Refusing Divorce After a Contract Marriage - Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Decorating the New Home Together

Jiang Chumian watched Shen Qingye’s departing figure and noted the envious gazes of the people around them. Most of these were employees of the Shen Group; they might not recognize Jiang Chumian, but they certainly knew Shen Qingye.

However, after today, it was likely that very few people would remain unfamiliar with Jiang Chumian. After all, the two of them had put on quite a convincing display of affection.

While Shen Qingye was rumored to be cold and ruthless in business, Jiang Chumian now carried the title of her wife. Since Shen Qingye had agreed to the marriage and the two were behaving intimately, most people were surprised but found it logical enough.

Upon returning home, Jiang Chumian went to the study. She had to admit that Shen Qingye was very thoughtful the study had two workstations, and the layout respected each other’s privacy.

To her surprise, Shen Qingye’s computer setup was in a “gaming” style. She hadn’t expected that Shen Qingye enjoyed video games. It felt entirely at odds with the image she projected daily.

Jiang Chumian couldn’t help but chuckle at the fleeting mental image of Shen Qingye sitting in front of the computer, passionately shouting into a headset.

After a brief look around, Jiang Chumian sat at her own desk, opened her laptop, and continued researching Shiguang.

Beyond the materials Shen Qingye had provided, Jiang Chumian conducted her own investigation, looking into online reviews of Shiguang. The reception didn’t look great. Most critics argued that the brand wasn’t high-end enough to be luxury, yet not low-end enough to be accessible.

Jiang Chumian looked at the data; indeed, the brand’s design and quality couldn’t compete with top-tier luxury labels, but the price point was still beyond what average consumers could afford. She was curious why Shen Qingye would tolerate such a poorly managed brand.

Ultimately, she didn’t ask; it felt too offensive to bring up. Still, by the end of the day, she had gained a fundamental understanding of Shiguang’s situation.

Seeing that it was almost time for the workday to end, she messaged Shen Qingye to ask if she had any social engagements or business dinners that night.

“No, I’ll be home on time. Don’t worry too much; I have a hired cook who will come over to prepare dinner,” Shen Qingye replied from her office.

It felt quite strange. Aside from her grandparents, someone was finally asking her when she would be home. Shen Qingye wasn’t the type to stay out late; unless a social obligation was absolutely necessary, she rarely went out.

But returning to an empty house alone could inevitably feel a bit desolate. That was why she had taken up watching movies or playing games she always needed something to pass the time.

“Shiguang’s financial reports might not match the reality,” Jiang Chumian decided to share her suspicion with Shen Qingye.

Shen Qingye was surprised. She hadn’t even given Jiang Chumian much data yet had she already figured it out?

“How did you tell?” Shen Qingye asked curiously.

“I researched Shiguang’s sales and reviews across various platforms. They aren’t great, yet the financial report looks excessively beautiful. It’s just a guess, of course; I can’t be certain.”

Shen Qingye laughed. “It indeed doesn’t match. It’s a mess do you still dare to take it on?”

Jiang Chumian gave a light laugh. Shen Qingye was clearly testing her. “I’ll take it. But regardless of what reforms I implement at Shiguang, I expect your full support, President Shen.”

“Deal.” Shen Qingye was already curious about her methods, so she didn’t refuse.

“Did you spend the whole afternoon just looking at data?” Shen Qingye asked.

“Yes. What else would I do?” Jiang Chumian was puzzled.

“I thought you might go back to the Jiang house to move some things or something.”

Jiang Chumian pursed her lips slightly when she saw that message. “I only have two suitcases from when I returned to the country. Nothing else.”

As for the Jiang house, how could there be anything belonging to her? Jiang Xiaofan couldn’t wait to throw her things out. On her first day back, the room she saw was an empty space cleaner than a guest room. Anything she hadn’t managed to take with her before had likely ended up in a trash can long ago.

She could easily imagine Jiang Xiaofan rummaging through her things, mocking her for keeping “trash.”

Jiang Chumian lowered her eyes, but a moment later, she regained her usual calm, unruffled expression.

Shen Qingye frowned when she saw that reply. She began to understand where Jiang Chumian’s sense of detachment came from. Perhaps it was because this world had never given her a true place to belong.

For reasons she couldn’t quite name, Shen Qingye sent a quick update when she finished work. “I’m off. I should be home in about fifteen minutes.”

This villa in the city center had cost Shen Qingye a significant amount of money just for the convenience of being near work. Of course, after buying it, she realized it had many flaws. But since the purchase was made, she accepted it; everyone hits a few snags when buying property.

“Okay,” Jiang Chumian replied, though she was a bit caught off guard. Since this was a contract marriage, there was no real need for Shen Qingye to report her whereabouts. But then Jiang Chumian figured it was likely just Shen Qingye’s upbringing and politeness.

When Shen Qingye returned, Jiang Chumian happened to be walking downstairs. The cook hadn’t finished dinner yet. Shen Qingye nodded to her: “I’m going upstairs to change.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Chumian sat on the sofa scrolling through her tablet. When Shen Qingye came back down, she saw her sitting quietly, seemingly watching a video.

Noticing Shen Qingye, Jiang Chumian habitually lowered the volume and exited the video interface.

A person very afraid of bothering others, Shen Qingye noted mentally. Her assessment was accurate.

“You’re down,” Jiang Chumian said, putting the tablet aside. She was always a bit restrained when alone with Shen Qingye.

Shen Qingye found it slightly amusing. Was she really that intimidating? “Yes. What were you watching?”

“Nothing special, just browsing. I’ve been out of the country for a long time and I’m afraid of falling behind the times here,” Jiang Chumian said with an embarrassed smile, her dimples showing.

“It’s not that serious. You’ll get used to it. If you’re really struggling, you can hire a personal assistant,” Shen Qingye joked.

Jiang Chumian laughed. “I couldn’t afford the salary.”

“Put it under Shiguang’s name; Shiguang will pay,” Shen Qingye said generously. Anyone watching might have mistaken her for an overbearing CEO.

“No need, it’s not that dramatic.” Jiang Chumian didn’t dare owe Shen Qingye such a large favor.

“Qingye, Madam, dinner is ready,” the cook said, bringing dishes out from the kitchen.

The title “Madam” made Jiang Chumian feel strange. She politely said to the cook, “Auntie, you can just call me Chumian.” Fearing she might not know which characters her name used, she explained them briefly.

Seeing that she was easy to get along with, the cook smilingly agreed.

The cook left shortly after preparing the meal. She had to accompany her granddaughter to tutoring since her son and daughter-in-law often worked late. She had already cleared this arrangement with Shen Qingye: she would leave early and return later in the evening to clean up after her granddaughter was home. Shen Qingye had agreed, as the cook was hardworking and kind.

When Shen Qingye was alone, she usually just put the dishes in the dishwasher for the cook to handle the next morning.

Once the cook left, Shen Qingye and Jiang Chumian fell into silence. They ate the entire meal without saying much. Afterward, Jiang Chumian took the initiative to tidy up.

Shen Qingye told her the cook would be back later and that she didn’t need to do it. Jiang Chumian smiled but put the dishes in the dishwasher anyway and wiped the table. It was a simple task that was nothing compared to what she was used to.

After washing her hands, she saw Shen Qingye still in the living room and went to join her.

Shen Qingye asked casually, “Are you free this weekend?”

Jiang Chumian paused before nodding. “Yes.”

“Want to go shopping with me? I feel like the house is too empty, but I don’t know what to add. If you’re not busy, could you give me some advice?” Shen Qingye asked nonchalantly, holding the remote as if looking for a TV show or movie.

Jiang Chumian hadn’t expected the request to be for this. “I can, but my aesthetic might only be so-so. Why not find a designer?”

“I’ve tried, but I’ve never been satisfied. They either have no style or their own style is too strong—it feels like they’re designing the house for themselves rather than me,” Shen Qingye said helplessly.

Jiang Chumian couldn’t help but laugh. “I didn’t expect President Shen to have such troubles.”

“Of course I do. Sometimes I feel like my money is being spent in very strange ways,” Shen Qingye joked lazily.

The atmosphere suddenly felt less tense. In private, Shen Qingye was very different from what Jiang Chumian had imagined. She was neither cold nor an overbearing boss.

Shen Qingye eventually failed to find an interesting movie and gave up. They chatted for a bit before returning to their rooms.

The next morning, before work, Shen Qingye dragged Jiang Chumian to the garage to pick a car. Looking at the rows of luxury vehicles, Jiang Chumian was almost afraid to choose. “What if I wreck it?”

Shen Qingye curled her lips lazily. “It’s fine, that’s what insurance is for.”

Not very CEO-like, Jiang Chumian thought.

In the end, she picked a relatively inconspicuous car. Shen Qingye had the butler give her the keys before getting into her own car. “Good luck on your first day of work.”

It wasn’t until she reached the office that Jiang Chumian understood what Shen Qingye meant. Shiguang’s situation was truly terrible; the previous Marketing Director had left behind an absolute disaster.

Jiang Chumian’s headache started on her very first day. Shen Qingye even gloated a bit, asking how she felt.

“It’s terrible. How could you tolerate this brand carrying the Shen Group’s name in this state?” Jiang Chumian truly couldn’t understand.

“Nepotism,” Shen Qingye sent her a helpless emoji. Jiang Chumian finally realized that even Shen Qingye couldn’t always have the final say in everything at the Shen Group. She sighed and accepted her fate.

After a busy week, Shen Qingye asked on Friday night if she wanted to go out on Saturday or Sunday. Jiang Chumian felt either was fine; she had no friends or appointments anyway. They settled on Saturday, leaving Sunday to catch up on any unfinished work.

That day, Shen Qingye wore light makeup. She looked different than usual—less sharp, more elegantly cold.

While shopping, Jiang Chumian noticed that Shen Qingye wasn’t forceful at all; she frequently asked for Jiang Chumian’s opinion. It wasn’t until they returned that Jiang Chumian realized many of the things Shen Qingye bought were actually for her.

For a moment, she felt a wave of warmth, mixed with a complex, bittersweet ache. In the end, those emotions only translated into a simple “thank you.”

During the decorating that followed, Shen Qingye genuinely listened to Jiang Chumian’s suggestions. They discussed how to fill the empty villa until it no longer felt so cold.

When they finally sat down to rest, Shen Qingye looked at the transformed home. She suddenly felt that this state of living was quite wonderful.

Support Refusing Divorce After a Contract Marriage