Marriage First, Love Later: The Soft and Obedient Little Wife of Mr. Lu - Chapter 23: The First Date

Chapter 23: The First Date

Lu Yike was picked up early in the morning by Old Lu’s driver. He would be staying with the two elders for the next couple of days, leaving the two of them ample private space.

Before leaving, Lu Yike mysteriously scurried over to Lu Zhijin’s ear and whispered, Dad, you’ve got to give it your all!

Lu Zhijin smiled and patted his bottom, thinking to himself how clever this little rascal was.

While Song Shimu was upstairs getting ready, Lu Zhijin waited downstairs. The process of a woman putting on makeup and dressing up was always meticulous and lengthy, but Lu Zhijin didn’t rush her or show any impatience. He found the feeling of waiting for someone quite pleasant because it came with anticipation.

Sitting on the sofa reading a book, the morning sunlight illuminated his striking profile. His tall, straight nose bridge glowed, and his sharp jawline disappeared into his light blue shirt. Hearing soft, stealthy footsteps behind him, he pretended not to notice, a smile playing on his lips.

A pair of cool, soft hands covered his eyes, and a few strands of cascading curly hair brushed against his neck, tickling him. A gentle, playful voice sounded in his ear.

Guess who?

Lu Zhijin’s lips curved into a charming smile as he reached up to pull her small hands down. Turning to look at the exquisitely dressed woman, he said, It’s my wife.

Song Shimu was wearing a white princess dress with a square neckline and slightly puffed sleeves that subtly revealed her perfect bustline. The dress was cinched at the waist, with a ruffled hem ending just below her hips, showcasing her long, slender legs. Her entire figure seemed to glow in white.

She had carefully applied makeup to accentuate her already beautiful features. The upward tilt of her eyes made her resemble a pampered little kitten. With her hair styled in a half-up princess do, she looked charming and adorable, like a college student who hadn’t yet graduated.

Lu Zhijin pulled her onto his lap and carefully admired the petite woman before him, his eyes filled with happiness.

You’re so beautiful, I’m reluctant to let you go out.

But I’ve been looking forward to this for two days, Song Shimu said, her cat-like eyes sparkling with mischief.

Lu Zhijin pretended to be troubled. Then what should we do? Should I blind all the other men?

The two of them burst into happy laughter together.

Lu Zhijin drove them to a members-only equestrian club that only admitted VIPs who had recharged over ten million yuan. As a regular guest, Lu Zhijin was warmly welcomed by the staff. They first went to the changing rooms to put on their riding attire.

The form-fitting, handsome gray-white outfits perfectly showcased their excellent physiques. Lu Zhijin had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, with straight, powerful long legs encased in tall riding boots. Song Shimu’s lovely curves were smooth and graceful. Standing together, they looked like models promoting the equestrian club.

Master Lu, would you like us to prepare a riding instructor for your wife?

No need, I’ll teach her myself. Is the riding arena cleared?

Rest assured, the arena is closed today and reserved exclusively for you.

Lu Zhijin nodded, then picked up a helmet and carefully put it on Song Shimu as she emerged, looking at her with gentle eyes.

Today, Instructor Lu will teach you how to ride.

Lu Zhijin first explained riding techniques to Song Shimu, then had her mount a horse to try. He had chosen a gentle white horse for her.

This is the horse prepared for you. Her name is Maria, and she has a very gentle temperament.

Song Shimu joyfully stroked the horse’s back. Maria seemed to sense her affection, recognizing her as its mistress, and lowered its head to nuzzle against Song Shimu, inviting her to pet it.

It’s so clever! Song Shimu exclaimed happily.

All the horses in this equestrian club were imported thoroughbreds from England—strong-limbed, beautifully built, and exceptionally expensive. The horse Lu Zhijin had selected for Song Shimu alone cost over eighty million.

Lu Zhijin held the reins steady, supporting Song Shimu as she mounted. She stepped into the stirrup, swung her long leg over, and smoothly settled into the saddle. Maria obediently began walking at a gentle pace. With excellent balance, Song Shimu sat steadily without swaying, quickly adapting by engaging her core.

After guiding her for several laps and noticing Song Shimu’s eager expression, Lu Zhijin released his hold, allowing her to take control. The woman gripped the reins, gave a slight squeeze with her legs, and Maria, sensing its rider’s intent, broke into a steady canter. Handling it with ease, Song Shimu raised an eyebrow and glanced at Lu Zhijin.

How is your student doing, Teacher Lu?

Absolutely gifted.

Lu Zhijin gazed adoringly at the spirited woman, who now appeared as noble as royalty astride the horse. He then turned to fetch his own mount—a tall, handsome dark brown thoroughbred named Yunxiao, noticeably larger than Maria. The horse let out a soft snort and pawed the ground gently upon seeing Lu Zhijin.

Yunxiao had been the most difficult horse to tame, purchased by the club at great expense. The management had nearly given up until Lu Zhijin, ignoring staff warnings, swiftly mounted it, firmly seized the reins, and galloped off. Worried about potential consequences they couldn’t afford, the equestrian instructors gave chase but fell far behind. To everyone’s surprise, Lu Zhijin returned an hour later with Yunxiao perfectly subdued—obedient only to him and no one else.

Lu Zhijin urged his horse forward, quickly pulling up alongside Song Shimu as the two steeds rode abreast.

What’s your horse’s name?

Yunxiao.

That’s a beautiful name.

Lu Zhijin stayed close to Song Shimu, wary of a repeat of the incident during their seaside swim—this woman had a knack for making the unflappable Colonel Lu’s adrenaline surge with a single careless move.

The vast grounds of the equestrian club allowed for a leisurely ride, but Song Shimu soon grew restless, blinking playfully at him.

A Jin, I want to feel the wind rushing past.

Then I’ll have to be the one to show you.

Song Shimu patted Maria, signaling her to kneel for dismounting. Seated on his horse, Lu Zhijin wrapped a long arm around her and lifted her directly in front of him onto his saddle.

Her back pressed against his warm, firm chest, and she could almost feel his strong heartbeat. With one arm securing her waist and the other holding the reins, his deep, melodious voice sounded by her ear.

Ready?

Song Shimu’s eyes sparkled with anticipation as she nodded gently. All set!

Hyah!

Lu Zhijin squeezed his legs and tightened his grip on the reins. Yunxiao shot forward instantly, the roaring wind whipping past their ears and tossing loose strands of hair as the scenery blurred behind them.

Song Shimu was both nervous and excited, her small hands involuntarily clinging to Lu Zhijin’s strong, taut arm. His arm remained tightly wrapped around her slender waist, their chests and backs pressed seamlessly together as if molded into one.

Yunxiao carried them swiftly toward the horizon, as if chasing the setting sun.

It feels like a scene from a chivalric novel, wandering the world together, Song Shimu murmured.

Lying on the grass with her head pillowed on Lu Zhijin’s arm, she gazed at the clear sky. Lu Zhijin turned sideways, his burning eyes fixed intently on the woman’s face.

Then we must be a righteous and devoted couple, living free and untethered lives, he responded.

Song Shimu turned her head, falling into the depths of his profound gaze. Her fingers traced down the bridge of his tall nose as she whispered with a velvety hook in her voice, Will this couple love each other till their hair turns white?

Of course, he affirmed. The man will always protect the woman, offering her his entire heart.