Refusing Divorce After a Contract Marriage - Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Going Home Together for New Year’s Day

Jiang Chumian leaned in Shen Qingye’s arms for a while, eventually pulling away with a look of embarrassment and whispering, “Thank you.”

Shen Qingye ruffled her hair gently. “What’s there to thank me for? Go take a shower.”

“Mhm.”

From that day on, the relationship between the two became closer than usual. In the blink of an eye, New Year’s Day was only a few days away.

Jiang Chumian looked at her phone; Jiang Wenyan had unexpectedly taken the initiative to message her, asking if she would bring Shen Qingye home for New Year’s Day.

Almost simultaneously, Shen Qingye messaged her saying her grandmother was asking if they were coming back for the holiday.

The two inquiries were sent back and forth almost at the same time.

Shen Qingye: “What do you think?”

Jiang Chumian: “He probably has something he wants to talk about.”

Her father had never truly cared for her. When Luo Wan tormented her as a child, Jiang Wenyan turned a blind eye. Even later, when she got into a decent university, he only showed her a slightly kinder face after the results were out. Once she started college, he rarely bothered with her.

Even her living expenses were handled by Jiang Wenyan’s assistant, who deposited a sum of money regularly every semester. For a child from an ordinary family, that amount was considered quite a lot, allowing Jiang Chumian to save it up into her own usable fund.

Even after she married Shen Qingye, Jiang Wenyan initially had very little to say to her. This was actually the first time he had sought her out. Furthermore, he was likely looking for her because the cooperation between the Shen and Jiang Groups wasn’t something Jiang Chumian was in a position to negotiate.

Jiang Chumian understood Jiang Wenyan perfectly: he was a man driven by profit and reputation. If he hadn’t been, he would never have agreed to bring her home back then. So, even though Jiang Chumian had gained some fame in their social circle recently, to Jiang Wenyan, it only earned him a reputation for “raising a daughter well,” with no substantial gain.

If it were just for that, Jiang Wenyan wouldn’t have looked for her. The fact that he reached out meant he wanted to find Shen Qingye but couldn’t bring himself to lower his pride and ask her directly—after all, compared to him, Shen Qingye was a junior.

Seeing Jiang Chumian’s reply, Shen Qingye thought for a moment and messaged back: “Then we’ll go to my grandparents’ on the 1st, and go see Uncle Jiang on the 2nd?”

Shen Qingye could easily sense that Jiang Chumian didn’t like the Jiang house and that the family didn’t care for her. Shen Qingye’s suggestion might make Jiang’s father a bit uncomfortable, but he couldn’t say anything given the status of the Shen elders, they naturally had to be visited first.

“Okay.” Jiang Chumian naturally had no objections.

“Then how about the 3rd?” Shen Qingye knew that Yu Xuan had already left for the United States today.

Jiang Chumian had taken the initiative to tell Shen Qingye this news. However, she only said that she had a sister named Yu Xuan who had recently returned to the country and needed some company.

That day, Jiang Chumian had said she lost her only former warmth. Later, Shen Qingye heard her call Yu Xuan “Sister.” Shen Qingye mulled this over and felt quite pleased. Although she had truly felt for Jiang Chumian that day, it wasn’t hard to guess that she had decided to let go. Whatever the catalyst or reason, Shen Qingye was satisfied with the result.

Even if they were childhood companions or past lovers, a person who chose to go abroad to get married and have children was indeed not worth Jiang Chumian’s continued waiting.

For a few days after Christmas, Jiang Chumian spent her time after work with Yu Xuan. Yu Xuan had returned primarily to look into domestic work opportunities, expressing a desire to develop her career back home. Jiang Chumian simply told her to reach out if she needed help but didn’t take any proactive steps beyond accompanying her for dinner after work.

Despite this, Shen Qingye still felt a bit disgruntled. Her time with Jiang Chumian was already limited; now the evenings were being occupied as well. Fortunately, Yu Xuan had caught an early flight back to the States this morning. As for whether her job talks went well, Jiang Chumian didn’t ask.

Regarding Shen Qingye’s question about the 3rd, Jiang Chumian was momentarily stunned. She thought Shen Qingye would have her own plans for the holiday.

After a moment, she replied: “Mhm, Little Goldfish mentioned going to the beach. Sister Meng Zhu is going too. Do you want to join?”

“Sure.” Shen Qingye agreed without a second thought.

Jiang Chumian didn’t expect her to agree so quickly. Although Shen Qingye had been to Xiao Jinyu’s bar and met that circle of friends during Christmas, that felt like it was mostly about drinking. Going out to play was different…

Thinking of a business elite like Shen Qingye hanging out with idle socialites like Xiao Jinyu, Jiang Chumian found the image quite amusing. She couldn’t help but smile; it didn’t matter, though it wouldn’t be the first time.

“Then it’s a deal. I’ll let Little Goldfish know.” Jiang Chumian sent her an emoji.

Shen Qingye found it quite cute. “If I hadn’t asked, was President Jiang not planning to take me along?” she couldn’t help but tease.

Jiang Chumian laughed. The smile was rare and bright. Sometimes, Shen Qingye was adorably unaware of her own charm.

“No, I was actually going to ask if you wanted to go, but you asked first,” Jiang Chumian told her truthfully.

Shen Qingye was satisfied with that answer.

However, sitting in her office and looking at her phone, Jiang Chumian re-read those few sentences. She felt a strange sensation in her heart, as if a seed had been planted at some unknown time and was now beginning to sprout. She only knew that Shen Qingye was different to her. Their relationship couldn’t be described as just a simple friendship. While she didn’t have many friends, she knew what friendship felt like; her feelings for Shen Qingye clearly weren’t that simple.

As for the truth, Jiang Chumian wasn’t certain, and she didn’t know how to confirm it yet.

Another snow fell on New Year’s Day, covering the city in white as if hiding all the grime beneath.

Jiang Chumian was huddled under her blanket, woken by her alarm. She reluctantly opened her eyes and only got up with a look of resignation when the alarm rang for the second time. She went to wash up barefoot; the heating in Shen Qingye’s villa was so efficient she didn’t worry about catching a cold.

Drawing the curtains after washing up, she looked at the world outside. Even through the glass, she could feel the chill. She hated winter. Every winter of her youth had been spent in cold and hunger, often accompanied by chilblains. She took one look and drew the curtains again; she wasn’t one for admiring snow.

Checking the time, it was already 9:30 AM. Her lingering in bed had cost her half an hour. She sighed and went to the walk-in closet. Knowing they were going to the grandparents’ house, she didn’t dress formally. Considering the heavy snow, she put on a pair of fleece-lined leggings under a black skirt, topped with a layered plaid sweater over more fleece lining.

She interpreted “being afraid of the cold” to the extreme. She chose a fluffy cotton coat and, after some thought, added an octagonal cap. Satisfied with her head-to-toe bundle in the mirror, she finally went downstairs.

Shen Qingye was already sitting in the living room, reading magazines as usual everything from finance to fashion. Hearing the sound from the stairs, she looked up and saw the girl wrapped up tightly. She looked fluffy and cute. Shen Qingye had always known how sensitive she was to the cold.

“Morning,” Shen Qingye greeted her with a gentle smile.

Looking at Shen Qingye on the sofa, she was only wearing a beige turtleneck sweater and simple nude leggings with a short skirt.

“Aren’t you cold?” Jiang Chumian asked.

“There’s heating,” Shen Qingye chuckled.

“But aren’t we going out soon?”

Shen Qingye put down her magazine. “Mhm, we are. But it’s only a short walk from the house to the parking lot. And once we get to my grandparents’, there will be heating there too.”

Jiang Chumian supposed she was right, but she was too lazy to go back and change. The snow outside looked freezing.

“Let’s have breakfast. Auntie Zhang left a little while ago.” Shen Qingye walked toward the dining table.

“You specifically waited for me?” Jiang Chumian asked, feeling a bit guilty.

“Eating alone makes me eat less, and it’s boring. Having someone to eat with improves my appetite.” Shen Qingye sat down and opened the breakfast containers, which were still warm.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Jiang Chumian sat across from her and obediently opened her portion.

Breakfast today was rice noodles made by Auntie Zhang, topped with minced meat and a fried egg a soft-yolk egg, which Jiang Chumian loved.

Shen Qingye picked up her chopsticks and, thinking of something, asked teasingly, “Does Chumian have trouble getting out of bed in the winter?”

Jiang Chumian felt a bit shy. “Mm, winter is cold.”

Shen Qingye smiled and continued eating. Seeing Shen Qingye’s good appetite, Jiang Chumian ate a bit more. Shen Qingye was right having company made a big difference.

After breakfast, they didn’t rush off. Instead, they sat on the sofa for a while. Jiang Chumian picked up a magazine and chatted with Shen Qingye. Over the past year, Jiang Chumian had gained a good understanding of the fashion world. Regarding Shen Qingye’s praise, she replied helplessly, “I have to, considering the industry I’m in.”

Shen Qingye watched her leaning lazily against the throw pillow, casually flipping through the magazine. Her appearance was so deceptive, making people think she was soft and easy to bully. Bundled up and fluffy as she was, Shen Qingye had a sudden urge to reach out and ruffle her hair. She even felt that Jiang Chumian was like a piece of sweet, glutinous pastry.

However, taking a bite to taste was something she couldn’t do.

At 10:30 AM, Shen Qingye touched up her lipstick, a sign they were ready to leave. Jiang Chumian did the same, though her color was much lighter than Shen Qingye’s, matching her outfit perfectly.

“Grandmother will like it,” Shen Qingye said seriously.

Jiang Chumian replied, “That’s good then.” If she hadn’t known the elderly lady liked this style, she wouldn’t have dressed this way. Jiang Chumian had been observant of people’s preferences since childhood—it was one of her survival skills.

Shen Qingye put on long boots and a long black down jacket. Being 170cm tall, she looked striking. With her red earrings matching her lips, she had a powerful aura the quintessential “cool elder sister.”

Jiang Chumian felt a bit frustrated with herself; she and Shen Qingye were in completely different “art styles” today. She was reminded of a trending meme about a “cool sister” and her “elementary school student” roommate. Right now, she felt like that elementary student. Especially with Shen Qingye holding her hand if she were wearing a backpack, the image would be perfect.

Lost in these random thoughts, she didn’t even notice they had reached the garage. Shen Qingye leaned down, looking at her curiously. “What are you thinking about?”

Jiang Chumian snapped out of it, her face flushing. “No… nothing.”

Shen Qingye flicked her forehead. “Get in the car.”

“Oh.” Jiang Chumian sat obediently in the passenger seat and habitually turned on the music in Shen Qingye’s car.

Shen Qingye adjusted the volume. As the car pulled out, Jiang Chumian realized that adjusting someone else’s music in their car was an action usually reserved for those who were intimate. Yet, both she and Shen Qingye seemed to have grown accustomed to it.

Once they were out and she saw the deep snow, Jiang Chumian felt that dressing warmly was useful after all just looking at the snow everywhere made her feel cold.

There was a bit of a traffic jam New Year’s travelers were everywhere. It was nearly noon by the time they reached the Shen villa. Jiang Chumian carried the gifts in one hand and took Shen Qingye’s arm with the other as they walked in.

The grandparents were as warm as ever toward her. Grandmother took the gifts, saying there was no need to bring things and that she should just come back often. Jiang Chumian agreed politely. Grandmother truly liked her; she likely would have even if Shen Qingye wasn’t involved. Many people find the attention of elders annoying, but Jiang Chumian cherished it.

Lunch was ready as soon as they arrived. At the table, the elders asked about their recent lives, and they naturally shared the good news. Since it was a holiday, there was no rush to leave. After lunch, Shen Qingye played chess with her grandfather while Jiang Chumian sat beside her with a cup of tea. She was quiet and well-behaved, not interrupting.

After a few rounds, Shen Qingye lost more than she won. She didn’t mind; it was about spending time with him, and since he played with the neighbors every day, it was normal for her not to be his match. Their presence was just to bring some life to the house.

Grandmother called Jiang Chumian over. Shen Qingye didn’t know what they were talking about, but they seemed happy. Watching from a distance, she felt this life was wonderful, even wishing it could stay this way forever.

Grandfather had a habit of napping. After a while, he said he was getting old and tired, telling Shen Qingye to take Jiang Chumian for a rest. Shen Qingye couldn’t refuse. However, they had to make do in her old bedroom; they couldn’t exactly sleep in separate beds here without giving themselves away.

Jiang Chumian followed her into the bedroom. It was simple, but a bit warmer than Shen Qingye’s villa likely because of the grandmother’s touch.

“If you’re tired, you can nap on the bed. Don’t worry, it’s big enough,” Shen Qingye teased.

Jiang Chumian chuckled. “Does President Shen joke like this too?”

“It’s not like I’ve joined a monastery and have no worldly desires,” Shen Qingye said amusingly.

Jiang Chumian turned red with embarrassment. Shen Qingye truly felt the girl was too thin-skinned. Knowing she had to drive back later, and having a habit of napping herself, Shen Qingye told Jiang Chumian she was going to rest and told her to make herself at home.

Jiang Chumian thought for a bit and lay down on the other side of the bed, curled up small under the covers with only her eyes showing.

Shen Qingye woke up at 3:30 PM. Turning her head, she saw Jiang Chumian asleep nearby. They had been a distance apart when they lay down, but now their shoulders were only a few inches apart. Shen Qingye figured that because Jiang Chumian was afraid of the cold, she had instinctively drawn closer for warmth.

Seeing the girl curled up so tightly, looking so peaceful in sleep, Shen Qingye didn’t have the heart to wake her. She sat up and scrolled through her phone for ten minutes until Jiang Chumian woke up. The girl looked dazed, as if it were a struggle to open her eyes, yet she looked like a sleeping beauty from a storybook. Shen Qingye suddenly felt that while heaven had given her extraordinary looks, it hadn’t given her a life filled with love.

“Good afternoon,” Jiang Chumian sat up and greeted her. Her voice was still nasal and soft from sleep.

“Good afternoon.” This time, Shen Qingye couldn’t help it. She reached out and ruffled her hair. “Good afternoon.”

Jiang Chumian felt shy because of the gesture. It felt exactly like petting a cat.

“Do you like cats, Qingye?” Jiang Chumian asked out of the blue.

Shen Qingye’s eyes crinkled. “Yes.”

“But I’m not one,” Jiang Chumian muttered softly.

Shen Qingye laughed louder. “But you’re like one, Mianmian.”

It was the first time she had used Jiang Chumian’s nickname. Jiang Chumian turned even redder and hurried off the bed to put on her coat. Shen Qingye followed, and after tidying up, they went downstairs. The grandparents were already up.

Grandmother was packing things for them to take back. Grandfather was grumbling beside her about her worrying too much, and the two naturally started bickering. Snow was falling again outside. This year’s snow was not only early but heavy; people online were saying it would be a rare cold winter.

Seeing them come down, Grandmother smiled kindly and asked the housekeeper to bring out prepared snacks. The family sat together, and Grandfather turned on the TV. He wanted to watch a war drama, but Grandmother refused, wanting to watch an ethics drama she was currently obsessed with. They bickered over their preferences, but Grandfather eventually gave in.

Jiang Chumian and Shen Qingye watched with them, discussing the plot. They stayed for dinner before driving back.

On the way home, Jiang Chumian looked at the lively city, then turned to Shen Qingye and whispered a soft, “Thank you.”

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