After Marrying Bigshot Vegetable Boss - Chapter 41

Yu Lan’s words shattered the last bit of Song Sijue’s lingering, hopeful fantasy.

 

He really wanted to see Chu Wang’s expression right now and was a bit nervous about what might happen if Chu Wang wasn’t pleased.

 

But Yu Lan believed that Chu Wang wouldn’t be petty; he had said he would do whatever he wanted.

 

Yu Lan didn’t turn around because others were present, but Chu Wang, standing behind him, wasn’t showing any displeasure.

 

He just watched the intruding man with indifference, noting his cold sweat, trembling lips, and his eyes still refusing to believe.

 

If there was any regret, it was definitely there.

 

—He wished he could instantly take control of his own body and coldly tell the intruder to leave immediately.

 

Yu Lan was too polite.

 

Chu Wang, observing everything from above, felt a mix of satisfaction and self-assured calm.

 

As for Song Sijue, he was still trying to process the overwhelming information.

 

Perhaps he couldn’t bring himself to believe it.

 

But, but…

 

Didn’t the news he heard after returning to the country say that Chu’s new wife was just a facade to ward off misfortune?

 

Moreover…

 

Song Sijue, usually very polite, now appeared stiff and somewhat awkward due to extreme shock.

 

Or rather, was it an… undefined jealousy?

 

His expression became extremely complicated.

 

Song Sijue first awkwardly checked his watch and then slowly twitched his lips. “I apologize… I’m sorry for my impolite remarks before.”

 

Yu Lan nodded but didn’t indicate whether he accepted the apology.

 

“So, your childhood friend said so many bad things about me, and now you come to apologize?” Yu Lan said languidly.

 

Song Sijue’s face changed again. “I only heard one side of the story. I don’t know how to make up for the harm I caused that day…”

 

He initially wanted to ask if the cufflinks’ owner could be persuaded to part with them, but who would have expected such a scene?

 

Yu Lan seemed to remember that Song Sijue had come to ask about the cufflinks and stoked the fire. “It’s great, you give a gift to your beloved, and I give one to my husband. We both have bright futures.”

 

Song Sijue: “…”

 

He opened his mouth, seemingly reluctant and disbelieving. “So, Mr. Yu… you and your partner…”

 

Song Sijue knew he wasn’t being very composed and that his politeness and manners should dictate that he should say nothing further now.

 

But he found the answer so absurd, like a drowning person clutching at a straw, hoping that if he could just find the key to the situation, it wouldn’t be so awkward.

 

The problem was, who knew what the key was?

 

Song Sijue said, “I thought the reason for your lack of a ring was something else. I misunderstood, but…”

 

He looked into Yu Lan’s eyes and asked, “Mr. Yu, did you know Mr. Chu before you got married?”

 

Yu Lan frowned, not understanding why Song Sijue suddenly asked that.

 

He had originally planned to use the evasive language he had used on Xi Jun to deal with Zhang Yan, saying that he had met Chu Wang before. However, he stopped short and, after a two-second pause, nodded decisively. “Yes, why?”

 

Sure enough, after hearing this answer, Song Sijue’s frown deepened. “So, you and Mr. Chu only met on the wedding day?”

 

Yu Lan nodded without hesitation, continuing in the same happy and sweet tone as before. “Yes.”

 

“Then…” Song Sijue’s face began to show signs of distress.

 

“Don’t you think this is a kind of shackle?” His voice even trembled slightly, as if unwilling to see such a situation. “Why put on a facade of sweetness and happiness in front of others?”

 

“What do you mean?” Yu Lan seemed to find it amusing, looking over with interest. “What do you mean by ‘putting on a facade’?”

 

Song Sijue sighed as if in pain. “You’ve never met before, but now there’s suddenly a stranger of a husband who can’t wake up. I know the Yu family must have wronged you. I didn’t expect things to turn out like this.”

 

He closed his eyes. “…If I had known sooner, I would never have said such things to you.”

 

Yu Lan was puzzled by what Song Sijue was still thinking and frowned in confusion.

 

“You know they wronged me, and then?” Yu Lan asked thoughtfully.

 

“I…” Song Sijue was momentarily stunned by the question but quickly continued, “I just feel that you don’t need to pretend to be strong. If you need my help, I will definitely…”

 

“What are you getting all emotional about?” Yu Lan was about to wait for Song Sijue to finish, but ended up laughing. “Where did you get the idea that I’m unhappy? Does all my happiness look fake to you?”

 

“Can’t I be happy to escape from that place?” Yu Lan continued. “What’s the use of just apologizing? You only hear one side of the story and still look at things from your own perspective?”

 

“Why should I stay in that place? Do I really gain anything from them? Everyone here treats me well. I can do whatever I want, go wherever I please. Why should I go back there?”

 

Song Sijue hadn’t expected him to say so much suddenly. His expression froze, and he instinctively said, “But they are your original family…”

 

Yu Lan truly laughed at these words.

 

“I grew up in an orphanage. I’ve understood certain things a long time ago.” Yu Lan looked at him derisively. “Of course, people from happy families like yours might never understand. It’s pointless to say more.”

 

“If from the start they calculated that I was family, used me as a bargaining chip, and in the end, wanted to squeeze out every last bit of value from me… If that’s what you call family, then doesn’t that mean there would be no suffering among blood relatives in the world?”

 

Song Sijue was stunned by this barrage of words and could not say anything.

 

“I didn’t mean that…” Song Sijue tried to explain but suddenly felt that he couldn’t really say anything else from his position.

 

He couldn’t believe things had become so dramatic, but looking at Yu Lan’s beautiful and refined face, he said, “I know. I just think that if you really need my help…”

 

“Don’t you still understand?” Yu Lan found it hard to communicate with him. “What do you want to help me with?”

 

He rolled his eyes. “Just because you’ve developed feelings for me after seeing me twice, doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to fall in love with my husband at first sight?!”

 

Song Sijue: ……??!!

 

“But he’s clearly…”

 

“I just like this type, so what? I’m doing much better now. Don’t bother me,” Yu Lan said, clearly exasperated, and tossed his sleeve before walking away.

 

Song Sijue’s face showed sheer bewilderment, while Chu Wang had already raised his chin proudly.

 

If it weren’t for the fact that it was inappropriate to interrupt Yu Lan, Chu Wang might have already told him to ignore Song Sijue and just go home.

 

Song Sijue seemed to be finally awakened by Yu Lan’s words and no longer struggled with comments about whether his current happiness was fake. He just stood there, motionless.

 

Though he was impeccably dressed and looked glamorous, he seemed like a rain-soaked, abandoned animal.

 

Chu Wang looked down at him from his elevated position.

 

Yu Lan, having expressed his feelings, happily looked at him, placing his hands on Chu Wang’s shoulders.

 

It was a seemingly ordinary gesture, but Song Sijue noticed an unusual intimacy.

 

His expression became even more uncomfortable.

 

Yu Lan glanced at his phone; Zhang Yan had sent him a message saying that the transfer procedures were complete, and they could go down.

 

He had seen enough of Song Sijue’s expression and pushed the wheelchair past him. “It seems that Yu Ling didn’t tell you enough.”

 

“You might as well talk to him more and communicate your feelings,” Yu Lan patted his shoulder. “After all, you two will be together in the future.”

 

They are the destined couple in the book.

 

What does it matter if he is involved?

 

With that, Yu Lan stopped looking at Song Sijue’s face, hummed a disjointed tune, and pushed Chu Wang into the elevator.

 

Most of the people at the venue had gone to the after-party in the adjacent banquet hall. As soon as the elevator doors closed, Chu Wang, who had been silent for a while, spoke up.

 

“You were too polite to him.”

 

“Well, I couldn’t think of anything harsher to say,” Yu Lan ruffled his hair. “I thought I was pretty straightforward.”

 

Chu Wang didn’t respond, leaving uncertain whether he agreed or not.

 

“What’s the purpose of such a cocktail party?” Yu Lan asked, even though he didn’t plan to attend.

 

“If you go, they’ll probably just hand you business cards, strike up a conversation, ask some trivial questions, and introduce you to people they want to introduce,” Chu Wang summarized.

 

“Then forget it,” Yu Lan immediately withdrew his interest. He had planned to take a quick look, but with his entourage, he decided against it. “Dealing with these people is exhausting.”

 

The elevator went directly to the venue. Yu Lan had initially planned to quickly take Chu Wang and leave, but when the elevator doors opened, they saw several guests preparing to head to the banquet hall.

 

Whether it was Yu Lan’s face or their grand entrance, it was eye-catching, and after hearing the noise, several people naturally glanced over.

 

Initially, people were astonished by Yu Lan’s face, but the man asleep in the wheelchair beside him also drew attention.

 

While not many people might recognize Yu Lan, seeing Chu Wang made it clear to almost everyone what the situation was.

 

Some guests who were about to leave were taken aback.

 

One of them approached to greet them, “Hello, you two—”

 

“We’re not going. We’re heading home.” Yu Lan waved his hand to refuse, very decisively.

 

Zhang Yan was waiting nearby, so Yu Lan ignored the guest, pushed Chu Wang through the crowd, and out the door.

 

As soon as they left, those still in the lobby began to gossip.

 

“Damn… Isn’t this the ‘lucky wife’ the Chu family found, according to the internal news?”

 

“So beautiful? Even Chu family’s tool is so carefully selected—”

 

“What? So the rumors were true? I only heard occasional mentions before and thought it was all made up.”

 

“The key is, I heard this person is quite impressive. Apparently, they used their husband Chu Wang’s status to stir things up at the company.”

 

“Doesn’t the Chu family manage this?”

 

“Manage? I heard they even indulge them…”

 

“By the way, isn’t this person’s surname Yu?”

 

“Isn’t that…”

 

A few people in the know exchanged knowing glances and smiled subtly.

 

Song Sijue, in a daze, heard them discussing this matter as he came downstairs.

 

“So after he arrived, the Chu family even brought him to the auction?”

 

“They came down by elevator, so they must have just been at the VIP box?”

 

“Yes, so they must have been the ones bidding for the jade just now.”

 

“I wondered who dared to spend so much. Now it makes sense.”

 

“But isn’t Chu Wang unconscious? How can his spouse be so extravagant?”

 

“I used to think this was a painful marriage. Now I don’t think so anymore.”

 

“Isn’t it better than staying in the family?”

 

Song Sijue couldn’t stand hearing this and his expression darkened further as he walked past the chatting group with a blank face.

 

“Yeah! And wasn’t there someone competing with him for the lot? They didn’t win in the end.”

 

“Exactly. If we had known the bidder was from his family, who would have dared to compete?”

 

“Impossible to compete, not a chance at all.”

 

Song Sijue’s face flushed with anger upon hearing this.

 

“Indeed, indeed.”

 

“I wonder who was originally competing with the Chu family for those cufflinks.”

 

“Who knows? But I have to say, when they appeared together earlier, they actually seemed quite… matched?”

 

“Really.”

 

Song Sijue: ………

 

He could only quicken his pace, pretending not to know anything, and went to the adjacent banquet hall.

 

The atmosphere at the cocktail party was lively, with attendees mingling and discussing various topics. Some were chatting about the auction, while others exchanged business cards with quiet laughter.

 

But Song Sijue lost all interest. He aimlessly wandered to a corner, avoiding participation in the glamorous gathering.

 

He had actually had plans.

 

He had everything well thought out and had anticipated that the Chu family would attend this auction. According to his plan, he would buy a nice gift for Yu Ling as a belated compensation and birthday gift, and then interact with the Chu family at the party to obtain contact details for future business negotiations.

 

A two-for-one deal in one night.

 

But he hadn’t expected that none of his plans would materialize.

 

When he saw the cufflinks were priced beyond his budget, he asked someone through his connections. When he received an ambiguous answer, he didn’t think much of it, planning to personally inquire after the auction if necessary.

 

Now, he thought maybe he shouldn’t have even stepped onto the stairs.

 

Song Sijue kept thinking about what was said earlier.

 

The person he had liked at first sight was named Yu Lan.

 

And he was Chu Wang’s wife.

 

Song Sijue propped his elbows on his knees and slowly covered his face with his hands.

 

Something before his eyes seemed to gradually tear apart and crumble, eventually disintegrating into dust in a silent yet thunderous collapse.

 

When Yu Ling came to visit him last time and he asked about Yu Lan again, he should have observed more closely.

 

Yu Ling’s evasive answers, his occasionally darting eyes, his nervous lip-biting…

 

All of these took on new meanings at this moment.

 

He was telling himself that maybe the truth really wasn’t what he thought.

 

Song Sijue’s mind was still in chaos, and there was no point in staying at the party any longer.

 

He stood up somewhat dejectedly and left the venue.

 

The organizers worked efficiently. When Yu Lan returned with Chu Wang, they had already received the two items they had won at the auction.

 

Xi Jun was still out of town, so Zhang Yan escorted the two to the door before leaving.

 

Yu Lan wheeled Chu Wang back to the room, moved him to the bed, and covered him with a blanket.

 

He performed these tasks with a bit of ritualistic solemnity, as if this was the safest place where he could finally freely communicate with Chu Wang.

 

Yu Lan called out, “Mr. Chu.”

 

Chu Wang responded, his expression seeming unchanged from before.

 

“It was my first time at such a place today,” Yu Lan shared with him, “and I had a lot of fun.”

 

Chu Wang’s expression softened with a hint of a smile. “That’s good. We can go again next time.”

 

“But you weren’t angry, were you?” Yu Lan wondered, having thought about it all the way back. After all, Song Sijue’s intrusion and all that he said were unexpected.

 

Chu Wang shook his head.

 

Yu Lan showed a hint of happiness and smiled, “I wonder how he’ll explain this to Yu Ling.”

 

The thought excited him a bit.

 

However, Chu Wang seemed to focus on something else. After a pause, he said, “You spoke very well today.”

 

“Of course,” Yu Lan said, pleased with himself, “I’m quite smart.”

 

“Hmm.” Chu Wang looked at him and said, “Very smart.”

 

“Mr. Chu,” Yu Lan observed, suddenly feeling that Chu Wang was different from before, “What’s wrong?”

 

Chu Wang didn’t immediately respond.

 

Yu Lan walked over, took his hand, and said, “Did I say something I shouldn’t have today?”

 

It didn’t seem like he had. After all, he had praised himself just now.

 

But it seemed that since they had entered the room—or rather, since Song Sijue had come to find him—Chu Wang had been even more silent, as if deep in thought.

 

As Yu Lan was pondering, he heard Chu Wang seem to sigh.

 

“That Song Sijue isn’t much either.”

 

Chu Wang suddenly said in a low voice.

 

His tone was calm, and his expression was too.

 

But Yu Lan knew that the Chu Wang he knew would never suddenly make such a statement or evaluate someone.

 

“Has no vision, no judgment, and is very self-righteous,” Chu Wang continued, though he didn’t look at Yu Lan.

 

Yu Lan felt a strange emotion rising in his heart and was about to speak when Chu Wang continued.

 

“He’s not as good as me.”

 

Chu Wang seemed to be acting a bit self-indulgent today and said, “He even thinks I can’t afford to buy a ring.”

 

His tone was even a bit aggrieved.

 

Chu Wang didn’t know why he suddenly felt the need to say these things. He originally planned to say nothing.

 

He never does anything without assurance.

 

But perhaps tonight’s events had given him a strong sense of crisis. Song Sijue had even spoken in front of him as if the whole world had accepted that he was just a vegetative state, never to awaken.

 

Yet Yu Lan smiled at him and gave him hugs.

 

Even though it was he who initiated it all.

 

An unprecedented impulse surged within him. It felt as though if he didn’t seize this moment to speak, he would forever remain an immobile, ethereal soul.

 

“Yu Lan,” he seemed unable to hold back any longer, “You’re so smart. Even if you’ve never liked anyone…”

 

“Can’t you tell that I like you?”

 

“Fixed a few details.”