After The Beautiful Drama Queen’s Marriage To The Wealthy Tycoon - Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Coax Me

Jiang He’s hand was scratched, so Qi Hanchuan took him to the room next door to tend to the wound.

It was actually a very minor cut; if it hadn’t bled a little, one might not have even noticed it. However, Jiang He was pampered and sensitive to pain; since he was a child, even the tiniest scratch could make him cry for half a day.

But today, he didn’t cry or make a fuss. He sat there quietly, only furrowing his brows slightly when it stung.

Seeing him frown, Qi Hanchuan leaned down and blew gently on the wound. A slight itch seeped through the delicate skin, making Jiang He flinch, his expression turning a bit unnatural.

He felt as though he had caused trouble. Wrecking someone’s birthday banquet like this was very impolite. He had been too impulsive; he shouldn’t have lost his cool over a few words from Zhang Mang. He could have waited until the banquet was over to settle the score. Why couldn’t he hold back?

Qi Hanchuan must be angry, he thought. Xie Yunting was his best friend, and by causing such a scene, Jiang He must have made Qi Hanchuan lose face.

Seeing his crestfallen little face, Qi Hanchuan softened his movements as he wiped the wound. “Does it hurt?”

Jiang He shook his head, his voice muffled. “I’m sorry.”

Qi Hanchuan suddenly reached out to touch his forehead, muttering to himself, “No fever. Why are you talking nonsense?”

Jiang He gently pushed Qi Hanchuan’s hand away and rested his chin on his knees, his eyes staring blankly ahead. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene. I was just so angry I couldn’t control myself…”

Realizing that the boy was blaming himself, Qi Hanchuan smiled and patted Jiang He’s head. “No need to apologize. Xie Yunting will handle it.”

Jiang He looked up at Qi Hanchuan, his eyes shimmering with tears. He haphazardly wiped his eyes. “Don’t you think I’m rude? I ruined Xie Yunting’s banquet and embarrassed you.”

Looking back, he felt like a madman. He worried that everyone was secretly pitying Qi Hanchuan for marrying a “male wife” who was also losing his mind.

“How was it embarrassing?” Qi Hanchuan pinched Jiang He’s chin, forcing him to look up. Seeing his pitiful expression, he smiled and said, “You were so brave standing up for your friend. I’m proud of you. As for the banquet, the formal event doesn’t even start until tomorrow. It wasn’t ruined. You helped him weed out an uninvited guest ahead of time; he’ll be more than grateful to you.”

Jiang He pouted, still looking unhappy. “Really?”

Qi Hanchuan brushed away the moisture from the corners of Jiang He’s eyes, his tone tender. “Really. If you don’t believe me, ask him yourself when he gets back.”

Jiang He called him by his full name: “Qi Hanchuan.”

Qi Hanchuan responded warmly, “Hmm?”

A faint sob entered Jiang He’s voice. “Can you… can you give me a hug?”

Qi Hanchuan smiled, pulled the boy into his arms, and gave him a reassuring pat on the back. “Were you scared? Usually, you just crash into me when you want a hug. Why are you so pathetic today?”

Jiang He didn’t say anything. He buried his face in Qi Hanchuan’s chest, the familiar scent instantly making him feel settled.

Once he was sufficiently comforted, Qi Hanchuan patiently reasoned with him: “Even though you weren’t in the wrong, you can’t be this impulsive in the future. What if Zhang Mang had fought back? You would have been the one getting hurt.”

Zhang Mang had only taken the beating because he was stunned that Jiang He would actually start a fight in such a setting. Otherwise, Jiang He wouldn’t have had the upper hand. When Qi Hanchuan had seen Jiang He’s hands covered in blood earlier, he had been scared to death. Fortunately, it was just a scratch, and most of the blood belonged to Zhang Mang.

The person in his arms remained silent for a long while. Qi Hanchuan asked helplessly, “Did you hear me?”

Jiang He didn’t answer. He was afraid he couldn’t keep that promise; if a similar situation happened again, he knew he still wouldn’t be able to hold back.

Qi Hanchuan’s voice took on a hint of sternness: “Jiang He.”

Jiang He burrowed deeper into his chest, sounding aggrieved. “Don’t be mean to me.”

Qi Hanchuan sighed. “How am I being mean? You’re the one being disobedient.”

Jiang He confessed, “I can’t do it.”

Qi Hanchuan fell silent. Feeling uncertain, Jiang He stole a glance upward and happened to lock eyes with him. Startled, he immediately ducked his head back into the man’s embrace.

Looking at the fluffy head of hair in his arms, Qi Hanchuan shook his head helplessly. His voice now carried a coaxing tone. “I’m not saying you shouldn’t vent your anger. I’m saying don’t put yourself in danger. If there’s someone you want to deal with, just tell me. I’ll handle it for you.”

With Jiang He’s slender frame, if someone truly retaliated, he would be the one at a disadvantage.

Jiang He froze, then looked up from Qi Hanchuan’s chest. “No matter who it is, you’ll handle it for me?

Qi Hanchuan looked down at him, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind his ear. “Mm. I’ll handle all of them.

Jiang He stared into Qi Hanchuan’s eyes. His heart began to race uncontrollably, and the atmosphere suddenly felt a bit strange.

Knock, knock, knock— A sudden knock at the door broke the tension. Xie Yunting and Fang Zhiyi pushed the door open and walked in.

Seeing Jiang He being held, Xie Yunting didn’t leave. Instead, he teased them playfully, “Oh, I hope I’m not interrupting you two?”

Jiang He climbed out of Qi Hanchuan’s lap and sat properly, his cheeks and ears flushing red. He didn’t know why his heart was racing, and now he felt a bit embarrassed.

The atmosphere was too peculiar. Fang Zhiyi spoke up at the right time: “Xiao He, everything is fine now. Zhang Mang got in using an invitation from Fang Zhixu. Young Master Xie already had him thrown into the sea.”

Jiang He was shocked, his voice rising, “Thrown into the sea?”

Xie Yunting sat down and crossed his legs. “Yeah, thrown into the sea. Your husband told me to do it.”

Jiang He glanced at Qi Hanchuan, then uncomfortably looked away. He turned to Fang Zhiyi. “So Fang Zhixu told him to cause trouble for you?”

Fang Zhiyi nodded, looking worried. “That’s what he said.”

Fang Zhixu hadn’t shown up himself, so Fang Zhiyi thought he had finally behaved. He hadn’t expected him to send Zhang Mang with his invitation. Only someone as brainless as Zhang Mang would fall for it.

Xie Yunting then dropped a bombshell: “Xiao Zhi, why don’t you just get engaged to me? My family is nagging me to death anyway.”

Jiang He was stunned. “What are you talking about?”

“Think about it, Little Sister-in-law,” Xie Yunting said while popping a pastry into his mouth, still using that nonchalant tone. “The Fang family is so desperate to marry Xiao Zhi off just to milk the family for profit. Rather than letting them find him some random creep, it’s better he gets engaged to me. At least we know each other. And it’s just a strategic move. Once Xiao Zhi finds someone he actually likes, we’ll break it off. I won’t tie him down; we can both do our own thing.”

Before Jiang He could speak, Fang Zhiyi said, “I need to consider it.”

Jiang He reacted strongly. “Consider what? You’re not actually going to listen to him, are you? After what happened with Zhang Mang, the Fang family won’t dare force you again…”

Before he could finish, Fang Zhiyi pressed a hand on his shoulder, his voice gentle but firm. “Xiao He, Young Master Xie is right. The Fang family won’t stop. You can protect me for a while, but you can’t guard me forever. You have your own things to do. A fake engagement is beneficial for both Young Master Xie and me. We can appease our families without being tied down. It’s a good proposal.”

Jiang He’s brow was tightly knit. “But you.

Fang Zhiyi gave a reassuring smile. “I’m fine. It’s all fake anyway. If Young Master Xie finds someone he likes, we can end it at any time.”

Seeing they were nearly in agreement, Xie Yunting smiled. “Don’t worry, Little Sister-in-law. I won’t lay a finger on your best friend.”

Once Fang Zhiyi made up his mind, it was hard to change it. Although this was indeed the best solution for now, Jiang He didn’t want him to compromise. Fang Zhiyi hated business marriages the most; he had always said he wanted a passionate romance that would naturally lead to a loving marriage.

Where was the “love” in this?

Jiang He had always thought he could protect Fang Zhiyi. It turned out that aside from causing trouble, he couldn’t do anything. For the first time in his life, Jiang He felt completely defeated.

He slumped his shoulders and lowered his head, his voice filled with disappointment. “Fine. Think it over carefully. Make sure you’re sure before you decide, so you don’t regret it later.”

“Xiao He.

“I’m fine,” Jiang He took a deep breath and looked up at Xie Yunting. “I’m sorry for causing you trouble just now.”

“Huh?” Xie Yunting looked bewildered and instinctively shot a look for help toward Qi Hanchuan. “It  it was no trouble. I should thank you for helping me kick out an uninvited guest.

Jiang He lowered his eyes, fighting back his sadness. “Mm. I’m a bit tired. Can you arrange a room for me?”

“The room next door is empty, why don’t you…”

Before Xie Yunting could finish, Jiang He walked out, his slender silhouette radiating sorrow. Fang Zhiyi was worried and was about to follow, but Qi Hanchuan got up and went out first.

Xie Yunting said, “Don’t worry, leave him to A-Chuan. You stay here for now. Let me know once you’ve made up your mind, and I’ll talk to my family.”

Fang Zhiyi gave an “Mm,” but he still couldn’t stop worrying about Jiang He.

Back in the room, Jiang He curled up on the sofa in a terrible mood. He was already in a business marriage and didn’t want the same for Fang Zhiyi. But he was powerless; he couldn’t help him. Aside from asking others for help, he couldn’t accomplish anything on his own.

Hearing the door open, Jiang He buried his face in his knees and refused to look up. He knew it was Qi Hanchuan, but he didn’t want to talk. Qi Hanchuan didn’t speak either; he simply sat down beside Jiang He, offering his silent company.

After a moment of silence, Jiang He suddenly called out, “Hubby.”

Qi Hanchuan looked down. “Mm.”

“I’m very sad,” Jiang He said gloomily.

“Do you want a hug?” Qi Hanchuan asked.

Jiang He didn’t say a word. He turned around, crawled onto Qi Hanchuan’s lap, and buried his face in his chest. ” I’m always causing trouble for others,” he said with self-loathing. “I said I’d protect Fang Zhiyi, but I failed. I’m useless.”

Qi Hanchuan wrapped his arms around Jiang He’s back, his large hand gently stroking his soft hair. “You’ve done very well. It’s just that many things in life don’t go exactly as we wish. An alliance with the Xie family is indeed the best choice for him right now.”

He could help bring down the Fang family, but it would involve too many complications. The rest of the Qi family wouldn’t easily agree, nor would the Old Master. Besides, it would take time.

Jiang He’s voice carried a faint sob. “I know, but I’m still sad.”

Qi Hanchuan spoke more than usual, trying to comfort him. “Perhaps it’s not a bad thing. The Xie family is prestigious enough that the Fangs won’t dare mess with him anymore. He can focus on doing what he loves. Xie Yunting has a bad reputation, but his character is fine. He just likes to talk big. In fact, he’s never even been in a relationship.”

“Huh?” Jiang He looked up blankly, tears still clinging to his cheeks. “He’s never been in a relationship?”

Qi Hanchuan brushed away the tears and naturally pinched Jiang He’s cheek. “Never. He’s just too clumsy and often gets framed, which leads to a lot of gossip.”

Over time, bad rumors had spread. Xie Yunting actually enjoyed it, pretending to be a playboy when he hadn’t even held anyone’s hand.

Hearing this, Jiang He felt a bit more at ease, though his mood was still quite low. He started to act a bit spoiled: “Qi Hanchuan, coax me.”

Qi Hanchuan laughed helplessly. “How should I coax you?”

Jiang He didn’t know how either. After thinking for a while, he said, “Just say something nice. Praise me.”

Qi Hanchuan shook his head and whispered a few compliments. When he didn’t hear a response for a while, he looked down and realized Jiang He had fallen asleep in his arms. Between the fight with Zhang Mang, the scare he got, and the constant tension over Fang Zhiyi, he was likely exhausted.

Qi Hanchuan touched Jiang He’s cheek and shifted him slightly so he could sleep comfortably against his shoulder.