Why Does First Love Feel This Sweet? - Chapter 23

Chapter 23

The conclusion of this honeymoon trip was something Sheng Yi had never expected.

From the very beginning, when Sheng Yi decided to commit to this marriage, his self-perception was that of the “head of the household.” He knew he was shorter than Rong Yu, not as physically strong, and certainly less capable of managing a home.

However, he felt that Xiao Yu could rely on him.

The purpose of marrying Rong Yu was to provide him with someone he could depend on—a strong backstop who would always support him when he felt lonely or exhausted. Many years ago, from the moment Sheng Yi first saw that “little angel” in the courtyard biting his lip to hold back tears, a fierce protective instinct was born. He thought: Since Rong Yu likes me so much and wants me so badly, I can spend my whole life without ever dating a girl, staying by his side to be his everything.

To become a qualified support, Sheng Yi had even set a series of self-improvement goals: study hard for exams, work out diligently, and drink more milk every day—hoping his height, stunted by three years of lying down, might still catch a second wind.

On the flight back, Sheng Yi looked at the handsome man napping beside him in an eye mask. He smiled with a mix of helplessness and compromise. To him, making his Xiao Yu happy was more important than anything else. He had “bullied” Rong Yu so much in the past; it was only fair to let Rong Yu “bully” him back now.

Even with his eyes closed, Rong Yu could feel the intense gaze beside him, and his lips curved almost imperceptibly.

…

Life as a “Live-in Son-in-Law”

After landing, Sheng Yi officially began his life as the “luxury live-in son-in-law.” They moved into the Rong family estate, and Sheng Yi’s post-wedding daily routine became exceptionally busy.

7:00 AM: Rong Yu’s internal clock woke him up naturally. He gently moved Sheng Yi’s limbs off his body and quietly got out of bed. To his surprise, Sheng Yi sat up right behind him, hair a mess and eyes half-mast. “Heading to the hospital so early?”

“Yeah,” Rong Yu rubbed his head. “Sleep a bit longer.”

“I’m up,” Sheng Yi yawned, pushing Rong Yu toward the bathroom. “Let’s wash together.” After their time on the island, bathing together was as natural as breathing.

Being friends with Sheng Yi had always been comfortable. He was the type of person who trusted you without reservation and chose you without hesitation. That warmth was so dazzling that Rong Yu had grown selfish, wanting to monopolize that luck forever.

As the water ran over them, Sheng Yi rested his head on Rong Yu’s shoulder, eyes closed. “Do you have things to do today?” Rong Yu asked.

“Yeah… I promised to do Tai Chi with Grandpa.”

7:30 AM: On the frost-covered lawn, Grandpa Rong, dressed in white, moved with powerful grace. Sheng Yi, in a thick tracksuit, followed behind him like a confused chick.

“Stand firm!” Grandpa barked, adjusting Sheng Yi’s shaky “White Crane Spreads Wings” pose. “Young people today are too weak. You should spend a year training with me; next year, we go winter swimming.”

Sheng Yi nearly choked on his own breath. “You got it, Grandpa.”

Rong Yu walked by in a warm cashmere coat, stopping to wrap his own scarf around Sheng Yi’s neck. “I’m off. Good luck with your review, and do some mock Gaokao questions.”

“Okay,” Sheng Yi wobbled but stayed upright. “Shopping with Mom this morning, studying this afternoon.”

…

Painting and Shopping Sprees

After Tai Chi, Sheng Yi accompanied Grandpa for tea and Chinese painting. The old man was surprisingly humble, calling Sheng Yi “Teacher” and seeking advice on his bamboo paintings. Sheng Yi sent a photo of their work to Rong Yu: [Proud face] Painting with Grandpa. Rong Yu replied instantly: Teacher Sheng has worked hard.

Next, Sheng Yi changed clothes to accompany his mother-in-law, Tang Yun, to the mall. Tang Yun, elegantly dressed and looking years younger than her age, walked arm-in-arm with him through the Rong Group’s high-end shopping center.

“I haven’t gone shopping with you and Xiao Yu since you were in primary school,” Tang Yun said nostalgically. “In the blink of an eye, you’ve all grown up.”

Sheng Yi gave her his best sincere smile. “You look younger than ever. Once Xiao Yu finishes his internship, we’ll all come together.”

Under Sheng Yi’s sweet-talk and aesthetic advice, Tang Yun went on a shopping spree, spending over a million yuan in a single morning—mostly on clothes and accessories for Sheng Yi. By lunch, Sheng Yi was buried under luxury shopping bags.

At noon, Rong Yu received another photo: Sheng Yi and Tang Yun at a pink-themed dessert shop, surrounded by mountains of bags and pastries. Sheng Yi’s smile in the photo looked a bit overwhelmed.

Text from Sheng Yi: Join us next time Smile

…

The Shadow in the Dream

In the hospital consultation room, Dr. Wang Sizhe noticed Rong Yu’s smile. “Something interesting?”

Rong Yu saved the photo and turned off his phone. “Nothing.”

“You look well,” Wang Sizhe observed. “It’s been two months since our last session. Are you still experiencing insomnia?”

“It’s better,” Rong Yu said.

“Still using sleep aids?”

Rong Yu nodded. He went silent for a moment before speaking softly. “I’m afraid.”

Wang Sizhe frowned. “Your friend has woken up. What is there to fear?”

Rong Yu stared at his coffee cup. “Everything that is happening feels too much like a beautiful dream. I know it’s… fragile. His feelings for me are friendship and family. He married me to accommodate me.”

Rong Yu looked up, his dark eyes clouded. “But I still don’t want to let go of this chance to keep him. I feel… very despicable.”