The days following the cocktail party were calm and peaceful. Lu Tingchen still leaves home early and returns late, while Su Wanwan stays in the hotel and continues to take on some private design projects online - this is the only way for her to maintain her self and financial independence.
That afternoon, she was concentrating on modifying the design drawing when she suddenly received a call from Lu Tingchen. This was the first time he had called her on his own initiative since their marriage.
"Come downstairs in an hour and I'll take you somewhere." " His voice was as concise as ever and could not be refused.
"Where to go?" Do I need to prepare anything?" Su Wanwan asked hurriedly.
"Casual wear will do." With that, he hung up the phone.
Su Wanwan looked at her mobile phone, full of confusion. This is not Lu Tingchen's style. He never does anything unplanned.
An hour later, she put on a simple dress and went downstairs, only to see Lu Tingchen's car already waiting at the door. He actually drove by himself today without a driver.
"Get in the car." He motioned through the car window.
Su Wanwan got into the passenger seat and found a picnic basket and some outdoor supplies in the back seat. She became even more confused: "Are we going for a picnic?" "
Lu Tingchen started the car, his lips slightly raised as he said, "Grandpa suddenly wants to see the sea. Let's take him for a walk by the seaside."
Su Wanwan opened her eyes wide in surprise. This was nothing like what Lu Tingchen would do, and it was even more unimaginable that the business emperor would be so obedient to the wishes of his elders.
The car drove out of the city, and the atmosphere was somewhat subtly quiet. Su Wanwan secretly eyed Lu Tingchen who was driving. He was wearing a light blue shirt today, less sharp than usual and more casual.
Is there anything on my face? He suddenly spoke up, his eyes still fixed ahead.
Su Wanwan hurriedly averted her gaze: "No..." I just didn't expect you to agree to go on a trip with grandpa."
Lu Tingchen was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Grandpa, time is running out. Try to fulfill all the wishes that can be fulfilled." "
This sentence was spoken calmly, but it made Su Wanwan's heart tremble. Thinking of her long-deceased grandfather, she felt a slight tingle in her nose.
An hour later, they arrived at their destination - a very private bay. Old Master Lu had already arrived, sitting in a wheelchair, looking at the sea level, his expression calm.
"Grandpa." Su Wanwan quickly walked over and squatted beside him, "Hai Fengliang, did you add an extra layer of clothing?" "
The old man patted her hand affectionately and said, "Plus, plus. We're just waiting for you two." Tingchen, push me for a walk along the seaside."
Lu Tingchen was pushing the wheelchair, with Su Wanwan following beside him. The sunlight shone on the sea surface, glittering like broken gold. The sea breeze gently caresses, bringing a salty and astringent scent.
"Remember, Tingchen? You loved coming to the seaside the most when you were a child." " The old man suddenly said, "Every time I have to pick up a pile of shells and take them back, saying I want to give them to my mother."
Lu Tingchen's expression was slightly stiff: "It's been such a long time. I don't remember."
Su Wanwan keenly sensed the change in the atmosphere. Lu Tingchen's mother passed away due to illness when he was a child. This is mentioned in the materials and seems to be an untouchable pain in his heart.
The old man sighed and didn't continue the topic.
They stopped at a platform by the seaside. The bodyguards spread out picnic MATS and set out exquisite snacks and drinks. The old man was in good spirits. He ate something and drank half a glass of champagne.
"Wanwan, let's take a photo of Grandpa." The old man suddenly suggested, "Let's take that sea as the background."
Su Wanwan quickly took out her mobile phone and found a good Angle. Just then, a strong wind blew and the old man's hat was blown away.
"I'll go and pick it up!" Su Wanwan subconsciously got up and chased after her.
The hat was swept by the wind and rolled towards the reef area. Su Wanwan, wearing high heels, staggered a little as she chased. Just as she was about to reach the hat, she slipped and threw herself forward.
The expected pain did not come - a strong arm promptly wrapped around her waist.
"Walking without looking at the road?" " Lu Tingchen's voice carried a hint of reproach, but his arm was firmly supporting her.
Su Wanwan's heart was pounding. She didn't know if it was because of the shock or this sudden embrace. His chest pressed against her back, and his body temperature seeped through the thin fabric, creating a reassuring warmth.
"I..." "Hat..." She was incoherent.
Lu Tingchen picked up his hat easily, but still had no intention of letting go of her. The sea breeze lifted her hair and brushed against his cheeks, bringing a faint fragrance.
Their eyes met, and the atmosphere suddenly became delicate. Su Wanwan could clearly see herself in his eyes and some kind of emotion that she couldn't understand.
"Ahem, ahem," the old man's coughing came. "Come back as soon as you find the hat. The sun is a bit scorching."
Only then did Lu Tingchen let go of his hand, and his expression returned to his usual calmness. But Su Wanwan noticed that the base of his ears seemed a little red.
Back at the picnic spot, the old man looked at them, his eyes shining with a sly light: "Oh, when you get old, you're just no longer useful. You're already tired in such a short while." Tingchen, accompany Wanwan for another walk. I'll take a break."
This obvious matchmaking made Su Wanwan feel a bit embarrassed. Lu Tingchen, however, surprisingly didn't object. He just said indifferently, "Don't go far."
So the two of them walked silently along the coastline, maintaining a just-right distance, yet still able to sense each other's presence.
"Thank you." Su Wanwan suddenly spoke up.
Lu Tingchen raised his eyebrows and said, "Why thank you?" "
"Bring me here," she said softly. "I'm glad to see Grandpa so happy, too."
He was silent for a moment before saying, "It's my turn to thank you." Grandpa hasn't been this happy for a long time."
After turning a corner, a particularly beautiful beach came into view. Su Wanwan couldn't resist taking off her high heels and stepping barefoot on the fine and soft sand, feeling the coolness of the waves gently caressing her ankles.
"So comfortable!" Would you like to give it a try too? She turned back to invite, her eyes shining with the excitement of a child.
Lu Tingchen looked at her smiling face and was momentarily dazed. Then, unexpectedly, he really took off his shoes and socks and rolled up his trouser legs.
When he stepped barefoot on the beach, there was a subtle change in his expression, as if he were recalling some distant memory.
"How about it?" " Su Wanwan asked expectantly.
"Not bad." His tone was flat, but his eyes were much gentler.
They walked a bit further and exchanged a few words from time to time. The atmosphere was unusually relaxed and harmonious. Su Wanwan even forgot the role she was playing and just relished this moment of tranquility and beauty.
On the way back, the old man was already waiting in the car. Looking at the two walking side by side, he showed a relieved smile.
In the car, the old man was tired and closed his eyes to rest. Su Wanwan was also feeling a bit drowsy, and her head involuntarily tilted towards the car window.
In a blur, she felt a warm hand gently placing her head in a more comfortable position - on Lu Tingchen's shoulder.
She woke up instantly, but dared not move and could only pretend to be fast asleep. His shoulders were broader and more comfortable than expected, giving off a reassuring air. Her heart was beating like a drum, and she didn't know if he could hear it.
Lu Tingchen did indeed feel the sudden acceleration of his heartbeat under his palm, and his lips involuntarily raised a tiny arc, but he didn't burst it.
The car drove smoothly. Sunlight streamed through the Windows and fell on the two people snuggling up to each other, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
When she arrived at the hotel, Su Wanwan had no choice but to "wake up", pretending to be dazed as if she had just woken up: "Ah, we're here?"
"Um." " Lu Tingchen's expression had returned to his usual coldness, but his action of helping her unfasten the seat belt was particularly gentle.
After sending the old man home, the two returned to the hotel. In the elevator, Su Wanwan couldn't help but secretly sized up Lu Tingchen. He was so different today that it stirred up strange ripples in her heart.
Back in the suite, Lu Tingchen suddenly called out to her who was about to go back to the bedroom, "Wait a moment."
He walked into the study, took out a small box and handed it to her, saying, "Grandpa asked me to pass it on."
Su Wanwan opened it and found a delicate shell brooch, inlaid with tiny pearls, which shone with a warm luster under the light.
"This is..." "
"Grandma's collection," Lu Tingchen said indifferently, "Grandpa said it suits you."
Su Wanwan held the brooch tightly, a warm current welling up in her heart. That kind old man always expresses his recognition and care in this way.
"Thank Grandpa for me." " She said softly, her eyes a little moist.
Lu Tingchen looked at her and suddenly reached out his hand, gently brushing her cheek. This sudden intimate act left both of them stunned.
There's sand. He quickly withdrew his hand, his tone returning to calm, and turned to walk towards the study, saying, "Go to bed early."
Su Wanwan stood still, her face burning hot as if it had been touched by him.
That night, she couldn't sleep. The scenes of the day kept replaying in my mind: he held her arm, the warmth on his shoulder, and that touch as light as a feather...
In the study, Lu Tingchen stood by the window, looking at the non-existent "grain of sand" in the palm of his hand, his brows knitted tightly.
He knew clearly that it was just an excuse. At that moment, he just wanted to touch her brilliant smile.
This transactional marriage seems to be developing in an uncontrollable direction.
What disturbed him most was that he found himself not rejecting this change.
The next morning, when Su Wanwan got up, she found Lu Tingchen, who was rarely at home, still having breakfast in the dining room.
"Good morning." She greeted her somewhat uncomfortably.
"Good morning." He replied without raising his head, intently reading the financial newspaper.
The atmosphere seemed to have returned to its former coldness, making Su Wanwan almost believe that the warmth of yesterday was all her illusion.
Just as she was feeling disappointed, Lu Tingchen suddenly spoke up, "What are your plans for today?"
There's no special arrangement. Just... "Stay." She didn't dare to say that she still needed to do the design draft.
He put down the newspaper and looked at her, saying, "Come with me somewhere."
"Grandpa wants to see us again?" " Su Wanwan asked subconsciously.
A barely perceptible awkwardness flashed in Lu Tingchen's eyes: "No." It's a private trip."
Su Wanwan became even more confused, but still nodded in agreement.
An hour later, the car stopped in front of a high-end medical center. Su Wanwan looked at Lu Tingchen in surprise and asked, "You're not feeling well?"
"Just regular checks." " He said calmly, but his clenched fists revealed his nervousness.
Entering the center, it was obvious that the doctors and nurses all knew Lu Tingchen. They directly led them to a VIP consultation room.
"Mr. Lu, please wait a moment. Director Li will be here soon." " The nurse finished speaking politely and left the room.
Only two people remained in the consulting room, and the atmosphere was strangely solemn. Su Wanwan couldn't help but ask, "Your heart disease..." Is it very serious?"
Lu Tingchen remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Congenital cardiomyopathy can deteriorate at any time."
Su Wanwan drew in a sharp breath. She didn't expect it to be so serious.
"So this marriage," she suddenly understood something, "is not just for Grandpa?"
Lu Tingchen gave a wry smile and said, "Grandpa hopes that I will..." Before, there was someone to keep me company. Leave him a memory."
Su Wanwan's heart tightened sharply. It turned out that he not only shouldered the heavy responsibility of his family but also constantly faced the threat of death. Those coldness and estrangement might just be a form of self-protection.
Just then, the door of the consulting room was pushed open and an old doctor with white hair walked in: "Tingchen, you're here..." Who is this?
"Director Li, this is my wife, Su Wan..." Mingwei." Lu Tingchen changed his mind in time.
Su Wanwan's heart gave a jolt. This was the first time she had heard him almost call out his real name. Was it a slip of the tongue?
Director Li shook hands with Su Wanwan amicably and then began to examine Lu Tingchen. Throughout the process, Lu Tingchen kept his lips tightly pursed, looking extremely nervous.
When it was time to draw blood, Su Wanwan noticed that his face turned pale and fine sweat was trickling down his forehead. Subconsciously, she reached out her hand and gently placed it on the back of his cold hand.
Lu Tingchen suddenly looked at her, a flash of surprise in his eyes, then gradually relaxed and held her finger with his opposite hand.
After the inspection was over, Director Li had a serious expression and said, "The situation is still relatively stable, but you mustn't overexert yourself." Have you taken the medicine on time?
Lu Tingchen responded vaguely, clearly not taking the medicine on time.
Su Wanwan couldn't help but interject, "He often works late into the night and sometimes even feels chest tightness..."
Both men looked at her in surprise at the same time. Lu Tingchen didn't expect her to know all this, while Director Li was surprised that she knew so well.
"This won't do!" Director Li said sternly, "Tingchen, you must be responsible for yourself!" Next time, I'll have to tell the old man!"
When leaving the medical center, the atmosphere was a bit gloomy. After getting into the car, Lu Tingchen suddenly asked, "How do you know that I sometimes feel chest tightness?"
Su Wanwan was stunned for a moment and whispered, "I..." Occasionally I heard you coughing in the study, and once I saw you pressing your chest...
He stared at her, his eyes complex: "You've been observing very carefully."
"I'm just..." Su Wanwan didn't know how to explain. Care about him? In what capacity? Contract wife?
Lu Tingchen, however, did not ask any further questions. He just looked ahead thoughtfully.
Back at the hotel, Su Wanwan was about to get off when he suddenly spoke up, "Thank you."
She turned her head in surprise.
"Thank you for accompanying me today," he said in a flat tone but with a serious look in his eyes. "And..." In the consulting room."
At that moment, Su Wanwan seemed to see the less indifferent Lu Tingchen by the seaside again.
She smiled slightly and said, "You're welcome, Mr. Lu."
"Tingchen." " He suddenly corrected.
"What?" "
"Just call me by my name," he looked at her, his gaze deep. "After all, we are husband and wife, aren't we?"
Su Wanwan's heart skipped a beat. This sentence sounds simple, yet it seems to carry a deeper meaning.
"Ok..." Tingchen." She called softly, feeling that this name had a strange sense of intimacy between her lips and teeth.
He nodded in satisfaction, his lips raising in an almost imperceptible arc.
Entering the hotel lobby, Su Wanwan was still immersed in that subtle atmosphere and failed to notice a familiar figure in the lounge area staring at them intently.
Su Qianqian put down the phone she had secretly taken pictures of and looked at the photo album showing Lu Tingchen and Su Wanwan walking side by side. Jealousy and calculation flashed in her eyes.
"Laughing so happily, my dear sister," she murmured to herself. "Let's see how long you can still be so smug."
She dug out her contact list, found a number and sent a message:
"Sister Zhao Jing, are you free to meet me?" I believe you must be interested in some interesting stories about Mr. Lu and his "wife".
Putting away her phone, Su Qianqian's face showed a smug smile.
A storm is brewing quietly. At this moment, Su Wanwan was still lost in the budding warmth and had no idea about the impending crisis.
(To be continued...)"