Mo Tingyan didn't loosen his arms around Wen Zhi.
He didn't answer her question directly either—his voice softened instead, carrying a hint of wounded grievance, the kind that sounded especially pitiful.
"Can I really not have nightmares?" he murmured.
"I thought you were different from them. I thought that if you were willing to marry me, you wouldn't despise me… wouldn't abandon me. But in the end, you still brought up divorce. You still don't want me. And now you even doubt me…"
As he spoke, he let out a deep, heavy sigh.
Wen Zhi frowned, guilt tightening her chest even more.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "I just didn't want to drag you down."
Mo Tingyan rested his chin on her shoulder, the corner of his lips lifting ever so slightly.
He waited patiently for what would come next.
But… nothing did.
Mo Tingyan: "..."
That's it? Just an apology?
Did this woman seriously not know how to comfort her husband?
A straight-thinking wife could really drive a man crazy.
He held her in his arms. The nightmare had long faded, replaced by warm softness pressed against him. His body reacted instinctively—but because he was still sulking, he forced himself to endure it.
I have principles, he told himself.
Even if it kills me tonight, I'm not touching her.
Wen Zhi lay on top of him and naturally noticed the change.
Thinking back, she admitted she really had been in the wrong this time. After hesitating for a moment, she lifted her head, climbed fully onto the bed, straddled him, cupped his face—and kissed him.
Well then.
Let's call this… compensation in the flesh.
Mo Tingyan had sworn he would rather suffer all night than give in.
But the moment she took the initiative, his self-control shattered instantly.
Who could still hold back at a time like this?
He wrapped an arm around her waist, rolled over, and reclaimed dominance without hesitation.
Outside, the clouds were thin and the stars bright.
Inside, passion surged like rolling tides, murmured breaths mingling with soft sounds of movement—far livelier than the quiet night beyond the window.
After everything settled, Wen Zhi—exhausted for the first time—ended up spending the night in Mo Tingyan's room.
Because of insomnia mixed with… intense exertion, she didn't wake up until after nine the next morning.
Mo Tingyan wasn't in bed.
That surprised her.
Today was their day off. He usually loved sleeping in—where had he gone?
She got up and walked into the living room.
Mo Tingyan was half-reclined on the sofa, gaming casually.
Their eyes met.
He ignored her and tilted his chin toward the dining table.
Wen Zhi: "..."
He's still sulking?
She'd already taken the initiative last night—how could his temper still be this big?
She walked over, sat down, and started eating the breakfast he'd brought back. She had zero experience in coaxing men.
After hesitating for a long while, she finally looked toward his back.
"Mo Tingyan… I'll treat you to a movie."
His fingers froze mid-game.
He turned to look at her.
Thinking he didn't want to go, Wen Zhi hurriedly added, "If you don't feel like it—"
"Fine," he interrupted coolly.
"Since you're begging me so sincerely, I'll reluctantly agree."
Wen Zhi: "..."
"Alright then. Let's go change."
They went back to their rooms separately. Wen Zhi had just finished changing when her phone rang.
It was Lian Qiao.
She answered casually, and Lian Qiao's cheerful voice came through.
"Hey, sweetheart! You up yet? Aren't you off today? Come hang out!"
Wen Zhi thought about Mo Tingyan still being in a bad mood. Going out alone together might feel awkward. Lian Qiao was great at livening things up.
"I'm going to the movies with Mo Tingyan," Wen Zhi said. "Come too—we'll meet at the theater."
Lian Qiao hesitated. "You two are on a date. Is it okay for me to join?"
"We're married," Wen Zhi replied calmly. "What date? It's just… a normal movie. Come on."
After they both changed and stepped out, Wen Zhi noticed something strange.
The man who'd looked so unwilling earlier now seemed ridiculously energetic.
She pressed her lips together, smiling faintly.
Hypocrisy, she thought.
He'd truly mastered that skill.
She chuckled.
Mo Tingyan frowned. "What are you laughing at? Do I look weird?"
Trying not to laugh, she shook her head. "No. You look very handsome."
"That's your one redeeming quality," he said smugly. "You've got good taste."
Wen Zhi: "..."
They got into the car.
As Wen Zhi fastened her seatbelt, she said, "Lian Qiao's coming too. Can you… not keep a straight face later?"
Mo Tingyan: "..."
This was their first time going out alone like a proper couple.
And she invited a third wheel?
So all his excitement was for nothing?
He stared at her intently.
Wen Zhi blinked. "What's wrong?"
She just thought that—if someone else was there, he'd at least be too embarrassed to sulk openly.
Mo Tingyan looked away.
"Won't Lian Qiao get upset by this? You're basically attacking a single person's soul."
"She won't," Wen Zhi said confidently. "She's easygoing. I'll just tell her to treat us like air."
Mo Tingyan: "..."
Two very large pieces of air.
He was officially speechless.
This woman truly had zero sense of romance.
Forget it.
He'd just pretend Lian Qiao didn't exist.
At the theater, Wen Zhi bought the tickets—and even picked up Lian Qiao's favorite snacks and drinks.
Mo Tingyan was beyond words.
She was really considerate toward Lian Qiao.
If Lian Qiao were a man, he'd have eliminated the competition long ago.
Soon enough, Lian Qiao arrived, greeted Mo Tingyan warmly, and chatted like usual.
To give Wen Zhi some face, Mo Tingyan finally dropped his stern look and responded with a polite smile.
Since it wasn't time yet, the three of them sat down to wait.
Right before the movie started, Lian Qiao instinctively went to the restroom.
Wen Zhi and Mo Tingyan sat there in silence when suddenly, a surprised voice rang out beside them.
"Xiao Zhi? Captain Mo?"
The moment Wen Zhi heard that voice, a chill ran straight down her spine.