Wedding Gift Money

Cheng Jun had been standing all day in high heels, and being pregnant on top of that, she was utterly exhausted.

Today had been the happiest day of her life, and at first, she hadn’t even noticed the fatigue. But now, lying down, her legs felt weak and sore.

After letting out a long sigh, she suddenly rolled over to face Shen Yi and said,

"Wait… am I dreaming right now?"

Shen Yi tugged off his tie and tossed it aside, then undid the top button of his shirt. Hearing her question, he turned back with an amused chuckle.

"Dreaming? You’re just worn out."

"My legs are still sore. How come you’re not massaging them for me?"

Cheng Jun laughed at her own suspicion, propping her head up with one hand as she gazed at him. The slit of her qipao slipped open, revealing her long, smooth legs.

She rubbed her belly and cooed,

"I’m not exactly in the best condition, you know."

Her words implied not unwillingness but inability. Shen Yi took the hint and obligingly sat down at the foot of the bed.

He patted her hip, signaling her to adjust her position, then took one of her delicate feet in his hands, kneading it with varying pressure.

"Mmm… ah!"

Shen Yi’s fingers dug in like awls, the force penetrating deep. Cheng Jun’s pretty face instantly scrunched up, and she sucked in sharp breaths through gritted teeth.

"Hmm?"

"Feels good, doesn’t it?" Shen Yi chuckled, continuing to work her foot as he teased her.

Cheng Jun felt a mix of soreness and numbness spreading from her foot up her leg, mingled with a strangely relaxing pleasure. She whimpered,

"Husband, lighter, lighter…"

Now that they were married, she had started calling him "husband."

Shen Yi didn’t ease up, joking,

"You’re the one who asked for a massage. If I don’t press hard, it won’t do anything."

"Besides, if it’s just gentle, it’s not a massage—it’s just stroking. Got it?"

By the time he finished, Cheng Jun’s legs were limp, her feet feeling like they were floating on cotton. A fine sheen of sweat dotted her forehead.

"Alright, done."

Shen Yi let go and added,

"Try standing up. You should feel much better now."

Cheng Jun’s eyes sparkled with delight, her cheeks flushed like peach blossoms, her heart brimming with sweetness.

She hooked her leg around the hem of Shen Yi’s shirt and yanked him closer, then leaned up to plant a kiss on his lips as a reward.

Unfortunately, she was still in the critical first trimester, and the baby’s position wasn’t stable yet. They couldn’t take things further, so she settled for nibbling on Shen Yi’s lips to console herself.

After a long moment, she rested her head against his chest and murmured,

"You’ve got something on your mind, don’t you?"

Shen Yi stiffened slightly before quickly replying,

"No, why?"

"Hmph."

Cheng Jun snorted, calling him out directly.

"That call this afternoon… was it from my cousin or Shu Yunyi?"

"Uh…"

"It was Fu Nanzhi. Nothing serious."

Shen Yi fell silent, unwilling to elaborate on what had happened earlier. He didn’t want Cheng Jun overthinking things.

Of all times to call, why now?

Cheng Jun pursed her lips, unconvinced.

Shen Yi had stepped into a corner to take the call, but at one point, his voice had risen uncontrollably, drawing glances from others. His mood had clearly been off.

She wasn’t blind or deaf—she’d noticed. She didn’t even need to deduce; she just knew something was up.

Seeing that she wouldn’t get a straight answer, Cheng Jun didn’t press further. After a moment of thought, she sighed and said,

"Go on, then."

"Huh?"

Shen Yi frowned in confusion.

"Go where?"

Cheng Jun fiddled with the buttons of his shirt and stated bluntly,

"Who knows? To my cousin, or to your precious Yunyi. Wherever you need to go."

Shen Yi was completely baffled, wondering if he’d misheard.

"What are you talking about?"

Cheng Jun buried her face in his chest, pouting as she refused to look at him.

"Today was such an important day. I bet they’re both heartbroken. Shouldn’t you go comfort them?"

Shen Yi assumed she was being sarcastic and reached up to feel her forehead.

"Are you delirious? You don’t feel feverish."

"Ugh, stop it."

Cheng Jun swatted his hand away impatiently.

"I’m not joking."

"Go now, before I change my mind."

Shen Yi was genuinely taken aback. He sat up slightly, studying her with concern.

"Jun, you…"

Cheng Jun nestled against him, mumbling,

"Don’t get too smug. There’s a condition."

After everything they’d been through, their fates—along with those of the others—were already inextricably tangled.

She was sharp enough to understand the complexities at play, and she knew better than to try and force a clean break.

Even though she’d gotten lucky with the baby, securing their marriage through family pressure and emotions, that didn’t mean Shen Yi would—or even could—cut ties with the other two.

She had no idea what outsiders, including their parents, thought. But she knew the truth about Shen Yi’s situation better than anyone.

So what if they were married? Hadn’t Fu Nanzhi and Shu Yunyi also spent lifetimes with him?

If she got complacent now, who knew what kind of trouble might follow?

Better to take control now than to spend her days worrying and policing him.

Shen Yi placed his hands on her shoulders.

"What’s the condition? Tell me."

Cheng Jun wrapped her arms around his neck and said firmly,

"I won’t demand that you love only me. But you have to be devoted to me, put me first in everything…"

"As for the rest… I can turn a blind eye."

With that, she closed her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder, savoring the warmth of the moment.

Her words made Shen Yi’s heart race. He fought to keep his excitement in check, simply stroking her back in response.

First Fu Nanzhi, and now Cheng Jun—both showing signs of acceptance. The thought thrilled him.

No matter what, her willingness to compromise at a time like this—whether out of wisdom or generosity—moved him deeply. He wouldn’t forget this.

After a while, Cheng Jun pulled away and opened her eyes.

"Alright, go on. It’s getting late."

Shen Yi looked down at her, tapping the tip of her nose playfully.

"Tonight’s our wedding night. I can go tomorrow—it’s not like they’ll disappear."

"Are you really okay with this?"

Cheng Jun rolled her eyes.

"What choice do I have?"

"With this baby in me, we can’t do anything anyway. Having you here would just frustrate me."

"So… I’ll go?"

Shen Yi double-checked, still hesitant.

Cheng Jun waved him off impatiently as he kept glancing back.

"Go, go, go!"

Just as he reached the door, she called out again.

"Wait!"

Shen Yi froze mid-step and turned around to see Cheng Jun grinning mischievously.

"Don’t forget to collect wedding gifts from both of them for me."