding his arm under her head as a pillow. "Alright, I wasn't laughing at you.""What did you say?" she challenged, turning to look at him in the dim light. The blackout curtains were tightly drawn, and only a tiny nightlight in the corner remained lit. He could only see her silhouette, but he could feel her formidable aura. He wisely chose not to argue with his wife.
"I said I was wrong," he replied, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "I shouldn't have agreed to take you. If I hadn't gone, you wouldn't have gone, and you wouldn't be in pain now."
With one's wife, it was best not to be too literal. "It's all my fault."
His tone was so sincere she almost believed him. She hadn't expected him to swallow his pride like this to coax her. If the lights were on, she’d love to see his face. She felt her mood lift and relaxed back into his embrace.
Tang Zhisong realized she was actually quite easy to appease. "Where does it hurt?" he asked softly.
"Here..." she murmured, clutching the water bag.
Tang Zhisong felt his way toward her hand. He took the water bag away and replaced it with his own palm. Finding her lower abdomen ice-cold, he frowned but said nothing, simply committing himself to warming her.
The water bag was either too hot or too cold, but Tang Zhisong’s palm was just right. His broad hand covered the entire area of discomfort. Wrapped in his solid embrace and surrounded by his heat, she felt much better.
Jiang Bin covered his hand with her own, her fingers lacing through his—a silent response to his care.Tang Zhisong stiffened. Between the intimate hug that afternoon, the neck kiss earlier that evening and now this. He was reaching his limit.
"Sleep," he urged. Only if she slept would he find any peace.
Hearing the unromantic command, she let her hand drop.
They lay there in silence, a quiet battle of wills. Tang Zhisong immediately regretted being so blunt; he had liked the feeling of her hand on his. Sensing she was sulking, he leaned in and pressed a light, clean kiss to her forehead.
It was the first time he had kissed her like that—without passion, just pure tenderness.
No woman could resist such a kiss. Satisfied, Jiang Bin let the question of being "moved" drift away. For now, this was enough. She reached back laced their hands once more.
Chapter Notes:
- "Husband-face" (人夫相): A slang term for a man who looks and acts like he belongs in a committed marriage—domesticated, attentive, and protective.
- Cullinan: A reference to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the ultimate symbol of "quiet luxury" in high-society transport.
- Cinnabar Mole (朱砂痣): A literary trope referring to a past or present love that has left an indelible, permanent mark on a person’s heart. While the "White Moonlight" is an idealized dream, the Cinnabar Mole represents a passionate, lived experience that is impossible to forget or replace.
(Added another chapter to make up for missing last Monday's schedule! Thanks for reading! ~Poppi)
(Update Schedule: Mondays & Thursdays)
Comments
Post a Comment