He's Not a Player, Yet I Feel Like a Clown

Zhou Yi followed Zhang Tianrui inside, where a beautiful woman around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old stood waiting.

Her hair was loosely tied into a side ponytail, adorned with a small floral clip. She wore a light-colored off-shoulder dress that reached her knees, its fitted waistline accentuating her voluptuous figure.

Zhou Yi silently appraised her—she was the type of woman with a slender waist, perky curves, and an alluring fullness.

"Rou Rou, let me introduce you—this is Zhou Yi."

"Ah Yi, this is my wife, Song Rou."

Zhou Yi and Song Rou exchanged glances.

The woman couldn’t hide her astonishment when she saw Zhou Yi, her eyes lingering for a few seconds before she curved them into a smile.

When she smiled, the corners of her eyes lifted slightly, giving her a fox-like charm that was utterly captivating.

"So this is Ah Yi? Just as Dad said—a truly outstanding young man."

Her voice was just as enchanting, sweet and melodious, even more so when she laughed.

Zhou Yi remained composed, offering her a faint smile. "You flatter me, sister-in-law."

Song Rou quickly ushered Zhou Yi to sit before excusing herself back to the kitchen to finish cooking.

Zhou Yi asked curiously, "Brother Rui, don’t you have a maid at home?"

Zhang Tianrui gave a helpless yet fond smile. "Your sister-in-law insists on cooking for me herself. She leaves everything else to the maid, but when it comes to meals, she won’t budge. I just let her have her way."

Then, with a teasing tone, he added, "When a woman gets stubborn, what else can you do but spoil her?"

Zhou Yi nodded along with a polite smile, though something about Zhang Tianrui’s expression felt insincere.

This became even more apparent during dinner.

The couple seemed deeply affectionate—Song Rou doted on Zhang Tianrui, constantly serving him dishes and refilling his bowl. But Zhou Yi, ever observant, detected a performative quality to their interactions.

Perhaps this was just how the wealthy operated. No matter how wild their private lives might be, they had to maintain the facade of a perfect marriage in front of others.

Zhou Yi maintained a mild expression as he watched their little act.

"Ah Yi, you’re still single, right?"

Song Rou’s question came out of nowhere.

"Yes, sister-in-law. I’ve been focused on work and haven’t had time for relationships."

"That won’t do! College is the best time to fall in love. You should enjoy your youth—don’t pour all your energy into work like your Brother Rui here."

She shot Zhang Tianrui a playful glare, and the man could only chuckle. "Alright, alright, my bad. I’ve been too busy this month to spend time with you. Next month, I promise—we’ll go on a trip together."

Zhou Yi lowered his eyes and focused on his meal. Song Rou turned her attention back to him.

"What kind of girls do you like, Ah Yi? Should I introduce you to someone? I have a few cousins—all stunning beauties."

She blinked at him, her gaze burning with something more than mere friendliness.

Zhou Yi feigned discomfort, setting down his chopsticks with a soft reply. "Thank you, sister-in-law, but I really don’t have any such plans right now."

"Alright, alright. If Ah Yi wants to focus on his career, don’t push him. He knows what he’s doing," Zhang Tianrui interjected.

"Fine, fine. I was just concerned about him. He’s new to the city—how about I take him out later? I can show him around."

Zhou Yi glanced at Zhang Tianrui, whose face remained unreadable.

The man’s tone was calm as he said, "I have some business to attend to this afternoon. Your sister-in-law loves shopping—she knows all the best spots. She’ll make a better tour guide than me."

This time, Zhou Yi didn’t refuse. If a beautiful woman was offering to accompany him, and her husband had no objections, why not?

He put on an "obliged to accept" expression and said, "Then I’ll trouble you, sister-in-law."

Zhang Tianrui wiped his mouth with a napkin and gave Zhou Yi a warm smile.

"I won’t take you to the hotel myself then. Your sister-in-law can handle it. If you need anything, just call me—don’t hesitate."

"What about the medical treatment Uncle Zhang mentioned earlier...?"

"We’ll discuss that tomorrow. For now, just enjoy the city, have fun, and get a good night’s rest."

"Understood. Thank you, Brother Rui."

Internally, Zhou Yi mused with amusement—what exactly was Zhang Tianrui thinking, leaving his lovely wife alone with him? Wasn’t he worried about what might happen?

Tsk.

Before they left, Zhang Tianrui and Song Rou retreated to their bedroom upstairs for a private conversation.

"Your Brother Rui is still such a child—can’t even tie his own tie. I’ll go help him. Ah Yi, wait for us downstairs."

Song Rou claimed she was assisting Zhang Tianrui with his clothes, and Zhou Yi merely smiled in response.

Upstairs, in the bedroom—

Zhang Tianrui stared coldly at Song Rou, his usually refined face devoid of warmth, his eyes dark with suppressed fury.

"What, you took one look at Zhou Yi and couldn’t control yourself?"

He gripped her wrist, his voice a low, seething growl.

Even though he kept his tone hushed, the anger was unmistakable.

Song Rou scoffed. "We’ve been married for years, and your condition hasn’t improved. Am I supposed to stay a virgin forever? It’s no different from being a widow!"

Her own eyes burned with resentment.

Song Rou and Zhang Tianrui’s marriage had been one of convenience. She had been raised as a pampered heiress, accustomed to luxury and adoration.

Though she knew she was destined for an arranged union, she hadn’t been entirely opposed—Zhang Tianrui was handsome, accomplished, and already a high-ranking executive in his family’s company.

During their courtship, he had been the epitome of charm—sweet words, grand promises, diamonds, sports cars—no expense spared to win her over.

But how much of it had been genuine?

Song Rou, naive and sheltered, had fallen for him easily. Her father, close friends with Zhang Ming, had also approved of the match.

They dated for a year, never crossing any lines before marriage.

But it wasn’t until their wedding night that Song Rou discovered the truth—Zhang Tianrui was impotent.

For a woman, it was nothing short of devastating.

He had assured her he was undergoing treatment, that the doctors said recovery was possible—just a matter of time. And because she loved him then, she had believed him.

But years passed with no improvement.

Five years of marriage, and Song Rou remained untouched. Every time someone asked when they’d have children, she was forced to swallow her humiliation.

For Zhang Tianrui’s pride, she had never revealed the truth to anyone.

But she was still a woman with desires—how much longer was she supposed to endure this?

Today, when she saw Zhou Yi, she hadn’t been able to hide her interest.

"You dare flirt with Zhou Yi right in front of me? Do you think I’m dead!?"