After The Beautiful Drama Queen’s Marriage To The Wealthy Tycoon - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Giving the Ring

Jiang He was feeling terribly unwell, but he was determined to see the gift Qi Hanchuan had bought him. He forced himself to stay awake, leaning against the headboard to wait.

When Qi Hanchuan returned, he saw the young master looking utterly aggrieved, his small face pale and devoid of color.

Before the man could even speak, Jiang He reached out his hand: “Gift.”

Qi Hanchuan walked to the bedside and handed the ceramic doll to Jiang He first; the ring box remained quietly in his pocket.

Jiang He took it and glanced at it, comparing the doll in his hand to Qi Hanchuan. He gave a weak smile: “The real person looks better.”

Qi Hanchuan hesitated for a moment, not taking out the ring box yet. He sat on the chair by the bed: “Still feeling bad?”

“Yes,” Jiang He murmured, his thick, curly lashes casting a small shadow on his face, looking like a vulnerable child. “I want you to hold me.”

He toyed with the doll, talking to himself: “Get on the bed and hold me. I don’t want to sleep by myself.”

Since falling ill, he had become even more prone to acting spoiled, looking quite pitiful.

When he didn’t get an immediate response, Jiang He looked up, feeling deathly aggrieved. “Qi Hanchuan.”

Qi Hanchuan sighed and climbed onto the bed, sitting beside him. Before he could reach out, Jiang He crawled onto his lap, snuggling into his embrace as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Qi Hanchuan pulled the quilt over Jiang He and let out a soft chuckle. “You act this spoiled just because you’re sick?”

Jiang He grumbled: “I’m miserable.”

Seeing him tightly clutching the doll, Qi Hanchuan said: “Put that down and go to sleep.”

Jiang He refused, insisting on holding it, so Qi Hanchuan had to compromise.

Jiang He found a comfortable position lying against Qi Hanchuan’s chest. He shifted a bit and suddenly said: “Something is poking me.”

There was indeed something hard in Qi Hanchuan’s pocket. Before Qi Hanchuan could reach for it, Jiang He had already slipped his hand into the pocket, unceremoniously pulling out the ring box.

“Why is there a ring box in your pocket?” Jiang He frowned in displeasure. “Who gave this to you?”

Qi Hanchuan felt a bit awkward: “No one.” He regretted bringing it in so casually.

Seeing Qi Hanchuan’s expression, Jiang He mistook it for a guilty conscience. He angrily slammed the ring box onto the quilt, coughing as he scolded: “I’m lying here sick, and you’re carrying a ring from someone else while taking care of me? Qi Hanchuan, has your conscience been eaten by dogs?”

Qi Hanchuan hurried to pat his back to help him breathe, but Jiang He thought he was trying to distract him. He became even angrier, struggling to get out of Qi Hanchuan’s arms.

Afraid he would fall, Qi Hanchuan tightly held Jiang He’s waist. Jiang He struggled even harder, his tears flowing instantly. “I don’t want you to hold me anymore! Let’s get a divorce tomorrow! You promised you wouldn’t mess around, you’re a liar!”

He became more aggrieved as he spoke, even starting to hit Qi Hanchuan. Qi Hanchuan helplessly caught Jiang He’s wrists and pulled him close, sighing: “Can you let me say a word?”

The boy’s mouth was moving so fast he didn’t have a chance to cut in. He had looked so weak a moment ago, but now he had enough energy to cause a scene.

Looking at those reddened eyes filled with tears, Qi Hanchuan waited for him to calm down slightly before saying: “I bought it myself.”

Jiang He’s hands were pinned, so he tried to headbutt Qi Hanchuan, only to be blocked by a warm, large hand. He got even angrier: “Liar! Who buys a ring box for no reason? Why did you buy it?”

Qi Hanchuan said: “For you.”

“For me, my ass Jiang He suddenly froze and looked up. “For who?”

A hint of helplessness flashed in Qi Hanchuan’s eyes. “Who else would I give it to but you?” He was already married to Jiang He; why would he give a ring to anyone else?

Jiang He was dazed: “Why?”

Seeing that he was no longer struggling, Qi Hanchuan released his wrists and helped tidy his messy clothes and hair. “Didn’t you say at the milk tea shop that I never bought you a ring? It arrived the day before yesterday.”

“You should have said so earlier.” Jiang He brushed away Qi Hanchuan’s hand and hurriedly picked up the box.

Two rings lay quietly inside. One was simple yet luxurious and grand—clearly Qi Hanchuan’s. The other was slightly more flamboyant, set with a ruby and in a smaller size—clearly his.

Jiang He’s lashes were still wet, but a smile had already spread across his face. “So these are our wedding rings?”

Back at the milk tea shop, he had just been speaking offhandedly and had forgotten about it himself. Who would have thought Qi Hanchuan would remember and secretly order them? This didn’t seem like something Qi Hanchuan would do, which was why he had misunderstood.

Qi Hanchuan didn’t explicitly admit to the sentiment, only saying: “With the rings, the next time we do a buy-one-get-one-free event at a milk tea shop, we won’t have to pull out our marriage certificates.”

“Just for that?” Jiang He picked up his ring, smiling playfully. “It’s not because you want to use a ring to keep me by your side?”

Qi Hanchuan shook his head and laughed. “You sure have a lot of thoughts for someone who’s sick.”

Jiang He pouted and stuffed the ring into Qi Hanchuan’s hand, making him put it on for him. He continued to grumble: “Why didn’t you just take it out earlier? You made me throw a fit for nothing.”

Qi Hanchuan remained silent, quietly helping Jiang He put on the ring. He had initially worried it was too flashy, but Jiang He had fair skin and beautiful hands; it looked perfect on him.

Jiang He admired his hand for a moment, then took the other ring and put it on Qi Hanchuan. He grabbed Qi Hanchuan’s hand, holding it unceremoniously: “They match so well.”

Jiang He’s hand was very soft. Qi Hanchuan felt a bit awkward but didn’t pull away, reminding him calmly: “You need to sleep now.”

Jiang He shook his head, turning Qi Hanchuan’s ring over and over, then looking at his own. “No, let me look a bit longer. How did you know my ring size?”

Qi Hanchuan asked back: “Not feeling sick anymore?”

Jiang He replied casually: “Much better. If you had brought the rings out earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have needed those injections.”

Qi Hanchuan laughed: “Nonsense.”

Jiang He snorted: “It’s not! I really don’t feel bad now.”

Qi Hanchuan didn’t bother arguing with a patient and let Jiang He play with his hand. Once the boy grew tired, he would naturally sleep.

Sure enough, after ten minutes, the excitement wore off and the exhaustion returned. Jiang He leaned listlessly against Qi Hanchuan’s chest.

Qi Hanchuan patted his back: “Go to sleep.”

Jiang He gave a soft “Mhm,” his eyelids drooping as he listened to Qi Hanchuan’s strong heartbeat. Drowsiness gradually took over.

Due to the sudden drop in temperature and the fact that he hadn’t been sick in a long time, Jiang He’s illness lingered for several days. He had grown noticeably thinner. The Jiang family visited several times, all of them heartbroken. Old Master Qi sent many tonics, and the Qin family sent fresh pastries every day.

Despite being well cared for, Jiang He still remembered Ping’an and felt sad whenever he thought of the kitten.

Fang Zhiyi handed Jiang He some warm water, sitting by the bed to comfort him: “You did your best. If it couldn’t be saved, it couldn’t be saved.” There were too many strays; you couldn’t save them all, but seeing a life fade before your eyes always hurt.

Jiang He sighed: “I know.”

Fang Zhiyi patted the back of his hand: “Don’t think too much. Just focus on getting better.”

Jiang He put the cup down and looked out the window gloomily. “Actually, I feel much better, but Qi Hanchuan won’t let me leave the house.”

Fang Zhiyi shook his head: “It’s been raining and it’s cold. He’s right not to let you out.” Qi Hanchuan was the one who asked him to come over, worried Jiang He would be bored.

Noticing the new ring on Jiang He’s ring finger, Fang Zhiyi asked tentatively: “Xiao He, have you fallen for Qi Hanchuan?”

Jiang He immediately frowned, reacting strongly: “What are you talking about? How could I possibly like him?” He had married him to spite Qi Xu; there were no feelings involved.

Noticing Fang Zhiyi’s gaze, Jiang He curled his fingers awkwardly: “He insisted on giving me the ring, saying it’s so we don’t have to show people our marriage certificate anymore.”

The reason was a bit far-fetched, but Fang Zhiyi didn’t expose him. Instead, he looked worried: “But I think he’s a good guy. You’ve gotten back at Qi Xu enough. Why don’t you come clean with him? Otherwise, this secret is like a time bomb between you two.”

Speaking of this, Jiang He felt helpless: “I wanted to tell him before, but I couldn’t find the right moment.” Every time he tried, something interrupted him, as if the heavens were preventing him from speaking.

Fang Zhiyi knew Jiang He’s temperament; he liked making excuses to avoid things. “Find a proper chance to confess, so he doesn’t get angry later when he finds out.”

Jiang He mumbled: “I’m not afraid of him getting angry.”

Fang Zhiyi smiled: “Really not afraid?”

Jiang He was defiant: “He’s probably the one afraid of me.” Even if he was scared, he wouldn’t admit it.

Fang Zhiyi shook his head: “He’s not afraid of you; he just treats you like a kid and looks after you.”

Jiang He said shamelessly: “Why don’t you say he’s hopelessly in love with me?” Since he got sick, Qi Hanchuan had been acting strangely, being so gentle it was like he was a different person.

Fang Zhiyi said seriously: “You could say that too.

Jiang He felt like he had found a kindred spirit, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “You think he’s in love with me too?”

Fang Zhiyi analyzed it seriously: “Maybe not ‘in love’ yet, but he’s much gentler than before. It could be a sense of responsibility, or maybe he has some feelings for you.” Compared to before, Qi Hanchuan had changed a lot. He even called Fang Zhiyi personally to come over and keep Jiang He company. He even secretly ordered a ring—it was quite baffling.

Jiang He crossed his arms arrogantly, lifting his chin: “Responsibility my ass. Look at who I am; how could he not fall for me?”

Fang Zhiyi laughed and shook his head: “Don’t get too ahead of yourself. Think about how to tell him the truth.”

Jiang He shrugged: “It’s fine if I don’t. It was an arranged marriage anyway.” He and Qi Hanchuan had no feelings. Qi Hanchuan was smart; he probably guessed the reason Jiang He insisted on the marriage and just didn’t care.

Seeing his nonchalance, Fang Zhiyi felt a sense of helplessness: “I hope you can still say that later.”

Jiang He snorted: “Don’t act like I’m going to fall for him. I’ve locked my heart away.”

Fang Zhiyi exposed him mercilessly: “Then why do you act spoiled, let him carry you, wash you, and serve you? And why do you brag to me about your wedding ring every day?”

Jiang He picked up the ceramic doll modeled after Qi Hanchuan. A look of mischief appeared on his beautiful face. “He’s my husband; it’s his job to take care of me. As for the ring, I just think it looks good, and I’m bragging because you’re a single dog.”

“Fine, then this single dog won’t keep you company anymore. Stay here by yourself.” Fang Zhiyi turned to leave.

Jiang He hurriedly grabbed his arm: “Xiao Yi, I was wrong! Don’t be mad. Stay with me a bit longer, I’m dying of boredom.”

Fang Zhiyi looked down at him: “Don’t find me a ‘single dog’ anymore?”

Jiang He shook his head frantically: “No, no! Being a single dog is great! Only a single dog has time for me.”

Fang Zhiyi smirked: “Pathetic.”

When he was sick, Jiang He was exceptionally clingy, and even Fang Zhiyi could barely handle it. Fortunately, Qi Hanchuan came home early. Hearing that Fang Zhiyi had things to do at school, Qi Hanchuan had him sent back.

Jiang He stood on the carpet in his pajamas, barefoot. His pale face was full of disappointment. “Xiao Yi is gone. I’m so bored.”

Qi Hanchuan brought a pair of socks. The young master sat down and naturally lifted his feet for Qi Hanchuan to put them on.

Qi Hanchuan knelt down to put on the socks, saying quietly: “I’ll take you back to the old mansion later.”

Jiang He kept one foot on Qi Hanchuan’s knee. “What for?”

Qi Hanchuan let him keep his foot there while putting on the other one. “Dad said he had the kitchen make your favorite dishes and asked me to bring you back.”

Jiang He put on an exaggeratedly touched expression: “Dad must be heartbroken for me. Not like you.”

Qi Hanchuan grabbed Jiang He’s ankle and looked up. “Not like me how?”

Previously, Jiang He always had the upper hand, teasing Qi Hanchuan without restraint. But now Qi Hanchuan had learned some tricks and would often tease him back. Moreover, Qi Hanchuan’s aura was too strong; even while kneeling and holding Jiang He’s ankle, he still made Jiang He feel pressured and uneasy.

He tried to pull his foot away, but the grip tightened. Qi Hanchuan pressed: “What about me?”

Jiang He frowned and struggled: “Nothing. Let go.”

Qi Hanchuan didn’t obey, his cold eyes fixed on Jiang He. “Am I not good to you?”

Jiang He felt a chill and acted spoiled: “You’re hurting me.”

Qi Hanchuan immediately softened his grip but kept hold of the ankle, his thumb stroking the sock soothingly. He asked again: “Jiang He, am I not good to you?”

Qi Hanchuan rarely used his full name like this. The atmosphere became subtle, and Jiang He’s heart sped up. He had just been talking nonsense; who knew Qi Hanchuan would take it seriously? And this posture was so strange.

He looked away, mumbling: “Let go of me.”

Qi Hanchuan didn’t let go. “You’re the one who said you have to answer when someone asks a question, otherwise it’s impolite.”

Jiang He was backed into a corner and squeezed out a word: “Good.”

Qi Hanchuan purposely nudged him: “What? I didn’t hear.”

Jiang He raised his voice defiantly: “I said you’re very good to me! Now let go!”

Satisfied, Qi Hanchuan released him and stood up. “Get ready. We leave for the old mansion in half an hour.”

Frustrated at having lost the exchange, Jiang He shouted at Qi Hanchuan’s back: “If you’re so good to me, why don’t you help me get ready?”

“Fine.” Qi Hanchuan stepped forward as if to take off his clothes.

Terrified, Jiang He shouted: “I was joking! Go away! I’ll do it myself!”

Qi Hanchuan left with a smile. Jiang He was furious, slamming all the pillows onto the floor and stomping on them before going to the dressing room.

Jiang He chose a white hooded sweatshirt and black buttoned trousers, adding a necklace. He admired himself in the mirror for a while before leaving. He had even curled his hair to match the outfit, highlighting his exquisite face. Even though Qi Hanchuan saw him every day, he was still occasionally struck by his beauty.

Jiang He caught the look in his eyes and leaned in with a smile: “Hubby, do I look good?”

The sweet scent of peach wafted into his nose. Qi Hanchuan’s gaze swept over those mischievous, sparkling eyes, and his Adam’s apple bobbed. “Yes, you look good.”

Jiang He reached out and touched Qi Hanchuan’s Adam’s apple, then turned around and walked ahead a few steps. He looked back and gave Qi Hanchuan a wink: “Don’t fall in love with me now.”

Qi Hanchuan was immune to these little games. He grabbed a coat for Jiang He and walked out. Looking at his tall, cold back, Jiang He couldn’t help but stir up trouble: “I’m still sick and you treat me like this? You have no heart!”

Qi Hanchuan stopped and turned, looking helpless. “What now?”

Jiang He said as if it were only natural: “Carry me.”

“You’re twenty years old and always asking to be carried or held. Have you no shame?” Qi Hanchuan said, even as his feet moved toward Jiang He.

Jiang He looked at him in disbelief. “You’re insulting me?”

Qi Hanchuan bent down and picked him up with one arm. “Which part was an insult?”

Afraid of falling, Jiang He wrapped his arms around Qi Hanchuan’s neck and hissed: “You said I have no shame! How is that not an insult?”

Qi Hanchuan lied through his teeth: “It isn’t.”

At the old mansion, Jiang He was immediately surrounded by relatives. Word had spread about Qi Hanchuan going out in the rain to buy pastries for Jiang He, and everyone realized the man’s attitude toward his husband was different now.

Jiang He found it annoying. His cold wasn’t fully gone, and the various perfumes were making him nauseous. Qi Hanchuan noticed and said coldly, “Don’t crowd him.”

The crowd dispersed. Jiang He didn’t eat much at dinner, and Qi Hanchuan didn’t force him. Before the others were finished, he took Jiang He to the room to rest and supervise him taking his medicine.

After the medicine, Qi Hanchuan asked: “Want anything else to eat?”

Jiang He shook his head: “No appetite.”

Just then, Old Master Qi arrived with servants carrying various tonics. Qi Hanchuan glanced at them and said coldly: “The doctor said his body is too weak for such heavy tonics.”

The Old Master frowned and asked kindly: “Xiao He, what do you want to eat? I’ll have the kitchen make it.”

Jiang He leaned back, looking drained. “I really have no appetite.”

The Old Master dismissed the servants and, for the first time since Qi Hanchuan had grown up, stepped into his room. He looked at Jiang He with concern: “You’ve lost so much weight. Is A-Chuan not taking care of you?”

Jiang He defended him: “No, it’s just my own health. I don’t feel like eating.”

Seeing the Old Master sit down, Jiang He had an idea. He called “Hubby” and beckoned Qi Hanchuan over. Qi Hanchuan went over, only for Jiang He to grab his arm and say seriously to the Old Master: “Dad, since we’re all here, let’s have a talk.”

“About what?” the Old Master asked.

“About you and Qi Hanchuan. Specifically, your relationship as father and son.” Jiang He’s listlessness vanished.

The Old Master looked uncomfortable. “What is there to talk about?”

“A lot. You two are strange, you know that?” Jiang He was probably the only one who dared speak to the two Qi men like this. He continued: “Dad, you actually care a lot about Qi Hanchuan, but you’re always fierce to him. You call it being a ‘strict father,’ but honestly, your educational philosophy is problematic.”

The Old Master wanted to leave, but Jiang He said: “If you leave now, I’m never coming back.” The Old Master sighed and sat back down.

Jiang He asked seriously: “Dad, tell me first, do you love your son?”

The Old Master’s generation found it hard to speak of love. After a long silence, Jiang He said: “Fine, let me rephrase. Are you satisfied with Qi Hanchuan?”

The Old Master glanced at Qi Hanchuan and said bluntly: “Not satisfied. There’s room for improvement.”

“You’re still not satisfied?” Jiang He’s voice rose. “He’s so excellent. Your requirements are too high. He’s a person with his own thoughts; if he grew up exactly as you planned, how would he be different from a robot?”

The Old Master was silent but clearly disagreed. Qi Hanchuan remained expressionless. Jiang He sighed: “Forget it, you don’t want to talk.”

The Old Master said: “I do, but the relationship between father and son is like that of a monarch and subject. I believe I’ve done nothing wrong; everything was for his own good.”

Jiang He scoffed: “Dad, the Qing Dynasty ended a long time ago. Are you still trying to be an Emperor?”

The Old Master laughed: “You’ll understand when you get to my age.”

“I won’t. This is a remnant of feudal thinking,” Jiang He countered.

The Old Master eventually left, having sent up some pear soup for Jiang He’s cough. Qi Hanchuan took the bowl, but Jiang He acted up: “Feed me.”

Qi Hanchuan helplessly fed him a spoonful. Jiang He continued: “Say ‘Xiao He is good, have a sip.'”

Qi Hanchuan looked even more helpless, but eventually gave in: “Xiao He is good, have a sip and then I’ll take you somewhere.”

Jiang He drank a sip, his eyes bright. “When I had a fever, weren’t you good at coaxing me? What happened?”

Jiang He then grabbed the spoon and fed a mouthful to Qi Hanchuan. “Hubby is good, you have the last bite.”

Qi Hanchuan felt his heart speed up as he took the spoon. Jiang He leaned in, his eyes mischievous: “Why are you staring? Do you want to kiss me?”

Qi Hanchuan pulled Jiang He into his arms. Jiang He panicked: “What are you doing?”

“Can I kiss you if I want to?” Qi Hanchuan asked, his voice low and dominant.

“Of course not!” Jiang He struggled.

“But I want to,” Qi Hanchuan said, leaning closer. Jiang He screamed in fright. Just an inch away, Qi Hanchuan stopped and laughed, releasing him.

Jiang He jumped back, glaring. “You did that on purpose! You jerk!”

“If you didn’t look like you were about to cry, I might have actually kissed you,” Qi Hanchuan teased.

“Who’s crying?!” Jiang He snapped.

“A certain coward,” Qi Hanchuan replied as he walked out.

Qi Hanchuan led him to a secret spot in the backyard—a beautiful pond. Though the lotus flowers had withered, it was still stunning.

They got onto a small boat. As it rocked, Jiang He grabbed Qi Hanchuan’s hand. Qi Hanchuan held it back firmly.

“Let go,” Jiang He whispered, feeling the heat of the man’s hand.

“I want to hold it,” Qi Hanchuan said simply, letting the boat drift into the center of the pond.