Refusing Divorce After a Contract Marriage - Chapter 9.2

Chapter 9.2: Carrying Her to Bed

“Too weak. From now on, you’re going running with me every morning.”

As soon as Shen Qingye finished speaking, Jiang Chumian’s mouth dropped open: “Huh?”

“I’ll come wake you up tomorrow morning. You’ve lived here for so long but haven’t even strolled by the lake. I’m afraid you’d get lost just walking a lap around the villa district,” Shen Qingye said, flicking her forehead.

Jiang Chumian managed to stand up and gave an embarrassed smile.

However, the next morning, when Shen Qingye actually came to wake her up, Jiang Chumian couldn’t smile anymore. Shen Qingye’s physical fitness was quite good; she practically dragged Jiang Chumian out of the blankets.

At first, Jiang Chumian was still dazed, but under Shen Qingye’s urging, she finally cleared up a bit and saw the time was 6:00 AM. She rubbed her brow; it had been a long time since she had woken up this early.

Following Shen Qingye to the scenic area within the villa grounds, the scenery within the limited space was actually quite nice. However, being a villa district within the city, the lake—though well-maintained—wasn’t very large. Of course, “not large” was mainly from Shen Qingye’s perspective; for Jiang Chumian, it was enormous.

After running two laps, she started to run out of steam. Shen Qingye led her through one more slow lap and then made her walk one lap before finally letting her off.

“How about I take you to the gym every day after work from now on?” On the way back, Shen Qingye came up with another devilish idea.

Jiang Chumian shook her head frantically: “Please spare me. Morning runs and then the gym after work? I really can’t do it.”

“If we go to the gym, I won’t drag you for morning runs. Pick one.”

“The gym.”

Jiang Chumian picked the latter without a second thought; waking up early was too painful for her. Shen Qingye had a look of triumph on her face.

However, Jiang Chumian did eat a bit more than usual for breakfast today. After eating, Shen Qingye went upstairs first to change and do her makeup. Jiang Chumian felt her energy was truly incredible—she wasn’t even out of breath after running and then climbing the stairs. But no matter how much she didn’t want to, she still had to go upstairs to get ready.

When they came downstairs, Shen Qingye was in a well-fitted suit with her hair in a ponytail. Her lipstick today was a darker shade, making her look even more sharp and imposing.

“Is there something urgent today?” Jiang Chumian asked curiously, because usually, even if Shen Qingye was authoritative, she wouldn’t dress quite this sharply.

“Zhao Kaiguo is definitely coming to see me today, so I need to look a bit more powerful,” Shen Qingye explained.

Jiang Chumian laughed: “President Shen is usually very powerful as well.”

“It’s different. Let’s go, I’ll drop you off at the company first.” Shen Qingye took her car keys and smiled at Jiang Chumian.

Jiang Chumian was slightly puzzled: “What made you think of driving me today?”

“I’m afraid you won’t be able to drive yourself,” Shen Qingye teased. Jiang Chumian was embarrassed once again.

Because she dropped off Jiang Chumian, it wasn’t early by the time Shen Qingye reached the company. As she expected, Zhao Kaiguo had indeed come looking for her early this morning, but the secretary told him she hadn’t arrived yet.

“Mhm, okay, I understand.” After dismissing the secretary, Shen Qingye sent a message to Zhao Kaiguo.

Zhao Kaiguo said he was coming over now.

Shen Qingye sat before the coffee table, her fair fingers unhurriedly cleaning the tea set. Sure enough, a moment later, Zhao Kaiguo arrived and sat opposite her quite naturally.

“Qingye, you’ve made Shen Group even more prosperous than it was during your father’s time.” Zhao Kaiguo scanned Shen Qingye’s office and spoke only after taking a sip of tea.

After he set down his cup, Shen Qingye refilled it, the scent of tea filling the office.

“I have to thank you for your assistance, Uncle,” Shen Qingye replied with a light smile.

Zhao Kaiguo’s gaze was somewhat searching, but Shen Qingye was not intimidated, nodding composedly with a smile.

“I didn’t do much; it’s your own ability. Unlike Chengxu, who always worries me to death.” Zhao Kaiguo shook his head, thinking of his son.

Shen Qingye’s lips curled slightly: “Chengxu is quite good; the board thinks highly of him.”

This compliment made Zhao Kaiguo look much happier. He took a sip of tea and said, “Qingye, your tea-making skills are getting better and better.”

“I learned it all from Grandfather. He loves tea, as you know.”

The two exchanged pleasantries, playing a game of “Tai Chi” with their words.

“Grandfather mentioned a few days ago that he wanted to have tea with you.”

“The old gentleman is very thoughtful; I have indeed been a bit busy lately.” Zhao Kaiguo turned the ring on his finger. “Where is that little wife of yours?”

“At Shiguang.”

“Why didn’t you put her by your side? Newlyweds should be seen together every day, shouldn’t they?” Zhao Kaiguo joked.

Being teased, Shen Qingye played along, showing a hint of shyness: “You’re joking, Uncle. Chumian likes Shiguang, so I let her go.”

“Qingye, you’re just like your father—both of you dote on your wives. Back then, your mother was doted on so much that everyone was envious.”

Shen Qingye lowered her head to brew the tea, her lips curving up: “Not necessarily. Father and Mother were both good to each other. Chumian is also very good. In a relationship, it’s only sweet when it’s mutual.”

The man opposite her darkened slightly for an instant before recovering.

“True. Speaking of Shiguang, I almost forgot. That boy Zhao Younan caused you trouble recently. It’s my fault and his parents’ fault for not teaching him well—to actually do something like embezzling public funds.”

Shen Qingye took a sip of tea: “You really should speak to him more, Uncle. I won’t pursue it at Shen Group, but if it were elsewhere, I’m afraid he’d better follow the rules.”

“Sigh, I’ll definitely lecture him when I get back,” Zhao Kaiguo said with a look of disappointment. “If you don’t feel it’s enough, Qingye, and want to take legal action, that’s fine too. Let him be sentenced however he should be; he needs to suffer a bit. Otherwise, if he can embezzle funds now, who knows what he’ll do later.”

Shen Qingye shook her head: “That won’t do. There wasn’t much loss. You don’t need to be so tense, Uncle. We’re all family. He’s still young; just lecture him more in the future.”

“How about this? Haven’t you wanted to get into smart cars lately? When the proposal comes out, I will definitely support you on the board, and my other companies will also invest. What do you think?” Zhao Kaiguo sought another way to settle things, and Shen Qingye couldn’t easily refuse.

“Then I’ll thank you, Uncle. Coincidentally, even if this project starts, it really will still be short on capital.”

“Short on capital? Aren’t you one with the Jiang family now? Doesn’t President Jiang support you?”

“You’re joking, Uncle. The Jiang family already has many projects and has had a lot of cooperation with the group over the past two years. Originally, the scale of the Jiang family had a gap compared to the group; how could they keep up with the group’s speed? The marriage was mainly because of the betrothal arranged by Grandfather, plus Chumian and I were already dating. If it weren’t for both being so coincidental, I wouldn’t have agreed.”

Shen Qingye gave a slight laugh: “My marriage to the Jiang family is a bargain for them. Why would you think they could help me with anything? My relationship with the Jiang family can’t compare to my relationship with you, Uncle.”

“True.” Hearing her say this, Zhao Kaiguo relaxed quite a bit.

The two chatted for a while and went to lunch together. After returning, Assistant Lin presented her with a rough draft of a proposal.

“Mhm. Zhao Kaiguo wants to invest; prepare for that later,” Shen Qingye told Assistant Lin as she took the document.

“President Shen, why do you still want his investment? He’s already tampered with Shen Group many times. The last time the mall construction almost failed was because of his interference.” Assistant Lin didn’t understand her approach.

“The bait must be fragrant enough for the fish to bite,” Shen Qingye said in a low voice.

“Understood, President Shen. I’ll get on it.” Assistant Lin left.

Shen Qingye walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the traffic below. When her parents first passed away, Shen Group was a mess. Grandfather was old and had been a soldier for half his life; although he held the title of Chairman, he wasn’t good at management. The people invited to help manage were also arranged by Zhao Kaiguo. Back then, the funds he embezzled from Shen Group were much more than what a minor figure like Zhao Younan took—even the startup capital for another company under his name now was taken from Shen Group.

Slightly rolling up her sleeves to reveal her white arms, Shen Qingye hid the emotions in her eyes and went back to the lounge to rest for a bit.

Near the end of the workday, Xiao Jinyu sent Jiang Chumian a message saying her bar had opened and she wanted Jiang Chumian to come support it. Princess Xiao’s request was not one Jiang Chumian could refuse. Thinking she had nothing else to do, she went.

Just after agreeing to Xiao Jinyu, Jiang Chumian saw Shen Qingye asking if she wanted to have dinner together.

“Princess Xiao opened a bar on a whim, and it’s opening today. She wants me to go support,” Jiang Chumian told Shen Qingye. Knowing she and Xiao Jinyu were close, Shen Qingye didn’t say much.

Jiang Chumian: “Do you want to go together?”

Shen Qingye didn’t expect to be invited. Her mood hadn’t been very good today, so she had originally wanted to have a meal with Jiang Chumian, and didn’t expect to be “rejected.” But since Jiang Chumian then invited her along, she couldn’t think of a reason to say no.

Shen Qingye: “Sure.”

Jiang Chumian: “I’ll pick you up in a bit then?”

Shen Qingye: “Okay.”

Jiang Chumian picked up Shen Qingye after work. Xiao Jinyu had been rushing her. “Jinyu, I’m driving, can’t rush, be good,” Jiang Chumian replied helplessly.

“Fine then.”

After hanging up, Jiang Chumian felt Shen Qingye looking at her. She tilted her head: “What is it?”

“Nothing.” She just felt that Jiang Chumian was more lively in front of Xiao Jinyu than usual.

“Let’s go straight there to eat; Princess Xiao prepared food.”

“Mhm, no objection.”

During peak hour, they couldn’t drive fast. By the time they arrived, it was already 7:30 PM. The bar was starting to fill up, mostly with Xiao Jinyu’s friends or friends of friends. Since it was the opening, Xiao Jinyu certainly didn’t mind the noise.

Jiang Chumian got out of the car and took Shen Qingye’s arm, playing the role of a wife perfectly. As soon as they entered, Xiao Jinyu ran over. Seeing the person on Jiang Chumian’s arm, she exclaimed, “My goddess is indeed beautiful!”

“Can you be a bit more reserved?” Jiang Chumian looked at her helplessly.

Xiao Jinyu immediately took a step back: “Mianmian, don’t misunderstand, I’m just a fan of her looks, I don’t covet your wife.”

Jiang Chumian: “……”

Shen Qingye couldn’t help but laugh; no wonder Jiang Chumian was so lively around her.

“Hello, Miss Xiao. I’m Shen Qingye.” Shen Qingye politely extended her hand.

Xiao Jinyu shook it and let go: “Hello, Goddess. I’m your little fan and Mianmian’s best friend, Xiao Jinyu. You can call me Jinyu or Little Fish. ‘Miss Xiao’ is too cold.”

Jiang Chumian couldn’t help but palm her forehead; she was truly extremely familiar with everyone.

“Alright, Little Fish,” Shen Qingye smiled.

“Ignore her, she’s always like this,” Jiang Chumian said helplessly.

Shen Qingye laughed: “She’s quite cute.”

“My goddess called me cute!!!” Xiao Jinyu couldn’t help but shout.

Jiang Chumian didn’t really want to know her. “Princess Xiao, can we eat? I’m quite hungry, don’t starve your goddess.”

“Yes, yes, come, come.”

Xiao Jinyu was probably a “pure stream” in the bar world—eating hotpot and drinking cocktails in the bar. But one had to admit the atmosphere was good, and the live singers were excellent.

Jiang Chumian and Shen Qingye sat together. After the hotpot was cleared, they started playing games noisily. Usually, Jiang Chumian didn’t participate in these games; Xiao Jinyu always called her an “elderly person.” But today, Xiao Jinyu insisted on dragging her into it. She didn’t dare act out in front of Shen Qingye, but she dared to pull Jiang Chumian.

For the sake of the bar’s atmosphere, Jiang Chumian had to risk her life to accompany her friend. To everyone’s surprise, Shen Qingye joined in too. It was just a dice game, but everyone was playing until their faces were flushed.

Jiang Chumian drank quite a bit and had to run to the bathroom several times. Most of those who could be friends with Xiao Jinyu came from business families, so from the moment Shen Qingye entered, people had been trying to curry favor—both men and women. But because Jiang Chumian was there, they weren’t too forward.

When Jiang Chumian stepped away and her seat became empty, a girl approached with a glass to toast Shen Qingye. Anyone with eyes could see her intentions; Xiao Jinyu’s face darkened as well.

“President Shen, I toast you.” The girl’s voice was sweet as she moved closer to Shen Qingye.

Shen Qingye glanced at her without responding. The aura she had honed in the business world for years made the girl feel a bit of trepidation. But since she had spoken, she couldn’t retreat and could only drink her glass in one go.

Shen Qingye nodded slightly: “Finished?”

“Ye-yes, finished.” Being asked like that, the girl couldn’t tell what she meant.

“This is my wife’s seat. Could you return it to her?” Shen Qingye asked politely.

The girl’s face turned pale as she stammered, “O-okay.”

Jiang Chumian returned from the bathroom to see this farce, gave a light laugh, and sat down again. Xiao Jinyu’s face improved at the sight, and she continued to liven up the atmosphere. Jiang Chumian felt that the girl was truly unlucky—to try and seduce Shen Qingye today when she was in a bad mood was just asking for a rebuff.

By the time the party broke up, it was nearly midnight. Shen Qingye called her driver to pick them up. Shen Qingye had drunk a lot today, so Jiang Chumian helped her into the car.

Jiang Chumian kept a bit of distance from her; both were somewhat drunk. Jiang Chumian stared out the window in a daze. Shen Qingye glanced out too and found nothing interesting to see. She leaned toward Jiang Chumian and whispered: “Chumian, let me lean on you for a bit.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Chumian felt a weight on her shoulder. She didn’t say anything, and the two remained in silence.

Shen Qingye was in a bad mood; Jiang Chumian could tell. But she hadn’t known how to comfort people since she was a child. If Shen Qingye didn’t speak, she wouldn’t ask. If Shen Qingye wants to lean, then let her lean for a while, she thought.

Previously, Shen Qingye had carried all her emotions alone. She didn’t know what was wrong with her today, that she would actually want to lean on Jiang Chumian’s shoulder. Perhaps it was the trace of worry hidden in the girl’s eyes that made her feel warm.

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