Refusing Divorce After a Contract Marriage - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: What Should I Call You in Public?

Shen Qingye held her hand, guiding her as they moved slowly across the ice. Feeling that firm grip, Jiang Chumian gradually matched Shen’s rhythm. The tension began to bleed out of her shoulders, and she relaxed visibly.

However, Shen Qingye was not a professional coach. Once the initial panic had subsided, she called the female instructor back over. Standing by, Shen spoke softly to Jiang: “I’ll stay right here with you, okay? There’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Jiang Chumian managed a small smile. “It’s fine, you go ahead. I’ll learn on my own.”

Shen Qingye didn’t argue, but she didn’t leave either. She knew the girl was always afraid of being a burden to others.

After a while, Young President Rong skated over. “What’s this? Is President Shen so reluctant to leave her little wife’s side?”

The remark brought a flicker of awkwardness to both women, but neither let it show on their faces. Shen Qingye glanced at the girl on the other side of the rink and changed the subject. “Not accompanying your girlfriend?”

“She said she wanted to play on her own for a bit.” Rong shrugged and teased, “We’re still in the dating phase; we haven’t reached the inseparable ‘newlywed’ stage yet.”

“When you finally get married, you’ll probably be clingier than me,” Shen Qingye retorted with mock disdain before turning her gaze back to Jiang Chumian.

Sensing that the extra presence made Jiang Chumian nervous again, Shen Qingye purposefully slowed down to chat with Rong, creating some space for Jiang. Their conversation drifted naturally toward business matters.

Meanwhile, Jiang Chumian followed the coach’s instructions, slowly finding her flow. Shen Qingye kept a constant eye on her. By the time Jiang was able to glide slowly on her own, an hour had passed—a respectable pace for a beginner.

After finishing her talk with Rong, Shen suggested, “Dinner together in a bit?”

“I wouldn’t miss it,” Rong replied. He was eager to discuss a potential partnership.

Once the plans were set, Shen Qingye urged Rong to find his girlfriend. She then skated slowly back to Jiang Chumian. The girl was still a bit stiff; despite the coach’s encouragement, she was only moving at a snail’s pace.

Startled by Shen’s sudden return, Jiang Chumian lost her balance and took a tumble. Shen Qingye rushed over, worried. “Are you alright? Does it hurt?”

Jiang Chumian shook her head as she was helped up. “I’m fine, thank you.”

“I’m sorry,” Shen Qingye said, sounding genuinely annoyed with herself.

Jiang Chumian laughed unexpectedly. “Why are you apologizing? Isn’t it normal to fall when learning? I was just being a coward; it has nothing to do with you, Qingye.”

“You wouldn’t have fallen if I hadn’t startled you.” Shen Qingye didn’t release her hand immediately, her eyes still clouded with guilt.

Jiang Chumian tilted her head and smiled, her dimples appearing. “But didn’t you pull me back up?” Her eyes crinkled, looking as if they held a thousand stars.

For a heartbeat, Shen Qingye was dazed. She reached out and patted Jiang’s head. “Are you really this easy to appease?”

Jiang Chumian didn’t answer, merely shaking her head gently. Shen Qingye couldn’t tell if that was a “yes” or a “no.” As she regained her composure, she realized there was no point in overanalyzing it. Holding Jiang’s hand, she asked softly, “If you’re okay, want to try walking a bit more?”

“Okay.”

By the time they prepared to leave, Jiang Chumian could glide slowly on her own. They met back up with Rong and his girlfriend for lunch.

At the restaurant, they avoided shop talk. Rong, who had been traveling during their wedding, presented them with his “red envelope” gift, which Shen Qingye accepted without hesitation.

Returning home, Jiang Chumian showered and noticed a proposal on her desk. She decided to show it to Shen Qingye. Although Shen had a “no work at home” rule, Jiang wanted to ask for advice.

When Shen Qingye came downstairs after her shower, she saw Jiang still in the living room. “Not sleeping? Won’t you be tired for work tomorrow?”

“Could I ask President Shen for some advice?” Jiang asked earnestly.

Shen Qingye smiled and sat beside her. As they discussed the document, time slipped away. By the time they finished, it was 12:30 AM.

Jiang Chumian felt she had learned immensely from Shen’s insights. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome.” Shen’s lips curved upward. “If you want to thank me, why not treat me to dinner some other time?”

Jiang blinked. “Sure. When are you free?”

“Hmm, not sure yet. Let’s just say you owe me one.” Shen yawned, a faint smile on her face.

Six months passed in a flash, and it was time for Shen Qingye’s evaluation of Jiang Chumian. Assistant Lin brought over Shiguang’s financial reports.

“President Shen, according to the reports, Shiguang’s profits have increased significantly compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, they’ve made a successful breakthrough in the high-end market.”

Shen Qingye looked at the numbers, her smile widening. “Excellent. Is the General Manager’s reputation still poor?”

“Yes,” Lin replied. “But because he is your uncle’s nephew, you didn’t pursue the previous embezzlement case.”

Shen Qingye nodded. “I was just waiting for the right opportunity. Start gathering evidence. The Shen Group has no room for pests.”

“Won’t this anger your uncle?”

Shen Qingye smirked. “The ‘opportunity’ I mentioned is exactly for my dear uncle.”

Within days, Shiguang underwent a massive restructuring. The General Manager was fired, and Jiang Chumian was appointed in his place. Though she looked delicate, Jiang worked with lightning efficiency, quickly establishing her authority.

A month later, Shen Qingye sent Jiang a message: “Is President Jiang free tonight?”

Jiang replied half an hour later: “I am.”

“Dinner together?”

Jiang: “Sure. What would President Shen like to eat?”

Shen: “How about steak? I’ve been craving it.”

“Then see you after work. I’ll send you the location.”

They met at the restaurant. Shen Qingye walked to Jiang’s side with a warm smile. “This place is quite good.”

“If President Shen says it’s good, it must be.” Jiang had learned that while Shen claimed not to be a picky eater, she was actually very particular about quality.

Shen Qingye looked at her teasingly. “Are you sure you want to call your wife ‘President Shen’ in public?”

Jiang Chumian froze, feeling a wave of embarrassment. “Sorry.”

“Just call me Qingye,” Shen whispered into her ear, her voice dripping with amusement.

Jiang felt her ears turn hot. “Mhm,” she whispered, looking soft and far less detached than usual.

Shen Qingye realized that Jiang Chumian was actually very easy to “tame.” All it took was a little feigned kindness and closeness, and Jiang would respond with double the sincerity and trust. She was starved for affection.

As they ate, Shen asked about the company. Jiang reported everything truthfully. Shen was impressed; Jiang had even managed to clear out all the people Shen had secretly wanted to get rid of anyway.

It should have been a perfect evening. However, a sugary-sweet voice suddenly interrupted them. “Sister Shen!”

They looked up to see Jiang Xiaofan—the eldest daughter of the Jiang family and Jiang Chumian’s half-sister. Being family friends, Xiaofan had been taught to call Shen “Sister” since childhood.

Shen Qingye gave a curt nod.

“Sister,” Jiang Chumian added gently.

Xiaofan ignored her completely, focusing on Shen. “Does Sister Shen like the steak here too?”

Jiang Chumian didn’t look annoyed. She simply lowered her head and continued cutting her steak. Shen Qingye, however, looked displeased.

“It’s alright,” Shen replied coldly.

“What a coincidence! I love it too,” Xiaofan chirped.

“Many people like it; it’s hardly a coincidence.” Shen Qingye cut a piece of steak and held it to Jiang Chumian’s lips. “Chumian, try this.” Her voice was now tender and doting.

Jiang was embarrassed but couldn’t refuse. She took the bite.

Xiaofan’s face twisted with jealousy. “How can you let President Shen feed you?”

Jiang Chumian lowered her head and used her fork to feed Shen Qingye a piece in return. “Sister is right. It was my fault. I should be the one feeding Qingye.”

Her voice was sweet and obedient, but it drove Xiaofan into a silent rage. Shen Qingye cooperated perfectly, eating the bite. Frustrated, Xiaofan stomped her foot and stormed off.

“I’m sorry,” Jiang Chumian apologized.

Shen Qingye looked at her, puzzled. “Why are you apologizing? It wasn’t your fault.”

The girl’s habit of apologizing wasn’t a good one; Shen preferred her more assertive side. Jiang Chumian bit her lip and paused, then gave Shen a small smile. “It’s nothing.”

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