Marriage First, Love Later: The Soft and Obedient Little Wife of Mr. Lu - Chapter 40: Green Tea Makes an Appearance

Chapter 40: Green Tea Makes an Appearance

Why are you here?

Lu Zhijin slightly furrowed his brows, his eyes unreadable, seeming rather displeased.

How can you say that! That’s really hurtful.

The woman puckered her cherry lips playfully, put down her luggage and walked forward, noticing the room was full of people.

Hello, Uncle and Auntie, long time no see. Is there some event today?

Um… Hanzhi, why didn’t you let us know you were coming? I could have sent someone to pick you up. Lu’s mother forced an awkward smile, finding the situation rather strange.

No need to trouble yourself. It was a last-minute decision.

This must be Ke Ke, right? Last time I saw you, you couldn’t even walk yet. Do you remember me?

The woman seemed naturally sociable, her smile warm and enthusiastic as she crouched down to hug Lu Yike. Lu Yike watched her warily and immediately ran to Song Shimu, clinging to her leg.

Mommy!

Mommy?

The woman raised her eyebrows, crossing her arms as she assessed Song Shimu with a gaze that was far from friendly.

Let me introduce you. This is my wife, Song Shimu.

Lu Zhijin’s gaze was firm as he stood up and took Song Shimu’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. That small gesture instantly dissolved all the unease in Song Shimu’s heart.

Mu Mu, this is Zhang Hanzhi, the daughter of my father’s comrade.

You actually got married?

Zhang Hanzhi knitted her delicate brows, suspicion written in her eyes. Having been abroad until recently, she wouldn’t have known about Lu Zhijin’s marriage if not for a message from a friend in their circle. That arrogant, self-important Lu Zhijin had actually declared his profound love publicly!

Zhang Hanzhi gritted her teeth silently, unwilling to believe what she was seeing. The sight of their tightly clasped hands was particularly irritating.

Yes, I’m married. I’ve found the person I want to spend my life with. The wedding was rather rushed, so we didn’t notify you. Lu Zhijin’s tone was emotionless, as if he didn’t care about the person before him.

Rushed? Buying a private island, arranging a luxurious wedding venue, and that priceless wedding dress – and he calls that rushed?

Zhang Hanzhi clenched her fists silently, her nails digging into her palms, but maintained her composure with a practiced smile. She spoke as if casually:

Wow! You actually got married. I thought it might be an arranged marriage, or just to find a mother for Ke Ke!

Neither. It’s because I love her.

Zhang Hanzhi’s face stiffened before she managed an awkward laugh.

Haha, I never knew you could be so romantic before. You always had such a cold expression whenever I called you.

Her words implied an intimate relationship between them, deliberately suggesting to Song Shimu that they had known each other longer. Quite the advanced Green Tea, Song Shimu thought to herself.

Since we’re not close, it’s normal you wouldn’t know me well.

Lu Zhijin rejected her attempt to claim intimacy, his brief response leaving no room for misunderstanding. Song Shimu nearly laughed out loud.

Zhang Hanzhi’s expression became strained. She finally turned to Song Shimu, belatedly offering greetings.

Hello, I’m Zhang Hanzhi, A Jin’s childhood friend. We grew up together.

Hello, I’m Song Shimu, the wife who will grow old with A Jin hand in hand.Song Shimu curved her lovely lips into a smile, her eyes clear as she generously looked at the other woman’s green-tinted face of anger, thinking to herself – who doesn’t know how to play the Green Tea game!

Lu Zhijin suppressed a laugh. His little wife was asserting her dominance, and his mood suddenly improved, but he still felt the need to explain.

She’s hardly what you’d call a childhood friend. She just lived in our house for two years due to certain circumstances. At that time, I was staying at Moyu’s place.

Zhang Hanzhi’s expression was far from pleasant. Both of them had snubbed her, but fortunately, Lu’s mother came over just in time to ease the tension, pulling her to sit down.

Hanzhi, are you hungry? Would you like to come over and have something to eat? These are Mu Mu’s parents. We’re celebrating Ke Ke’s birthday today.

Both parties nodded politely as a formality, though Father and Mother Song’s expressions were inscrutable.

Ke Ke’s birthday? Oh dear, if I had known, I would have brought a gift.

Zhang Hanzhi looked at Lu Yike, who was still clinging to Song Shimu’s leg. The little boy wore a serious expression, his small eyebrows furrowed as he stared at her unhappily. Zhang Hanzhi took off the watch she was wearing.

Ke Ke, I’m sorry. Auntie came in a hurry today and didn’t prepare a gift for you. I’ll make it up to you next time. Here, take this watch.

Lu Yike didn’t accept it, refusing outright. No need. Mom already gave me a new watch, and I super, super love it!

Zhang Hanzhi’s smile froze on her face. She glanced at the watch on Lu Yike’s wrist—the latest model smartwatch? Just a child’s toy, she thought disdainfully.

Auntie’s watch is more expensive than your mom’s. This one is better, Zhang Hanzhi deliberately tempted.

But who is our Lu Yike? He’s a little genius child! He wouldn’t fall for such Green Tea tactics. He turned his head away and lovingly stroked his own watch.

Even if Mom gave me a leaf, I’d still love it. Nothing you have can compare to the gifts Mom gives me!

Besides, you’ve already worn that watch. How can you have the nerve to give it to me?

Song Shimu: Well done, son!

Everyone’s expressions were a mix of emotions, though most were secretly gloating. Lu Zhijin even added fuel to the fire with a cold remark.

Son, well said. I’ll reward you with a game console when we get back.

Lu’s mother, bearing the heavy responsibility of keeping the peace, stepped in once again to smooth things over.

Hanzhi, how is your mother’s health?

She’s doing well. Recently, she and my stepfather are planning a trip to France.

That’s wonderful. How long do you plan to stay in Haishi this time?

Zhang Hanzhi smiled slightly at her. Auntie, I don’t plan on leaving this time. My mother has her own life now and doesn’t need me to worry about her. It’s time I start thinking about myself.

Oh… then where do you plan to stay? I still have a few properties in Haishi. Take a look and see which one you like?

No need, Auntie. The reason I came is to ask if I could stay with you for a while, just until I find a place of my own. But would that be too much of a disturbance for you and Uncle?

Zhang Hanzhi pretended to be embarrassed and hesitant. Well, maybe I should stay at A Jin’s place instead!

Aren’t you afraid of disturbing me and my wife? Lu Zhijin frowned and refused irritably.

There’s no room in our house. Go stay somewhere else.

A Jin, how could you! You’re breaking my heart! Zhang Hanzhi coquettishly pouted like a little girl and even deliberately stamped her foot.

Our Young Master Lu was an expert at dealing with Green Teas. Who cares if you’re heartbroken? Don’t talk as if we’re that close.

In the end, Zhang Hanzhi ended up staying at Lu’s father and mother’s place. Lu Zhijin had long since taken Lu Yike and Song Shimu home—out of sight, out of mind.

I don’t like that auntie!

Lu Yike sat in his child seat, frowning as he kicked the back of the front seat unhappily.

Lu Zhijin, who was driving, agreed, I don’t like her either.

Song Shimu had remained silent the whole time. Ever since Zhang Hanzhi appeared, her mood had been subdued. Lu Zhijin finally realized, albeit belatedly, that even though he had clearly distanced himself, his darling was still upset. He hurriedly began to explain in a flustered manner.

Mu Mu, I’m really not close with Zhang Hanzhi. Don’t listen to her nonsense. Her father and my dad were comrades-in-arms. Unfortunately, her father sacrificed his life during a peacekeeping mission. It was a standard operation, but Dad always felt it was his faulty command that led to the sacrifice, so he took care of his comrade’s daughter on his behalf.

When I was twelve, Zhang Hanzhi came to our home. I thought it was inappropriate for boys and girls to live too closely, and she was quite spoiled and annoying. So for those two years, I slept at Zhai Moyu’s house instead. There really was no emotional entanglement between us.

Later, her mother took her abroad. She only visits my parents every few years, and there’s no other contact. Really, you have to believe me.

Song Shimu gazed out the car window and couldn’t help but chuckle. The window reflected her sly smile—how could she not believe Lu Zhijin? His actions had been so obvious; she never doubted his love for her.

I know. I believe you.

Lu Zhijin seemed unconvinced. He turned the steering wheel to the right, pulled the car over to the roadside, and looked at her face seriously and earnestly. He didn’t want any secrets between them, nor did he want Song Shimu to feel the slightest bit wronged. All issues had to be resolved promptly, or they could fester into irreparable mistakes.

Really?

Really. You handled that situation perfectly earlier. Song Shimu raised her hand to caress his cheek, comforting him softly.

Then give me a kiss.

Song Shimu curved her lips gently, leaned forward, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

In the back seat, Lu Yike shyly covered his eyes with his hands, then curiously peeked through his fingers, his big eyes wide as he stole a glance.

So embarrassing! But Mom and Dad are so happy together!