Refusing Divorce After a Contract Marriage - Chapter 18

Chapter 18: Chumian Can Be Childish Too

The two returned to the Shen villa in the afternoon. Upon arrival, the two elders had already prepared quite a lot of food. Grandmother was the lead person in charge, and Grandfather was helping out, mentioning that the cooking lady had gone home for the holiday.

As soon as they entered, Grandmother greeted them warmly. Even before stepping inside, one could see that the house was decorated with a strong Lunar New Year atmosphere.

After returning, the two also helped put up the spring couplets. In the past, Jiang Chumian only experienced a tiny bit of the New Year feeling when she followed Yu Xuan and her mother. After all, even if it was the New Year, her biological mother wouldn’t necessarily remember that she was still at home starving.

After finishing everything in the afternoon, although there were only four of them for dinner, it was lively. Grandfather had somehow bought some small fireworks and told them to go set them off.

Jiang Chumian looked at the bundle of fireworks in her hand, then at Shen Qingye. Shen Qingye smiled and said, “Grandpa, we aren’t children anymore.”

“How are you not? No matter how old you are, you’re still Grandpa’s granddaughter and granddaughter-in-law.” The old gentleman looked at them with a beaming, kind face.

His words made Jiang Chumian feel a bit of a sting in her nose.

Shen Qingye looked at the girl beside her and took her hand. “Then let’s go out and light them.”

“Okay.” Jiang Chumian was led by Shen Qingye like a small child.

Once outside, Shen Qingye took a lighter, placed a small firework on the ground, and lit it. The small firework was exceptionally beautiful, blooming brilliantly in the dark night. Grandfather had bought fireworks of all patterns, and Jiang Chumian gradually joined in the fun with Shen Qingye.

When they were finished, Jiang Chumian’s hands were a bit cold, but she looked exceptionally happy. She crouched beside Shen Qingye and said, “Shen Qingye, this is the first time I’ve set off fireworks.”

Shen Qingye froze for a moment upon hearing this, then reached out to rub the top of her head. “Was it fun?”

“It was fun.”

“Then we’ll ask Grandpa for more tomorrow.”

Jiang Chumian turned her head to look at Shen Qingye. “Shen Qingye, do you act this childishly too?”

“Grandpa and Grandma probably want to compensate me, so they’ve always been particularly indulgent and doting. But seeing them happy, I think being a little childish is nothing,” Shen Qingye said with a smile.

Then, she looked tenderly at Jiang Chumian. “They truly like you, so Chumian, you can be a little childish too.”

Shen Qingye’s gentle smile was reflected in Jiang Chumian’s eyes. In everyone else’s eyes, Shen Qingye was smart and powerful the 28-year-old CEO of a group. No one would ever associate the word “childish” with her. But today she said she could be childish too, and told her that she could be as well.

Jiang Chumian looked toward the sky, where a few stars were dotted above. “Mhm.”

“Come inside quickly once you’re done; it’s cold outside, don’t freeze,” Grandmother called to them from the house.

The two responded and went inside. Grandmother poured them hot tea, which felt warm and soothing. The TV was playing the Spring Festival Gala, specifically during a comedy sketch, and Grandfather was laughing so hard he couldn’t close his mouth. Jiang Chumian and Shen Qingye sat down to watch with them, chatting with the grandparents and eating fruit and snacks.

At midnight, the New Year’s bell rang. Grandmother took out two red envelopes for them. “Wishing our Qingye and Chumian happiness in the new year.” Grandfather gave them envelopes too; he was much more serious, but he was ultimately heart-warming.

Jiang Chumian tucked the two red envelopes away, holding them against her chest, treasuring them beyond measure.

That night, staying at the Shen villa, the two had to sleep in one bed. After all, they couldn’t exactly sleep in separate rooms in front of the grandparents. Shen Qingye found a set of pajamas for Jiang Chumian and let her shower first.

When Jiang Chumian came out of the shower, Shen Qingye’s pajamas were a bit large on her, as Shen Qingye was taller. The pajamas hung loosely on her frame, and Jiang Chumian’s skin had a faint pink glow from the fresh bath, looking inexplicably charming.

“I’m finished, your turn,” Jiang Chumian said to Shen Qingye with a lazy air.

Shen Qingye pursed her lips slightly, then looked away and nodded. “Okay.”

When Shen Qingye came out of the shower, Jiang Chumian was sitting on the sofa in the room, scrolling through her phone. Hearing the door open, she looked up; Shen Qingye was letting her long hair down, casually ruffling it while looking for a hairdryer. Even though it wasn’t the first time seeing it, Jiang Chumian still had to admit that Shen Qingye’s beauty was the kind that took one’s breath away.

After drying her hair, Shen Qingye checked the time; it wasn’t early. She lay half-propped up on one side of the bed and looked at Jiang Chumian. “Not sleeping?”

“I am.” After obediently putting down her phone, Jiang Chumian lay down on the other side, sticking close to the edge of the bed. Shen Qingye turned off the light.

The blanket had a faint, pleasant fragrance. Jiang Chumian didn’t feel sleepy; she was feeling inexplicably excited.

“Shen Qingye, Happy New Year,” Jiang Chumian said in a low voice, clutching the blanket.

“Happy New Year,” Shen Qingye said softly to her as well.

The distance between them was not close, but both felt a bit uneasy, sensing that today was different from the previous times they had just made do with sharing a bed. Neither of them spoke, and it was unclear who fell asleep first.

The next morning when the two woke up, they were still maintaining the same distance as before they fell asleep. Shen Qingye woke up first and, seeing that Jiang Chumian was still asleep, didn’t wake her.

After about half an hour, the person sleeping obediently began to frown. The phone on the nightstand kept receiving messages, and Shen Qingye saw that the girl’s face was written over with irritability. Jiang Chumian reached for her phone with a look of displeasure, her expression dark. She replied to several messages before her expression softened, completely unaware that Shen Qingye had been observing her the whole time.

Finally, having cleared her head, Jiang Chumian saw that Shen Qingye was still lying there. Although the distance between them had shortened slightly, it still wasn’t very close. She let out an inexplicable sigh of relief; luckily, she was a quiet sleeper and didn’t have the habit of tossing around or hugging people. Otherwise, it would be quite embarrassing.

“Morning,” Jiang Chumian whispered softly to Shen Qingye.

“Good morning.”

Jiang Chumian could hear that Shen Qingye seemed to be in a good mood. Was there some good news so early in the morning?

Jiang Chumian checked the time and saw it wasn’t early. She sat up. “If we don’t get up now, will Grandpa and Grandma be unhappy?”

Shen Qingye also sat up. “They won’t.”

“Better hurry anyway.”

“Mhm.”

Shen Qingye went to wash up while Jiang Chumian changed her clothes. By the time she was dressed, Shen Qingye had just come out. She looked up at the girl; her hair was a bit soft, and her face was clean and fair without makeup. She seemed not yet fully awake and gave Shen Qingye a gentle smile. “You’re done.”

“Mhm, go ahead.”

After both had washed up and gone downstairs, the grandparents were already in the living room. Seeing them come down, they waved at them with smiles. “You’re awake! Come here, come here. Are you hungry?”

“Happy New Year, Grandma. Happy New Year, Grandpa.” Jiang Chumian followed Shen Qingye to give their New Year greetings and presented the gifts they had bought.

For Grandmother, it was a qipao. Grandmother had been a beauty in her youth, the “flower” of her workplace; she loved wearing qipaos and was still fond of them even now. For Grandfather, it was a brand new set of Chinese chess and a tin of tea. Both elders were so happy receiving the gifts they couldn’t close their mouths. In contrast, the gifts Shen Qingye gave weren’t as much of a surprise.

While the grandparents went to the kitchen, Shen Qingye whispered into Jiang Chumian’s ear, “Grandpa and Grandma dote on you more than me now.”

Jiang Chumian’s earlobes turned hot. She whispered, “They don’t.”

Shen Qingye chuckled and didn’t tease her further.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, many people came to the Shen house to pay their respects some for Grandfather, some for Shen Qingye; in short, they didn’t get much rest. Jiang Wenyan mentioned bringing his whole family to pay respects to the Shen elders. Jiang Chumian told Shen Qingye, and Shen Qingye told the two elders. The two families were considered old acquaintances; Grandfather Jiang and Grandfather Shen had been old family friends and comrades-in-arms with a deep bond.

The cooking lady had gone home for the New Year, so preparing lunch naturally meant doing it themselves. The grandparents didn’t like eating out, so they had to cook at home. Grandmother was busy in the kitchen, and Jiang Chumian told Shen Qingye she would go help. Shen Qingye went to help as well, but she was truly unfamiliar with the kitchen and was eventually chased out.

Just as she stepped out, the Jiang family arrived. Shen Qingye received them. Jiang Xiaofan hopped out of the car and ran to Shen Qingye’s side, trying to hug her arm, but Shen Qingye dodged and politely wished Jiang Wenyan a Happy New Year.

“Happy New Year, Sister Shen!” Jiang Xiaofan looked a bit aggrieved but still followed Shen Qingye closely.

“Happy New Year,” she replied plainly, her tone devoid of much emotion.

“Where is Chumian?” Luo Wan asked when she entered and didn’t see Jiang Chumian.

“Grandma gave the cooking lady the holiday off, so Chumian is helping Grandma prepare lunch.” Shen Qingye brewed tea for them while the others went to greet Grandfather. Grandmother also came out of the kitchen, and the two families were quite jovial.

Jiang Chumian didn’t come out. Jiang Xiaofan’s eyes flickered, thinking that Jiang Chumian didn’t have much status in the Shen family if she had been relegated to cooking. This inevitably made her feel better, and she sat closely next to Shen Qingye. Shen Qingye finished brewing tea and told them she would go check the kitchen.

Jiang Chumian was stir-frying dishes when Shen Qingye walked in. She turned her head and smiled at her. “Why did you come in?”

“It’s quite lively out there; the kitchen is quieter.” This was the first time Shen Qingye had seen her stir-fry. Jiang Chumian’s technique was skillful and organized.

“Do you want to go out and say hello?” Shen Qingye noticed her lips were a bit dry and looked thoughtful.

“No, it doesn’t matter whether I go or not.” In the eyes of the Jiang family, she wasn’t really a member at all.

“Alright.”

After saying this, Shen Qingye went out again, returning shortly with a cup in her hand. “Have some water.”

Jiang Chumian plated the dish, took the cup, and said thank you. Shen Qingye noticed she really liked saying thank you and couldn’t help but rub her head. “Don’t be so formal; just be like you are with Xiao Jinyu.”

Jiang Chumian nodded shyly. “Mhm.”

Shen Qingye didn’t go back out but stayed with Jiang Chumian, chatting idly. Seeing that Shen Qingye wasn’t coming out, Jiang Xiaofan went to find her.

Shen Qingye and Jiang Chumian were standing side-by-side, a sense of warmth flowing between them. Seeing Shen Qingye brush a strand of hair back for Jiang Chumian, jealousy surged within Jiang Xiaofan instantly. At that moment, she began to feel indignant again—not out of jealousy for Shen Qingye’s kindness to Jiang Chumian, but because Jiang Chumian could have everything she wanted.

Since there were many people, Jiang Chumian stir-fried about seven dishes and a soup, which took quite some time. There was heating in the house, and the kitchen temperature was naturally higher; Jiang Chumian was wearing a lot and couldn’t help but break into a light sweat. Shen Qingye took a tissue and wiped it for her.

Jiang Chumian instinctively stepped back, embarrassment appearing on her face. Shen Qingye’s hand paused, then she said gently, “You have sweat.”

“Thank you.”

Shen Qingye looked at the girl’s slightly red cheeks and didn’t hand the tissue to Jiang Chumian’s outstretched hand. After a moment of impasse, Shen Qingye handed the tissue to her. “I’ll take the dishes out.”

“Okay.”

Shen Qingye turned around, suppressing the emotions in her eyes. In that split second just now, she suddenly felt the girl was exceptionally gentle and cute, and she had indeed been a bit improper.

Once the dishes were ready, Jiang Chumian brought them out. Seeing Jiang Wenyan and Luo Wan, she gave them a soft greeting. “Dad, Mom, Happy New Year. Sister, Happy New Year.”

The little Jiang “Crown Prince” also called out to her, “Happy New Year, Vixen Sister!”

The atmosphere turned awkward instantly. Jiang Wenyan reached out to slap him. “That is your second sister, what are you shouting?”

Luo Wan stopped him. “Why are you hitting the child on New Year’s? He’s still small; can’t you just teach him well?”

“You’re the one who spoils him!” Jiang Wenyan felt he was losing face.

Jiang Chumian scoffed. “Then you’ll have to teach him slowly. Dad, be patient; after all, he’s ten years old. Old habits are easy to form but not so easy to change.”

Jiang Wenyan frowned; Jiang Chumian usually understood decorum, yet today she didn’t give him any face at all.

Grandfather picked up his chopsticks. “Let’s all eat; the food is getting cold. What Chumian said is right children must be taught slowly.”

Shen Qingye took Jiang Chumian’s hand as they sat down. “Thanks for the hard work.”

Since Grandfather Shen had spoken, the others didn’t dare say anything more.

The meal was not quiet. Jiang Xiaofan was being difficult with Shen Qingye in all sorts of ways, and that little Jiang prince was constantly making a scene, eventually throwing a tantrum and refusing to eat. Grandfather and Grandmother didn’t really bother with them, only putting food in Shen Qingye’s and Jiang Chumian’s bowls.

Jiang Wenyan also noticed that the Shen family’s attitude toward Jiang Chumian was different. He was a businessman and had a businessman’s calculations.

After lunch, the Jiang family left. Before they went, Shen Qingye and Jiang Chumian went to see them off. After they got into the car, Shen Qingye said to Jiang Wenyan, “Uncle Jiang, do you need any training classes for teenagers? I have a friend who does this and can help recommend some.”

Jiang Wenyan’s expression was extremely poor, but he suppressed his temper and refused Shen Qingye. Watching that family leave with sour faces, Jiang Chumian felt inexplicably good. Shen Qingye was also quite satisfied with her counter-attack today.

After going back inside, Grandfather called Shen Qingye to the study for a bit; Jiang Chumian didn’t know what they discussed. It was likely just talk about the company and warning Shen Qingye not to do anything she shouldn’t for the sake of profit. Grandfather had been in the Red Army and would always keep her in check in this regard.

However, Shen Qingye didn’t expect Grandfather to add a sentence today: “That child Chumian hasn’t had it easy; you look after her more.”

Shen Qingye chuckled. “Grandpa, I know.”

The two headed back that night. The grandparents didn’t force them to stay, knowing they had their own things to do. They only urged them to come back for dinner whenever they were free.

Jiang Chumian listened to those urgings, twisting the hem of her clothes. Is this what home feels like? Since meeting Shen Qingye, she had truly experienced many things.

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