Burn Out - Chapter 87

◎ Darling ◎

Ji Ting, lying on the bed, did not respond. Tan Yucheng pushed aside her bangs and glanced down, she had fallen asleep again, her breathing shallow. She was lying on her stomach, her long hair spread over her shoulders, sleeping soundly and softly. Just earlier, she had vaguely mentioned being thirsty. Tan Yucheng had gotten up to get her some water, but now she had fallen asleep before drinking it.

Tan Yucheng casually ran his fingers through her hair.

To be honest, after that dream, he felt somewhat better.

Especially at the wedding, that chair that had always been empty—the person who was supposed to sit there had never appeared from beginning to the end.

Tan Yucheng turned around, placed the cup on the bedside table, adjusted the blanket for her, and got up to leave.

He sat down on the sofa in the small living room, where the invitation list and gift list were still on the table. He reached for them, resting his arm on his thigh, and began to flip through them.

There were quite a few guests yesterday.

When the invitations were written, they had been done alternately by both families, and there was a record for each. Even if there were errors, they wouldn’t be significant.

So after the invitations were written, there would be a re-recording in the tablet. He flipped through it and compared it. The invitation for Zhou Hui was written by him. When Ji Ting was writing that day, she saw he had written Zhou Hui’s name and said she wouldn’t write it herself.

He flipped through the list casually.

But he found no traces of it.

At this moment, the door to the master bedroom opened. Tan Yucheng turned to look. Ji Ting, dressed in a camisole and looking a bit sleepy, walked out. She went to the cabinet to get some water.

Holding the glass of water, she came over to him, still drowsy, and was about to lean on the sofa. Tan Yucheng raised an eyebrow, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her into his arms. Ji Ting instinctively nestled into his embrace.

He casually threw the gift list back onto the coffee table and hugged her. Ji Ting’s voice was soft and tired, “So sleepy.”

Tan Yucheng looked down at her cheek and bangs and softly asked, “Are you hungry?”

Ji Ting, leaning against him and drinking water, replied, “Not hungry. What time is it?”

Tan Yucheng looked at her and said, “It’s a little past ten.”

Ji Ting hummed in response, nuzzling against his neck. Tan Yucheng’s Adam’s apple moved as he held the water cup for her. Ji Ting drank several sips, then leaned back against his shoulder. Her white camisole was quite messy and loose, and she really was tired. The days leading up to the wedding had deprived her of sleep, and yesterday was no exception. Last night, she tossed and turned for a while. Now, she rested against him, her feet propped up on the sofa, while Tan Yucheng leaned against the armrest, holding her close.

He let her rest a bit more.

His gaze, however, fell on the marks on her heels from wearing high heels. He reached out, gripping her ankle and checking, “Didn’t you put on a bandage yesterday?”

Ji Ting lazily murmured in agreement, her voice barely audible, “It fell off later.”

At this point, the skin had broken.

Tan Yucheng patted her waist, encouraging her to sit down.

Ji Ting obediently moved to the sofa.

Tan Yucheng got up, walked over to the cabinet, and pulled out a first aid kit. He brought it to the sofa, opened it on the coffee table, and took out some disinfectant. Holding her ankle, he cleaned the wound.

Ji Ting grabbed a nearby cushion, hugging it as she leaned against the back of the chair, watching him tend to her.

Last night’s activities had left marks on his tattoo from where she had bitten him. In the high floors of this city, there was a sense of tranquility and warmth.

After disinfecting.

Tan Yucheng packed up the first aid kit and put it back in the cabinet. He looked up and asked, “What would you like for lunch?”

Ji Ting, resting her chin on the cushion and using her phone, glanced at him and asked, “What’s there to eat?”

Tan Yucheng, seeing her lazy demeanor, smiled slightly, “I’ll put on some clothes and check the kitchen.”

Ji Ting responded with a murmur of agreement.

Tan Yucheng returned to the master bedroom, put on a black shirt, and came back out. He headed to the kitchen. Ji Ting got up from the sofa, put on slippers, and followed him. Tan Yucheng, being tall, glanced around the kitchen and noticed a cup of milk still warm. He took it out and handed it to her. Ji Ting took it and saw that the kitchen had been stocked with plenty of food by the housekeeper.

There were also several sticky notes detailing how to prepare the food, with options like porridge, dumplings, and noodles.

It was the second day of their marriage.

Both sets of parents had decided to let them rest and not disturb them.

Ji Ting hadn’t finished her milk, as she had just drunk quite a bit of water. She handed the cup to Tan Yucheng. Seeing she hadn’t finished, he took a sip and then went to wash the cup.

He looked over the food on the counter and asked, “Which one do you want to eat?”

Ji Ting leaned against his arm, thought for a moment, and pointed. Tan Yucheng picked up that item and went to heat it up. Ji Ting asked, “When did the housekeeper make these?”

Tan Yucheng replied while heating the dumplings, “They were delivered around five this morning.”

Ji Ting responded with an “Oh.”

After heating the dumplings, Tan Yucheng prepared some sandwiches.

Ji Ting went to the cabinet and made two cups of coffee. Initially, the coffee-making equipment in this apartment was quite basic, just a coffee machine. Over time, Tan Yucheng had bought several coffee-related items and cleared a cabinet specifically for them, similar to the coffee setup in Ji Ting’s apartment.

Ji Ting brought the coffee to the dining table.

The two of them sat down to enjoy a leisurely brunch, eating without paying much attention to the time.

After they finished eating.

Tan Yucheng cleared the table, went into the kitchen, and started the automatic dishwasher.

Ji Ting went back to the small living room, picked up the tablet, and began watching the wedding video and photos from yesterday. The team that helped with the shoot was the same studio that took their wedding photos. It was expensive, but the quality was really good, and the photos were available by the next evening, shared in their group chat.

Tan Yucheng finished washing his hands, came out, and sat next to her, leaning in to look at the tablet as well.

The video included not only the beautiful and formal shots but also some funny moments. Ji Ting shifted the tablet closer to him so they could watch together. She noticed a video where he was adjusting his tie.

She looked at him and asked, “Was it really hot at that time?”

Tan Yucheng glanced at her and nodded, “A bit.”

Ji Ting leaned against his shoulder and said, “Luckily you weren’t wearing a vest.”

He was already hot in just a shirt, but thinking about it, if he had worn a vest too, he would have looked even more handsome.

Tan Yucheng raised an eyebrow, smiling.

After they finished watching the videos and photos, with no one else at home, Ji Ting stretched her long legs across the sofa, resting her head on his lap, and they chatted casually.

They planned to leave for their honeymoon the day after tomorrow.

Ji Ting was browsing through travel guides.

This time, they were driving themselves.

They had chosen several cities near Li City.

Tan Yucheng played with her bangs while chatting idly, occasionally checking his phone to reply to messages. The buzz from their wedding yesterday was still lingering on social media.

Long Kong and Yu Xi had posted many photos.

Asan had also shared in the class group.

Some classmates expressed their thoughts in the group: Considering everything, Ji Ting and Tan Yucheng seem to have quite a fate together, as they used to be desk partners.

Asan: That’s right.

Long Kong: It’s quite amazing, this special fate.

Asan: Indeed.

Asan: They’re the only ones from our class who have gotten married.

Jiang Li: So, this kind of fate is extraordinary.

Long Kong: Exactly.

Neither Ji Ting nor Tan Yucheng looked at the messages in the group. They continued their conversation. Eventually, Ji Ting playfully teased him, leaning back and falling onto the soft armrest of the sofa, near the balcony, with the curtains blocking them from view. She pinched his ear with her fingertips. Tan Yucheng’s eyes were deep, his voice low and husky, “Ji Ting.”

“You’re quite good at teasing.”

Ji Ting’s cheeks flushed, “Not really.”

She refused to admit it.

Tan Yucheng leaned in and kissed her.

Ji Ting’s arms wrapped around his neck.

The two of them were caught up in a passionate kiss in the corner of the sofa. The vast house was very quiet, with only their figures on the sofa, swaying in loose nightgowns. Ji Ting’s skin contrasted with the gray sofa, as white as snow.

Tan Yucheng had water droplets falling from his neck. He buried his head in her neck and called her, “Wife.”

Ji Ting tilted her head back, her eyes moist.

Tan Yucheng whispered, “What should you call me?”

Ji Ting’s heart pounded, and she tilted her head to whisper in his ear, “Husband.”

Tan Yucheng’s heart skipped a beat, the sensation spreading throughout his body. It took him a moment to regain his composure. He pressed her waist and kissed her lips again.

On the second day of their marriage.

They spent the entire day in their new home.

—

On the third day, they visited her family.

Xiao Xi and Tan Hui came to the new house with a pile of gifts, which they wanted Ji Ting and Tan Yucheng to take to Qiu Dan’s place. Ji Ting was dressed simply in jeans and a thin sweater. Xiao Xi took her hand and noticed, “Why aren’t you wearing your bracelet?”

Ji Ting’s fair and beautiful fingers only had her wedding ring and a bracelet Tan Yucheng had bought for her. She blinked and told Xiao Xi, “Mom, the bracelet is too valuable, I’m keeping it safe.”

“Valuable or not, it’s meant to be worn. Come on, Yucheng, get it for her and put it on.” Xiao Xi directed Tan Yucheng, who smiled and went into the master bedroom, coming out with a box. Opening it revealed a particularly fine bracelet, clear and translucent. Xiao Xi took it out, held Ji Ting’s delicate hand, and put it on her.

It must be said that Ji Ting suited wearing bracelets very well, enhancing her elegance.

Xiao Xi was increasingly satisfied.

Tan Yucheng picked up the gift box, took Ji Ting’s hand, and they left the house. Ji Ting wasn’t wearing high heels this time, opting for flat shoes as the spot on her ankle where the skin was worn away had not healed. As they entered the elevator, she glanced at her wrist and said, “I’m afraid I might bump into something later.”

Tan Yucheng looked down and replied, “If you bump into something, you bump into it.”

Ji Ting tugged on his hand.

Tan Yucheng chuckled lightly, ignoring her, and led her out of the elevator and into the car. Ji Ting, accustomed to handling water and interacting with counters in her café job, instinctively put away any easily snagged or bumped jewelry. The black car started up and drove to the old district, stopping downstairs. Some old neighbors peeked out and cheerfully called, “Qiu Dan, your son-in-law and daughter are here.”

Qiu Dan opened the balcony door and replied, “I know.”

She then glanced at Ji Ting and Tan Yucheng, saying, “There’s a light out on the stairs, be careful coming up.”

Ji Ting smiled and said, “Got it.”

They then went upstairs. True to Qiu Dan’s words, the light at the entrance on the first floor was indeed out. They ascended the steps, and Tan Yucheng led Ji Ting by the hand to the door, which was opened by Ji Lindong.

Tan Yucheng greeted lazily, “Dad, Mom.”

Ji Ting felt a jolt at hearing this and instinctively glanced at him.

The emotional impact of changing how she addressed them was subtle at first but now felt significant.

Ji Lindong smiled and stepped aside, saying, “Come in, come in.”

They entered, and Qiu Dan came out carrying fruit and placed it on the table. She sat down across from Ji Ting and asked, “Have you finished packing everything?”

Ji Ting nodded, “Almost.”

Qiu Dan acknowledged with a “Mm” and looked at Tan Yucheng, “Be careful driving.”

Tan Yucheng nodded, “Sure.”

Qiu Dan took Ji Ting’s hand and gave some additional instructions, which Ji Ting responded to. Meanwhile, Ji Lindong spoke with Tan Yucheng, who listened and responded.

At noon, Tan Yucheng had drinks with Ji Lindong.

They were so familiar with each other that there was nothing to adjust to.

After the meal.

Ji Ting walked out to the balcony. Tan Yucheng had had quite a few drinks and was holding her waist from behind, resting his head on her neck to sober up. A gentle breeze blew, and Ji Ting unconsciously recalled that time when she had met Lu Hai, and the zipper of her wrap dress had broken. She had instinctively flung herself into Tan Yucheng’s arms, and he had taken her away. The next day, he happened to come over for dinner, and seeing him, Ji Ting had remembered almost being bare in his embrace.

Her ears were burning.

Meanwhile, he was still joking with her.

Qiu Dan came out with the fruit and was about to call them with Ji Lindong. When she looked up, she saw the couple on the balcony.

It was the first time they had seen this kind of intimacy between the two beside on their wedding.

There had been similar moments before.

But they were mostly accidental, such as when Tan Yucheng carried Ji Ting or when he carried her up and down the mountain. At those times, they hadn’t thought much about it, but seeing this scene now—

They realized how close the couple had become.

After Tan Yucheng sobered up, he lifted his head while still holding Ji Ting. Ji Ting looked up at him and asked, “Didn’t you say I was fat before?”

Tan Yucheng looked down at the woman in his arms and replied, “When did I say you were fat?”

“That time when the zipper on my wrap dress broke.”

Tan Yucheng raised his eyebrows and said, “I was just joking.”

Ji Ting shot him a glare.

Tan Yucheng raised an eyebrow in return.

Seeing them chatting intimately, Qiu Dan and Ji Lindong exchanged smiles. They decided not to serve the fruit just yet but left it on the coffee table, waiting for them to come inside to eat.

—

On the fourth day, afternoon of their marriage,

Ji Ting and Tan Yucheng set off for their honeymoon. While their wedding photos were taken in a place with spring-like weather all year round, this time they chose several cities near Li City, which was more convenient for a self-driving trip.

They were driving a black SUV.

Ji Ting rested her head on the car window, looking out at the hills.

In recent years, after opening the store, Ji Ting had been almost constantly occupied with it and hadn’t had much chance to go out for fun. The most she did was go hiking or take walks with her family.

Tan Yucheng was equally busy. From the time of the store’s establishment until now, he had been working hard, often working late into the night or even pulling all-nighters during the busiest periods.

The current project had just started.

But he had postponed it.

He wanted to take Ji Ting on a trip. He wanted to give her everything that others had and more.

This trip was also planned for around a month.

When they returned to Li City, it would be just in time for the Spring Festival.

Both families were preparing for the New Year’s Eve dinner. Ji Ting was in the living room watching TV with Tan Yucheng when she smelled the fragrant aroma of fish coming from the kitchen. It should have smelled delicious, but when it reached her nose, it was different.

She instinctively felt nauseous, grabbed Tan Yucheng’s arm, and bent down to reach for the trash can. Tan Yucheng looked momentarily stunned, grabbed the trash can for her, and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Ji Ting retched twice but couldn’t throw up anything. She looked up at him and said, “I don’t know. I just feel nauseous. Did I eat something wrong?”

Tan Yucheng frowned and immediately poured a cup of warm water for her from the kettle. “You haven’t eaten much today, it shouldn’t be that.”

“Really?”

Ji Ting felt a bit confused, sipping the water. Tan Yucheng, still worried, thought for a moment and then draped a jacket over her shoulders. Holding her hand, he said, “Let’s go check it out.”

Ji Ting sighed and stood up, sipping the water. “I don’t feel as bad now.”

But then she suddenly felt another wave of nausea and struggled to drink more water.

Tan Hui came out of the hallway and saw this, asking, “What’s going on?”

Qiu Dan, who was bringing out dishes, heard and walked over, “What’s happening?”

Ji Ting turned to look at Qiu Dan and was about to speak, but then she smelled the aroma from the kitchen on Qiu Dan. Instinctively, she bent over, ready to vomit. Tan Yucheng was startled and reflexively held her waist, positioning the trash can for her, saying, “Let’s go to the hospital later.”

Qiu Dan was taken aback by Ji Ting’s reaction.

Almost instantly, she crouched down and looked at her daughter, who was still retching. “Are you pregnant?”

Everyone on the scene was stunned.

Ji Ting was taken aback.

Tan Yucheng instinctively looked at Qiu Dan.

Qiu Dan glanced up at Tan Yucheng and said, “She hasn’t had her period this month, has she?”

Tan Yucheng paused for a moment.

In a very low voice, he said, “No, she hasn’t.”

He tightened his grip on Ji Ting, looking at her and saying, “Then we definitely need to go to the hospital.”