Yet Pondering Over the Heart's Matters

After some mediation by Shen's Mother, a potential crisis for you was quietly resolved.

Although the three women were now back on equal footing, Liu Huijuan couldn't help but feel more favorably inclined toward Fu Nanzhi and Shu Yunyi, whom she had met first.

Compared to their ease and familiarity in the Shen household, Cheng Jun was noticeably less at home, her mannerisms still carrying traces of formality.

Cheng Jun was well aware that her late arrival put her at a disadvantage, but she was clever and charming, finding another way to win affection by bonding with Grandmother. Through this approach, she gradually earned the family’s fondness and approval.

After spending time together, Shen's Mother, who had initially harbored reservations, found herself increasingly impressed by the personalities and attitudes of the three women.

She took you aside for a private conversation, sharing her observations about their differences and her feelings about their interactions. With a meaningful pat on your shoulder, she left the final decision to you.

No matter what, everything ultimately depended on your choice...

In the days that followed, you continued your laid-back approach.

Thanks to Shen's Mother’s coordination, you were no longer as passive. Though the three women still disliked each other, they gradually accepted one another’s presence.

Each had her own expectations, but there was only one of you. The idea of any one of them monopolizing you was impossible—the other two would never allow it.

As tensions grew, they privately agreed to a three-way rotation: each would have you for a day, taking turns without interference, ensuring fair competition.

The proposal might have seemed absurd, but it was a practical solution. Constant bickering was making daily life unbearable.

Shu Yunyi was the first to agree—this way, she would take the first slot.

Fu Nanzhi soon followed, confident that with one-on-one time, she could win you over.

Seeing the other two had already settled it, Cheng Jun had little room to object and reluctantly accepted the last position.

Suddenly, the world became peaceful again.

The rotation system worked smoothly for nearly half a year. The three women rarely crossed paths, balancing work and personal lives without conflict.

Even during the New Year holidays, the rotation continued, effortlessly solving the headache of holiday visits.

You lived with each of them in turn—dining together, shopping, commuting to and from work.

The relentless cycle left even your robust physique exhausted, yet life felt fulfilling.

Days passed in a blur, everything seemingly smooth...

But no matter how passively you handled things, one critical question eventually surfaced:

Who would you marry?

Beyond parental and societal pressure, was this really how you wanted to spend the rest of your life?

In a blink, Shen Yi was pulled back into the scene by the text.

He awoke as if from a deep sleep.

The exhaustion of recent days had thrown off his biological clock, making him oversleep.

It wasn’t entirely his fault—Fu Nanzhi and Shu Yunyi had been competing fiercely.

Though they rarely saw each other, they had instinctively found a way to one-up each other:

Every time their turn came, they would go all out to drain him completely.

Shu Yunyi was in her prime, and Fu Nanzhi was even more relentless. Their alternating efforts left Shen Yi thoroughly worn out.

Their logic was simple—leave nothing for the other. The relentless pace took its toll, even on his stamina.

Rubbing his eyes, Shen Yi reached for the person beside him, only to find empty space.

The sheets still held residual warmth. His drowsiness faded as he opened his eyes to see a slender figure sitting at the edge of the bed, her back to him.

Her fair skin and delicate waist accentuated the prominent butterfly bones on her back.

She was fastening her bra, arms bent gracefully as she clasped it behind her.

Reassured, Shen Yi turned and wrapped an arm around her waist from behind, pulling her close.

Startled, she swatted at his mischievous hand.

"Let go!"

Turning, she revealed a delicate face, cheeks faintly flushed—Cheng Jun, caught between irritation and amusement.

"I'm getting dressed. Stop fooling around."

Shen Yi chuckled and withdrew, admiring her smooth, satin-like skin.

Half a year together had led to intimacy—Cheng Jun had given herself to him just before the New Year.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t be this exhausted. On the surface, it seemed like two women, but in reality, it was three.

She had done so willingly, and it had felt like the natural next step.

During New Year’s dinner, Cheng Jun had mentioned Shen Yi again.

Though Cheng Tianwei remained skeptical, he held back his disapproval for the holiday’s sake, even inviting Shen Yi over for a meal.

He respected his daughter’s choice and didn’t want to interfere too much.

With this acknowledgment, Cheng Tianwei began paying closer attention, frequently asking about their relationship.

The answer was always the same: "Everything’s fine."

A businessman at heart, Cheng Tianwei believed nothing was certain until formalized. With Cheng Jun nearing thirty, marriage became a pressing topic.

Now dressed, Cheng Jun sat at the vanity, brushing her long hair.

As she combed through the silken strands, her thoughts wandered.

She glanced at Shen Yi’s reflection in the mirror, hesitating before speaking.

"Shen Yi, do you love me?"

He looked up from his phone.

"Of course I love you. Why do you ask?"

Cheng Jun set the comb down, murmuring,

"Nothing..."

Then, picking up a pair of earrings, she added softly,

"My dad asked about us again yesterday..."

"I told him everything was fine."

A pause.

"I’m twenty-seven now. Not young anymore. Thirty isn’t far off."

"Family pressure aside, I just want to know what you think."

Shen Yi slowly sat up, puzzled by her sudden seriousness. He had managed to keep the fragile balance between the three women—upsetting it now would be disastrous.

Marriage wasn’t an option. He could only stall.

"You know the situation... Nanzhi and Yunyi... they..."

"Just wait a little longer. I’ll give you an answer."

Cheng Jun stiffened, her back still turned.

Every moment she felt brushed off, she couldn't help but retreat further.

Taking another deep breath, Cheng Jun faced the mirror, attempting to put on her earrings—but today, they seemed determined to defy her. No matter how many times she tried, they just wouldn’t stay in place.

Frustrated, she flung them aside with a sigh, giving up entirely.

For the first time, she steeled herself and turned around, her eyes locking onto Shen Yi’s as she asked, clinging to a fragile hope:

"Are you actually willing to marry me or not?"