Married, but Still Strangers - Chapter 2

In the dessert shop, Zhuang Yan bought two small cakes and took them to a nearby seat, eating them bit by bit.

Currently, Yue Lu was determined not to return home, and Zhuang Yan did not have the ability to reproduce asexually; he could not create a child alone.

Therefore, he had to find a way to “encounter” Yue Lu.

However, he did not understand Yue Lu at all. Before going abroad, Yue Lu had erased all traces of himself within the country. Yue Lu’s interests, hobbies, classmates, and friends Zhuang Yan could find out nothing.

This was not a good thing.

On Chi Xiaocheng’s side, the demands made by the other party were becoming more and more excessive. There was no telling when that boss would inflict his perverted hobbies upon Chi Xiaocheng.

This was only regarding the places on the hands and face that were easy to see; there was no knowing what had been left on the parts covered by clothing.

Although Chi Xiaocheng did not speak of it, Zhuang Yan could not let him actually come to harm; he could not afford to lose another relative.

Regardless of whether there was an opportunity or not, Zhuang Yan had to go see Yue Lu. If it truly came down to it, he would hire paparazzi or detectives to buy information on his whereabouts.

The air conditioner here was blowing directly on Zhuang Yan, blowing him to the point that he felt he was going numb.

Consequently, he irritably changed his seat and sat down. After taking two bites, he forcefully stabbed the fork into the cake and took out his phone to flip through the contact information of those few private detectives. He did not even notice that someone had sat down opposite him.

“Have you encountered some troubling matter?”

Only when the person opposite spoke did Zhuang Yan notice that the newcomer was actually Yue Lu, the one whose tracks he had been unable to find despite searching for many days.

At this moment, Yue Lu’s hair was combed meticulously, a thin layer of sweat hung on his forehead, and he was wearing a white sweatshirt. A pair of badminton rackets was placed by his feet. It appeared he had just finished playing badminton but had specifically tidied his hair when he came out.

He originally had an appointment to play at the badminton hall here with a client. As soon as he came out, he saw Zhuang Yan in the dessert shop next door. He quickly smoothed his hair and straightened his clothes, casually gave a few perfunctory words to see off the client, and hurried into the dessert shop.

In his heart, Zhuang Yan rolled his eyes at him: As if others pay so much attention to you. What are you pretending for? I should have just sat under the air conditioner earlier and let it blow you until you had a stroke, then I could take you back to carry on the family line.

However, currently, Zhuang Yan was a man under another’s eaves and had to bow his head.

Despite his thoughts, Zhuang Yan immediately put on a slightly miserable smile: “It’s nothing, thank you for your concern.”

“Do you like eating chocolate-flavored cake?” Seeing that Zhuang Yan was unwilling to talk, Yue Lu changed the subject.

“Yes, chocolate is very delicious.” Zhuang Yan chatted half-heartedly with Yue Lu. It had to be said, he truly knew how to bring a conversation to a dead end.

He actually did not want to slack off, but now, as soon as he saw Yue Lu’s face, he felt irritated. It was already quite good that he hadn’t rushed up to punch him twice.

No, this was wrong. Personal emotions were secondary; he could not delay the big matter just because he was angry with Yue Lu now.

Since the person was here now, the urgent task was to get him into the house.

“Do you want to try some? I bought two.” Feeling the sting in his wallet, Zhuang Yan pushed the other small cake in front of Yue Lu.

You better refuse me, otherwise…

“Then, thank you.” Yue Lu smiled brightly. It happened that at this moment, the sunlight shone through the window directly onto Yue Lu. Under the lighting, his face appeared even more perfect.

Sharing dessert with me upon meeting could it be that the other party also likes me a little?

So Yue Lu thought.

Zhuang Yan: You really aren’t being polite at all…

Can’t you be a bit more polite to a stranger!

Although they were married, they didn’t really know each other before.

And this Yue Lu always liked to smile. Smile, smile, smile what was there to smile about?

Is it because there isn’t enough work, or is the salary too high? Otherwise, let’s see if you can still smile.

Zhuang Yan was only focused on his own small cake and naturally had no time to manage the peacocking Yue Lu.

It was fine. One must give to receive, and moreover, it was just a small piece of cake.

Zhuang Yan comforted himself this way.

“Are you from B University? It seems we have seen each other in public elective classes.” Yue Lu took the initiative to strike up a conversation.

Zhuang Yan did not know if it was his hallucination, but Yue Lu seemed quite interested in him and kept looking for topics.

“I am from the B University School of Fine Arts. Are you as well?” Zhuang Yan pretended that he and Yue Lu had never met.

If he admitted now that he had sat in on other classes’ public electives multiple times just to see Yue Lu, wouldn’t he become a scheming Omega who deliberately approached him?

The materials Zhuang Yan investigated previously showed that because Yue Lu lived in a complicated family environment, he preferred people who were simple and kind.

“It really is a coincidence. I am from the School of Management. My name is Yue Lu. May I get to know you?”

Zhuang Yan did not understand why Yue Lu wanted to introduce his own name, nor did he understand what was “coincidental” about one being from the School of Fine Arts and the other from the School of Management. Ultimately, he concluded that Yue Lu did not know what his name was and wanted to ease the relationship with him.

By telling Zhuang Yan his name first, Zhuang Yan would also tell him his own name, so that the two of them would not be too awkward.

“My name is Zhuang Yan. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

It was a bit like a situational dialogue in a primary school class.

“Then, is it convenient to add each other on WeChat?” Yue Lu also realized it was abrupt, so he found another excuse. “Since you invited me to eat cake, you must let me treat you back next time. At any rate, we can be considered classmates.”

Zhuang Yan thought that, at any rate, they were a legally married couple; it wouldn’t do to not even have contact information. It was indeed inappropriate.

Yes, that marriage certificate which Zhuang Yan thought was a forgery was a real marriage certificate.

Zhuang Yan did not believe it at first. After all, neither of the spouses was present; how could a marriage certificate be processed?

But the official system showed that Zhuang Yan was married, and the Alpha was Yue Lu.

It seemed that leaving in the future would require this step. Perhaps since they could process a marriage certificate so quickly, a divorce certificate would also be very fast.

“Sure, you come and scan me.” Zhuang Yan stood up and proactively handed over his phone. One must have the attitude of someone asking for a favor.

Yue Lu’s hand was very large. Perhaps because he always sat in an office and had not been exposed to the sun, it looked very white. When he held the phone over to scan the code, the phone appeared to be some kind of small toy.

The phone case was pure black, which made Yue Lu’s hand look even better.

There seemed to be dark patterns on the phone case, but Yue Lu retracted his hand as soon as he finished scanning the QR code, so Zhuang Yan did not see clearly what the pattern was.

However, it was not good for Zhuang Yan to crane his neck and stare at Yue Lu’s phone case, so he had to sit back down as if nothing had happened.

Sitting back, Zhuang Yan looked at the friend request on his phone. It was a very crudely made cloth doll. Since it was used as a WeChat profile picture, it indicated that Yue Lu valued this ugly doll very much; it was likely made by someone important to Yue Lu.

Zhuang Yan deleted Yue Lu’s WeChat name “Sway” and changed it to the two words “Yue Lu.”

If only he could know who that person was. Starting with that person might make things easier.

“Is your profile picture your Abebe?” Zhuang Yan felt his face was about to stiffen from smiling. When Yue Lu smiled, he also followed with a smile. He had never smiled against his will for such a long time.

It had to be said, some people’s expression management was truly powerful.

Yue Lu seemed to think of something happy, and his eyes curved slightly: “Yes.”

“I didn’t expect that the great CEO Yue would still be a person with a childlike heart in private.”

Yue Lu was not yet the true person in power of the Yue family; otherwise, his mother would not be doing everything possible to consolidate Yue Lu’s position. Zhuang Yan’s words were entirely complimentary.

But everyone likes it when others compliment them, don’t they?

“I can’t talk about being a ‘great CEO,’ and a childlike heart… isn’t quite it either.” Yue Lu weighed his words and corrected him.

“Oh? Why is that?” Zhuang Yan did not think Yue Lu would reveal his heart to someone he had just met today—no, maybe they had seen each other a few times at school before—so this was just a casual question; he didn’t necessarily require Yue Lu to answer.

“My father has quite a few illegitimate sons. I don’t know how much of the family property I will be able to inherit in the future. So, this title of ‘Great CEO Yue’ might not fall on my head in the future.” Yue Lu explained with a bitter smile. “As for the childlike heart, actually, this doll was made by a person who is very important to me.”

When saying this, Yue Lu specifically looked up to observe Zhuang Yan’s expression. Unfortunately, he remembered nothing.

It was fine; they still had many opportunities to recreate beautiful memories.

“Since it is very important, you must cherish it well. I see its clothes are a bit old; would you like me to help make a set? My handiwork is actually quite good.”

An important person… if I could find out who it is, that would be even better.

Zhuang Yan still made the suggestion casually. Someone like Yue Lu could easily buy a set of doll clothes, or even have one specially customized; why would he care for one made by Zhuang Yan?

“Really?” Yue Lu’s eyes lit up. “Thank you so much.”

He just agreed like that?

Zhuang Yan could not understand this at all. What could be special about the doll clothes he made? Or was it that Yue Lu just wanted to freeload off a handicraft maker?

Rich people actually take even such small advantages; it’s truly detestable.

What happened to it being sent by a very important person? Shouldn’t he refuse to let anyone touch it?

“It’s nothing, as long as you don’t dislike it.” He was just being polite; don’t actually come looking for him with that ugly doll.

The two of them chatted half-heartedly. Without knowing how much time had passed, the sky finally turned dark.

Finally, it was dark; finally, it was the time to do things that adults should do.

Yue Lu took the opportunity to suggest treating Zhuang Yan to dinner. Zhuang Yan wanted to enhance his feelings with Yue Lu and produce a child as soon as possible, so he agreed.

In the car, Zhuang Yan deliberately pretended that he could not buckle the seatbelt to let Yue Lu help him. The hands of the two “accidentally” touched, and Yue Lu quickly retracted his. The seatbelt also snapped back.

“Apologies, I didn’t do it on purpose.”

In the evening, the lights in the underground garage were dim. Zhuang Yan could not see Yue Lu’s expression clearly, but judging by the tone of his voice, he estimated his face was completely red.

Would someone from the Yue family really be this innocent?

If that were truly the case, Yue Lu would not have so many half-siblings, and Yue Lu’s father, Yue Shengtian, would not have so many half-siblings.

Even Yue Lu’s mother was influenced by Yue Lu’s father and started keeping a third, fourth, fifth, sixth lover outside.

As for Yue Lu, hmph, it’s only a matter of time.

Oh, wait, Yue Lu won’t have any, because he is not like his father and grandfather who are so capable of producing offspring.

Heaven’s way goes in cycles.

“It should be me saying sorry. Did I use too much force just now and hurt you?” Zhuang Yan concernedly pulled Yue Lu’s hand to check.

“It’s fine, no, it didn’t hurt, it wasn’t because of that.” Because of nervousness, Yue Lu’s speech became incoherent.

Zhuang Yan pulled the seatbelt. Earlier he was pretending he couldn’t buckle it, but this time he really couldn’t buckle it.

Sure enough, one cannot pretend too much, or else retribution will come.

Zhuang Yan sighed, let go of the seatbelt in his hand, and turned his head to look at Yue Lu: “Um… since I’m not helping but making it worse, can you help me buckle the seatbelt?”

“Okay.”

Yue Lu leaned in close. From under the scent-blocking patch, the glands emitted a faint smell of pheromones, which smelled a bit like the scent of a pine forest after rain.

Whether it was due to nervousness or some other reason, Yue Lu’s movement to pull the seatbelt was very fast, but when buckling it, he had to try twice before it clicked.

“I will find someone to replace this seatbelt later.”

“How can you start nitpicking the seatbelt?” Zhuang Yan felt inexplicably guilty. It was possible the seatbelt was broken by him when he was pretending he couldn’t buckle it at first.

Speaking of which, he really felt sorry for this seatbelt.

“Both of us couldn’t buckle it, so it must be its problem. Why keep something problematic and wrong yourself?” Yue Lu explained.

“Indeed, one can wrong anything but oneself,” Zhuang Yan responded.

Yue Lu had just started the car when a phone call came in. He glanced at the caller ID and answered the phone.

Zhuang Yan waited quietly by the side. Since the two were close, Zhuang Yan could faintly hear the voice on the phone.

On the other side was a man; looking at his manner, he was also an elder to Yue Lu.

It was said that Yue Lu’s relationship with both parents was average, so who could this elder be that he respected so much?

Soon, Zhuang Yan got the answer.

The person on the other end of the phone spoke: “I am your biological uncle and you are my biological nephew. Could I possibly harm you?”

“But I really have an appointment with someone else,” Yue Lu refused.

What do you mean? You don’t want to go, so you’re using me as a shield?

“Let’s reschedule for another day; you should handle your business first,” Zhuang Yan said considerately.

“This is no problem. Bring your date along. It’s just a small gathering among friends; I’ll lead you to meet some people.” Yue Lu’s uncle was determined to have Yue Lu go this time.

If it was a gathering specifically organized by Yue Lu’s uncle for Yue Lu, then the status of the people going would certainly not be ordinary.

“Uncle is also doing it for your own good. We can always have dinner together later,” Zhuang Yan persuaded.

Yue Lu compromised: “Alright, then we will go over together.”

In the private room, a group of middle-aged men were pushing cups and changing glasses. After the two entered, one of them stood up and introduced to everyone: “This is my incompetent nephew. He plans to do a bit of small business domestically. I ask everyone sitting here to show some mercy and not make things difficult for this junior of my family when you meet in the business world.”

It is said that a nephew resembles his uncle; Yue Lu and this man indeed looked quite similar in appearance.

On the way here just now, Yue Lu had also told Zhuang Yan about his uncle.

Because of an accident, Yue Lu’s uncle lost his reproductive capacity. Later, when Yue Lu was born, he treated Yue Lu as his own biological son.

Yue Lu’s father had colorful flags flying outside, and Yue Lu’s mother was even more focused on her own interests. It could be said that Yue Lu was completely raised by his uncle.

From childhood to adulthood, Yue Lu’s uncle participated in every important occasion. In contrast, Yue Lu’s parents did not even know what school Yue Lu attended.

Zhuang Yan looked at these people at the wine table and secretly searched on his phone.

It had to be said, Yue Lu’s uncle was truly good to him. Among those present, not one had a low net worth; they were all figures who could make headlines if anything happened.

Yue Lu’s alcohol tolerance was good. After being forced to drink several glasses and even blocking several glasses for Zhuang Yan, he showed no reaction.

When the wine session ended, Zhuang Yan could be considered to have truly shown his face before this group of bosses.

However, whether they treated Zhuang Yan as a person or as an object was unknown.

Because of Wang Mongmong’s matter, Zhuang Yan did not have a good impression of these people, so he was very perfunctory toward them.

Of course, the protagonist of this dinner was not Zhuang Yan. Throughout the entire meal, the number of times Zhuang Yan was mentioned could be counted on one’s fingers.

Torturous. This whole day today was a bit too torturous.

It would seem impolite to play on his phone all the time, so he could only listen to them talk about things he didn’t understand.

Yue Lu also had a bit of a conscience; he still knew to pick up a few pieces of food for him.

The food at this kind of business banquet was generally not meant to be eaten, but the taste was indeed not bad—especially this dish of sautéed shrimp with cucumber, which was on par with what Zhuang Yan made himself.

When leaving, a certain boss patted Yue Lu on the back and praised: “The younger generation is to be feared!”

Another boss put an arm around his shoulder: “This is called the back waves of the Yangtze River pushing the front waves.”

While they were complimenting each other, Zhuang Yan looked at the dishes on the table behind him: Today, excluding Yue Lu’s uncle, Yue Lu, and Zhuang Yan, a total of five people came. They ordered six dishes, which were spread out sparsely on that large round table, looking quite exquisite.

After seeing all these people off, Yue Lu’s uncle, who seemed to have an appointment with someone, also left with a glowing face.

A nephew is a nephew, and a confidante is a confidante; these two parties are still different.

Soon, only Zhuang Yan and Yue Lu were left here.

“Are you full? I saw that you didn’t really move your chopsticks much just now,” Yue Lu asked concernedly.

Zhuang Yan smiled shyly: “How can one get full at a business dinner?”

Most of the dishes just now were eaten by Zhuang Yan. In fact, he was already half-full. But if he said it directly like that, it would seem that he was too much of a big eater.

Generally, only the elderly and elders like children to eat more. What Alpha doesn’t want their Omega to have a good figure?

“Then let’s eat another table’s worth.”

Zhuang Yan was surprised: “Can it be like that?” This didn’t seem right, did it?

“You aren’t full and neither am I. If we aren’t full, of course we should continue eating. Besides, I’ve had alcohol and cannot drive. It will take a while for the driver to get here anyway.”

That whole circle of people just now knew to call a driver in advance. Had Yue Lu drunk enough to make his brain sluggish, such that he didn’t know to call a driver ahead of time?

Zhuang Yan wanted to see what kind of medicine this person was selling in his gourd.

The two of them changed to a different private room and ordered two home-style dishes. This time they did not ask for alcohol, only a bottle of orange juice.

While eating, Zhuang Yan’s phone rang once, and the other party immediately hung up.

The other party called again, and again hung up immediately.

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