Extra Story:

1.
After their marriage, the days the two shared grew only sweeter. Thanks to her outstanding work ability, Pei Huan was promoted to department supervisor in just her second year. Tan Yan had witnessed Pei Huan’s journey from the start; she knew how capable Pei Huan was—no matter how thorny the problem, it would be solved once it passed through her hands. So when Tan Yan heard of Pei Huan’s promotion, she was genuinely happy for her.

Others in the office soon learned of the news as well. Some who usually didn’t look kindly on Pei Huan would gossip about her behind her back, but Tan Yan overheard them several times and always spoke up in Pei Huan’s defense. In the end, those people could only leave with awkward smiles.

After her promotion, Pei Huan’s work grew even busier. Even during dates, she often had to reply to clients’ messages. Watching Pei Huan so absorbed in her work, Lu Yinghuai could only sigh helplessly.

Well, what could he do? His wife was just that capable.

But as it happened more often, Lu Yinghuai began to feel neglected by Pei Huan.

One day, while Pei Huan was preparing dinner in the kitchen, Lu Yinghuai appeared behind her without her noticing and wrapped his arms around her waist. Pei Huan didn’t turn around, still busy with her hands, a smile playing at her lips as she asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I’ve noticed you’ve been really cold to me lately,” Lu Yinghuai said softly, his tone tinged with accusation.

The sudden complaint caught Pei Huan off guard. She thought back carefully over the past days and felt she hadn’t been cold to him at all. Just as she was about to speak, Lu Yinghuai continued.

“You’re always busy with work. Even when I talk to you, you don’t respond.” His voice was slightly aggrieved.

Hearing this, Pei Huan realized that since her promotion, she had indeed grown busier. When she was just a regular employee, she only had to finish her tasks during work hours. Now, not only was she busy at the office, but she also had to coordinate with clients after hours. More than once, she’d been run ragged by difficult clients.

Lu Feng’s company was thriving, attracting many potential partners. Lu Feng entrusted many projects to Pei Huan, and even though she felt overwhelmed by the sudden workload, she still chose to accept the challenge.

After hearing her explanation, Lu Yinghuai decided he’d have to find a chance to have a word with Lu Feng, who was clearly interfering with his time alone with Pei Huan.

As if reading his mind, Pei Huan said, “Don’t go causing trouble for Lu Feng. I see how hard he works. Managing a company with Kang Shi is no easy feat, and now things are finally on track. As his brother, shouldn’t you be happy for him?”

Hearing her say this, Lu Yinghuai couldn’t bring himself to argue further. He merely grunted in acknowledgment.

Pei Huan put down what she was holding and turned to face him. Looking at him for a moment, she finally smiled. “But I’m almost done with my work now. How about we go on a date when I’m free?”

“And what if work comes up again during our date?” Lu Yinghuai’s tone was cool.

“I promise it won’t. Whoever tries to reach me, I won’t respond,” Pei Huan declared resolutely.

Seeing her so serious amused Lu Yinghuai. “Give me a kiss.”

Obediently, Pei Huan stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his lips. Apparently unsatisfied, Lu Yinghuai bent down and deepened the kiss.

As the atmosphere grew more intense, Pei Huan pulled back just in time. “That’s enough. Otherwise, neither of us will get to eat dinner tonight.”

At her words, Lu Yinghuai finally stopped, took a deep breath, and released his hold on her waist.

2.
Since Pei Huan started dating, Tan Yan had never seen her husband come pick her up from work. During lunch, Tan Yan mentioned it, but just as she realized she might be meddling, Pei Huan replied, “He’s very busy. I don’t want to trouble him.”

“Why not? That’s what husbands are for, isn’t it?” Tan Yan was puzzled.

Pei Huan found some truth in her words. After chatting about it for a bit, they moved on to other topics.

That evening, Pei Huan was working late again. She had lost count of how many times she had worked overtime since her promotion. Although her old principles had been broken, looking at her salary, she found it tolerable.

Tan Yan had also been promoted, and both were excelling in their jobs. Tan Yan had just finished work too. As they rode the elevator down together, Tan Yan asked, “It’s so late—how are you getting home?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe I’ll take a cab,” Pei Huan replied uncertainly.

“Isn’t your husband coming to pick you up?” Tan Yan asked.

“It’s late. He’s probably at home by now,” Pei Huan replied with a smile.

The elevator stopped at the ground floor, and as the doors opened, Pei Huan was chatting with Tan Yan when she spotted a familiar figure in the distance. Thinking she must be mistaken, she blinked several times. Only when the man turned around did she realize it was Lu Yinghuai.

Without another word to Tan Yan, she broke into a run and threw herself into Lu Yinghuai’s arms.

After a moment of affection, Pei Huan finally asked, “Why did you come to pick me up so late?”

“I was worried that if I didn’t, someone would complain about me,” Lu Yinghuai teased.

“Nonsense,” Pei Huan replied, pretending to be annoyed.

“Kiss me,” Lu Yinghuai said.

“Isn’t that a bit much?” Pei Huan hesitated.

Ignoring her, Lu Yinghuai bent down and kissed her.

Not far away, Tan Yan watched the affectionate couple. They were the perfect match, pleasing to the eye, and obviously deeply in love. All her earlier doubts about Lu Yinghuai disappeared in that moment.

Still, did they have to show off their love in public? She was still single, after all!

3.
Recently, Lu Yinghuai’s cooking had improved dramatically. In his spare time, he loved making meals for Pei Huan. Ever since she praised his cooking, he had been experimenting with new recipes every few days. All Pei Huan had to do was sit at the table and wait to be served.

After savoring his handiwork for what felt like the umpteenth time, Pei Huan remarked, “Your cooking is almost as good as mine now.”

“Really?” Lu Yinghuai smiled. “Then from now on, you don’t need to cook. I’ll do it.”

“Don’t you want to eat my dishes anymore?” Pei Huan asked with a laugh.

“I do,” Lu Yinghuai nodded, “but you work so hard every day. Let me handle it.”

Pei Huan propped her chin in her hands, playing the lovestruck fan. “You’re so thoughtful. What if I fall hopelessly in love with you?”

“Have you already?” Lu Yinghuai played along.

“Mm,” Pei Huan nodded. “Especially after tasting your food, I swear I’ll haunt you even in the afterlife!”

Her words made Lu Yinghuai laugh, his eyes filled with affection as he looked at her.

If possible, he would be more than happy to cook for her for the rest of his life.

4.
Ever since Lu Yinghuai took over the kitchen duties, Pei Huan became the one who frequently wandered in under the pretext of checking on his progress. In reality, she just wanted to find excuses to touch him.

She crept up behind him, wrapped her arms around him, and said with a laugh, “Guess who I am?”

“My wife,” Lu Yinghuai answered smoothly.

“And who is your wife?”

“Pei Huan.”

While her lips were satisfied, her hands kept moving. She slipped them under his shirt, exploring his body, lingering over his eight-pack abs before pressing down, marveling at how good he felt.

Lu Yinghuai’s nerves were taut. He could feel her hands misbehaving, but this wasn’t the time for such things. He kept his composure and continued with what he was doing.

Pei Huan’s hands settled on his chest. She couldn’t resist giving his firm muscles a squeeze, sighing in admiration, “What a body—no wonder you exercise so much.”

“Pei Huan,” Lu Yinghuai warned.

Hearing the threat in his voice, Pei Huan immediately stood straight, looking around as if nothing had happened.

Late that night, Pei Huan paid the price for her teasing in the kitchen.

After an intense round of passion, Lu Yinghuai looked down at her, his tone half-mocking. “Well? Are you impressed with the results of my training now?”

Though exhausted, Pei Huan still managed to roll her eyes at him.

“…Get lost.”

5.
Lu Yinghuai had transformed the backyard of their new house into a garden, having many flowers planted. Whenever Pei Huan could steal a moment away from work, she loved to stroll there, feeling all her stress melt away.

One winter day, the sun was shining. They set up chairs and a table, basking in the gentle sunlight while making tea over a small stove. The weather couldn’t have been better; the sun was warm, making them feel utterly content.

Pei Huan, lulled by the comfort, began to doze off. Lu Yinghuai sipped his tea and glanced at her. “If you’re sleepy, I’ll carry you to bed.”

“No,” Pei Huan declined, “it’s perfect here. The sun feels so nice.”

Before Lu Yinghuai could speak, Pei Huan continued, her voice lazy, “This is exactly the life I’ve always dreamed of—a home of my own, a loved one by my side. I never thought it would really come true.”

Lu Yinghuai said nothing at first.

He had never dared to hope for such a life. If, after that summer, he had never met Pei Huan again, he thought he could accept growing old alone.

But fortunately, they parted in summer and were reunited in summer.

“Yes, just like this—it’s not bad at all,” Lu Yinghuai replied, his voice just as languid.

A life lived in such peaceful simplicity didn’t seem such a bad thing after all.