Chapter 2 Don't Flatter Yourself

An Chuyu changed out of the dress she wore for the runway, put on her own clothes, and covered herself with sunglasses, a face mask, and a fisherman's hat, then followed Xi Zheng out of the show venue and got into a black commercial van parked by the road.

"Tell me, what's the matter?"

It was still raining outside, the air damp and cold; An Chuyu's already limited patience was nearly exhausted.

Xi Zheng stared at the strangely dressed woman, failing to understand why he impulsively agreed to marry her back then: "Didn't you say you didn't know me?"

An Chuyu took off her sunglasses and mask, looking directly at the man in front of her, and spoke the truth: "I just... suddenly remembered."

Xi Zheng's heart felt even more clogged up.

Her words indirectly confirmed a fact: she didn't pretend not to know him in front of others on purpose; she genuinely couldn't remember who he was.

Xi Zheng cleared his throat and brought up the matter at hand.

Sitting in the driver's seat, Xu Ye went from being utterly confused to utterly shocked; the conversation between President Xi and An Chuyu sounded more and more strange, as if they were very familiar with each other, yet not at all.

Soon, he discovered the reason.

An Chuyu raised a palm, stopping Xi Zheng from further explanation: "I get it, you want me to accompany you to what's-her-name—Mrs. Madelon's birthday banquet—as your wife?"

Xi Zheng: "That's right."

The expression on An Chuyu's face was already suggesting she would politely decline, but Xi Zheng rushed to speak before she could open her mouth, "I remember that we had an agreement that if one of us needs help, the other will consider aiding."

Such as when parents from both sides requested their attendance at an event. Fortunately, up to this point, the elders on both sides had been very understanding, allowing them to live their own lives and not interfering with their affairs.

The words An Chuyu was about to say were swallowed back, and she nodded slightly.

Xi Zheng couldn't believe she agreed so easily: "You agreed?"

An Chuyu: "You assure me there will be no media there."

"I promise."

"When shall we go?"

Xi Zheng glanced at his watch: "In about two hours."

An Chuyu had no other questions, took out her phone from her bag, and called Zhu Cuixi.

Zhu Cuixi had been waiting endlessly for An Chuyu's appearance, and with people leaving the show in succession, she was getting frantic, finally receiving An Chuyu's call: "Sis, where are you?"

An Chuyu gave her location and added a specific request: "Bring me a gown."

The brand had sent her two dresses; she asked Zhu Cuixi to handle them, knowing Zhu Cuixi knew where they were.

After finishing the call, Xi Zheng said, "Thank you."

An Chuyu didn't respond, put her phone back in her bag, crossed one arm in front of her chest, leaned against the backrest, closed her eyes, and rested. From rehearsals to the actual show, she had been busy almost all day without eating, lacking the energy to consider anything else.

After waiting for nearly a quarter of an hour, Zhu Cuixi arrived with an umbrella, clutching a gown wrapped in a dust bag, peeked into the car to see if An Chuyu was inside.

Hearing the noise, An Chuyu pushed open the car door; Zhu Cuixi stepped back in surprise: "Sis, you wanted a gown..."

Before she could inquire "for what," Zhu Cuixi saw the man sitting next to An Chuyu, and her eyes widened: "Why is he here?"

An Chuyu, sitting in the car and not getting out, took the gown from Zhu Cuixi, ignored her question, and said, "You have the rest of the time to yourself, enjoy; and head back to meet up with Sister Qiang at the hotel when you're done; I'll come by later."

Not giving up, Zhu Cuixi pointed at Xi Zheng: "Who's he?"

An Chuyu put a finger on Zhu Cuixi's forehead, pushing her inquisitive head back, closed the car door, and turned to look at Xi Zheng.

Xi Zheng, understanding the hint, simply said, "Make yourself at home," as he took an umbrella and stepped out of the car.

Xu Ye, caught off guard, was reminded by a cough from Xi Zheng: "Get out."

Xu Ye scrambled out of the car, his emotions still unable to stabilize.

An Chuyu lowered the visor, drew the curtains of the car windows on both sides, and began changing clothes in the completely sealed cabin.

The sound of rain was gentle and continuous; Xi Zheng stood with his back to the car, one hand nestled in the pocket of his slacks, while Xu Ye, taking the black umbrella he held, raised it over their heads.

"President Xi, is An Chuyu... is she your wife?" Although Xu Ye already had a clear answer in his mind, his question still carried a hint of disbelief.

Xi Zheng said: "I told you an hour ago."

Xu Ye exclaimed excitedly: "I misunderstood! I thought what you meant was, you're a big fan of An Chuyu's."

Xi Zheng fell silent for a moment, looking out at the curtain of rain and said in a faint voice, "Xu Zhu, your comprehension skills make me doubt your capabilities in other areas."