After Marrying Bigshot Vegetable Boss - Chapter 65

It seemed Yu Hong really planned it this way. His expression even showed a hint of melancholy. After saying what he wanted to say, he just stood there watching the young man.

 

Yu Lan felt a bit complex inside. He might have been expected to, as portrayed in the media, put aside all grudges and act as a benevolent figure, perhaps even extending a helping hand. 

 

However, Yu Hong’s indifference and inaction were indirect catalysts for everything that happened. Even if he felt detached, it didn’t mean that the “Yu Lan” in the book would genuinely feel grateful.

 

He didn’t have the right to make decisions for others.

 

Yu Lan looked into his eyes, sensing a mix of reluctance and some expectation.

 

As if hoping he might forgive him, or that he might not want to return to the Yu family but still acknowledge him as a father.

 

In the end, Yu Lan just nodded and said, “I understand.”

 

He saw the last flicker of light in Yu Hong’s eyes fade, replaced by a somewhat bleak, yet expected, smile.

 

“I’m going back now.” Yu Lan took a step back, finding no more words to say.

 

This time, Yu Hong seemed to take a long time before quietly saying, “Alright.”

 

He had already expressed his well wishes, and repeating them would only seem like clinging.

 

Yu Lan left decisively, not looking back.

 

Yu Hong held his phone, which displayed a ticket for leaving the city.

 

Due to mortgaging his car and house and travel restrictions from debts, this was his only way to leave.

 

As he watched Yu Lan’s retreating figure, he hesitated for a moment before the phone rang again.

 

“Mr. Yu? About your divorce application…”

 

Never mind.

 

The thoughts he had just had vanished.

 

Yu Hong rubbed his brow and eventually watched Yu Lan board his vehicle and disappear from view.

 

Yu Lan had originally planned to go straight home, but after what had happened, he decided to change his destination.

 

Unlike the first visit to the company, where all the employees (except Zhang Yan) had looked at him with disbelief and curiosity, most had now accepted the fact. As soon as he got out of the car, some employees recognized him and greeted him with surprise.

 

Yu Lan nodded and took the elevator to the top floor. When he reached the office door, he initially intended to use his fingerprint to enter but hesitated for a moment and chose to knock gently instead.

 

“Who’s there?” Chu Wang’s voice was clear, with the familiar calm and a touch of indifference that Yu Lan wasn’t used to.

 

“If it’s about earlier, then go rewrite the report and give it to Zhang Yan first. There’s no need to knock again.” His tone was cold and rejecting, suggesting something had happened before Yu Lan arrived.

 

Yu Lan didn’t quite understand and remained silent.

 

However, after a few seconds, the tone inside changed subtly: “Yu Lan?”

 

Hearing this, Yu Lan was surprised. Before he could process it, Chu Wang seemed to confirm his guess. He heard familiar footsteps approaching.

 

The door clicked open.

 

Chu Wang, no longer needing a wheelchair, walked steadily towards him in a shirt and vest. His expression wasn’t particularly expressive, but there was a trace of a smile in his eyes.

 

He didn’t question why Yu Lan didn’t use his fingerprint to enter. The next second, he extended his hand, and Yu Lan jumped into his embrace.

 

When the office door closed, Yu Lan looked up at him with a smile: “How did you know it was me without a word?”

 

“It’s simple,” Chu Wang raised an eyebrow. “Just a guess.”

 

The knocking was different from others, and Yu Lan had purposely remained silent.

 

Yu Lan’s heart softened, and he didn’t know what to say, so he just kept looking at him.

 

Chu Wang was strikingly handsome at first glance, but after a day of work, his sharp edge had softened somewhat, appearing particularly gentle when he looked at Yu Lan.

 

“What are you daydreaming about?” Chu Wang looked at him, unable to resist reaching out to touch Yu Lan’s soft curls.

 

Yu Lan blinked and came to his senses, then said boldly, “I’m here to inspect the work.”

 

Hearing this, Chu Wang made a “please” gesture towards the central leather chair: “I’m honored.”

 

Yu Lan wasn’t polite and went over to sit down. The chair was a bit high, and he almost lost his balance.

 

Chu Wang chuckled and, with a casual demeanor, walked to the bar: “Coconut milk or juice?”

 

“Why not ask coffee or tea?” Yu Lan smirked, “These two sound so low-key!”

 

Chu Wang’s earlier indifference was gone, and he played along casually: “So, Mr. Yu, would you like coffee or tea?”

 

Yu Lan got his wish and then smiled mischievously: “I want coconut milk.”

 

Chu Wang curved his lips and bent down to get the item Yu Lan wanted. He opened the lid, inserted a straw, and handed it over.

 

Seeing this, Yu Lan didn’t reach out but instead drank a sip directly from Chu Wang’s hand. He then pushed it away slightly and, leaning closer with a blush, looked into his eyes and said, “Kiss me.”

 

Feeling Chu Wang’s breath, Yu Lan’s lips gently met his for a sweet, brief kiss.

 

Even though they had already been quite intimate, the kiss still made Yu Lan’s heart race. He hugged Chu Wang, trying to calm himself.

 

Chu Wang slightly bent his knees, allowing Yu Lan to hold him, and gently stroked his back.

 

“Chu Wang.” After a while, Yu Lan suddenly spoke, calling his name.

 

He responded with a sound and turned to look at Yu Lan’s face.

 

Yu Lan’s eyes were as bright and clear as when they first met, but now they reflected his accessible self.

 

“Chu Wang.” Yu Lan’s face was still red, but he called his name again.

 

Before Chu Wang could respond, Yu Lan took a deep breath, seeming a bit nervous or afraid he might hesitate and not say it, gathering his courage and continuing, “I…”

 

“I love you too.”

 

Chu Wang was momentarily stunned.

 

“I think I was a bit unresponsive last time and agreed too hastily.” Yu Lan’s ears reddened this time, but he kept his gaze steady. “I didn’t really know how to say it. I’d never liked anyone before, even when I first saw you…”

 

His eyelashes trembled, and his breath grew lighter as he said, “At that time, I really thought I’d sneak away if you woke up.”

 

Who would have thought he would wake up early and, more unexpectedly, that he would come to like him.

 

“It seems that everything changed after I saw you. Maybe I could have lived well without being with you, but now that I have you…”

 

Yu Lan was speaking impulsively and felt a bit incoherent, but he persisted, “I think there’s no possibility better than what I have now.”

 

After finally finishing, he dared not look at Chu Wang’s eyes, feeling as bold as he had been moments ago. Instead, he hugged Chu Wang tightly and buried his head on his shoulder.

 

Chu Wang seemed to be stunned for a moment, but his hands tightened around Yu Lan’s back, even trembling slightly.

 

“Don’t say anything!” Yu Lan, fearing he might say something he couldn’t handle, interrupted firmly, “Just hearing it is enough.”

 

He tightened his hold, wanting to be even closer.

 

After several minutes, Yu Lan seemed to recover and began fiddling with Chu Wang’s shirt collar, saying, “Someone came to see me after class.”

 

“Who?”

 

“Yu Ling’s father.” He spoke in a muffled tone, not mentioning Yu Hong’s full name. “He said a lot of nonsense. Said it didn’t matter as long as I was doing well, and that I shouldn’t worry about him. I never planned to.”

 

Chu Wang’s caress grew more comforting as he sensed the reason for Yu Lan’s sudden clingy yet earnest response.

 

Yu Lan likely told him about Yu Hong’s visit: “I think he’s a normal person. But in the end, I still didn’t say much.”

 

“It’s okay, you can do whatever you want.” Chu Wang patted his back. “No need to go back.”

 

Yu Lan didn’t know why, but despite not feeling guilty, hearing Chu Wang’s voice made his heart finally settle down. He finally lifted the corners of his lips and smiled, “That’s true.”

 

After all, we were just villains and cannon fodder in the original story, not exactly protagonists.

 

“True to what?” Chu Wang asked.

 

Yu Lan reluctantly pulled away from his embrace, his smile carrying the same mischievousness he had when they first met. He blinked and said, “Nothing much, just thinking that we’re quite a good match.”

 

Chu Wang didn’t press further, only smiling and showing agreement without much hesitation.

 

Yu Lan waited for Chu Wang in the office for a while. Once Chu Wang had finished handling most of his work for the day, Yu Lan eagerly prepared to leave with him.

 

Zhang Yan was away on a business trip for a few days, and since Chu Wang hadn’t called for any other assistants, when they went downstairs together, the elevator doors had just opened to reveal a scene at the front desk.

 

It was almost off-duty time, so the area was packed with people. A person was arguing impatiently with the receptionist, trying to free himself from her grasp: “Do you know who I am? How dare you stop me?!”

 

The receptionist tried to remain polite, “Mr. Chen, if you don’t leave, we’ll have to call security, and that won’t be dignified for you either…”

 

Yu Lan, who enjoyed watching the commotion, stopped to take a look and thought the person looked somewhat familiar.

 

On closer inspection, wasn’t that Chen Lin, the person Yu Lan had previously expelled?

 

What a surprise return.

 

Due to Chu Wang’s tall stature and noticeable presence, Chen Lin finally noticed him through the crowd. His expression immediately shifted from anger to a forced smile of recognition.

 

“Mr. Chu—!!” Chen Lin raised his voice instantly, his previous arrogance now replaced by obsequiousness as he tried to push through the crowd.

 

Chu Wang subtly furrowed his brow and instinctively shielded Yu Lan with his hand.

 

Chen Lin’s face stiffened when he saw Yu Lan beside Chu Wang, a reaction that was both expected and unexpected.

 

Chu Wang clearly didn’t want to give Chen Lin much time to speak. He exchanged a glance with the receptionist, who promptly understood. Previously courteous, she now directly pressed the internal line to call security.

 

Chen Lin panicked, shouting, “I’ve contributed to the company before! How can you treat me like this with no conscience?!”

 

His outburst caught Yu Lan’s interest, who, finding the situation amusing, pulled Chu Wang a couple of steps forward. With a changed expression similar to the one he had when first meeting Chen Lin, Yu Lan said with a smile, “Who are you?”

 

Chen Lin’s anger flared instantly, clearly recalling his dismissal by Yu Lan, and he snapped, “What did you just say?!”

 

“You’re the one stirring up trouble!” Chen Lin was about to curse but managed to suppress it, opting for a sanctimonious tone instead, “Even though I’ve left, I’m still a relative of the Chu family! How can you let him come in and cause trouble?”

 

“What trouble have I caused?” Yu Lan said, already knowing the context, and cheerfully hopped a little in front of Chen Lin. Smiling, he added, “You should explain clearly; otherwise, I won’t understand.”

 

“And I haven’t yet settled the matter from when you tried to access his accounts in the break room, and now you’re suddenly using ‘Sir’? What a quick change of face.”

 

Chen Lin’s previously well-planned demeanor unraveled immediately. Facing Yu Lan’s refined and beautiful face, he was infuriated but realized that confronting Yu Lan was not a smart move. He turned back to Chu Wang, “Mr. Chu, you should know, while you were unconscious, he took over the company under false pretenses!”

 

Chu Wang remained unmoved, showing no change in expression.

 

Chen Lin’s voice grew sorrowful, “Don’t believe what he tells you after waking up; he’s deceiving you!”

 

Having managed to speak, Chen Lin hoped to make a significant impact. He continued, “Don’t be fooled by his youth; his methods are cunning. He might have used drugs or other means to control you while you were unconscious…”

 

His shocking claims gave everyone present goosebumps. Although initial suspicions had been mild, most people had already accepted and even started to admire the current situation. Chen Lin’s opportunity was too valuable for him to waste, so he pressed on with a pained tone, “You must stay vigilant and think clearly—”

 

Seeing Chu Wang finally turn his gaze towards him, Chen Lin’s heart leaped. He eagerly continued, “Yes, and he married you while you were unconscious. Don’t let him trap you like this!”

 

“Indeed.”

 

Chu Wang finally spoke in a deep voice.

 

Chen Lin’s satisfaction was immediate. He glanced at Yu Lan, thinking that Chu Wang would see the true nature of the person in question and might even consider reinstating him in some capacity…

 

But before he could enjoy his triumph, Chu Wang continued, “The last wedding was indeed a bit hasty.”

 

Chen Lin sensed something was amiss.

 

“I was thinking about when to start preparing properly,” Chu Wang said with a raised eyebrow, “You’re also half a relative of the Chu family.”

 

Chen Lin: “……?”

 

Chu Wang pondered for a moment, “I’ll send you an invitation. Thanks for taking care of my wife earlier.”

 

Chen Lin: ???

 

Having finished what he wanted to say, Chu Wang ignored Chen Lin further and gestured to the receptionist to call the security team. The security team then escorted the stunned and incredulous Chen Lin out.

 

As for whether the invitation would really be sent to him, the employees didn’t care or know.

 

After that, Chen Lin was never seen again.

 

When Xijun heard about Chu Wang’s plan to hold a new ceremony, she supported it wholeheartedly and took care of every detail meticulously.

 

There were many preparations needed, and some items required time to order. During this period, Chu Wang fully recovered, and the wheelchair that Yu Lan had disparaged was finally discarded and locked away in the storage room.

 

Winter came, and Yu Lan finally had his winter break. He was interested in everything lately: in the mornings, a teacher came to teach him an instrument; in the afternoons, he went out for photography and driving practice; sometimes in the evenings, he dined with Zhong Jiale. His days were very fulfilling.

 

He was naturally intelligent and quick to pick things up. After obtaining his driver’s license, he proudly showed off to Chu Wang, “Passed all in one go!”

 

Chu Wang came over and hugged him, generously praising him.

 

Yu Lan accepted the praise without blushing and said, “Then I’ll take you to a place this weekend!”

 

Chu Wang agreed without asking where.

 

When they got in the car, Yu Lan was excited but a little nervous about driving for the first time. He compulsively checked Chu Wang’s seatbelt twice to make sure it was fastened properly.

 

Chu Wang, though amused, didn’t suggest taking over the driving. He simply said, “It’s okay, drive slowly. I’ll help you watch the road.”

 

“Alright… then,” Yu Lan said, biting his lip nervously, and cautiously started the car. The luxury sedan moved at thirty miles per hour on the road, every action precise as if it were a driving test, just missing an announcer.

 

However, the destination wasn’t far. Their residence wasn’t in the city center, avoiding crowded areas. The road was smooth, and Yu Lan relaxed a bit.

 

About half an hour later, Chu Wang finally understood where Yu Lan wanted to take him.

 

Few people visit the cemetery in winter. From the time they parked the car and walked along the path, they only encountered a few scattered passersby and staff.

 

Yu Lan led Chu Wang to the newly chosen grave marker. Although the marker didn’t have a photo, the box below contained only a note with her name.

 

Her name was quite ordinary, perhaps just a minor character in the book, with an unremarkable life and a hasty departure.

 

“Aunt!” Yu Lan raised his voice, his eyes curving into a beautiful smile, “I’m here again! Just like I promised, I’ve brought someone for you to meet.”

 

“I think you’ll be satisfied with him,” Yu Lan turned to look at Chu Wang and then at the gravestone. “Aside from being a few years older than me, he meets basically all your requirements.”

 

“He studies hard, so you don’t need to worry about me.”

 

“I’m not picky about food now! I eat anything.”

 

Chu Wang stood quietly, rarely interrupting. He only spoke briefly when Yu Lan mentioned himself.

 

He had once been a strict materialist and knew that gravestones often serve as a place to put memories. After experiencing so many unbelievable things, he now felt a deep sense of gratitude.

 

He hoped this great lady he had never met could hear Yu Lan’s words.

 

But Yu Lan didn’t show much sorrow; he spoke with a smile throughout, talking casually to the cold, unresponsive stone as if it were a conversation.

 

When he felt tired, he took a seat, drank some water Chu Wang handed him, and chatted casually about his relationship with her.

 

“Aunt Liu’s education level wasn’t very high, but she insisted on teaching me when I was young, taking me to bookstores and letting me pick out books I liked, even comics.”

 

“She wasn’t in good health, never married, and had no children. Sometimes, when she didn’t come home or was on duty, she’d buy me roasted sweet potatoes from the shop across the hospital.”

 

“I don’t think I really made her worry much? So, when I came back from that family, she probably sat alone in the rest pavilion for a while. I now think she might have been crying.”

 

“I wanted to bring you here earlier, but I kept thinking it would be more meaningful once I could drive myself. Is that weird?”

 

Chu Wang touched his face and said, “Not at all.”

 

By evening, the temperature had dropped significantly from midday. Yu Lan had finally finished his story and sighed with relief, as if he had fulfilled a wish. He smiled and said, “Let’s go.”

 

It was a twenty-minute walk from the path to the parking lot. After only a few steps, Yu Lan suddenly stopped and called out, “Chu Wang.”

 

The man turned to see Yu Lan blinking at him and said, “I can’t walk anymore; carry me for a bit.”

 

Chu Wang’s eyes softened with a warm smile. He didn’t speak but slightly bent down in front of him.

 

Yu Lan felt satisfied and happy. Without hesitation, he clung to Chu Wang’s shoulders and climbed up.

 

To prevent Yu Lan from falling, Chu Wang supported his legs with both hands, walking back slowly but steadily.

 

The first snow of winter fell suddenly without any warning.

 

Yu Lan wasn’t actually unable to walk. Seeing the snow made him excited. He stretched out one hand from Chu Wang’s back to catch the tiny snowflakes.

 

As they neared their destination, Chu Wang slowed his pace.

 

Yu Lan thought he was tired and, feeling a bit guilty, asked, “What’s wrong?”

 

But Chu Wang simply smiled gently, turned his head to meet Yu Lan’s gaze, lightly kissed his lips, and said, “Charging up; otherwise, going to shut down.”

 

—The End—

 

I planned to post it all at once! It took a few days, but I finally finished it!

 

I had this scene planned from the start and ended it at the intended point!

 

I know this story has many shortcomings and wasn’t fully prepared, but I’m still happy to have finished it~

 

I thought about the epilogue for two days but couldn’t come up with a suitable one. I’ll write it if I get inspired.

 

The next project might be the online romance in the pre-collection. If you like it, you can add it to your pre-collection!

 

See you next time, if fate allows!

 

By the way, let me also recommend a friend’s story: *”A Haircut and Wife Passing By”* by Ming Gui Zai Jiu:

 

Like all domineering CEOs, Gu Liuchu is no exception. He suffers from an incurable insomnia and hasn’t had a good night’s sleep in three years, which has made him increasingly irritable and gloomy.

 

Until one day, he meets a male college student in a bar, and falls asleep in his arms.

 

After waking up, he investigates and discovers that the student had been secretly keeping photos of him and writing diary entries about his unrequited love.

 

It turns out this was a premeditated seduction. The student had been preparing for him for three years, possibly steeped in soothing fragrance.

 

Since that’s the case, why not make it a mutually beneficial arrangement?

 

Gu Liuchu coldly presents a contract: “I’ll pay for your mother’s medical expenses. Your only role is to help me sleep.”

 

“Don’t aspire for more.”

 

Ji Chun’s family is poor, working to pay off debts, and still using an old notebook given by his high school ex-girlfriend.

 

The last few pages of the notebook have photos of his ex-girlfriend’s idol, which he didn’t pay much attention to.

 

His mother is suffering from cancer, and he is in dire need of money. He even considered selling a kidney.

 

At this time, the distant figure extends a helping hand, and Ji Chun is deeply grateful.

 

He works diligently at every task. Gu Liuchu wants him to quietly hold him while he sleeps, so he acts as a pillow with no other thoughts.

 

Until one day, Gu Liuchu gets a haircut, and Ji Chun walks by him without recognizing him.

 

Gu Liuchu gradually realizes that the photos in the notebook were actually of his deceased brother, Gu Yizhi.

 

Living together for a year, Ji Chun hadn’t noticed that the person in the photos was almost a perfect match for him.

 

Ji Chun has severe face blindness.

 

Upon discovering the truth, Gu Liuchu cries.

 

He pins Ji Chun against the kitchen counter and, angrily biting his earlobe, says, “You should at least recognize the one below if you can’t recognize the one above.”